Aqueous Humor Of Patients Research Articles

Intraocular Cytokines and Their Correlations with Clinical Parameters in Patients with Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

Purpose: To study cytokine levels in aqueous humor of patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), their correlations with each other and ocular parameters. Methods: Ophthalmological examination and immunological study of aqueous humor with cytokine levels measurement (Bio-Plex™ Human Cytokine 27-Plex panel; Bio-Rad Laboratories, USA) were performed in 19 patients (19 eyes) with ranibizumab-treated mCNV and compared to 15 patients (15 eyes) with myopia without CNV. Results: The levels of 10 cytokines were significantly different in patients with mCNV compared to the controls: the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level was 2 times lower (191.15 ± 142.30 and 320.06 ± 170.05 pg/mL, respectively), and the levels of PDGF, IL-2, IL-5, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17А, TNF-α, IL-8, and RANTES were elevated. Strong correlations between morphological and functional parameters and cytokines, including VEGF, were found. The VEGF level inversely correlated with the myopia degree and the cytokines IL-13, INF-γ, and RANTES. Conclusion: The decrease in VEGF levels accompanied by imbalance of other cytokines may suggest additional mCNV development pathways.

HTRA1 and TGF-β1 Concentrations in the Aqueous Humor of Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1), TGF-β1, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6), and VEGFA proteins in the aqueous humor of patients with naïve choroidal neovascularization (nCNV) secondary to AMD. We measured by ELISA the concentrations of HTRA1, TGF-β1, BMP4, GDF6, and VEGFA in the aqueous humor of 23 patients affected by nCNV who received three consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab. Samples were collected at baseline (before the first injection), month 1 (before the second injection), and month 2 (before the third injection). Twenty-three age-matched cataract patients served as controls. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 and GDF6 were not detectable in any samples. Baseline HTRA1 was higher than controls (P < 0.0001) and higher than both the month 1 (P < 0.0001) and the month 2 (P < 0.0001) values. Baseline VEGFA was higher than controls (P < 0.0001), not different from month 1 value (P = 0.0821), but higher than month 2 value (P < 0.0001). Baseline TGF-β1 was higher than controls (P = 0.0015) and not different from month 1 (P = 0.129) and month 2 values (P = 0.5529). No correlation was found in naïve patients between concentrations of HTRA1 and TGF-β1, HTRA 1 and VEGFA, or TGF-β1 and VEGFA. In nCNV patients, HTRA1 and TGF-β1 were significantly higher compared to controls. After treatment, TGF-β1 was persistently elevated, while HTRA1 returned to control levels, suggesting the involvement of TGF-β1 and HTRA1 in neovascular AMD and a VEGFA-independent role for TGF-β1.

Utility of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in aqueous humor in the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis.

Purpose:Many studies include elevated activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in serum in sarcoidosis and in ocular sarcoidosis as well, but there are only a few analyzing ACE activities in aqueous humor. The aim of this study is to illuminate the diagnostic value of ACE in aqueous humor in patients with ocular sarcoidosis.Methods:We analyzed twenty patients with ocular sarcoidosis and 18 patients with nonocular involvement. All patients have biopsy-positive sarcoidosis of the lungs and/or mediastinal lymph nodes. Blood samples for ACE serum levels were obtained from all patients. Aqueous humor samples were taken by paracentesis with a 25-gauge needle in local anesthesia. With appropriate statistical tests, we compared ACE activity in serum and aqueous humor in patients with and without ocular sarcoidosis.Results:The majority of our patients with ocular sarcoidosis were female (12/20), also in the group with systemic sarcoidosis and without ocular involvement (12/6). Mean age of the whole analyzed group of sarcoidosis patients was 45 ± 6 years. There is no statistically significant difference in ACE activity in serum between two groups of patients (with and without ocular sarcoidosis). There is statistically significant difference in ACE activity in aqueous humor among patients with ocular and nonocular sarcoidosis. ACE activity in aqueous humor is significantly higher in patients with ocular sarcoidosis.Conclusion:Increased ACE activity in aqueous humor can point to a diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis, without the need for ocular biopsy.

