Abstract
Purpose: :
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an anti-angiogenic/neurotropic dual functional factor, and recently it was also shown to mediate anti-oxidative action. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of PEDF in the aqueous humor in eyes with acute anterior uveitis (AAU).
Methods: :
A prospective, comparative control study. Aqueous humor was collected from 20 eyes of 20 patients with AAU. The level of PEDF was determined with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kit. The control group comprised 20 aqueous samples from 20 patients about to undergo cataract surgery and without any other ocular or systemic diseases.
Results: :
The concentration of PEDF in aqueous humor was markedly higher in patients with UUA than in control subjects (Mann-Withney U test, P< 0.001). The level of PEDF was 6291637.70 ± 8564836.48 (mean ± SD) pg/ml in eyes with UUA and 449178.10 ± 158670.19 pg/ml in the eyes of the control group.
Conclusions: :
The aqueous humor PEDF level is increased in eyes with AAU, and may be increased as a countersystem against inflammation in AAU.
Keywords: aqueous • clinical laboratory testing • inflammation