Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed at evaluation of the role of ceruloplasmin (A protein involved in iron homeostasis and can inactivate free radicals) and other oxidative stress markers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: This observational case control study included 90 persons divided into 3 equal groups: group A of 30 normal persons as a control group, group B of 30 patients of untreated (POAG) (firstly diagnosed) by the clinical characters including measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), optic disc cupping and visual field changes and group C of 30 patients of POAG under medical treatment by topical anti-glaucomatous drugs. Serum ceruloplasmin, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and catalase activity were measured in all groups, statistical analysis of the data was performed. Results: In a comparison to group A of control, serum ceruloplasmin decreased significantly in group B of untreated POAG (20.95 ± 6.01) mg-dl and in group C of POAG under treatment (22.15 ± 6.14) mg-dl (P 0.05). Also, serum superoxide dismutase increased significantly in group B (2.23 ± 0.4) and in group C (2.19 ± 0.38) U-ml (P 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde increased significantly in group B (3.82 ± 0.74) nmol-ml and in group C (3.55 ± 0.73) nmol-ml (P 0.05). Serum catalase decreased significantly in group B (17.97 ± 2.75) U-ml and in group C (18.75 ± 2.33) U-ml in a comparison to the control group A (22.67 ± 3.05) U-ml (P 0.05). Conclusions: Serum ceruloplasmin level and the antioxidant (CAT) activity significantly decreased, while serum levels of SOD, MDA significantly increased in cases of POAG. This may indicate the need for addition of anti-oxidative stress therapy in combination with the anti-glaucomatous drugs. Monitoring these markers can be considered good indicators for determination of the oxidative stress condition in such cases.
Highlights
One of the causes of blindness in many countries is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)
The study aimed at evaluation of the role of ceruloplasmin (A protein involved in iron homeostasis and can inactivate free radicals) and other oxidative stress markers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)
Many studies stated that the pathogenesis of POAG is still under investigations, some known risk factors were incorporated in the process of POAG such as intraocular pressure (IOP), vascular supply for retinal nerve fiber layer, retinal ganglion cells degenerations and optic nerve protective mechanisms [1] [3]
Summary
One of the causes of blindness in many countries is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Other factors as lack of neurological protection for ganglion cells in the retina and cell apoptosis mechanisms may play roles in progression of glaucoma [1] [2] [3]. Another factor may be incriminated in the process of POAG such as oxidative stress, other inflammatory factors and characteristic pattern of cell death by apoptosis [4]. Ceruloplasmin reduces the action of superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is an intracellular enzyme of acute phase reactant, scavenges oxygen-derived free radicals [7]
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