The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Infectious Corneal Ulcers

During infectious keratitis, the production of collagenolytic and inflammatory substances, along with increased corneal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, induces the degradation of corneal collagen and may cause postkeratitis complications, such as opacity, thinning, and corneal perforation. MMPs, especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, are overexpressed in infectious keratitis and sustained over time by inflammatory and nonmicrobial mechanisms. The high MMP levels are correlated with excessive corneal destruction in bacterial, herpetic, fungal, and acanthamoeba infections. Nonspecific treatments, such as tetracyclines, particularly doxycycline, or corticosteroids, are used as adjuvants to antimicrobials to alleviate the disproportionate degradation and inflammation of the corneal layers caused by corneal MMPs and decrease the recruitment and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Treatments showing inhibition of specific MMPs (Galardin, ZHAWOC7726), interfering with pro-MMP activation (EDTA, ascorbic acid), or showing anticytokine effect (epigallocatechin-2-gallate, TRAM-34) have been reported. Other treatments show a direct action over corneal collagen structure such as corneal cross-linking or have been associated with reduction of MMP levels such as amniotic membrane grafting. Although the use of these drugs has been shown in studies to be effective in controlling inflammation, especially in experimental ones, robust studies are still needed based on randomized and randomized clinical trials to demonstrate their potential effect as adjuvants in the management of infectious keratitis.