Stromal-derived factor-1 and inflammatory cytokines in retinal vein occlusion.

Purpose: To identify the roles of stromal-derived factor (SDF-1) and inflammatory cytokines in retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods: Samples were collected by vitrectomy and the levels of SDF-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and inflammatory cytokines (interleukins [IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70]; tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were measured in 20 eyes with RVO, and 9 eyes with epiretinal membrane served as negative controls. Four eyes with inflammatory diseases were also investigated.

Results: SDF-1 levels in active RVO (A-RVO; 4 eyes with iris neovascularization) were significantly higher than those in quiescent RVO (Q-RVO; 16 eyes without iris neovascularization) and the negative controls (p < .01), whereas there were no significant difference between the Q-RVO and the negative controls. There were no significant correlations between the concentrations of SDF-1 and other cytokines.

Conclusions: Elevation of intravitreous SDF-1 levels in A-RVO but not Q-RVO suggested a pivotal role of SDF-1 in angiogenic changes during RVO.