Long-term increase of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor of pseudophakic Fuchs Dystrophy Eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the specific expression of distinct epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins in the aqueous humor of phakic and pseudophakic FECD eyes.

Methods: Fifty aqueous humor samples from phakic FECD eyes (FECD_ph), from pseudophakic FECD eyes with more than one year post-cataract surgery (FECD_psph) and from cataract controls without FECD (Control_cat) were collected during Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) or cataract surgery. The expression of EMT-associated proteins (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, MCP-1, FGF-basic, TNF-α, Il-1ß) was determined by multiplex bead assay and comparatively analyzed.

Results: FECD_psph eyes showed significantly elevated expression compared to FECD_ph and Control_cat groups respectively for TGF-β1 (p=0.0011 and p<0.0001), TGF-β2 (p=0.0288 and p=0.0076) and MCP-1 (p=0.0007 and p<0.0001). No differences in EMT-associated protein levels were detected comparing FECD_ph eyes and Control_cat eyes.

Conclusions: Cataract surgery causes long-term elevated levels of distinct EMT-associated proteins (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, MCP-1) in the aqueous humor of FECD eyes. This may contribute to accelerated FECD progression post cataract surgery. No alterations in EMT-associated protein levels were found in phakic FECD eyes.