Association of serum advanced glycation (AGEs) end products, apolipoprotein-B and zinc in severity of T2DM retinopathy

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), lipids and lipoproteins and antioxidant enzymes are involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). AGEs and modified Apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B) lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species causing damage to the retina leading to DR. Zinc has antioxidant properties and protects the retina against reactive oxygen species. The current study aimed to compare the levels of serum AGEs, Apo-B and zinc in non-diabetics and type II diabetics without and with DR. Serum AGEs and Apo-B were measured by ELISA while zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The impact of all three markers on the severity of DR was calculated, individually as well as together as a model, to determine the relationship of these markers with severity of diabetic retinopathy. Regression analysis showed that AGEs, Apo-B and zinc were all contributing significantly to the severity of DR, together having an 82.8% impact on it (R-2=0.828). The model of the three parameters was best fit to indicate the severity of DR (p-value = 0.553). This study provides a basis for further validation of the suggested model with prospective studies which can then be used in clinical setups to predict the individuals at risk.

Automated summary

The study showed a significant relationship between serum levels of AGEs, Apo-B, and zinc with the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR), with all three markers together impacting DR by 82.8%. This model serves as a good indicator of the severity of DR.