Comparison of tear proteomic and neuromediator profiles changes between small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Yu-Chi Liu, Gary Hin-Fai Yam, Molly Tzu-Yu Lin, Ericia Teo, Siew-Kwan Koh, Lu Deng, Lei Zhou, Louis Tong, Jodhbir S Mehta

Journal of advanced research 2021 Mar

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The tear proteomics and neuromediators are associated with clinical dry eye parameters following refractive surgery. To investigate and compare the tear proteomic and neuromediator profiles following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) versus laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). In this randomized controlled trial with paired-eye design, 70 patients were randomized to receive SMILE in one eye and LASIK in the other eye. Tear samples were collected preoperatively, and 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and were examined for protein concentration changes using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS). The data were analyzed with DAVID Bioinformatics Resources for enriched gene ontology terms and over-represented pathways. Tear neuromediators levels were correlated with clinical parameters. Post-SMILE eyes had significantly better Oxford staining scores and tear break-up time (TBUT) than post-LASIK eyes at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Tear substance P and nerve growth factor levels were significantly higher in the LASIK group for 3 months and 1 year, respectively. SMILE and LASIK shared some similar biological responses postoperatively, but there was significant up-regulation in leukocyte migration and wound healing at 1 week, humoral immune response and apoptosis at 1 month, negative regulation of endopeptidase activity at 3 to 6 months, and extracellular structure organization at 1 year in the post-LASIK eyes. Tear mucin-like protein 1 and substance P levels were significantly correlated with TBUT (r = -0.47, r = -0.49, respectively). Significant differences in the tear neuromediators and proteomics were observed between SMILE and LASIK, even though clinical dry eye signs have subsided and became comparable between 2 procedures. © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Cairo University.

Citation

Yu-Chi Liu, Gary Hin-Fai Yam, Molly Tzu-Yu Lin, Ericia Teo, Siew-Kwan Koh, Lu Deng, Lei Zhou, Louis Tong, Jodhbir S Mehta. Comparison of tear proteomic and neuromediator profiles changes between small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Journal of advanced research. 2021 Mar;29:67-81