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Apoptotic effects of topical antiglaucoma medications on conjunctival epithelium in glaucoma patients

Mustafa Kemal Arici1, Dilek Sema Arici, Ayşe Vural Ozeç

  • 11 Department of Ophthalmology, Cumhuriyet University, School of Medicine, Sivas - Turkey.

European Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 22, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Topical antiglaucoma medications significantly increase apoptosis in conjunctival epithelial cells. However, the number, duration, or type of glaucoma medication did not influence this apoptotic effect.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
  • Topical antiglaucoma medications are the primary treatment modality.
  • Conjunctival epithelium health is crucial for ocular surface homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the apoptotic effects of topical antiglaucoma medications on conjunctival epithelial cells.
  • To determine if medication characteristics influence apoptosis rates.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 65 patients undergoing ocular surgery.
  • Patients were categorized into three groups: pre-trabeculectomy antiglaucoma medication users, non-users, and cataract surgery controls.
  • Conjunctival biopsies were analyzed for apoptosis using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method.

Main Results:

  • The mean apoptosis rate was significantly higher in patients using topical antiglaucoma medications compared to non-users and controls (p = 0.0001).
  • No significant correlation was found between the number of medications, duration of use, or glaucoma type and the observed apoptosis rates.

Conclusions:

  • Topical antiglaucoma drugs induce apoptosis in conjunctival epithelial cells.
  • The extent of apoptosis is not influenced by the number, duration, or type of glaucoma medication used.

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