Interleukin-11 Overexpression and M2 Macrophage Density are Associated with Angiogenic Activity in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: To investigate the expression of IL-11 and its receptor IL-11Rα and to quantify density of CD163 M2 macrophages in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods: Vitreous samples from 29 PDR and 19 nondiabetic patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from 15 patients with PDR and Müller cells were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.

Results: We showed a significant increase in expression of IL-11, soluble(s) IL-11Rα, sCD163 and VEGF in vitreous samples from PDR patients compared to nondiabetic controls. Significant positive correlations were found between levels of VEGF and levels of IL-11 and sCD163. Significant positive correlations were found between microvessel density and number of blood vessels and stromal cells expressing IL-11, IL-11Rα and CD163 in PDR epiretinal membranes. The hypoxia mimetic agent cobalt chloride induced upregulation of IL-11 and IL-11Ra in cultured Müller cells.

Conclusions: IL-11/IL-11Rα signaling and CD163 M2 macrophages might be involved in PDR angiogenesis.