Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy

The role of inflammation in central serous chorioretinopathy: From mechanisms to therapeutic prospects

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a leading cause of permanent vision loss, ranking fourth among macular diseases, trailing only age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein obstruction. While mounting evidence implicates inflammation as a pivotal factor in the onset and advancement of CSC, the specific pathophysiological process and molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation remain incompletely understood. A complex network of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules interplay to trigger inflammatory and pathological cascades, highlighting the need for a comprehensive comprehension of the inflammation-related mechanisms behind CSC progression. In this piece, we examine the existing comprehension of CSC's pathology and pathogenesis. Additionally, we present an overview of the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of CSC inflammation, followed by a thorough analysis and discussion of the potential of targeted inflammatory intervention for both preventing and treating CSC.

Predictive value of cytokines combined with human neutrophil lipocalinin acute ischemic stroke-associated pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

To explore the predictive value of interleukin-6 (IL-6) combined with human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) in patients who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

108patients were divided into two groups: pneumonia group (52 cases) and non-pneumonia group (56 cases), according to whether the patients developed SAP within 7 days of admission. General information was compared between the two groups, like age, gender, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, dysphagia, smoking and alcoholhistory. Clinical data were recorded and compared, including lipid profile, interleukin-6 (IL-6), homocysteine (Hcy), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and HNL. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of AIS-AP, and the predictive value of IL-6 and HNL alone and in combination was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve).

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis showed that dysphagia (OR,0.018; 95% CI, 0.001 ~ 0.427; P = 0.013), increased NIHSS scores(OR,0.012; 95% CI, 0.000 ~ 0.434; P = 0.016), and high levels of IL-6 (OR,0.014; 95% CI, 0.000 ~ 0.695; P = 0.032)and HNL (OR,0.006; 95% CI, 0.000 ~ 0.280; P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for SAP with significant difference (all P < 0.05). According to the ROC curve analysis of IL-6, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.881 (95% CI: 0.820 ~ 0.942), and the optimal cutoff value was 6.89 pg/mL with the sensitivity of 73.1% and specificity of 85.7%. As for the ROC curve analysis of HNL, the AUC was 0.896 (95% CI: 0.839 ~ 0.954), and the best cutoff value was 99.66ng/mL with the sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 89.3%. The AUC of the combination of IL-6 and HNL increased to 0.952 (95% CI: 0.914 ~ 0.989), and the sensitivity and specificity increased to 80.8% and 92.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this research, the levels of IL-6 ≥ 6.89 pg/mL and HNL ≥ 99.66ng/mL were considered as risk factors for AIS patients complicated with SAP. The combined detection had higher predictive value for patients with SAP, which may help to identify who were in highrisk.

High Levels of C-Reactive Protein with Low Levels of Pentraxin 3 as Biomarkers for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose

To investigate the association between the 2 acute phase proteins, C-reactive protein (CRP) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), as PTX3 is a glucocorticoid-induced protein.

Design

Cross-sectional multicenter study.

Participants

Patients with CSCR compared with age- and sex-matched healthy participants.

Methods

Patients with CSCR from 3 centers in Europe were included in the study. The clinical form of CSCR was recorded. Blood samples from patients with CSCR and healthy participants were sampled, and high-sensitivity CRP and PTX3 levels were measured in the serum.

Main Outcome Measures

C-reactive protein and PTX3 serum level comparison between patients with CSCR with age- and sex-matched healthy participants.

Results

Although CRP levels were higher in patients with CSCR (n = 216) than in age- and sex-matched controls (n = 130) (2.2 ± 3.2 mg/l vs. 1.5 mg/l ± 1.4, respectively, P = 0.037), PTX3 levels were lower in patients with CSCR (10.5 ± 19.9 pg/ml vs. 87.4 ± 73.2 pg/ml, respectively, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in CRP or PTX3 levels between patients with acute/recurrent and chronic CSCR.

Conclusions

In patients with CSCR, high CRP and low PTX3 levels suggest a form of low-grade systemic inflammation together with a lack of glucocorticoid pathway activation, raising new hypotheses on the pathophysiology of CSCR.

