Proteomic Analysis Of Tear Samples And Identification Of Novel Biomarkers In Acute Adenoviral Conjunctivitis
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PP23.018 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/01fp-4822
Authors: Dr Arta Shukriu* 1 , A/Prof. Ecem Önder Tokuç 2 , Veysel Levent Karabas 1
1Ophthalmolgy,Dünyagöz Hospital,Kocaeli,Türkiye, 2Ophthalmolgy,Kocaeli University,Kocaeli,Türkiye
Purpose
To identify disease-specific biomarkers and treatment-related proteins by comparing tear samples collected from healthy individuals and patients.
Setting
Department of Ophthalmology, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Türkiye
Methods
Tear samples collected on day 1 and day 30 from 19 patients diagnosed with acute adenoviral conjunctivitis, along with samples from 19 healthy individuals, were included in this study. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer strips and analyzed by mass spectrometry using a nHPLC LC-MS/MS system. Bioinformatics analysis to elucidate protein-protein interactions using direct (physical) and indirect (functional) associations were carried out using the STRING database.
Results
A total of 1,023 proteins were identified across tear samples from patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis and healthy controls. Among them, 10 proteins demonstrated a novel increase in abundance. Fibulin-1 (FBLN1), Fetuin-B, Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), Interferon-induced GTP-binding protein (Mx1), Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1), Ubiquitin-like protein (ISG15), Vimentin (VIM), Moesin (MSN), Filamin-A (FLNA). The newly upregulated proteins were predominantly associated with interferon signaling, innate immune response, antiviral defense mechanisms, and cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix organization.
Conclusions
Our findings provide a comprehensive overview of tear proteome alterations in adenoviral conjunctivitis,highlighting dynamic immune activation,oxidative stress and tissue remodeling processes.The acute upregulation of complement components and interferon-related proteins reflected a robust innate immune response.In contrast,the sustained elevation of oxidative stress markers and matrix remodeling proteins suggested prolonged epithelial stress and delayed recovery.In addition,the downregulation of protective tear proteins suggested compromised mucosal defense,epithelial barrier dysfunction and tear film instability.These molecular changes may underline common clinical symptoms such as photophobia,hyperemia and chronic ocular surface damage.