There was increased caseinolytic activity of MMP-3 and collagenolytic activity of MMP-1 (2.2-fold) by conjunctivochalasis fibroblasts, whereas no difference was noted between these two types of fibroblasts in the protein and gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 or expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 proteins, although that of TIMP-1 transcript was slightly higher in some conjunctivochalasis fibroblasts.No expression of MMP-9 was detected.
IL-1beta markedly and TNF-alpha to lesser extent increased mRNA and protein expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in conjunctivochalasis fibroblasts from 2 subjects when compared with normal conjunctival fibroblasts from 2 subjects and with their nonstimulated counterparts.