Quantitative evaluation of ocular surface inflammation in patients with different grade of conjunctivochalasis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare HLA-DR expression of conjunctival epithelial cells in different grade of conjunctivochalasis (CCh).


METHODS
Thirty patients and seven healthy subjects underwent clinical examination, grading of CCh by lid-parallel conjunctival fold (LIPCOF) test, and impression cytology of the bulbar conjunctiva. HLA-DR expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Schirmer test, tear break-up time, and vital staining were also performed.


RESULTS
Patients who presented with mild and moderate CCh showed a similar expression of HLA-DR to normal subjects. A significant increase (p < 0.005) of HLA-DR was found in patients with severe CCh. Positive correlation was found between fluorescein staining and HLA-DR expression (r = 0.36, p = 0.009) and between lissamine-green staining and HLA-DR expression (r = 0.30, p = 0.027). Neither correlation was found between Schirmer test nor break up time and HLA-DR expression.


CONCLUSIONS
Inflammation plays a pivotal role on the ocular surface of patients with severe CCh. Since mild and moderate CCh HLA-DR expression was similar to normal controls, we can speculate that the source of inflammation could be the presence of conjunctival folds.
Fodor
Eszter
E
Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. fodoreszterdr@yahoo.com
Barabino
Stefano
S
Montaldo
Elisa
E
Mingari
Maria Cristina
MC
Rolando
Maurizio
M
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D008086:Lissamine Green Dyes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D015415:Biomarkers; D004396:Coloring Agents; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D008086:Lissamine Green Dyes