Effects of estrogen on the expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and TGF-β1 in human corneal stromal cells

Abstract

AIM:To investigate the effects of estrogen on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2(MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2(TIMP-2)and transforming growth factor- β1(TGF-β1)in cultured human corneal stromal cells.METHODS: Inflammatory environments of human corneal stromal cells were simulated by using 1.5ng/mL IL-1β. The cells were then treated with or without different concentrations of estrogen(0, 1×10-4, 1×10-6, 1×10-8, 1×10-10mol/L estradiol)in vitro. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT. Expression levels of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and TGF-β1 proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). RESULTS:Estrogen did not affect the viability of human corneal stromal cells. Compared with the control group, expression levels of MMP-2 and TGF- β1 proteins in E2 treatment group significantly decreased after being treated with estrogen, while the expression level of TIMP-2 significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Estrogen could, to some extent, down-regulate the expression of MMP-2 and TGF- β1 and up-regulate the expression of TIMP-2, which might contribute to protecting human cornea.

Keywords

• 17β -estradiol
• corneal stromal cell
• matrix metalloproteinases-2
• tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2
• transforming growth factor- β1
• transforming growth factor- β1