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Bead Based Multiplex Assay for Analysis of Tear Cytokine Profiles
Published on: October 13, 2017
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Tear proteome analysis in ocular surface diseases using label-free LC-MS/MS and multiplexed-microarray biomarker
Javier Soria1, Arantxa Acera1, Jesús Merayo-LLoves2
1Bioftalmik Applied Research, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, Building 612, E-48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|December 14, 2017
Summary
Researchers identified distinct tear film protein profiles for dry eye (DE) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) patients. These protein differences can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing DE and MGD, aiding in targeted therapeutic development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Proteomics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Dry eye (DE) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are common ocular surface diseases with overlapping symptoms.
- Accurate diagnosis and differentiation between DE and MGD are crucial for effective treatment.
- Tear film proteomics offers a promising avenue for identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare the tear film proteome in patients with DE, MGD, and healthy controls (CT).
- To identify specific protein biomarkers that can differentiate between these ocular surface conditions.
- To validate identified candidate biomarkers and explore their correlation with clinical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Tear samples were collected from 70 individuals (DE, MGD, CT).
- Proteomic analysis was performed using spectral-counting-based LC-MS/MS label-free quantitation.
- Candidate biomarkers were validated using customized antibody microarray assays.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in the expression levels of 26 tear proteins were observed between the groups.
- Specific proteins like Apolipoprotein D, S100A6, S100A8, and ceruloplasmin effectively discriminated between DE and CT groups.
- Distinct protein profiles, including antileukoproteinase, phospholipase A2, lactoperoxidase, annexin A1, clusterin, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1, differentiated MGD from DE and CT groups.
- Antibody microarray validation confirmed the accuracy of candidate biomarkers (CST4, S100A6, MMP9) with high AUC (87.5%).
- Biomarker concentrations showed a good correlation with clinical parameters.
Conclusions:
- Distinct tear film proteomic signatures exist for dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Identified proteins serve as potential biomarkers for differentiating DE, MGD, and healthy controls.
- Functional network analysis highlights key biological processes for future biomarker and therapeutic target discovery.

