title: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in pterygium.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in pterygium lesion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective randomized clinical trial was done to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase in normal and in primary or recurrent pterygia in Tenon's capsule by immunohistochemical analysis and a computerized image analysis system. The data were submitted to statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Matrix metalloproteinase expression showed no difference in normal Tenon's capsule and in primary or recurrent pterygia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The similar expression of the matrix metalloproteinase in normal Tenon's capsule and in primary or recurrent pterygia allowed us to conclude that matrix metalloproteinase is not implicated in the genesis or the recurrence of pterygium lesion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculdade de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. sartioli@fmb.unesp.br
authors.forename: Silvana Artioli
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Schellini
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hoyama
authors.forename: Deilson Elgui
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Carlos Eduardo
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Bacchi
authors.forename: Carlos Roberto
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Padovani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011625:Pterygium / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9