PubMed ID: 19064855
Author(s): Klein BE, Knudtson MD, Brazy P, Lee KE, Klein R. Cystatin C, other markers of kidney disease, and incidence of age-related cataract. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Dec;126(12):1724-30. doi: 10.1001/archophthalmol.2008.502. PMID 19064855
Journal: Archives Of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960), Volume 126, Issue 12, Dec 2008
OBJECTIVE To investigate the 15-year incidence of 3 specific types of age-related cataract as related to cystatin C and other measures of kidney function.
METHODS Examinations of a population-based cohort (n = 4926) occurred at 5-year intervals for 15 years. Assessment of medical history, examination, and photographs of the lens after pupil dilation were performed at each examination. Protocols for photography and grading were used. Laboratory measures were from specimens collected at baseline.
RESULTS In multivariable analyses, a 1-SD increase in the logarithm of cystatin C was associated with 15-year incidence of cortical (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.41) and posterior subcapsular (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.50) cataracts. One SD increase in the logarithm of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were associated with 15-year incidence of posterior subcapsular cataract (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.42 and OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.54, respectively).
CONCLUSION Increased levels of cystatin C are associated with increased risk of specific types of age-related cataract. Whether the associations are due to the metabolic changes associated with decreased renal function, common genes, or both awaits further research.