Age Related Macular DegenerationNCT02438111
The Role of the Gut Metagenome on the Development of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
An observational study of Age Related Macular Degeneration, run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern at 1 site in Switzerland.
Trial summary
The primary objective of this study is to assess whether compositional and functional alterations of the gut metagenome may be related to AMD. The primary variable for this assessment is the composition of the gut metagenome which will be analyzed by shotgun sequencing to characterize the faecal metagenome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- What is being tested?
- metagenome
- How many people
- 1,200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSwitzerland
- Study dates
- Dec 2013to Dec 2023
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD)
Who may be able to join
- Subject must be willing to give written informed consent and willing to provide blood and stool probes
- Patients with clinically confirmed AMD 18 years of age or greater
- Probands with no signs of AMD 18 years of age or greater
Who cannot join
- Smoking
- Chronic inflammatory disease (autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematodes, chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
- Diabetes as defined by The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria
- Treated hyperlipidemia
- Obesity with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30
- Recent (3 month) history of use of systemic antibiotics
- Opacities of ocular media excluding detailed observation of the retina
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Switzerland1 site
Inselspital Bern, Department of Ophthalmology
Bern, 3010
About this study
The primary objective of this study is to assess whether compositional and functional alterations of the gut metagenome may be related to AMD. The primary variable for this assessment is the composition of the gut metagenome which will be analyzed by shotgun sequencing to characterize the faecal metagenome. The secondary endpoint is to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in CFH, ARMS2, C3, PLEKHA1, HTRA-1, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR and APOE genes which have been shown to be risk factors for the development of AMD and other macular diseases correlate with alterations in the gut metagenome .
Read the detailed description
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in the elderly. Despite major research efforts in the last decades the etiology of AMD remains largely undefined and therefore treatment options are only very limited. However, there is evidence that nutrition and inflammation play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD . The latter is also corroborated by the finding that single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding complement factor H is associated with AMD . In addition to CHF other genes such as ARMS2, C3, PLEKHA1, HTRA-1, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR and APOE have been associated with development of AMD. Recent findings have implicated the gut microbiota as a contributor of metabolic diseases through the modulation of host metabolism and inflammation . Gut bacteria use mostly fermentation to generate energy, converting sugars, in part, to short-chain fatty acid, that are used by the host as energy source. Beyond short-chain fatty acids gut bacteria can provide some amino acids and contribute certain vitamins such as biotin to the host . The investigators propose to investigate whether compositional and functional alterations of the gut microbiota are a risk factor for developing AMD.
- Conditions
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- Being tested
- metagenome
- Medical subject headings
- Macular Degeneration
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
metagenomeGenetic
metagenome
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| age related macular degeneration | metagenome AMD Receives: Genetic: metagenome | |
| controls | metagenome controls Receives: Genetic: metagenome |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
taxonomic and functional characterization of gut microbiota
Measured: 3 years
Secondary outcomes (2)
Gut-microbiota-based AMD classification
Measured: 3 years
AMD-associated gut microbial markers
Measured: 3 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2015 (estimated)
- Study startDec 2013
- Primary completionDec 2023 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2023 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Age Related Macular DegenerationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital BernThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 1,200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Martin Zinkernagel, M.D, PhD, Study chair, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bern, SwitzerlandMartin S Zinkernagel, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bern, SwitzerlandMartin Fiedler, MD, Study director, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02438111
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KEK BE 205/13, PB_2016-01922
- Status last verified
- Apr 2023
- First submitted
- 28 Apr 2015
- Last updated
- 18 Apr 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Eldridge N, Sporri L, Kreuzer M, Haldimann G, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. Uncovering the relationship between the human ocular surface microbiome and gut microbiome. BMC Microbiol. 2026 Mar 5;26(1):335. doi: 10.1186/s12866-026-04878-z.
PubMed 41781852Sporri L, Studer JM, Kreuzer M, Rotzetter J, Scharer D, Largiader CR, Jaggi D, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. Linking the microbiome to the complement system in geographic atrophy. NPJ Genom Med. 2026 Feb 2;11(1):14. doi: 10.1038/s41525-026-00550-7.
