The expression of lumican, tight junction protein 1, connective tissue growth factor, superoxide dismutase 1 in corneal tissues in graft disease

Purpose. To determine the expression pattern of occludin, tight junction protein 1, connective tissue growth factor, lumikan, in corneal explants of patients with corneal graft rejection, as well as analyze changes in the expression of these proteins after application of 1% low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate. Material and methods. The prospective study included 11 patients with corneal graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty for inflammatory diseases, endothelial-epithelial dystrophy, congenital corneal dystrophies. One group (6 patients) period underwent a course of injections of 1% low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate in the preoperative, and the second (5 patients) did not receive additional treatment. The control group consisted of explants of 3 normal donor corneas. Immunohistochemical evaluation of explants was performed using primary monoclonal antibodies to lumikan, connective tissue growth factor, occludin, tight junction protein 1, superoxide dismutase 1. Results. After preoperative use of 1% low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate, the expression coefficient of occludin and tight junction protein 1 increased, approaching normal values. An increase in the expression coefficient and the intensity index of lumican expression was revealed during therapy. During treatment with an injectable form of 1% low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate, normalization of the expression coefficient of lumican and connective tissue growth factor in the corneal stroma was noted. Conclusion. The use of 1% low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate in transplant rejection activates the regeneration processes in the corneal tissues, reduces the activity of fibrosis in the stroma and helps to restore the anatomical and functional integrity of the corneal epithelium. Key words: sodium hyaluronate, keratoplasty, graft rejection, immunohistochemistry