Lipoprotein (a) and diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Introduction: Lipoprotein little 'a' [Lp (a)] has been implicated in atherosclerotic vascular disease. Its association with diabetic retinopathy has been investigated in the present study. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 male patients with diabetes mellitus were selected. Detailed clinical evaluation and examination of eye including fundus was done. Laboratory investigations included fasting and post-prandial blood glucose, lipid profile, blood urea, 24 h urinary protein excretion and Lp (a) levels in serum. Results: Out of the 51 patients selected in this study, 25 patients had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 14 had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 12 patients had no diabetic retinopathy (DR). Serum triglyceride, cholesterol/HDL ratio and lipid index had no relationship with severity of DR. It was interesting observation that HDL was higher and serum Lp (a) level was lower in patients with PDR than with NPDR. Conclusion: Lp (a) level is elevated in patients with DR. A causal relationship between Lp (a) and DR is presumptive. Interestingly patients with PDR had lower Lp (a) and higher HDL than with NPDR. This could suggest that atherogenic phenotype of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes retards development of severe diabetic retinopathy. © 2009.