101
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Regnault G, Kirby MA, Wang RK, Shen TT, O’Donnell M, Pelivanov I. Possible depth-resolved reconstruction of shear moduli in the cornea following collagen crosslinking (CXL) with optical coherence tomography and elastography. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2306.15018v1. [PMID: 37426451 PMCID: PMC10327230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is commonly used to prevent or treat keratoconus. Although changes in corneal stiffness induced by CXL surgery can be monitored with non-contact dynamic optical coherence elastography (OCE) by tracking mechanical wave propagation, depth dependent changes are still unclear if the cornea is not crosslinked through the whole depth. Here, phase-decorrelation measurements on optical coherence tomography (OCT) structural images are combined with acoustic micro-tapping (A$\mu$T) OCE to explore possible reconstruction of depth-dependent stiffness within crosslinked corneas in an ex vivo human cornea sample. Experimental OCT images are analyzed to define the penetration depth of CXL into the cornea. In a representative ex vivo human cornea sample, crosslinking depth varied from $\sim 100\mu m$ in the periphery to $\sim 150\mu m$ in the cornea center and exhibited a sharp in-depth transition between crosslinked and untreated areas. This information was used in an analytical two-layer guided wave propagation model to quantify the stiffness of the treated layer. We also discuss how the elastic moduli of partially CXL-treated cornea layers reflect the effective engineering stiffness of the entire cornea to properly quantify corneal deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Regnault
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Mitchell A. Kirby
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ruikang K. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Tueng T. Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Matthew O’Donnell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ivan Pelivanov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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102
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Hatami-Marbini H, Emu ME. The role of KS GAGs in the microstructure of CXL-treated corneal stroma; a transmission electron microscopy study. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109476. [PMID: 37068601 PMCID: PMC10826592 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical and physical properties of the cornea originate from the microstructure and composition of its extracellular matrix. It is known that collagen fibrils, with a relatively uniform diameter, are organized in a pseudo-hexagonal array. It has been suggested that proteoglycans and the interaction of their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains with themselves and collagen fibrils are important for collagen fibril organization inside the cornea. There are several diseases such as keratoconus in which the regular collagen fibrillar packing becomes distorted causing corneal optical and mechanical properties to be compromised. The primary purpose of the present work was to investigate the role of GAGs on the microstructure of corneal extracellular matrix before and after corneal crosslinking (CXL) treatment. For this purpose, keratan sulphates (KS) were removed from corneal samples using the keratanase enzyme and the CXL procedure was used to crosslink the specimens. The transmission electron microscopy was then used to characterize the diameter of collagen fibrils and their interfibrillar spacing. It was found that KS GAG depletion increased the collagen interfibrillar spacing while the CXL treatment significantly decreased the interfibrillar spacing. The enzyme and CXL treatments had an insignificant effect on the diameter of collagen fibrils. The underlying mechanisms responsible for these observations were discussed in terms of the assumption that GAG chains form duplexes that behave as tiny ropes holding collagen fibrils in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hatami-Marbini
- Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - M E Emu
- Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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103
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Dhull A, Yu C, Wilmoth AH, Chen M, Sharma A, Yiu S. Dendrimers in Corneal Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Translational Opportunities. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1591. [PMID: 37376040 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendrimers are biocompatible organic nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties, making them the focus of recent research in drug delivery. The cornea of the human eye presents a challenge for drug transit due to its inherently impenetrable nature, requiring nanocarrier-mediated targeted drug delivery. This review intends to examine recent advancements in the use of dendrimers for corneal drug delivery, including their properties and their potential for treating various ocular diseases. The review will also highlight the benefit of the novel technologies that have been developed and applied in the field, such as corneal targeting, drug release kinetics, treatments for dry eye disease, antibacterial drug delivery, corneal inflammation, and corneal tissue engineering. The review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this field, along with the translational developments in the field of dendrimer-based therapeutics and imaging agents and inspire the potential for future developments and translational opportunities in dendrimers based corneal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhav Dhull
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Carson Yu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alex Hunter Wilmoth
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Minjie Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Samuel Yiu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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104
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Lee PY, Fryc G, Gnalian J, Hua Y, Waxman S, Zhong F, Yang B, Sigal IA. Direct measurements of collagen fiber recruitment in the posterior pole of the eye. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.07.539784. [PMID: 37215028 PMCID: PMC10197604 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.07.539784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is the main load-bearing component of the peripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) in the eye. Whilst it has been shown that uncrimping and recruitment of the PPS and LC collagen fibers underlies the macro-scale nonlinear stiffening of both tissues with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), the uncrimping and recruitment as a function of local stretch have not been directly measured. This knowledge is crucial for the development of constitutive models associating micro and macro scales. In this project we measured local stretch-induced collagen fiber bundle uncrimping and recruitment curves of the PPS and LC. Thin coronal samples of PPS and LC of sheep eyes were mounted and stretched biaxially quasi-statically using a custom system. At each step, we imaged the PPS and LC with instant polarized light microscopy and quantified pixel-level (1.5 μm/pixel) collagen fiber orientations. We used digital image correlation to measure the local stretch and quantified collagen crimp by the circular standard deviation of fiber orientations, or waviness. Local stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers than the LC at the low levels of stretch. At 10% stretch the curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. The PPS had higher uncrimping rate and waviness remaining after recruitment than the LC: 0.9° vs. 0.6° and 3.1° vs. 2.7°. Altogether our findings support describing fiber recruitment of both PPS and LC with sigmoid curves, with the PPS recruiting faster and at lower stretch than the LC, consistent with a stiffer tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering
| | - Gosia Fryc
