Serum homocysteine, vitamin B 12 and folic acid levels in different types of glaucoma.
BACKGROUND
This study was performed to compare levels of serum homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12 and folic acid in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG), normotensive glaucoma (NTG) and healthy controls.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with POAG, 24 with PEXG, and 18 with NTG, along with 19 control healthy subjects were included this prospective study. Levels of serum Hcy were measured using immunoassay, and those of serum vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured using competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.


RESULTS
The mean Hcy concentration in the PEXG group was significantly higher (P < 0.001) as compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences with respect to the mean Hcy concentrations among other groups (P > 0.05). There were no statistical differences in serum vitamin B12 levels among POAG, PEXG, NTG and control subjects (P > 0.05). The mean serum folic acid level was significantly lower in the subjects with PEXG (P < 0.009). However, the mean folic acid concentrations among the other groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated levels of Hcy in PEXG may explain the role of endothelial dysfunction among patients with PEXG.
Cumurcu
Tongabay
T
Department of Ophthalmology, Gaziosmanpasa University, School of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey. tongabay@superonline.com
Sahin
Semsettin
S
Aydin
Erdinc
E
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000097:blood*; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000097:blood; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*
D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12