Financial Disclosures

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

En-face optical coherence tomography hyperreflective foci of choriocapillaris in central serous chorioretinopathy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate choroidal hyperreflective foci (HRF) changes in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) on en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retrospective analysis of 42 patients with unilateral CSC (84 eyes, including fellow eyes for controls) and 42 age- and sex-matched controls. With 4.5 × 4.5 mm macular scans, structural en-face OCT choriocapillaris (CC) slabs were used to calculate the density and number of HRF in acute CSC eyes with serous retinal detachment (SRD), resolved CSC eyes without SRD, unaffected fellow eyes, control eyes, and 1-year follow-up eyes. Based on the 2-disc diameter (3000 μm), the en-face OCT scan was divided into foveal and perifoveal lesion and analyzed to consider the impact of SRF in HRF measurement. Regression analyses were performed on the several factors with HRF number and density in the acute and resolved CSC eyes. The perifoveal density and number of CC HRF was significantly lower in the resolved CSC eyes when compared to the acute CSC eyes (P = 0.002, both), fellow eyes (P = 0.042/density, 0.028/number), and controls (P = 0.021/density, P = 0.003/number). There was no significant difference between the acute CSC eyes, fellow eyes, controls, and 1-year follow-up eyes. As subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased and choroidal vascularity (CVI) increased, the perifoveal density and number of HRF was measured higher with a significant correlation in univariate regression analysis of the acute and resolved CSC eyes (all, P < 0.05). The authors hypothesized that stromal edema induced by choroidal congestion and hyperpermeability has the greatest influence on HRF measurement, possibly affected by inflammatory cells and materials extravasation.

Pathomechanisms in central serous chorioretinopathy: A recent update

BACKGROUND

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a potentially blinding choroidal disease. Despite decades of research, the pathological mechanisms of CSCR are still poorly understood. In recent years, there has been a strong emphasis on choroidal dysfunction as a primary cause of CSCR.

MAIN BODY

The concept of the pachychoroid disease spectrum and pachychoroid-driven processes are central to current theories regarding the pathophysiological underpinnings of CSCR. Choroidal hyperpermeability and subsequent leakage of fluid seen in CSCR may be due to several causes. Among them are venous congestion, inflammation, mineralocorticoid receptor activation, systemic factors including hemodynamic changes, obstructive sleep apnea, phosphodiesterase inhibitor use, pregnancy, and genetic predispositions. Congestion of vortex veins that drain blood from the choroid may contribute to the dilation of Haller vessels and cause fluid leakage. Vortex veins exit the eye through the sclera; thus, increased scleral thickness has been proposed to be a factor in venous congestion. Asymmetric vortex vein drainage may similarly result in congestion of the local venous system. Vortex vein anastomoses may overload the venous system and form secondary to venous congestion. Recent studies suggest inflammation and mineralocorticoid activation may factor into the development of CSCR, though more research in these areas is called for. Systemic conditions and genetics may predispose individuals to develop CSCR.

CONCLUSIONS

By striving to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms of this disease, we can better diagnose and treat CSCR to improve outcomes for patients.

Central serous chorioretinopathy: Pathophysiology, systemic associations, and a novel etiological classification

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) has remained an enigmatic disease since its initial description by Von Graefe. Over the years, multiple risk factors have been recognized: these include psychological stress, behavioral traits, and corticosteroids. The basic pathophysiology of CSC involves choroidal thickening, vascular congestion, altered choroidal blood flow (ChBF), and choroidal hyperpermeability, leading to retinal pigment epithelium decompensation and subsequent neurosensory detachment. Multiple organ systems, mainly the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrinal, and renal systems participate in the control of the vascular tone and the ChBF via hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, while others such as the hepatic system regulate the enzymatic degradation of corticosteroids. Many vasoactive and psychotropic drugs also modulate the ocular perfusion. In addition, there are anatomical and genetic predispositions that determine its progression to the chronic or recurrent form, through cellular response and angiogenesis. We herein review the basic pathophysiology and immunogenetics in CSC along with the role of multiple organ systems. With this background, we propose an etiological classification that should provide a framework for customized therapeutic interventions.

