This investigation examined the spectrum of chemokines and growth factors present in the aqueous humor (AH) of eyes affected by Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) together with cataracts, using individuals with cataracts alone as controls. In total, 52 AH samples were obtained prior to cataract extraction (26 from FECD + cataract eyes and 26 from cataract-only eyes). All participants were free of any clinically detectable ocular inflammation during sampling. Concentrations of MCP-1 (CCL2), MIP-1α (CCL3), MIP-1β (CCL4), RANTES (CCL5), eotaxin (CCL11), IP-10 (CXCL10), FGF basic, G-CSF, GM-CSF, PDGF-bb, and VEGF in AH were compared across groups, with measurements performed via the Bio-Plex 200 System (Bio-Rad). Among all analytes, RANTES, eotaxin, and IP-10 showed significantly higher AH levels in FECD + cataract samples relative to cataract controls (p < 0.05). These increases suggest heightened inflammatory activity in FECD + cataract eyes. Furthermore, the elevated presence of RANTES, eotaxin, and IP-10 may serve as early biomarkers indicating a risk of FECD in patients presenting with cataracts. Detecting increased biochemical marker levels in individuals not yet clinically diagnosed could justify closer follow-up of the fellow eye for possible FECD development.