- Department of Chemistry, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John Gnalian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | - Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Fuqiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Engineering, Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering
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105
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Li L, Gao W, Rao F, Tian C, Liang S, Wang Y. Distribution of 50-layer corneal densitometry values and related factors. Int Ophthalmol 2023:10.1007/s10792-023-02716-z. [PMID: 37115476 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02716-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the distribution of 50 layers of corneal densitometry and related factors. METHODS Clinical data, including age, sex, central corneal thickness, corneal keratometry, and diopters, were collected from 102 healthy participants (102 eyes) in this retrospective study. The cornea was divided into 50 layers, and densitometry of each layer at 19 points was measured by the Pentacam. The value versus the depth curve was plotted. Paired-sample t test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare densitometry in different regions or depth. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS The densitometry values of the Bowman membrane (10-14% depth), anterior stroma (14-30% depth), epithelium (0-10% depth), and Descemet membrane (94-98% depth) decreased sequentially, and the densitometry values of the middle and posterior stroma (30-94% depth) and endothelium (98-100% depth) were the lowest. The higher the degree of astigmatism, the higher the second densitometry peak (R = 0.277, P < .001). The densitometry values of the vertex and superior parts of the cornea were higher than those in the periphery and inferior parts, respectively (all P < .001). In the Bowman membrane, the densitometry is lowest in the inferior nasal part, while in the Descemet membrane, it is lowest in the inferior temporal part. CONCLUSION Two densitometry peaks appeared near the Bowman membrane and Descemet membrane. For different depths, the distribution of densitometry within a layer is different. We provide a methodological reference and data basis for corneal research based on local changes in densitometry, and help understand the details of corneal structure from an optical perspective through detailed layering and zoning analysis of densitometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Shandong Lunan Eye Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
- Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjing Gao
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
- Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Rao
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
- Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Changhou Institute of Technology, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Caixia Tian
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
- Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China.
- Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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106
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Jiang GJ, You XG, Fan TJ. Carteolol triggers senescence via activation of β-arrestin-ERK-NOX4-ROS pathway in human corneal endothelial cells in vitro. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 380:110511. [PMID: 37120125 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Carteolol is a commonly-used topical medication for primary open-angle glaucoma. However, long-term and frequent ocular application of carteolol entails its residuals at low concentration in the aqueous humor for a long duration and may exert latent toxicity in the human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnCs). Here, we treated the HCEnCs in vitro with 0.0117% carteolol for 10 days. Thereafter, we removed the cartelolol and normally cultured the cells for 25 days to investigate the chronical toxicity of carteolol and the underlying mechanism. The results exhibited that 0.0117% carteolol induces senescent features in the HCEnCs, such as increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase positive rates, enlarged relative cell area and upregulated p16INK4A and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, including IL-1α, TGF-β1, IL-10, TNF-α, CCL-27, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as decreased Lamin B1 expression and cell viability and proliferation. Thereby, further exploration demonstrated that the carteolol activates β-arrestin-ERK-NOX4 pathway to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that imposes oxidative stress on energetic metabolism causing a vicious cycle between declining ATP and increasing ROS production and downregulation of NAD+ resulting in metabolic disturbance-mediated senescence of the HCEnCs. The excess ROS also impair DNA to activate the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway of ATM-p53-p21WAF1/CIP1 with diminished poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1, a NAD+-dependent enzyme for DNA damage repair, resulting in cell cycle arrest and subsequent DDR-mediated senescence. Taken together, carteolol induces excess ROS to trigger HCEnC senescence via metabolic disturbance and DDR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Jian Jiang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong province, 266003, China
| | - Xin-Guo You
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong province, 261053, China
| | - Ting-Jun Fan
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong province, 266003, China.
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107
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Zheng Y, Xue C, Wang J, Chen X, Wang X, Wang Y. Analysis of the correlation between biomechanical properties and corneal densitometry in myopic eyes. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1182372. [PMID: 37180047 PMCID: PMC10169733 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1182372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To investigate the correlation between corneal biomechanical characteristics (in vitro and in vivo) and corneal densitometry in myopia. Methods: The Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) corneal densitometry (CD) and Corvis ST (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) exams were conducted prior to surgery for myopic patients who were intended to undergo small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). CD values (grayscale units, GSUs), and in vivo biomechanical parameters were obtained. The stromal lenticule was subjected to a uniaxial tensile test to obtain the elastic modulus E in vitro. We exam the correlations among in vivo, in vitro biomechanical characteristics and CD values. Results: In this study, 37 myopic patients (63 eyes) were included. The mean age of participants was 25.14 ± 6.74 years (range:16-39 years). The mean CD values of the total cornea, anterior layer, intermediate layer, posterior layer, 0-2 mm region and 2-6 mm region were 15.03 ± 1.23 GSU, 20.35 ± 1.98 GSU, 11.76 ± 1.01 GSU, 10.95 ± 0.83 GSU, 15.57 ± 1.12 GSU and 11.94 ± 1.77 GSU, respectively. Elastic modulus E (in vitro biomechanical indicator) was negatively correlated with intermediate layer CD (r = -0.35, p = 0.01) and 2-6 mm region CD (r = -0.39, p = 0.00). A negative correlation was also found between 0-2 mm central region CD and in vivo biomechanical indicator SP-HC (r = -0.29, p = 0.02). Conclusion: In myopic patients, densitometry is negatively correlated with biomechanical properties both in vivo and in vitro. With an increase in CD, the cornea deformed more easily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Zheng
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Xue
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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108
