Histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of capsular tissue around failed Ahmed glaucoma valves

Alka Mahale, Fatma Fikri, Khitam Al Hati, Sami Al Shahwan, Ibrahim Al Jadaan, Hind Al Katan, Rajiv Khandekar, Azza Maktabi, Deepak P. Edward

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Impervious encapsulation around Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) results in surgical failure raising intraocular pressure (IOP). Dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and cellular factors might contribute to increased hydraulic resistance to aqueous drainage. Therefore, we examined these molecules in failed AGV capsular tissue. Immunostaining for ECM molecules (collagen I, collagen III, decorin, lumican, chondroitin sulfate, aggrecan and keratan sulfate) and cellular factors (αSMA and TGFβ) was performed on excised capsules from failed AGVs and control tenon’s tissue. Staining intensity of ECM molecules was assessed using Image J. Cellular factors were assessed based on positive cell counts. Histopathologically two distinct layers were visible in capsules. The inner layer (proximal to the AGV) showed significant decrease in most ECM molecules compared to outer layer. Furthermore, collagen III (p = 0.004), decorin (p = 0.02), lumican (p = 0.01) and chondroitin sulfate (p = 0.02) was significantly less in inner layer compared to tenon’s tissue. Outer layer labelling however was similar to control tenon’s for most ECM molecules. Significantly increased cellular expression of αSMA (p = 0.02) and TGFβ (p = 0.008) was detected within capsular tissue compared to controls. Our results suggest profibrotic activity indicated by increased αSMA and TGFβ expression and decreased expression of proteoglycan (decorin and lumican) and glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate). Additionally, we observed decreased collagen III which might reflect increased myofibroblast contractility when coupled with increased TGFβ and αSMA expression. Together these events lead to tissue dysfunction potentially resulting in hydraulic resistance that may affect aqueous flow through the capsular wall.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0187506
JournalPLoS One
Volume12
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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