YKL-40 expression in pterygium: a potential role in the pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease.
• The pathogenesis of pterygium is not fully understood.
• YKL-40 (chitinase 3-like 1 protein) is a potential biomarker in various inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of YKL-40 in pterygium pathogenesis.
• To compare YKL-40 expression in pterygium tissues versus normal conjunctiva.

Main Methods:

• Included 42 primary pterygium patients and 24 controls.
• Classified pterygium patients into atrophic, fleshy, and intermediate groups.
• Performed immunohistochemical analysis of YKL-40 expression in surgically removed tissues.

Main Results:

• YKL-40 expression was significantly higher in epithelial, endothelial, and stromal cells of pterygium tissues compared to controls.
• No significant correlation was found between pterygium subgroups and YKL-40 expression.

Conclusions:

• YKL-40 may play a significant role in pterygium pathogenesis.
• Elevated YKL-40 suggests its involvement in the inflammatory and proliferative processes of pterygium.