Aqueous and serum interferon gamma, interleukin (IL) 2, IL-4, and IL-10 in patients with uveitis

Arch Ophthalmol. 2000 Jun;118(6):768-72. doi: 10.1001/archopht.118.6.768.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the cytokine profile in aqueous humor and peripheral blood from patients with uveitis.

Methods: Cytokines (interferon [IFN]-gamma, interleukin [IL] 2, IL-4, and IL-10) were measured in aqueous humor and peripheral blood samples from 23 patients with uveitis and 16 patients undergoing operation for uncomplicated cataracts (control group) by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Aqueous and serum samples from patients with uveitis showed higher levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 than those of controls (P<.001). Similarly, serum IL-10 levels were slightly higher in the uveitis group (P=.002). No differences were found between uveitis and control groups for aqueous and serum IL-4 or aqueous IL-10 levels. In patients with uveitis, IFN-gamma levels were significantly higher in serum than aqueous (P<.001), whereas IL-2 levels were higher in aqueous than in serum (P<.001). Serum IFN-gamma levels correlated with severe visual damage (r=0.44; P=. 03).

Conclusions: Aqueous and serum levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 were elevated in patients with uveitis, suggesting a predominantly type 1 response (high IFN-gamma and low IL-4 levels). Elevated serum IFN-gamma level seems to predispose the patient to more serious loss of vision. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:768-772

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aqueous Humor / metabolism*
  • Cataract / complications
  • Cataract Extraction
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / blood*
  • Interleukin-10 / blood*
  • Interleukin-2 / blood*
  • Interleukin-4 / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Uveitis / blood*
  • Uveitis / complications

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma