Abstract
Purpose: :
The role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEX) is still not known. Previous studies have shown an increase in the expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in the aqueous humor of eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. The level of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in aqueous humor has not been studied before. G-CSF is produced by endothelium, macrophages and a number of other immune cells. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce and release granulocytes and stem cells into the blood.
Methods: :
Aqueous humor was collected during trabeculectomy (n=48) or cataract surgery (n=12) and stored at 80 degrees centigrade below zero. 32 patients had POAG, 16 had PEX and 12 had no signs of glaucoma. Aqueous humor samples were analyzed for G-CSF using the Luminex 200 multiplex bead immunoassay. The data was statistically evaluated using the U-test of Mann, Whitney and Wilcoxon.
Results: :
G-CSF levels in aqueous humor were 28.40 ± 7.04 pg/ml for patients with no glaucoma, 47.34 ± 38.99 pg/ml for patients with POAG and 143.34 ± 201.49 pg/ml for patients with PEX. The differences between the three groups were statistically significant.
Conclusions: :
Our results may have significance for the understanding of the pathophysiology of POAG and PEX. Overexpression of G-CSF might be a reason for PEX or an effect of PEX. Further studies will be necessary to fully understand the significance of G-CSF in glaucoma.
Clinical Trial: :
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01115218
Keywords: cytokines/chemokines • pathobiology • wound healing