Expression of p53 protein in pterygium

Purpose. The pathogenesis of pterygium is still not completely understood a nd many environmental factors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, play a n important role in its etiology. Chronic exposure to UV radiation causes m utations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene, eventually leading to tumor form ation. We analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of p53 proteins in pt erygial tissues to determine the role of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in t he development of pterygium. Methods. Pterygial specimens were studied immunohistochemically using antib odies against p53 protein. Results. Out of 38 specimens studied, 35 (92.1%) had conjunctival epithelia l cells without p53 specific nuclear staining. Only three specimens (7.9%) had a few p53 stained cells. The role of UV radiation in the pathogenesis o f pterygium is supported by epidemiological, geographical and microscopic f indings. However, our results are not consistent with these data on a genet ic basis. Conclusions. We conclude that defective p53 tumor suppressor gene function seems to have no role in the pathogenesis of pterygium.