Aqueous humor selenium level and open-angle glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Trace Element Research
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Previous research suggested a link between selenium supplementation and glaucoma risk.
• Aqueous humor selenium levels have been associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate selenium concentrations in the aqueous humor of patients with POAG and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG).
• To compare these levels with those in non-glaucoma control subjects.

Main Methods:

• Aqueous humor samples were collected from 38 patients undergoing cataract surgery (11 PEXG, 12 POAG, 15 controls).
• Selenium levels were quantified using Flow-Injection-Inductively-Coupled-Plasma-DRC-Mass-Spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS).
• Data were analyzed using generalized linear models and quantile regression, adjusting for age and gender.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in mean aqueous humor selenium levels were found between POAG, PEXG, and control groups.
• Quantile regression analysis revealed age- and gender-dependent differences in selenium levels for open-angle glaucoma patients.

Conclusions:

• The study found no direct correlation between aqueous humor selenium concentration and POAG or PEXG.
• Age-specific quantile differences suggest a potential, albeit minor, role for selenium in glaucoma pathogenesis.