The global burden of hypertension (HTN) exceeds 1.5 billion people, being at the same time, the most significant but preventable risk factor for disability or even death caused by cardiovascular diseases [1] [2] [3].

Both the structure and the function of the vasculature of the eye are affected by the continuous increase of blood pressure. During the time, the spectrum of clinical signs known as hypertensive retinopathy, a common manifestation of HTN, can be explained by a range of pathological biochemical changes [4] [5].

HR is divided into several stages as a result of acute or chronic increased blood pressure. As an initial generalized response called vasoconstrictive phase, retina vasospasm is observed with an augmented vasomotor tone, whose purpose is to initially control the optimal blood volume.

The persistence of HTN leads to the next phase of retinopathy, known as sclerotic, recognized by the intimal thickening, hyperplasia of the media wall, and hyaline degeneration. The narrowing of the retinal arterioles—with their wall opacification (“silver” or “copper wiring”), are remarked as clinical signs with a further compression of the venules (known as arteriovenous “incision” or “pinching”) [4] [5].

A further enhancement in blood pressure, leads to the disruption in the blood-retinal barrier, passing the pathological changes to the next phase—“the exudative” one. Specific modifications may be observed, such as micro aneurysms, haemorrhages in the retina, “cotton-wool” spots, and hard exudates that appear due to smooth muscles and endothelial cells necrosis, accompanied by the exudation of blood and lipids and an ischemia of retinal nerve fiber layer. In severe cases with uncontrolled and prolonged HTN, it is noticed the optic disc swelling—equivalent with grade 4 of HR [4] [5].

Nowadays, there is strong evidence that signs of HR have a powerful correlation with blood pressure levels [6] [7] [8]. However, high blood pressure cannot be fully responsible for all pathological mechanisms that lead to the development of retinopathy, being stipulated the implication of additional processes and factors like inflammation, abnormal angiogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress etc. [5] [9] [10] [11] [12]. This is also supported by the fact that signs of hypertensive retinopathy have been found in patients without any known history of hypertension, thus increasing the importance of routine monitoring by an ophthalmologist, which could potentially allow early diagnosis of not only retinopathy, but hypertension itself.

During the time, several classifications of HR were introduced, where the most spread and frequently used was the Keith-Wagener-Baker grading system. This specific classification has become simplified due to the difficult and complex differentiation of early degrees of retinopathy, such as 1 and 2. These difficulties motivated the researchers to look for other sensible diagnostic methods like digital retinal photography and imaging software. The hardest part considering these two diagnostic methods is in the requirement of specialized expensive equipment, computer software, and specially trained technicians [13] [14].

There are several fast-developing areas of research in the field of HR nowadays - the already mentioned digital retinal imaging that might digitally quantify the retinal signs which are sustained by the optics retinal cameras, the determination of retinal vessel oxygen saturation using the retinal oximeter, evaluation of the retinal blood flow using Doppler optical coherence tomography, etc. Another approach is genetic studies that may explain some biological mechanisms.

Nevertheless, there is a gap in the research of biochemical markers in hypertension-induced retinopathy, which can certainly provide additional valuable information about the state of the retinal vasculature or of the retina itself. The need for laboratory markers is substantiated by both by the relative simplicity of procedures and economic reasons, biochemical analysis being relatively cheap.

Of interest would be to analyze the serum lipid levels of patients with HR, since dyslipidemia is a decisive modifiable risk factor for HTN [15], and that lipids are of great importance for retina structure and function. A large amount of lipids is present both in retina nerve fibers, in their synaptic connections, and the photoreceptor structures (lipid-soluble pigments). The outer segment membranes of the photoreceptor cells contain extremely high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and are extremely labile to oxidation [16]. Lately, retinal dysfunctions and degeneration are constantly associated with either overabundance or deficiency of specific lipids within retinal cells [17]. So far, little research has focused on the role of lipids and lipoproteins in various retinal diseases.

The study aimed to investigate the association between hypertensive retinopathy (HR) and traditional lipid biomarkers plus atherogenic index of plasma, as well as to highlight a possible utility of lipid marker in the diagnosis of HR.

The demographic data of the study revealed that in the research were included 90 hypertensive patients after satisfying the selection criteria, of which 52 females (57.8%) and 38 males (42.2%). The mean age was 59.79 ± 12.29 years (age distribution: 38 - 88).

Subjects were stratified into three groups in accordance with the Keith- Wagner-Barker grading system for HR, following a fundus examination:

*group 1 (GI) - 36 patients (Ist grade of HR);

*group 2 (GII) - 35 patients (2nd grade of HR);

*group 3 (GIII) - 19 patients (3rd grade of HR).

Our study did not include patients with 4th grade of HR. This fact is explained by the lack of sufficient number of patients plus the presence of other comorbidities [2] [13].

