The SPARC-related modular calcium binding protein 2 () gene polymorphism in primary glaucoma: a case-control study.

Primary glaucomas are among the most common eye diseases that may potentially result in bilateral blindness. Both genetics and environmental factors are reported to be involved in the etiology of primary glaucomas. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding protein 2 (SMOC2) is a matricellular glycoprotein encoded by the gene and known to regulate the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play an important role in the pathogenesis of primary glaucomas.

Association of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism with primary glaucoma in Saudi population.

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a critical enzyme in folate metabolism is involved in DNA synthesis, DNA repair and DNA methylation. The functional polymorphism of MTHFR gene, C677T has been shown to impact various diseases and implicated as a risk factor for the development of various neurodegenerative disorders including glaucoma.

Methods: We investigated MTHFR C677T genotypes and alleles frequencies in primary glaucoma [primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG)] patients and matched healthy controls in a case-control study.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms and primary glaucoma in Saudis.

Purpose: The frequencies of apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles and genotypes were examined in 230 Saudi subjects including primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG; n=60) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG; n=40) patients as well as 130 control subjects.

Methods: The presence of glaucoma in patients was based on clinical examination and/or ophthalmic records. The APOE allele frequency (epsilon2, epsilon3, and epsilon4) was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by reverse-hybridization and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques.