Serum status of carotenoids and tocopherols in patients with age-related cataracts: a case-control study

Cataract is an important health problem that increase with age, causes decreased visual acuity and constitute a major cause of disability in the elderly. Epidemiological studies have shown that elevated serum levels and / or intake of several antioxidants, such as carotenoids, vitamin E and ascorbic acid, are associated with a diminished risk for cataracts.

To assess the serum fat-soluble antioxidant status in patients with cataracts and its relationship with visual function.

One hundred thirty eight patients with senile cataracts, classified according to visual acuity, and 110 age and sex-matched controls were studied for individual carotenoids and tocopherols in serum by a quality-controlled HPLC method. One-way ANOVA analysis and logistic regression analysis were applied.

Higher serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin were associated as risk factors for cataract while b-cryptoxanthin and g-tocopherol appeared as protective variables. Higher levels of zeaxanthin and lower concentrations of b-cryptoxanthin were associated with cataracts in people < 61y whereas only lower levels of g-tocopherol were shown in subjects >61y. No significant correlations (adjusted for sex and age) were found between visual acuity and serum concentrations of carotenoids or tocopherols.

Although the relation between carotenoids and cataracts is biologically plausible, serum carotenoid levels are highly dependent on dietary intake and thus may not be clinically relevant biomakers for cataracts risk.