Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate transcriptional activities of genes encoding transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta isoforms in bullous keratopathy corneas.
Methods: The study group consisted of 45 patients with bullous keratopathy (22 females and 23 males). The control group included 45 corneal donors (21 females and 24 males). Quantification of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 mRNAs was performed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (QRT-PCR).
Results: TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 mRNAs were detected in both normal and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) corneas. We found significantly lower transcriptional activity of TGF-beta3 mRNA in bullous keratopathy corneas compared to normal tissues. TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 expressions were at the same level in both PBK and healthy corneas.
Conclusions: Downregulation of TGF-beta3 gene expression may play a significant role in molecular changes observed in bullous keratopathy.