Tear TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-6 Levels in Patients with Active Trachoma

Abstract

Purpose: Tear TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-6 levels were investigated in patients with active trachoma.

Material and Methods: Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with active trachoma were included in this study. Active trachoma was diagnosed using fluorescent monoclonal antibody test kit. Fifteen eyes of 15 age-matched, healthy subjects were used as controls. Tear fluid samples were obtained from the conjunctival cul-de-sac by means of blunted-tip glass capillary tubes. Reflex tears from patients with active trachoma and normal subjects were collected by stimulating the nasolacrimal reflex with by a cotton-tipped applicator. The levels of cytokine in tears were measured ELISA.

Results: The tear levels of TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-6 were determined to be higher in the patients with active trachoma than in the control subjects (p=0.049), (p=0.000), (p=0.003), respectively.

Conclusion: The data suggest that TNF-? and IL-1? with its regulatory cytokine IL-6 may play a role in trachoma. In conclusion, levels of the certain cytokine in tears to reflect inflammation in active trachoma.