Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in Mooren's ulcer cornea

Objective To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in active Mooren's ulcer corneas.Methods An indirect immunofluorescent technique was used to visualize the presence of matrix metalloproteinase-1,2,3,9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,2 in active Mooren's ulcer corneas from 6 patients and normal human corneas from 4 corpses.The results were further analyzed by an image-processing system.Results Only TIMP1,2 were detected in normal corneal epithelium while MMP-1,2,3,9,and TIMP-1,2 all were found in Mooren's ulcer corneas.MMP-2,TIMP-2 expressed in epithelium,MMP-3 expressed in stroma,MMP-1,9,and TIMP-1 expressed in both epithelium and stroma.Conclusion In active Mooren's ulcer cases,corneal lesion and corneal wound healing coexist,but the destructive reaction is greater than wound healing.Over-expression of MMP-9 and unbalanced regulation of MMPs/TIMPs may play an important role in the Mooren's ulcer of this stage.