Dr. RITICA MUKHERJI

Prof.ROHIT SHETTY, Dr.POOJA KHAMAR, DR. BHAVYA GORIMANIPALLI

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the tear inflammatory cytokine levels during three phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy adult women. Methods: Schirmer test scores (ST-1),Non-Invasive Break Up Time (NI-BUT) and tear soluble factors (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A,TNFMMP-9,sICAM-1,VEGF-A) were assessed in 15 healthy women aged 25-35 years during follicular phase(FP),Ovulation phase(OP) and Luteal phase(LP). Results: ST-1 and NI-BUT were reduced during the OP compared to FP. A significantly higher number of subjects showed increased tear levels of inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-1b, and VEGF-A during OP and LP compared to FP.50% of subjects showed an increase in MMP9 in OP and LP compared to FP.Conclusions: Majority of subjects showed an increase in tear fluid inflammatory cytokine levels during the ovulatory and luteal phases.The variability in ocular surface inflammatory milieu during menstrual cycle may impact various disease conditions including dry eye disease and post-surgical wound healing.

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