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Updated: May 15, 2026
Bead Based Multiplex Assay for Analysis of Tear Cytokine Profiles
Published on: October 13, 2017
Pathogen induced changes in the protein profile of human tears from Fusarium keratitis patients
Sivagnanam Ananthi1, Namperumalsamy Venkatesh Prajna, Prajna Lalitha
1Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, India.
Abstract:
Fusarium is the major causative agent of fungal infections leading to corneal ulcer (keratitis) in Southern India and other tropical countries. Keratitis caused by Fusarium is a difficult disease to treat unless antifungal therapy is initiated during the early stages of infection. In this study tear proteins were prepared from keratitis patients classified based on the duration of infection. Among the patients recruited, early infection (n = 35), intermediate (n = 20), late (n = 11), samples from five patients in each group were pooled for analysis. Control samples were a pool of samples from 20 patients. Proteins were separated on difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and the differentially expressed proteins were quantified using DeCyder software analysis. The following differentially expressed proteins namely alpha-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin α2 chain, zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein, apolipoprotein, albumin, haptoglobin precursor - β chain, lactoferrin, lacrimal lipocalin precursor, cystatin SA III precursor, lacritin precursor were identified using mass spectrometry. Variation in the expression level of some of the proteins was confirmed using western blot analysis. This is the first report to show stage specific tear protein profile in fungal keratitis patients. Validation of this data using a much larger sample set could lead to clinical application of these findings.
Insights
This study identified stage-specific tear protein profiles in fungal keratitis patients. These findings may aid in early diagnosis and treatment of this serious eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Proteomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fusarium species are primary causes of fungal keratitis, a severe corneal ulcer infection prevalent in tropical regions.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing Fusarium keratitis, as delayed intervention complicates recovery.
- Tear protein analysis offers a potential non-invasive method for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate stage-specific alterations in the tear proteome of patients with fungal keratitis.
- To identify potential protein biomarkers indicative of infection duration and severity.
- To establish a baseline tear protein profile for different stages of fungal keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Tear samples were collected from patients with early, intermediate, and late-stage fungal keratitis.
- Proteins were separated using difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and quantified with DeCyder software.
- Differentially expressed proteins were identified using mass spectrometry and validated with western blot analysis.
Main Results:
- Several proteins, including alpha-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein, albumin, lactoferrin, and lacritin, showed significant expression level variations.
- A distinct tear protein profile was observed correlating with the stage of fungal keratitis.
- This study presents the first report on stage-specific tear protein profiles in fungal keratitis.
Conclusions:
- The identified tear proteins may serve as biomarkers for fungal keratitis progression.
- Stage-specific tear protein profiling could enhance early diagnosis and guide treatment strategies.
- Further validation with larger cohorts is recommended for clinical application of these findings.