Cortisol levels in plasma and aqueous humour of patients with steroid induced and other glaucomas

A prospective analysis was conducted in 64 patients who underwent plasma and aqueous humor sampling. All the patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1 - 11 patients with steroid induced ocular hypertension (SOH) and SG; group 2 - 31 patients with OTG; group 3 - 10 patients on steroid therapy (ST) without a so called 'steroid response'; group 4 - the controls (12 patients with cataract). The mean cortisol levels in plasma and aqueous humour were the following: 177.5±29.4 ng/ml and 53.1±12.2 ng/ml in patients with SOH and SG; 277.7±33.6 ng/ml and 44.6±4.4 ng/ml in patients with OTG; 125.2±28.1 ng/ml in patients on ST; 147.2±19.1 ng/ml and 29.8±3.2 ng/ml in the controls. The highest plasma and aqueous humour cortisol levels were found in groups 2 and 1, respectively. Plasma and aqueous humour levels of cortisol appeared to be higher in glaucoma patients than in the controls. Taking into account the fact that plasma cortisol levels are higher in steroid responders, it is recommended that all patients on ST undergo cortisol testing.

Low-level expression of SOD1 in peripheral blood samples of patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease of retinal ganglion cells, with low prognosis. For that reason, the identification of biomarkers in peripheral blood samples for diagnostics and treatment of the disease is needed. To establish mRNA expression level of several oxidative stress biomarkers reported in aqueous humor of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The mRNA expression levels of eight genes from 15 patients diagnosed with POAG and 11 control subjects were analyzed using an RT2 Custom Profiler PCR Array. mRNA expression level of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) showed a significant downregulation in patients diagnosed with POAG in respect to control subjects. The low expression of SOD1 found in blood is consistent with the reported proteomic levels in aqueous humor. SOD1 may be a useful biomarker in the peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with POAG.

Klotho and Endothelin-1 in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Glaucoma.

Klotho is a newly discovered protein that presumably has an important role in the aging process. The goal of this research is to compare the levels of Klotho and Endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the serum and aqueous humor of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG). Aqueous humor and serum samples were obtained at the time of cataract surgery from 15 patients with PES, 15 patients with PEG, and 15 control patients. All of the samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the levels of ET-1 and Klotho protein. Aqueous and serum levels of Klotho in PES patients (49.02±10.97, 56.32±10.25 ng/mL) and PEG patients (34.53±4.87, 50.49±2.63 ng/mL) were lower than in control patients (56.31±7.68, 65.06±12.32 ng/mL). Both aqueous and serum levels of Klotho in the PEG group were lower than in the PES group (P=0.001). Mean aqueous and serum levels of ET-1 in the PES (1.28±0.09, 1.65±0.75 pg/mL) and the PEG groups (1.45±0.07, 1.58±0.58 pg/mL) were significantly higher than that measured in the control group (1.17±0.09, 1.16±0.34 pg/mL). Aqueous levels of ET-1 in the PEG group were higher than the PES group (P=0.04), but there were no significant difference in serum levels of ET-1 between the PES and the PEG groups (P=0.83). Aqueous and serum levels of Klotho decreased both in PES and PEG patients, and this decrease in the PEG group was more significant. In contrast, aqueous and serum levels of ET-1 increased in the PES and the PEG patients, and the increase in the aqueous level of ET-1 in PEG patients was more significant.

Порівняння спектроскопічних властивостей внутрішньоочної рідини у хворих з катарактою і первинною відкритокутовою глаукомою

This paper presents a comparison ofspectroscopic properties of aqueous humour in patients with cataract (60 patients, 60 eyes) and combination of cataract and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG, 36 patients, 36 eyes). The samples of aqueous humour were collected during the surgery. Both groups of patients were treated with different types of local drug antihypertensive therapy with different multiplicity and duration of instillation during the preoperative period. The absorption spectrum of aqueous humour were measured in the wavelength range 190-1100 nm. There were two absorption bands with maximums at 202 and 267 nm in the absorption spectrum (2nd maximum of some samples was shifted to larger wavelengths). The mean absorbance of aqueous humour at 202 nm in patients without POAG was significantly lower than in patients with POAG. This difference could be explained with accumulation of metabolites in aqueous humour of patients with POAG, which in turn may be caused by deceleration of aqueous humour flow in patients with POAG. Meanwhile, there were no statistically significant differences of mean absorbance of aqueous humour at 267 nm between the patients of both groups.

