Citation Information :
Eissa A, Edris N, Anis M, Hosny M. Prevalence of Detectable Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on the Ocular Surface in a Sample of Egyptian Keratoconus Patients. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2020; 9 (2):26-29.
Background: Keratoconus (KC) has been classically defined as a progressive, noninflammatory condition, which produces a thinning and steepening of the cornea. Recent studies have shown a significant role of proteolytic enzymes, cytokines, and free radicals. It seems more appropriate to classify KC as quasi-inflammatory (inflammatory-related) rather than noninflammatory.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to detect matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in KC patients with no history of allergy to determine the inflammatory element of KC using an inflammaDry test.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional pilot diagnostic study was done on 30 eyes of 30 patients diagnosed as KC with no history of allergy at Kasr AlAiny Hospital during the period from April 2021 to November 2021. All participants were subjected to a full ophthalmological examination (including history taking, best corrected visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination, and dilated fundus examination), Pentacam correlation, and inflammaDry test.
Results: The mean age in our study was 25.5 (±8.5 years). About 20% of patients were male and 80% were female. About 17 eyes (56.70%) were right side right eye (OD) and 13 (43.30%) were left side left eye (OS). The InflammaDry test was positive in 24 patients (80%) and negative in 6 patients (20%).
Conclusion: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 was overexpressed in tear film of a sample of Egyptian KC patients. This supports the hypothesis that inflammatory signaling may be a critical driver of disease pathogenesis.
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