Premium
Early and exudative age‐related macular degeneration is associated with increased plasma levels of soluble TNF receptor II
Author(s) -
Faber Carsten,
Jehs Tina,
Juel Helene Bæk,
Singh Amardeep,
Falk Mads Krüger,
Sørensen Torben Lykke,
Nissen Mogens Holst
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/aos.12581
Subject(s) - macular degeneration , medicine , factor h , tumor necrosis factor alpha , interleukin 8 , chemokine , immunology , pathogenesis , receptor , interleukin , odds ratio , cytokine , complement system , inflammation , immune system , ophthalmology
Purpose We have recently identified homeostatic alterations in the circulating T cells of patients with age‐related macular degeneration ( AMD ). In cultures of retinal pigment epithelial cells, we have demonstrated that T‐cell‐derived cytokines induced the upregulation of complement, chemokines and other proteins implicated in AMD pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to test whether increased plasma levels of cytokines were present in patients with AMD . Methods We conducted a case–control study. Age‐related macular degeneration status was assessed using standardized multimodal imaging techniques. Plasma was isolated from freshly drawn peripheral venous blood samples and analysed for interleukin (IL)15, IL18, interferon (IFN) γ , soluble tumour necrosis factor ( TNF ) receptor II ( sTNFRII ) and complement factor H (CFH) Y402H genotype. Results We included 136 individuals with early or late forms of AMD and 74 controls. Significantly increased levels of s TNFRII were observed in patients with early or exudative AMD (p < 0.01). After adjusting for CFH Y402H genotype, age, sex and smoking history, the level of s TNFRII remained a significant predictor for prevalence of AMD with odds ratios at 3.0 in the middle and 3.6 in the highest tertiles. Levels of IL15, IL18 and IFN γ were low and not associated with AMD. Conclusions Increased plasma level of s TNFRII is found to be associated with AMD . The data supports the observations of low‐grade, systemic inflammatory alterations in patients with AMD . However, it remains to be determined whether increased levels of TNF α can be found, which directly reflects an increased activity of macrophages and T cells.