Tissue and molecular events in human conjunctival scarring in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

Abstract

Detail ed histomo rph ometric analysis of human conjunctiva l biopsy specimens has convincingly demonstrated that tissue remodeling of the extracellular matri x (EC M) is an esse nti al and dy nami c process associated with conjuncti val sca rring in ocul ar cicatricial pemphi go id (OCP). The co njun cti va l sca rring ofte n eventuall y results in impaired vision and/or blindness. The molecul ar mechanisms of conjunctival scarring are not compl etely und erstood. Acc umulating evidence indicates that the earl y phase of conjunctival fibrosis is linked with an immuno-inflammatory process medi ated by cy tokines released by ac tiva ted conjunctiv al cells and/or by infiltrating cells. Fibrogenic cytokines secreted by infl ammatory cells and fibroblasts might acti vely be in vo lve d in remode lin g o f th e matri x within th e conjunctival stroma, possibly by regul ating the altered metabolism of matrix proteins.