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We compared the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the aqueous humor of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and non-glaucomatous patients. Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 22 patients just before trabeculectomy for clinically uncontrolled POAG (POAG group). Aqueous humor (0.1 mL) was aspirated by inserting a 26-gauge needle into the anterior chamber. The same procedure was performed for 22 non-glaucomatous patients just before cataract surgery (control group). Immediately after collection, the aqueous humor was stored at -20° C. The concentration of hyaluronic acid was determined by a sensitive, noncompetitive and nonisotopic fluoroassay. The median (range) concentrations of hyaluronic acid of the POAG and control groups were 298.4 μg L-1 (99.0-743.7 μg L-1 ) and 545.1 μg L-1 (145.0-2366.0 μg L-1 ), respectively. The difference in concentrations of hyaluronic acid between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the aqueous humor in POAG patients is lower than in non-glaucomatous patients. Further studies are necessary to determine the role of hyaluronic acid in the pathophysiology of POAG.
Dr. E.V. Navajas, Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Rua Botucatu 820, Sao Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil. edunavajas@oftalmo.epm.br
2.6.3 Compostion (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma > 2.6 Aqueous humor dynamics)