Study Of The Expressions Of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 And Its Tissue Inhibitor 1 In Fungal Corneal Ulceration

Objective:To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9)and its tissue inhibitor 1(TIMP-1) in fungal corneal ulceration,and to explore the mechanism of expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in fungal corneal ulceration.Methods:(1) We collected cornea with fungal corneal ulceration and normal cornea.The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the cornea were tested with immunohistochemical dying.(2) The results were analyzed by software SPSS,t or t' test was used to compare difference of MMP-9,TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 between groups,a=0.05 was considered as level of a test.Results:(1) The expression level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in fungal corneal ulceration specimes was remarkably higher than that of normal human cornea specimes(P＜0.05). And MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mainly located in corneal epithelium,basement membrane and stroma.(2) The value of MMP-9/TIMP-1 in fungal corneal ulceration specimes was remarkably higher than that of normal human cornea specimes(P＜0.05).Conclusion:(1) The expression of MMP-9 is upregulated in fungal corneal ulceration. MMP-9 may play an important role in pathogenesis of fungal corneal ulceration.The expression of TIMP-1 in fungal corneal ulceration follows MMP-9.Studing the relevance of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may be more helpful to explore their mechanism of fungal corneal ulceration.(2) The expression imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 may be more important in mechanism of fungal corneal ulceration.At the early stage of fungal corneal ulceration,the excessive expression of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 causes corneal basement membrane to degrade,thus caused the development of ulceration.(3) Increased expression of MMP-9 and the expression imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of fungal corneal ulceration.Therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing MMP-9 activity and decreasing the value of MMP-9/TIMP-1may be of some benefit in the treatment of fungal corneal ulceration.