Pseudoexfoliation syndrome and cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is a late-onset disease characterized by generalized fibrillopathy.
• It is associated with ocular complications like glaucoma and perioperative issues during cataract surgery.
• Extraocular PEX deposits suggest a systemic process linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical significance of extraocular PEX deposits.
• To explore the potential relationship between PEX syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
• To analyze similarities in pathogenetic mechanisms between PEX and atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of published epidemiological studies on PEX and cardiovascular events.
• Analysis of PEX deposit identification in cardiac and vascular tissues.
• Comparison of pathogenetic factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation in PEX and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• Recent studies indicate PEX syndrome is frequently linked to impaired heart and blood vessel function.
• Observed changes in PEX subjects include altered vascular control, endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and elevated homocysteine.
• A possible higher frequency of abdominal aorta aneurysm in PEX patients suggests a shared pathogenetic pathway.

Conclusions:

• PEX syndrome may represent a systemic process with significant cardiovascular implications.
• The shared pathogenetic features between PEX and atherosclerosis warrant further investigation.
• Extraocular PEX deposits and cardiovascular disorders might be related or represent manifestations of the same underlying condition.