The Intraocular Cytokine Profile and Therapeutic Response in Persistent Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

To investigate the course of inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with persistent/recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) under ranibizumab monotherapy (IVM) or ranibizumab plus dexamethasone combination treatment. In this 12-month prospective study, 40 eyes with nAMD were treated with either IVM or combined treatment with ranibizumab plus intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IVC). Patients in the IVM group were treated following an "as needed" treatment regimen; patients in the IVC group received ranibizumab and a dexamethasone implant at baseline and were re-treated with ranibizumab. At baseline and at each time of retreatment aqueous humor samples were taken. Before treatment, levels of macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, monokine induced by γ interferon (MIG), and lipocalin-2/ neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were elevated in nAMD patients compared to healthy controls (P = 0.024; P = 0.04; P = 0.01). In contrast, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-12p70, and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) concentrations were lower (P = 0.001; P = 0.008; P = 0.03), while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was not altered (45 ± 6/51 ± 12 pg/mL nAMD/control group; P = 0.6). During IVC, levels of VEGF, MIG, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, and transforming growth factor β1 (P = 0.005; P = 0.011; P = 0.008; P = 0.013) were reduced. Ranibizumab monotherapy did not influence the course of any inflammatory/angiogenic cytokine. Interleukin 6 and PDGF-AA levels correlated with central retinal thickness changes (P = 0.007; P = 0.022). Over the 12-month period visual function was maintained with no significant differences during or between both treatment groups. Inflammatory proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic macular edema due to AMD and are associated with disease activity. During combined treatment, levels of inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines decreased over a 12-month period with no superiority in functional outcome.

Detection and analysis of platelet-derived growth factor-c and vascular endothelial growth factor in ocular aqueous humor with neovascular glaucoma

Background Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a serious eye disease with a variety of causes.It results from the secretion of growth factors by hypoxic retinal tissue, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but anti-VEGF treatment alone dose not completely inhibit neovascularization.Our previous study found that platelet-derived growth factor-c (PDGF-C) is also an important factor in pathological angiogenesis.However, the role of PDGF-C in the development of NVG remains unknown. Objective This study was to quantitatively detect the levels of VEGF and PDGF-C in the aqueous humor of patients with NVG and provide a basis for the anti-angiogenesis therapy. Methods A prospective cohort study was carried out.Sixty-two eyes of 62 patients with advanced NVG and 11 control subjects with age related cataract were included in Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University from January 2014 to August 2015.Ten of 62 NVG eyes received retinal photocoagulation and/or cryotherapy, and 16 eyes resulted from central retinal vein occlusion, 20 eyes from diabetic retinopathy, 5 eyes from postopeartion of retinal detachment, 4 eyes from Eales disease and 7 eyes from unknown cause.Iris neovascularization of grade Ⅱ was found in 13 eyes, grade Ⅲ in 29 eyes and grade Ⅳ in 10 eyes.Aqueous humor specimen was collected for 0.1-0.2 ml during the surgery, and the contents of VEGF and PDGF-C in the aqueous humor were detected by ELISA assay.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to any medical procedure. Results The VEGF and PDGF-C concentrations in the aqueous humor were (1 138.17±69.31)ng/L and (29.80±1.64)ng/L in the NVG group, respectively, which were significantly higher than (679.54±49.81)ng/L and (18.60±1.85)ng/L in the control subjects (t=20.95, 20.49, both at P 0.05). Conclusions Both VEGF and PDGF-C contents in the aqueous humour are considerably elevated in NVG patients.Retinal photocoagulation and/or cryotherapy can inhibit the release of VEGF and PDGF-C in the aqueous humor.PDGF-C may be a target for the treatment of NVG. Key words: Glaucoma, neovascular; Vascular diseases/complications; Cytokines/metabolism; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Platelet-derived growth factor-c; Aqueous humor/metabolism; ELISA; Human

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is Increased in Aqueous Humor of Acute Primary Angle-Closure Eyes.

