Open AccessCorneal fluorescence in relation to genetic and environmental factors: a twin study
Author(s) -
Kessel Line,
Hougaard Jesper Leth,
Kyvik Kirsten Ohm,
Sander Birgit,
Sørensen Thorkild I. A.,
Larsen Michael
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0420
pISSN - 1395-3907
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2003.00089.x
Subject(s) - medicine , glycation , twin study , cornea , ophthalmology , genetic variation , physiology , genetics , heritability , endocrinology , biology , diabetes mellitus , population , environmental health
Abstract. Purpose: Corneal fluorescence is believed to be caused by advanced glycation end products formed by non‐enzymatic glycation on corneal proteins. The purpose of the present twin study was to examine whether the process is related to genetic or environmental factors.Methods: Corneal fluorescence was measured in 59 monozygotic and 54 dizygotic twin pairs. The influences of genetic and environmental factors were estimated using structural equation modelling.Results: Interindividual variation in corneal fluorescence was attributable to environmental factors, whereas the effect of genetic factors was of little or no significance. Corneal fluorescence correlated significantly with smoking habits ( r = 0.38) and the 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test response ( r = 0.27), and increased with age (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Fluorophore accumulation in the cornea was attributable to age and environmental effects, of which smoking was the most conspicuous identifiable factor, although glucose was also of relevance. However, the greater part of interindividual variation in corneal fluorescence remains unexplained.