Abstract
Purpose: :
To assess the pathogenetic role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway markers in the epithelium of keratoconus corneas.
Methods: :
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for TGF-β2, TGF-β1/3 and pSMAD2 was performed on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded sections of keratoconus patient corneas and normal, age-matched corneas from human autopsy eyes. Keratoconus corneas were divided in two groups, depending on their severity based on K-Readings and pachymetry. IHC signal quantitation was performed using automated software.
Results: :
IHC quantitation showed a significant increase in mean signal in the group of severe keratoconus cases compared to normal corneas for TGF-β2 and pSMAD2. TGF-β1/3 did not show any significant increase in the keratoconus corneas versus the autopsy controls.
Conclusions: :
This work shows the involvement of the TGF-β2 pathway in severe keratoconus cases. To elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of keratoconus further studies will be required.
Keywords: keratoconus • immunohistochemistry • pathobiology