AIM:To detect oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG)in primary pterygium and normal conjunctival tissues, explore the role of oxidative DNA damage in the pathogenesis of pterygium.

METHODS: Totally 35 primary pterygium specimens were collected during surgery and 5 normal conjunctival specimens which above the normal temporal bulbar conjunctiva were collected. The expressions of 8-OHdG in pterygium tissues were detected by immunohistochemical method and compared with the normal conjunctival tissues. The difference of 8-OHdG expression between the two groups was compared.

RESULTS: There were 24(69%)pterygium specimens positive for 8-OHdG staining, limited to the nuclei of the epithelial layer. No substantial staining was visible in the subepithelial fibrovascular layers. All normal controls were negative for 8-OHdG staining. The difference of 8-OHdG expression between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.007).

CONCLUSION: The increased levels of 8-OHdG in the pterygium tissues indicate that oxidative DNA damage maybe play an important role in the pathogenesis of pterygium.