Research On The Effect Of Connective Tissue Growth Factor On Human Lens Epithelial Cells Incubated In Vitro

Objective:(1) To investigate the effect of connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) on human lens epithelial cells'(HLECs) proliferation ,transdifferentiation and synthesis of extracellular matrix(ECM).With a view to evaluating the role of CTGF in the pathogenesis of posterior capsule opacification(PCO).(2) To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor-β(1TGF-β1)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)inducing HLECs to express CTGF in vitro.Methods:(1) Using cell culture technique , HLECs were incubated with different concentrations of CTGF(0,5,15,30,60ng/ml).The effect of CTGF on proliferation of HLECs was assayed by MTT colorimetry as HLECs were incubated for 8,16,32 and 48h. The expression ofα-SMA, FN and COL-Ⅳby CTGF stimulating was evaluated by Immunocytochemical stain and RT-PCR when HLECs were incubated for 24h.(2) HLECs will be divided into normal control group, TGF-β1 group, TNF-αgroup and TGF-β1+TNF-αgroup.When they were cultured for 24h in vitro,the expression of CTGF was detected by Immunocytochemical stain and RT-PCR.Result:(1) Absorption value of HLECs for different concentrations of CTGF(5,15,30,60ng/ml) suggesting that CTGF can promote proliferation of HLECs(P<0.01),and at the concentration of 30 ng/ml,CTGF induced the maximal increase of proliferation.At the same concentration,CTGF could promote human lens epithelial cells'proliferation in a time-dependent manner.CTGF can induce the expression ofα-SMA, FN and COL-Ⅳin a dose-dependent manner(P<0.01or P<0.05).(2) The expression of CTGF was significantly different between normal control group and TGF-β1 group in human lens epithelial cells in vitro(P<0.01).Compared with TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+TNF-αgroup could inhibit the expression of CTGF(P<0.01).Conclusion:(1) CTGF can promote proliferation of HLECs and induce the expression ofα-SMA, FN and COL-Ⅳ. This might be an important pathway leading to posterior capsule opacification.(2)TGF-β1 could enhance the expression of CTGF in HLECs,while TNF-αcan inhibit it's expression. TNF-αmaybe a potential inhibitor in TGF-β1-induced CTGF expression.