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Histocompatibility antigens and primary open-angle glaucoma. A reassessment
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) shows no significant Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) antigen differences in Black individuals. White populations showed inconsistent HLA antigen associations, suggesting weaker links than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system's role in POAG pathogenesis is debated.
- Previous studies suggested associations between specific HLA antigens and POAG.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HLA antigen profiles and POAG in different ethnic groups.
- To clarify the role of HLA antigens in POAG development.
Main Methods:
- Histocompatibility (HLA) antigen typing was performed on 306 carefully studied and classified patients.
- Analysis included Black individuals and two distinct white populations with POAG, compared to control subjects.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in HLA antigen prevalences were found between Black individuals with POAG and Black controls.
- One white POAG population showed a significant decrease in HLA-A1 and increases in HLA-Aw31 and HLA-B7/Bw22.
- These specific HLA associations were not replicated in a second white POAG cohort.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find strong associations between HLA antigen system loci A and B and POAG in Black individuals.
- Inconsistent findings in white populations suggest that HLA antigen associations with POAG may be less significant than previously reported.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex genetic factors contributing to POAG.