Comparison Of Microrna Expression In Glucocorticoid Induced Cataract With Senile Cataract And Normal Subjects

We investigated the microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in the anterior lens capsules of patients with glucocorticoid induced cataract (GIC) and compared to that of senile cataract patients and healthy controls. 

A prospective observational study was conducted on GIC and senile cataract, normal eyes. 

Individual lens epithelium samples were collected from 10 GIC, 6 senile posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC), 7 senile cataract using systemic glucocorticoid (GC) and 10 controls. The expression of 12 different miRNAs in lens epithelium was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We first compared the differences in miRNA expression between GIC, senile PSC and normal subjects. In addition, miRNA expression was compared between GIC group and senile cataract group using systemic GC. We also analyzed the correlation between miRNA expression and age or GC cumulative dose.

The GIC group was significantly younger than the other 3 groups, and the normal group had significantly better visual acuity than the other 3 groups. The expression levels of let-7a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-125a-5p showed significant differences between the GIC and control group (P < 0.05). The expressions of miR-23b-3p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-125a-5p were significantly upregulated in the senile PSC patients compared to the normal subjects (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in miRNAs expression between GIC and senile PSC groups and between GIC and senile cataract using systemic GC groups. There was no significant correlation between miRNA expression and age or GC cumulative dose.

MiRNA expression in GIC group was not significantly different from senile cataract. These results suggest the possibility that GC and aging induce cataract formation through similar mechanisms. However, further studies of GIC are needed and essential to treat and prevent this undesirable adverse effect of GC.