Evaluation of the effect of autophagy on pseudoexfoliation syndrome

ObjectivePseudoexfoliation syndrome is a systemic disease of unknown etiology, seen in advanced ages, characterized by extracellular material accumulation in ocular tissues and visceral organs. Autophagy, which is a basic metabolic pathway, provides macromolecule recycling of the cell and maintains cell homeostasis by adapting to the cell's stress environment. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between specific mechanisms of autophagy and pseudoexfoliation syndrome.MethodsIn this prospective-controlled study, anterior capsulorhexis materials obtained during cataract surgery were immunohistochemically compared between eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome using Image Tool Software for possible changes in autophagy, in terms of expression levels of Beclin 1, ATG5, ATG6, ATG12, p62, and LC3A/B autophagy markers.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between the anterior capsulorhexis materials of eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome, in terms of expression levels of some specific autophagy markers.ConclusionOur study may gain importance as it is the first study in which Beclin 1, ATG5, ATG6, ATG12, p62, and LC3A/B autophagy markers are examined prospectively in the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome, comprehensively and with a control group.