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Relationship between glaucoma and selenium levels in plasma and aqueous humour
R L Bruhn1, W D Stamer, L A Herrygers
1Department of Epidemiology, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 17, 2008
Summary
This study found that higher plasma selenium levels are associated with increased odds of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Conversely, middle-range aqueous humour selenium may be protective against POAG.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, and its role in ocular health is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma and aqueous humour selenium concentrations in individuals with and without POAG.
- To investigate the association between selenium levels and the risk of developing POAG.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 47 POAG patients and 54 controls.
- Selenium levels in aqueous humour and plasma were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography ion channel plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS).
- Statistical analysis examined the odds of POAG in relation to different tertiles of selenium levels, adjusting for known risk factors.
Main Results:
- The highest tertile of plasma selenium was significantly associated with increased odds of POAG (OR = 11.3, p = 0.03).
- The middle tertile of aqueous humour selenium was significantly associated with decreased odds of POAG (OR = 0.06, p = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential link between selenium levels and the pathophysiology of POAG.
- While causality cannot be established, the data support further research into selenium's role in glaucoma.
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