Purpose. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been regarded as an emerging biomarker of the general population and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between RDW and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods. This case-control study included 167 patients with DR, 131 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and 170 age- and sex-matched healthy controls from April 2014 to May 2019. Demographic data, laboratory parameters, and ocular examinations were collected. Results. RDW values of the DR group were significantly higher than those of the healthy control ( p < 0.001 ) and DM group ( p = 0.002 ). A similar trend was observed when RDW was compared among the 3 groups with respect to age and gender. Logistic regression analysis has shown the OR of RDW was 3.791 (2.33–6.168; p < 0.001 ) against the control group and was 1.348 (0.997–1.823; p = 0.047 ) against the DM group. Conclusion. RDW values were significantly elevated in DR patients, and an elevated RDW was associated with an increased incidence of DR in patients with DM.

Purpose To investigate the association between serum complement components and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients and Methods A total of 118 AMD patients and age- and sex-matched 106 control subjects were included. Demographic data and the level of serum complement component (C)1q, C3 and C4 were evaluated. Based on sex, the subjects were stratified into male and female subgroups. Results The level of C1q (226.31±45.33mg/dL) was significantly higher and C3 (121.14±15.76mg/dL) was significantly lower than that in control group (200.03±38.54mg/dL) (128.42±19.81mg/dL) in the female AMD patients (p = 0.005, p = 0.045). Logistic regression showed that increased C1q (OR = 1.132, p = 0.016) and decreased C3 (OR = 0.960, p = 0.048) were independent risk factors for female AMD patients. No statistical significance was observed in the male. Conclusion Increased C1q and decreased C3 were associated with increased risk of AMD, suggesting that the complement classical pathway probably be involved in AMD, especially in female.