Purpose Research has shown that HSPs participates in preserving HIF‐1a function. In this study, HIF‐1a, and HSP90, 70, expression and immunolocalization in ocular pterygium and normal conjunctiva samples was examined. Methods Fifty nine samples of ocular pterygium and twenty samples of normal conjunctiva, surgically removed, were tested with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorecense and western blot analysis. Results Between pterygium specimens and normal conjuctiva specimens, significant differences were observed in the expressions of proteins HSP90 (p=0.002), HIF‐1a (p=0.048). No significant differences were found in the expressions of HSP70 in ocular pterygium when compared to the normal conjunctiva. Conclusion These data provide molecular evidence that Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1a and HSP90 may have a role to play in pterygium pathogenesis.

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