Immunoreactivity of ICAM-1, MMP-2, and Nesfatin-1 in lens epithelial cells of patients with diabetes mellitus with or without diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoreactivity of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and nesfatin-1 in cataract lens epithelial cells (LECs) of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to investigate the relationship of these markers with DM cataract and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Materials and methods: Ninety patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups ( n = 30): Group 1 (control; patients without DM or DR); Group 2 (patients with DM only), and Group 3 (patients with both DM and DR). Lens capsule samples were collected during intraoperative cataract surgery. Samples were immunohistochemically stained for MMP-2, ICAM-1, and nesfatin-1 and their immunoreactivity was evaluated. The number of immunoreactive cells was determined with a microscope at ×400 magnification. Results: Increased MMP-2 and ICAM-1 immunoreactivity was detected in the LECs of patients with DM, and especially in patients with DR ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity was significantly lower in LECs of diabetic patients ( p < 0.001). The mean of MMP-2 immunoreactive cells were 7.47 ± 8.18, 22.80 ± 15.70, and 34.80 ± 20.85 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean of ICAM-1 immunoreactive cells were 17.10 ± 9.83, 38.50 ± 23.55, and 56.93 ± 20.94 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Conclusion: Nesfatin-1, MMP-2, and ICAM-1 and could potentially play important roles in the pathogenesis of cataracts in patients with DM.