The invention encompasses
cell-based systems comprising biomarkers that respond to
oxidative stress (OS) in a quantitative manner, and methods of use thereof. The systems are useful for screening, identifying and testing
antioxidant agents, combinations, and formulations thereof for preventing, treating, or reducing symptoms of conditions associated with
oxidative damage to cells. The
cell-based systems are useful for identifying effective new
antioxidant agents and for optimizing
antioxidant formulations for targeted therapeutic applications. One
cell-based
system utilizes RPE cells of the eye for identifying and optimizing antioxidant compositions effective for treatment of age-related conditions such as
macular degeneration. The cell-based systems provide a convenient, inexpensive and physiologically relevant
in vitro alternative to human
population-based methods for testing
efficacy of nutritional and pharmaceutical compositions comprising antioxidants. The invention further encompasses nutritional or pharmaceutical compositions targeting particular diseases such as AMD, formulated using methods as disclosed herein.