Abstract
Purpose: :
To characterize pro–inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression in primary pterygium.
Methods: :
The study group included primary pterygium specimens from 17 patients. A control group of 15 patients who underwent cataract surgery and had clinically healthy conjunctivas was also studied. Total RNA was extracted from the samples for semi–quantitative RT–PCR procedures. Comparative expression between pterygium and normal conjunctiva were realized for pro–inflammatory cytokines and growth factors (Interleukin–6, IL–6; Tumor Necrosis Factor–alpha, TNF–alpha; Platelet Derived Growth Factor–B, PDGF–B; basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, FGF–b; Transforming Growth Factor–beta2, TGF–beta2; and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, VEGF. Differences between the cytokines expression by groups were analyzed using a Kruskal–Wallis test.
Results: :
Significant differences in expression of TGF–beta2, IL–6, and FGF–b were detected between pterygium samples and the control group (P = 0.01, P = 0.016, and P = 0.035, respectively). A tendency to the statistical significance level was observed for TNF–alpha and PDGF–b (P = 0.053 and P = 0.089, respectively), but not for VEGF.
Conclusions: :
Higher expression of TGF–beta2, IL–6, FGF–b, TNF–alpha, and PDGF–b may be associated in the pathogenesis of the pterygium. Modulation of these cytokines could be the goal for primary pterygium treatment in order to avoid its recurrence or even its progression.
Keywords: Pterygium • cytokines/chemokines • growth factors/growth factor receptors