Corneal subbasal nerve alterations and tear cytokine associations in ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Objective: To determine the corneal subbasal nerve parameters associated with ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and their relationships with tear cytokine levels. Methods: Twenty-six ocular cGVHD patients, eight non-GVHD patients and 20 dry eye disease patients were recruited. The corneal subbasal nerve parameters were detected using Results: Compared with DED patients, GVHD patients have significantly greater corneal subbasal nerve tortuosity and lower density; however, no differences were noted compared with non-GVHD patients. NGF-β, G-CSF, GM-CSF, M-CSF, FGF1, FGF2, Fas-L, and CD137 levels were evaluated in the tears of GVHD patients compared with those of DED patients. M-CSF, FGF1, and Fas-L were present at higher concentrations in GVHD patients than in non-GVHD patients. The PDGF-CC concentration was lower in the GVHD group compared with the non-GVHD group. M-CSF, GM-CSF, FGF1, FGF2, Fas-L, CD137, and PDGF-CC levels are associated with the density of the corneal subbasal nerve. M-CSF, GM-CSF, FGF1, FGF2, Fas-L, and CD137 levels correlated with the tortuosity of the subbasal nerve. Conclusion: In ocular cGVHD patients, the corneal subbasal nerve has a lower density and greater tortuosity but is similar to that in non-GVHD patients. IVCM findings of the corneal subbasal nerve are likely associated with tear cytokine changes. Clinical trial registration: Identifier ChiCTR2100051883.