Expression of several kinases in operative resection specimens of conjunctivochalasis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in operative resection specimens of variously severe conjunctivochalasis. Methods Thirty conjunctival specimens of the conjunctivochalasis were divided into level II group including 10 cases, level III group including 12 cases and level IV group including 8 cases. 10 cases were collected from normal persons as control group. The expression of ERK, JNK and P38 MAPK in each group were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results The optical density (OD) value of ERK in the conjunctivochalasis group was 62.68±15.92 which was higher than that in normal control group 27.25±6.43 and the difference was statistically significant (F=93.287, P 0.05), but there was statistically significant difference between level II group and level IV group, or between level III and level IV group (P<0.01) which suggested the activity of MAPK was enhanced with the increase of conjunctivochalasis degree. Conclusion With the aggravation of conjunctivochalasis, the expression of ERK, JNK and P38 MAPK increases significantly. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) may play certain roles in the occurrence and development of the conjunctivochalasis. Key words: Conjunctivochalasis; Extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK); C-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38 MAPK)