Beyond mitomycin:: TGF-β and wound healing

The introduction of the anti-cancer drugs Mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil Lis anti-scarring agents within the last decade, has greatly improved Surgical results of glaucoma filtration surgery. However, a number of problems associated with their use have emerged. At the same time, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been identified Lis an important component of wound healing, particularly in the conjunctival scarring response. Recent developments in molecular therapy offer exciting prospects for the modulation of wound healing, specifically those targeting TGF-beta. As TGF-beta is such a Potent stimulant of scarring, this review examines its biology and role in ocular wound healing and repair, and discusses promising new approaches to modifying its activity. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.