Background: The etiology of keratoconus is unclear. Current evidence suggests that inflammatory and systemic mechanisms might play a role in its pathophysiology. The proper interaction of proteolytic enzymes-matrix metalloproteinases-and their specific tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) within the cornea is essential in maintaining its structure, transparency and healing processes. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of the TIMPs TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 in the blood serum samples of patients with keratoconus compared to the control group.
Methods: The study encompassed 132 patients, of which 83 people constituted the study group and 49 the control group. The concentration of selected TIMPs was determined using the Human Magnetic Luminex Performance Assay method.
Results: In the study group, the concentrations of TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 were statistically significantly reduced, and TIMP-2 and TIMP-4 increased compared to the control group. The analysis of individual TIMPs in terms of their usefulness as potential predictors of keratoconus showed high results of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for all TIMPs, in particular for TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.
Conclusion: The above results may indicate systemic disturbances in the TIMPs regulation among keratoconus patients. High diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of all TIMPs, in particular TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, may confirm their participation in the etiopathogenesis of this disease.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10889408 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041168 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
January 2025
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, 10-748, Poland.
Equine endometrosis is a major cause of infertility in mares and is characterized by degenerative, functional and fibrotic changes in the endometrium with increased collagen (COL) deposition. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is one of the major pro-fibrotic factors involved in the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the equine endometrium. It has been demonstrated that ovarian steroids, specifically 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), not only regulate the cyclicity of the estrous cycle, but also have been implicated as anti- or pro-fibrotic factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Pathol
December 2024
Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address:
Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) modulate extracellular matrix remodeling for maintaining homeostasis and promoting cell migration and proliferation. Pathologic conditions can alter TIMP homeostasis and aggravate disease progression. The roles of TIMPs have been studied in tissue-related disorders; however, their contributions to tissue repair during corneal injury are undefined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVet Res Commun
December 2024
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.
In dairy herds, it is expected that cows will be cycling and the uterus will be ready for a new conception before the fourth week postpartum. However, an alteration in the endometrial remodeling can delay conception, increasing the parturition-to-conception interval, and consequently decreasing the reproductive performance. The endometrial matrix has a relevant participation in the processes of postpartum uterine remodeling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Clin Med
November 2024
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Basics Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education in Kraków, 31-571 Kraków, Poland.
Dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity is considered one of the potential causes of vascular complications in diabetic patients. Since training volume may influence MMPs levels in varying ways, the aim of our study was to evaluate changes in MMPs levels following acute maximum-intensity exercise in male patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study included 24 male T1DM patients and 10 healthy controls.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Mol Histol
November 2024
Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Balkan Campus, Edirne, Türkiye.
This study investigates the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of hesperidin treatment on cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, key stages of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were treated with 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) alone or in combination with 1.56 μM hesperidin for 48 h.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!