mRNA Expression of PITX3 gene in Congenital Cataract Caused by Rubella Virus Infection

Abstract

Objective: To analyze mRNA expression of PITX3 gene in congenital cataract caused by rubella virus
infection
Methods: Patients under the age of 18 who were diagnosed with congenital cataracts, were tested for anti
rubella antibodies, toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus and then underwent cataract surgery, and lens capsule
and lens mass samples were taken. Samples taken will be examined for mutation and expression of the
PITX3 mRNA gene.
Results: 15 eye samples were included in the study. there was no relationship with rubella infection with
PITX-3 gene mRNA expression in the capsule sample and lens mass (p> 0.05). However, in terms of
average PITX-3 mRNA gene expression was found to be higher in rubella infection compared to non-rubella
infection. Based on the examination site, there was no significant difference in expression of PITX-3 mRNA
gene between the lens capsule sample and the lens mass (p> 0.05). Although there was no statistically
significant difference, in terms of the average, the PITX-3 Gen mRNA expression was found to be higher in
the lens capsule compared to the lens mass.
Conclusions: Rubella virus infection was the most common cause in the sample, which indicated the need
for prevention of rubella infection in pregnant women to reduce the adverse effects of rubella virus infection.
PITX3 gene mRNA expression was higher in the Rubella infection group, indicating the possible role of the
PITX3 gene in the pathogenesis of congenital cataracts due to rubella virus infection. The average mRNA
expression of the PITX3 gene is higher in the lens capsule compared to the lens mass although it does not
significantly indicate the important role of the gene in the process of regulating epithelial cells and lens
equatorials.