Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Some of the problems associated with cataract operations include the occurrence of secondary cataracts and post-operative inflammation. Secondary cataracts are known to cause a decrease in vision and are one factor in the proliferation of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). Tranilast (TR)Rizaben®acts to suppress this proliferation of HLECs and, clinically, it is expected to serve as a suppressor of secondary cataracts. On the other hand, because it suppresses the increase of intra-ocular pressure following cataract operations, ß-adrenergic blocker is administered in the form of eye drops. If this ß-adrenergic blocker possessed a suppressing effect for HLECs in addition to suppressing effect on intra-ocular pressure, it may be possible to use it not only to control post-operative intra-ocular pressure increases but also as a secondary cataract preventive drug. Therefore, we have examined whether incubating HLECs along with ß-adrenergic blocker will have a suppressing effect on cell proliferation. Methods: After seeding HLECs at a 2×104 cells / mL concentration into a 10%FBS Eagle MEM, we added Carteolol Hydrochloride (CH), Timolol Maleate (TM), TR, and Diclofenac Sodium (DS) at concentrations between 3×10-6 M and 3×10-4 M. Prior to adding the test articles and on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day following the seeding, we observed under an optical microscope the cells' shapes and measured the cell count using the MTT assay. Results: TR and DS, expected to suppress secondary cataracts clinically, indicated an added dose-dependent suppression effect of cell growth. A dose-dependent suppression effect of cell growth was also indicated for the ß -adrenergic blocker CH. However, the same effect was not verified for TM. Conclusions: The suppression effect of cell growth was also demonstrated by ß-adrenergic blocker CH in the same way as with TR, which is expected to suppress secondary cataracts clinically. However, this effect was not seen in TM. Clinically, it may be possible for CH to prevent secondary cataracts.
Keywords: cataract • drug toxicity/drug effects • proliferation