Current research status of the relationship between ocular surface dysbiosis and the pathogenesis of pterygium
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2025.10.16
- VernacularTitle:眼表菌群失调与翼状胬肉发病关系的研究现状
- Author:
Longlong WANG
1
;
Xinqiu LIU
1
;
Lei MENG
1
;
Ziman HAN
1
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Bozhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bozhou 236800, Anhui Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
pterygium;
dysbiosis;
ocular surface inflammation
- From:
International Eye Science
2025;25(10):1641-1644
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Pterygium is a proliferative disorder of the conjunctiva associated with chronic ocular surface inflammation, and the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. The previous research focusing solely on single pathogens like human papillomavirus(HPV)has shifted towards emphasizing the central role of microbial dysbiosis. Recent studies indicate that ocular surface dysbiosis plays a critical role in the development and progression of pterygium by disrupting ocular surface immune homeostasis. Research has demonstrated that environmental factors(such as ultraviolet radiation, high altitude, and dust exposure)can induce a reduction in microbial diversity and an increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens(such as corynebacterium). This dysbiotic state activates pattern recognition receptors(PRRs), triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines via signaling pathways like NF-κB, thereby initiating chronic ocular surface inflammation. This inflammatory cascade promotes aberrant epithelial proliferation, angiogenesis, and impaired tissue repair, ultimately driving pterygium formation. This review aims to elucidate the pivotal role of the ocular surface microbiota-immune-inflammation axis in pterygium pathogenesis, providing a foundation for exploring more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
