Özet:
Purpose: To assess the efficacy of nitric oxide synthesis (NOS) inhibitor, topical steroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on aqueous levels of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines after cataract surgery. Setting: Research Laboratory, Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Malatya, Turkey. Methods: Fifteen rabbits had intercapsular phacomulsification and were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups; Group 1 was treated with topical prednisolone acetate 1% drops 5 times a day for 1 week; Group 2, flurbiprofen 0.03% drops 5 times a day for 1 week; Group 3, a 0.1 cc subconjunctival injection of NG-nitro L-arginine (L-NAME) (150 mg/kg) 1 day and 3 days after surgery. Three rabbits serving as controls received a subconjunctival injection of an equal volume of balanced salt solution (BSS®) at the same times as the L-NAME injections. Aqueous humor specimens were collected from each eye to determine NO and cytokine levels including interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), interleukin-2R (IL-2R), interleukin-6 (IL- 6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Results: The levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were higher in Group 2 and the control group than in Groups 1 and 3 at all times. The differences were not statistically significant (P < .05). Nitric oxide and TNF-α levels in Groups 1 and 3 were significantly than in Groups 2 and the controls 1, 3, and 7 days postoperatively (P < .05). Conclusion: These findings suggest a strong inhibitory effect of NOS inhibitors and corticosteroids on aqueous levels of TNF-α and NO and no inhibitory effect on IL-1β and IL-6 levels after cataract surgery.