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Pérez-González N, Rodríguez-Lagunas MJ, Calpena-Campmany AC, Bozal-de Febrer N, Halbaut-Bellowa L, Mallandrich M, Clares-Naveros B. Caspofungin-Loaded Formulations for Treating Ocular Infections Caused by Candida spp. Gels 2023; 9:gels9040348. [PMID: 37102960 PMCID: PMC10138186 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis causes corneal blindness worldwide. The treatment includes antibiotics, with Natamycin being the most commonly used; however, fungal keratitis is difficult to treat, so alternative therapies are needed. In situ gelling formulations are a promising alternative; this type of formulation has the advantages of eye drops combined with the advantages of ointments. This study was designed to develop and characterize three formulations containing 0.5% CSP: CSP-O1, CSP-O2, and CSP-O3. CSP is an antifungal drug that acts against a diverse variety of fungi, and Poloxamer 407 (P407) is a polymer of synthetic origin that is able to produce biocompatible, biodegradable, highly permeable gels and is known to be thermoreversible. Short-term stability showed that formulations are best stored at 4 °C, and rheological analysis showed that the only formulation able to gel in situ was CSP-O3. In vitro release studies indicated that CSP-O1 releases CSP most rapidly, while in vitro permeation studies showed that CSP-O3 permeated the most. The ocular tolerance study showed that none of the formulations caused eye irritation. However, CSP-O1 decreased the cornea's transparency. Histological results indicate that the formulations are suitable for use, with the exception of CSP-O3, which induced slight structural changes in the scleral structure. All formulations were shown to have antifungal activity. In view of the results obtained, these formulations could be promising candidates for use in the treatment of fungal keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Pérez-González
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María J Rodríguez-Lagunas
- Department of Biochemistry & Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Ana C Calpena-Campmany
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Bozal-de Febrer
- Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lyda Halbaut-Bellowa
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Mallandrich
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Clares-Naveros
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
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109
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Gustafsson I, Bizios D, Ivarsen A, Hjortdal JØ. The intra- and inter-day repeatability of corneal densitometry measurements in subjects with keratoconus and in healthy controls. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5566. [PMID: 37019974 PMCID: PMC10076276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32822-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The healthy cornea is transparent, however, disease can affect its structure, rendering it more or less opaque. The ability to assess the clarity of the cornea objectively could thus be of considerable interest for keratoconus patients. It has previously been suggested that densitometry can be used to diagnose early keratoconus, and that the values of densitometry variables increase with increasing disease severity, indicating that densitometry could also be used to assess progressive keratoconus. Previous studies have only assessed the repeatability of corneal densitometry measurements on the same day, which does not reflect the clinical setting in which changes are evaluated over time. We have therefore evaluated the inter-day repeatability of densitometry measurements in both patients with keratoconus and healthy controls. Measurements in the middle layer of the 2-6 mm zone of the cornea showed the best repeatability. Although an objective measure of the corneal transparency could be interesting, the generally poor repeatability of densitometry measurements limits their use. The repeatability of corneal clarity measurements could be improved by using other approaches such as optical coherence tomography, but this remains to be investigated. Such improvements would allow the more widespread use of corneal densitometry in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingemar Gustafsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Skåne University Hospital, Kioskgatan 1 , 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Dimitrios Bizios
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Ivarsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper Ø Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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110
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Marzec E, Pięta P, Olszewski J. Dielectric properties of the non-glycated and in vitro methylglyoxal-glycated cornea of the rabbit eye. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 150:108333. [PMID: 36463591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The dielectric properties of the non-glycated and in vitro methylglyoxal-glycated cornea of the rabbit eye were tested in the frequency range of 200 Hz to 100 kHz of the electric field and at temperatures of 25 to 140 °C. The denaturation temperature (Td) for the non-glycated cornea and the non-enzymatically glycated cornea are approximately 45 and 55 °C, respectively. The mechanism of proton conduction up to Td in a glycated cornea requires more energy, i.e. more than twice the activation energy (ΔH) than in non-glycated tissue. The dielectric spectra for both examined tissues showed the same characteristic frequency of about 7 kHz assigned to the orientation relaxation time of the polar side groups inside the corneal stroma. These results may be useful in the surgical treatment of the cornea using conductive keratoplasty and in tissue engineering for clinical applications to regenerate this tissue. The medical use of these physico-biological techniques is important because the human cornea protects all eye tissues from various environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Marzec
- Department of Bionics and Experimental Medical Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Parkowa 2, 60-775 Poznań, Poland.
| | - P Pięta
- Department of Bionics and Experimental Medical Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Parkowa 2, 60-775 Poznań, Poland
| | - J Olszewski
- Department of Bionics and Experimental Medical Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Parkowa 2, 60-775 Poznań, Poland
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111
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Donovan C, Sun M, Cogswell D, Margo CE, Avila MY, Espana EM. Genipin increases extracellular matrix synthesis preventing corneal perforation. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:115-123. [PMID: 36871831 PMCID: PMC10440284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal melting and perforation are feared sight-threatening complications of infections, autoimmune disease, and severe burns. Assess the use of genipin in treating stromal melt. METHODS A model for corneal wound healing was created through epithelial debridement and mechanical burring to injure the corneal stromal matrix in adult mice. Murine corneas were then treated with varying concentrations of genipin, a natural occurring crosslinking agent, to investigate the effects that matrix crosslinking using genipin has in wound healing and scar formation. Genipin was used in patients with active corneal melting. RESULTS Corneas treated with higher concentrations of genipin were found to develop denser stromal scarring in a mouse model. In human corneas, genipin promoted stromal synthesis and prevention of continuous melt. Genipin mechanisms of action create a favorable environment for upregulation of matrix synthesis and corneal scarring. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that genipin increases matrix synthesis and inhibits the activation of latent transforming growth factor-β. These findings are translated to patients with severe corneal melting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mei Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, USA
| | | | - Curtis E Margo
- Department of Ophthalmology, USA; Pathology and Cell Biology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Marcel Y Avila
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Edgar M Espana
- Department of Ophthalmology, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, USA.
