Aqueous and serum interferon γ, interleukin (IL) 2, IL-4, and IL-10 in patients with uveitis

Objective: To determine the cytokine profile in aqueous humor and peripheral blood from patients with uveitis. Methods: Cytokines (interferon [IFN]-gamma, interleukin [IL] 2, IL-4, and IL-10) were measured in aqueous humor and peripheral blood samples from 23 patients with uveitis and 16 patients undergoing operation for uncomplicated cataracts (control group) by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Aqueous and serum samples from patients with uveitis showed higher Levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 than those of controls (P < .001). Similarly, serum IL-10 levels were slightly higher in the uveitis group (P = .002). No differences were found between uveitis and control groups for aqueous and serum IL-4 or aqueous IL-10 levels. In patients with uveitis, IFN-gamma levels were significantly higher in serum than aqueous (P < .001), whereas IL-2 levels were higher in aqueous than in serum (P<.001). Serum IFN-gamma levels correlated with severe visual damage (r = 0.44; P = .03). Conclusions: Aqucous and serum levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 were elevated in patients with uveitis, suggesting a predominantly type I response (high IFN-gamma and low IL-4 levels). Elevated serum IFN-gamma level seems to predispose the patient to more serious loss vision.