tranilast and Cataract

To evaluate the effect of tranilast eyedrops in preventing fibrous opacification of the posterior lens capsule after cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.. The Second Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, and Shohzankai Medical Foundation, Miyake Eye Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.. This study comprised eyes having continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification/aspiration followed by implantation of a posterior chamber IOL in the capsular bag. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and double-masked trial, tranilast 0.5% (Rizaben) eyedrops (15 eyes) or its placebo eyedrops (20 eyes) were given 4 times a day for 3 months after surgery. An anterior eye segment analysis system (EAS 1000, Nidek Co., Ltd.) was used to evaluate the degree of fibrous posterior capsule opacification (PCO) 1 week and 1 and 3 months after surgery.. The mean PCO density in the tranilast group was 17.1 cct +/- 4.6 (SD), 20.0 +/- 3.6 cct, and 23.0 +/- 7.7 cct (cct = computer compatible tape) at 1 week and 1 and 3 months, respectively. In the control group, it was 18.2 +/- 5.3, 30.2 +/- 7.8, and 38.4 +/- 8.0 cct, respectively. There was a significant difference in the 1 and 3 month findings between the 2 groups (P < .001).. Tranilast was effective in preventing fibrous PCO at an early postoperative stage. The possible mechanisms of its effect may be prevention of collagen synthesis by minimizing transforming growth factor type beta released during lens epithelial cell metaplasia.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Allergic Agents; Cataract; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Lens Capsule, Crystalline; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Male; Middle Aged; Ophthalmic Solutions; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Phacoemulsification; Prospective Studies

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a sustained-release agent designed to reduce posterior capsule opacification (PCO).. Department of Ophthalmology, EENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China.. Free tranilast (TFree) was incorporated into polylactic acid microspheres and then tested using a rabbit model of PCO. Twenty-nine rabbits were randomized into 5 groups treated with balanced saline solution (BSS control); TFree; or 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg tranilast microspheres (TMicro). Standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery, including manual aspiration of all visible soft lens matter, was performed in all groups. The selected test agent was then injected into the lens capsule. Postoperative clinical examinations were performed at 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days. Posterior capsule opacification was quantified using high-resolution computer image analysis at 1, 2, and 3 months. Histological examination was performed at 3 months.. Eyes treated with TMicro had significantly less PCO than the eyes in the BSS and TFree groups. While the BSS control eyes had increased PCO over 3 months, eyes in the TMicro group had reduced PCO over time in a dose-dependent fashion. Histological examination showed reduced lens epithelial cell proliferation in the TMicro groups, with no manifest damage to the cornea, iris, or retina compared with the BSS controls. There was a transient increase in postoperative inflammation in all tranilast-treated groups compared with the BSS controls.. Sustained-release intracapsular tranilast reduced PCO in an experimental model of PCO, suggesting further investigation of its therapeutic potential is justified.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Cataract; Delayed-Action Preparations; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Injections; Lens Capsule, Crystalline; Male; Microspheres; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Phacoemulsification; Postoperative Complications; Rabbits; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

To evaluate the effect of different concentrations(0.5, 1.0, 2.0%) of tranilast eyedrops in preventing fibrous posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in rabbits.. Experimental phacoemulsification procedures and in-the-bag placement of intraocular lens(IOL) implant were performed. An anterior eye segment analysis system(EAS-1000, Nidek Co, Ltd) was used to evaluate the degree of PCO during 5 weeks after surgery.. The development of PCO was significantly suppressed in the eyes treated with tranilast eyedrops from 1 week after surgery. The mean PCO density after treatment with 0.5% tranilast was 59.1 +/- 9.3 (mean deviation +/- standard error) and 57.1 +/- 8.2, while for 1.0% tranilast it was 40.1 +/- 6.8 and 46.6 +/- 8.4, and for 2.0% tranilast it was 38.5 +/- 6.0 and 37.5 +/- 5.6 (computer compatible tape, CCT) at 1 week and 5 weeks, respectively. In the control group, the mean PCO density was 89.3 +/- 10.4 and 137.4 +/- 32.8 at 1 week and 5 weeks, respectively(p < 0.05). However, no significant statistical difference was observed in any of the findings for the 3 different tranilast concentrations.. These results suggest that the 0.5% tranilast eyedrops, which are already available on the market, are sufficiently effective for inhibiting PCO.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Cataract; Lenses, Intraocular; Male; Ophthalmic Solutions; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Phacoemulsification; Rabbits

To examine the inhibitory effects of tranilast, ketotifen fumarate, and disodium cromoglycate which are used clinically as anti-allergic agents, on the growth of bovine lens epithelial cells (LE) in culture.. LE was grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium(DMEM) with 10% fetal calf serum and growth was measured with 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) and 5-bromo-2'deoxy-uridine(BrdU). Production of collagen, transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-beta 1), and basic-fibroblast growth factor(b-FGF) were measured with corresponding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Apoptotic cell death was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling method(TUNEL technique) and the DNA ladder method.. Both ketotifen and tranilast inhibited the growth of LE, and half-inhibitory concentrations were 200 microM and 1,000 microM, respectively. Disodium cromoglycate did not inhibit LE proliferation significantly. Ketotifen and tranilast decreased the synthesis of collagen but had no obvious effect on TGF-beta 1 and b-FGF production. Apoptotic cell death was detected in LE treated with ketotifen or tranilast.. Ketotifen and tranilast may be clinically useful for the prevention of aftercataract. Apoptotic cell death may be involved in the process.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Apoptosis; Cataract; Cattle; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Epithelial Cells; Ketotifen; Lens, Crystalline; ortho-Aminobenzoates