alteration in matrix metalloproteinases (mmps) activity in fibroblast cell line by dexamethasone: a possible mechanism in corticosteroid-induced glaucoma

corticosteroids are often used as anti-inflammatory agents in a variety of inflam¬matory diseases. it is well established that long-term administration of corticosteroids predisposed the patients to develop glaucoma. although the exact pathophysiology of steroid-induced glaucoma is unknown, it is assumed that matrix metalloproteinases (mmps) have a role in its pathogenesis. to study and estimate the pathophysiological effects of mmps in glaucoma, we established an in vitro cell culture model. we also employed a precise prolif¬eration assay to analyze cytotoxic effect of dexamethasone. the influence of dex-amethasone on mmps production was investigated using an in vitro gelatin zymography. cytotoxcity analysis of dexamethasone revealed no significant cell death in low concentration. however, it caused 50% and 70% cell death at 80 and 100 ug/ml respectively. it also revealed an inhibitory effect on mmps by dexametha¬sone in a dose dependent fashion. it may be concluded that an alteration in the level of mmps expression by dexamethasone interferes with ocular fluid drainage and may contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma.