Silent Information Regulator T1 in Aqueous Humor of Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the aqueous humor level of Silent Information Regulator T1 (SIRT1) between patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and cataract patients. Materials and Methods: Aqueous humor level of SIRT1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 13 patients with wet-type AMD (n=13, AMD group) and 13 patients with cataracts (cataract group). In addition, the thickness of each retinal layer was determined by optical coherence tomography. Results: The aqueous humor level of SIRT1 was significantly lower in the AMD group than in the cataract group (p=0.007). In the AMD group, the SIRT1 level was positively correlated with the thickness of the retinal ganglion cell layer (r=0.31) and the inner nuclear layer (r=0.76). Conclusion: The aqueous level of SIRT1 decreased as the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer became thinner, suggesting that reduction of SIRT1 activity might be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.