Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 02, 2024 6 months, 3 weeks, 2 hours, 13 minutes ago
Glaucoma News: Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible disease affecting millions worldwide, leading to blindness if untreated. It involves the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve damage. Despite its prevalence, the exact causes and mechanisms remain largely unknown, with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) identified as a significant risk factor.
Plasma Lactoferrin Levels - A New Biomarker for Glaucoma Severity
Iron Metabolism and Glaucoma
Recent studies covered in this
Glaucoma News report, have suggested a link between iron metabolism and glaucoma. High intraocular pressure disrupts normal iron homeostasis, potentially causing iron-induced cell death in retinal ganglion cells. Elevated levels of serum iron and ferritin, particularly in diets rich in iron, have been associated with a higher incidence of glaucoma. These findings hint at the role of iron dysregulation in glaucoma's development.
Lactoferrin: A Key Player in Iron Metabolism
Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein, has emerged as a critical regulator of iron metabolism. Found predominantly in bodily fluids and neutrophil granules, Lf controls iron absorption and transport, maintaining iron balance. It has been implicated in various conditions related to iron dysregulation, such as Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), but its role in glaucoma remained unexplored until now.
Study Objective and Methods
This study by researchers from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu-China and Sichuan University-China, aimed to explore the potential link between plasma Lf levels and glaucoma. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 161 glaucoma patients and 115 healthy controls, with a follow-up of 14 subjects over two years. Plasma Lf levels were measured using ELISA, and the data were analyzed to compare levels between glaucoma patients and healthy controls and across different glaucoma severity stages.
Key Findings
-Elevated Plasma Lactoferrin Levels in Glaucoma Patients
The study found that glaucoma patients had significantly higher plasma Lf levels compared to healthy controls. This elevation was consistent across both primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) groups, although no significant difference was noted between these two glaucoma types.
-Correlation with Disease Severity
Higher plasma Lf levels were associated with more severe glaucoma stages. This was determined using two classification systems: the H-P-A and AGIS systems. Furthermore, increased Lf levels correlated with reduced retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and higher vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR), indicating greater optic nerve damage.
Diagnostic Potential of Lactoferrin
Receiver operating characteristi
c (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated Lf's effectiveness in distinguishing between early and advanced stages of glaucoma. Lf showed good diagnostic accuracy, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for disease severity and progression.
The Multifaceted Role of Lactoferrin - Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Lf's role extends beyond iron regulation. It has antioxidant properties, reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and acting as a ROS scavenger, protecting DNA from oxidative damage. Given that oxidative stress contributes significantly to glaucoma progression, Lf's antioxidant function may play a protective role.
Systemic and Local Inflammation
Systemic inflammation has been implicated in glaucoma's pathogenesis. Markers like neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are elevated in glaucoma patients. Lf, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, could help mitigate inflammation in glaucoma, offering another layer of protection.
A Promising Biomarker
The study highlighted Lf's potential as a peripheral blood biomarker for glaucoma. Its ease of measurement, cost-effectiveness, and ability to reflect disease severity make it a valuable tool for early detection and monitoring. This is particularly beneficial for elderly patients who may find traditional diagnostic methods challenging.
Limitations and Future Directions
While promising, the study has limitations. The sample size for follow-up was small, and the study was conducted at a single center. Future research with larger, diverse populations and longer follow-up periods is needed to validate these findings. Additionally, exploring the mechanisms linking Lf and glaucoma will provide deeper insights.
Conclusion: Towards Better Glaucoma Management
This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of plasma lactoferrin in glaucoma patients, revealing its significant association with disease severity. Lf levels could serve as a novel biomarker for glaucoma, aiding in early detection, monitoring, and potentially guiding treatment strategies. As research progresses, understanding the multifaceted role of Lf could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in glaucoma management.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Frontiers In Medicine.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1385358/full
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