Expression Characteristics of Soluble sCD13 in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Its Diagnostic Value and Correlation Study

Objective: This study explored the level of soluble CD13 (sCD13) and its correlation with angiogenic factors, evaluating the predictive efficacy of sCD13 in wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). Methods: 200 patients were included (58 in Non AMD group, 42 in Early AMD group, and 100 in wAMD group). Detailed routine and ophthalmologic examinations were performed on all subjects, and the central retinal thickness (CRT) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were determined. The concentration of sCD13 was compared. The correlation of sCD13 with PDGF, hsCRP and IL-8 was analyzed. ROC curves were plotted and the diagnostic value of sCD13 was assessed by area under the curve (AUC). Results: The sCD13 concentration of patients in the wAMD group (20.41 ± 5.86 U/mL) was higher. Age, history of smoking, CRT, hsCRP and IL-8 were higher in the wAMD group, while mean GCIPL, BCVA, and PDGF were lower. sCD13 was positively correlated with hsCRP (r = 0.505) and IL-8 (r = 0.193) and negatively correlated with PDGF (r = − 0.241). sCD13 had predictive efficacy in distinguishing wAMD from non AMD and early AMD, with AUC values of 0.74 and 0.61, respectively ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: sCD13 concentration in the affected eyes of wAMD patients is abnormally elevated and associated with elevated serum hsCRP and IL-8 levels and decreased PDGF. These results suggest that elevated sCD13 may promote the development of wAMD, emphasizing the importance of early control of sCD13 levels. Keywords: age-related macular degeneration, soluble CD13, retinal pigment epithelium, diagnosis