[Influence of cell growth factors on transferrin gene expression of human lens epithelial cells in culture].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the influence of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the transferrin mRNA levels of cultured human lens epithelial cells.


METHODS
Lens anterior capsules were collected from 40 eyeballs of 20 human donors under 3 years of age within 24 hours after death. Lens epithelial cells were primarily cultured and subcultured. TGF-beta(1) (1 microg/L) and bFGF (250 microg/L) were added to the 3rd passage cells when they became confluent after their growth for 2 weeks. The total cellular RNA was extracted from cultured cells by guanidine isothiocyanate, etc. after the growth factors acting for 3 days. Transferrin mRNA levels were determined by a Northern blot analysis with a probe.


RESULTS
In comparison with the control group, the expressions of transferrin in the growth factor treatment groups were obviously increased. In comparison with bFGF group, transferrin mRNA level in TGF-beta(1) group was obviously increased.


CONCLUSIONS
TGF-beta(1) and bFGF upregulate transferrin gene expression of cultured lens epithelial cells remarkably, can reduce lenticular oxidative damaging process in which transferrin participates and play an important role in the pathological mechanism of cataract formation after extracapsular cataract extraction.
Zhong
L
L
Department of Ophthalmology, First School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100034.
Li
M
M
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000187:drug effects; D014168:Transferrin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014168:Transferrin; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2