Estimation of Serum Mineral Levels in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Introduction: Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a highly prevalent progressive retinal disorder which has multiple genetic, environmental, and nutritional risk factors, but the exact etiology is not yet fully understood. To unravel the mysterious etiology of ARMD, more than 100 different compounds have been analyzed in the blood, serum, plasma, aqueous, and vitreous humor for their association with AMD. The present study aims to estimate the serum levels of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) in ARMD patients when compared to normal. Aim: The aim of this study is to estimate the serum levels of Zn, Mn, and Se in ARMD patients and age-matched controls and to find out if any homeostatic alterations of these minerals occur in ARMD patients when compared to controls. Study Design: An observational study (pilot study). Methodology: 50 ARMD patients and 60 age matched controls included in the study were subjected to a detailed ocular examination . Fundus photography and Ocular Coherence Tomography were done in all ARMD patients. 5 ml of blood sample was collected from all cases and controls and sent for the estimation of serum levels of Zn, Mn, and Se. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean serum levels of Zn and Se between cases and controls. However, serum Mn showed a higher level in controls when compared to cases, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study showed a causal relationship between serum Mn level and ARMD.