Central serous chorioretinopathy: Treatment

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a pachychoroid spectrum disease characterized by serous detachment of the neurosensory retina with subretinal fluid in young and middle-aged adults. The pathogenesis of CSC is not yet fully understood. However, it is considered a multifactorial disease that is strongly associated with choroidal dysfunction or vascular engorgement. Although there is no consensus on the treatment of CSC, photodynamic therapy has been effectively used to manage serous retinal detachment (SRD) in CSC. Moreover, micropulse diode laser photocoagulation and focal laser treatment have also been used. Recently, oral medications, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, have been proposed for the management of CSC. Multimodal imaging plays a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of CSC. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has the advantage of detecting vascular flow in the retina and choroid layer, allowing for a better understanding of the pathology, severity, prognosis, and chronicity of CSC. In addition, early detection of choroidal neovascularization in CSC is possible using OCTA. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive and updated understanding of CSC, focusing on treatment.

Melatonin prevents experimental central serous chorioretinopathy in rats

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a vision-threatening disease with no validated treatment and unclear pathogenesis. It is characterized by dilation and leakage of choroidal vasculature, resulting in the accumulation of subretinal fluid, and serous detachment of the neurosensory retina. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin had multiple protective effects against endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown. However, the effect of melatonin on CSC, and its exact pathogenesis, is not well understood thus far. In this study, an experimental model was established by intravitreal injection of aldosterone in rats, which mimicked the features of CSC. Our results found that melatonin administration in advance significantly inhibited aldosterone-induced choroidal thickening and vasodilation by reducing the expression of calcium-activated potassium channel KCa2.3, and attenuated tortuosity of choroid vessels. Moreover, melatonin protected the BRB integrity and prevented the decrease in tight junction protein (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) levels in the rat model induced by aldosterone. Additionally, the data also showed that intraperitoneal injection of melatonin in advance inhibited aldosterone-induced macrophage/microglia infiltration, and remarkably diminished the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-1β, and cyclooxygenase-2), chemokines (chemokine C-C motif ligand 3, and C-X-C motif ligand 1), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Luzindole, as the nonselective MT1 and MT2 antagonist, and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetraline, as the selective MT2 antagonist, neutralized the melatonin-induced inhibition of choroidal thickening and choroidal vasodilation, indicating that melatonin might exert the effects via binding to its receptors. Furthermore, the IL-17A/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated by intravitreal administration of aldosterone, while it was suppressed in melatonin-treated in advance rat eyes. This study indicates that melatonin could serve as a promising safe therapeutic strategy for CSC patients.

Changes of retinal ganglion cell complex after vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients and its correlation with inflammatory blood biomarkers

Purpose

To compare retinal ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters between rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) eyes and normal contralateral eyes after vitrectomy and to evaluate their correlation with inflammatory blood markers.

Methods

We investigated 25 eyes that underwent vitrectomy due to RRD. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants before 08:00 a.m. on the second day of admission after a 12-hour fast for blood counts. The differences of retinal structure between RRD and contralateral eyes were compared 1 week postoperatively.

Results

Focal loss volume (FLV) (2.009 ± 1.286)% was significantly increased compared with the contralateral eyes (p <  0.001). Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein was significantly positively correlated with GCC thickness parameters, and negatively correlated with FLV and global loss volume (GLV). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was negatively correlated with GLV (p = 0.039, R² = 0.172).

Conclusion

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss might present early postoperatively in RRD eyes, and was associated with systemic inflammation. RGCs loss might affect postoperative vision.

Pathophysiology of central serous chorioretinopathy: a literature review with quality assessment

The pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), a pachychoroid disease, is poorly understood. While choroid hyperpermeability and retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction are cornerstones for developing CSCR, the mechanisms at the retinal, vascular, retinal pigment epithelium, and cellular level continue to be an enigma. A few preclinical studies and the development of small-sized, poorly controlled clinical trials have resulted in limited insight into the disease mechanism. Effective treatments for CSCR are still lacking as current trials have produced inconsistent results for functional and structural gains. Thus, critically evaluating the literature to explore disease mechanisms and provide an up-to-date understanding of pathophysiology can provide valuable information and avenues to new treatments. In this study, a comprehensive summary of the mechanistic insight into CSCR is presented while highlighting the shortcomings of current literature. The mechanism was divided into seven sub-categories including mechanical obstruction, inflammation, oxidative stress, paracrine factors, autonomic dysfunction, mineralocorticoid receptors activation, and medications. We implemented validated tools like the JBI and CAMARADES to objectively analyze the quality of both clinical and preclinical studies, respectively. Overall, our analysis of the literature showed that no single mechanism was populated with a large number of sufficiently sized and good-quality studies. However, compiling these studies gave hints not only to CSCR pathogenesis but also pachychoroid disease in general while providing suggestions for future exploration.

