Expression of betaig-h3 in keratoconus and normal cornea / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To observe the expression of betaig-h3 in normal cornea and keratoconus and to elucidate the role of extracellular matrix in keratoconus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In situ hybridization was used to detect the expression of betaig-h3 in the cornea. The cDNA library was screened with human betaig-h3 cDNA probe to locate betaig-h3 mRNA in cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Expression of betaig-h3 was found mainly in the stroma of the normal cornea and keratoconus, but decrease depending on the degree of keratopathy. In some serious cases, no expression signal was detected. The strongest expression was seen at the border of the normal region and keratoconus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>betaig-h3, the structural component of the extracellular matrix, can affect cell adhensiveness in the development of corneal fibrous interstitial organization. During the development of keratoconus, decreasing levels of betaig-h3 cause the diminution of corneal steadiness, which is related to formation of keratoconus.</p>