ABSTRACT
AlM:To investigate the expression of VEGF, CD34, Ki-67 and p21 in pterygium as well as the correlation between their expression and clinical pathological characteristics;explore its pathogenesis. METHODS: lmmunohistochemical S - P staining method was adopted in detecting the expression of VEGF, CD34, Ki-67 and p21 in 62 cases of pterygia and 20 cases of normal conjunctival tissues. Relationship between these markers and clinical pathological characteristics was analyzed. RESULTS:(1) The positive expression of VEGF, CD34, Ki-67 and p21 in 62 cases of pterygia was 74. 2% (46/62), 77. 4% ( 48/62 ), 66. 1% ( 41/62 ) and 40. 3% ( 25/62 ) respectively. The differences were statistically significant compared with normal conjunctival tissues (P0. 05 ); the expression of Ki-67 was correlated with clinical stages (P0. 05 ); the expression of p21 was correlated with clinical stages and pterygium characters (P 0. 05 ). ( 3 ) Spearman correlation showed that there was a positive correlation between VEGF and Ki - 67 ( r = 0. 279, P 0. 05). CONCLUSlON: ( 1 ) Overexpression of VEGF, Ki-67, CD34 and low expression of p21 suggest that these markers are concerned with the development and progression of pterygium. ( 2 ) Expression of VEGF and CD34 increases along with the increase of clinical types and stages, expression of Ki-67 increases along with the increase of clinical stages, and expression of p21 decreases along with the improvement of clinical types or stages; they suggest that these markers may play important roles in the development and recurrence of pterygium. ( 3 ) There is positive correlation between VEGF and Ki-67, VEGF and CD34 as well as negative correlation between VEGF and p21. They suggest that there may be synergistic action between two factors during the development and progression of pterygium.