Oxidative DNA damage in the human trabecular meshwork: clinical correlation in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 Apr;123(4):458-63. doi: 10.1001/archopht.123.4.458.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the intensity of oxidative molecular damage and its clinical correlations: visual field damage, intraocular pressure, age, and disease duration.

Methods: DNA was extracted from human trabecular meshwork specimens collected from 17 glaucoma-affected patients using standard filtration surgery. Twenty-one specimens from healthy eyes collected for cornea transplants serve as controls. Oxidative DNA damage was evaluated by determining 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels. All patients underwent a Humphrey 30-2 visual field examination and diurnal tonometry before surgery.

Results: The mean +/- SD DNA oxidative damage was 8.51 +/- 5.44 and 1.75 +/- 1.80 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine molecules/10(5) normal nucleotides in patients with glaucoma and controls, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found among human trabecular meshwork DNA oxidative damage, visual field damage, and intraocular pressure. No other statistically significant correlations were found.

Conclusions: Oxidative stress may represent an important pathogenetic step in primary open-angle glaucoma because it could induce human trabecular meshwork degeneration, favoring an intraocular pressure increase, thus priming the glaucoma pathogenetic cascade.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • DNA Damage*
  • Deoxyguanosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Deoxyguanosine / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Trabecular Meshwork / metabolism*
  • Visual Fields

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine
  • Deoxyguanosine