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Normal tension glaucoma is not associated with the common apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms.
1Oxford Eye Hospital, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK. stewartlake@tiscali.co.uk
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 20, 2004
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphisms are not linked to normal tension glaucoma (NTG). This study found no association between ApoE alleles and the development or progression of optic neuropathy in NTG patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
Background:
- Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) involves factors beyond elevated intraocular pressure in optic nerve damage.
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphisms are implicated in cell survival and death in neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphisms and normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
- To determine ApoE allele frequencies in NTG patients and compare them with control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Compared apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes in 155 NTG patients and 349 controls.
- Analyzed ApoE genotypes in 53 NTG patients with progressive visual field loss against controls.
- Utilized chi-squared test and Mantel-Haenszel coefficient for frequency comparisons.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in ApoE allele or genotype frequencies between NTG patients and the control group.
- ApoE allele and genotype distributions in NTG patients with progressive disease did not differ from controls.
Conclusions:
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphisms are not associated with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
- The ApoE gene does not appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of optic neuropathy in NTG.