Decrease of pigment epithelium-derived factor in aqueous humor with increasing age

To determine whether the level of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in the aqueous humor is altered with age. Observational case series. The PEDF concentration in the aqueous humor was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 152 eyes of 121 patients who underwent cataract surgery. The mean aqueous level of PEDF was 0.86 ± 0.04 μg/ml (mean ± standard error, 70.7 ± 1.0 years). The PEDF levels decreased with increasing age, and the decrease was significantly correlated with age (Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, r = − 0.22, P = .006). The mean PEDF level in the men (0.76 ± 0.06 μg/ml, 53 eyes, 71.5 ± 2.0 years) was significantly lower than that in women (0.91 ± 0.04 μg/ml, 99 eyes, 70.2 ± 1.1 year, P = .03). The negative correlation of PEDF level and age should be considered in age-related eye diseases, especially those associated with angiogenesis.