New biomarker discovery enhances detection of corneal involvement in conjunctivitis
The gene apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been identified as a significant biomarker for predicting corneal involvement in patients with acute infectious conjunctivitis, according to a study. This discovery could improve the management and care of patients with this condition by enabling earlier and more accurate detection of those at risk for more severe ocular complications.
The cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 phases: predictive modeling using logistic regression and machine learning, confirmation of the key biomarker gene through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and validation in patient samples from outpatient centers.
Overall, 13 genes exhibited a significant change in expression in patients with corneal involvement. Among these, the gene encoding APOE was particularly notable. Removing APOE from the predictive model significantly decreased its accuracy, underscoring its importance. Subsequent testing confirmed that APOE expression was higher in patients with corneal involvement. In validation tests, APOE demonstrated moderate sensitivity and high specificity in distinguishing between disease states in different populations.
Reference
Seitzman GD, Prajna L, Prajna NV, et al; SCORPIO Study Group. Biomarker Detection and Validation for Corneal Involvement in Patients With Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024;e242891. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.2891. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39145969; PMCID: PMC11327903.
