Transforming growth factor-β2 levels in the aqueous humor of patients with primary open angle glaucoma and primary angle closure glaucoma

Abstract

Background Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma by its ability to induce extracellular matrix and many other changes. This study was designed to investigate the levels of TGF-β2 in the aqueous humor of patients with glaucoma, including correlations with intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods The study population comprised 15 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 15 patients with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) who had undergone trabeculectomy. Fifteen patients with senile cataract were recruited as control subjects. The levels of TGF-β2 in the aqueous humor were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. In addition, the relationships with the glaucoma subtypes and IOP were analyzed. Results A significantly higher concentration of TGF-β2 was detected in POAG patients as compared to PACG patients as well as control subjects. Relationships between the TGF-β2 concentration and the intraocular pressure were not found significant. Conclusions TGF-β2 levels were significantly higher in the POAG group than in PACG and cataract group. The results suggest that TGF-β2 plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of POAG.