Levels of Zinc, Iron, and Copper in the Aqueous Humor of Patients with Primary Glaucoma

作者：Yangjiani Li, Yangjiani Li, Zhe Liu, Zhidong Li, Yingting Zhu, Shuxin Liang, Hongtao Liu, Jingfei Xue, Jicheng Lin, Ye Deng, Caibin Deng, Simei Zeng, Yehong Zhuo, Yiqing Li, Yiqing Li · 发表于：Biomolecules · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3390/biom15070962 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Glaucoma and retinal disorders、Connexins and lens biology、Trace Elements in Health

BACKGROUND: This case-control study evaluated the concentrations of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary glaucoma, and their relationships with clinical factors. METHODS: This study enrolled 100 patients with primary glaucoma and categorized them into subtypes: acute angle-closure crisis (AACC), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). A total of 67 patients with senile cataract were enrolled as controls. Their AH samples and clinical information were obtained. RESULTS: In primary glaucoma, Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations increased, especially in AACC group; Zn, Fe, and Cu were positively correlated mutually; and decreased Zn/Fe and increased Fe/Cu were observed. The number of quadrants with closed anterior chamber angle on gonioscopy was positively associated with Fe and Cu levels in AACC and with Zn and Cu levels in PACG. In POAG, we found negative associations between Zn and the number of quadrants with retinal nerve fiber layer thinning on optical coherence tomography, Fe and age, and Cu and the cup-to-disc ratio. Trace metals showed high efficiency in discriminating primary glaucoma from controls. CONCLUSIONS: Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations in patients with primary glaucoma increased and were associated with clinical factors, acting as potential biomarkers.