Antoni Vallbona-Garcia, Ilse H J Hamers, Florence H J van Tienen, Juan Ochoteco-Asensio, Tos T J M Berendschot, Irenaeus F M de Coo, Birke J Benedikter, Carroll A B Webers, Hubert J M Smeets, Theo G M F Gorgels
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by optic nerve degeneration and irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The pathophysiology is not fully understood. Since RGCs have a high energy demand, suboptimal mitochondrial function may put the survival of these neurons at risk. In the present study, we explored whether mtDNA copy number or mtDNA deletions could reveal a mitochondrial component in POAG pathophysiology. Buffy coat DNA was isolated from EDTA blood of age- and sex-matched study groups, namely POAG patients with high intraocular pressure (IOP) at diagnosis (high tension glaucoma: HTG; n = 97), normal tension glaucoma patients (NTG, n = 37), ocular hypertensive controls (n = 9), and cataract controls (without glaucoma; n = 32), all without remarkable comorbidities...
May 11, 2023: Experimental Eye Research