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Novel DCN Mutation in Armenian Family With Congenital Stromal Corneal Dystrophy. Cornea 2023; 42:464-469. [PMID: 36534610 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Congenital stromal corneal dystrophy (CSCD) is a rare congenital, dominantly inherited disorder characterized by diffuse stromal opacification associated with mutations in the decorin gene ( DCN ). As only 5 families with genetically confirmed CSCD have been reported, the identification of a novel pedigree provides the opportunity to better characterize the phenotype and genetic basis. METHODS An Armenian family with individuals in 4 consecutive generations demonstrated clinical features consistent with CSCD. Consented individuals underwent slit lamp examination, optical coherence tomography, and confocal microscopy. Genomic DNA was collected from saliva and all coding and adjacent intronic regions of DCN were sequenced. In silico analysis was performed for identified mutation(s). Excised corneal tissue underwent light, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS Affected individuals demonstrated bilateral, diffuse, panstromal corneal opacification. Three of the 6 individuals diagnosed with CSCD underwent genetic analysis; all demonstrated a novel heterozygous frameshift deletion in exon 8 of DCN (p.His317Thrfs*11), predicted to cause a 33 amino acid truncation and to be damaging and disease causing by SIFT and MutationTaster. Light and electron microscopic examination of an excised cornea demonstrated increased corneal thickness, stromal scarring, keratocyte loss, and an irregularity of lamellar collagen spacing and fibril formation. Immunofluorescent examination demonstrated increased DCN immunostaining, predominantly in the widened interlamellar spaces. CONCLUSIONS We report only the sixth pedigree with genetically confirmed CSCD, associated with a novel DCN frameshift mutation. The clinical evaluation, multimodal imaging, and histopathologic assessment in this family with CSCD broaden our understanding of this rare corneal disease.
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Peng P, Yu Y, Ma W, Lyu S, Ma L, Liu T, Dong Y, Wei C. Proteomic characterization of aqueous humor in corneal endothelial decompensation after penetrating keratoplasty. Exp Eye Res 2023; 230:109457. [PMID: 36948439 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Corneal endothelial decompensation (CED) is the major cause of the long-term graft failure, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterize the proteomic profile in CED aqueous humor (AH) after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). We collected AH samples (n = 6/group) from CED patients underwent PKP and cataract patients, respectively. The label-free quantitative proteomic analysis was performed to identify the differentially-expressed proteins (DEPs). The biological functions of DEPs were evaluated using Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction was employed to distinguish the hub proteins of DEPs, and the selected proteins were validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were adopted to investigate the effect of biglycan (BGN) on inflammatory response, and the subsequent outcomes of inflammation on human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs). A total of 174 DEPs were identified in CED AH of patients underwent PKP, including 102 up-regulated proteins and 72 down-regulated proteins. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the significant enrichment of cytokine-mediated signaling pathway and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization in the up-regulated proteins, as well as the alterations of cellular components, including the increase of collagen and complement component C1 complex, and reduction in extracellular exosomes. A hub protein cluster of 15 proteins was determined by Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE), including FN1, BGN, COMP, COL11A1, COLA3A1, and COL1A1. Moreover, BGN promoted pro-inflammatory cytokine (such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) production in PBMCs through NF-κB signaling pathway, which subsequently resulted in HCECs death. These findings provided a systemic protein profile of AH in CED patients after corneal transplantation, with the alterations implicated in cytokine-mediated signaling, ECM, complement system, and exsomes. The identified proteins and signaling pathways probably paved the novel insight into understanding the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Peng
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yaoyao Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenhui Ma
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shanmei Lyu
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Ma
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanling Dong
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.
