Gene Expression Analysis of the Irrigation Solution Samples Collected during Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

Abstract

PurposeThe analysis of gene expression in idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) may help elucidate ERM formation and its pathology. Here, we conducted a case-control study, in order to determine the expression levels of cytokines and other genes in eyes with macular hole (MH) or iERM.MethodsTwenty eyes, obtained from seven male and 13 female patients, were included in the study. The average age of the study subjects was 69.1 ± 7.67 years, and 15 eyes had iERM, while five eyes had MH. Irrigation solution samples were collected during vitrectomy, centrifuged, and the levels of cytokine and other mRNAs in the sediment were assessed using real-time PCR. The expression level of 11 cytokine genes, four transcription factor genes, two cytoskeletal genes, and genes encoding two extracellular matrix proteins in eyes with MH or iERM were determined and compared.ResultsThe expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor growth factor B2 (TGFB2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and tenascin C (TNC) were significantly higher in eyes with iERM than in eyes with MH. The expression of these genes was not associated with the preoperative visual acuity of the investigated patients.ConclusionsThe obtained results indicate that real-time PCR analysis of irrigation solution samples collected during vitrectomy can help assess the expression levels of several genes, and that iERM is associated with the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and the genes expressed during angiogenesis and wound healing process (IL6, TGFB2, VEGFA, CXCL1, RELA, GFAP, and TNC).

Untangling the Extracellular Matrix of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane: A Path Winding among Structure, Interactomics and Translational Medicine

“…Gene expression analysis, performed through quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, confirmed some findings previously described, including TGF-β2 and NGF upregulation [ 194 , 210 ]. In the VH of iERM Myojin and coworkers also assessed upregulation of IL-6, CXCL1 and the NF-κB subunit RELA [ 210 ], all related to aging and inflammation. However, the actual source of these molecules in eyes with iERMs is still unknown.…”

“…To this aim, they should be contextualized and corroborated by direct findings on the membranes. Indeed, the observation that the VEGF-A mRNA extracted from irrigation solution samples collected during vitrectomies from eyes with iERM is increased compared to samples from eyes with MHs [ 210 ] supports the notion that VEGF-A is produced within iERMs though it does not diffuse to the VH in detectable amounts.…”

Blood inflammatory biomarkers in participants with idiopathic epiretinal membrane: A retrospective case series study

“…[25] Histological studies have revealed that myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, clear cells, and macrophages may play roles in the occurrence and progression of iERM. [25] Myojin et al [26] examined the vitreous lavage fluid of participants with iERM (15 eyes) and found that pro-inflammatory genes were overexpressed (IL-6, GFAP, VEGFA, TGFB2, CXCL1, TNC, and RELA). Multiple interleukins (IL-1 IL-6, IL-13, IL-17) and TGF-β1, TGFβ2 interferon necrosis factor and other inflammatory factors are also involved in the formation of iERM.…”

“…Multiple interleukins (IL-1 IL-6, IL-13, IL-17) and TGF-β1, TGFβ2 interferon necrosis factor and other inflammatory factors are also involved in the formation of iERM. [23,26] Furthermore, in the development of iERM, the RAS system is implicated. [23,27] RAS can induce retinal vascular inflammation and mediate and regulate the factors involved in iERM fibrosis (FGF2, GDNF, NGF, TGF-β1).…”

Evaluation of TGF-Beta 2 and VEGFα Gene Expression Levels in Epiretinal Membranes and Internal Limiting Membranes in the Course of Retinal Detachments, Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Holes, and Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes

“…TGF β 2 expressions showed statistical differences between almost all study groups, except one (ERM group versus MH group). Myojin et al analysed gene expression in the irrigation solution collected during vitrectomy performed due to ERMs and MH and found that the expression levels of TGF β 2 and VEGF α were significantly higher in eyes with iERM versus MH [ 35 ]. Nonetheless, we found no differences in gene expression of VEGF α and TGF β 2 in ILM in patients suffering from ERM versus patients with MH.…”