Association between genetic polymorphisms of the prostaglandin F2α receptor gene, and response to latanoprost in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension

Aim To examine whether intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction by latanoprost correlates with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the prostaglandin F2 alpha (FP) receptor gene in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OH). Methods The genotype of nine SNPs in the FP receptor gene was determined by direct DNA sequencing, or other techniques, in 82 patients with glaucoma or OH who were treated with latanoprost monotherapy in one eye. The IOP reduction was evaluated by the percent IOP reduction (%Delta IOP), estimated by subtracting IOP fluctuations in the untreated fellow eye. Subjects were classified by %Delta IOP into low responders (%Delta IOP<10%) and others (%Delta IOP >= 10%). The correlation between %Delta IOP and SNPs in the FP receptor gene was analysed. Results Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the rs12093097 was the only significant factor that correlated with %Delta IOP (p=0.039). Among estimated haplotypes, one haplotype that contained the minor allele only in rs3753380, was significantly correlated with low responders even after correction for multiple test (permutation test, p=0.037). Conclusions An association was found between SNPs of the FP receptor gene and the response to latanoprost in patients with glaucoma or OH. The FP receptor genetic polymorphism may influence the degree of IOP reduction by latanoprost in these patients.