Expression of neovascular associated factors PEDF and αB-crystallin in human lens epithelial cells.

Objective: To investigate the expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and alpha B-crystallin in human lens epithelial cells (LEC) and explore their relationships with diabetes. Methods: Lens anterior capsules attached with LEC were collected from cataract surgeries in patients with or without diabetes, and grouped as following: non-diabetes mellitus (NDM) group, no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) group, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group. The expression of PEDF and alpha B-crystallin in all groups was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Results: PEDF and alpha B-crystallin protein were both detected in LEC. PEDF was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm, whereas alpha B-crystallin was present in both cytoplasm and nucleus. The levels of PEDF protein and alpha B-crystallin protein in LEC were significantly increased with the appearance and aggravation of diabetic retinopathy (DR) (p< .01). Conclusion: The expression of PEDF and alpha B-crystallin protein is both positively correlated with the progression of DR, which may contribute to the regulation of iris neovascularization.