[Effects of matrix metalloproteinase-3, osteopontin, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in the formation of cataract].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression and significance of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), osteopontin (OPN) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in human lens epithelial cells (LECs) of cataract.


METHODS
The MMP-3, OPN, and TIMP-1 expressions in LECs of anterior subcapsular cataract (31 cases), nuclear cataract (28 cases) and normal lens (12 cases) were detected by immunohistochemistry, respectively.


RESULTS
The MMP-3 expression in anterior subcapsular cataract was significantly higher than that in nuclear cataract and normal lens (chi2=31.49, 34.479; P=0.000); but there was no statistic significance between nuclear cataract and normal lens (chi2=2.449, P=0.118). The OPN expression in anterior subcapsular cataract was also significantly higher than that in nuclear cataract and normal lens (chi2=29.450, 15.889; P=0.000). There was no significant difference in the TIMP-1 expression among the 3 groups (P>0.05). Positive correlation was found between MMP-3 and OPN in LECs of anterior subcapsular cataract (r=0.381, P=0.035). But no significant correlation was found among MMP-3, OPN, and TIMP-1 (r=0.121, -0.289; P=0.516, 0.114).


CONCLUSIONS
Increased expression of MMP-3 and OPN and the expression imbalance between MMP-3 and TIMP-1 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of anterior subcapsular cataract.
Tan
Qian
Q
Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. Liteliu@163.net
Jiang
Jian
J
Luo
Dong-qiang
DQ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053495:Osteopontin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D053495:Osteopontin; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3