Fecal calprotectin as an intestinal inflammation marker is elevated in glaucoma.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between glaucoma and fecal calprotectin. Methods: A total of 144 glaucomatous patients and 66 healthy controls were enlisted for this study. The fecal calprotectin was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The median fecal calprotectin levels were significantly elevated in glaucoma (73.67 vs 41.97μg/g; p <0.001), primary angle-closure glaucoma (76.85μg/g; p <0.001) and primary open-angle glaucoma (69.29μg/g; p=0.016) groups compared with controls. A notable proportion of the glaucoma (24%; p <0.001), primary angle-closure glaucoma (21%; p <0.001) and primary open-angle glaucoma (24%; p <0.001) subgroups exhibited highly abnormal fecal calprotectin levels (≥250μg/g). Conclusion: Elevated fecal calprotectin might indicate potential intestinal inflammation in glaucoma.