Enhanced susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to oxidation in wet type age-related macular degeneration in male patients

ABSTRACT

To determine the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein [LDL] to oxidation in the plasma of male patients with wet type age related macular degeneration [AMD] and in a similar control group, in order to evaluate the LDL oxidative status as risk factor of AMD. We conducted this study in the Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Nikookari Eye Hospital ' Drug of Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran during the period between October 2004 and December 2005. Sixty male patients with AMD [mean age 67 +/- 16 years] with BMI 4.1 +/- 1.3 were selected as the patient group. The control group consisted of 60 males, apparently healthy, and without ophthalmologic signs and family history of AMD. Low-density lipoprotein was isolated by gradient ultracentrifugation and susceptibility of LDL to in vitro copper-mediated oxidation was assayed by measuring conjugated dienes production [lag phase duration] at 234 nm. Lipid and lipoproteins were determined by standard methods. Comparing with control, significant reduction in the duration of lag phase [p<0.004] and a significant increase in LDL-C concentrations [p=0.006], were noticed. No significant change in cholesterol [p>0.3], triglyceride [p>0.1] and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [p>0.1] levels were found between control and patient groups. A significant negative correlation between Lag phase and LDL-C levels [p=0.004, r=-0.364] was found in the patient group. The increased LDL concentration and enhanced susceptibility of LDL to oxidation may play a roll in the wet type AMD process