Changes in blood oxidative and antioxidant parameters in a group of Chinese patients with age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE: To measure the oxidative and antioxidant biochemical parameters in the serum of Chinese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and in a similar age control group from the same area. DESIGN: A case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: 56 AMD patients (21 early dry, 13 geographic atrophy and 22 wet form) and 34 normal subjects, similar for age and sex were studied. MEASUREMENTS: Both groups completed a questionnaire about demographic characters and dieatry habit, and the levels of serum lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) and antioxidants parameters (vitamin C and E, the activities of superoxide dismutase-SOD, total antioxidant capacity — TAC) were determined. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher frequency of daily intake of fruit and legumes in controls than in AMD patients. There was a significantly increased serum MDA levels and SOD activities, and significantly decreased serum vitamin C and total antioxidant capacity in AMD patients as compared to controls. The intensity of lipid peroxidation was higher with the progression of AMD. There was not difference in serum vitamin E levels between AMD patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Oxido-reduction disturbance may be involved in the pathogenesis of AMD. There is a significantly decreased antioxidant capacity in AMD patients.