Proteomic analysis of aqueous humor from patients with primary open angle glaucoma

Purpose: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness on a global level. Researchers have yet to specify the exact mechanisms of POAG; the respective relationships between POAG and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), as well as optic neuropathy, remain particularly unclear. It is known, however, that the expression profile for some proteins in the aqueous humor (AH) changes in some diseases, and that AH changes play important roles in elevated IOP. To identify the possible roles of these AH proteins in POAG, a proteomic analysis of the AH compositions of POAG patients' eyes was performed and compared with those derived from paired, non-POAG cataract (control) eyes. Methods: We used Bradford's method to determine total protein concentration in AH, and analyzed separation profiles via two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. We used silver stain to determine gel proteins, and analyzed separation profiles to assess spot density differences between POAG and non-POAG patients. These gel spots were isolated and identified via mass spectrometry. Prostaglandin H2 D-isomerase (PGDS) in AH were analyzed by western Blotting. Results: There was no significant difference between the total protein concentration in AH of POAG patients and that in AH of non-POAG patients. A total of seven spots were increased in 2D gels from POAG patients. The spots were derived from PGDS, caspase 14 precursor, transthyretin, cystain C, albumin precursor, and tranferrin. And PGDS in AH from patients was more than from controls. Conclusions: The protein composition in AH was significantly different in POAG patients versus non-POAG patients. The identified proteins could be a potential biomarker for POAG and may play a role in the mechanisms of elevated IOP and optic neuropathy in POAG.