ABSTRACT
Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a refractory glaucoma secondary to retinal ischemic disease. The ischemic retina produces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other cytokines, leading to the formation of neovascularization in the iris and the angle. The neovascularization membrane blocks the angle or pulls and closes the angle, resulting in a sharp increase in intraocular pressure. The combination of anti VEGF drugs, panretinal photocoagulation and surgery to lower intraocular pressure can control the intraocular pressure of some patients and even retain some visual function. However, the treatment of NVG is still challenging and requires long-term follow-up. At present, there is no high-level evidence to guide NVG treatment. To carry out randomized controlled clinical trials comparing different treatment options may provide evidence for guiding the treatment of NVG.
ABSTRACT
Aqueous humor (AH) proteins are involved in many physiological and pathological processes of the eye. The proteome analysis of AH is important to understand its physiological and pathophysiological functions. In the present study, AH samples obtained from 21 cataract volunteers were pooled together. After high-pH RPLC offline separation, the pooled sample was analyzed by LC-MS/MS to provide a comprehensive profile of AH proteome. The function analysis was provided by the GO and IPA annotation. In order to determine whether the AH proteome can reflect the pathophysiological changes of the disease, DIA technology was used to analyze the AH samples obtained from three neovascular glaucoma (NVG) patients (six samples) before and after drug treatment. The differential proteins were validated by PRM technology in an independent group (14 samples). In the AH proteome database, 802 proteins were identified, and 318 proteins were identified for the first time. Furthermore, 480 proteins were quantified based on the peak intensity-based semiquantification (iBAQ), which ranged by approximately 7 orders of magnitude. These proteins are primarily involved in immunity- and inflammation-related pathways. The differential AH proteomic analysis in NVG treatment revealed that the AH proteome can reflect the pathophysiological changes of drug treatment. Angiogenesis and thrombus coagulation progression are deeply involved in NVG treatment. The present experiment provided a comprehensive AH proteome analysis and expanded the profile of human AH proteome. The differential AH proteomic analysis of NVG treatment indicated that AH proteome can reflect the pathophysiological changes in drug intervention.
