ABSTRACT
PurposePlacental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the VEGF family that plays an important role in experimental models of diabetic retinopathy and retinal neovascularization. We aimed to investigate whether vitreous levels of PlGF correlated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) status, VEGF levels, and bevacizumab treatment. We also analysed PDR membranes to confirm the presence of the PlGF receptor, FLT1, in endothelial cells.MethodsThis was a case-control study: undiluted vitreous fluid samples were obtained from 28 active PDR patients without preoperative bevacizumab treatment, 21 active PDR patients with preoperative bevacizumab treatment, 18 inactive PDR patients, and 21 control patients. PlGF and VEGF levels in samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry for FLT1 was performed on human PDR membranes.ResultsCompared to control, vitreous PlGF levels were higher in both active PDR without bevacizumab (P<0.0001) and with bevacizumab (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in PlGF between active PDR patients without and with bevacizumab (P=0.56). Compared to active PDR, PlGF levels were significantly reduced in inactive PDR (P=0.004). PlGF levels were highly correlated with VEGF levels in active PDR. VEGFR1 was expressed in endothelial cells in human PDR membranes.ConclusionThe strong correlation of PlGF levels with PDR disease status and expression of FLT1 in human PDR membranes suggest that PlGF has a pathogenic role in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Therapeutic targeting of PlGF with agents like aflibercept may be beneficial.
Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Bevacizumab/therapeutic use , Diabetic Retinopathy/drug therapy , Diabetic Retinopathy/pathology , Placenta Growth Factor/metabolism , Retinal Neovascularization/pathology , Vitreous Body/metabolism , Biomarkers/metabolism , Case-Control Studies , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Retinal Neovascularization/surgery , Saudi Arabia , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/metabolism , Vitrectomy , Vitreous Body/pathologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To identify prognostic factors for visual acuity and anatomic outcomes associated with giant retinal tear management using intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquids. METHODS: All patients with giant retinal tears without proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) who underwent management with intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquids between 1994 and 2005 were reviewed. RESULTS: The study included 115 patients (117 eyes), 93 (80.9%) males and 22 (19.1%) females, with a mean age of 30.3+/-15.2 years. Mean follow-up period was 29.7+/-26.7 months. Success rate with primary procedure was 78.6%, which increased to 94% with multiple surgeries. On univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with final visual acuity better than 20/200 included phakic/clear lens at presentation (p=0.0113), partial retinal detachment (p=0.0233), absence of all postoperative complications (p=0.0122), absence of recurrent retinal detachment (p=0.0406), and absence of postoperative PVR (p=0.0062). Logistic regression analysis highlighted that phakic/clear lens at presentation, unfolded flap of the giant tear, absence of postoperative cataract, and absence of postoperative PVR were associated with final visual acuity better than 20/200. On univariate analysis, use of gas tamponade was significantly associated with recurrent retinal detachment (p=0.0190). Logistic regression analysis highlighted that placement of an encircling scleral buckle and use of silicone oil tamponade were associated with anatomic reattachment with primary procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Encircling scleral buckling and silicone oil tamponade decrease the risk of recurrent retinal detachment.
