Serum Alpha-1-Antitriypsin Levels in Patients with Pseudoexfolative Syndrome

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the levels of serum alpha 1-antitrypsin in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and healthy control subjects without PEX. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four patient with PEX and 40 healthy control subjects (84 subjects total) were enrolled into the study. Serum ATT levels were measured using nephelometry. RESULTS: The mean serum AAT concentration in PEX group was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Serum AAT levels were found to be increased in patients with PEX. Increased serum AAT levels in PEX may explain the role of inflammation in this group of patients.