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Ghrelin Levels in Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Asaad A Ghanem1, Salah E Mady, Tarek N Attia
1From the *Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Daqahlia; †Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Banha, Qalyubia; and ‡Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Daqahlia, Egypt.
Summary
Ghrelin levels in aqueous humor are significantly lower in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients compared to controls. This finding suggests lower aqueous humor ghrelin may be linked to POAG development or progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, has been implicated in various physiological processes, but its role in glaucoma is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ghrelin levels in the aqueous humor and plasma of patients with POAG.
- To determine if ghrelin concentrations correlate with the severity of POAG.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, case-control study involving 50 POAG patients and 35 cataract patients (control group).
- Aqueous humor and plasma samples were collected during elective surgery.
- Ghrelin concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay.
Main Results:
- Aqueous humor ghrelin levels were significantly lower in POAG patients compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- No significant difference in plasma ghrelin levels was observed between POAG and control groups.
- A positive correlation was found between plasma and aqueous humor ghrelin in POAG patients versus controls (P < 0.001).
- No correlation was found between ghrelin levels and the severity of visual field loss.
Conclusions:
- Reduced aqueous humor ghrelin levels may be associated with primary open-angle glaucoma.
- Glaucomatous damage might lead to decreased ghrelin levels in the aqueous humor.
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