[Tissue culture of human lens epithelial cells. Part II: Suppressive effect of diclofenac sodium on their proliferation and metaplasia].

We studied the suppressive effect of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on the proliferation and fibrous metaplasia of human lens epithelial cells (LEC) in cell culture. We cultured human LEC attached to a round piece of the central anterior capsule obtained by anterior capsulotomy during cataract surgery and added diclofenac sodium, the concentration of which varied from 0.5 microgram/ml to 30 micrograms/ml gradually. Proliferation as well as fibrous metaplasia of LEC were suppressed. Histopathological examination revealed cell degeneration and death. Besides the apparent inhibition of diclofenac sodium on the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, this suppressive effect on LEC proliferation also may play a role in anti-inflammation after intraocular lens implantation. Further, secondary cataract may be prevented by this effect.