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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
07:24
Intravitreal Injection and Quantitation of Infection Parameters in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Endophthalmitis
Published on: February 6, 2021
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VEGF-A is increased in exogenous endophthalmitis
Mark E Seamone1, Darrell R Lewis2, Ian D Haidl3
1Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, N.S..
Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is significantly elevated in exogenous endophthalmitis, an eye inflammation emergency. This finding supports future research into VEGF-A targeted therapies for treating this condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Inflammation Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Exogenous endophthalmitis is a severe ocular inflammation requiring emergency treatment.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is implicated in inflammatory processes, including monocyte recruitment and increased vascular permeability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of VEGF-A in vitreous humor samples from patients with exogenous endophthalmitis.
- To determine if VEGF-A is a significant biomarker in this ophthalmic emergency.
Main Methods:
- Vitreous samples were collected from patients with exogenous endophthalmitis (n=18) and control subjects undergoing macular hole surgery (n=8).
- Vitreous samples were analyzed for a panel of cytokines, including VEGF-A, using Luminex assay and ELISA.
- Statistical analyses, including p-value comparisons and linear regression, were employed.
Main Results:
- VEGF-A concentrations were significantly higher in the vitreous of patients with exogenous endophthalmitis compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Elevated VEGF-A levels were observed following cataract surgery, vitrectomy, and intravitreal injections in endophthalmitis cases.
- VEGF-A levels showed a significant correlation with CXCL-8 (p = 0.028) but not with culture status.
Conclusions:
- VEGF-A is potently upregulated in the context of exogenous endophthalmitis.
- This elevation of VEGF-A suggests its potential role as a therapeutic target for managing endophthalmitis.
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