Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:The management and visual prognosis of acanthamoeba keratitis has improved by the successful medical treatment, even though some cases remain chronic keratitis and require penetrating keratoplasy. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and CD68 in specimens with acanthamoeba keratitis. Methods:Penetrating keratoplasty specimens were obtained from a patient with acanthamoeba keratitis. Immunohistochemical study was employed to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1,2,3,9, CD68, and TNF-α. Penetrating keratoplasty specimens which were obtained fungal keratitis was also studied to compare with that of acanthamoeba keratitis. Results:No acanthamoeba cyst was identified from the penetrating keratoplasy specimens. Loss of stromal collagen affecting variable areas of the cornea was observed. CD68 positive cells were shown in the subepithelial and anterior stroma, which was associated with perforation. The staining of anti-matrix metalloproteinase-9 antibody and anti-TNF-α antibody was distributed around the CD68 positive cells. The immunostaining for matrix metalloproteinase-1, 2 and 3 was fairly detectable. In specimens with fungal keratitis the immunostaining for CD68 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 was observed diffusely in the stroma. The staining of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was shown in the subepithelial stroma. Conclusion:This study provides the evidence for the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the cornea which was infected with acanthamoeba. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase in chronic keratitis may play a role in the pathological processes.
Keywords: 302 Acanthamoeba • 449 keratitis • 434 immunohistochemistry