Bendazac lysine inhibition of human lens epithelial cell adhesion to polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of bendazac lysine on the human lens epithelial cell line HLE-B3 adhesion to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs). After adherence to IOLs, cells were incubated in the presence of the drug for 24 h. The number of cells contained in a 6-mm(2) area was then counted with an inverted phase microscope and adherent cells were distinguished from detached floating cells by focusing through the medium. Results obtained show that bendazac is able to induce a linear dose-dependent inhibition of HLE-B3 adhesiveness to PMMA IOLs. In particular, treatment with bendazac 33, 100 and 300 microM resulted in a 15, 32 and 54% inhibition, respectively. Statistical analysis shows that this effect is significant at 100 microM (p < 0.05) and 300 microM (p < 0.01). The analysis of the effects of bendazac on the viability and on the proliferative capacity of HLE-B3 cells did not show any drug-related toxicity up to the concentration of 400 microM. The present study demonstrates that bendazac lysine is able to inhibit adhesion of lens epithelial cells to PMMA IOLs and suggests the potential beneficial use of this drug in preventing secondary cataract development.