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CA 19-9 ELISA test: a new method for studying mucus changes in tears
C Garcher1, A Bron, C Baudouin
1Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Dijon, France.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 16, 1998
Summary
Tear mucin levels, measured by CA 19-9 assay, were significantly lower in patients with dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and contact lens wearers compared to healthy individuals. This suggests quantitative changes in tear film mucins in ocular surface disorders.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mucins are crucial glycoproteins in the tear film, providing lubrication and protection to the ocular surface.
- Alterations in mucin quantity and composition are implicated in various ocular surface disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate quantitative changes in tear mucins in different ocular conditions using impression cytology.
- To assess the utility of the CA 19-9 tumor marker assay for quantifying ocular mucins.
Main Methods:
- Impression cytology was performed on 172 participants (53 healthy, 50 glaucoma, 24 dry eye, 45 contact lens wearers).
- Tear film glycoproteins were eluted, and mucin quantity was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CA 19-9.
Main Results:
- CA 19-9 levels, indicating mucin quantity, were significantly reduced in dry eye syndrome, glaucoma patients over 60, and contact lens wearers compared to healthy controls.
- Healthy individuals showed higher CA 19-9 levels (39.4 kU/microgram) than dry eye (25.8 kU/microgram), glaucoma (28.9 kU/microgram), and contact lens wearers (28.4 kU/microgram).
Conclusions:
- Impression cytology is a valuable method for sampling tear film glycoconjugates.
- The observed decrease in sialylated mucin chains supports the hypothesis of quantitative tear film changes in ocular surface disorders.