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A prospective study of matrix metalloproteinases in proliferative vitreoretinopathy
C H Kon1, N L Occleston, D Charteris
1Wound Healing Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Purpose:
The migration, proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion of cells and other cellular functions are influenced by the surrounding extracellular matrix, in normal and wound-healing conditions. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that degrade and remodel the extracellular matrix and, thus, play a central role in the wound-healing process. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a wound-healing process in the retina, is a major cause of the failure of retinal detachment surgery. The role of MMPs in the pathobiology of PVR is unknown. We have investigated the presence of MMPs in the vitreous of patients with retinal detachment and the predictive value of MMPs for the future development of PVR.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on 140 consecutive patients with a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in whom vitrectomy was considered necessary because of a giant retinal tear and the presence of preoperative PVR, among other reasons. Vitreous samples were obtained and analyzed by zymography for the presence of MMPs. The patients were then followed up for the development of postoperative PVR (mild and severe).
Results:
Two species of MMPs were detected in the vitreous: MMP-2 and MMP-9. MMP-2 was detected in all of the vitreous samples obtained, whereas MMP-9 was found in only 64 (47%) of 136 samples. The levels of MMPs detected were not significantly associated with the presence of preoperative PVR (P > 0.05), but they were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the development of postoperative PVR (mild and severe).
Conclusions:
The results from this prospective study suggest that MMPs may be an important predictor and may also play a role in the development of postoperative PVR.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the vitreous are associated with the development of postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after retinal detachment surgery. MMPs may serve as predictors for PVR.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for cellular functions, including wound healing.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) remodel the ECM and are key in wound healing.
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a complication of retinal detachment surgery, and the role of MMPs in PVR is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MMPs in the vitreous of patients with retinal detachment.
- To determine the predictive value of MMPs for the development of PVR after surgery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 140 patients undergoing vitrectomy for retinal detachment.
- Vitreous samples were analyzed using zymography to detect MMPs.
- Patients were followed for the development of mild and severe postoperative PVR.
Main Results:
- MMP-2 was detected in all samples, and MMP-9 in 47% of samples.
- MMP levels were not significantly associated with preoperative PVR.
- MMP levels were significantly associated with the development of postoperative PVR.
Conclusions:
- MMPs may play a role in the pathogenesis of postoperative PVR.
- MMPs show potential as predictors for the development of postoperative PVR.