A complete picture of the lipid status changes in serum samples of the hypertensive patients with different degree of HR are presented in Figure 1.

A tendency to enhance in parallel with HR escalation in grade (p = 0.061) was highlighted in serum TAG levels between groups.

In paired group comparisons, the TAG level in GII tend to increase in comparison to GI (+2%; 2.03 (IQR 0.18) mM/L vs. 2.07 (IQR 0.15) mM/L), and in GIII in comparison to GII (+2%; 2.10 (IQR 0.25) µM/L vs. 2.07 (IQR 0.15) mM/L) (Figure 2).

TAG levels demonstrated a statistically significant, weak positive correlation with the degree of HR (r = 0.249*, p = 0.018), as seen in Table 1.

Note: differences between groups and p value: * < 0.05; ** < 0.01.

A statistically significant change of serum total cholesterol levels between groups was attested, with a rise as the HR advanced (p = 0.017). In paired group comparisons, the total cholesterol levels in GII and GIII were significantly enhanced compared to GI: 5.63 (IQR 0.69) mM/L vs. 5.49 (IQR 0.51) mM/L, p = 0.05, and respectively, 5.76 (IQR 0.82) µM/L vs 5.49 (IQR 0.51), p = 0.04 (Figure 2).

The total cholesterol level showed a statistically significant (p = 0.005), weak positive correlation (r = 0.292**) with the degree of HR (Table 1).

Serum LDL-Chol showed insignificant correlation with the grade of HR (r = 0.129, p = 0.225) as HDL-Chol (Table 1) and statistically insignificant changes between groups (p = 0.302). In paired group comparisons, the serum LDL-Chol level in GII augmented compared to GI (+5%; 3.09 (IQR 0.37) mM/L vs. 2.94 (IQR 0.55) mM/L), and in GIII compared to GII (+1%; 3.13 (IQR 1.16) mM/L vs. 3.09 (IQR 0.37) mM/L) as seen in Figure 3.

There were not identified any correlations between serum HDL-Chol levels and retinopathy grade (r = 0.084, p = 0.429, Table 1).

Were asserted statistically insignificant changes of HDL-Chol levels between groups (p = 0.153) in serum, as the HR advanced in grade. HDL-Chol level in GII diminished compared to GI (−5%; 1.18 (IQR 0.20) mM/L vs. 1.24 (IQR 0.28) mM/L, p = 1.0), but with an ultimate increase in GIII compared to GII (+10%; 1.30 (IQR 0.36) mM/L vs. 1.18 (IQR 0.20) mM/L) (Figure 3).

Across all the participants, the mean of the AIP was 0.22 (IQR 0.10) in GI, with an insignificant enhancement in GII—+10%, 0.24 (IQR 0.06) and respectively decrease in GIII—−10%, 0.22 (IQR 0.11). There was no significant difference in the atherogenic index between groups (p = 0.146).

We systematically analyzed the associations between the total amounts of the researched markers of lipid status in the serum of patients with HR (Table 2).

As it is seen in Table 2, the study revealed a medium correlation coefficient between TC and TAG levels, TC and LDL-Chol levels, as well as between TC levels and HDL-Chol. A low positive and significant correlation was attested between TAG and HDL-Chol levels.

It is well-known that HR is a multitarget pathology. Recent studies have demonstrated that the pathology of HR is clearly more complicated than simply high

Note: differences between groups and p value: * < 0.05; ** < 0.01; *** < 0.001.

blood pressure levels. Disorders of lipid metabolism can influence the HR evolution and even development. HTN and hyperlipidemia not only boost the development of atherogenesis but also lead to a series of degenerative alterations in the walls of medium- and large-sized arteries.

The results of our studies have shown a number of disorders in lipid status biomarkers in hypertensive damage of the retina. TAG and total cholesterol levels have shown a weak correlation with the grade of HR, changes remarked during time by other scientists, as it will be described later. These modifications can be explained by the fact that lipids play a role in development of HTN and its most common complications. Consequently, we may suggest involvement of lipids disorders in the development of HR, by endothelial dysfunction and breakdown of the blood retinal barrier that will favor serum lipids and lipoproteins exudation.

Enhanced lipid levels, seen as HR progressed, lead to the dysfunction of the vascular endothelium and subsequently to a reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). The peroxidation of lipids in lipoproteins in the vascular wall generate the local production of reactive carbonyl species that interfere with macrophages enrolment, the activation and proliferation of the cells, and ultimately lead to chemical changes of vascular proteins, through advanced lipoxidation end products. As a result, all these processes will affect the structure and function of the vascular wall [17] [26].

The role of lipid metabolism markers in the progression of HR can be documented back to the 1975 when Singth et al. discussed for the first time the role of raised serum free fatty acids in precipitating HR [27].

