Inhibitory Effect of Genistein on the Proliferation of Lens Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE: The objective of the present studies was to evaluate the effect of genistein on inhibiting growth factor-induced proliferation of lens epithelial cells. METHODS: The effect of genistein on cell proliferation was assayed in cultured pig lens epithelial cells after combined treatment of genistein with several growth factors including bFGF, TGF-beta, EGF and PDGF. The analysis of cell proliferation was done using spectrophotometry. To verify the inhibitory influence of genistein on the proliferation of LECs from the molecular biologic level, we determined using western blotting(mRNA of fibronectin). Also, the present study was aimed to evaluate alterations of the function and the ultrastructure of rabbit corneal endothelium following perfusion of the anterior chamber with balanced salt solution(BSS) or genistein in vivo. RESULTS: Each growth factor stimulated lens epithelial cell proliferation effectively after 24 hours of culture. Gradual reduction of lens epithelial cell density occurred as the concentration of genistein increased and the degree of reduction was the most prominent at 100 micrometer of genistein. Marked reduction of ERK phosphorylation and the expression of fibronectin were noted in the groups treated with bFGF and genistein compared with the groups treated with bFGF alone. There was no significant difference in corneal thickness between the BSS and the genistein treated groups in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Genistein at the concentration of 100 micrometer effectively suppressed the proliferating activity of growth factors on the LECs and showed no toxicity to the corneal endothelium.

A Clinical Experience of Postoperative Double Elevator Palsy after Surgical Removal of Schwannoma in Orbit and Cavernous Sinus

A patient who had been complaining of slowly progressive proptosis for two months came to the authors`hospital. Brain MRI was taken promptly to show an intraorbital lesion highly suspicious of schwannoma. We performed an operation in concert with neurosurgeons in which the intraorbital mass was totally resected through orbitozygomatic and extradural approach. After the surgery, ptosis of right upper eyelid and right hypertropia of 22 prism developed as a complication. Another operation was performed 7 months after the initial resection of the mass, in which right inferior rectus muscle was recessed and a silicone sleave was inserted for right frontalis sling. No further complication developed thereafter. Presently, the patient has right hypotropia of 8 prism and only a few creases on right upper eyelid. Orbital schwannoma is a rare disease and comprises approximately 1 percent of all orbital tumors. The authors experienced postoperative double elevator palsy as well as sinus and intraorbital schwannoma. We report this case with review of the literature.