This study was performed to determine the levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
(PAI-1), transforming growth factor ß2 (TGFß2) and total protein in the aqueous
humour of patients with glaucoma versus those without glaucoma. A total of 30
aqueous humour samples were collected from patients with glaucoma and cataract
(20 glaucoma aqueous samples and 10 cataractaqueous samples). The levels of PAI-1 and TGFß2 were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while
total protein levels by the Bradford method. There was a significant increase in the
aqueous levels of PAI-1, TGFB2 and total protein in the glaucoma group compared
to the cataract group. Further analysis of the glaucoma group showed a significant
increase in the levels of PAI-1, TGFß2 in patients with late compared to patients with
early open angle glaucoma. There was a significant positive correlation between the
levels of PAI-1 and total protein in patients with glaucoma. Also a significant positive
correlation was detected between PAI-1 and TGFß2 in both glaucoma groups. These
data are consistent with the possibility that intraocularly produced PAI-1 may
contribute to glaucoma pathogenesis. So, reducing the production or activity of PAI-1
in the eye could constitute a new targetfor the design of glaucoma therapy.