Transforming Growth Factor-β Levels in Human Aqueous Humor of Glaucomatous, Diabetic and Uveitic Eyes

Purpose: Transforming growth factor-β2 is known to be present at elevated levels in the aqueous humor of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and diabetes but not in uveitis-related secondary glaucoma. We investigated total TGF-levels and levels of the active form of TGF- in the aqueous humor of eyes with different types of glaucoma. Methods: The concentration of the total and active form of TGF-β2 was measured in 63 patients with primary open angle glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma complicated with diabetes (NVG), and secondary open angle glaucoma complicated with uveitis (SOAG) using a double antibody ‘sandwich-indirect’ ELISA method. Results: The levels of totalvv in the aqueous samples of POAG, NVG, and SOAG were elevated. The levels of active TGF-β2 in the aqueous samples of POAG, and NVG were also elevated, whereas the level of active TGF-β2 was within the normal range in the aqueousConclusions: These results suggest that the level of TGF-β2 may play a role in the pathology of various types of glaucoma. Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 20(3):162-165, 2006