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Liao K, Cui Z, Wang Z, Peng Y, Tang S, Chen J. Hyperosmolar Potassium Inhibits Corneal Myofibroblast Transformation and Prevent Corneal Scar. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:238-250. [PMID: 36149345 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2129072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal myofibroblasts play a crucial role in the process of corneal scarring. Potassium has been documented to reduce skin scar tissue formation. Herein, we investigated the ability of potassium to prevent corneal fibrosis in cell culture and in vivo. METHODS Corneal fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated from the corneal limbus and treated with TGF-β1 to transform into corneal myofibroblasts. Corneal myofibroblast markers were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The contractive functions of corneal myofibroblast were evaluated by the scratch assay and the collagen gel contraction assay. RNA sequencing in corneal fibroblasts was performed to explore the mechanisms underlying hyperosmolar potassium treatment. GO and KEGG analysis were performed to explore the underlying mechanism by hyperosmolar potassium treatment. The ATP detection assay assessed the level of cell metabolism. KCl eye drops four times per day were administered to mice models of corneal injury to evaluate the ability to prevent corneal scar formation. Corneal opacity area was evaluated by Image J software. RESULTS Treatment with hyperosmolar potassium could suppress corneal myofibroblast transformation and collagen I synthesis induced by TGF-β1 in cell culture. Hyperosmolar potassium could inhibit wound healing and gel contraction in CFs. RNA sequencing results suggested that genes involved in the metabolic pathway were downregulated after KCl treatment. ATP levels were significantly decreased in the KCl group compared with the control group. Hyperosmolar potassium could prevent corneal myofibroblast transformation after corneal injury and corneal scar formation in mice. CONCLUSION Potassium can suppress corneal myofibroblast transformation and collagen I protein synthesis. Moreover, given that KCl eye drops can prevent corneal scar formation, it has been suggested to have huge prospects as a novel treatment approach during clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Liao
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Bhend ME, Kempuraj D, Sinha NR, Gupta S, Mohan RR. Role of aquaporins in corneal healing post chemical injury. Exp Eye Res 2023; 228:109390. [PMID: 36696947 PMCID: PMC9975064 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane water channel proteins that regulate the movement of water through the plasma membrane in various tissues including cornea. The cornea is avascular and has specialized microcirculatory mechanisms for homeostasis. AQPs regulate corneal hydration and transparency for normal vision. Currently, there are 13 known isoforms of AQPs that can be subclassified as orthodox AQPs, aquaglyceroporins (AQGPs), or supraquaporins (SAQPs)/unorthodox AQPs. AQPs are implicated in keratocyte function, inflammation, edema, angiogenesis, microvessel proliferation, and the wound-healing process in the cornea. AQPs play an important role in wound healing by facilitating the movement of corneal stromal keratocytes by squeezing through tight stromal matrix and narrow extracellular spaces to the wound site. Deficiency of AQPs can cause reduced concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) leading to reduced epithelial proliferation, reduced/impaired keratocyte migration, reduced number of keratocytes in the injury site, delayed and abnormal wound healing process. Dysregulated AQPs cause dysfunction in osmolar homeostasis as well as wound healing mechanisms. The cornea is a transparent avascular tissue that constitutes the anterior aspect of the outer covering of the eye and aids in two-thirds of visual light refraction. Being the outermost layer of the eye, the cornea is prone to injury. Of the 13 AQP isoforms, AQP1 is expressed in the stromal keratocytes and endothelial cells, and AQP3 and AQP5 are expressed in epithelial cells in the human cornea. AQPs can facilitate wound healing through aid in cellular migration, proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and autophagy mechanism. Corneal wound healing post-chemical injury requires an integrative and coordinated activity of the epithelium, stromal keratocytes, endothelium, ECM, and a battery of cytokines and growth factors to restore corneal transparency. If the chemical injury is mild, the cornea will heal with normal clarity, but severe injuries can lead to partial and/or permanent loss of corneal functions. Currently, the role of AQPs in corneal wound healing is poorly understood in the context of chemical injury. This review discusses the current literature and the role of AQPs in corneal homeostasis, wound repair, and potential therapeutic target for acute and chronic corneal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline E Bhend
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Suneel Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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Kirby MA, Regnault G, Pelivanov I, O'Donnell M, Wang RK, Shen TT. Noncontact Acoustic Micro-Tapping Optical Coherence Elastography for Quantification of Corneal Anisotropic Elasticity: In Vivo Rabbit Study. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:15. [PMID: 36930138 PMCID: PMC10036949 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.3.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate accurate measurement of corneal elastic moduli in vivo with noncontact and noninvasive optical coherence elastography. Methods Elastic properties (in-plane Young's modulus, E, and both in-plane, μ, and out-of-plane, G, shear moduli) of rabbit cornea were quantified in vivo using noncontact dynamic acoustic micro-tapping optical coherence elastography (AµT-OCE). The intraocular pressure (IOP)-dependence of measured mechanical properties was explored in extracted whole globes following in vivo measurement. A nearly incompressible transverse isotropic (NITI) model was used to reconstruct moduli from AµT-OCE data. Independently, cornea elastic moduli were also measured ex vivo with traditional, destructive mechanical tests (tensile extensometry and shear rheometry). Results Our study demonstrates strong anisotropy of corneal elasticity in rabbits. The in-plane Young's modulus, computed as E = 3μ, was in the range of 20 MPa to 44 MPa, whereas the out-of-plane shear modulus was in the range of 34 kPa to 261 kPa. Both pressure-dependent ex vivo OCE and destructive mechanical tests performed on the same samples within an hour of euthanasia strongly support the results of AµT-OCE measurements. Conclusions Noncontact AµT-OCE can noninvasively quantify cornea anisotropic elastic properties in vivo. Translational Relevance As optical coherence tomography (OCT) is broadly accepted in ophthalmology, these results suggest the potential for rapid translation of AµT-OCE into clinical practice. In addition, AµT-OCE can likely improve diagnostic criteria of ectatic corneal diseases, leading to early diagnosis, reduced complications, customized surgical treatment, and personalized biomechanical models of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A. Kirby
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gabriel Regnault
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ivan Pelivanov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew O'Donnell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ruikang K. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tueng T. Shen
