Comparison of Lipid Profile Components in Different Degrees of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Northern Part of Iran

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly.

Due to the increasing rate of aging and the possible role of impaired lipid metabolism as a critical pathogenic factor in AMD, this study investigated the association between serum lipid profile and AMD in the elderly of the north of Iran.

This nested case-control study (as a part of the comparative cohort of “The Amirkola Health and Ageing Project”) was performed on 77 patients with AMD and 231 healthy individuals over 60 years of age. During the ophthalmic examination, tropicamide 1% eye drops were used to dilate the pupil. Fluorescein angiography was used to diagnose AMD. Serum lipid profile components, such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were measured in blood samples through standard laboratory methods. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 24).

The triglycerides mean values in AMD patients and controls were 123.32 ± 56.27 and 138.32 ± 69.58 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.075). The cholesterol mean values were 184.75 ± 43.87 and 189.59 ± 43.52 mg/dL in AMD patients and controls, respectively (P = 0.402). The LDL mean values in AMD patients and controls were 101.42 ± 32.08 and 103.45 ± 30.83 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.621). The HDL mean values were 48.94 ± 11.93 and 50.37 ± 12.18 mg/dL in the AMD patients and controls, respectively (P = 0.365). Additionally, there was no significant difference between the different degrees of AMD in terms of mean triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL.

In the present study, no significant association was observed between the levels of serum lipid profile components and AMD. In addition, no significant difference was observed between different degrees of AMD in terms of serum lipid profile components.