Related studies with similar results as ours were performed during time. In 2012, Bastola et al. demonstrated a significant difference in the mean serum cholesterol level in all four stages of HR with a p < 0.001 [28]. And the result of our research also supports the findings of the study conducted by Gupta et al. (2013), that proved a positive correlation of HR with total cholesterol content (p < 0.002), with a gradual increase of the cholesterol level in parallel with the evolution in grade of HR [29].

Resembled outcomes with our study were remarked and regarding TAG. In the mentioned above Bastola et al. (2012) and Gupta et al. (2013) articles, was identified a statistically significant difference in mean triglyceride level for different degree of HR, highlighting their consequent augmentation through stages [28] [29]. Another research performed by Akhter et al. (2013) presented data that illustrated that increased serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride, were found to be significant risk indicators for developing retinopathy in the population [30]. The Hoorn study, performed by van Leiden et al. (2002), presented the fact that there are associations of lipid levels and blood pressure with retinopathy, which are stronger in individuals without diabetes than in individuals with diabetes [31].

Some studies have shown that LDL-Chol levels were significantly increased in individuals with HR of grade II or higher. According to a study by Badhu et al. (2003), elevated serum LDL-Chol was strong associated with HR (p < 0.0196) [32]. Moreover, previous results are supported by the van Leiden study (2002), which showed that retinopathy in people with hypertension without diabetes and hard exudates was associated with elevated serum LDL-Chol levels [31]. However, no other studies have attested any direct correlation between serum HDL-Chol or LDL-Chol and HR so far.

As for atherogenic index, in our study is higher than the recommended value of 0.1 and it is also seen an increase, even if insignificant, of its level as HR advanced in grade. The association of TAG and HDL-Chol reflects the equilibrium between risk and defensive/protective lipoprotein forces. So, the use of this index may be encouraged in order to detect the enhancement in probability of cardiovascular risk disease, as HTN with its complication [25].

However, data from some research papers are in a slightly dissonance with our results. As presented by Pai and Hegde (2019), there was no significant relationship between HR and serum lipids level. Their study has limitations, due to the fact that in the research were included only the individuals with grade I (84%) and grade II (16%) of HR. Still the data revealed an increase in total cholesterol, TAG and LDL-Chol levels and a decrease in HDL-Chol as HR progressed [15]. There are studies that have shown a positive correlation between LDL-Chol, HDL-Chol and HR [28] [32], however, this study just as the study by Gupta et al. [29] did not reveal a connection between them. Low HDL-Chol and high TAG levels induce an enhancement in small HDL particles, as well as an elevation in small, dense LDL-Chol particles [33].

Still, our study has several limitations, observed in the deviation of lipid status during progression of retinopathy, results that for sure cannot utterly be explained solely by HTN, HR or both of them concomitantly.

Our research included hypertensive patients that were not on any antihypertensive medication or any drugs that can influence the metabolism of lipids at that moment or also any other treatment that can doubt the outcomes.

On the other hand, a more meticulous approach is needed in order to be able to generalize the conclusions, being explained by the location of the research in one private hospital. It will be promising to expand research to a wider audience in various public hospitals and countries.

The impact of lipid metabolism disorders and blood lipid imbalances in the pathogenic mechanisms of the development of hypertension and its most common complications is well known. Still, there are not enough studies regarding the role of dyslipidemias in the development and progression of HR, and the existing ones are in many ways contradictory.

Our study revealed statistically conclusive changes associated with the HR degree of the TAG and total cholesterol levels and the absence of changes in plasma lipoprotein content—LDL-Chol and HDL-Chol, in patients included in the study. The results are partly consistent with the results of other researchers, but there were also differences compared to previous studies. This attests the need for further research with the extension of the sample, study groups and spectrum of markers to establish with certainty the role of dyslipidemia in the occurrence and progression of HR, as well as the possible diagnostic or prognostic value of lipid status markers. It is also important to determine the threshold values of the mentioned parameters, with their possible use in the patient stratification in groups and for a better grading system that will display the clinical features visualized on the retina fundoscopy.

Moreover, clinical and theoretical researches of the last years eliminated any hesitation regarding the fact that lipid metabolic changes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HR. However, lipid-based treatment strategies are just beginning to rise up. An appropriate approach, for sure will assure the possibility of implementation of patient-based treatment with better outcomes.

PhD grant offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research of the Republic of Moldova.

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Pavlovschi, E., Borovic, D., Pantea, V., Lîsîi, L. and Tagadiuc, O. (2021) Biomarkers of Lipid Status and Metabolism in Retinal Hypertensive Disorder. Journal of Biosciences and Medi- cines, 9, 77-89. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbm.2021.94006