Multiplex cytokine analysis of aqueous humor in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma, and cataract

• Published in: Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 2012-01, Vol.53 (1), p.241-247
• Main Authors: Takai, Yasuyuki, Tanito, Masaki, Ohira, Akihiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antihypertensive Agents - therapeutic use; Aqueous Humor - metabolism; Cataract - metabolism; Cytokines - metabolism; Exfoliation Syndrome - metabolism; Female; Glaucoma, Open-Angle - drug therapy; Glaucoma, Open-Angle - metabolism; Humans; Immunoassay; Intraocular Pressure; Male; Middle Aged; Serum Amyloid A Protein - metabolism
• ISSN: 1552-5783; 1552-5783
• DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-8434

To measure levels of various inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliation glaucoma (EXG), and senile cataract. Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 64 eyes of 64 Japanese subjects (POAG, 20 eyes; EXG, 23 eyes; and cataract, 21 control eyes). The levels of eight cytokines including interleukin (IL)1-β, IL-6, IL-8, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, serum amyloid A (SAA), migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A were estimated using the multiplex bead immunoassay technique. Compared with the cataract group, the levels of TGF-β1, IL-8, and SAA were significantly higher in aqueous humor samples from the POAG (5.0-fold, 2.3-fold, and 11.9-fold, respectively) and EXG (12.5-fold, 4.0-fold, and 18.3-fold, respectively) groups. Except for a significant decrease in the IL-6 level in the POAG (0.23-fold) group, no other cytokine levels differed in the POAG and EXG groups compared with the cataract group. The levels of TGF-β1, IL-8, and SAA were positively correlated with each other (ρ = 0.723-0.786; P < 0.0001), the intraocular pressure (IOP) (ρ = 0.392-0.662; P < 0.0001-0.0019), and the number of glaucoma medications (ρ = 0.478-0.659; P < 0.0001-0.0001). Cytokine networks including TGF-β1, IL-8, and SAA in aqueous humor may have critical roles in IOP elevations in patients with open-angle glaucoma.