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Molecular Basis of Pterygium Development

Eduardo Cárdenas-Cantú1, Judith Zavala1, Jorge Valenzuela1

  • 1a Ophthalmology Research Chair, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey , Monterrey , Mexico and.

Seminars in Ophthalmology
|November 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pterygium, a growth on the eye, is linked to UV exposure. This review explores the molecular factors driving pterygium development, offering insights into potential new treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Pterygium pathogenesis is primarily associated with ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, though precise mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Current surgical treatments for pterygium involve conjunctival autografts and amniotic membranes, often with adjuvant therapies like mitomycin C to minimize recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in pterygium pathogenesis.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for pterygium prevention and treatment based on its molecular underpinnings.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes findings from various studies investigating pterygium growth and proliferation.
  • It examines molecular factors implicated in pterygium development, including genetic and cellular processes.

Main Results:

  • Multiple factors contribute to pterygium development, including viral infections, oxidative stress, DNA methylation, and altered cholesterol metabolism.
  • Key processes involved are loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability, inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix modulation, lymphangiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the molecular basis of pterygium is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Identifying these molecular targets may lead to more effective methods for preventing and eliminating pterygium growth.
Keywords:
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitionextracellular matrix proteinsgrowth factorsoxidative stresstreatment

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