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

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