[Effect of lipoic acid on tyrosine metabolism in patients with open-angle glaucoma]

Lipoic acid effects on tyrosine metabolism and ocular hydrodynamics were examined in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Glaucoma patients not administered the drug and patients with ocular hypertension made up two reference groups. In the majority of glaucoma patients administration of lipoic acid did not result in improvement of tyrosine metabolism, whereas hydrodynamic parameters somewhat increased. Tyrosine metabolism normalized in the patients administered lipoic acid in complex with tyrosine catabolism cofactors (pyridoxal phosphate, ascorbic acid, iron ions). The studied parameters improved in ocular hypertension patients administered lipoic acid. The authors' findings and the literature data permit recommending lipoic acid in complex with vitamins B1, B2, B5 (PP), B6 (pyridoxal phosphate), C to glaucoma patients. Judging from the reaction to lipoic acid administration, tyrosine catabolism enzyme activities in glaucoma patients are related to a peculiar sensitization of the body.