Expression of cytokines in the conjunctiva excised from conjunctivochalasis

Objective To observe the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) of surgical excised conjunctival tissue from the conjunctivochalasis patients. Methods Thirty-four patients were divided into 3 groups: conjunctivochalasis group in 15 eyes of 15 cases, age matched patients with pterygium group in 10 eyes of 10 cases and normal control group in 9 eyes of 9 cases. The excised conjunctival tissues of 3 groups were stained with TNF-α and IL-1β immunofluorescence staining. The results were observed and statistically analyzed. Results The positive cells area of TNF-α in conjunctival tissue from the conjunctivochalasis group was (712.44±33.84) μm2, (650.14±31.76) μm2 from the pterygium group, and (633.25±15.88) μm2 from normal control group, the difference of TNF-α among 3 groups were statistically significant (F=12.729, P=0.000). The positive cells area of IL-1β in conjunctival tissue from the conjunctivochalasis group was (722.11±60.09) μm2, (664.71±33.10) μm2 from the pterygium group, and (627.75±48.83) μm2 from the normal control group, the difference among 3 groups were statistically significant (F=5.648, P=0.013). Conclusion The expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in loose conjunctival tissue from conjunctivochalasis is enhanced, which further confirms that inflammation is associated with conjunctivochalasis. Key words: Conjunctivochalasis; Conjunctival tissue; Cytokine; TNF-α; IL-1β