Abstract
Purpose: :
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteins have been identified within choroidal neovascular membranes in eyes with wet AMD. Furthermore, MMP-9 has been described to have levels in the vitreous and subretinal fluid (SRF) that correlate with the extent and duration of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In this study, in-office vitreous aspirates were evaluated for MMP-9 levels in eyes with wet AMD and SRF to determine if this marker correlates with SRF levels and also could be used to predict the progression of disease.
Methods: :
In-office vitreous samples were obtained at multiple visits from two groups (n=12) of patients with different wet AMD morphology (Group 1: retinal thickening and SRF (n=6) and Group 2: retinal thickening without SRF (n=6)). Vitreous MMP-9 levels were analyzed using reverse phase protein microarray technology. MMP-9 levels were then compared with SRF measurements and retinal thickness using spectral domain OCT over multiple time points.
Results: :
A total of 62 vitreous samples were obtained from both groups. In Group 1, the average MMP-9 level in the vitreous was found to be significantly higher than in Group2 (p = 0.0125). Within the SRF group, there was a positive correlation between vitreous MMP-9 and SRF levels. The resulting MMP-9 levels from the SRF group were used to develop a SRF level prediction model.
Conclusions: :
These results reveal that, in this series of wet AMD patients, those with SRF have higher levels of MMP-9 in the vitreous versus the subset without SRF. The MMP-9 levels from in-office vitreous aspirates not only correlate with SRF levels but also predict the progression of AMD. Therefore, the Vitreous Proteome MMP-9 levels may play an important role in advancing the management of wet AMD.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • vitreous • proteomics