Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Plasma lipoprotein and triacylglyderide (TAG) concentrations were analyzed to evaluate the influence of fat soluble nutrient transport on macular pigment optical density profiles in healthy women (n=57) and men (n=41) aged 47-73. Methods: MPOD was measured using a (Macular Metrics®, Providence, RI) free view heterochromatic flicker photometry system at four foveal loci (0.167, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 degrees retinal eccentricity) and one parafoveal site at 6.0 degree retinal eccentricity. A fasting plasma sample was obtained for enzymatic measurement of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and TAG. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was determined by calculation. Results: There was no significant correlation between LDL-C, HDL-C and MPOD at any retinal site. When placed in quartiles, there was a significant relationship between TAG and MPOD. The MPOD in the second TAG quartile (98-124 mg/dl) was significantly higher (p=0.02) than the MPOD in the fourth quartile (164-313 mg/dl) at the 0.167 and 1.00 loci. Conclusion: The dietary-derived carotenoids that make up the macular pigment are packaged and transported in lipoproteins. Circulating TAG influence the size and density of LDL and may therefore influence the availability of L/Z within the retina. Many factors influence circulating TAG such as dietary practices, insulin and body weight. The significant relationship between MPOD and TAG at two retinal sites suggests a mechanism by which lifestyle practices may influence retinal health.
Keywords: 462 macular pigment • 337 carotenoids/carotenoid binding proteins • 309 aging