AIM:To investigate the effects of estrogen on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2(MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2(TIMP-2)and transforming growth factor- β1(TGF-β1)in cultured human corneal stromal cells.

METHODS: Inflammatory environments of human corneal stromal cells were simulated by using 1.5ng/mL IL-1β. The cells were then treated with or without different concentrations of estrogen(0, 1×10^-4, 1×10^-6, 1×10^-8, 1×10^-10mol/L estradiol)in vitro. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT. Expression levels of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and TGF-β1 proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).

RESULTS:Estrogen did not affect the viability of human corneal stromal cells. Compared with the control group, expression levels of MMP-2 and TGF- β1 proteins in E2 treatment group significantly decreased after being treated with estrogen, while the expression level of TIMP-2 significantly increased.

CONCLUSION: Estrogen could, to some extent, down-regulate the expression of MMP-2 and TGF- β1 and up-regulate the expression of TIMP-2, which might contribute to protecting human cornea.