Abstract
Purpose: :
Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a widely accepted aethiological factor in the development of pterygium. UV radiation may induce production of reactive oxygen species via photosensitized oxidation, thus causing oxidative damage. This damage, in ocular limbus, may results in a conjunctival growth stimulated by the vascular endothelial grow factor (VEGF) This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that lipidic oxidative damage and VEGF are increased in pterygium, so we analyzed as lipid peroxidation marker, the Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and VEGF in pterygium and in normal conjunctiva
Methods: :
We study 56 eyes of 42 patients with pterygium, and 55 eyes of 45 patients without conjunctival disease. MDA, was measured by liquid chromatography and we established two groups (normal conjunctiva and pterygium). The VEGF was analyzed by inmunohistochemistry and divided in 3 groups: normal conjunctiva, pterygium, pterigyum trated with one subconjunctival injecction of Bevacizumab
Results: :
The MDA concentration in pterygium was found to be significantly elevated (0.28 nmol/mg prot) in comparasion to normal conjunctiva (0.02 nmol/mg prot) (p< 0.05 vs control). The VEGF concentration in pterygium was found to be significantly elevaded in not treated pterygium compared with normal conjunctiva and Bevacizumad treated pterygium (p< 0.05 vs control).
Conclusions: :
The increased levels of MDA and VEGF in the pterygium tissues may indicate that oxidative stress could play a role in the development of pterygium. These findings could provide new information to better understand the pathogenesis of pterygium and are useful in the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Keywords: pterygium • vascular endothelial growth factor • conjunctiva