Metabolic stress in exudative age-related macular degeneration: potential role of lipid ındex

To evaluate serum lipid profiles with triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) and TG/HDL-c indices in patients with exudative type age-related macular degeneration.

A total of 71 participants were included in the study: 35 with exudative AMD and 36 in the control group. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of all patients were analysed retrospectively. Serum lipid profiles and lipid indices were calculated and recorded (total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c and triglycerides, TyG and TG/HDL-c). Statistical analyses, regression analyses, and ROC analysis were performed to compare all results.

Demographic and systemic comorbidities, including age, gender, hypertension, and history of cardiovascular disease, did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the exudative AMD group's TyG index was considerably higher (p = 0.038). Serum lipid profiles were not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that exudative type was a risk factor for the development of AMD based on the TyG index (OR = 0.126, 95% CI: 0.017-0.940, p = 0.043). ROC analysis suggested that the TyG index served as a moderate predictor of disease risk.

The TyG index may be substantially associated with the presence of exudative AMD and may serve as a valuable biomarker for clinical application. The relevance of metabolic stress in the development of AMD is emphasized by the lack of association with other lipid parameters. To confirm these findings, further large-scale studies are needed.