Findings from a recent study published in International Ophthalmology investigated the association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and newly-diagnosed cases of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in patients.
Give me some background.
TyG index, calculated as the natural logarithm of [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) x fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL) / 2], is a simple measure of insulin resistance that has demonstrated efficacy in predicting atherosclerosis.
- Note: Both diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis are significant risk factors for CRAO.
Further: Previous studies have reported an association between higher TyG index and risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease progression—highlighting the clinical significance of the TyG index in evaluating microvascular damage.
Now, talk about the study.
In this cross-sectional study, investigators included a total of 101 age- and sex-matched patients:
- 51 CRAO patients (mean age 66.1 years)
- 50 healthy controls (mean age 64.9 years)
The research team collected clinical data via ophthalmologic examination and blood samples.
Findings?
Significant differences in TyG values were reported between the CRAO and control groups, with the CRAO group exhibiting higher values (8.74 ± 0.17 vs. 8.49 ± 0.22, respectively, p < 0.001).
Further analyses showed that TyG was an independent predictor of CRAO (odds ratio [OR] 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-4.32, p < 0.001).
Finally: A high TyG index (< 8.52) demonstrated 78% sensitivity and 68% specificity in predicting CRAO.
Expert opinion?
“Considering the underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the TyG index shows promising potential as a valuable biomarker for identifying individuals with CRAO,” the study authors noted.
Limitations?
The key limitations of this study included the relatively small sample size and single-center study design, which limited the generalizability of the results.
Take home.
These findings demonstrate a notable association between increased TyG index and CRAO diagnosis—highlighting its potential utility as a predictive marker for assessing the risk of CRAO.
Next steps?
Longitudinal studies are warranted to explore this association further, as systemic evaluations in CRAO patients may greatly improve disease prevention and management.