Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 40650085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26136307
Ceruloplasmin and Ferritin Changes in Ocular Fluids from Patients with Vitreoretinal Diseases: Relation with Neuroinflammation and Drusen Formation.
Int J Mol Sci 26(13)
Authors: Graziana Esposito, Pamela Cosimi, Bijorn Omar Balzamino, Marisa Bruno, Rosanna Squitti, Lucia Dinice, Fabio Scarinci, Mauro Ciro Antonio Rongioletti, Andrea Cacciamani, Alessandra Micera
Affiliations
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, 00184 Rome, Italy.
- Surgical Retina Research Unit, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, 00184 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Laboratory Science, Research and Development Division, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Viale Massenzio Masia, 26, 22100 Novedrate, Italy.
Abstract
This pilot study explored whether the ceruloplasmin (CP) and ferritin (FT) levels in ocular fluids could serve as biomarkers for early neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other dementias). CP and FT are known to modulate neurodegenerative tissue responses. We analysed aqueous and vitreous samples from 26 patients (8M/18F, aged 60-85) who were undergoing elective vitreoretinal (VR) surgery. Of these, 14 had idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERMs), 6 had idiopathic macular holes (MH), and 6 were patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who presented with VR disorders (VRDs). CP, FT, and selected neuroinflammatory mediators such as interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were quantified. Odds ratio analysis was applied to assess the CP/FT ratio's association with subretinal drusen. We found distinct CP and FT profiles in VRD samples. In aqueous fluid, the CP increased and the FT decreased in early-stage ERM, which reduced the CP/FT ratio. Similar patterns were observed in vitreous fluid. The CP levels correlated with the VEGF (aqueous), IL-4 (vitreous), NGF, and BDNF levels; FT correlated with IL-6 and NGF. A higher CP/FT ratio was associated with increased risk for neurodegenerative conditions. Our findings support the quantification of CP and FT in ocular fluids as a promising approach for identifying early neurodegenerative changes and suggest that the CP/FT ratio may be linked to drusen imaging and clinical neurodegenerative history.
MeSH
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Growth, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A, Ferritins, Ceruloplasmin, Epiretinal Membrane