Expreession Of Telomerase Activity And Ultrastructural Changes In The Epithelial Of Age-related Cataract

Objective: To investigate the difference of telomerase activity in the epithelial of human age-related cataract and normal lens and observe the ultrastructural changes of lens epithelial cells in human age-related cataract,to discuss the role of changes of telomerase activity and ultrastructure of lens epithelial cells in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract.Methods: 1.The lens anterior capsules were dissected in age-related cataract, contrasted to normal lens epithelial cells,telomerse activity in the lens epithelial cells of cataract and normal lens was examined by telomerase repeat amplification protocolassay. 2. The lens anterior capsules were dissected in age-related cataract, observe the the ultrastructural changes of lens epithelial cells in human cataract . Results:1. Telomerse activity was present in epithelial cells of age-related cataracts and normal lens. 2. Telomerse activity was significantly different in epithelial cells of age- related cataracts and normal lens,telomerse activity in epithelial cells of age-related cataract was decrease. 3.Lens epithelial cells of age-related cataract had irregular shapes and swelled; The gap between cells were enlarged. Mictochondria and other organelles in cytoplasm decreased and swelled; Lens epithelial cells necrosis and exfoliation was visualized.Conclusions: 1.Expression of telomerse in lens epithelial cell is important to maintain cells prolifercation, keep physiology balance and transparency of lens. 2.Telomerse activity in lens epithelial cells of age-related cataract decreases,which is related to apoptosis of lens epithelial cells. Although the telomerase activity decrease, there is still comparative telomerase activity in lens epithelial cells of age related cataract, which maintain proliferation of lens epithelial cells of age-related cataract. 3.Lens epithelial cells of age-related cataract had irregular shapes and swelled. The gap between cells were enlarged; Mictochondria and other organelles in cytoplasm decreased and swelled; Lens epithelial cells necrosis and exfoliation was visualized. These ultrastructural changes of lens epithelial cells in age-related cataract would block its function, lead to occurrence of cataract. The ultrastructural changes play important roles in the occurrence and progression of cataract.