The Expression of MMP-3 in Pterygia

Objective To study the role and relationship of MMP-3 in pterygia and to evaluate the clinical significance.Methods The expression of MMP-3 was examined by immunohistochemical technique in 50 cases of pterygia and 10 cases of normal conjunctival tissues.The relationship between the expression and clinical-pathological parameters were also analyzed.Results The positivity rate of MMP-3 was 0% in 10 cases of normal tissues and 78% in 50 cases of pterygia,the difference between them had markedly statistical significance(P0.01),the staining intensity of MMP-3 in pterygia was significantly associated with the clinicopathologic stage and recurrence(P0.05).There was significantly different in the expression of MMP-3 among various occupations,higher outdoors(P(0.05)),but no distinct difference was found in other parameters.Conclusion The expression of MMP-3 is correlated with clinicopathologic stage and occupation,but no distinct difference in clinical parameters such as sex and age is observed.The expression of MMP-3 in pterygia is significantly associated with the clinicopathologic stage and recurrence,The enzyme may be responsible for the progression of pterygia.