Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of elevated KDM4D expression and potential
therapeutic effects of
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on
pterygium. Methods: The expression levels of KDM4D in the primary
pterygium (n = 29) and normal conjunctiva (n = 14) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The effects of KDM4D on
pterygium fibroblasts were detected by the
CCK-8 assay, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay, flow cytometry, and scratch wound healing assay. The relative expression of KDM4D in
pterygium fibroblasts stimulated by
interleukin (IL)-1β,
IL-6,
IL-8, and LBP was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. The effects of LBP on
pterygium fibroblasts were detected using flow cytometry and scratch wound healing assays. Results: The expression level of KDM4D in
pterygium was higher than that in normal conjunctiva. KDM4D increased the cell viability of
pterygium fibroblasts. The differentially expressed genes identified in the LM-MS assay enriched in "actin filament organization" and "apoptosis." KDM4D promoted migration and inhibited apoptosis of
pterygium fibroblasts in vitro. Inflammatory
cytokines, including IL-1β,
IL-6, and
IL-8, enhanced the expression of KDM4D in
pterygium fibroblasts. LBP inhibited the expression of KDM4D in
pterygium fibroblasts and decreased their cell viability. Moreover, LBP attenuated the KDM4D effects on migration and apoptosis of
pterygium fibroblasts. Conclusions: Elevated KDM4D expression is a risk factor for
pterygium formation. LBP inhibits the expression of KDM4D in
pterygium fibroblasts and may be a potential drug for delaying
pterygium development.