HAIR AND SERUM TRACE ELEMENT AND MINERAL LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED CATARACT

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess hair and serum trace element levels in patients with age-related cataracts and healthy controls with adjustments for the presence of other comorbidities. A total of 121 adults, including 61 patients with age-related cataracts and 60 subjects without eye diseases, were examined. Age, sex, body mass index and other comorbidities were registered. Serum and hair essential trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Li, Mn, Mo, Se, V, Zn) and mineral (Mg, Ca) levels were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that circulating Mn, Se, V and Zn levels in patients with cataracts were 9% (p = 0.009), 10% (p = 0.001), 15% (p = 0.003) and 7% (p = 0.015) lower when compared to the subjects without eye pathology. In hair only, the Zn level in patients with cataracts was significantly 13% (p = 0.005) lower when compared to eye disease-free controls. In serum and hair samples, the levels of Co were significantly lower in cataract patients than in controls by 16% (p = 0.068) and 25% (p = 0.062), respectively. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that after adjustment for age, sex, BMI and the presence of other comorbidities, only serum Se and Zn levels were significantly associated with a diagnosis of cataract. The obtained data demonstrate that low serum zinc, especially selenium levels, are independently associated with an increased risk of cataracts.