Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitrectomy specimens with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Aim: To detect the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitrectomy specimens with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), in order to investigate the effect of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the formation and development of PDR. Methods:Vitrectomy specimens from 20 patients with PDR and 10 normal controls were collected. The mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitrectomy specimens were measured by RT-PCR and the content of MMP-2 and MMP-9, by radioimmunoassays, respectively. Results: The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitrectomy specimens from patients with PDR were higher than those of control (P0.05). Conclusion: MMP-2 and MMP-9 may play an important role in formation and development of PDR.