Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To establish the determinants of macular pigment optical density (MPOD), retinal loci, dietary practices, anthropometric status, and carotenoids were evaluated in women and men aged 45-73. Methods: MPOD was measured using a (Macular Metrics®, Providence, RI) free view heterochromatic flicker photometry unit, generating a MPOD profile for each subject. Assessments were conducted at four foveal loci; 0.167, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 degrees retinal eccentricity, and one parafoveal locus, 6.00 degrees eccentricity. Surveys were administered to gather descriptive data. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using measured heights and weights. Serum carotenoid concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Results: Based on ninety-eight subjects (57 women and 41 men, mean MPOD and standard errors for each of the four foveal loci from the most central to least central were 0.43+/-0.017; 0.36+/-0.013 0.28+/-0.012, and 0.13+/-0.008 respectively. ANOVA results indicated that compared to those with a BMI equal to or greater than 27, mean MPOD were significantly higher for those with a BMI of less than 27 at the 1.00 degree (p=0.02) and 2.00 degree(p=0.001) loci; nearly significant results were detected at the 0.50 degree (p=0.06) locus. An ANOVA showed no significant interaction between gender and BMI as related to MPOD loci. Serum carotenoid concentrations were significantly higher for those with a BMI of less than 27 for beta-carotene (p=0.03) and lutein (p=0.05) and reached near significance differences for lycopene (p=0.07) and combined lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations (p=0.07)when compared to those with a BMI equal to or greater than 27. Those with the highest reported fruit and vegetable intake had significantly higher MPOD (p=0.02) at the 0.50 degree loci, compared to those with lowest consumption. In addition, those with the second highest reported fruit and vegetable intake also had significantly higher MPOD (p=0.02) at the 2.00 degree loci, compared to those with lowest consumption.There was no significant relationship between reported fruit and vegetable intake and BMI. Conclusions: MPOD was significantly lower at two loci in individuals with a BMI equal to or greater than 27. These results are similar to findings recently reported for 680 subjects. Since the incidence of obesity is increasing, and AMD is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in the aging population, it is important to determine if obesity predisposes individuals to lower MPOD and/or higher risk of AMD.
Keywords: 462 macular pigment • 337 carotenoids/carotenoid binding proteins • 309 aging