Abnormal retinal vascular function and lipid levels in a sample of healthy UK South Asians

Abstract

Even in the absence of overt vascular disease, in otherwise healthy SAs there are potential signs of retinal vascular function impairment that correlates with established plasma markers for CVD risk.

Abnormal Retinal Vascular Reactivity in Individuals with Impaired Glucose Tolerance: A Preliminary Study

“…For instance, there is some evidence to suggest that an increased MDRT could be the result of either early atherosclerosis, increased arterial stiffness, or reduced NO bioavailability to peripheral tissues. 7 Indeed, we have already shown that all these mechanisms could be implicated in our observed macrovascular changes; therefore, it is not unreasonable to presume that similar relationships also occur at the microvascular level including retinal microcirculation.…”

“…Indeed, it is important to emphasize here that in our IGT sample there was a correlation between signs of retinal vascular dysfunction and plasma lipid levels, possibly suggesting that dyslipidemia itself could have a direct influence on the retinal vascular response as assessed by the DVA. 7 All the above hypotheses, however, would require further clarification and research. Nevertheless, another interesting observation was that our IGT individuals showed a correlation between abnormal retinal vascular reactivity and the validated measure of systemic endothelial dysfunction (FMD).…”

“…6 Dynamic retinal vessel analysis, a noninvasive technique that assesses retinal vascular responses to flickering light, has been shown to identify early signs of vascular dysfunction in individuals with various degrees of risk for CVD even in the absence of overt clinical disease. 7,8 Indeed, by using this technique, we have demonstrated that young, healthy individuals with a genetic predisposition towards diabetes exhibit early signs of impaired retinal dilatory responses. 7 Previous research has shown early abnormal microvascular vasodilation alongside macrovascular changes in individuals at risk for T2DM.…”

“…7,8 Indeed, by using this technique, we have demonstrated that young, healthy individuals with a genetic predisposition towards diabetes exhibit early signs of impaired retinal dilatory responses. 7 Previous research has shown early abnormal microvascular vasodilation alongside macrovascular changes in individuals at risk for T2DM. 9 However, a correlation between micro-and macrovascular reactivity measures is found only when the study groups (controls, relatives of T2DM patients, IGT individuals, and T2DM patients) are grouped together.…”

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma vs Normal-Tension Glaucoma

“…Additional systemic exclusion criteria for all participants were consistent with that published elsewhere. 29 Well-controlled systemic hypertension was neither an inclusion nor exclusion criterion for either category of patients or controls.…”