Cytokines in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome

To investigate the inflammatory cytokine profiles in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) and evaluate their correlations with key ophthalmic parameters.

Aqueous humor samples were collected from 31 eyes with PSS, 26 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and 20 eyes with age-related cataract (ARC, control group) at the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University. A multiplex bead-based flow cytometric immunoassay was performed to quantify the concentrations of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferons (IFN-α, IFN-γ). Simultaneously, the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in PSS samples was assessed by PCR. Clinical data including corneal endothelial cell density, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual field were also recorded.

The AH levels of IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were significantly elevated in PSS patients compared to controls (P < 0.05), with IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels also significantly higher than in POAG patients. ROC curve analysis demonstrated diagnostic value of these four cytokines in differentiating PSS from POAG (P<0.05). No significant differences in cytokine levels were observed between CMV DNA-positive and -negative PSS samples. Notably, IL-6 levels positively correlated with IL-8 and IL-10, and also showed significant associations with IOP (r = 0.395, P = 0.007) and relative endothelial cell loss (RECL) (r = 0.453, P = 0.039).

Distinct inflammatory cytokine profiles in the AH of PSS patients suggest a prominent immune response potentially contributing to disease pathogenesis. IL-6 may serve as a biomarker reflecting both inflammation and tissue damage in PSS. Note: CECD, corneal endothelial cell density; RECL, relative decrease in CECD loss between the affected eye and the fellow eye.