Dysregulated levels of
growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), a divergent member of the transforming
growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, are associated with the pathology of
various diseases. GDF15 is often induced under stress and with aging. The human
trabecular meshwork cells express and secrete GDF15, suggesting its plausible
role in regulating IOP.
In a study performed by Maddala and
colleagues at Duke University, USA, the serum and aqueous humor (AH) levels of
GD15 were compared between glaucoma and non-glaucomatous, cataract populations.
The GDF15 levels in AH and serum samples
from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients were significantly elevated (p
< 0.001 and p < 0.011, respectively) by > 9-fold and 1.5-fold,
respectively, compared to the respective samples derived from non-glaucoma
(cataract) patients. This held true for mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma
patients.
AH GDF15 levels were significantly (p <
0.001) elevated in both male (by 11.6-fold) and female (by 5.4-fold) POAG
patients compared to cataract patients.
For the serum GD15 levels, although there
was an increase (median values: 2228.0 pg/mL, n = 19) in male POAG patients
compared to male cataract patients (1850.0 pg/mL, n = 19), the difference did
not achieve statistical significance (p < 0.148). Serum GDF15 levels in
female POAG patients (n = 22), however, were significantly (p < 0.015)
elevated (by 64%) compared to female cataract patients (n = 13).
This study reveals a significant and marked
elevation of GDF15 levels in the AH of POAG patients compared to non-glaucoma
cataract control patients. This may suggest a role of inflammation in the
causation of glaucoma.
REFERENCE:
Maddala, R.; Ho, L.T.Y.; Karnam, S.;
Navarro, I.; Osterwald, A.; Stinnett, S.S.; Ullmer, C.; Vann, R.R.; Challa, P.;
Rao, P.V. Elevated Levels of Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 in the Aqueous
Humor and Serum of Glaucoma Patients. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 744.
https://doi.org/ 10.3390/jcm11030744
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