Altered plasma cytokine levels in acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate plasma levels of selected cytokines and investigate their correlation with choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods We enrolled 30 patients with acute CSC, 30 patients with chronic CSC and 20 controls. Plasma concentrations of 12 cytokines, interleukins IL‐8, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐12 p70, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were measured using multiplex immunoassays. Differences in cytokine levels between groups were assessed. We also investigated correlations between cytokine levels and CT using swept‐source optical coherence tomography, as well as an association between plasma cytokine profile and systemic hypertension. Results We noted differences in IL‐6 (p = 0.005), IL‐10 (p = 0.03), IL‐12 p70 (p = 0.028) and VEGF (p = 0.029) levels between groups. Pro‐inflammatory IL‐12 p70 and multidirectional IL‐10 cytokines were upregulated, while pro‐angiogenic VEGF was downregulated in chronic CSC as compared with controls (p = 0.005, p = 0.025 and p = 0.027, respectively). Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was upregulated in acute and chronic CSC (p = 0.030 and p = 0.005, respectively). Interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), IL‐6 and IL‐12 levels correlated with mean CT in acute CSC (p = 0.008, p = 0.003 and p = 0.044, respectively), while IL‐8, IL‐6 and TNF‐α plasma levels correlated with hypertension in chronic CSC (p = 0.005, p = 0.033 and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion We provided new evidence for the possible role of plasma cytokines in the pathogenesis of CSC. Our results suggest that IL‐6 may be important in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic CSC. The association between inflammatory response and hypertension in patients with CSC was also confirmed.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and Blood Serotonin Concentrations

“…Our results support the contention that low blood 5-HT concentrations may influence choroidal circulation in CSC patients. However, a previous study showed associations between SCT and the levels of some cytokines in patients with CSC [39], thus, more research is needed to more precisely identify the underlying mechanisms.…”

Sharing the Same Perspective. Mental Disorders and Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Systematic Review of Evidence from 2010 to 2020

“…To date, few studies investigated the role of inflammatory mediators in CSC. A promising result emerged from a recent study that highlighted IL-6 dysregulation in 60 CSC patients, which might be correlated to elated cortisol level and vascular permeability during stress response [35].…”

Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy in a Patient with Retinal Vascular Tortuosity

“…Previous studies emphasized the ischemic and inflammatory etiology of AMN; therefore, we believe that the coexisting vascular alterations may predispose patients to the development of this disease. The fundoscopic findings of AMN and cotton wools may also suggest hypertensive retinopathy and choroidopathy due to hypertensive crisis [ 15 , 16 ] or roller coaster retinopathy described by Patel et al [ 17 ].…”