It is believed that one of the main blood enzymes that hydrolyzes oxidized lipids incorporated in lipoproteins is the calcium-dependent hydrolase of paraoxonase 1, which has a significant antioxidant effect depending on the polymorphism of the PON1 gene.

PURPOSE

To genotype patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by the Q192R polymorphism of the PON1 gene in order to identify their genetic predisposition to dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, as well as to determe the possibility of correcting the reduced activity of the PON1 enzyme in the examined individuals by the complex drug Cytoflavin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 25 men with advanced POAG, IOP compensated by hypotonic agents, and 20 volunteers without POAG (mean age 63.0±5.4 years). All subjects underwent genotyping by the Q192R polymorphism of the PON1 gene using an analyzer. PON1 activity was assessed by the rate of nitrophenol formation when paraoxone diluted in acetone was added to the blood plasma. At the second stage, patients (of different phenotypes) were prescribed the complex drug Cytoflavin.

RESULTS

Homozygous carriers of the 192R allele were found to have significantly lower levels of PON1 activity than homozygous carriers of the Q192 allele. Carriage of the 192R allele may determine an increased risk of atherosclerotic injury in patients with POAG, especially in cases with high levels of atherogenic blood lipoproteins, low levels of high-density lipoproteins, or high levels of peroxidized lipids in the blood. The drug Cytoflavin showed a positive therapeutic effect on oxidative stress and hypercholesterinemia in POAG patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings can be used to determine the atherogenicity of lipoproteins and the progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and to optimize the therapy of PAHO.