Lp(a) is not related to retinopathy in diabetic subjects.

Abstract

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. 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. Lp(a) levels were not significantly different between younger-onset or older-onset subjects with and without retinopathy. 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.