Serum Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Idiopathic Choroidal Neovascularization

Abstract

Objective: To investigate serum inflammatory factors in patients with idiopathic choroidal vascularization (CNV), including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Interleukin1-beta (IL1-β), IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, 50% hemolytic unit of complement (CH50), complement C3, complement C4 and C reactive protein (CRP).

Methods: 21 patients and 20 normal individuals were recruited. They received comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Serous concentrations of VEGF, TNFα, IL1-β were assayed by ELISA, and the concentrations of other serum factor were assayed by immunonephelometry.

Results: The mean serum VEGF level in the CNV group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p=0.025). The median level of IgE in the CNV group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p=0.006). Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the levels of TNFα, IL1-β, IgG, IgA, IgM, CH50, C3, C4 or CRP between the two groups.

Conclusion: The possible roles of these factors and mechanisms of idiopathic CNV formation were analyzed. Serum VEGF and IgE levels may play an important role in the formation of idiopathic CNV.

KEYWORDS::

• complement
• CRP
• idiopathic CNV
• IL1-β
• immunoglobulin
• TNFα
• VEGF

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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