Transforming growth factor beta1, matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and its tissue inhibitor in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma/syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), oxidative stress and imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) may play an important role in pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome/glaucoma (PEX Sy/Gl). The aim of the study was to measure concentrations of TGF-beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 in the aqueous humor in the examined group, as well as to compare the biochemical findings with the following clinical parameters: degree of chamber angle pigmantation, presence of pseudoexfoliation and the value of intraocular pressure (IOP).

METHODS

Aqueous samples from 30 patients with cataract, 30 patients with PEX Sy, 36 patients with PEX Gl, and 42 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were collected during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. TGF beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 Fluotokine Multi Analyze Profiling kits and Luminex technology were used to simultaneously measure TGF beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-2.

RESULTS

TGF-beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 were detected in human aqueous from all the groups with the highest level in the group with PEX Gl. Statistically, a significant correlation between the levels of TGF beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 in the aqueous humor of the patients with PEX Gl and the IOP value was confirmed (p < 0.05). In this group, the positive correlations between the TGF beta1 concentration in the aqueous humor and the presence of pseudoexfoliation (p < 0.01), on the one hand, and between the TIMP-2 level and the presence of pseudoexfoliation (p < 0.05), on the other, were reported. A statistically significant positive correlation of TGF-beta1 and MMP-2, and the degree of chamber angle pigmentation in the PEX Gl group was confirmed (p < 0.05). In the POAG group, TIMP-2 values were in a negative correlation with the degree of pigmentation (p < 0.05), and the IOP value (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TGF beta1 and MMP-2 affect the degree of chamber angle pigmentation and the degree of pseudoexfoliation in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.