Increased inflammatory mediators in the ocular surface tissue in keratoconus.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive thinning of the cornea.
• The role of inflammatory mediators in KC pathogenesis is not fully understood.
• Previous studies suggest a potential link between inflammation and KC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize inflammatory mediators in the tear film of KC patients.
• To investigate the gene expression of inflammatory mediators in corneal epithelial cells.
• To assess immune activity in conjunctival epithelial cells of KC patients.

Main Methods:

• A transversal study comparing 30 KC patients and 23 controls.
• Tear film cytokine analysis using flow cytometry (LEGEND plex HU Th1/Th2 panel).
• Corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell analysis for IL-5 and IL-6 gene expression and protein levels via RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in tear film cytokine concentrations between KC and control groups.
• Elevated gene expression of IL-5 (50% increase) and IL-6 (20% increase) in corneal epithelium of KC patients.
• Increased IL-5 and IL-6 immunoreactions in conjunctival epithelium of KC patients.

Conclusions:

• While tear film cytokine levels did not differ significantly, KC patients exhibit heightened immune activity in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells.
• Increased IL-5 and IL-6 expression in corneal and conjunctival cells suggests their involvement in KC pathogenesis.
• Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these inflammatory pathways in KC.