Expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in surgically induced necrotizing scleritis.
BACKGROUND
Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis is primarily managed with immunosuppressive regimens. Such treatments can alter inflammatory cytokines and products such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which are an important proinflammatory cytokine and a tissue-degrading protease involved in necrosis of some ocular tissues.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate TNF-alpha and MMP-9 in the tear or sclera of surgically induced necrotizing scleritis.


METHODS
After tear collection from healthy and diseased eyes of 2 patients, immunoblot analysis using monoclonal antibody specific for human TNF-alpha and MMP-9 was performed. In another patient, scleral tissues were obtained during scleral allograft surgery, and the same immunoblot analysis was done.


RESULTS
The level of TNF-alpha and MMP-9 was increased in tear fluid from patients compared to that of control volunteers and returned to the control level after treatment. The diseased sclera showed an increased expression of MMP-9 compared to that of the normal donor sclera.


CONCLUSIONS
TNF-alpha and MMP-9 may suggest disease activity of surgically induced necrotizing scleritis and can be altered by proper immunosuppressive treatment.
Seo
Kyoung Yul
KY
Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei Institute of Vision Research, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
Hyung Keun
HK
Kim
Eung Kweon
EK
Lee
Joon H
JH
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012590:Sclera / Q000378:metabolism; D015423:Scleritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9