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[Dynamic changes of MMP-2 activity in the posterior sclera of chicks with form-deprivation myopia]
Shuang-Zhen Liu1, Wen-Can Wu, Jian-Feng Wang
1Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. Liushzhxy@163.com
Insights
Increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity in chick sclera drives extracellular matrix remodeling during form-deprivation myopia (FDM). This gelatinase elevation correlates with axial length changes, suggesting a key role in myopia development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Animal Models
Context:
- Form-deprivation myopia (FDM) is a common animal model to study myopia.
- Scleral remodeling is implicated in the progression of myopia.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of form-deprivation on gelatinase levels in the posterior sclera of chicks.
- To determine the role of gelatinase, specifically MMP-2, in the development of FDM.
Summary:
- Chicks were monocularly deprived for varying durations (3-30 days) to induce FDM.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity was significantly elevated in the posterior sclera of FDM eyes compared to controls.
- MMP-2 levels increased with deprivation duration, peaking at 14 days, and correlated positively with axial length elongation.
Impact:
- Elevated MMP-2 activity in the posterior sclera is a direct factor triggering scleral extracellular matrix remodeling in chick FDM.
- Findings suggest MMP-2 is a potential therapeutic target for myopia control.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of form-deprivation on level of gelatinase in the posterior sclera in chicks.
Methods:
Fifty 1-day-old chicks were monocularly deprived to establish the animal model of form-deprivation myopia (FDM). According to the duration of form-deprivation the experimental chicks were divided randomly and equivalently into 5 groups, which were deprived for 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days respectively. Meanwhile the other eyes of the deprived chicks were used as self-control groups and chicks of the same days were chosen randomly as the normal control groups for each FDM group. At each form-deprivation point the changes of degree of diopters and axial length of chicks in each group were recorded. The levels of gelatinase in posterior sclera of the experimental eyes were measured by gelatin enzymography.
Results:
Compared with the normal and self-control groups, the levels of MMP-2 activity in FDM groups were much higher (P <0.01). With the increase of the time of monocular deprivation these changes became more significant and reached the top after 14 days' deprivation with an inter-group statistical difference (P <0.01). The dynamic changes of MMP-2 activity were the same as those of axial length and degree of diopters in each experimental groups. There was positive correlation between the MMP-2 activity and axial length (r = 0.989, P < 0.01). But there was a negative correlation between the MMP-2 activity and refractive degree.
Conclusion:
Increase of MMP-2 activity in the posterior sclera of chicks would be a direct key factor to trigger sclera ECM remodeling process in chick FDM.
