Abstract :
Objective: To evaluate and compare the levels of key cytokines and angiogenic factors in the vitreous fluid of patients with clinically confirmed and staged diabetic retinopathy (DR) to those of non-DR controls, with the aim of identifying potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
Materials and Methods: Vitreous specimens were collected during 23-gauge vitrectomy from patients diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy (n = 17, at advanced stages requiring surgical intervention) and from control patients (n = 17) undergoing surgery for retinal holes or epiretinal membranes. The samples were analyzed for cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-?) using ELISA. Angiogenic factors, including placental growth factor (PGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and VEGF-A, were also measured. Statistical comparisons between the DR and control groups were performed.
Results: In the DR group, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (p = 0.04) and IFN-? (p = 0.06) showed elevated levels compared to controls, indicating an ongoing inflammatory response. No statistically significant differences were observed in IL-6 levels (p = 0.59). The immunomodulatory cytokine IL-13 appeared decreased in the DR group (p = 0.48), although this change was not statistically significant. Similarly, IL-2 (p = 0.74) and IL-4 (p = 0.80) levels did not differ significantly between groups. Angiogenic factors, including PGF, VEGF, and VEGF-A—already well known to be increased in DR—were found to be significantly elevated in DR patients (p < 0 xss=removed>
Conclusion: These findings highlight an interplay between elevated angiogenic factors and a persistent pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu within the vitreous of patients with advanced DR. While endogenous immunomodulatory mechanisms such as IL-13 are present, they appear insufficient to counteract the active inflammatory and angiogenic processes. Augmenting anti-inflammatory responses or targeting angiogenic mediators may represent a viable therapeutic strategy to improve treatment outcomes in diabetic retinopathy.
Keyword :
Diabetic retinopathy, Inflammation, Angiogenesis, Cytokines, Therapeutic targets.