Abstract
Background and Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration usually affects people 50 years of age or older and is a most common cause of central visual loss. In this study the alterations in the levels of plasma lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] a Homocysteine (Hcy) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated, and their serum Levels qua age related macular degeneration risk factors compared between patient and control groups.
Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, 44 dry type AMD patients from Nikookari eye hospital of Tabriz and 54 normal subjects, were studied. The serum levels of Lp(a) were assayed by immunoturbidimetric method, serum Hcy was analyzed by ELISA method. MDA and lipid profile concentrations were determined by tiobarbituric acid and spectrophotometric methods respectively.
Results: Levels of Cho, TG, LDL-C, Lp(a) and Hcy were significant and higher in patients than in control group (p<0.05 in all cases). Level of TG, HDL-C and MDA were not significant and similar in the two groups (p>0.05 in both cases).
Conclusions: Increased Lp(a), Hcy, MDA and lipid profiles seems to be associated with AMD and may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Therefore, alterations af serum level of these factors may effectual way for prevention and progression of AMD.