To measure and compare the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the aqueous humor of patients with acute primary angle closure (APAC), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and normal cataract (controls). Aqueous humor samples were prospectively collected from 38 APAC eyes, 36 PACG eyes, and 25 nonglaucomatous cataract control eyes. The levels of aqueous humor VEGF were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays. The clinical characteristics of participants were also collected for correlation analysis. VEGF was detected in aqueous humor samples of 35 of 38 APAC patients (mean±SE of the mean, 935±258 pg/mL), 30 of 36 PACG patients (165±37.5 pg/mL), and 16 of 25 cataract controls (69.5±13.5 pg/mL). The mean concentration of VEGF in APAC eyes was 13.5 and 5.7 times higher than that in controls and PACG eyes, respectively, and these differences were statistically significant (both P<0.0167). In the correlation analysis that included all participants, the aqueous humor VEGF level was found to correlate negatively with axial length (ρ=-0.342, P=0.001), and positively with intraocular pressure (ρ=0.434, P<0.001). VEGF was significantly increased in aqueous humor of APAC eyes. An increase in aqueous humor VEGF may be the result of the characteristic ocular ischemia and hypoxia observed in APAC eyes as a consequence of sudden excessive increases in intraocular pressure during the acute episode.

Increased melatonin levels in aqueous humor of patients with proliferative retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To report the association between melatonin levels in aqueous humor and serum, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) grade in type 2 diabetic patients. Aqueous humor and plasma samples from 26 patients with DR (in nonproliferative and proliferative stages) and 14 control subjects were collected during cataract surgery after 6 p.m. Melatonin concentrations were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Melatonin levels were significantly higher in the aqueous humor of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) [18.57±2.67 pg/mL (range 15.20-23.06) vs 13.63±2.71 pg/mL (range 10.20-20.20), P=0.0001], but not in those with nonproliferative retinopathy (NPDR) [13.79±2.56 pg/mL (range 9.80-20.10) vs 13.63±2.71 pg/mL (range 10.20-20.20), P=0.961] compared to controls. There was decrement in the plasma melatonin level of patients with PDR, but no significant differences between the plasma melatonin levels of the study groups [5.37±1.74 pg/mL (range 2.85-8.65) vs 6.11±1.90 pg/mL (range 3.13-9.41), P=0.293], or between control and DR groups [NPDR 6.11±1.90 pg/mL (range 3.13-9.41) vs control 6.15±1.91 pg/mL (range 2.18-9.86); PDR (5.37±1.74 pg/mL (range 2.85-8.65) vs control 6.15±1.91 pg/mL (range 2.18-9.86), P=0.808, P=0.264]. Elevated melatonin levels in aqueous humor in PDR may indicate the level to be associated with DR severity.

Increased Levels of Dickkopf 3 in the Aqueous Humor of Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema.

To investigate associations between diabetic macular edema (DME) and levels of the Wnt modulator Dickkopf 3 (DKK-3) in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with DME and to analyze the clinical implications of this association. Forty-four eyes of 39 patients with DME and 27 eyes of 27 controls were studied. Aqueous humor DKK-3 levels were measured by ELISA before the first intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB). Visual acuity assessments and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed before and 3 months after the first IVB. DKK-3 expression in high glucose-treated human Müller cells was examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Concentration of secreted DKK-3 in conditioned medium from human Müller cell cultures were analyzed by ELISA. ELISA showed increased DKK-3 levels in the eyes of DME patients compared with control subjects (median 207.86 ng/mL, range, 66.75-499.64 vs. 94.94 ng/mL, 33.34-164.45 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Based on multivariate analyses, elevated DKK-3 levels were associated with increased inner nuclear layer (INL) volume on SD-OCT before IVB. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed higher DKK-3 expression in high glucose-treated Müller cells than in control cells, with DKK-3 secretion also being increased. DKK-3 expression was elevated in the AH of DME patients and in high glucose-treated human Müller cells. The observation of increased DKK-3 expression levels in the AH of DME patients with prominent edema in the INL suggests that the area of INL thickening might correlate with the area of reactive responses by Müller cells in these patients.

Intraocular cytokines imbalance in congenital cataract and its impact on posterior capsule opacification.

