Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by the degenerative senescence in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, which is accompanied by the accumulation of iron ions in the aging retina. However, current models of acute oxidative stress are still insufficient to simulate the gradual progression of AMD. To address this, we established chronic injury models by exposing the aRPE-19 cells, 661W cells, and mouse retina to iron ion overload over time. Investigations at the levels of cell biology and molecular biology were performed. It was demonstrated that long-term treatment of excessive iron ions induced senescence-like morphological changes, decreased cell proliferation, and impaired mitochondrial function, contributing to apoptosis. Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and the downstream molecules were confirmed both in the aRPE-19 and 661W cells. Furthermore, iron ion overload resulted in dry AMD-like lesions and decreased visual function in the mouse retina. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to overloading iron ions plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy and provide a potential model for future studies on AMD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To explore the possibility of constructing reliable research carriers on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), iron ion overload was applied to establish models in vitro and in vivo. Subsequent investigations into cellular physiology and molecular biology confirmed the presence of senescence in these models. Through this study, we hope to provide a better option of feasible methods for future researches into AMD.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration (AMD); chronic retinal damage model; iron ion overload; mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.