Concentrations of selected bioelements in saliva by patients suffering from macular degeneration related to age

Aim of the study
Evaluation of zinc, copper and magnesium concentrations in the saliva of patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Material and methods
The study was conducted amongst 151 patients of both sexes. The study group (B) consisted of 74 patients with AMD (BS – dry form, 53 people, BM – wet form, 21 people. The control group K consisted of 77 healthy patients. The diagnosis of AMD was based on the results of fundus examination, fluorescein angiography and OCT. The material for biochemical tests was unstimulated mixed saliva. The measurement of the selected bioelements concentrations was made by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results
The concentration of magnesium in the saliva was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.0118). The concentration of zinc in the study group was significantly lower compared to the control group (p = 0.0429). In the case of copper concentrations, there were no differences between the test group and the control group.

Conclusions
Monitoring AMD patients and prophylaxis of healthy people at risk can be based on measurements of zinc and magnesium concentrations in saliva, giving the possibility of early detection of eye retinal anomalies and planning of diagnostic and therapeutic activities.