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Zhang J, Hu H, Nie D, Sun L, He W, Liu X. Age-related changes in Scheimpflug corneal densitometry and their correlations with corneal topographic measurements in a healthy Chinese population. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:1631-1641. [PMID: 36915320 PMCID: PMC10006122 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Objective measurement of corneal densitometry (CD) values can be used to assess corneal transparency and health status, to investigate corneal diseases, and to review anterior segment surgeries. However, literature regarding the association between CD and corneal parameters in healthy adolescent and older individuals is limited. This study investigated age-related changes in Scheimpflug CD values and their correlations with age, sex, and corneal topographic parameters. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional observational study included 347 eyes from 181 consecutive healthy Chinese participants aged between 5 and 90 years. They were divided into 9 age groups: 5-9, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-90 years. CD and corneal topographic measurements were measured using the Oculus Pentacam. To evaluate CD, the cornea was divided into 3 layers according to depth (anterior 120 µm, central, and posterior 60 µm), and into 4 annular regions according to diameter (0-2, 2-6, 6-10, and 10-12 mm). Results CD across different depths and regions was positively correlated with age (all P values <0.001). Of the 3 layers of corneal thickness, CD was highest in the anterior 120 µm and lowest in the posterior 60 µm (all P values <0.05). Among the 4 annular regions spanning the corneal diameter, the lowest CD values were 6-10, 2-6, and 0-2 mm at 5-29, 30-69, and 70-89 years, respectively. The highest CD values were 10-12 mm at 5-79 years, and 6-10 mm at 80-90 years (all P values <0.05). CD values of 10-12 mm in the anterior 120 µm corneal layer were significantly lower in men than in women (Z=-2.353; P=0.019). CD of 0-10 mm in each layer was not significantly different between sexes (all P values >0.05). Corneal topographic measurements, including flat-axis keratometry (K1), steep-axis keratometry (K2), and spherical aberration, were slightly positively correlated with age and CD (all P values <0.05). However, central corneal thickness (CCT) and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), and age or CD showed no correlation (all P values >0.05). Conclusions With age, CD, keratometry, and spherical aberration gradually increased, while the corneal thickness did not change significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huiling Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Danyao Nie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liangnan Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenling He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
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Wang C, Shen M, Song Y, Chang L, Yang Y, Li Y, Liu T, Wang Y. Biaxial hyperelastic and anisotropic behaviors of the corneal anterior central stroma along the preferential fibril orientations. Part II: Quantitative computational analysis of mechanical response of stromal components. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 142:105802. [PMID: 37043981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
To study the hyperelastic and anisotropic behaviors of the central anterior stroma for patients with myopia, 40 corneal stromal specimens extracted after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery were used in the biaxial extension test along two preferential fibril orientations. An improved collagen fibril crimping constitutive model with a specific physical meaning was proposed to analyze the hyperelasticity and anisotropy of the stroma. The effective elastic modulus of the two families of preferentially oriented collagen fibrils and the stiffness of the non-collagenous matrix along all three directions were compared according to the specific physical meaning of the parameters. Anisotropic behavior was found in the hyperelastic properties of the corneal anterior central stroma in the preferential fibril orientations. The stiffness of non-collagenous matrix is significantly larger in the optical axis direction than in the nasal-temporal (NT) and superior-inferior (SI) directions. Moreover, individual differences between males and females slightly impact on hyperelastic and anisotropic behaviors. The differences of these behaviors were significant in the comparison of the left and right eyes. These results have a guiding significance for the accurate design of surgical plans for refractive surgery according to a patient's condition and have a driving value for the further exploration of the biomechanical properties of the whole cornea.
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Li S, Ma X, Zhang Y, Qu Y, Wang L, Ye L. Applications of hydrogel materials in different types of corneal wounds. Surv Ophthalmol 2023:S0039-6257(23)00040-1. [PMID: 36854372 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe corneal injury can lead to a decrease in light transmission and even blindness. Currently, corneal transplantation has been applied as the primary treatment for corneal blindness; however, the worldwide shortage of suitable corneal donor tissue means that a large proportion of patients have no access to corneal transplants. This situation has contributed to the rapid development of various corneal substitutes. The development and optimization of novel hydrogels that aim to replace partial or full-thickness pathological corneas have advanced in the last decade. Meanwhile, with the help of 3D bioprinting technology, hydrogel materials can be molded to a refined and controllable shape, attracting many scientists to the field of corneal reconstruction research. Although hydrogels are not yet available as a substitute for traditional clinical methods of corneal diseases, their rapid development makes us confident that they will be in the near future. We summarize the application of hydrogel materials for various types of corneal injuries frequently encountered in clinical practice, especially focusing on animal experiments and preclinical studies. Finally, we discuss the development and achievements of 3D bioprinting in the treatment of corneal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixu Li
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xudai Ma
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongxin Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunhao Qu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lin Ye
