Elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and inflammatory cytokines in keratoconus patients is inhibited by cyclosporine A.

Purpose: The present study was designed to understand the role of inflammatory cytokines secreted by corneal epithelial cells in keratoconus (KC) and the response to treatment with cyclosporine A (CyA).

Methods: The study involved 129 Indian KC patients clinically graded according to Amsler-Krumeich classification and 20 healthy, nonectatic subjects as controls. Tear levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), interleukin-6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were measured using ELISA kits.