Markers of Inflammation and Fibrosis in the Orbital Fat/Connective Tissue of Patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy: Clinical Implications

[摘要] Purpose.To assess FGF-β, TGF-β, and COX2 expression and immunocompetent cells in the orbital tissue of patients with severe and mild Graves’ orbitopathy.Patients and Methods.Orbital tissue was taken from 27 patients with GO: (1) severe GO (n=18), the mean clinical activity score (CAS) being 8.5 (SD 2.5); and (2) mild GO (n=9), the mean CAS being 2.2 (SD 0.8), and from 10 individuals undergoing blepharoplasty. The expression of CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, and CD68 and FGF-β, TGF-β, and COX2 in the orbital tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods.Results.We demonstrated predominant CD4+ T cells in severe GO. CD68 expression was observed in the fibrous connective area of mild GO and was robust in severe GO, while the prominent TGF-βexpression was seen in all GO. Increased FGF-βexpression was observed in the fibroblasts and adipocytes of severe GO. No expression of COX2 was found in patients with GO.Conclusions.Macrophages and CD4 T lymphocytes are both engaged in the active/severe and long stage of inflammation in the orbital tissue. FGF-βand TGF-βexpression may contribute to tissue remodeling, fibrosis, and perpetuation of inflammation in the orbital tissue of GO especially in severe GO.

[学科分类] 生理学与病理学