Growth factor expression in ophthalmic pterygia and normal conjunctiva

Abstract

Abstract. The expression of growth factors in ophthalmic pterygium and phenotypically normal conjunctiva was examined and correlated with the clinical findings. Fifteen specimens of ophthalmic pterygia and 8 specimens of phenotypically normal conjunctiva were examined. Total RNA was extracted from all specimens and mRNA levels for transforming growth factor (TGFB1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) were measured using real-time reversetranscription PCR (qRT-PCR). Differences in the expression of these factors between pterygium and conjunctival specimens were examined, as well as correlations between RNA levels and clinical parameters. mRNA levels for VEGFA and FGF2 were significantly higher in pterygium, compared with conjunctival specimens, whereas the respective differences for other factors examined were statistically not significant. The mRNA levels for VEGFA and FGF2 were also significantly higher in recurrent compared with primary pterygium. Correlations between the mRNA levels and other clinical parameters were statistically not significant for the growth factors examined. The higher levels of FGF2 or VEGFA mRNA in pterygium imply that these factors may be involved in the pathogenesis or clinical behavior of the pterygium, including postoperative recurrence. VEGFA expression may have potential for use in the selective treatment of pterygium with anti-VEGFA agents.

Analysis of the Pathogenic Factors and Management of Dry Eye in Ocular Surface Disorders

“…It can cause chronic ocular irritation, induced astigmatism, tear film disorders and descreased vision secondary to growth over the visual axis [69,70]. Although the exact etiology is unknown, the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is believed to be the main risk factor [69,70]. Age, chronic inflammation, microtrauma, and hereditary factor can contribute [70,71].…”

“…Although the exact etiology is unknown, the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is believed to be the main risk factor [69,70]. Age, chronic inflammation, microtrauma, and hereditary factor can contribute [70,71]. Studies believe that the genetic trauma mediated by UV rays could alter the expression of cytokines such as IL-6…”

“…Il-6 and IL-8 can induce the production of MMP, which are localized on the edges that are advancing pterygium [70]. The release of IL-6, IL-8, and MMP in the tear film could lead to damage to the surface and instability of the tear film, resulting in apoptosis of epithelial cells, loss of GCs, reduction of mucous secretion, and lacrimal hyperosmolarity [70,71]. Finally, it develops a vicious circle in which the tear hyperosmolarity same stimulates the expression of MMP and leads to inflammation of the ocular surface [71].…”

Updates on the Treatment of Pterygium

“…Afterwards, other drugs were found to play a role in reducing the recurrence rate, which include doxorubicin and steroids, and more recently, alcohol and anti-VEGF (17,18). In the last few years, it was reported that the level of VEGF in pterygium tissue was increased compared with the levels in the normal conjunctiva, which justified the use of anti-VEGF to treat pterygium (19).…”

Preliminary evidence of the presence of lymphatic vessels immunoreactive for D2-40 and Prox-1 in human pterygium

“…Pterygium is a disease characterized by surface ocular lesions associated with chronic ultraviolet exposure in which the primary effect is a solar actinic elastosis within the stroma and all other changes are secondary to the primary effect (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). Pterygium is characterized by cellular proliferation, inflammatory infiltration, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix breakdown; the lesion begins to grow from limbal epithelium and invades the cornea centripetally followed by conjuntival epithelium, exhibiting degenerative and hyperplastic changes (1-7).…”