Changes in Tears Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Level After External Dacryocystorhinostomy in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Background: The authors aimed to define tears monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) changes after external dacryocystorhinostomy surgery. Materials and Methods: Tears samples were collected with a Schirmer strip and stored in Eppendorf tubes at −80°C. At the end of the study, the papers were cut into small pieces and incubated with phosphate-buffered saline solution. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays kit. Results: The MCP-1 levels were 498.66±101.35, 576.40±149.78, 422.53±85.94, and 436.96±81.38 ng/L before surgery, in the first week, the first, and third months after surgery, respectively. Its level significantly increased in the first week compared with the preoperative level ( P <0.001). There was a prominent decrease in the postoperative first month ( P <0.001). In the third postoperative month, the mean MCP-1 level was not significantly increased compared with the postoperative first month ( P =0.196). Conclusion: The tears MCP-1 level was significantly decreased after external dacryocystorhinostomy surgery.