PubMed 41629364
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Apr 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Role of the Gut Metagenome on the Development of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02438111
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KEK BE 205/13, PB_2016-01922
- Conditions
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 1,200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital BernUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Dec 2013
- Primary completion
- Dec 2023 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2023 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 2015 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary objective of this study is to assess whether compositional and functional alterations of the gut metagenome may be related to AMD. The primary variable for this assessment is the composition of the gut metagenome which will be analyzed by shotgun sequencing to characterize the faecal metagenome. The secondary endpoint is to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in CFH, ARMS2, C3, PLEKHA1, HTRA-1, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR and APOE genes which have been shown to be risk factors for the development of AMD and other macular diseases correlate with alterations in the gut metagenome .
Detailed description
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in the elderly. Despite major research efforts in the last decades the etiology of AMD remains largely undefined and therefore treatment options are only very limited. However, there is evidence that nutrition and inflammation play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD . The latter is also corroborated by the finding that single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding complement factor H is associated with AMD . In addition to CHF other genes such as ARMS2, C3, PLEKHA1, HTRA-1, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGFR and APOE have been associated with development of AMD. Recent findings have implicated the gut microbiota as a contributor of metabolic diseases through the modulation of host metabolism and inflammation . Gut bacteria use mostly fermentation to generate energy, converting sugars, in part, to short-chain fatty acid, that are used by the host as energy source. Beyond short-chain fatty acids gut bacteria can provide some amino acids and contribute certain vitamins such as biotin to the host . The investigators propose to investigate whether compositional and functional alterations of the gut microbiota are a risk factor for developing AMD.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| age related macular degeneration | – | Genetic: metagenomemetagenome AMD |
| controls | – | Genetic: metagenomemetagenome controls |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD)
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Subject must be willing to give written informed consent and willing to provide blood and stool probes
- Patients with clinically confirmed AMD 18 years of age or greater
- Probands with no signs of AMD 18 years of age or greater
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Smoking
- Chronic inflammatory disease (autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematodes, chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
- Diabetes as defined by The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria
- Treated hyperlipidemia
- Obesity with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| metagenomemetagenome | Genetic | age related macular degeneration, controls |
Primary outcome
taxonomic and functional characterization of gut microbiota
Time frame: 3 years
2 secondary outcomes
Gut-microbiota-based AMD classification
Time frame: 3 years
AMD-associated gut microbial markers
Time frame: 3 years
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Apr 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41781852Eldridge N, Sporri L, Kreuzer M, Haldimann G, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. Uncovering the relationship between the human ocular surface microbiome and gut microbiome. BMC Microbiol. 2026 Mar 5;26(1):335. doi: 10.1186/s12866-026-04878-z.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41629364Sporri L, Studer JM, Kreuzer M, Rotzetter J, Scharer D, Largiader CR, Jaggi D, Zinkernagel MS, Zysset-Burri DC. Linking the microbiome to the complement system in geographic atrophy. NPJ Genom Med. 2026 Feb 2;11(1):14. doi: 10.1038/s41525-026-00550-7.
Related trials for Age Related Macular Degeneration
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Retinal Pigment Epithelium Safety Study For Patients In B4711001
Age Related Macular Degeneration
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Real World Evidence in China: Faricimab Use in Diabetic Macular Edema, Retinal Vein Occlusion, and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (The Farseeing Study)
Diabetic Macular Edema, Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
RecruitingPhase 3
A Study of 36-Week Refill Exchanges of Port Delivery System (PDS) With Ranibizumab in nAMD
Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
RecruitingObservational study
Pivotal Trial of an Automated AI-based System for Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Late Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Follow-Up
Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Cataract
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Martin Zinkernagel, M.D, PhD study chair
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland
Martin S Zinkernagel, MD, PhD principal investigator
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland
Martin Fiedler, MD study director
University Hospital Bern, Switzerland
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Age Related Macular Degeneration, run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern at 1 site in Switzerland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Apr 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
taxonomic and functional characterization of gut microbiota (time frame: 3 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02438111, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Apr 2023; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.