Purpose

To evaluate the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome of dry eye (SS – dry eye), and in induction of ocular changes in this disease.

Material and methods

Tear samples were collected from 25 patients with Sjögren’s syndrome of dry eye and 33 healthy volunteers. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. Ophthalmic examinations, including tests for dry eye, were used to study the ocular surface. The levels of these cytokines in tears and dry eye findings were compared.

Results

The tears level of IL-8 and IFN-gamma in SS – dry eye patients were significantly higher than those in controls. We found positive correlation between the tears levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and dry eye findings (subjective and objective assessments and diagnostic tests).

Conclusions

The elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in tears fluid of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome of dry eye may be important factor in the pathogenesis of this disease. Significant correlation between tears level of cytokines and dry eye findings suggest, that these cytokines induce inflammatory changes of ocular surface in Sjögren’s syndrome of dry eye.