Neutrophil activation marker CD15+ as a prognostic factor of ocular surface damage in type 2 diabetics

Abstract

Introduction: The ocular surface milieu is special with regard to immune properties. It not only performs a barrier function, but also protects its inherent immune cells from potential damage associated with their excessive activity in response to infectious, mechanical or chemical agents. Neutrophil granulocytes (CD45, CD15) are common innate immune cells mostly due to their phagocytic properties, direct migration to infammation foci and infltration in adjacent tissues. The neutrophil marker CD15 is known to contribute to cell adhesion to the epithelium and play a key role in eliciting and maintaining an internal infammatory response. The CD15 carbohydrate epitope is expressed in mature human neutrophils, monocytes, and promyelocytes. This cell surface glycan is involved in cell-to-cell interaction, phagocytosis, and stimulation of degranulation and oxidative burst. Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic value of the neutrophil activation marker CD15+ in ocular surface damage in type 2 diabetics. Material and methods: This study was conducted from January 2021 to January 2021. A total of 60 type 2 diabetics (120 eyes) were enrolled, with an average age of 62.1 ± 5.24 years. Two groups were formed for evaluating the prognostic value of neutrophil CD15 expression. Group 1 comprised 60 eyes with conjunctival impression cytology evidence of ocular surface damage corresponding to Nelson’s grade 2 or 3 squamous metaplasia; group 2 (60 eyes)–Nelson’s grade 0 or 1. Results: The prognostic value of the percentage expression of CD15+ in ocular surface damage in type 2 diabetics was for the frst time evaluated.