TNF- and IL-1 Production by Diseased Human Corneas

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Purpose of this study was: a) to determine pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from cultured human corneas with different pathology, and b) to establish whether cytokine profile at the time of surgery influenced corneal graft outcome. Methods: Purpose of this study was: a) to determine pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from cultured human corneas with different pathology, and b) to establish whether cytokine profile at the time of surgery influenced corneal graft outcome. Results: The concentration of IL-1α secreted from corneas with non-inflammatory diseases was 5.56 ± 4.03 pg/mm³. In inflammatory corneal diseases, the concentration of IL-1α was significantly higher (11.4 ± 5.58 pg/mm³, p<0.05). Low level of TNF-α was detected only in case of vascularised leucoma, bullous keratopathy and graft rejection (1.85 ± 1.82 pg/mm³, 0.38 ± 0.7 pg/mm³ and 0.56 ± 0.81 pg/mm³ respectively). Rejection rate in inflammatory group was higher as compared to non-inflammatory one. Conclusions: Increased production of IL-1α by corneal recipients with inflammatory diseases suggests its role in corneal graft rejection in humans, similar as it was already found in animal model.

Keywords: cytokines/chemokines • cornea: clinical science • transplantation