Increased Expressions of ICAM-2 and ICAM-3 in Pterygium

ABSTRACTPurpose: Pterygium, one of the most common ocular surface diseases, is characterized by inflammatory infiltrates, proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrosis, and extracellular matrix breakdown. The objective of this study was to elucidate the levels of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-2, and ICAM-3 gene and protein expressions in pterygium.Methods: A total of 59 patients with pterygium were included in this study. mRNA from pterygial and conjunctival autograft tissues were extracted, and real-time polymerase chain reaction on the BioMark HD dynamic array system was performed for the ICAM-2 and ICAM-3 gene expressions. ICAM-2 and ICAM-3 protein expressions using western blot and immunohistochemistry methods were also investigated in pterygial and conjunctival autograft tissues.Results: ICAM-2 and ICAM-3 gene expressions were markedly augmented in pterygial tissues (P = 0.0018 and P = 0.0023, respectively). Significant increases in protein expressions in pterygial tissues were also detected for...