Correlation between red blood cell membrane fatty acids and plasma lipids with clinical severity of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy caused by the loss of photoreceptors and characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination. Low red blood cell membrane fatty acid content e.g. docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in retinitis pigmentosa may influence retinal function. The aim of this study was to evaluate red blood cell membrane fatty acid content and plasma lipid levels and determine their associated effects on the severity of disease. In a comparative cross-sectional study, 35 males and 16 females with RP (mean age= 35.7 years) were evaluated. Red blood cell membrane fatty acid content (DHA) and plasma lipid levels were measured as well as visual acuity and field. Both visual acuity and visual field were significantly associated with red blood cell membrane fatty acid content (DHA) (P<0.05). However, the plasma lipid levels, except of total cholesterol, were not associated with visual acuity and visual field of RP patients (NS). Current survey showed a significant association between severity of RP and fatty acid content (DHA).