Reduced Levels of Resolvin D1 and Thrombospondin-1 in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

To compare serum levels of resolvin D1 (RvD1) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) between patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and healthy controls and to investigate their potential relevance to disease pathogenesis.

A total of 72 individuals were enrolled in this case-control study, including 36 subjects diagnosed with VKC and 36 healthy counterparts matched for age and gender. Serum RvD1 and TSP-1 levels were measured using ELISA. Age and gender distributions were analyzed to ensure group comparability.

No significant differences were observed between the groups in age (VKC: 10.31±4.43 years; controls: 10.66±3.90 years; p=0.724) or gender (15 females and 21 males in each group; p=1.00). Serum TSP-1 levels were significantly lower in the VKC group [60.68 (50.60-78.01) ng/mL] compared with controls [73.49 (64.40-90.67) ng/mL; p=0.011]. Similarly, RvD1 levels were significantly decreased in patients with VKC [67.80 (63.79-68.63) ng/mL] compared with controls [69.85 (65.38-85.60) ng/mL; p=0.009]. ROC curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.681 for RvD1 (sensitivity: 94.4%, specificity: 51.4%) and 0.677 for TSP-1 (sensitivity: 63.9%, specificity: 77.1%).

Reduced serum levels of RvD1 and TSP-1 in patients with VKC suggest disruption of inflammatory resolution and immune regulation. These biomarkers may play a role in VKC pathogenesis and offer potential diagnostic or therapeutic value.