The role of the cytokines in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome

AIM: To examine the mechanism of the development of pseudoexfoliation (PSX) syndrome via both cytokine formation and endothelial vasorelaxing and growth factors that will provide us new therapeutic insights for the treatment. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study included two groups; Group 1: control patients with nuclear cataract(n=20, aged 51-80 years). Group 2: PSX patients with nuclear cataract (n=18, aged 50-90 years). Patients with other ophthalmic problems and systemic diseases were excluded. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and nitrotyrosine levels were determined through serum samples by Enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Nitrite-nitrate levels were measured with photometric endpoint determination. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, VEGF, IL-1 beta, nitrite-nitrate and nitrotyrosine. The significant results were the mean IL-6 levels that were higher in PSX group 2 (37.68 +/- 29.52 pg/mL) compared to that in control group 1 (15.32 +/- 10.08 pg/mL) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Several interacting and extending biochemical pathways may lead to the promotion of VEGF and IL -6 expressions. IL -6 which is the only altered marker in our study may indirectly cause an increase of vascular permeability and neovascularization. We suggest inflammation as a factor that can be involved in etiopathogenesis of PSX.