Cytokines in Tears during the Secondary Keratoconjunctival Responses Induced by Allergic Reaction in the Nasal Mucosa

Abstract

Background: Allergic keratoconjunctivitis (KC) can occur in a primary form due to an allergic reaction taking place in the conjunctivae or in a secondary form induced by nasal allergy. Objectives: To search for the cytokine changes in tears accompanying the secondary keratoconjunctival response types (SKCR), caused by the nasal allergy. Methods: In 43 KC patients developing 15 immediate (SIKCR), 16 late (SLKCR) and 12 delayed (SDYKCR) responses to nasal provocation tests with allergens (NPT), the NPTs were repeated with subsequent recording of cytokine concentrations in tears up to 72 h. Results: The SIKCRs (p < 0.001), occurring 10-120 min after the NPT, were accompanied by significant changes (p < 0.05) of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The SLKCRs (p < 0.01), appearing 5-12 h after the NPT, were associated with significant changes (p < 0.05) of IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, GM-CSF and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The SDYKCRs (p < 0.01), occurring 24-48 h after the NPT, were accompanied by significant changes (p < 0.05) of IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, interferon-γ, transforming growth factor-β and TNF-α. Conclusions: The particular SKCR types, induced by an allergic reaction in the nasal mucosa, were accompanied by different cytokine profiles in the tears, suggesting involvement of different hypersensitivity mechanisms. These results also stress the diagnostic usefulness of NPTs combined with monitoring of ocular features in KC patients who did not respond satisfactorily to the topical ophthalmological treatment.

Allergic Conjunctivitis-induced Retinal Inflammation Promotes Myopia Progression

“…Previous studies have shown that the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, were higher in patients with AC in both the sera and tears ( Oray and Toker, 2013 , Leonardi et al, 2003 , Pelikan, 2014 ). Moreover, in a rabbit AC animal model, the permeability of the blood-conjunctival and blood-aqueous barriers was increased ( Lapalus et al, 1986 ).…”

Relationship between chemokines and T lymphocytes in the context of respiratory allergies (Review)

“…IL-8 levels were higher in nasal biopsy specimens from patients with persistent AR vs. controls (114). Pelikan demonstrated high concentrations of IL-8 in tears from patients with AR after nasal provocation tests with allergen (115,116). In conclusion, IL-8 is a key player in the pathogenesis of asthma through its roles in neutrophil functions.…”

The Social-environmental Risk Factor for Conjunctivitis

“…The tear film, eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva are the parts of the eye that is affected by allergic conjunctivitis. The signs of conjunctivitis vary widely, influenced by genetics, environment, microorganisms, and immune status of the person [18]. Allergic conjunctivitis affects children in Ankara, Turkey, by 4.6%.…”