Serum oxidant/antioxidant balance in exfoliation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship between the serum oxidant-antioxidant balance and the presence of exfoliation syndrome (XFS) in a prospective study.

METHODS: The study group comprised 27 cases of XFS. Serum concentrations of myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, vitamins A, C and E, catalase and total antioxidant were measured and compared with an independent group by t-test.

RESULTS: Serum myeloperoxidase, vitamins A and E, catalase and total antioxidant parameters were not statistically different among the groups (P >0.05). Serum vitamin C concentrations were significantly lower and malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly higher in cases of XFS when compared with the control group (P=0.008 and P=0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION: An altered oxidant-antioxidant balance may play a role in the pathogenesis of XFS.