Gene expressions of some cellular signal transmission structures in pterygium

Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease characterized by the growth of bulbar conjunctival tissue on the cornea by exceeding the limbus in the form of an invasive fibrovascular extension. The etiology and pathogenesis of pterygium are still unknown. Various surgical and medical methods have been used in the treatment of the disease, but a high rate of recurrence of the disease has not been prevented. In this study, mRNA expressions and protein analyzes of some signal molecules that we think play a role in the pathogenesis of pterygium were determined. In this study, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, PTEN, TPTE, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, BAX, BCL2, EZR, RDX, MSN, LIMK1, LIMK2, CFL1, CFL2, NOS1, NOS2, NOS3 mRNA expressions of a total of 21 proteins, including pterygium tissues from 59 patients and normal conjunctival tissues obtained from the same patient group, were determined by Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) method. In addition, protein expression levels of ICAM-2 and ICAM-3 were analyzed using Western blot technique and immunohistochemical methods, and the results were compared with each other. Of the 59 patients participating in the study, 29 (49.2%) were male and 30 (50.8%) were female. The mean age was 54.17±16.98 (range 21-76). According to the data obtained by RT-PCR method, pterygium and normal conjunctival tissues were determined as ICAM-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, PTEN, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAP2K1, BAX, BCL2, EZR, RDX, MSN, LIMK1, LIMK2, CFL1, CFL2, NOS1, NOS2, NOS3 a statistically significant difference was found between gene expression levels. A significant increase in TPTE and NOS3 mRNA expressions was detected in primary and recurrent pterygium tissues compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in MAP2K2 gene expression level when compared with the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that ICAM-3 might be upregulated during pterygium formation (P=0.0152). Although there was a tendency for ICAM-2 upregulation in pterygium tissue, this did not reach a statistically significant level (P=0.1041). This study shows that; although there is an increase in gene expression levels of molecules that contribute to many signaling pathways in primary and relapsed pterygium tissue, the significant increase in TPTE and NOS3 is remarkable. Further studies are recommended in order to use these molecules as pharmaceutical targets.