J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2005 Aug;46(8):1393-1400.

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

• Kim DH
• Yang JW
• Park SK
• Kim SD
• Hur J
• Yoon IH
• Choi IH

Abstract

PURPOSE
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is recognized as being associated with cataractogenesis. We quantitated the mRNA expression of TGF-beta 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-beta1, beta2 and beta3 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-beta was expressed: TGF-beta3 in all 30 eyes, TGF-beta1 in 29 eyes (96.7%), with the exception being one diabetic senile cataract, and TGF-beta2 in 9 eyes. The amount of TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the diabetic cataracts than in the non-diabetic cataracts (P=0.056). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta was associated with cataractogenesis. It is significant that the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA was decreased in all cataracts. The decrease of TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was more meaningful in the diabetic cataracts than in the non-diabetic cataracts.

Keyword

Cataract lens epithelial cell; Senile cataract; TGF-beta isoform mRNA

MeSH Terms

Cataract*
Diabetes Mellitus
Epithelial Cells*
Humans
Lens, Crystalline
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Protein Isoforms
RNA, Messenger*
Transforming Growth Factor beta*
Transforming Growth Factor beta1
Transforming Growth Factor beta2
Transforming Growth Factor beta3
Transforming Growth Factors
Protein Isoforms
RNA, Messenger
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Transforming Growth Factor beta1
Transforming Growth Factor beta2
Transforming Growth Factor beta3
Transforming Growth Factors