The role of transforming growth factor beta in myopia development

Myopia is widely recognized as an epidemic. Studies have found a link between Transforming Growth Factorbeta (TGF-beta) and myopia, but the specific molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, a monocular model in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri) was established to verify the molecular mechanism of TGF-beta in myopia. The results indicated that there were significant changes in TGF-beta s during the treatment of myopia, which could enhance the refractive ability and axial length of the eye. Immunohistochemical staining, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, and immunoblotting results showed a significant upregulation of MMP2 and NF-kappa B levels, and a significant downregulation of COL-I expression in the TGF-beta treated eyes, suggesting that NF-kappa B and MMP2 are involved in the signaling pathways of TGF-beta s induced myopia and axial elongation. Moreover, the expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, TAK1, and NF-kappa B in the retina were all significantly elevated. This indicates that TGF-beta stimulates the inflammatory response of retinal pigment epithelial cells through the TAK1-NF-kappa B signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study suggests that TGF-beta promotes the progression of myopia by enhancing intraocular inflammation.