Expression of p53 and caspase-8 in lens epithelial cells of diabetic cataract

PURPOSE: To determine expression of apoptotic factors p53 and caspase-8 in human lens epithelial cells (LECs) of cataract patients with or without diabetic retinopathy (DR), the duration of diabetes mellitus (DM), and the level of glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]). SETTING: St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea. DESIGN: Randomized prospective study. METHODS: The LECs were isolated during cataract surgery. The isolated samples were classified into 4 groups as follows: patients without DM (Group 1), patients with DM but not DR (Group 2), diabetic patients with nonproliferative DR (Group 3), and diabetic patients with proliferative DR (Group 4). To explore the mechanism of apoptosis, the expressions of p53 and caspase-8 were measured by immunohistochemical staining and compared with the data according to the duration of DM, HbA1c levels, and severity of DR. RESULTS: All groups comprised 15 eyes. The expressions of P53 and caspase-8 were higher in Groups 2, 3, and 4 than in Group 1 (P<.001). The expressions were statistically significantly increased with a longer duration of DM, higher HbA1c levels, and advanced DR. CONCLUSIONS: The expressions of P53 and caspase-8 were strong in patients with DM and advanced DR. Knowledge of these relationships may lead to a better understanding of the development of diabetic cataract. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.