Visual Field Progression is Associated with Systemic Concentration of Macrophage Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate the associations between endothelin-1 (ET-1) and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels and visual field (VF) progression in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study in 71 patients with NTG. Blood samples from all subjects were assayed for ET-1 and MCP-1 concentrations, and baseline ophthalmic examinations, including the VF, were performed. Baseline data were compared with follow-up data over 3 years. Results: After 3 years of follow-up, 14 of the 71 patients showed VF progression, and the systemic MCP-1 level was significantly associated with VF progression (r = 0.318, p = 0.007). Multiple regression analysis showed that VF progression was significantly associated with MCP-1 (odds ratio, OR = 1.021, 95% CI = 1.003–1.040; p = 0.020) and optic disc hemorrhage (ODH; OR = 1.573; 95% CI = 1.140–2.170; p = 0.023). Conclusions: Systemic MCP-1 levels were associated with VF progression in patients with NTG.