Dexamethasone impact on vimentin in human lens epithelial cells

Purpose. To study the expression of vimentin on the impact of dexamethasone (Dex) in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs), and the role of vimentin expression in steroid-induced cataract (GIC) formation. Material and methods. HLECs were exposed to DMEM and DMEM + 1umol/L Dex for 7 days. Real-time PCR and Western-blot were applied to identify the expression of vimentin at protein and transcription levels. The distribution and expression of vimentin in HLECs were measured by immumoflorescence staining. Results . Real-time PCR results showed that Dex group than the control group vimentin mRNA expression is decreased significantly different between groups (p<0.05), the difference was statistically significant. Western-blot results show that Dex group than the control group vimentin protein expression is decreased significantly different between groups (p<0.05), the difference was statistically significant, suggesting Dex can reduce the expression of vimentin. Immunofluorescence staining showed that Dex group than the control group vimentin expression is decreased significantly, which consistent with the Western-blot results. Conclusion. Dex can induce expression of vimentin in HLECs, which may cause abnormal lens epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, eventually leading to the formation of GIC.