IL-1␤ (62.62 Ϯ 27.23.97 vs. 1.61 Ϯ 1.27; P Ͻ 0.0001), IL-8 (37.91 Ϯ 21

PURPOSE. To evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in the corneal epithelium in pseudophakic corneal edema (PCE). METHODS. Tissue sections were prepared from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of corneal buttons removed from 20 patients with PCE during penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and from 11 age-matched control eyes enucleated because of uveal melanoma. Expression of interleukin (IL)-1␤, -6, and -8; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -3, and -9 proteins in the corneal epithelium was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Digital image analysis was performed to quantify the expression of the various cytokines and MMPs. A mean intensity stain index (ISI), based on the staining density and the area stained, was calculated from digital images captured from sequential areas of the corneal epithelium. RESULTS. The expression of most of the inflammatory cytokines and MMPs was significantly higher in the corneal epithelium of PCE corneal buttons than in the control specimens. MMP-9 had the highest expression when compared with the control (ISI ϭ 55.08 Ϯ 23.71 in PCE compared with 0.169 Ϯ 0.156 in the control; P Ͻ 0.0001). Significantly higher ISIs were also recorded for MM