Congenital cataract is of particular interest because of the variability of etiologies and the inflammatory reaction that are often observed. The aim of the study was to describe intraocular levels of various inflammation-related cytokines of patients with congenital cataract and to study their correlations with clinical determinants. We followed a cohort of 18 patients (18 eyes) with congenital cataract from a University hospital and measured levels of various inflammation-related cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with congenital cataract, and compared these levels to those observed in a control group (patients with senile cataract) using multiplex immunoassay. Correlation analysis was used to study the possible correlation between intraocular levels of cytokines and clinical determinants. Compared with the control group, the group with congenital cataract showed clear and significantly elevated concentrations of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-15, IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-6, IL-5, IL-9, MIP-1α, MCP-1 and IP-10). Postoperative intraocular inflammation and opacification of the posterior capsule seemed to be correlated with preoperative IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. An inflammatory condition may occur in eyes with congenital cataract. The cytokine profiles are really different than those observed in senile cataract. Moreover, cytokines levels may be of interest to predict posterior capsule opacification and to complete the etiological workup.

Silent information regulator T1 in aqueous humor of patients with cataract.

PurposeSilent information regulator T1 (SIRT1), a member of the sirtuin family, has a preventive role in various ocular diseases. We evaluated the relations between the aqueous humor level of SIRT1 and age, sex, systemic diseases, the severity of lens opacity, and other factors.SettingThis study was conducted at a university teaching hospital in Tokyo, Japan.DesignThis study was designed based on the consecutive case series.MethodsAqueous humor samples were obtained from 29 eyes of the 21 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for age-related cataract (ARC). SIRT1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsAqueous humor levels of SIRT1 showed a positive correlation with visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) and with the severity of nuclear cataract (r=0.32 and 0.30, respectively, P<0.05). However, only visual acuity was correlated with SIRT1 according to the stepwise multiple regression analysis (P<0.05).ConclusionThese findings suggest that SIRT1 may have an effect on the formation of ARC, acting as a defensive factor against ARC.

The Features of Inflammation Factors Concentrations in Aqueous Humor of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

PurposeTo investigate the cytokine concentrations in the aqueous humor of patients with refractory polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsThree separate groups of patients were studied–refractory PCV (Group A, 41 eyes), stable PCV (Group B, 39 eyes) and senile cataract (Group C, 44 eyes). Aqueous humor samples were collected at two time points for Groups A and B–before the first intravitreal ranibizumab injection and before the last injection. Aqueous humor samples were collected prior to phacoemulsification in Group C. The cytokine concentrations of interleukin 2, 6, and 8 (IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by cytometric bead array and flow cytometry.ResultsBefore the first treatment, the MCP-1, VEGF, and TNF-α levels in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group C (P < 0.05), and the MCP-1 and VEGF levels in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B (P < 0.05). Significantly higher MCP-1 and VEGF levels were seen in Group B compared to Group C (P < 0.05). Before the final treatment, the MCP-1, VEGF, and TNF-α concentrations in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B (P < 0.05) and Group C (P < 0.05). IL-2 levels were significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (P < 0.05) and Group C (P < 0.05).ConclusionInflammatory cytokines such as MCP-1, VEGF, and TNF-α may be associated with the pathogenesis of both stable and refractory PCV.

Elevated Matrix Metalloproteinase in Aqueous Humor in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the aqueous concentrations of cytokines in glaucomatous eyes with those of normal controls and to characterize the clinical factors associated with aqueous cytokine concentration. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, aqueous humor samples were collected from 54 eyes of 54 patients (34 medically treated primary open angle glaucoma and 20 normal controls) during cataract surgery from January 2014 to January 2015. Glaucoma patients were divided into two groups: patients using prostaglandin analogue for more than 6 months (prostaglandin F2α analogue [PGA] user) and patients with no experience of PGA use (PGA non-user). The levels of cytokines (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]1, MMP9, MMP3, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin [IL]-1, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) in the aqueous of glaucoma and control subjects were quantified using a multiplex cytokine analysis. Results: Aqueous humor collected from the glaucoma patients exhibited significantly increased concentrations of MMP1 (p = 0.002) and MMP9 (p = 0.026). Among glaucoma patients, PGA users showed significantly higher level of MMP 9 compared with PGA non-users (p = 0.003). In the univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, PGA use (β = 0.351, p = 0.027) and vertical cup-to disc ratio (β = -0.401, p = 0.013) were the significant risk factors associated with the level of MMP9. Conclusions: Primary open-angle glaucoma showed increased aqueous levels of MMP1 and MMP9. Especially, PGA use for longer than 6 months was associated with increased level of MMP9. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2016;57(4):601-606

Elevated Transforming Growth Factor-β2 in the Aqueous Humor: A Possible Explanation for High Rate of Capsular Contraction Syndrome in High Myopia.

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the role of transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) in the development of high myopic capsular contraction syndrome. Methods. Nineteen cases of capsular contraction syndrome, including 14 with high myopia, were collected, and their clinical data were reviewed. Aqueous humor and anterior capsular membranes were obtained during capsulotomy. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining with anti-TGF-β2 antibody were performed on capsular membranes. TGF-β2 levels in aqueous humor were assayed using ELISA and western blot. Results. High myopia was significantly associated with the incidence of capsular contraction syndrome (odds ratio: 14.74, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 5.29–41.05). Histopathological analysis revealed proliferation of fibroblast-like lens epithelial cells on the shrunken anterior capsule, labeled with TGF-β2 antibodies. ELISA and Western blot showed higher levels of TGF-β2 in aqueous humor of patients with capsular contraction syndrome and high myopia. Conclusions. High myopia is a risk factor for capsular contraction syndrome. Elevated TGF-β2 levels in high myopic cataract patients may play an important role in the pathogenesis of capsular contraction syndrome.

Anterior chamber interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and prostaglandin E2 in patients undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

PurposeTo evaluate the interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations in aqueous humour in patients undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.MethodsIn 27 eyes of 27 patients undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted...

Elevated S100A8/A9 and S100A12 Serum Levels Reflect Intraocular Inflammation in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis: Results From a Pilot Study

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIAU) is the most common uveitis entity in childhood. As S100A8/A9 and S100A12 proteins are valuable biomarkers in childhood arthritis, we investigated the occurrence of these proteins in childhood uveitis. Serum samples from patients with JIAU (n = 79) or idiopathic anterior uveitis (IAU, n = 24), as well as from nonuveitic controls (n = 24), were collected. Furthermore, aqueous humor samples (JIAU n = 17, nonuveitic controls n = 16, IAU n = 12) were obtained. Samples were analyzed for S100A8/A9 and S100A12 protein levels by ELISA. Intergroup comparisons were performed, involving patient data, clinical data, and S100 levels. S100A8/A9 and S100A12 serum levels were elevated in IAU and JIAU patients as compared to nonuveitic controls (all P < 0.05). S100 serum levels in JIAU patients were higher in active arthritis (not significant; P = 0.289 for S100A8/A9 and P = 0.196 for S100A12) and active uveitis (P = 0.010 for S100A8/A9 and P = 0.026 for S100A12) than in controls. No significant differences in S100 levels were found in a subgroup analysis for sex, antinuclear antibody (ANA) status, disease duration, or presence of uveitis complications. In JIAU patients, S100 serum levels correlated with age and age at onset of uveitis. A longitudinal analysis in JIAU patients showed a correlation of serum S100A8/A9 and S100A12 levels with uveitis activity (both P = 0.03). S100A8/A9 levels in aqueous humor of patients with JIAU (P = 0.001) and IAU (P = 0.0002) were increased as compared to nonuveitic controls. Increased S100A8/A9 and S100A12 levels are found in the serum and aqueous humor of patients with autoimmune uveitis. Serum levels reflect activity of joint and eye disease.

This issue of ACTA, printed and electronic

The cover photograph shows the effect of eye drops on diabetic macular oedema. The dexamethasone cyclodextrin nanoparticle eye drops are described by Ohira et al. in this issue of Acta. Kessel et al. review the literature and conclude that cataract surgery does not increase the risk of progression of AMD to the exudative stage. Jellema et al. in the Netherlands and Switzerland review strabismus surgery in patients with Graves' disease and find the field to be poorly standardized. They propose new criteria for measuring surgical success. Ohira et al. in Japan, Sweden and Iceland describe novel eye drops containing dexamethasone in cyclodextrin nanoparticles. The eye drops improve visual acuity and decrease retinal thickness in patients with diabetic macular oedema. Rassmussen et al. in Copenhagen found that delay in diagnosis and treatment of exudative AMD results in poorer visual outcome. Vottonen et al. in Finland associate increased amplitude of visually evoked potential with improved visual acuity and decreased retinal thickness following anti-VEGF treatment in wet AMD. Ceynowa et al. in Sweden found morning glory anomaly in 3/100 000 children. This was frequently associated with macular oedema, cerebral abnormalities and cutaneous vascular abnormalities. Raffa et al. in Sweden and Saudi Arabia found increased ocular morbidity in moderate to late preterm infants. They found a correlation between gestational age and visual acuity. van Leeuwen et al. in the Netherlands examined rehabilitation needs of visually impaired young adults. Need for employment was most prevalent, followed by peer interaction and social and civic life. Thomseth et al. in Denmark found no association between ocular use of chloramphenicol in first trimester of pregnancy and congenital malformations. Stenwall et al. in Uppsala point out that cytokine content of serum influences the anti-inflammatory effect of serum eye drops. Nielsen et al. in Aarhus used mass spectroscopy to characterize proteins that adhere to contact lenses. Ramberg et al. in Copenhagen find squamous cell dysplasia of the conjunctiva to be relatively rare and mostly in old men. It tends to recur and may progress to carcinoma. Van Bergen et al. in Belgium recommend bevacizumab to complement mitomycin-C in glaucoma filtering surgery. Sundelin and Dafgård Kopp in Stockholm found high complication rates in secondary orbital implants and 28% needed reoperation. Uusitalo et al. in Finland describe an infected tarsal cyst. The following articles and letters are published electronically only and are accessible on www.actaophthalmologica.com as all are articles published in ACTA from the beginning. Jonas et al. in China and Germany correlate high cerebrospinal pressure with retinal vein occlusions. Lopez Torres et al. in Switzerland associate reduced retinal vessel diameter in the peripapillary area with reduced responses on multifocal ERG. Debellemanière et al. in France used adaptive optics imaging to observe cone loss related to subclinical hydroxychloroquine toxicity. Pastor-Idoate et al. in Spain, Portugal, UK and the Netherlands describe possible genetic biomarkers that predict proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Ji et al. in China describe increasing macular pigment density with age in healthy people. Lens opacities affect the one-wavelength reflectometry. Chen et al. in China measured vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta growth factor and aqueous humour of patients with neovascular glaucoma. Munk et al. in USA, Austria and Switzerland found vitreoretinal adhesion to slow resolution of cystoid macular oedema in uveitis, but not affect visual outcomes. Jiang et al. in China study pterygium surgery and recommend a sutureless limbal conjunctival autograft using tissue glue. Yuksel et al. in Turkey compared two methods to obtain corneal donor buttons. ‘Morgue trephination technique’ resulted in less donor disfigurement than ‘classic sclerocorneal removal technique’, while transplant quality and outcome was similar. Bittersohl et al. in Germany found retinal nerve fibre thickness not to be a reliable diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease. Gupta et al. in Singapore report thin choroid in high myopia. Chihaia et al. in Germany comment on the recent paper by Jarventauata et al. on peripheral hypertrophic subepithelial corneal degeneration. They add their experience and dispute the nomenclature. Yoo et al. in Korea and USA suggest that sleeping position may influence asymmetrical glaucoma damage. Shiraya et al. in Japan report greater burn expansion with endolaser compared to transpupillary retinal photocoagulation. Sugihara et al. in Japan describe pseudoexfoliation material on intraocular lenses. Jouve et al. in France used intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in a pregnant woman and discuss pros and cons. Pratyusha and Votruba in the United Kingdom describe retinal changes in acquired lipodystrophy. Cinar et al. in Turkey found myelinated nerve fibres on fundus photographs in 0.3% of people. Clemens et al. in Germany describe microrips in retinal pigment epithelium that may precede RPE tears. Mittal et al. in India and United Kingdom show histopathology of lymphoma with crystal storing histiocytosis. Stoyanova et al. in the Netherlands recommend bandage and scleral contact lenses for ocular graft-versus-host disease. I hope you enjoy this issue of Acta.