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Updated: Jan 27, 2026
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Assessing Early Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma in Patients by Isolated-Check Visual Evoked Potential
Published on: May 25, 2020
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Levels of serum trace elements in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
Alexander Fick1, Anselm Jünemann2, Bernhard Michalke3
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Summary
Serum iron and cadmium levels were elevated in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. These trace elements, along with cobalt and copper, showed gender-specific variations, suggesting a role in POAG development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trace Element Analysis
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Glaucoma is a complex, multifactorial disease.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in glaucoma pathophysiology.
- Trace elements may play a role in glaucoma development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum trace element levels in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.
- To explore the relationship between trace elements and POAG.
- To identify potential biomarkers for POAG.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 22 POAG patients and 18 controls were analyzed.
- Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Spectrometry was used to measure cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc.
- Statistical analysis included ANCOVA to compare groups, considering age and gender effects.
Main Results:
- POAG patients exhibited significantly higher serum iron and cadmium levels compared to controls.
- A gender-specific effect was observed for cadmium, cobalt, copper, and iron.
- Iron levels decreased with age in controls but less so in POAG patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum cadmium and iron levels are associated with POAG.
- Gender influences the levels of several trace elements in POAG patients and controls.
- These findings suggest a potential role for trace elements in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma.
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