Objective:
To investigate the association between epigenetic age acceleration and the rate of glaucoma progression in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.
Key Findings:
- Fast progressors exhibited significantly greater epigenetic age acceleration compared to slow progressors (Horvath: mean difference = 2.93 years, P<.001; Hannum: mean difference = 1.24 years, P=.045).
- Each additional year of Horvath AgeAccel increased the odds of fast progression by 15% (P<.001).
- In patients with no history of elevated IOP, the mean age acceleration was almost five years for the Horvath clock.
Interpretation:
The study suggests that biological aging, as indicated by epigenetic age, may contribute to optic nerve susceptibility in glaucoma beyond traditional risk factors like intraocular pressure.
Limitations:
- The study is retrospective and requires prospective validation.
- Further research is needed to establish causality and explore therapeutic interventions.
Conclusion:
Incorporating epigenetic aging metrics into predictive models may help identify fast progressors in glaucoma, with potential implications for neuroprotective therapies.
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