Transforming growth factor-beta isoform proteins in cell and matrix deposits on intraocular lenses

Purpose: To determine whether the cells that adhere to poly(methyl methacry late) (PMMA) posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) implanted in hu man eyes produce transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms and wh ether the acellular proteinaceous deposits on these IOLs contain TGF-beta. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan. Methods: Thirty-two PMMA PC IOLs explanted from Japanese patients were immu nostained for TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, or -beta 3, and observed under light mic roscopy. Results: Cell deposits were observed on 12 IOLs and proteinaceous deposits on 16. Components of the cell deposits were mainly of macrophage origin. Th e cell and matrix deposits tested positive for each isoform of TGF-beta. Conclusion: The cells that adhered to implanted PMMA PC IOLs produced TGF-b eta, and the extracellular matrix that accumulated on the surface of the IO Ls contained TGF-beta. Transforming growth factor-beta from the cells on IO Ls may influence the healing process of residual lens capsules after catara ct surgery with IOL implantation. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26:709-715 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.