[Neuroprotection with carotenoids in glaucoma].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the paper was to assess the place of the natural carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin) in glaucoma optic neuropathy.


METHODS
For this purpose, we carried out an experimental and prospective study, during 3 months, on 8 laboratory animals (Guinea pigs), which we increased the IOP, in both eyes, by cautery of two episcleral vessels. The animals were divided into treatment in two groups: the group I (5 Guinea pigs) which we modified their usual diets by adding 2 cps/day of IcapsL (6 mg lutein/zeaxanthin) and the group II (3 Guinea pigs)--control group, without increasing the diet with lutein and zeaxanthin. The statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test.


RESULTS
Before the cautery of episcleral vessels, the mean IOP was 16.8 mm Hg in group I and 16.5 mm Hg in the group II; after the cautery of episcleral vessels, the mean IOP was 26.2 mm Hg in group I and 25.9 mm Hg in the group II (p = 0.004). At the end of the study, the levels of serum lutein were 0.64 mumol/L in group I and 0.22 mumol/L in group II. The loss of retinal ganglion cells was 18.9% in group I and 29.7% in martor group, in correlation with the cup/disc ratio: 0.37, respectively 0.51. Also, in the group II, the increase of IOP was associated at the myelin portion of optic nerve head with axonal degeneration in peripheral regions.


CONCLUSIONS
Glaucoma optic neuropathy has a multifactorial pathogenesis, including the oxidative stress. Lutein and zeaxanthin, with its strong antioxidative effects, can represent a viable solution in the complex treatment of glaucoma.
Neacşu
Alina
A
Oprean
Carmen
C
Curea
M
M
Tuchilă
Gabriela
G
Trifu
M
M
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000975:Antioxidants; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D002338:Carotenoids