Role of oxidative stress enzymes in open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), and the levels of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 40 (15 men and 25 women) patients with POAG and 60 (30 men and 30 women) healthy controls.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the activities of CAT and MPO between the POAG patients and the controls. However, the plasma MDA level was significantly higher in patients than the controls.

CONCLUSION

The results of this preliminary study suggest that the possible alterations of plasma MDA levels may be associated with the pathogenesis of POAG, but further research is needed to understand the role of oxidative damage in this important disorder of aging.