Serum selenium levels are associated with age-related cataract

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nutritional Science
• Genetics

Background:

• Age-related cataract (ARC) is a leading cause of vision impairment.
• The role of micronutrients and genetic factors in ARC pathogenesis is under investigation.
• Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes are crucial for antioxidant defense.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum selenium levels, GPX gene polymorphisms (GPX-1 and GPX-4), and age-related cataract.
• To determine if selenium status influences the prevalence of different types of ARC.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 275 participants was divided into ARC surgery-eligible and control groups.
• Ocular status was assessed using the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III).
• Serum selenium levels were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, and GPX-1/GPX-4 single nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed via Real Time PCR.

Main Results:

• Low serum selenium levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of any ARC, nuclear cataract, and cortical cataract.
• Serum selenium levels between 75-85 µg/L correlated with the lowest ARC prevalence.
• No significant association was found between GPX-1/GPX-4 gene polymorphisms and the prevalence of nuclear, cortical, or posterior sub-capsular cataract.

Conclusions:

• Confirmed association between low serum selenium levels and age-related cataract.
• Low serum selenium may be a significant risk factor for developing age-related cataract.
• Further research into selenium supplementation for ARC prevention may be warranted.