Author/Authors :
Zaheryani, Mohammad Salar Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Ebrahimi, Mohammad Essmail Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Kasaei, Abdollah Stem Cells Technology Research Center- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Roointan, Amir Department of Medical Biotechnology- School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies-, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Nejabat, Mahmood Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Dianatpour, Mehdi Stem Cells Technology Research Center- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Ghanbari, Meisam Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Talebnejad, Mohammad Reza Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Naghibalhossaini, Fakhraddin Biochemistry Department-Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz
Abstract :
Pterygium is one of the most common eye conditions without any clear etiology. Some studies have suggested an
association between sun exposure and pterygium, but others have proposed the role of genetic variations in its
pathogenesis. To date, no study has investigated the association of inflammatory transcription factor, NFκB genes
with pterygium in the Middle East. We examined the changes in expression of 3 inflammatory related NFκB1,
NFκB2, and RELA genes in patients with pterygium. Thirty patients with pterygium and 30 age and sex-matched
controls were enrolled in this case-control study. None of the participants showed any clinical signs of inflammation
in their conjunctiva. Demographic information was obtained and the expression levels of three genes including
NFκB1, NFκB2, and RELA were measured in their conjunctiva by real-time RT-PCR using gene-specific primers.
Mean expression level of NFκB1, NFκB2 and RELA genes in patients were 2.4±0.3, 1.9± 0.5, and 1.8±0.4 times
higher than normal subjects, respectively. Higher levels of gene expression were observed in individuals with more
outdoor activity and sun exposure. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the expression levels
of NFκB2 and RELA genes, suggesting a possible NFκB2- RELA heterodimer formation in patients with pterygium.
This study has indicated a significant association between expressions of inflammatory-related NFκB1, NFκB2 and
RELA genes, and pterygium. Further studies to verify the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of pterygium,
may provide new targets for managing pterygia.
Keywords :
real-time RT-PCR , Pterygium , inflammation , gene expression , NF-kappa B
