Expression of ADAM28 in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: : ADAM28 is a member of disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family. Although ADAMs basically play roles in the ectodomain shedding of membrane proteins and cell adhesion, the function of ADAM28 remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not ADAM28 was associated with the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods: : Tissue localization of ADAM28 in fibrovascular tissues, obtained at vitrectomy for patients with PDR, was examined by immunohistochemistry. Cultured human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) were stimulated with 10µg/ml of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or vehicle alone for 24 hours. In vitro mRNA levels of ADAM28 were examined by semi–quantitative RT–PCR.

Results: : ADAM28 was localized on vascular endothelial cells in the fibrovascular tissue. mRNA levels of ADAM28 were substantially increased in VEGF–treated cells, compared to vehicle–treated cells.

Conclusions: : ADAM28 was expressed in the fibrocascular tissue of PDR and was upregulated by the stimulation of VEGF in vitro. These data suggest the involvement of ADAM28 in the pathogenesis of PDR.

Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • pathology: human • retina