Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

Background: Glaucoma constitutes a serious health problem in Nigeria and beyond. It is a leading cause of bilateral blindness and its burden remains high. There is a paucity of literature on the levels of circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in health and disease among Africans. In addition, the dynamics and reasons for variation in the levels of BDNF in the local population of glaucoma patients are yet to be demonstrated. Objective: This study determined the circulating level of BDNF and factors associated with it among glaucoma patients. Materials and Methods: Serum concentration of BDNF and other oculo-visual and sociodemographic characteristics were determined in glaucoma patients and controls. Data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Results: Forty-four adult glaucoma patients of both sexes and 41 nonglaucoma controls matched for age and sex with an average age of about 50 years were studied. BDNF level among the glaucoma patients was higher (2.578 ± 1.394) than that of the controls (1.745 ± 0.707) (t = 3.436, P = 0.001). Glaucoma patients who were blind had the lowest levels of circulating BDNF (P = 0.022); the level of BDNF in the naïve patients (not yet placed on medication) is about five times less than in those patients placed on medication (P = 0.001). Circulating BDNF was associated with glaucoma treatment among the patients. Conclusion: The level of circulating BDNF in primary open angle glaucoma patients on treatment is high than those who were not on treatment. It influenced by coexisting medical conditions.