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Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

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01-10-2006 | Clinical Investigation

Th1- and Th2-type cytokines in chronic ocular allergy

Authors: Andrea Leonardi, Iva A. Fregona, Mario Plebani, Antonio G. Secchi, Virginia L. Calder

Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Issue 10/2006

Abstract

Background

Previous reports have suggested that Th2-type cytokines are important in the pathogenesis of ocular allergic diseases. The purpose of this study is to measure levels and mRNA expression of Th1- and Th2-type cytokines in patients with active vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC).

Methods

Tear samples and tear-isolated cells were obtained from 9 healthy participants (CT—controls), 28 VKC, and 6 AKC patients. IL-4, IL-13, and interferon gamma (IFNγ) tear levels were determined by ELISA, and IL-4 and IFNγ tear cell mRNA expression by RT-PCR. Effects of these cytokines on IL-6 and IL-8 secretion, and on ICAM-1 expression by conjunctival fibroblasts, were evaluated by ELISA and flow cytometry respectively.

Results

Interleukin-4 tear levels were increased in VKC and AKC compared with CT, but only IFNγ significantly correlated with corneal involvement. An IL-4/13-dominant profile was found in 50% of VKC and in 17% of AKC patients, while a IFNγ -dominant profile was found in 18% of VKC and in 17% of AKC patients. IL-4 and IFNγ transcripts were detected in tear cells from 11 out of 12 VKC patients. IFNγ upregulated expression of ICAM-1 on conjunctival fibroblasts and the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8.

Conclusions

Although both IL-4 and IFNγ are detected in tears, only IFNγ levels correlated with disease severity and upregulated ICAM-1 on conjunctival fibroblasts, suggesting the role of IFNγ in the inflammatory phase of chronic allergic eye diseases.

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Title: Th1- and Th2-type cytokines in chronic ocular allergy
Authors: Andrea Leonardi
Iva A. Fregona
Mario Plebani
Antonio G. Secchi
Virginia L. Calder
Publication date: 01-10-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology / Issue 10/2006
Print ISSN: 0721-832X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-006-0285-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Th1- and Th2-type cytokines in chronic ocular allergy

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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