ArticleBMJ open2025
Tear matrix metalloproteinases-9 and ocular surface parameters in diabetics: a cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China.
Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Corneal neuropathy: An overlooked biomarker for dry eye in type 2 diabetes.World journal of diabetes · 2026Article
- Ocular surface oxidative stress, MMP-9, and corneal neuroimmune alterations in allergic conjunctivitis with dry eye: a cross-sectional study.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Article
- Beyond the Surface: Revealing the Concealed Effects of Hyperglycemia on Ocular Surface Homeostasis and Dry Eye Disease.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2025Review
- Tear Fluid Biomarkers in Diabetic Ocular Surface Disease: A Systematic Review.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and changes of the lid margin, meibomian gland and tear film in dry eye patients: a critical perspective.International ophthalmology · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundOverexpression of tear matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) on the ocular surface tissues has been reported to result in ocular surface damage. MMP-9 levels in tears have been listed as one of many tools for confirming dry eye disease (DED).
objectiveThis investigation aimed to compare MMP-9 levels and ocular surface parameters in diabetic patients with and without DED.
designA cross-sectional study.
settingHe Eye Specialist Hospital, Shenyang, China.
participantsThis study recruited 144 right eyes of 144 diabetic patients between November and December of 2023, and 110 patients with similar propensity scores were included in the analyses.
main outcome measuresNon-invasive breakup time (NITBUT), tear film lipid layer (TFLL), conjunctival hyperaemia (redness score (RS)), corneoconjunctival staining (CS), corneal sensitivity and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were evaluated. MMP-9 was measured using an immunochromatography assay.
resultsIn total, 55 patients (55 eyes) were grouped as diabetic dry eye (DDE) and 55 patients (55 eyes) as diabetic non-dry eye (DNDE). The mean MMP-9 concentrations were higher in patients with DDE than DNDE (70.63±52.06 ng/mL vs 33.98±33.93 ng/mL; p<0.001). The optimal cut-off value of MMP-9 to predict DED in diabetic patients was>52.5 ng/mL, with 58.2% sensitivity and 78.2% specificity.
conclusionsMMP-9 concentration was higher in patients with DDE than DNDE. The MMP-9 test is a potential diagnostic tool for DDE. It may help follow-up diabetic patients with DED and guide clinicians in deciding on anti-inflammatory treatments for these patients.
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