![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Transforming growth factor-β (TFG-β) is a universal growth factor that plays multiple roles in different parts of the body. Physiologically, it is important for regulation of cell cycle, differentiation of cells and regulation of immunity. It also plays a vital role in wound healing and scar formation. TFG-β has also been implicated in the pathology of vernalkeratoconjunctivitis, scarring with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, alkali burn and dryness of Sjögren’s syndrome. TFG-β has been linked to posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery. Identifying TFG-β as a potent stimulator of scarring after glaucoma surgery may open a wide door for using anti-TFG-β antibodies as an alternative to the currently used antimetabolites.They appear much safer and less destructive. In diabetic retinopathy, TFG-β intravitreal levels are highest in insulin-treated patient with active neovascular membrane, implicating a role of this factor. It may induce posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane contraction, retinal detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy formation. Statins, through cutting down TFG-β signaling pathway may play a protective role. It’s showed that the each part of the eye is susceptible to the fibrotic diseases, that are characterized by the appearance of myofibroblasts and accumulation of ECM. The process of generation of myofibroblasts from either fibroblasts or epithelial cell types are mediated by the growth factors including TGF-b, one of the most potent factors involved in tissue fibrosis. Blocking the signal activated by TGF-b is one of the powerful tool to prevent or treat the diseases. |