Cytokines in enucleated eyes

Abstract

Abstract Purpose One of the prognostically bad parameters in uveal melanoma is the presence of an inflammatory phenotype, characterized by an increased expression of HLA antigens and an immunologic infiltrate. We wondered whether the presence of specific chemokines and cytokines in the aqueous humor (AqH) from uveal melanoma‐containing eyes is associated with this inflammatory phenotype, with the presence of macrophages, and/or with survival. Methods Directly following enucleation, AqH was obtained from 37 eyes containing uveal melanoma. Samples were stored at ‐80 °C till use. Using a multiplex bead array, 15 different cytokines were measured. Determination of intratumoral macrophages was performed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The presence of specific cytokines was compared to histopathological, genetic and clinical tumor characteristics, as well as patient survival. Results Several cytokines showed a significantly higher expression in the AqH from uveal melanoma‐containing eyes compared to the AqH from eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Only MCP‐3 was associated with the presence of macrophages and the tumor promoting M2‐type macrophage in uveal melanoma patients. Hardly any correlations were found between cytokine levels and known prognostic factors for uveal melanoma. Also, cytokine levels were not of predictive value for survival. Conclusion Although increased levels of inflammation‐related cytokines are present in the AqH of uveal melanoma‐containing eyes, hardly any associations with the presence of macrophages and their subtypes, with clinical and histopathological parameters, and prognosis were found.