APOE and age-related macular degeneration: This study provides an in-depth exploration of the molecular interactions involved in AMD progression, particularly focusing on genetic predispositions (such as CFH, ARMS2/HTRA1, and APOE), inflammatory pathways (including complement system dysregulation and cytokine responses), lipid metabolism (e.g., cholesterol homeostasis and drusen formation), and angiogenesis (VEGF signaling).