Analysis of Cytokines in Presumed Acute Infectious Endophthalmitis Following Cataract Extraction

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the involvement of cytokines in acute infectious endophthalmitis following cataract extraction surgery.Methods: Vitreous humor samples were collected from 18 patients. The multiplex technique was used to measure IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, basic FGF, eotaxin, GCSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α and VEGF for comparison with levels in 39 patients undergoing vitrectomy for a non-infectious disease (control).Results: IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-15, IL-17, eotaxin, bFGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, PDGF-BB, RANTES and TNF-α levels were significantly higher (p <0.05) in eyes with endophthalmitis. There were no significant differences between groups for IL-5, IL-12 (p70), IL-13 and VEGF levels. IL-7 levels were higher in the control group (p=0.0229). Considering the different diagnosis in the control group, only IL-5 was not significantly different between groups (p=0.1764). There was a positive correlation between TNF-α and the initial visual acuity (r=0.59, p=0.0096). There was no correlation with the final visual acuity for the cytokines measured. The concentration of IL-8 was higher in patients with endophthalmitis and positive cultures (p=0.0250).Conclusions: Infectious endophthalmitis following cataract extraction stimulates the production of cytokines. Levels of TNF-α may be related to the severity of the initial inflammatory processes. IL-8 levels are correlated with positive bacterial cultures, suggesting that IL-8 could be used as a biomarker for bacterial infection.