Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) Study: gender and risk of POAG in African Americans

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between gender and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) among African Americans and to assess demographic, systemic, and behavioral factors that may contribute to differences between genders. The Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study had a case-control design and included African Americans 35 years and older, recruited from the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Diagnosis of POAG was based on evidence of both glaucomatous optic nerve damage and characteristic visual field loss. Demographic and behavioral information, history of systemic diseases and anthropometric measurements were obtained at study enrollment. Gender differences in risk of POAG were examined using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 2,290 POAG cases and 2,538 controls were included in the study. The percentage of men among cases was higher than among controls (38.6% vs 30.3%, P<0.001). The subjects’ mean age at enrollment was significantly higher for cases compared to controls (70.2±11.3 vs. 61.6±11.8 years, P<0.003). Cases had lower rates of diabetes (40% vs. 46%, P<0.001), higher rates of systemic hypertension (80% vs. 72%, P<0.001), and lower body mass index (BMI) (29.7±6.7 vs. 31.9±7.4, P<0.001) than controls. In the final multivariable model, male gender was significantly associated with POAG risk (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.44–1.87; P<0.001), after adjusting for age, systemic hypertension, diabetes, and BMI. Within the POAAGG study, men were at higher risk of having POAG than women. Pending genetic results from this study will be used to better understand the underlying genetic variations that may account for these differences.

Expression of mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells Upon Mechanical Stretch

“… 83 Furthermore, several epidemiological studies have demonstrated differences in POAG risk between males and females as well as among females at different stages of reproductive capacity, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in POAG pathophysiology. 84 – 86 …”

“…83 Furthermore, several epidemiological studies have demonstrated differences in POAG risk between males and females as well as among females at different stages of reproductive capacity, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in POAG pathophysiology. [84][85][86] Our pathway analysis of the differentially expressed protein-coding genes suggests that steroid metabolism pathways are responsive to cyclic mechanical stretch. Moreover, the mRNA for G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 was differentially expressed in response to cyclic stretch in the RNA-Seq data (an absolute FC = 3.17, P = 2.7E-2) ( Fig.…”

Effects of Consumption of Alcohol on Intraocular Pressure: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010 to 2011

“…Heavy alcohol drinking can cause nerve damage [ 60 ], and glaucoma is a neuropathy of the optic nerve. Other studies [ 61 ] have revealed differences in risk factors and prevalence of glaucoma between men and women. However, the exact mechanism of sex-specific effects remains unclear, and it would be interesting to analyze the effects of alcohol according to sex in association with glaucoma progression in further research.…”

Ocular Hypertension in Blacks

“…[19][20][21] In response to an increased need for the identification of genetic risk factors that underlie elevated IOP in the understudied population of Blacks, the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study was created in 2014 and took place over the course of five years to address these research disparities. [22] This study identified a genetic variation known as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) involved in the homeostasis of the trabecular meshwork. [23] The trabecular meshwork (TM) is located in the anterior portion of the eye and regulates the outflow of the aqueous humor into circulation.…”