Decrease of pigment epithelium-derived factor in aqueous humor with increasing age.

Abstract

To determine whether the level of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in the aqueous humor is altered with age. Observational case series. The PEDF concentration in the aqueous humor was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 152 eyes of 121 patients who underwent cataract surgery. The mean aqueous level of PEDF was 0.86 +/- 0.04 microg/ml (mean +/- standard error, 70.7 +/- 1.0 years). The PEDF levels decreased with increasing age, and the decrease was significantly correlated with age (Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, r = - 0.22, P =.006). The mean PEDF level in the men (0.76 +/- 0.06 microg/ml, 53 eyes, 71.5 +/- 2.0 years) was significantly lower than that in women (0.91 +/- 0.04 microg/ml, 99 eyes, 70.2 +/- 1.1 year, P =.03). The negative correlation of PEDF level and age should be considered in age-related eye diseases, especially those associated with angiogenesis.