Evaluation of mediators and pathophysiological mechanisms related to pterygium

• Grant number: 16/22845-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2017
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Mônica de Cássia Alves
• Grantee: Bruna Duarte Moron de Andrade
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/19138-5 - Ocular tissue biobank implementation and investigation of new pathophysiological mechanisms of anterior segment eye diseases, AP.JP

Abstract

Pterygium is a degenerative fibrovascular disease of the ocular surface that can cause symptoms of discomfort, induce astigmatism and compromise the visual acuity of patients. The most frequently associated factors are exposure to ultraviolet radiation, chronic irritation, and inflammation. Fibrovascular proliferation, tissue invasion and remodeling of the extracellular matrix are important features of the disease, however, the exact etiopathogenesis is still not completely understood. The development of the pterygium presents some similarities with tumor growth, such as cellular and vascular proliferation, corneal invasion and high recurrence rate after surgical excision. Several studies also demonstrate the performance of antiapoptotic mechanisms, growth factors and angiogenic factors in the pterygium pathogenesis. In Brazil, there is a lack of population studies that present a more complete characterization of individuals with pterygium, as well as analyzes of risk and aggravating factors, and repercussions on the quality of life of the patients affected. This study aims to characterize clinically and epidemiologically the population with pterygium and evaluate possible mediators related to the development of this prevalent condition and its relapse through proteomics studies directed to cell proliferation and angiogenesis. (AU)