Abstract
This study was designed to compare the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum and aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). This prospective, observational study consists of 30 patients with POAG, 30 patients with NTG, and 30 healthy controls. The serum and AH BDNF levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BDNF levels in serum and AH were markedly lower in the glaucoma groups (POAG and NTG) than in the control group (p <0.05). When comparing the NTG and POAG groups, the average serum BDNF level was significantly lower in the NTG group than in the POAG group (p <0.05). The difference in the mean BDNF levels in AH between the POAG and NTG groups was not statistically significant. (p = 0.538). We confirmed that serum BDNF levels were lower in patients with NTG than in those with POAG. BDNF could be a causative systemic biomarker in NTG.
Highlights
As part of neurodegenerative disease, glaucoma is defined by changes in the optic nerve and visual field defects, which is characterized by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in serum and aqueous humor (AH) were markedly lower in the glaucoma groups (POAG and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG)) than in the control group (p < 0.05)
When comparing the NTG and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) groups, the average serum BDNF level was significantly lower in the NTG group than in the POAG group (p < 0.05)
Summary
As part of neurodegenerative disease, glaucoma is defined by changes in the optic nerve and visual field defects, which is characterized by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss. Dysregulation of neutrotrophins is one of the molecular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration. Neutrotrophins are fundamental mediators of neuron vitality [2]. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important for RGC survival. It maintains the function of RGCs and protects them from apoptosis. The eyes are similar to the brain regarding the anatomy and function. The blood-ocular barrier surrounds the eyes and shares features with the blood-brain barrier. Analysis of neurotrophic factors can help understand the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and determine the effectiveness of treatments that affect the contents of neurotrophic factors
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