Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the aqueous humour of patients with age-related macular degeneration

Background: To investigate the role of inflammation in age‐related macular degeneration by measuring the levels of cytokines in the aqueous humour. Methods: Samples of aqueous humour were collected from 34 patients with age‐related macular degeneration and 16 age‐matched control subjects undergoing cataract surgery. Age‐related macular degeneration stage was determined clinically, before surgery. Levels of cytokines were measured using Luminex X‐MAP technology, and positive results were verified by Western blot. Results: Age‐related macular degeneration was moderate in 18 patients and advanced in 16. The advanced age‐related macular degeneration group was further divided into patients with active choroidal neovascularization (n = 7), disciform scar (n = 7) or central geographic atrophy (n = 2). Higher‐than‐normal levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in the aqueous humour were associated with advanced age‐related macular degeneration (200 ± 140 pg/mL vs. 100 ± 61 pg/mL; P = 0.03), especially active choroidal neovascularization (255 ± 155 pg/mL; P = 0.02), Western blot analysis verified the monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 findings. Patients with disciform scar showed a trend of abnormally high levels of interleukin‐12 (p70) (1.7 ± 2.4 pg/mL vs. 0.2 ± 1 pg/mL; P = 0.07), tumour necrosis factor‐α (1.8 ± 2.4 pg/mL vs. 0.3 ± 1 pg/mL; P = 0.06) and interleukin‐12 (4.7 ± 6.4 pg/mL vs. 1.2 ± 2.1 pg/mL; P = 0.08). Conclusion: Elevated levels of inflammation‐related cytokines in the aqueous humour in various stages of age‐related macular degeneration may suggest a pathogenic role of inflammation. Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 may be indicative of the angiogenic phase. Further corroborative studies are required.