Transforming growth factor β2 increases in subretinal fluid in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with subretinal strands

Purpose: To compare transforming growth factor (TGF) beta(2) levels in subretinal fluid of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with or without subretinal strand formation. Methods: We assessed total and mature TGF-beta(2) levels in subretinal fluid obtained from 24 eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Group I comprised 18 specimens from eyes without subretinal strands, while group II comprised 6 specimens from eyes with subretinal strands. Results: Total and mature TGF-beta(2) levels were higher in group II than in group I (p = 0.01 and p = 0.07, respectively). Conclusion: The concentrations of total and mature TGF-beta(2) were higher in cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with subretinal strand formation compared to those without subretinal strand formation. (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.