Distinct iris gene expression profiles of primary angle closure glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma and their interaction with ocular biometric parameters

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate differences in iris gene expression profiles between primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and their interaction with biometric characteristics. DESIGN: Prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty‐five subjects with PACG and thirty‐three subjects with POAG who required trabeculectomy were enrolled at the Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore. METHODS: Iris specimens, obtained by iridectomy, were analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for expression of type I collagen, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, ‐B and ‐C, as well as VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) 1 and 2. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) imaging for biometric parameters, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and lens vault (LV), was also performed pre‐operatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relative mRNA levels between PACG and POAG irises, biometric measurements, discriminant analyses using genes and biometric parameters. RESULTS: COL1A1, VEGFB, VEGFC and VEGFR2 mRNA expression was higher in PACG compared to POAG irises. LV, ACD and ACV were significantly different between the two subgroups. Discriminant analyses based on gene expression, biometric parameters or a combination of both gene expression and biometrics (LV and ACV), correctly classified 94.1%, 85.3% and 94.1% of the original PACG and POAG cases, respectively. The discriminant function combining genes and biometrics demonstrated the highest accuracy in cross‐validated classification of the two glaucoma subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct iris gene expression supports the pathophysiological differences that exist between PACG and POAG. Biometric parameters can combine with iris gene expression to more accurately define PACG from POAG.