A recent study published in the journal Nature has highlighted a possible link between aspirin use and the risk of developing early and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The genetic epidemiology study examined the relationship between AMD and aspirin use. The research team's goal was to ascertain if a causal genetic association exists between aspirin use and AMD with the hopes of being able to determine possible biological mediators.
Researchers examined genetic datasets related to AMD, aspirin use, and lipid biomarkers. They did not find any evidence that substantiated a direct causal pathway from aspirin use to AMD. What was noted, was that the relationship seemed to be mediated by lowered levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and higher levels of apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1).
Additional studies are needed to examine the biological interaction between retinal degeneration and lipid regulation and the possible implications that has for preventing AMD and lowering the risk of the disease.
