Histological Presence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Bacteria in the Trabeculum and Iris of Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the role of Helicobacter pylori in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) pathophysiology by detecting its presence in eye biopsies of POAG patients during trabeculectomy. Patients and Methods: Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent trabeculectomy for POAG not responsive to antiglaucoma therapy, and 35 consecutive anemic controls were examined for H. pylori presence mainly by gastric mucosa histology. In POAG patients, eye biopsies were also obtained and stained for H. pylori presence in situ. Results: Forty-three of 51 (84.3%) POAG patients and 17 of 35 (48.6%) controls were tested H. pylori positive (p = 0.0004). In 5 H. pylori-positive POAG patients, H. pylori bacteria were identified in the trabeculum and iris specimens. Conclusion: For the first time, H. pylori bacteria have been detected histologically in eye biopsies of POAG patients.

Further data on the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and primary open-angle glaucoma

“…In our new study published this year,2 we show for the first time the existence of H. pylori bacteria in the trabeculum and iris specimens of glaucoma patients, thereby further supporting the role for H. pylori infection in the pathophysiology of primary open-angle glaucoma. Specifically, the study included 51 consecutive patients who underwent trabeculectomy for primary open-angle glaucoma not responsive to topical antiglaucoma therapy.…”

Extragastric Manifestations of Helicobacter pylori Infection

“…The authors suggested a variety of underlying mechanisms, including the induction of inflammatory responses, as well as apoptotic processes that could lead to glaucomatic neuropathy. The study of Zavos et al [48] detected H. pylori organisms using cresyl fast violet stain on histology preparations of tissue samples of trabeculum and iris, taken from the patients who underwent surgical trabeculotomy for open-angle glaucoma, and who tested positive for gastric H. pylori infection. In addition, Zavos et al [49] evaluated gastric biopsy specimens from 43 patients with open-angle glaucoma for the presence of H. pylori and expression of genes, involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis (Ki-67, p53, Bcl-2) as well as indices of cellular immune surveillance (T-and B-lymphocytes).…”

Impact of nitric oxide's bidirectional role on glaucoma: focus onHelicobacter pylori–related nitrosative stress

“…Likewise, Hp may access the brain via the oral−nasal−olfactory pathway, leading to neurodegeneration . An original study revealed Hp contamination and neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration in the HTM and iris tissue of glaucomatous patients after surgical intervention. This suggests an Hp ‐I−induced chronic inflammatory process leading to glaucomatous damage.…”