Serum adiponectin associates with aging rather than neovascular AMD

Abstract

PurposeTo study whether adiponectin serum levels are changed in neovascular AMD. Adiponectin, secreted primarily by adipocytes, modulates cellular energy metabolism. Adiponectin participates also in retinal homeostasis and autophagy. Adiponectin receptors are abundant in RPE‐choroid level. We have previously reported that ADIPOR1‐gene variant associates with advanced AMD in Finnish population. Here, we evaluate the role of peripheral adiponectin in AMD.MethodsAfter obtaining written informed consent, venous blood samples were collected from 145 neovascular AMD patients (mean age: 79.4 ± 6.1 years) and 90 controls (mean age: 74.6 ± 6.3 years) in a cross‐sectional design. Other causes of macular oedema were excluded. Serum adiponectin levels were quantified using a commercial ELISA kit.ResultsSerum levels of adiponectin in neovascular AMD group (12.0 ± 9.5 μg/mL) did not significantly differ from levels in control group (11.1 ± 7.8 μg/mL; t‐test p = 0.423). Adiponectin levels increased with aging (rs = 0.237, p = 0.01). Women had higher mean adiponectin levels (13.2 ± 9.4 μg/mL, n = 175) compared to men (7.8 ± 6.2 μg/mL, n = 70; t‐test p = 0.001), but no difference was detected between AMD‐patients and controls when analyzed separately by gender (women: 13.2 ± 8.6 μg/mL vs. 13.2 ± 9.9 μg/mL, respectively; t‐test p = 0.959; men: 8.3 ± 7.5 μg/mL vs. 7.2 ± 4.0 μg/mL, respectively; t‐test p = 0.439).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that serum adiponectin levels are not altered in neovascular AMD. However, adiponectin may be considered more like a general serum biomarker of aging. As already known, gender can influence the adiponectin level in elderly.