title: The expression of protein betaig-h3 inducible by transforming growth factor-beta in keratoconus and normal cornea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the expression of a protein inducible by transforming growth factor-beta (betaig-h3) in normal cornea and keratoconus and discuss the effects of extracellular matrix on keratoconus.
  
  
  METHODS
  In situ hybridization method was used to detect the expression of betaig-h3 in the cornea. The cDNA library was screened with human betaig-h3 cDNA probe to orient betaig-h3 mRNA in cells. The level of betaig-h3 was detected in normal cornea and keratoconus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  betaig-h3 mainly expressed in the stroma in normal cornea and keratoconus. The positive expression decreased along with the increase of severity of the keratoconus. The negative expression was seen in severe lesions of keratoconus. The strong positive expression was seen at the interface area between the normal and the lesion of keratoconus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The decreasing of the level of betaig-h3 causes the diminution of corneal steadiness that is related to the formation of keratoconus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266003, China (Email: zhaoguiqiu@163.net)
authors.forename: Guiqiu
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Chuanfu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Weirong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Wenqing
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sheng
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors
chemical_list: D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors