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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Bead Based Multiplex Assay for Analysis of Tear Cytokine Profiles
Published on: October 13, 2017
Elevated tear interleukin-6 levels in patients with Sjögren syndrome
1Department of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center and the Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Israel.
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to investigate interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the tear fluid and sera of patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS).
Participants:
Twelve patients with primary SS and 12 normal control subjects participated.
Intervention:
Tear fluid and sera were obtained from the study and the control groups. Evaluation of tear fluid and sera IL-6 levels was done by using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. All assays were carried out blindly with respect to diagnosis.
Main Outcome Measures:
Tear fluid IL-6 levels were measured.
Results:
The mean concentration (+/- standard error) of IL-6 in the tears of patients with SS was elevated significantly compared to that of normal control subjects (88.6+/-16.2 vs. 42.1+/-10.6 pg/ml; P < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in the serum IL-6 levels between the two groups. A significant correlation (r = 0.742, P = 0.006) was found between tear fluid IL-6 levels and the focus score of lip biopsy specimens in patients with SS.
Conclusion:
Tear fluid IL-6 levels may serve as an important marker for tear gland involvement in SS.
