The Role of Nuclear Factor Kappa B in Lens Epithelial Cell Proliferation Using a Capsular Bag Model

Purpose: This study was performed to elucidate the role of nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) in lens epithelial cell proliferation in the capsular bag model for this study. Methods: Capsular bags were prepared from porcine eyes and cultured in a 5% CO 2 atmosphere at 37°C. NF-ĸB translocation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The effects of sulfasalazine and SN50 peptide, inhibitors of NF-ĸB activation, were observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results: NF-ĸB was found in the cytoplasm of nonproliferated lens epithelial cells. However, NF-ĸB moved to the nucleus in proliferation cells, proliferating-cell-nuclear-antigen-positive cells. This translocation was inhibited by treatment with sulfasalazine or NF-ĸB SN50 peptide. These inhibitors also blocked lens epithelial cell migration from the equatorial to the posterior capsule. Conclusion: NF-ĸB controls proliferation and regulates the growth of lens epithelial cells. In this study, sulfasalazine and NF-ĸB SN50 peptide inhibited cell proliferation in the capsular bag model. These results suggest that the regulation of NF-ĸB in lens epithelial cells may modulate posterior capsule opacification.