Is MMP-9 a viable biomarker for dry eye disease diagnosis?

Despite initial hopes and the known role of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9) as an inflammatory mediator contributing to ocular surface damage in DED, a new study did not find a significant correlation between MMP-9 levels and dry eye disease (DED) severity.

The study also noted gender differences in MMP-9 positivity, with more males testing positive than females, and identified associations with postmenopausal status and tear interferon-gamma levels.

The study, involving 211 participants, utilized MMP-9 point-of-care testing at screening and 3 months into the research. The researchers analyzed associations between MMP-9 results and various factors, including keratography testing, clinical examinations, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index.

The results indicated a significant gender difference among MMP-9 positive subjects, with 70% of males testing positive compared to 51% of females (P = 0.01). Postmenopausal status (P = 0.02) and tear interferon-gamma levels at baseline (P = 0.047) were also found to be significantly related to MMP-9 positivity. However, no significant associations were observed between MMP-9 levels and other cytokines or HLA-DR status.

Contrary to expectations, the study did not find any significance between baseline MMP-9 levels and both baseline and 3-month DED measures. Furthermore, no notable correlation was identified between changes in MMP-9 status and changes in DED symptoms over the course of the study.

Reference
Reidy C, et al. Analysis of the Use of MMP-9 as a Biomarker for DED. Poster Presented at: AAO 2023.