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Association between Circulating Ketone Bodies and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Related Ocular Parameters
Jianqi Chen1, Zhirong Wang2, Shuifeng Deng3
1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
Ophthalmology Science
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Higher ketone body levels are linked to increased primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) risk and related eye changes. These findings suggest ketone bodies could be biomarkers for glaucoma susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Metabolomics
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Ketone bodies are crucial metabolic intermediates with dual neuroprotective and pro-oxidative roles.
- The specific involvement of ketone bodies in glaucoma pathogenesis remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between circulating ketone bodies and the incidence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
- To investigate the relationship between ketone bodies and ocular parameters like intraocular pressure (IOP) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness.
Main Methods:
- A combined cross-sectional and prospective cohort study utilizing UK Biobank data.
- Quantification of circulating ketone bodies via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics.
- Statistical analyses included Cox proportional hazards models for POAG incidence and linear regression for ocular parameters.
Main Results:
- Higher circulating ketone body levels were significantly associated with an increased incidence of POAG (HR: 1.93).
- Elevated ketone bodies correlated with higher baseline IOP (β = 1.84) and thinner GCC thickness (β = -1.62 pre-adjustment, β = -1.48 post-adjustment).
- These associations suggest a partially IOP-independent link between ketone bodies and glaucoma phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Elevated circulating ketone body levels are linked to a higher risk of POAG and associated ocular changes.
- Circulating ketone bodies may serve as a potential biomarker for systemic metabolic dysregulation contributing to POAG susceptibility.
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