Protein carbonyl levels in the aqueous humour and serum of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Abstract

Protein oxidation is an oxidative stress marker and the oxidation of proteins is analysed by measuring the carbonyl groups. Protein oxidation can have a role in the physiopathology of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the protein oxidation in the aqueous humour and serum of cataract patients with and without PEX. A multicenter study was carried out. Aqueous humour and serum samples were collected from patients who underwent routine cataract surgery. Patients were divided into PEX (n=29) and control (n=27) groups. Patients had no elevated intraocular pressure or glaucoma. Spectrophotometer was used to measure protein carbonyl (PC) levels in the samples. Mean PC concentration in the PEX aqueous (2.18+/-1.51 nmol/l) and serum (119.62+/-13.2 nmol/l) samples was significantly higher than that measured in the control aqueous (1.31+/-0.47 nmol/l) and serum (105.85+/-11.76 nmol/l) samples, respectively (P< 0.001). The increased PC levels in the aqueous humour and serum of PEX patients suggest that protein oxidation may play a role in the physiopathology of PEX.