Analysis of microsatellite polymorphisms within the GLC1F locus in Japanese patients with normal tension glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate whether the GLC1F locus is associated with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in Japanese patients. Methods: We recruited 242 unrelated Japanese subjects, including, 141 NTG patients and 101 healthy controls. The patients exhibiting a comparatively early onset were selected as they suggest that genetic factors may show stronger involvement. Genotyping and assessment of allelic diversity was performed on 11 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in and around the GLC1F locus. Results: Individuals carrying the 163 allele of D7S1277i had a statistically significant increased risk of NTG (p=0.0013, pc=0.016, OR=2.47, 95%CI=1.42–4.30). None of the other markers identified significant loci (pc>0.05) after Bonferroni’s correction. Conclusions: These findings suggested that the genes in the GLC1F locus may be associated with the pathogenesis of NTG.