Afreen Hasan1, Pragati Garg2, Anu Chandra3, Mohit Gupta4
BACKGROUND
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive chronic optic neuropathy, which is not alone related to intraocular pressure. Oxidative stress in conjunction with vascular abnormalities, glial activity, immune system and inflammatory stimulus are presumed to be involved in glaucoma-induced injury.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in POAG.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It is an observational study conducted on 60 individuals of more than 40 years of age of either sex after ethical clearance and informed consent. 30 patients were confirmed POAG and 30 were age-matched controls of either sex. Patients having angle closure glaucoma, secondary glaucoma or congenital glaucoma, evidence of hepatic and renal diseases, laser and ocular surgeries, any degenerative disorder, age-related macular degenerations or ocular disease, which may increase Intraocular Pressure (IOP) were excluded. 5 mL blood of all patients was taken under aseptic condition in EDTA tube and sample was transferred to biochemistry lab. Parameters assessed were Thiobarbituric Acid-Reactive Substance (TBARS), global antioxidant activity by FRAP method, antioxidant enzymes- superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), ancillary antioxidant enzyme Glutathione Reductase (GR) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) in hemolysate.
RESULTS
No significant difference was seen between case and controls with regard to SOD, GSH or CAT levels, but GPx activity was raised in POAG in case as compared to controls. Also, very low Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA) in both case and control are noticed.
CONCLUSION
The study indicates that oxidative stress was not a risk factor in patient at the point of stage at which they were examined. Thus, it is required that further longitudinal study should be undertaken to examine oxidative stress.
