Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in developed countries. Free radicals (FR) are supposed to play a significant role in its etiopathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress markers and the influence of antioxidants with trace elements in a group of patients with AMD. Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidative defence, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total plasma antioxidant capacity (AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in 22 patients with AMD before and after 3-month supplementation with a mixture of antioxidants and trace elements (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, nicotinamide, Se, Mn, Zn). Patients with AMD had a significantly higher MDA level (p < 0.05) and insignificantly higher GSHPx activity in plasma in comparison with age-matched controls without AMD. The supplementation with antioxidants and trace elements led to increase of SOD (p < 0.05) and GSHPx (p < 0.001) activities, erythrocyte GSH concentration (p < 0.001) and total plasma AOC (p < 0.01); plasma MDA concentration decreased, but not significantly. The results confirmed the increased load with FR in patients with AMD. Supplementation with antioxidants and trace elements improved their antioxidative defence; this could retard the course of the disease.

        Key words: age-related macular degeneration, free radicals, antioxidants, trace elements.