Altered transcripts expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in tenon capsule of patients with glaucoma

Purpose: To determine the transcripts expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in Tenon capsule of patients with primary glaucoma and non-glaucomatous patients who serve as the control. Patients and Methods: Specimens of Tenon capsule were obtained intraoperatively and evaluated with the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. The transcripts levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 relative to that of glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase were determined. Results: The transcripts levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were not correlated with age in the control group. There were differences in the transcripts expression of MMP-2 (P < 0.001), MMP-9 (P = 0.017), TIMP-1 (P < 0.001), and TIMP-2 (P = 0.001) among the control, primary open angle glaucoma, and primary angle-closure glaucoma groups (Kruscal-Wallis H test). Comparing with the controls, open angle glaucoma had decreased transcripts levels of MMP-2 (P = 0.001) and TIMP-1 (P = 0.006) while angle-closure glaucoma had decreased transcripts levels of MMP-2 (P < 0.001), MMP-9 (P = 0.004), TIMP-1 (P < 0.001), and TIMP-2 (P < 0.001) (Mann-Whitney U tests). Conclusion: The transcripts expression of certain MMPs and TIMPs is altered in Tenon capsule of glaucoma patients, which might result from long-term application of topical glaucoma medications.