Study of IL-17 and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Conjunctivochalasis Using Correlation Analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Conjunctivochalasis (CCH) is a common ocular surface disorder characterized by redundant conjunctiva.
• The underlying mechanisms of CCH pathogenesis are not fully understood, but inflammation is suspected.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in patients with CCH.
• To analyze the correlation between these inflammatory markers and the clinical severity of CCH.

Main Methods:

• Serum and conjunctival fibroblast samples were collected from CCH patients and normal controls.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to measure cytokine and ICAM-1 levels.
• Ocular surface parameters including Ocular Surface Disease Index, tear film break-up time, Schirmer I test, and corneal staining were assessed.

Main Results:

• Serum and cellular concentrations of IL-17 and ICAM-1 were significantly higher in CCH patients compared to controls (P < 0.001).
• mRNA expression of IL-17 and ICAM-1 in conjunctival fibroblasts was also significantly elevated in CCH patients (P < 0.001).
• Elevated IL-17 and ICAM-1 levels positively correlated with CCH severity indicators (Ocular Surface Disease Index, corneal staining) and negatively with tear film stability and tear production.

Conclusions:

• IL-17 and ICAM-1 are significantly upregulated in CCH and are associated with disease severity.
• These findings suggest a potential role for IL-17 and ICAM-1 in the pathogenesis of CCH.
• Targeting IL-17 and ICAM-1 may represent a future therapeutic strategy for CCH.