Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression and its significance of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinases 2(MMP-2) in lens epithelial cells(LECs)of diabetic cataract rats. Methods The 28 SD rats were randomly divided into cataract group and control group,and the rat model of diabetic cataract was established.The rats LECs change in two groups were detected.The expression of TGF-β1 and MMP- 2 in LECs of the two groups were detected. Results HE staining:the LECs of cataract group rats morphological was abnormal,derangement was disordered,nuclear size was uneven,and cytoplasm was loose;the LECs of control group rats was normal.The mean optical density of TGF-β1 protein and MMP-2 protein in LECs at 2 weekend and 4 weekend in cataract group rats(0.0447±0.002,0.075±0.006;0.028±0.003,0.055±0.006) were higher than that of the control group(0.006±0.001,0.0063±0.002;P=0.000,0.000),the mean optical density of TGF-β1 protein and MMP-2 protein in LECs at 4 weekend were higher than that of 2 weekend in cataract group rats(P<0.05).TGF-β1 protein and MMP-2 protein in LECs of cataract group rats was positively correlated(r=0.915,P=0.004). Conclusion Development of diabetic cataract may be correlated to the exaltation of TGF-β1 protein and MMP-2 protein levels of LECs,and the TGF-β1 protein and MMP-2 protein in LECs of diabetic cataract were positively correlated.