Abstract
Purpose: :
Idiopathic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (ICSC) is a relatively common macular disease, but its pathophysiology is still unclear. ICSC has been described in patients following stressful events, and the circulating antibodies against Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) were found in environmental stress-associated conditions, and uveitis. This study examined the serum levels of circulating anti-HSP antibodies in ICSC patients.
Methods: :
The serum levels of IgG class antibodies were determined in patients with ICSC (n = 15), pars planitis (n = 7), retinal vasculitis (n = 8), as well as in normal volunteers (n = 13), using an ELISA method directed against recombinant human HSP60, 70, and 90. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: :
In comparison to healthy controls, the serum level of anti-HSP70 IgG class were significantly elevated in ICSC (P = 0.001), and par planitis (P = 0.01), but not in retinal vasculitis (P = 0.095). The levels of anti-HSP60 and HSP90 were similar in patients with ICSC or uveitis, and in healthy subjects (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: :
The antibody level against HSP70 is significantly elevated in ICSC patients. Further investigation with larger sample size is needed to confirm the association of the anti-HSP70 antibody and ICSC.