Endothelin-1 levels and biomarkers of oxidative stress in glaucoma patients

Int Ophthalmol. 2015 Aug;35(4):527-32. doi: 10.1007/s10792-014-9979-8. Epub 2014 Jul 31.

Abstract

To investigate the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), homocysteine (Hcy), vitamins A, E, B12 and folic acid in plasma of patients with different types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normotensive glaucoma (NTG). Patients were classified into 3 groups: group POAG comprised 48 patients, group NTG comprised 15 patients, and control group that comprised 75 healthy subjects. ET-1 levels were measured by ELISA, Vitamins A and E by HPLC, and Vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folic acid levels were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay. The ET-1 and Hcy levels were significantly higher (p = 0.002) in the POAG group compared to NTG and control group. Vitamin E levels were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the NTG group compared to POAG and control group. The increase of Hcy and ET-1 in POAG patients is related to vascular endothelial dysfunction. Thus results may play a key role in the development of this disease. Lower levels of Vitamin E in the NTG group suggest that oxidative process plays an early role in the development of this type of glaucoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Endothelin-1 / blood*
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / blood
  • Glaucoma / blood*
  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Vitamins / blood

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Endothelin-1
  • Vitamins
  • Homocysteine
  • Folic Acid