[The inhibitory effect of tranilast on transforming growth factor-beta(2) expression in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of tranilast on transforming growth factor-beta(2) (TGF-beta(2)) expression in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells.

METHODS

TGF-beta(2) expression in cultured 3-5 passage human trabecular meshwork cells was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR after treated with 0.0 micro g/ml (control), 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/L tranilast for 48 h.

RESULTS

The value of TGF-beta(2)/G3PDH of cells treated with 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/L tranilast was 1.85 +/- 0.35, 1.66 +/- 0.42, 1.16 +/- 0.24, respectively. The difference between these treated groups and that of the control group (3.82 +/- 0.56) was statistically significant (q' = 10.77, 11.80, 14.54, P < 0.01), respectively. The value of TGF-beta(2)/G3PDH in the tranilast treated trabecular meshwork cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Tranilast could inhibit TGF-beta(2) expression in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells. It is worth to study the using of tranilast in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma.