Abstract
Purpose :
Atopic cataract is characterized by the formation of anterior subcapsular cataract. But the mechanism of forming the anterior subcapsular cataract is not clear. To clarify the mechanism of atopic cataract, we performed genome wide gene expression analysis of anterior capsule in atopic cataract from the patients. From the results of gene expression analysis, we focused on the NNMT protein that activate TGFβ and related to the remodeling of tissues.
Methods :
Anterior capsules of atopic cataract were obtained at the time of cataract surgeries. Control anterior capsules were obtained from senile cataract patients. Total RNA was obtained from the anterior capsules and genome wide gene expression analysis was carried out using Agilent SurePrint Human Gene Expression array. Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) was carried out using other sets of anterior capsules obtained from atopic cataract patients. We also performed immunohistochemical analysis using an anti-human NNMT antibody.
Results :
Genome wide gene expression analysis showed significant increase of NNMT gene expression in atopic cataracts samples compared to control samples. Q-PCR analysis shows higher expression of NNMT in the atopic anterior capsule samples compared to the control. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining showed positive NNMT staining in the fibrotic region of anterior subcapsular cataracts of the atopic patients.
Conclusions :
Hyperexpression of NNMT was observed in the anterior capsule of atopic cataract patients. These results suggest the possible relation between NNMT expression and atopic cataract pathophysiology.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.