Some blood plasma constituents correlate with human cataract

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment, particularly in older adults.
• Understanding the biochemical factors associated with cataract formation is crucial for risk assessment and prevention.
• Previous studies have suggested links between systemic conditions and cataract, but comprehensive plasma analysis is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in plasma constituent concentrations between patients with cataract and matched controls.
• To identify potential biochemical markers and dysfunctions associated with cataract development.
• To explore the role of factors like liver function, steroid use, and diabetes in cataract etiology.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 1000 cataract patients and 1000 matched controls.
• Participants were matched for sex and age (within 5-year bands).
• Plasma samples were collected via venipuncture, and eye examinations were performed by ophthalmologists.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in 10 out of 18 plasma constituents were observed between groups.
• Elevated levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase suggested subclinical liver dysfunction in cataract patients.
• Increased plasma cortisol, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, glucose, and sodium were noted in the cataract group, while total cholesterol was lower.

Conclusions:

• Cataract in older individuals appears to result from an accumulation of risk factors.
• Even if individual plasma concentrations are within normal limits, significant differences from control populations highlight underlying systemic dysfunctions.
• Subclinical liver dysfunction, steroid treatment, diabetes, and elevated cortisol are potential contributors to cataract development.