Plasma lutein and zeaxanthin and other carotenoids as modifiable risk factors for age-related maculopathy and cataract: the POLA Study

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006 Jun;47(6):2329-35. doi: 10.1167/iovs.05-1235.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the associations of plasma lutein and zeaxanthin and other carotenoids with the risk of age-related maculopathy (ARM) and cataract in the population-based Pathologies Oculaires Liées à l'Age (POLA) Study.

Methods: Retinal photographs were graded according to the international classification. ARM was defined by the presence of late ARM (neovascular ARM, geographic atrophy) and/or soft indistinct drusen (>125 microm) and/or soft distinct drusen (>125 microm) associated with pigmentary abnormalities. Cataract classification was based on a direct standardized lens examination at the slit lamp, according to Lens Opacities Classification System III. Plasma carotenoids were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in 899 subjects of the cohort.

Results: After multivariate adjustment, the highest quintile of plasma zeaxanthin was significantly associated with reduced risk of ARM (OR=0.07; 95% CI: 0.01-0.58; P for trend=0.005), nuclear cataract (OR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.08-0.68; P for trend=0.003) and any cataract (OR=0.53; 95% CI: 0.31-0.89; P for trend=0.01). ARM was significantly associated with combined plasma lutein and zeaxanthin (OR=0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.79; P for trend=0.01), and tended to be associated with plasma lutein (OR=0.31; 95% CI: 0.09-1.07; P for trend=0.04), whereas cataract showed no such associations. Among other carotenoids, only beta-carotene showed a significant negative association with nuclear cataract, but not ARM.

Conclusions: These results are strongly suggestive of a protective role of the xanthophylls, in particular zeaxanthin, for the protection against ARM and cataract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cataract / blood*
  • Cataract / epidemiology
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lutein / blood*
  • Macular Degeneration / blood*
  • Macular Degeneration / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Xanthophylls / blood*
  • Zeaxanthins
  • beta Carotene / blood*

Substances

  • Xanthophylls
  • Zeaxanthins
  • beta Carotene
  • Lutein