Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Expression in Pterygium

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:to evaluate the presence and expression of MMP-9 in pterygium. Methods: a prospective randomized clinical trial took place at the Botucatu School of Medicine (São Paulo-Brazil). The pterygium lesion and a fragment of normal conjunctiva (control group) of the same eye from 61 patients were excised and submitted to immunohistochemical evaluation for detection of MMP-9 expression. The mean age was 51.62 year-old. Forty-two lesions were primary pterygium and 19 recurrent pterygium. The data were submitted to a computerized image analysis system and statistical analysis. Results: the MMP-9 evaluation showed similarity in expression between the control and pterygium groups. Difference of expression was also not observed between the primary and recurrent pterygium. Conclusion:the MMP-9 is present in the conjunctiva tissue and its expression is similar in pterygium and in normal conjunctiva and there was not observed difference of expression among the types of pterygium evaluated.

Keywords: Pterygium • immunohistochemistry • clinical laboratory testing