Elevated serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios in patients with acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, and healthy control samples.

METHODS

Serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios were assessed in patients with acute (Group-1, 30 eyes) and chronic (Group-2, 30 eyes) central serous chorioretinopathy, and compared with healthy control (Group-3, 30 eyes) samples.

RESULTS

Fibrinogen/albumin ratios were significantly higher in Group-1 (104.72 ± 12.34) than in Group-2 (75.83 ± 10.06) and in Group-3 (72 ± 9.54) (p = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between age, CMT, and BCVA with fibrinogen/albumin ratios in the Pearson correlation analysis. In the ROC curve analysis, the most appropriate cut-off value of the fibrinogen/albumin ratio for acute CSCR was ≥87.8 and the optimal cut-off value for the fibrinogen/albumin ratio for chronic CSCR was ≥68.6.

CONCLUSION

The fibrinogen/albumin ratio may be useful as an inflammatory biomarker to monitor the systemic inflammatory state during the treatment and follow-up in patients with acute CSCR.

Association of the Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio With Diabetic Retinopathy

Background: Chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an essential contributor to the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The monocyte–to–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) is a novel and simple measure related to inflammatory and oxidative stress status. However, little is known regarding the role of the MHR in evaluating the development of DR.

Methods: A total of 771 patients with T2DM and 607 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. MHR determination and eye examination were performed. The association of MHR with the prevalence of DR in T2DM patients was analyzed.

Results: The MHR in patients with DR was significantly higher than that in both non-DR diabetic patients (P < 0.05) and healthy controls (P < 0.01). No significance was observed in the MHR of different DR severity grades. Moreover, the MHR was similar between patients with non-macular oedema and those with macular oedema. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHR was independently associated with the prevalence of DR in diabetic patients [odds ratio (OR) = 1.438, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.249–1.655, P < 0.01]. After additional stratification by HbA1c level and diabetic duration, the MHR was still independently associated with the prevalence of DR.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that the MHR can be used as a marker to indicate the prevalence of DR in patients with T2DM.

The Usefulness of Monocyte-to-High Density Lipoprotein and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Diabetic Macular Edema Prediction and Early anti-VEGF Treatment Response

Purpose: To determine the association of monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with diabetic macular edema (DME) and early anti-VEGF treatment response.Material methods: This was a retrospective and cross-sectional study conducted with 143 patients with diabetes mellitus (53 diabetic retinopathy with DME, 38 diabetic retinopathy without DME, and 52 without diabetic retinopathy).Results: 13.9 was the best cutoff value to predict DME for MHR, and 2 was for NLR (59% and 75% sensitivity and 81% and 59% specificity, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that NLR≥2 and MHR≥13.9 were significantly associated with DME prediction. However, neither NLR≥2 nor MHR≥13.9 was associated with central retinal thickness(CRT) or best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) outcomes after anti-VEGF treatment. On the other hand, increased NLR was associated with inferior CRT outcomes.Conclusion: MHR and NLR were simple and cost-effective biomarkers to predict DME. Moreover, higher NLR may contribute to poor CRT outcomes.

Evaluation of the systemic inflammation in patients with pterygium: Monocyte-to- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and hematologic indexes of inflammation

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate systemic inflammation in patients with pterygium using the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and hematologic indexes of inflammation.

METHODS:

Thirty-one patients with primary pterygium and 31 age-and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled in this retrospective study. The MHR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-eosinophil ratio, mean platelet volume-to-platelet count ratio, platelet distribution width, and red cell distribution width were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS:

There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of the MHR between the pterygium group and the control group (P = 0.693). The NLR was higher in the pterygium group than in the control group (P = 0.028). In the other hematologic indexes, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION:

The MHR is not associated with the presence of pterygium. An increased NLR in patients with pterygium may be an indicator of systemic inflammation.