Tear Proteomics in Young Malays with Dry Eyes

ABSTRACT

Changes in tear protein concentrations may reflect ocular surface health. This study analyzes changes in tear protein concentrations of young Malays with dry eye (DE) and determines its association with the clinical findings. Methods: Subjects were screened using McMonnies questionnaire (MDEQ) and flourescein tear break up time (TBUT). Total tear protein concentration (TTPC) was determined using Bradford's technique and specific tear protein (sIgA, lysozyme, lactoferrin and human serum albumin (HSA)) concentrations were determined using SDS-PAGE. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to compare means between groups. Spearman correlation was used to determine the association between variables measured. Results: A total of 42 subjects (21 DE and 21 NDE) were included. Mean MDEQ score for DE was 16.00±1.48 and NDE was 8.47±3.47. Mean TBUT for DE was 3.47±0.47s and NDE was 4.98±0.43s. Mean TTPC for DE and NDE was 9.84±2.40mg/ml and 8.96±1.84mg/ml respectively. Mean sIgA, lysozyme, lactoferrin and HSA for DE was 0.54±0.10mg/ml, 1.68±0.17mg/ml, 1.47±0.25mg/ml, 0.06±0.03mg/ml and for NDE was 0.57±0.09mg/ ml, 2.04±0.19mg/ml, 1.75±0.23mg/ml, 0.06±0.03mg/ml accordingly. Significant differences were noted in MDEQ score (p=0.01), TBUT (p=0.01), lactoferrin (p=0.01) and lysozyme (p=0.01) but not in TTPC (p=0.19), HSA (p=0.74) and sIgA (p=0.24) between groups. Significant correlations were noted between TBUT with lactoferrin (r=0.02, p=0.02) and lysozyme (r=0.63, p=0.01) and between MDEQ score with lactoferrin (r=-0.34, p=0.02) and lysozyme (r=-0.64, p=0.01). Conclusions: There are changes in specific tear protein in dry eye patients, which correlate well with clinical results. Tear protein analysis may play an important role in the diagnosis of the dry eye.