Increased soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of the disease?

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the plasma concentration of the soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor ((s)uPAR), an established biomarker of chronic inflammation, in patients affected by neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods: Forty consecutive patients affected by age-related macular degeneration and 52 subjects with no history of the disease were included in this case-control study. The two groups of individuals considered for the study were matched for age, sex, and class of medications taken. Plasma concentration of suPAR was measured using a specific ELISA assay (suPARnostic, Birkeroed, Denmark).

Results: The case and control groups were similar for age, gender distribution, weight, height, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as for dyslipidemia and high blood pressure medication (P > 0.28). The plasma concentrations of suPAR were significantly increased in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration when compared to controls (6.19 ± 2.2 ng/ml, vs 5.21 ± 1.5, respectively, mean ± SD P = 0.01).

Conclusions: Patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration display increased plasma levels of suPAR, suggesting that chronic inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Keywords: Inflammation; Neovascular age-related macular degeneration; Prevention; Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor.