Metabolic and Genetic Alterations in Early and Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Inosine, Amino Acids, and...

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex retinal disease influenced by genetic and metabolic factors. Genetic variants impact disease susceptibility, while alterations in amino acid and purine metabolism are involved in AMD development. This study aimed to examine the association between the COL2A1 rs1635529 polymorphism and AMD, as well as its relation to specific metabolites. The study comprised 919 participants: 261 with early AMD, 229 with exudative AMD, and 429 controls. DNA was extracted using the salting-out method, and genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. Metabolite levels were analysed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0. Logistic regression revealed that carriers of the GT + TT genotypes had a 1.63-fold higher risk of early AMD (p = 0.046). The T allele was also linked to a 1.67-fold elevated risk (p = 0.033). No significant associations were observed in exudative AMD. Furthermore, lower leucine levels were noted in exudative AMD patients, and inosine levels were reduced in GT genotype carriers within the early AMD group. The COL2A1 rs1635529 polymorphism showed a nominal association with early AMD, but not exudative AMD. Differences in leucine and inosine levels were observed, suggesting a potential link between genetic variation and metabolic alterations. These findings indicate possible involvement of collagen-related and metabolic pathways in early disease development; however, the results should be interpreted with caution and require validation in larger studies.