Increased growth factor activity in the aqueous humour of patients with exfoliation syndrome

Background: To investigate the growth factor activity in the aqueous humour of patients with exfoliation syndrome (XFS). Methods: We collected 154 aqueous humour samples (69 from patients with XFS and 85 from age-matched controls) prior to routine extracapsular cataract surgery. Growth factor activity was investigated using a [3H]thymidine inco rporation assay on McCoy cells that assesses DNA synthesis. Albumin concent ration was measured by a radio-immunoassay as an index of blood aqueous bar rier integrity. N-Acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activity, a marker of cellula r breakdown, was ascertained by a fluorometric method. Results: XFS aqueous samples exhibited significantly higher growth factor a ctivity than to the control samples (P<0.001). Albumin concentration was al so higher in the XFS group. NAG activity was similar in the two groups. No relationship between growth factor activity and the other parameters invest igated was found. Conclusions: Increased growth factor activity was detected in the aqueous h umour of patients with XFS. This finding may be related to the pathogenesis of XFS.