A master's thesis from the University of Basrah- College of Medicine, discussed a molecular immunological study of TNF-α and its association with MMP-2 and CCl4 in cataract patients in Dhi Qar, southern Iraq. The thesis, presented by student Nour Al-Deen Ali Hatem Taher, aimed to identify potential biomarkers and genetic factors, which will contribute to improving the diagnosis of the disease and developing treatment options. The study concluded that elevated TNF-α concentrations may contribute to regulating levels of MMP-2 and CCL4. Although genetic changes in TNF-α did not appear to have a direct effect on cataract development, these results suggest that inflammatory processes regulated by TNF-α may influence the expression or biological activity of both MMP-2 and CCL4. This indicates the importance of systemic inflammation in the development of cataract disease, independent of genetic changes in TNF-α. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanistic relationships more clearly.
