Trypsin inhibitory capacity in vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a bilateral, itching, seasonal eye inflammation.
• Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in tissue remodeling and inflammation.
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a key inhibitor of proteases, including MMPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate tear trypsin inhibitory capacity (T-TIC) and serum trypsin inhibitory capacity (S-TIC) in VKC patients.
• To determine the relationship between T-TIC, S-TIC, and MMP-1 and MMP-9 levels in VKC.
• To explore the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of VKC.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assessment of MMP-1 and MMP-9 inactivation of AAT.
• Collection and analysis of tear samples from VKC patients and healthy controls.
• Quantification of T-TIC, S-TIC, and tear MMP-1 and MMP-9 levels using spectrophotometry and ELISA.

Main Results:

• MMP-1 and MMP-9 were found to inactivate AAT in vitro.
• VKC patients exhibited significantly higher S-TIC and lower T-TIC compared to controls.
• Elevated tear levels and activity of MMP-1 and MMP-9 were observed in VKC patients.

Conclusions:

• T-TIC is reduced, and MMP-1 and MMP-9 activity is increased in the tears of VKC patients.
• A local deficiency in T-TIC may exacerbate or prolong conjunctival inflammation in VKC.
• While T-TIC did not correlate with disease severity, its reduction suggests a role in VKC pathogenesis.