Abstract
Purpose :
We have previously identified various pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory biomarkers in the vitreous of subject with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In this study, we have performed a more detailed subgroup analysis of subject with PDR with and without diabetic macular edema (DME), cystoid macular edema (CME), and non-diabetic control.
Methods :
Vitreous samples were collected from subjects with PDR (n=65), CME (n=30 ) and control (n=35) were studied by multiplex analysis (Bio-Rad Analyzer) of 31 pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors. The PDR group was further analyzed for presence (n=35) and absence of DME (n=30). Data was transformed to allow for parametric analysis including MANCOVA analysis.
Results :
There were no differences in age or gender between the PDR with DME, PDR without DME, non-diabetic CME and control groups. MANCOVA analysis of 31 factors showed changes in profile of pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors
among the PDR-no DME; PDR-DME and CME groups. PLGF, VEGF-A, angiopoietin, IL-8, TNFa and leptin concentrations were higher in both PDR with or without DME (p<0.05). This pattern was distinct from the pattern observed in CME and control groups.
Conclusions :
The changes in vitreous cytokines and other factors in PDR may reflect their participation in the disease process. Overall, MANCOVA analysis identified 6 distinct factors that were significantly altered in PDR with/without DME. Further studies will elucidate biomarkers specifically associated with DME.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.