CREB is involved in growth of pterygia

Abstract

AbstractPurpose Pterygium represent a fibrovascular lesion of ocular surface with tumor‐like characteristics, such as proliferation and infiltration. Although the exact pathogenesis of pterygium is unknown, and controversy exists about cells origin and nature of initial tigger required for its development. In this study we investigated the role of the transcription factor cAMP response‐element binding protein (CREB) in pterygial and normal conjunctival tissues of humans.Methods Samples of primary (n=14) and recurrent (n=4) pterygia and normal bulbar conjunctivas (n=3), surgical removed, were analyzed in this study. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin embedded tissues were used for immunohistochemical staining with CREB, vimentin, ki67, survivin, MMP7, p63, cycin D1 or p53 antibody.Results Immunoreactivity for CREB was detected in primary and recurrent pterygia. CREB positivity was localized in the epithelial compartment of pterygia and it was absent in the stroma and normal conjunctiva. We observed a good correlation between CREB and other markers commonly overexpressed in pterygia (in particular vimentin, survivin and MMP7). An interesting aspect is the localization of CREB and ki67 positive cells, suggesting that the noxa pathogena have an effect on epithelial cells that express CREB and induce epithelial proliferation factors, followed by stromal growth.Conclusion These preliminary results point to the epithelial origin of pterygia. They also throw fresh light on CREB function and may be of assistance in the elaboration of new approaches to the treatment of pterygium.