Changes of Lacrimal Gland and Tear Inflammatory Cytokines in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Abstract

Increased inflammatory cytokines play an important role in ocular surface damages, and might be associated with the inflammatory involvement of the lacrimal gland.

Update on thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy with a special emphasis on the ocular surface

“…Furthermore, the receptor displayed on fibrocytes is functional in that TSH and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) provoke the generation of extremely high levels of inflammatory cytokines. These include IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β [19]. How the receptor participates in TAO is less certain.…”

“…Subtle widening of the inter-palpebral fissure was found in 48%, meibomian gland dysfunction in 48%, and a decreased tear break-up time (TBUT of less than 10 s) in 31% of these patients. Corneal and conjunctival vital staining, indicators of ocular surface damage, are a frequent sign in patients with TAO [7, 19, 28, 45]. …”

“…Patients also present with reduced tear break-up time [19, 28], which indicates greater tear film instability. The Schirmer test, which assesses basal and reflex aqueous tear film production, may be normal [28] or reduced [19].…”

“…The Schirmer test, which assesses basal and reflex aqueous tear film production, may be normal [28] or reduced [19]. …”

“…Direct autoimmune targeting in active TAO may contribute to the ocular surface disease, as is evidenced by detection of cytokines in tears [19] and active keratocytes, a putative biomarker for OS inflammation [57], respectively.…”