title: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in aqueous humor of primary open angle glaucoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a macrophage/monocyte derived pluripotent cytokine is associated with tissue ischemia, neuronal damage and remodeling. The physiological level of TNF-α in aqueous humor of normal and glaucomatous eyes is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the TNF-α levels in aqueous in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and compared them to controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  50-100 μL of undiluted aqueous humor samples were obtained from eyes of 32 POAG patients who underwent cataract extraction, trabeculectomy or aqueous shunt implantation. Controls were obtained from 32 normal subjects who underwent routine cataract surgery. TNF-α levels were quantified using singleplex bead immunoassay analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average TNF-α level in POAG samples was 2.72 ± 1.5 pg/mL (mean ± SD). The average TNF-α level in normal samples was 1.59 ± 0.46 pg/mL (mean ± SD). Significant increase of TNF-α levels in POAG samples was noted in comparison to normal samples (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TNF-α levels are elevated in aqueous in patients with POAG compared to normal subjects based on highly sensitive Luminex(®) bead immunoassay and may be a reliable biomarker in the progression of glaucoma.
authors: University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology Jacksonville, FL, USA.
authors: Sankarathi
authors: S
authors: Balaiya
authors: Jayson
authors: J
authors: Edwards
authors: Tina
authors: T
authors: Tillis
authors: Vijay
authors: V
authors: Khetpal
authors: Kakarla V
authors: KV
authors: Chalam
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