Transforming growth factor b as a factor in myopia development
Abstract
The transforming growth factor b1 (TGP-b1) is a profibrotic cytokine belonging to the TGP-b family (TGP-b1, TGP-b2, TGP-b3), controls the synthesis and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), inhibits collagen degradation, is a regulator growth of scleral chondrocytes and scleral fibroblasts. TGF-b participates in changes in ECM metabolism that occur in myopia and plays a significant role in scleral remodeling processes, which significantly affects its biomechanics. As a consequence, the anterior-posterior size of the eyeball increases, which is characteristic of progressive, so-called "malignant" myopia, which manifests itself at an early age and is often associated with severe complications such as vitreous destruction, degeneration and retinal detachment, subretinal hemorrhage complicated cataract.