Chemokines and gelatinases in the aqueous humor of patients with active uveitis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the involvement of the chemokines CXCL10/IP-10, CXCL11/I-TAC, CXCL8/1L-8, CXCL6/GCP-2, CCL3/MIP-1alpha, and CCL18/PARC, and gelatinases A and B in uveitis.


METHODS
Prospective, experimental, case-control study.


METHODS
Aqueous humor samples from 30 patients with active uveitis, and 14 control patients and paired serum samples were assayed for chemokines with specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and for gelatinase levels by quantitative zymography.


RESULTS
In control AH, none of the chemokines was detected. Gelatinase A was detected in all samples, and gelatinase B was detected in only one sample. In patients with uveitis, IP-10 was detected in all AH samples, whereas I-TAC, IL-8, GCP-2, MIP-1alpha, and PARC were detected in three, 16, six, two, and 12 samples, respectively. IP-10 levels were significantly higher in AH samples than those of serum (P =.006). Gelatinase A was detected in 29 AH samples and gelatinase B was detected in 26 samples. Gelatinase A levels were significantly higher in AH samples from patients than those of controls (P <.0001). In 11 AH samples, gelatinase B was detected in complex with lipocalin (NGAL). Disease activity correlated significantly with the levels of IP-10 (r =.627; P <.0001), gelatinase A (r =.508; P =.002), gelatinase B (r =.685; P <.0001), and NGAL-gelatinase B complex (r =.595; P <.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest a pathogenic role of the T lymphocyte chemoattractant IP-10 and gelatinases in the recruitment and activity of T cells into the eye in patients with uveitis and in the pathogenesis of uveitis.
Abu El-Asrar
Ahmed M
AM
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. abuasrar@KSU.edu.sa
Struyf
Sofie
S
Descamps
Francis J
FJ
Al-Obeidan
Saleh A
SA
Proost
Paul
P
Van Damme
Jo
J
Opdenakker
Ghislain
G
Geboes
Karel
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018925:Chemokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D018093:Gelatinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014605:Uveitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*
D018925:Chemokines; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018093:Gelatinases