Proteases, proteolysis and inflammatory molecules in the tears of people with keratoconus

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) England), 2012-06, Vol.90 (4), p.e303-e309
• Main Authors: Balasubramanian, Sivaraman Arumugam, Mohan, Sujatha, Pye, David Cecil, Willcox, Mark Duncan Perry
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Collagen - metabolism; Collagenases - metabolism; Corneal Stroma - metabolism; Corneal Topography; Cross-Linking Reagents - therapeutic use; cytokines; Cytokines - metabolism; Eye Proteins - metabolism; Female; Gelatinases - metabolism; Humans; keratoconus; Keratoconus - drug therapy; Keratoconus - metabolism; Male; Peptide Hydrolases - metabolism; Photosensitizing Agents - therapeutic use; proteases; Proteolysis; Riboflavin - therapeutic use; tears; Tears - metabolism
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02369.x

. Purpose:  To investigate the expression of proteases, proteolytic activity and cytokines in the tear film of people with keratoconus. Methods:  Basal tears from people with keratoconus, from individuals who had undergone corneal collagen cross‐linking for the treatment of keratoconus, and from normal controls were collected using a capillary tube. Corneal curvature of each subject was mapped. The total protein in tears was estimated. Levels and activity of proteases in the tears were analysed using specific antibody arrays and activity assays. Results:  The total tear protein level was significantly reduced in keratoconus (4.1 ± 0.9 mg/ml) compared with normals (6.7 ± 1.4 mg/ml) (p