The relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and macular pigment optical density in hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Inflammation may be associated with macular pigment optical density (MPOD) degradation. OBJECTIVES: The relationship between inflammation and MPOD is evaluated using inflammatory biomarkers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid level and ratio, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI). METHOD: In this cross-sectional design, 62 hypertensive patients were recruited between January 6 and January 8, 2022, at a primary care unit. The MPOD was measured using the Macular pigment screener II. Blood tests for hsCRP, lipid profile, WC measurement, BMI calculation, and completing a questionnaire were conducted, and statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel 2019 and Stata version 16.1. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to evaluate correlations. Multivariate analysis for adjusting confounders was done by logistic regression. RESULT: There was a significant negative correlation between hsCRP >3 and MPOD (r = −0.26, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Inflammation was linked to MPOD. Anti-inflammatory agents may be beneficial in preventing MPOD degradation.