Presence of Serum Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor in Patients With Uveitis

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To study the presence of serum leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in inflammatory ocular diseases, infectious and autoimmune uveitis. Methods: The SLPI levels were determined by ELISA (R&D systems), in sera of patients with: infectious uveitis (IU), (n: 15); active autoimmune uveitis (AAU), (n: 20); inactive (treated with tacrolimus) autoimmune uveitis (IAAU), (n: 10); and normal age matched controls (n: 13). Patients were obtained from a single referral center and those with uveitis with previous ocular surgery or any interventional procedures were excluded. Results: The SLPI levels in control group was 30.3 ± 7.4 ng/ml (range 16 to 36); IU was 28 ± 8.28 ng/ml (range 16 to 33); AAU 41 ± 25 ng/ml (range 34 to 51); IAAU 31 ± 6 ng/ml (range 18 to 36); p < 0.0001. Conclusions: The SLPI is elevated in active autoimmune uveitis when compared with other clinical situations.

Keywords: autoimmune disease