Serum selenium levels are associated withage-related cataract

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study is to analyse correlations between age-related cataract (ARC), serum selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase gene 1 and 4 (GPX-1 and GPX-4). Materials and method. A total sample of 275 participants were enrolled into the study: group A, 94 subjects elligible for ARC surgery, and group B, 181 volunteers without ocular symptoms, gender-, age-, and smoking-status and volume-matched at 1:2 with subjects in group A. All participants (n=275) were divided according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) into: 1) study group (subjects with clinically significant cataract; N≥3 or C≥3 or P≥2), 2) control group (controls with clinically non-significant cataract; N<3 and C<3 and P<2). The single nucleotide polymorphisms of GPX-1 and GPX-4 were assessed using Real Time PCR. Serum selenium levels were assayed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Results. Low selenium levels significantly predicted any age-related cataract (OR 7.969; p