Helicobacter pylori infection and primary open-angle glaucoma: is there a connection?

Abstract

Fani Tsolaki1, Eleni Gogaki1, Filippos Sakkias1, Christina Skatharoudi1, Chrysanthi Lopatatzidi1, Vassilios Tsoulopoulos1, Stefania Lampoura1, Fotios Topouzis2, Magdalini Tsolaki3, Jannis Kountouras41Ophthalmology Department, Hippokrateion Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 2Ophthalmology Department, 3Department of Neurology, 4Gastroenterology Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokrateion Hospital, Thessaloniki, GreeceAbstract: Glaucoma, the most common form of which is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), is a neurodegenerative disease which is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. Among the factors that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disease is infection with Helicobacter pylori. This alleged association has caused a great deal of scientific discussion during the past decade, as the establishment of such a correlation might lead to therapeutic applications for all glaucoma patients. In this review, we assess all relevant major studies and trials in an effort to elucidate the issue.Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, primary open-angle glaucoma, apoptosis