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. 2022 Jan;58(1):37-42.
doi: 10.4068/cmj.2022.58.1.37. Epub 2022 Jan 25.

Tear Neuromediators in Subjects with and without Dry Eye According to Ocular Sensitivity

Hyeon-Jeong Yoon  1 , Won-Hee Jang  2 , Susun An  2 , Yong Sok Ji  1 , Kyung Chul Yoon  1
Affiliations

Tear Neuromediators in Subjects with and without Dry Eye According to Ocular Sensitivity

Hyeon-Jeong Yoon et al. Chonnam Med J. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

To investigate differences of tear neuromediators between subjects with and without dry eye (DE) depending on the ocular sensitivity. Thirty-one subjects with DE and 29 subjects without DE were recruited in this study. The eyes were stimulated by exposure to an irritating product applied to the periocular region. Both DE and non-DE subjects were divided into the high sensitivity and low sensitivity groups based on the degree of ocular sensitivity to ocular irritation. Baseline tear film break-up time (TBUT) and corneal staining score were examined, and tear samples were collected. The concentrations of the tear neuromediators, including nerve growth factor (NGF), serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were measured using the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The baseline neuromediator concentrations were compared between subjects with and without DE based on ocular sensitivity. In both DE and non-DE subjects, baseline TBUT was significantly lower in the high sensitivity group than in the low sensitivity group. In the high sensitivity group, baseline tear NGF levels were higher in subjects with DE than in those without DE. In the low sensitivity group, baseline levels of tear CGRP were lower in subjects with DE than in those without DE. Tear neuromediators associated with DE had differences in their concentrations depending on ocular sensitivity. In patients with DE, tear NGF levels increased with high ocular sensitivity to ocular irritation, whereas tear CGRP levels decreased with low ocular sensitivity.

Keywords: Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Cornea; Dry Eye Syndromes; Nerve Growth Factor.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT: None declared.

Figures

FIG. 1
FIG. 1. Comparison of ocular surface parameters between the high sensitivity and low sensitivity groups of subjects with and without dry eye (DE): (A) tear break-up time and (B) corneal staining score (*p<0.05).
FIG. 2
FIG. 2. Comparison of neuromediators between the high sensitivity and low sensitivity groups of subjects with and without dry eye (DE): (A) nerve growth factor (NGF) and (B) calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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