Correlations of long-term matrix metalloproteinase localization in human corneas after successful laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis with minor complications at the flap margin.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are present long-term in human corneas after successful laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
Eighteen postmortem corneas from 10 patients with postoperative intervals of 2 to 8 years after LASIK surgery and 4 normal control corneas from 2 patients were collected from US eye banks and processed for histologic analysis and immunolocalization with antibodies to MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, and MMP-14.


RESULTS
Matrix metalloproteinase 7 was present in the epithelium of all corneas. Other MMPs were localized to the wound margin in some post-LASIK corneas. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 was detected around epithelial cells trapped in the lamellar scar in 5 of 6 corneas with epithelial ingrowth. Various MMPs were detected in fibrotic tissue at the wound margin in 2 of 2 corneas with flap retraction.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of MMPs in post-LASIK corneas correlates with an ongoing wound healing process associated with minor post-LASIK complications. Matrix metalloproteinases might contribute to instances of ongoing flap instability, and if so, judicious use of MMP inhibitors could provide benefit.
Fournié
Pierre R
PR
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1638 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136, USA. efini@med.miami.edu
Gordon
Gabriel M
GM
Dawson
Daniel G
DG
Edelhauser
Henry F
HF
Fini
M Elizabeth
ME
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000601:surgery*; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases