Tear levels of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Interleukin 1-β, and clinical correlations in new contact lens users

Purpose

To assess alterations in the tear Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β1 and Interleukin (IL1)-β concentration in new contact lens wearers; and explore correlations with tear film stability, and ocular physiological response.

Methods

In this clinical setting, 12 neophytes (5 males), with an average age of 24.0 ± 5.0 years were fitted with delefilcon A contact lenses. Physiological responses (bulbar and limbal hyperemia), Pre-corneal (NIBUT), Pre-lens (PL-NIBUT) non-Invasive Break-Up Times, and tear samples were collected in the morning (before lens insertion; 9 – 10 a.m.) and afternoon (before lens removal; 7 – 8p.m.) of the same day. NIBUT and PL-NIBUT were measured using a tearscope. Tear samples were assayed for TGF-β1 and IL1-β concentrations using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kits. An 11-members control group (6 males) aged 25.0 ± 5.0, served to assess biomarker levels in non-contact lens wearers’ tears.

Results

Subjects wore lenses for an average of 7 h and 20 min (range: 6 to 9 h). Bulbar and limbal hyperemia increased significantly throughout the day (p < 0.001). PL-NIBUT were lower than NIBUT (4.7 ± 2.0 Vs. 12.2 ± 8.8 s; p < 0.001). The IL1-β levels were higher in neophytes than controls (3.2 ± 4.7 Vs. 0.1 ± 0.1 pg/ml; p = 0.05), correlating significantly with bulbar (r = 0.405, p = 0.008) and limbal hyperemia (r = 0.499, p = 0.027). No substantial changes were reported for TGF-β1.

Conclusion

The presence of TGF-β1 in tears does not appear significantly affected by lens wear. The association between physiological parameters and IL1-β levels suggests that lenses may disrupt ocular surface homeostasis by altering cytokine regulatory mechanisms. However, due to its low concentration, IL1-β’s role in the subclinical inflammatory response to lens wear is limited.