Figure 2. Relative mRNA expression levels in the wound area of the cornea at different time points. A: TGF-β1 relative mRNA expression levels. The relative expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was significantly increased at 3 days after injury. Then, relative TGF-β1 expression gradually increased and peaked at 1 week, significantly higher than all other time points before and after injury (p<0.05). From 2 to 3 weeks, relative TGF-β1 expression gradually decreased, but then increased again at 2 months and maintained a relatively high level until 3 months. At 3 months, relative TGF-β1 mRNA expression was decreased at 3 months and there was no statistically significant compared to the in normal corneas (p>0.05). B: α-SMA relative mRNA expression levels. The relative expression of α-SMA mRNA was increased at 3 days after injury. At 1 week after injury, the relative expression of α-SMA mRNA peaked, significantly higher than all other time points before and after injury (p<0.05). The relative expression of α-SMA mRNA was downregulated at 2 and 3 weeks, and higher again at 1 and 2 months. At 3 months, the expression of α-SMA mRNA had decreased and was comparable to normal corneas (p>0.05). * statistically significant.