Transforming growth factor-beta isoform proteins in cell and matrix deposits on intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the cells that adhere to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) implanted in human eyes produce transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms and whether the acellular proteinaceous deposits on these IOLs contain TGF-beta.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.

METHODS

Thirty-two PMMA PC IOLs explanted from Japanese patients were immunostained for TGF-beta1, -beta2, or -beta3, and observed under light microscopy.

RESULTS

Cell deposits were observed on 12 IOLs and proteinaceous deposits on 16. Components of the cell deposits were mainly of macrophage origin. The cell and matrix deposits tested positive for each isoform of TGF-beta.

CONCLUSION

The cells that adhered to implanted PMMA PC IOLs produced TGF-beta, and the extracellular matrix that accumulated on the surface of the IOLs contained TGF-beta. Transforming growth factor-beta from the cells on IOLs may influence the healing process of residual lens capsules after cataract surgery with IOL implantation.