Expression of vitreous cytokines in proliferative vitreoretinopathy: a prospective study

• Published in: Investigative ophthalmology & visual science Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. 705 - 712
• Main Authors: Kon, CH, Occleston, NL, Aylward, GW, Khaw, PT
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rockville, MD ARVO 01.03.1999; Association for Research in Vision and Ophtalmology
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 - metabolism; Humans; Interleukin-1 - metabolism; Interleukin-6 - metabolism; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Ophthalmology; Prospective Studies; Retinal Detachment - etiology; Retinal Detachment - metabolism; Retinal Detachment - surgery; Retinopathies; Transforming Growth Factor beta - metabolism; Vitrectomy; Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative - complications; Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative - metabolism; Vitreous Body - metabolism; Human; Retinal detachment; Retinopathy; Transforming growth factor β; Pathogenesis; Cytokine; Vitreous body; Interleukin 1β; Basic fibroblast growth factor; Proliferative vitreoretinopathy; Vitreous body disease; Interleukin 6; Eye disease
• ISSN: 0146-0404; 1552-5783

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a major cause of failure of retinal detachment surgery. It is believed to be a wound-healing process in the retina. Many of the cellular functions are influenced by cytokines and growth factors such as interleukins (ILs). The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), IL-1beta, IL-6, and protein in the vitreous of patients with retinal detachment and to determine the value of these mediators in predicting the future development of PVR. A prospective study was conducted in 140 consecutive patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in whom vitrectomy was considered necessary. Vitreous samples were analyzed for the presence of TGF-beta2, bFGF, IL-1beta, IL-6, and protein. Patients were then followed up for 3 months for the development of postoperative PVR. The mean levels of TGF-beta2, bFGF, IL-1beta, and protein in the vitreous were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with preoperative PVR compared with those without. The mean levels of TGF-beta2, bFGF, IL-6, and protein in the vitreous were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients who had postoperative PVR compared with those who did not. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed IL-6 and protein to be significant (P < 0.05), independent, predictive risk factors for the development of PVR. The various cytokines may play a role in the pathobiology of PVR. High vitreous levels of IL-6 and protein were identified as significant risk factors for PVR. A model was developed to predict the probability of development of postoperative PVR in these patients, and it may be used to indicate intravitreal pharmacologic treatment for those at risk.