Abnormal levels of aqueous humor trace elements in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the alterations of trace elements levels in aqueous humor of patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR). Methods A total of 15 eyes of 11 patients with CMVR and 24 eyes of 24 patients with senile cataract as control group were enrolled. Aqueous humor samples were assessed for calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), and lead (Pb) by using inductively coupled-plasma-mass-spectrometry. Meanwhile, we examined the concentration of the CMV DNA load by using PCR and the concentration of interleukin (IL)-8 by using a cytometric bead array. Results In patients with CMVR, the aqueous humor levels of P and Cu were significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). However, levels of K and Mg were significantly lower in patients with CMVR (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The Spearman correlation test showed that the concentration of IL-8 in the aqueous humor was significantly associated with the aqueous level of Cu (p = 0.009, r = 0.646) and Se (p = 0.031, r = 0.558). In addition, the concentration of CMV DNA load in the aqueous humor was significantly associated with the aqueous level of Ca (p = 0.027, r = −0.568), Mn (p = 0.020, r = 0.593), and Cu (p = 0.043, r = 0.527). Conclusions Our preliminary results demonstrated that the abnormal aqueous levels of trace elements (P and Cu) in CMVR patients. Thus, the roles of trace element changes in the development of CMVR and the influence of intraocular trace element for the prognosis of CMVR warrant further investigations.

Homeostatic alterations related to total antioxidant capacity, elemental concentrations and isotopic compositions in aqueous humor of glaucoma patients

“…2 . Concentrations found agree with the results reported in the literature for healthy individuals [ 14 , 35 ]. The data distribution as assessed using Shapiro-Wilk’s test showed a normal distribution within the control population for almost all elements investigated, except for Cu and Fe.…”

“…On the other hand, phosphorus is crucial for numerous normal physiological functions, involving energy transfer through mitochondrial metabolism and cell signalling, among others [39]. Specifically, increased aqueous humor P levels and lower Mg levels were found in cytomegalovirus retinitis patients as compared to controls [14]. Also, higher aqueous humor P levels were reported in diabetic subjects with proliferative diabetic retinopathy [40].…”

“…Particularly, higher Co, Fe, Zn, and Cd levels have been found in the aqueous humor of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients compared to a control population, whereas Cu levels were significantly reduced in the AMD group [ 13 ]. In contrast, higher levels of Cu have been reported in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis [ 14 ]. Additionally, significant differences have been found for both Zn and Fe levels between glaucoma patients and control subjects, supporting the hypothesis that in this ocular fluid, deviating trace element concentrations might signal problems and may thus also provide a more profound insight into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative eye diseases [ 15 ].…”

Evaluation of Trace Elements in Patients with Senile Cataract

“…Because of this, an increase in zinc concentration is observed in the patients with senile cataract. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] The results of the study show that the concentration of copper was higher in patients with senile cataract as compared to normal people. 17 It was noted that the normal range for zinc concentration in blood samples of normal people was found to be less than 1.1 mg/dL.…”

“…As a result, magnesium shortage has been linked to an increase in oxidative stress and inducible NOS activation, which can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] The results found that the concentration of magnesium was lower in patients with senile cataract as compared to normal people. It was noted that the normal range for magnesium concentration in blood samples of normal people was found to be more than 1.8 mg/dL.…”