Transforming growth factor beta in retinoblastoma-related cataract.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the histopathology and expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in retinoblastoma with and without cataractous changes.


METHODS
Twenty patients with unilateral retinoblastoma underwent enucleation. None of these patients had received preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were examined histologically for the presence of morgagnian globules or liquefaction of lens fibers; TGF-beta was immunolocalized using an anti-TGF-beta antibody.


RESULTS
Two globes showed several morgagnian globules and liquefaction of the lens fibers, representing cataractous changes. One patient had posterior subcapsular cataract; the other, anterior polar cataract. In both cases, prominent cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for TGF-beta was detected in retinoblastoma cells. In contrast, 3 patients showed histologic evidence of minor cataractous changes. The globes with either minor or no cataractous changes revealed minimal to no expression of TGF-beta.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that TGF-beta produced by retinoblastoma cells may induce cataract formation. Clinical Relevance The growth factors produced by retinoblastoma cells may lead to associated pathologies, such as cataracts, in the ocular structures. This study implies that when a child presents with a unilateral cataract, retinoblastoma should be excluded as the primary diagnosis.
Kase
Satoru
S
Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Parikh
Jignesh G
JG
Youssef
Peter N
PN
Murphree
A Linn
AL
Rao
Narsing A
NA
D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D019572:Retinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta