Chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronan in the vitreous of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To compare hyaluronan (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) concentrations as well as the sulfation pattern of CS domains in the vitreous of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) versus non-RRD patients.

METHODS

Vitreous samples from 56 patients with RRD and 41 patients with floaters, macular hole or epiretinal membranes were collected during pars plana vitrectomy. Disaccharide analysis was performed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess HA and CS concentrations in the vitreous and determine CS sulfation.

RESULTS

The vitreous of RRD patients showed significantly lower HA concentrations (Mann-Whitney U, p < 0.001) and higher CS concentrations (Mann-Whitney U, p < 0.001) compared to non-RRD patients. The higher total CS concentration in RRD patients was related to a significant increase in non-sulfated CS domains. The concentration of sulfated CS disaccharides with a 6S domain was significantly decreased in RRD patients compared to non-RRD patients: 4S6S (Mann-Whitney U; p = 0.008), 2S6S (Mann-Whitney U; p = 0.004), and 6S (Mann-Whitney U; p = 0.013). The sulfated CS disaccharides 2S4S, 4S6S, 2S6S, 4S, 2S, and 6S, are significantly more abundant in non-RRD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant degree of non-sulfated CS domains and decreased HA concentrations in the vitreous of RRD patients could weaken structural organization of the vitreous. Reduced vitreous stability can cause pathological vitreoretinal traction, ultimately leading to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.