AIM:To Investigate the effects of transforming growth factorβ2(TGF-β2)and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)on transdifferentiation of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs)cultured in vitro and synthesis of extracellular matrix(ECM).METHODS:HLECs were treated with TGF-β2(0,0.5,1.0,5,10μg/L)and CTGF(0,15,30,60,100μg/L)for different times(0,24,48,72h)in vitro and the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),the main component of the extracellular matrix typeⅠcollagen(Col-1)and fibronectin(Fn)were measured by using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and western-blot.RESULTS:TGF-β2 and CTGF significantly increased expression ofα-SMA mRNA and protein(P<0.05,P<0.001),Fn mRNA and protein(P<0.001),Col-1 mRNA and protein(P<0.001).TGF-β2 could induce HLECs expression of CTGF mRNA and protein in dosedependent manner(P<0.05,P<0.001).TGF-β2 and CTGF could induce HLECs to expressα-SMA,Fn and Col-1 in time-dependent manner.Each time of TGF-β2and CTGF induced HELCs expression ofα-SMA,Fn,Col-1 mRNA and protein was significant increase compared with control(P<0.05,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:TGF-β2 and CTGF could induce HLECs epithelial mesenchymal transition and ECM synthesis.
AIM:To explore the inhibitory effect of a sustained cyclosporin A (CsA) delivery microsphere (CsA-MS) on posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in rabbit eyes after cataract extraction. ·METHODS:Twenty New Zealand white rabbits accepted cataract extraction plus intraocular lens implantation and their left eyes were intraoperatively injected CsA-MS prepared using polymer polylactioglycolic acid (PLGA) as a carrier and their right eyes were injected with empty MS. The changes in cornea, anterior chamber reaction, intraocular pressure, PCO and CsA concentration in aqueous humor were examined postoperatively and all the eyes were enucleated 3 months after surgery for histopathological and morphological examination with light microscopy and electron microscopy. · RESULTS:Conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, intraocular pressure and anterior chamber response of experimental and control eyes were similar, while PCO in CsA MS injected eyes was greatly improved compared with that in control eyes. Posterior capsules in CsA-MS injected eyes were smooth and lens epithelial cells (LEC) did not proliferate significantly (P >0.05), while LEC in posterior capsule of control eyes had different degrees of proliferation and cortical regeneration. LEC in CsA-MS injected eyes were not functionally active and underwent apoptosis, whereas LEC in control eyes were functionally active (F-test, P =0.025). In addition, the cornealultrastructure showed no differences between CsA-MS and MS injected eyes. CONCLUSION:CsA-MS has high bioavailability in rabbit eyes and could inhibit postoperative PCO occurrence and development during the study period, suggesting that CsA-MS may be a promising, effective and safe administration route to prevent PCO in clinic.
