ABSTRACT
TGF-beta is an important mediator of cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation and plays a significant role in both normal and pathological corneal tissue. However, the quantitative relations between TGF-beta1, -beta2 and -beta3 isoforms in human cornea still remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the gene expression profile of TGF-betas in order to evaluate quantitative relations between the examined transcripts in human corneal epithelium. Transcriptional activity of TGF-beta1, 2, 3, GAPDH and beta-actin genes was estimated on the basis of mRNA copy number per 1 microg of total RNA using the real-time QRT-PCR technique with the SYBR Green I chemistry. Specificity of RT-PCR reaction was confirmed by determination of the characteristic melting temperature for each amplimer. Additionally, the RT-PCR products were separated on 6% polyacrylamide gels and visualized with silver salts. Expression of all TGF-beta genes for the corneal epithelium was determined. Comparable analysis of mRNA copies/1 mug of total RNA for each TGF-beta isoform showed that: TGF-beta1 > TGF-beta2; TGF-beta3 > TGF-beta2; TGF-beta1 = TGF-beta3 (ANOVA test P < 0.0001; post-hoc Tukey's test: TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, P = 0.0306; TGF-beta3 and TGF-beta2, P = 0.0045; TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 NS). We found different expression of the TGF-beta1, -2 and -3 isoforms in the human corneal epithelium. Such differential expression of TGF-betas suggests that each of them may play a specific role in corneal tissue.
Subject(s)
Epithelium, Corneal/metabolism , Protein Isoforms/genetics , Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics , Actins/genetics , Actins/metabolism , Adult , Female , Gene Expression Profiling , Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases/genetics , Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases/metabolism , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Protein Isoforms/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolismABSTRACT
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of blindness in developed countries. Among the factors involved in development of retinopathy genetic factors related to the generation of angiotensin II are mentioned. Recently was described that tissue chymase enzyme is the alternative trait for angiotensin II formulation. The aim of the study was assessment of association of CMA/B hCC polymorphism of chymase gene with the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The study was conduced in 587 type 2 diabetic patients with diabetes duration longer than 10 years. Mean age 62.8 +/- 8.58, mean duration 16.7 +/- 5.66, HbA1c 8.23 +/- 1.71, BMI 29.1 +/- 4.91. Ophthalmological examination was performed to determine the presence of retinopathy. Next polymorphism CMA/B hCC chymase gene by PCR method was assessed. Gene distribution was estimated by chi-square test. In the whole examined group no significant changes of gene distribution was found. However, in female group without retinopathy the tendency to lower incidence of GG genotype was observed (p = 0.06). When assessed the female group without retinopathy despite 15 years duration of diabetes frequency decrease of GG genotype was significant (p = 0.04). According to the results we conclude that CMA/B hCC chymase gene polymorphism is associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Association is expressed by decreased frequency of GG genotype in female group without retinopathy.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics , Diabetic Retinopathy/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Serine Endopeptidases/genetics , Chymases , Disease Progression , Female , Genotype , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the necessity of antiglaucoma therapy in patients after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of 537 penetrating keratoplasties performed in our department was undertaken. Incidence of glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty procedure, necessity of pharmacological antiglaucoma treatment as well as the kind of surgical procedure and its influence on the graft transparency were estimated. RESULTS: The incidence of post keratoplasty glaucoma was 11.2% (60/537). 42 patients required pharmacological treatment (42/60) and the remaining 18 required surgery. 12 trabeculectomies, 6 drainage devices procedures and 1 cyclokrytherapy were performed and stabilization of intraocular pressure was obtained. 14 of the grafts treated surgically lost their transparency. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple surgical treatment of post-penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma, despite the stabilisation of the intraocular pressure, may lead to loss of graft transparency in most cases.
Subject(s)
Glaucoma/diagnosis , Keratoplasty, Penetrating/methods , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Hospital Departments , Humans , PolandABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate IOP changes after phacotrabeculectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 glaucoma patients (27 eyes) with coexistence of cataract. Age: 56-79 years. Mean IOP level before surgery: 23.2 +/- 2.4 mm Hg. In all cases phacotrabeculectomy was performed. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 12 months. RESULTS: IOP decrease after surgery was achieved: mean decrease 7.1 +/- 2.3 mm Hg after 3 months and 5.5 +/- 2.4 mm Hg, and 4.1 +/- 2.1 mm Hg after 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Phacotrabeculectomy combines all advantages of phacoemulsification and creates perspective for IOP normalization.
