Serum and Aqueous Humor Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal Tension Glaucoma

Abstract

PurposeThis study designed to compare the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum and aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).MethodsThis prospective, observational study consists of 30 patients with POAG, 30 patients with NTG, and 30 healthy controls. The serum and AH BDNF levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsBDNF levels in serum and AH were markedly lower in the glaucoma groups (POAG and NTG) than in the control group (p < 0.05). When comparing the NTG and POAG groups, the average serum BDNF level was significantly lower in the NTG group than in the POAG group (p < 0.05). The difference in the mean BDNF levels in AH between the POAG and NTG groups was not statistically significant. (p = 0.538).ConclusionWe confirmed that serum BDNF levels were lower in patients with NTG than in those with POAG. BDNF could be a causative systemic biomarker in NTG.