Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in the Aqueous Humor of Patients with Posner-Schlossman Syndrome

Purpose To explore the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the aqueous humor of patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS), and the association between MMP-3 and PSS. Methods Peripheral blood and aqueous humor were routinely collected from 29 patients with PSS (PSS group) and 30 patients with age-related-cataract (ARC) (control group). The content of MMP-3 in serum and aqueous humor was measured by immunoturbidimetry. The correlation between MMP-3 and ophthalmic examination results were verified by Spearman's correlation analysis. Results The MMP-3 level in the aqueous humor of the PSS group was (25.86 +/- 13.4)ng/ml, significantly higher than that in the control group (3.9 +/- 2.7)ng/ml(p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in serum MMP-3 level between the two groups (p = 0.125). The endothelial cell density (ECD) in the aqueous humor of the PSS group was (2078 +/- 440) cell/mm2, intraocular pressure (IOP) in the aqueous humor of the PSS group was (33 +/- 12) mmHg. The correlation analysis of aqueous humor MMP-3 and various ophthalmic examination results showed that aqueous humor MMP-3 had a moderate correlation with IOP and the difference in ECD between the affected eye and the fellow eye. Conclusions MMP-3 level is elevated in the aqueous humor of PSS patients, and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PSS.