Objective To investigate serum inflammatory factors in patients with idiopathic choroidal vascularization (CNV), including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Interleukin1-beta (IL1－β), IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, 50% hemolytic unit of complement (CH50), complement C3, complement C4 and C reactive protein (CRP).
Methods 21 patients and 20 normal individuals were recruited. They received comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Serous concentrations of VEGF, TNFα, IL1－βwere assayed by ELISA, and the concentrations of other serum factor were assayed by immunonephelometry.
Results The mean serum VEGF level in the CNV group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p=0.025). The median level of IgE in the CNV group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p=0.006). Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the levels of TNFα, IL-1β, IgG, IgA, IgM, CH50, C3, C4 or CRP between the two groups.
Conclusion The possible roles of these factors and mechanisms of idiopathic CNV formation were analyzed. Serum VEGF and IgE levels may play an important role in the formation of idiopathic CNV.