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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Joshi VP, Chatterjee S, Basu S. Relationship of Density, Depth, and Surface Irregularity of Superficial Corneal Opacification with Visual Acuity. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:536-545. [PMID: 36724802 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2173786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the relationship between the density, depth, and surface irregularity of superficial corneal opacities and vision. METHODS This prospective imaging study included 19 patients with unilateral superficial corneal opacification due to scarring post-microbial keratitis. Each eye underwent an assessment of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), contact lens corrected visual acuity (CLCVA), and Scheimpflug and anterior segment optical tomography imaging. Regression analysis was performed to detect the association between density, depth of scarring, and the surface irregularity in terms of higher order aberrations (HOA), and keratometry and UCVA, CLCVA, and the difference between BSCVA and CLCVA. RESULTS The mean logMAR UCVA, BSCVA, and CLCVA were 0.76, 0.35, and 0.28, respectively. The corneal scars had a mean thickness of 158.7 ± 61 µ and density of 65.73 ± 24.46 GSU. Bivariate analysis model for UCVA showed an association with Z42 secondary astigmatism (p = 0.02), Z44 quadrafoil (p = 0.01), combined coma Z3 ± 1(p = 0.03), and combined HOA Z3-Z6 (p = 0.045), out of which Z44 Quadrafoil (p = 0.04) was most significant with multivariate analysis. Bivariate analysis for BCVA-CLVA showed association with Z31 coma horizontal (p = 0.04), Z33 oblique trefoil (p = 0.02), Z40 primary spherical aberration (p = 0.008), and Z5 - 5 (p = 0.007), out of which Z31 horizontal coma (p = 0.04) and Z40 spherical aberration (p = 0.009) were significant on multivariate analysis. Change in densitometry, corneal thickness, epithelial:stromal reflectivity ratio, scar depth, and keratometry did not show any significant association with UCVA, BSCVA-CLCVA, or CLCVA. CONCLUSION In superficial corneal stromal scarring, deranged surface irregularity parameters like higher-order aberrations affect the final visual acuity more than the depth or density of the opacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Pramod Joshi
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subhajit Chatterjee
- Cataract, Refractive Surgery and Contact Lens Services, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Fukuoka H, Gali HE, Bu JJ, Sella R, Afshari NA. Ultraviolet light exposure and its penetrance through the eye in a porcine model. Int J Ophthalmol 2023; 16:172-177. [PMID: 36816219 PMCID: PMC9922635 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2023.02.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light irradiance that various layers of the eye receive as sunlight passes through the eye, and to investigate the protective benefits of UV light-blocking contact lenses. METHODS Twenty-four porcine eyes were prepared in one of three ways: isolated cornea, cornea and lens together, or whole eye preparation. UV light irradiance was measured with a UV-A/B light meter before and after the eye preparations were placed over the meter to measure UV light penetration in each eye structure. In the whole eye preparation, a hole was placed in the fovea to measure light as it passed through the vitreous. Subsequently, UV-protective contact lenses were placed over the structures, and UV light penetrance was measured. Measurements of UV light exposure were taken outdoors at various locations and times. RESULTS Cornea absorbed 63.56% of UV light that reached the eye. Cornea and lens absorbed 99.34% of UV light. Whole eye absorbed 99.77% of UV light. When UV-protective contact lenses were placed, absorption was 98.90%, 99.55%, and 99.87%, respectively. UV light exposure was dependent on directionality and time of day, and was greatest in areas of high albedo that reflect significant amounts of light, such as a beach. CONCLUSION Cornea absorbs the majority of UV light that reaches the eye in this model. UV-protective contact lenses reduce UV exposure to the eye. Locations with high albedo expose the eye to higher levels of UV light.
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Chen J, Mo Q, Long Q, Sheng R, Chen Z, Luo Y, Liu C, Backman LJ, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Hydroxycamptothecin and Substratum Stiffness Synergistically Regulate Fibrosis of Human Corneal Fibroblasts. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:959-967. [PMID: 36705297 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Corneal fibrosis is a common outcome of inappropriate repair associated with trauma or ocular infection. Altered biomechanical properties with increased corneal stiffness is a feature of fibrosis that cause corneal opacities, resulting in severe visual impairment and even blindness. The present study aims to determine the effect of hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) and matrix stiffness on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibrotic processes in human corneal fibroblasts (HTK cells). HTK cells were cultured on substrates with different stiffnesses ("soft", ∼261 kPa; "stiff", ∼2.5 × 103 kPa) and on tissue culture plastic (TCP, ∼106 kPa) and simultaneously treated with or without 1 μg/mL HCPT and 10 ng/mL TGF-β1. We found that HCPT induced decreased cell viability and antiproliferative effects on HTK cells. TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrosis-related genes (FN1, ACTA2) was reduced if the cells were simultaneously treated with HCPT. Substrate stiffness did not affect the expression of fibrosis-related genes. The TGF-β1 induced expression of FN1 on both soft and stiff substrates was reduced if cells were simultaneously treated with HCPT. However, this trend was not seen for ACTA2, i.e., the TGF-β1 induced expression of ACTA2 was not reduced by simultaneous treatment of HCPT in either soft or stiff substrate. Instead, HCPT treatment in the presence of TGF-β1 resulted in increased gene expression of keratocyte phenotype makers (LUM, KERA, AQP1, CHTS6) on both substrate stiffnesses. In addition, the protein expression of keratocyte phenotype makers LUM and ALDH3 was increased in HTK cells simultaneously treated with TGF-β1 and HCPT on stiff substrate as compared to control, i.e., without HCPT. In conclusion, we found that HCPT can reduce TGF-β1-induced fibrosis and promote the keratocyte phenotype in a substrate stiffness dependent manner. Thus, HCPT stimulation might be an approach to stimulate keratocytes in the appropriate healing stage to avoid or reverse fibrosis and achieve more optimal corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Chen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingyun Mo
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qiuzi Long
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Renwang Sheng
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhixuan Chen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yifan Luo
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chuanquan Liu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ludvig J Backman
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå SE-901 87, Sweden.,Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå SE-901 87, Sweden
| | - Yanan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.,China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
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Park JH, Lee K, Park CY. Effect of Magnetic Microparticles on Cultivated Human Corneal Endothelial Cells. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:14. [PMID: 36757343 PMCID: PMC9924430 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.2.