Expression Of Inflammatory-Related Nf Kappa B Genes In Iranian Patients With Pterygium: A Case-Control Study

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, NF kappa B genes with pterygium in the Middle East. We examined the changes in expression of 3 inflammatory related NF kappa B1, NF kappa B2, 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 NF kappa B1, NF kappa B2, and RELA were measured in their conjunctiva by real-time RT-PCR using gene-specific primers. Mean expression level of NF kappa B1, NF kappa B2 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 NF kappa B2 and RELA genes, suggesting a possible NF kappa B2-RELA heterodimer formation in patients with pterygium. This study has indicated a significant association between expressions of inflammatory-related NF kappa B1, NF kappa B2 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.