Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases of fibrous humans lens capsules with intraocular lenses

Purpose. We located immunohistochemically the matrix metalloproteinases (MM P) -1, -2, -3 and -9 and the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP) -1 and -2 in the fibrous capsule of patients with intraocular lense s (IOLs). Methods. During vitreoretinal surgery in 10 patients we obtained post-catar act surgery lens capsules with or without an IOL. The mean interval between the previous cataract operation and the extraction of the specimens was 35 .2 months (range: 2-120 months). Circular sections of the anterior capsule with lens epithelial cells (LECs) were also obtained during cataract surger y. Specimens were processed for immunohistochemical identification of MMPs and TIMPs by light microscopy. Results. While all the members of MMPs and TIMPs were not detected in the n ormal anterior capsules, they were detected in the ECM and/or LECs on the l ens capsules extracted within 18 months after IOL implantations in all of t he 4 patients, but were not observed in specimens obtained 18 months or lon ger postoperatively. In LECs of 1 capsule specimen 10 years postoperatively , MMP-1, but not other MMPs and TIMPs, was detected. Conclusions. MMPs and TIMPs were detected in the ECM and/or LECs on post-ca taract surgery capsules. These proteins may be remodeling the newly deposit ed ECM and regulating LEC behavior on residual lens capsules in the early p hase of healing after cataract surgery.