AIM: To investigate the expression of mucin in the conjunctival tissue and tear in eyes with conjunctivochalasis(CCh).

METHODS: Thirty-eight cases(38 eyes)of CCh were recruited as the CCh group and 36 cases(36 eyes)without CCh were included as the normal control group and the conjunctival tissue and tear were collected, respectively. Mucins(MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC16)expression in conjunctival tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining; Mucins(MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC16)OD value in tear were determined by ELISA, the differences of which were compared between the CCh and normal control group.

RESULTS: No difference in the expression of MUC2 and MUC4 in conjunctival epithelia was observed between the two groups(P=0.315, P=0.156). There was significant difference in the expression of MUC5AC and MUC16 in conjunctival epithelia between the two groups(P=0.016, P<0.01, respectively). No significant difference in the OD value of MUC2 in tear was found between the two groups(P=0.651). The OD value of MUC4 and MUC5AC in tear were significantly lower in CCh group that in the normal control group(P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively), so was the OD value of MUC16(P=0.022).

CONCLUSION: MUC5AC and MUC16 both decreased in the conjunctiva and tear of eyes with CCh. The further study may reveal the pathogenesis of conjunctivochalasis.