Systemic Prolidase Activity and Oxidative Stress in Keratoconus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition affecting corneal shape.
• Oxidative stress markers are increasingly investigated in ocular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum prolidase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) in patients with keratoconus.
• To determine potential correlations between these biochemical markers and keratoconus severity.

Main Methods:

• Serum prolidase activity, TAC, and TOS were measured in 69 keratoconus patients and 72 controls.
• Keratoconus patients were staged using the modified Krumeich classification.

Main Results:

• Serum prolidase activity was significantly lower in keratoconus patients compared to controls (p=0.027).
• No significant differences in TAC or TOS were found between keratoconus patients and controls.
• A positive correlation between TAC and TOS was observed in the keratoconus group.

Conclusions:

• Decreased serum prolidase activity is associated with keratoconus.
• Serum TAC and TOS do not appear to be significantly related to keratoconus in this study.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the role of prolidase in keratoconus pathogenesis.