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No association found between lipid levels, pathway genes and AMD progression
Results from a meta-analysis showed no associations between cholesterol measures, history of statin use or lipid pathway genes and the incidence and progression of age-related macular degeneration, according to researchers.
The meta-analysis included three population-based cohorts: the Beaver Dam Eye Study, Blue Mountain Eye Study and Rotterdam Study, for a total of 6,950 participants. The researchers followed patients for 20 years, with examinations every 5 years. During follow-ups, hazard ratios associated with lipid levels and lipid pathway genes were calculated through the use of random-effects inverse-weighted meta-analysis models adjusted for known AMD risk factors.
Mean 5-year incidence for early AMD was 8.1% in the Beaver Dam Eye Study, 15.1% in the Blue Mountain Eye Study and 13% in the Rotterdam Study.
Upon combining data from the three studies, the researchers found considerable differences in the effects of cholesterol and lipid pathway genes on the incidence and progression of AMD.
No associations of serum total cholesterol, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol or statin use were found in AMD outcomes, even after correction for multiple comparisons, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.