Glaucoma and Helicobacter Pylori Infection. Correlations and Controversies.
Résumé
Background The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and glaucoma has been examined in various studies. The results have been conflicting, alternatively demonstrating or refuting an increased prevalence of HP infection in glaucoma patients. Because both diseases have a dramatically high prevalence in the population, we deem it of interest to analyse whether or not a relationship between these conditions is conceivable. Materials and Methods We carried out a critical review of the main available studies on this topic, and compared the published results with our recent experimental and clinical findings. Results Many authors have ascertained the existence of increased oxidative stress at the systemic level in HP-infected subjects, and recent studies have demonstrated the pathogenetic role of oxidative stress in glaucoma. Moreover, HP infection determines oxidative damage not only in the gastric mucosa but also at the systemic level, resulting in damage to several organs, including ocular tissues. Conclusion The oxidative damage induced by HP infection could in principle contribute to progression of the damage to the trabecular meshwork and optic nerve associated with glaucoma, albeit within the framework of a multi-factorial pathogenesis. Discrepancies among the results available in the literature may often be ascribed to differences in the study designs and methods used to analyse HP-infection status.
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