Serum IL-6/ IL-10 Ratio As A Biomarker for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Assessment

Abstract

Background: Substantial studies have been conducted on the function of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in various eye problems. While the versatile  nature of IL-6 is well-documented, its primary role is to induce inflammation through its cytokine activity.

Objectives: The current work aimed to use serum IL-6 and IL-6/IL-10 ratio as potential biomarkers for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) assessment.

Patients and Methods: 40 individuals were enrolled in this case-control study at Benha University hospitals' Ophthalmology, and Clinical  and Chemical Pathology Departments. The participants were divided into two distinct groups: the case group consisted of twenty  patients diagnosed with POAG and the control group included twenty healthy individuals who did not have glaucoma or any other ocular disorders. The cytokines levels of each participant were assessed using ELISA kits for serum IL-6 and IL-10.

Results: POAG and control groups showed no significant difference in age and sex. Regarding serum cytokines levels as diagnostic  markers, POAG patients had a higher level of IL-6 and a lower level of IL-10 than control subjects. The IL-6 /IL-10 ratio displayed  significantly higher values in POAG cases than controls. Regarding serum cytokines levels as prognostic markers, a significantly higher  IL-6 level, and IL-6/IL-10 ratio were observed in the severe stage relative to the mild-moderate stages with no significant difference in the  serum IL-10 levels.

Conclusions: It could be concluded that the serum IL-6 and IL-6/IL-10 ratio is potentially useful as biomarkers for diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of POAG. Consistently monitoring serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 may be used as  supplementary laboratory methods in the POAG assessment.