Abstract
Purpose:
The biochemical pathways in the development of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) are poorly understood. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammation may play a role. Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) is a cytokine involved in inflammation and angiogenesis. Therefore, we examined the correlation of vitreous levels of TGFβ and its receptor, Transforming Growth Factor β Receptor (TGFβR) with DME.
Methods:
In-office vitreous aspirates (50-100 μL) were obtained from 20 eyes of 16 patients treated for DME with Anti-VEGF agents during the period between 11/26/08 and 10/22/09 during an IRB approved study. Each vitreous sample was acquired immediately prior to intra-vitreal injection at initiation of treatment. All vitreous samples were investigated utilizing Reverse Phase Protein Microarray (RPPM) technology. Spectral Domain-OCT was conducted preceding treatment and maximum macular thickness (MMT) was determined. Correlation was measured using Pearson’s Analysis.
Results:
20 samples obtained from 20 eyes of 16 subjects were studied. Correlation coefficients between TGFβ and MMT, CMT, and TV were -0.0311, -0.0366, and -0.1123 respectively. TGFβR was found to have correlation coefficients of -0.1428, -0.119, and -0.0297 with MMT, CMT, and TV respectively.
Conclusions:
In-office vitreous sampling reveals an inverse relationship between TGFβ and TGFβR levels with the severity of DME. This suggests that the TGF-beta pathway may be involved in angiogenesis and inflammation in DME and might deserve further investigation.