Aqueous Humor Proteomic Alterations Associated with Visual Field Index Parameters in Glaucoma Patients: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Proteomics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Visual field indices are crucial for assessing glaucoma severity.
• Understanding the molecular basis of glaucoma is essential for developing new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify changes in aqueous humor proteins associated with visual field indices in glaucoma patients.
• To explore the relationship between specific proteins and parameters like Pattern Standard Deviation (PSD), Visual Field Index (VFI), Mean Deviation (MD), and Glaucoma Hemifield Test (GHT).

Main Methods:

• Aqueous humor samples were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Visual fields were assessed using the Humphrey Visual Field analyzer.
• Statistical analyses identified correlations between protein levels and visual field parameters.

Main Results:

• 222 proteins were identified in 49 aqueous humor samples.
• Significant correlations were found between 11, 9, 7, and 6 proteins and PSD, VFI, MD, and GHT, respectively.
• Key proteins identified include apolipoprotein D, complement pathway components (C1S, C4A, C4B, C8B, CD14), and immunoglobulins (IKHV3-9, IGKV2-28).

Conclusions:

• Proteins involved in immune responses and neurodegeneration are associated with abnormal visual field parameters in glaucoma.
• These identified proteins serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
• Further research can elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms linking these proteins to glaucoma progression.