Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is the most common identifiable condition leading to the development of open angle glaucoma. During cataract surgery aqueous humour samples were obtained from 25 consecutive eyes of 25 patients with XFS and an equal number of controls. We investigated the concentration of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the aqueous humour with and without XFS. The activity of growth factor was referred to as a percentage of the effect of foetal calf serum. Ascorbic acid concentration, a major antioxidant in the eye, was assessed with a microplate assay method. The increased concentrations of ET-1 and growth factor, and the depression of ascorbic acid in the aqueous humour of XFS patients provide evidence suggesting the possible role of the oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of XFS.
Scripta Scientifica Medica 2007;39(1):11-14