Expressions of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 and Tissue Inhibitor Metalloproteinase-1 in Corneal Tissue Post Alkali Burn Treated with Topical Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Doxycycline

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of topical Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and Doxycycline in inhibiting the expression of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in ocular alkali burn models in animals. Methods: A total of 18 New Zealand Rabbits were divided into 3 groups based on their post-alkali-burn treatment: PBS (G1/ control group), topical Doxycycline 1mg/ml (G2), and topical MPA 1% (G3). Alkali burn models were made by exposing 1N NaOH solution to the central cornea for 30 seconds. MMP-3 and TIMP-1 expression were evaluated using immunohistochemistry after 14 days of treatment. Results: Statistically significant differences in the mean MMP-3 expression were found between the three groups (p=0.010). There was a significant difference in MMP-3 expression between the control group with MPA (p=0.017) and Doxycycline (p=0.028) but was not found between the MPA and Doxycycline groups (p=1,000). The mean differences in TIMP-1 expression between the three treatment groups were statistically significant (p=0.005), with a significant difference between the control group with Doxycycline (p=0.022) and MPA (p=0.007). There was no significant difference in TIMP-1 expression between the Doxycycline and MPA groups (P=1,000). Conclusion: This study indicated that topical administration of Doxycycline or MPA in ocular alkali burn reduces the expression of MMP-3 and TIMP-1.