Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a marker of damage to cells in the eyes of glaucoma patients that could potentially be used to monitor progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
Studying mice and rat models, and fluid removed from the eyes of patients with glaucoma, researchers reportedly identified a biomarker called growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) that seems to correlate with disease severity in patients. This particular marker reportedly measures stress to the cells rather than cell death, providing the potential to save those cells to preserve vision.
The study was recently published online in the journal JCI Insight.
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Source: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis