Effect of Homocysteine on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Apoptosis in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Purpose: In retinal endothelial cells, homocysteine (Hcy) activates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which results in apoptosis. This study investigated these effects of Hcy human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC).Methods: HTMC cultures using 5 mM low or 20 high glucose (HG)-containing media were exposed to 100 μM for 3 days. Cell viability was assessed with the MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor MMP (TIMP)-1 levels measured by western blotting degree apoptosis analyzed flow cytometry Annexin-propidium iodide double staining.Results: Exposure HG decreased cell compared alone (<i>p</i> = 0.036). Compared alone, co-exposure TIMP-1 levels, albeit not significantly 0.094), did affect 0.413). addition, produced no difference 0.437).Conclusions: Unlike activities TIMP-1, MMP-9, degrees HTMC. Thus, may be limited