Silicone oil concentrates fibrogenic growth factors in the retro-oil fluid

Aim: To determine whether silicone oil concentrates protein and growth factors in the retro-oil fluid. Methods: A laboratory analysis of intraocular fluid and vitreous specimens obtained from patients undergoing removal of silicone oil, revision vitrectomy, or primary vitrectomy for macular hole, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), or retinal detachment. Patients were prospectively recruited from routine vitreoretinal operating lists. Vitreous cavity fluid and vitreous samples were analysed for the presence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta(2)), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and total protein using either commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays ( ELISA) or protein assay kits. Results: The median levels of bFGF, IL-6, and protein in the retro-oil fluid were raised (p< 0.05) compared to all the other vitreous and vitreous cavity fluid samples. bFGF, IL-6, and protein levels were raised in PVR vitreous compared to non-PVR vitreous. TGF-beta(2) levels were not significantly raised in retro-oil fluid or in PVR vitreous. Conclusions: The concentration of fibrogenic (bFGF) and inflammatory (IL-6) growth factors and protein is raised in retro-silicone oil fluid. This may contribute to the process of retro-oil perisilicone proliferation and subsequent fibrocellular membrane formation.