Platelet derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor basic levels in the vitreous of patients with vitreoretinal disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the potential role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).


METHODS
An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique was used to determine the quantities of bFGF and PDGF in 38 vitreous samples taken from patients undergoing trans pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for a variety of vitreoretinal disorders.


RESULTS
bFGF levels ranged from undetectable to 318.7 pg/ml. The mean concentration was 27.57 pg/ml. PDGF levels ranged from undetectable to 160 pg/ml, the mean concentration being 40.06 pg/ml. Eight of 13 patients with clinical evidence of retinal detachment (RD) and PVR had significantly elevated bFGF concentrations, whereas only one of 11 patients with RD and no PVR had detectable bFGF; seven of eight patients with RD and PVR had elevated PDGF concentrations in the vitreous, whereas all 10 patients with RD and no PVR had no detectable vitreous PDGF. Eight patients with vitreous haemorrhage had raised PDGF concentrations, and the levels were particularly high (> 120 pg/ml) in those two patients with active neovascularisation. Two out of nine patients with vitreous haemorrhage had raised bFGF levels.


CONCLUSIONS
bFGF and PDGF concentrations are elevated in PVR even in the absence of vitreous haemorrhage, and not in patients with RD uncomplicated by PVR. This observation suggests that both cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of PVR.
Cassidy
L
L
Research Department, Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin.
Barry
P
P
Shaw
C
C
Duffy
J
J
Kennedy
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D014821:Vitrectomy; D018630:Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000737:chemistry*; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2