Aqueous humour levels of cytokines are correlated to vitreous levels and severity of macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Aim To investigate whether the aqueous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are correlated to the vitreous levels of these substances and to the severity of macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods Aqueous and vitreous samples were obtained during cataract and vitreous surgery from 24 patients (24 eyes) with macular oedema in BRVO. The VEGF and IL-6 levels in aqueous humour, vitreous fluid, and plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of retinal ischaemia was evaluated in terms of the area of capillary nonperfusion using the Scion Image. The severity of macular oedema was evaluated using the OCT. Results The aqueous level of VEGF was significantly correlated with the vitreous level of VEGF (Po0.0001). Vitreous levels of VEGF and IL-6 were significantly correlated with the nonperfusion area of BRVO (Po0.0001, P ¼ 0.0061, respectively), as were the aqueous levels of VEGF and IL-6 (Po0.0001, P ¼ 0.0267, respectively). Furthermore, the vitreous levels of VEGF and IL-6 and the aqueous level of VEGF were significantly correlated with the severity of macular oedema of BRVO (P ¼ 0.0001, P ¼ 0.0331, P ¼ 0.0272, respectively). Conclusion Our results suggest that the aqueous level of VEGF may reflect its vitreous level. Measurement of the aqueous level of VEGF may be clinically useful to indicate the severity of macular oedema with BRVO.

Diabetic macular oedema and erythropoietin

“…In this regard, the authors may have overlooked important factors for the production of EPO, such as nephropathy status, Hb levels, and coexisting vascular disease. 3 The authors have shown ingenuity in their study; however, we reckon that it would have been better served with a comprehensive outlook of the risk factors being studied. We appreciate the comments of Dr Uparkar regarding our article.…”

“…2 Earlier reports show that the correction of anaemia (and also supplementation of EPO) decrease the effects of retinopathy with structural improvement, possibly through the improved oxygenation of the macula. 2,3 It would be fallacious then to compare the acute imbalance of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) cases, with DME. Also, EPO level in the DME group was found to be 430 mU/ml (41-3000), and in the RVO group, it was 91.3 mU/ml (30-417).…”

“…We would like to comment on the article's surprising finding that 23% of ophthalmology units with training recognition have adopted exclusive use of disposable tonometer prisms despite evidence that there is still a risk of transmission of pathogens when using these, 2 and that they are less accurate than a Goldmann prism. 3 In the absence of concrete evidence of reduced risk of transfer of viral and bacterial pathogens and controversy about the small theoretical risk of transmission of vCJD, 4 we must consider the financial and environmental costs associated with the use of disposable prisms. If we assume that an average ophthalmologist sees 4000 patients per annum, the cost of two non-disposable Goldmann prisms and 36 l of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution would be d244 per annum.…”

Intraocular cytokines imbalance in retinal vein occlusion and its impact on the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy

“…В настоя-щее время определено, что больные с ОВС характе-ризуются повышенным уровнем ВЭФР, при этом степень тяжести макулярного отека прямо коррели-рует с уровнем ВЭФР и ИЛ-6 [2,20]. Были выявле-ны также аналогичные взаимосвязи между уровнем ВЭФР, неоваскуляризацией радужки и сосудистой проницаемостью у пациентов с ишемической ОВС [21].…”

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion – Update on Treatment Options

“…8,9 Particularly, the marked rise of VEGF levels in BRVO patients has been studied intensively. 10,11 Historically, observation, lasercoagulation or surgical treatments (radial optic neurotomy, retinochoroidal anastomosis, arteriovenous (AV) sheatotomy) represented the only available therapeutic options.…”