Alteration of galectin-3 in tears of patients with dry eye disease.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate the expression, release, and proteolytic degradation of galectin-3 in patients with dry eye disease.

Design

Observational case series with a comparison group.

Methods

Tear washes and conjunctival impression cytology specimens were collected through standard procedures from 16 patients with dry eye and 11 age-matched healthy subjects. Galectin-3 content in tears was analyzed by quantitative Western blot, using recombinant galectin-3 protein to generate a calibration curve. The relative expression of galectin-3 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The cleavage of galectin-3 was studied in vitro using activated recombinant MMP9 and protease inhibitors.

Results

The concentration of gal

SUBMITTER: Uchino Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4426220 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature