The role of oxidative mechanisms in the etiopathogenesis of pterygium: a preliminary study.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the role of light-induced oxidative mechanisms in the pathogenesis of primary pterygium.


METHODS
Pterygium specimens were obtained from 18 eyes of 18 patients undergoing pterygial removal (group A), and normal conjunctival specimens were obtained from 18 eyes of 18 patients undergoing cataract surgery (group B). In all specimens, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were studied and compared.


RESULTS
In group A, the mean SOD activity was lower, and the mean MDA level was higher when compared to group B. However, these differences did not reach clinical significance (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the mean CAT activity was statistically significantly higher in group A when compared to controls (p = 0.017).


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study indicates that oxidative mechanisms seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of pterygium. These mechanisms are apparently activated by ultraviolet irradiation. Further studies are required to establish the role of oxidative mechanisms in the pathogenesis of primary or recurrent pterygia.
Uçakhan
Omür O
OO
Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. omuru@yahoo.com
Kanpolat
Ayfer
A
Elgün
Serenay
S
Durak
Ilker
I
D000328:Adult; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000528:radiation effects; D011625:Pterygium / Q000209:etiology*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D008315:Malondialdehyde; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase