백내장 수정체 상피세포의 변형성장인자 발현

The Expression of TGF-β Isoform mRNA in the Cataract Lens Epithelial Cell

Purpose: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is recognized as being associated with cataractogenesis. We quantitated the mRNA expression of TGF-β isoforms in cataractous crystalline lens to determine the effect of the isoforms on cataractogenesis. Methods: With lens epithelial cells from thirty eyes in thirty patients, the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, β2 and β3 were quantitated by real-time SYBR Green polymerase chain reaction and the results were compared according to cataract type and presence of diabetes mellitus. Results: Each isoform mRNA of TGF-β was expressed: TGF-β3 in all 30 eyes, TGF-β1 in 29 eyes (96.7%), with the exception being one diabetic senile cataract, and TGF-β2 in 9 eyes. The amount of TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the diabetic cataracts than in the non-diabetic cataracts (P=0.056). Conclusions: TGF-β was associated with cataractogenesis. It is significant that the expression of TGF-β2 mRNA was decreased in all cataracts. The decrease of TGF-β1 mRNA expression was more meaningful in the diabetic cataracts than in the non-diabetic cataracts.