Peculiarities of pathogenesis of age-related cataract

Abstract

Introduction • Age-related cataract is an important cause of blindness and affects 70% of people over the age of 60 years. The pathogenesis of agerelated cataract is not completely understood. Purpose • The aim of the present study was to determine the concentration of some pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with age-related cataract and arterial hypertension or stable angina pectoris. Material and mehods • A total of 60 patients aged 63 to 70 years who had cataract extraction and recieved an intraocular lens implant were enrolled in the study. • The aqueous humor samples (0.1 ml) were obtained during surgery by puncture of the anterior chamber. • The concentrations of cytokines in the aqueous humor were measured by using the multiplexed cytokine analysis. Results • Concentration of IL-1 beta (interleukin-1 beta) in patients without comorbidities was 1.13±0.08 pg/ml, in patients with arterial hypertension - 1.52±0.13 pg/ml, and in patients with stable angina pectoris - 1.58±0.11 pg/ml (Fig.1a). • Concentration of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) in patients without comorbidities was 3.77±0.32 pg/ml, in patients with arterial hypertension - 4.17±0.39 pg/ml, and in patients with stable angina pectoris - 4.19±0.38 pg/ml (Fig.1b). • Concentration of IL-1Ra (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) in patients without comorbidities was 8.72±0.47 pg/ml, in patients with arterial hypertension - 7.84±0.56 pg/ml, and in patients with stable angina pectoris - 7.56±0.53 pg/ml (Fig.1c). Conclusion Increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with arterial hypertension and stable angina pectoris may play an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract.