[A preliminary study of biochemistry of patients with crystalline retinopathy]

To investigate the pathogenesis and biochemical changes of crystalline retinopathy by detecting and analyzing the levels of trace elements (Cu++ and Zn++), blood-lipids and free amino acids in the serum of patients.

Blood samples of 10 patients with crystalline retinopathy and 30 normal subjects were collected. The levels of serum Cu++ and Zn++ were detected by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, while cholesterol and triglyceride were detected by direct colordeveloping process and acetyl-acetone developing process respectively and serum amino acids by the Beckman amino acid analyzer.

In comparison with the normal control group, the level of Zinc in serum was much decreased in the crystalline retinopathy group, while Cu++/Zn++ ratio and total cholesterol level in serum were significantly increased. In 3 out of 4 patients the level of taurine is lower than that of control group.

The decrease of serum trace elements and taurine and the increase of cholesterol may be one of the important factors for the pathological changes of crystalline retinopathy. The administration of trace elements e. g. Zn++ and taurine might be a new therapy for the patients.