ANALYSIS OF THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGIC MILIEU OF THE VITREOUS IN PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY

PURPOSE: Previous investigations have explored molecular differences between proliferative vitreoretinopathy and primary retinal detachment. An exploration of a greater number of molecules might provide novel insight into the biology of this disorder and identify potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: Vitreous specimens were obtained from patients with epiretinal membranes or macular puckers (n = 15), patients with a primary retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy (n = 15), and patients with retinal detachments and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (n = 15). A multiplex assay was performed to calculate the concentrations of 48 different cytokines and chemokines, and statistical analyses were performed to identify differences between the groups. RESULTS: Of the 48 molecules that were studied, we identified 10 that were statistically significantly different in cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, including interleukins 4, 5, 6, and 15; granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors; stem cell factor; stem cell growth factor; macrophage inflammatory protein 1α; and interferon γ-induced protein 10. CONCLUSION: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy represents a highly ordered molecular process that involves discrete changes in the concentrations of specific cytokines and chemokines. These molecules may represent novel therapeutic targets.