Complement System Proteins in the Human Aqueous Humor and Their Association with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Proteomics

Background:

• The complement system, a crucial part of innate immunity, plays a role in various ocular diseases.
• Understanding the complement protein profile in aqueous humor is vital for elucidating the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify complement proteins in human aqueous humor.
• To investigate the association between aqueous humor complement protein profiles and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
• To explore racial and sexual disparities in these associations.

Main Methods:

• Proteomic analysis of aqueous humor samples from human subjects.
• Quantification of 32 complement proteins, including active proteins, regulators, and receptors.
• Comparative analysis between POAG patients and cataract controls, stratified by race and sex.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two complement proteins were highly abundant in aqueous humor.
• Significant alterations in complement proteins were observed in POAG patients, with F2 upregulated and C8G, C6, CFH downregulated.
• Distinct complement protein changes were noted in African American, Caucasian, male, and female cohorts with POAG.

Conclusions:

• The aqueous humor complement protein profile differs significantly in POAG patients.
• Identified complement proteins and their alterations may serve as potential biomarkers for POAG diagnosis and progression.
• These findings support the development of targeted therapies modulating the complement system for ocular disorders.