COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ANGIOGENIC AND CYTOKINE PROFILES IN VITREOUS SAMPLES FROM PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AND CONTROLS

• Dr Smriti Misra,*  
• Dr Saurabh Gangwar,  
• Dr Gargi Agarwal,  
• Dr Samreen Mehfooz

Abstract

Abstract: When attempting to uncover potential innovative or alternative treatments for diabetic retinopathy (DR), it is crucial to assess the amounts of cytokines that are present in individuals who have the condition. Vitreous samples were taken from individuals who had diabetic retinopathy (DR) and patients who had retinal holes or puckers (control group) during a 23-gauge vitrectomy (n = 17 for each group). Comparing the two groups was the purpose of this activity. “ Materials and methods: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to quantify a number of cytokines, which included IL-2, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as three pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-1 β, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Accurate measurements were taken of the levels of PGF, VEGF, and VEGF-A. IL-1β (p = 0.04) and IFN-γ (p = 0.06) were among the pro-inflammatory cytokines that were found to be elevated in persons who were diagnosed with DN, according to the findings of the study. On the other hand, there was a differential in IL-6 levels between the two groups that was statistically significant (p = 0.59).” A significant signal was also seen in DR samples, which showed a decrease in the expression of IL-13 (p = 0.48). This can be corroborated by the data. Based on the data, it was determined that both groups exhibited comparable amounts of IL-2 (p = 0.74) and IL-4 (p = 0.80). Researchers found that individuals with dystrophic retinopathy (DR) had higher levels of all angiogenic factors, according to the findings of the clinical trial. PGF, VEGF, and VEGF-A were taken into consideration in this study (p < 0.05, p = 0.004). The important significance that these variables play in neurodegenerative diseases is brought to light by angiogenic characteristics. This is a characteristic that underlines the significance of these variables. Despite this, a surprising pattern was discovered through the interaction between the cytokines that were still present in the body. An additional discovery that demonstrates greater levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines may be indicative of the presence of inflammatory processes inside the retina of diabetes patients. Furthermore, it appears that this early counterreaction of immunomodulatory cytokines is already taking place, despite the fact that it is not adequate to properly limit the activities in question. As a result of this, the enhancement of these anti-inflammatory mechanisms can be considered an additional interventional therapeutic approach.

Keywords

Diabetic retinopathy, Pro-inflammatory cytokines, Inflammatory mechanisms, ELISA, Alternative treatments.