Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in the vitreous and clinical findings in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: We assayed MCP-1 levels by ELISA in vitreous samples of 88 consecutive patients with PDR (52 eyes) and macular holes or idiopathic epimacular membrane (controls, 36 eyes). Results:The level of MCP-1 in the vitreous was 2,097.5 +/- 1,099.4 pg/ml (mean SD) in PDR, and 504.3 +/- 405.6 pg/ml in the controls. In PDR eyes, multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant association between MCP-1 levels in the vitreous and the degree of proliferative membrane, and a significant negative association between MCP-1 levels and the extent of preoperative retinal photocoagulation. Conclusion: The results suggest that MCP-1 may play a role in the development of the proliferative phase of PDR. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.