Examining the Correlation of Lymphangiogenesis Biomarkers with Clinical Condition in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Exp Eye Res. 2024 Apr 12:109891. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109891. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and lymphangiogenesis biomarkers, namely LYVE-1, Podoplanin, VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. This prospective and interventional study includes 30 patients with AMD which may be dry or wet type and 30 controls for whom vitrectomy and phacoemulsification was indicated due to additional pathologies (epiretinal membrane, macular hole, retinal detachment, and cataract). 0.1-0,2 ml of aqueous humor and 0.5-1 ml of vitreous sample was taken during the operations. Before the operations 1 tube serum was also taken. All the lymphangiogenesis biomarkers in the study are examined by ELISA method. LYVE-1 (p=0.001) and Podoplanin (p=0.004) levels in the vitreous for the patient group are found to be significantly lower than the control group. Serum (p=0.019), vitreous (p=0.001), aqueous (p<0.001) levels of VEGF-C for the patient group are significantly higher than the control group. VEGF-C/VEGFR-2 (p<0.001), VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 (p<0.001) ratios in the vitreous for the patient group are found to be significantly higher than the control group. Especially in wet AMD patients, LYVE-1 level is significantly lower in the vitreous (p=0.002) and aqueous (p=0.002) than the control group. In addition, Podoplanin level is observed as significantly lower in the vitreous (p=0.014) and serum (p=0.002) in ...
Source: Experimental Eye Research - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Source Type: research