Graves' Orbitopathy Results in Profound Changes in Tear Composition: A Study of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 and Seven Cytokines

Abstract

Impaired cytokine balance has been observed in tears of GO patients. Secretion of IL-6 into tears might be a useful indicator of disease activity in GO.

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

“…11,28,29 Tear IL-1b, IL-6, and IL-17A levels were higher as CAS increased, indicating that it may be possible to use these cytokines as markers of disease activity. The results also indicated that Th1 cytokines, Th2 cytokines, and Th17 cytokines were involved in the course of TAO.…”

TFOS DEWS II Tear Film Report

“…Increased dryness symptoms, decreased tear film breakup time, decreased corneal sensitivity, and increased ocular surface staining have been reported both during the active and inactive phases of Graves’ ophthalmopathy [608,609]. Increased tear osmolarity [610,611] and increased levels of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 have also been found in the tear film of patients with active Graves’ ophthalmopathy [609,612]. …”

Complications of Hyperthyroidism

“…Serum IL-17 concentration had significant correlation with CAS [146]. Significantly higher PAI-1 [147] and IgE levels [148] were found in TAO patients than in the control groups.…”