AIM: To investigate the expression of VEGF, CD34, Ki-67 and p21 in pterygium as well as the correlation between their expression and clinical pathological characteristics; explore its pathogenesis.

METHODS: Immunohistochemical S-P staining method was adopted in detecting the expression of VEGF, CD34, Ki-67 and p21 in 62 cases of pterygia and 20 cases of normal conjunctival tissues. Relationship between these markers and clinical pathological characteristics was analyzed.

RESULTS:(1)The positive expression of VEGF, CD34, Ki-67 and p21 in 62 cases of pterygia was 74.2%(46/62), 77.4%(48/62), 66.1%(41/62)and 40.3%(25/62)respectively. The differences were statistically significant compared with normal conjunctival tissues(P<0.05).(2)The expression of VEGF and CD34 in 62 cases of pterygia was correlated with clinical types and stages(P<0.05), and was not associated with sex, age and occupation(P>0.05); the expression of Ki-67 was correlated with clinical stages(P<0.05), and was not associated with other clinical pathological characteristics(P>0.05); the expression of p21 was correlated with clinical stages and pterygium characters(P<0.05), and was not associated with other clinical pathological characteristics(P>0.05).(3)Spearman correlation showed that there was a positive correlation between VEGF and Ki-67(r=0.279, P<0.05), a positive correlation between VEGF and CD34(r=0.299, P<0.05), a negative correlation between VEGF and p21(r=-0.267, P<0.05); it also showed that there was no correlation between any two of CD34, Ki-67 and p21(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:(1)Overexpression of VEGF, Ki-67, CD34 and low expression of p21 suggest that these markers are concerned with the development and progression of pterygium.(2)Expression of VEGF and CD34 increases along with the increase of clinical types and stages, expression of Ki-67 increases along with the increase of clinical stages, and expression of p21 decreases along with the improvement of clinical types or stages; they suggest that these markers may play important roles in the development and recurrence of pterygium.(3)There is positive correlation between VEGF and Ki-67, VEGF and CD34 as well as negative correlation between VEGF and p21. They suggest that there may be synergistic action between two factors during the development and progression of pterygium.