Nox4 facilitates tgfβ1-induced fibrotic response in human tenon’s fibroblasts and promotes wound collagen accumulation in murine model of glaucoma filtration surgery

Abstract

Collagen accumulation in sub-conjunctival tissue at the surgical wound is one of the major complications associated with glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). This process often leads to unwanted fibrotic scar formation at the lesion site and dysfunction of tissues. Previously, we demonstrated that NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is implicated in transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ)-induced collagen production in ocular fibroblasts and scarring responses in a mouse model of corneal injury. Here, we propose that Nox4 is an important facilitator of TGFβ-induced responses. We tested this hypothesis in human Tenon’s fibroblasts (HTF) and also assessed a role of Nox4 in an experimental mouse model of GFS. ..