Intraocular cytokines in retinal vein occlusion and its relation to the efficiency of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

Abstract

Purpose:To analyze the change in the concentration of intraocular cytokines (ICs) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) before and after intravitreal ranibizumab therapy (IVR), and to find the correlations of IC with clinical activity of RVO and efficiency of treatment.Materials and Methods:Forty-four patients aged 46–79 years old (mean age: 60.7 ± 7.5 years old) with RVO and macular edema (18 patients – with central RVO, 26 – with branch RVO) treated with IVR were included into the study. The concentrations of 27 cytokines were simultaneously measured in aqueous humor by flow fluorometry using Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine Panel, 27-Plex (Bio-Rad Laboratories, USA) at baseline and after the first IVR. Control group consisted of 20 age-matched patients.Results:The levels of 11 cytokines (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], receptor antagonist interleukin-1, interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12r70, IL-13, IL-15, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 [MCP-1], regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted) were significantly (P < 0.05) different compared to control and significantly (P < 0.05) changed after IVR both in central and branch RVO. The patients were divided into two groups: the first -“effective” and the second - “partially effective” therapy. The second group characterized by the higher concentrations of VEGF, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, and MCP-1 at baseline compared to the first group.Conclusion:The patients with RVO were characterized by the increased levels of VEGF and other pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Aqueous concentration of cytokines were different in patients with central and branch RVO and significantly changed after IVR. Insufficient response to IVR was associated with activation of immune-inflammatory processes.

Role of immunological factors in the development of myopic choroidal neovascularization

“…В то же время у больных с мхНВ регистрирова-лось увеличение концентрации 9 ЦК -представи-телей практически всех эффекторных групп [16,17]. По сравнению с данными группы контроля практи-чески в 7 раз был увеличен тромбоцитарный фактор роста (PDGF -BB), один из основных проангио-генных факторов, играющий важную роль в ангио-генезе, который незаменим для процесса рекрути-рования, пролиферации и созревания перицитов, необходимых для стабилизации формирующейся сосудистой сети [1,18].…”

Can Pre-Treatment Assessment of Aqueous Vascular and Inflammatory Biomarkers In Patients with Macular Oedema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion Guide Treatment Options?

“…Direct comparison between biomarker levels in controls and patients with macular oedema secondary to BRVO and CRVO was reported by Shchuko et al [22]. This group reported signi cantly higher levels of VEGF and pro-in ammatory cytokines and chemotaxins -IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL15, IFN-γ TNF-α, MCP-1 and RANTES in RVO patients as compared to control.…”

“…Surprisingly, they also reported statistically signi cant higher levels of anti-in ammatory markers like IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 and RAIL-1 (Receptor antagonist interleukin-1). Therefore retinal activity was concluded to be a balance between pro-in ammatory and anti-in ammatory mechanisms [22]. They also noted that there was a signi cant reduction in VEGF levels following treatment with the anti-VEGF agent, Ranibizumab, in those patients who had a good clinical response.…”

Visual Outcomes Associated With Patterns of Macular Edema Resolution in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Treated With Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy

“…There are several reports showing that response to anti-VEGF is associated with aqueous VEGF levels. 4 In addition, Shchuko et al 6 showed that eyes with CRVO and branch retinal vein occlusion with insufficient response to ranibizumab had high concentrations of a number of cytokines including VEGF, interleukin 8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin 10, and interleukin 13. In our study, eyes that persistently achieved a fluid-free status may have had intraocular VEGF levels that could be sufficiently suppressed by anti-VEGF therapy based on the LEAVO retreatment criteria.…”