A low meat diet increases the risk of open-angle glaucoma in women—The results of population-based, cross-sectional study in Japan

Abstract

BackgroundStudies identifying modifiable lifestyle risk factors related to open-angle glaucoma (OAG) are limited, especially from Asian countries. This study aimed to identify lifestyle risk factors for OAG in a Japanese population.Methods and findingsThis population-based, cross-sectional study recruited Japanese participants aged 40 years or older from January 2013 to March 2015. We took fundus photographs for OAG screening, determined lifestyle and health characteristics through a questionnaire and performed physical examinations. The participants who had suspect findings in the fundus photographs were sent for a detailed ophthalmic examination to diagnose OAG. Lifestyle and heath characteristics were statistically compared between the OAG and non-OAG participants. A total of 1583 participants were included in the study, of which 42 had OAG and 1541 did not have OAG. The number of days per week that the female participants consumed meat (mean±SD; OAG: 1.7±1.2 days, non-OAG: 2.7±1.5 days) was negatively associated with OAG (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43–0.88; p = 0.007). Higher intraocular pressure was positively associated with OAG in men (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05–1.38, p = 0.009). No significant difference between participants with and without OAG was observed for a range of other lifestyle factors and health criteria including self-report of diabetes, number of family living together, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, coffee drinking, tea drinking, alcohol drinking, number of fruits consumed per day and days of fish consumption per week.ConclusionsA higher weekly consumption of meat appears to be negatively associated with OAG in Japanese women. Increasing the dietary intake of meat can contribute to reducing the risk of developing OAG.

Relationships between Obesity, Nutrient Supply and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Koreans

“…In this study, lower intakes of protein and thiamine were the only factors associated with POAG in both males and females. Kinouchi, Ishiko et al [57] reported that an increased dietary intake of meat can reduce the risk of POAG in Japanese females. Our classification of protein included a variety of plant proteins and animal proteins, including pork, beef, and chicken.…”

Plasma lipid levels and risk of primary open angle glaucoma: a genetic study using Mendelian randomization

“…With the increasing burden of POAG, it is momentous to make clear the potentially risk factors for better prevention. To date, in addition to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) [4,5], other risk factors, such as age [6,7], diabetes [8], hyperlipidemia [9], family history [10], and ethnic background [11], have been established in connection with the risk of POAG. However, such relationships can be influenced by confounding from unknown factors.…”

Identification of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network associated with primary open angle glaucoma

“…Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a frequent type of glaucoma worldwide, is a complex characterized by the progressive permanent degeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) death and distinctive visual field loss [1,2]. Regarding disease etiology, multiple risk factors, such as age [3,4], elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) [5,6], family history [7], and ethnic background [8], have been established in connection with the risk of POAG. In addition to these risk factors, genetics has also been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of POAG [9][10][11].…”