To examine the association between Lp(a) concentrations and the severity of retinopathy in 22 younger-onset and 48 older-onset diabetic subjects from the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR), a population-based study of diabetic retinopathy.
Methods
We used a subset of the WESDR population with standardized protocols and stereoscopic color fundus photography to determine the severity of diabetic retinopathy in relation to Lp(a) concentrations. Lp(a) concentrations were measured by a monoclonal anti-Lp(a) antibody.
Results
Lp(a) levels were not significantly different between younger-onset or older-onset subjects with and without retinopathy.
Conclusion
Our results do not support a link between higher levels of Lp(a) and severe retinopathy in either younger-onset or older-onset diabetic subjects but this needs confirmation in larger prospective studies.
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