The Complement System in Retinal Detachment with Choroidal Detachment

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the differences in the levels of complement components and complement regulatory factors in the vitreous humor of patients with retinal detachment with choroidal detachment (RRDCD), patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods

A prospective case-control study design was used to recruit 20 patients with RRDCD and 20 patients with RRD in consecutive cases who underwent pars plana vitrectomy from March 2019 to January 2020. The control group comprised 15 patients with epiretinal membrane and 5 eyes from cadavers. The concentrations of complement C2, complement C4b, complement C5/C5a, complement C9, complement factor D (CFD), lectin, and complement factor I (CFI) were measured using Multiplex Luminex Assay, and the concentration of soluble decay acceleration factor (sDAF) was measured using ELISA.

Results

As compared with the RRD and control groups, complement C2, complement C4b, complement C5/C5a, complement C9, CFD, lectin, CFI, and sDAF were significantly increased in the RRDCD group. Additionally, as compared with the control group, the concentrations of complement component C2 and CFD were significantly increased in the vitreous humor of the RRD group.

Conclusion

Components of all three complement pathways were elevated in eyes with RRDCD. Interestingly, while there was evidence of early complement activation in RRD, the final common pathway components were not elevated. In contrast, RRDCD eyes showed significant elevations of the MAC complex components, underscoring a potential pathophysiologic impact of complement activation in this condition.

Keywords:

• Complement system
• vitreous humor
• retinal detachment with choroidal detachment
• rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Availability Statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Social Development Project of Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Department [BE2017627], the High-end Talent Project of Wuxi Health Committee, the youth Project of Wuxi Health Committee [Q202038], and the Reserve top Talent Project of Wuxi Municipal Health Commission [HB2020032].