Eyelid skin and fibroadipose tissue MMP-1, MMP-3, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in patients with inactive moderate-to-severe Graves’ orbitopathy.

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionsTo evaluate matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloprotease-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the eyelid skin and fibroadipose tissue in patients with inactive moderate-to-severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).This prospective study included 23 patients with inactive moderate-to-severe GO who underwent upper blepharoplasty and medial fat excision, and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. MMP-1, MMP-3, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in the skin and fibroadipose tissue obtained during surgery were measured using the ELISA method.The mean MMP-1 level in the eyelid skin (<italic>p</italic> = .003) and the mean MMP-3 level in the fibroadipose tissue (<italic>p</italic> = .04) were significantly lower in the GO group compared to the healthy control group. There were no differences in other mediators in both tissues between the two groups (<italic>p</italic> > .05).The lower levels of proteolytic enzymes such as MMP-1 and MMP-3 in the eyelid skin and orbital fibroadipose tissue of patients with chronic inactive GO may play a role in the increase of collagen and glycosaminoglycans in orbital soft tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]