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Developmental factors of fibrous opacification in the atopic cataract lens capsule
Shigenari Suzuki1, Hironori Sagara, Tadashi Senoo
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan. s-suzuki@dokkyomed.ac.jp
Aim:
We investigated the developmental factors of fibrous opacification in the atopic cataract lens capsule.
Method:
We examined the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signals (phosphorylated Smad2/3 and Smad7) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 in atopic cataract lenses by immunohistochemistry. The PAI-1 concentration in aqueous humor was also measured.
Results:
Lens epithelial cells of the atopic cataract lens capsule showed positive immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated Smad2/3 and Smad7. Lens epithelial cells of the age-related cataract lens capsule were positive for phosphorylated Smad2/3, but negative for Smad7 by immunohistochemistry. All cells were negative for PAI-1. However, high concentrations of PAI-1 were detected in the aqueous humor of atopic cataract patients.
Conclusion:
We suggest that TGF-β and PAI-1 contribute to fibrous opacification in the atopic cataract lens capsule.
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