Pathogenesis of pterygia: role of cytokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases.
Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease apparently only observed in humans. Chronic UV exposure is a widely accepted aetiological factor in the pathogenesis of this disease and this concept is supported by epidemiological data, ray tracing models and histopathological changes that share common features with UV damaged skin. The mechanism(s) of pterygium formation is incompletely understood. Recent data have provided evidence implicating a genetic component, anti-apoptotic mechanisms, cytokines, growth factors, extracellular matrix remodelling (through the actions of matrix metalloproteinases), immunological mechanisms and viral infections in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this review, the current knowledge on pterygium pathogenesis is summarised, highlighting recent developments. In addition, we provide novel data further demonstrating the complexity of this intriguing disease.
Di Girolamo
Nick
N
Department of Pathology, Inflammatory Diseases Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia. n.digirolamo@unsw.edu.au
Chui
Jeanie
J
Coroneo
Minas T
MT
Wakefield
Denis
D
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D011625:Pterygium / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D016207:Cytokines; D006133:Growth Substances; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases