Comparison of Cytokine Profiles in Aqueous Humor of Patients With Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects 2 million people in France. It characterized by progressive degeneration of the central area of the retina allowing detailed vision. It is the main cause of irreversible blindness in France. All patients initially present an early form, the latter can evolve in two different ways: the atrophic form, which progresses slowly, and the exudative or neovascular form, of more rapid evolution. While the treatment of exudative AMD has improved dramatically in recent years, there is currently no therapy for atrophic AMD. Recently, it has been demonstrated in atrophic AMD, an accumulation of inflammatory cells, macrophages, in the sub-retinal space. This space is located between the pigment epithelium (PE) and the photoreceptors. It is physiologically devoid of immune cells (immune privilege). Macrophages will secrete many pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines. It has been shown in mouse models that some cytokines (IL-1beta, IL6 et TNFalpha) have a deleterious role on (PE) and photoreceptors. The identification of specific cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with atrophic AMD would help to better understand this disease and consider potential targeted therapies. This study will be conducted in the ophthalmology department of the Croix-Rousse Hospital in Lyon. 80 patients will be recruited and divided into 4 groups: three experimental groups of 20 patients with : Early / Intermediate AMD, atrophic AMD or exudative AMD, and one control group of 20 patients without signs of AMD. Assays of the markers will be performed using the Luminex® technique on aqueous humor and blood samples collected for all patients during cataract surgery. The concentrations obtained in the aqueous humor will be normalized on their respective blood levels in order to confirm the intraocular secretion of these markers,. The identification of particular cytokine profiles in atrophic AMD compared to other forms of AMD would support emerging hypotheses of involvement of specific inflammatory cells in this pathology. There is currently no treatment available for atrophic AMD. If molecular screening identifies one or more specific biomarkers, targeted therapy may be considered.