Correlation Analysis Of Inflammatory Cytokines In Aqueous Humor According To Cataract Type And Severity

To analyze the inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor (AH) according to the type and severity of cataract and compare the differences of inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor between posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) and senile nuclear cataract.

In this study, 80 eyes in 63 patients undergoing cataract surgery, who had presented between July 2023 and December 2023, were included. 0.15-2 ml of aqueous humor was obtained during surgery using an 1cc syringe with 30G needle via the side port incision. Independent T-test was used to compare inflammatory cytokine level between posterior subcapsular cataract and senile nuclear cataract patients. 

A quantitative multiplexed antibody assay was performed to measure the expression levels of 10 inflammatory cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) in AH samples from posterior subcapsular cataract and senile nuclear cataract patients. 

There were 80 eyes in 63 patients. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) was observed in 45 eyes and senile nuclear cataract was observed in 35 eyes. There was no statistically correlation between the type of cataract and inflammatory cytokine levels in the AH. The level of IFN-γ significantly increased in the PSC grade ≥3, compared with the PSC grade <3 (p < 0.05). 

This study finding showed the status of 10 inflammatory cytokines in the AH between posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) and senile nuclear cataract by quantitative multiplexed assays. Additionally, IFN-γ were expressed markedly higher in the PSC grade ≥3, compared with the PSC grade <3, which may may contribute in PSC pathophysiology.