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate effects of magnetic microparticles on movement of magnet controlled human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs). Methods Immortalized HCEC line (B4G12) and primary culture of HCECs were exposed to two commercially available magnetic micro- or nanoparticles, SiMAG (average size 100 nm) and fluidMAG (average size <1000 nm). Cell viability assays and reactive oxygen species production assays were performed. Cellular structural changes, intracellular distribution of microparticles, and expression levels of proteins related to cellular survival were analyzed. Ex vivo human corneas were exposed to microparticles to further evaluate their effects. Magnetic particle-laden HCECs were cultured under the influence of a neodymium magnet. Results No significant decrease of viability was found in HCECs after exposure to both magnetic particles at concentrations up to 20 µg/mL for 48 hours. However, high concentrations (40 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL) of SiMAG and FluidMAG significantly decreased viability in immortalized HCECs, and only 80 µg/mL of SiMAG and FluidMAG decreased viability in primary HCECs after 48 hours of exposure. There was relative stability of viability at various concentrations of magnetic particles, despite a dose-dependent increase of reactive oxygen species, lactate dehydrogenase, and markers of apoptosis. Ex vivo human cornea study further revealed that exposure to 20 µg/mL of SiMAG and fluidMAG for 72 hours was tolerable. Endocytosed magnetic particles were mainly localized in the cytoplasm. The application of a magnetic field during cell culture successfully demonstrated that magnetic particle-loaded HCECs moved toward the magnet area and that the population density of HCECs was significantly increased. Conclusions We verified short-term effects of SiMAG and fluidMAG on HCECs and their ability to control movement of HCECs by an external magnetic field. Translational Relevance A technology of applying magnetic particles to a human corneal endothelial cell culture and controlling the movement of cells to a desired area using a magnetic field could be used to increase cell density during cell culture or improve the localization of corneal endothelial cells injected into the anterior chamber to the back of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Hee Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Kangmin Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Choul Yong Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
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Hirashima S, Ohta K, Togo A, Tsuneyoshi R, Kusukawa J, Nakamura KI. Mesoscopic structural analysis via deep learning processing, with a special reference to in vitro alteration in collagen fibre induced by a gap junction inhibitor. Microscopy (Oxf) 2023; 72:18-26. [PMID: 36087097 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dense connective tissue, including the ligament, tendon, fascia and cornea, is formed by regularly arranged collagen fibres synthesized by fibroblasts (Fbs). The mechanism by which fibre orientation is determined remains unclear. Periodontal ligament Fbs consistently communicate with their surroundings via gap junctions (GJs), leading to the formation of a wide cellular network. A method to culture Fb-synthesized collagen fibres was previously reported by Schafer et al. ('Ascorbic acid deficiency in cultured human fibroblasts'. J. Cell Biol. 34: 83-95, 1967). This method has been applied to investigate the ability and activity of Fb collagen synthesis/phagocytosis using conventional electron microscopy (EM). However, the three-dimensional mesoscopic architecture of collagen fibres and the influence of GJ inhibitors on collagen fibre formation in vitro are poorly understood. In this study, three-dimensional mesoscopic analysis was used to elucidate the mechanism of directional fibre formation. We investigated the influence of GJ inhibitors on collagen formation driven by periodontal ligament Fbs in vitro, histomorphometrically, and the structural properties of in vitro collagen fibre on a mesoscale quantitatively, using correlative light and EM optimized for picrosirius red staining and focused ion beam-scanning EM tomography. Our results indicate that under culture conditions, in the presence of a GJ inhibitor, the orientation of collagen fibres becomes more disordered than that in the control group. This suggests that the GJ might be involved in determining fibre orientation during collagen fibre formation. Elucidation of this mechanism may help develop novel treatment strategies for connective tissue orientation disorders. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Hirashima
- Division of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan.,Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ohta
- Division of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan.,Advanced Imaging Research Center, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Akinobu Togo
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Risa Tsuneyoshi
- Institute of Animal Experimentation, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Jingo Kusukawa
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Nakamura
- Division of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan.,Cognitive and Molecular Research Institute of Brain Diseases, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
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125
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Yang GN, Roberts PK, Gardner-Russell J, Shah MH, Couper TA, Zhu Z, Pollock GA, Dusting GJ, Daniell M. From bench to clinic: Emerging therapies for corneal scarring. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 242:108349. [PMID: 36682466 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Corneal diseases are one of the leading causes of moderate-to-severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide, after glaucoma, cataract, and retinal disease in overall importance. Given its tendency to affect people at a younger age than other blinding conditions such as cataract and glaucoma, corneal scarring poses a huge burden both on the individuals and society. Furthermore, corneal scarring and fibrosis disproportionately affects people in poorer and remote areas, making it a significant ophthalmic public health problem. Traditional medical strategies, such as topical corticosteroids, are not effective in preventing fibrosis or scars. Corneal transplantation, the only effective sight-restoring treatment for corneal scars, is curbed by challenges including a severe shortage of tissue, graft rejection, secondary conditions, cultural barriers, the lack of well-trained surgeons, operating rooms, and well-equipped infrastructures. Thanks to tremendous research efforts, emerging therapeutic options including gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy and novel molecules are in development to prevent the progression of corneal scarring and compliment the surgical options currently available for treating established corneal scars in clinics. In this article, we summarise the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies on emerging therapies for corneal scarring in recent years, showing how these approaches may prevent scarring in its early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gink N Yang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia.
| | - Philippe Ke Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Vienna, 18-20 Währinger Gürtel, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jesse Gardner-Russell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Manisha H Shah
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Terry A Couper
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Zhuoting Zhu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Graeme A Pollock
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Mark Daniell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
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126
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Lopes BT, Elsheikh A. In Vivo Corneal Stiffness Mapping by the Stress-Strain Index Maps and Brillouin Microscopy. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:114-120. [PMID: 35634717 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2081979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The study of corneal stiffness in vivo has numerous clinical applications such as the measurement of intraocular pressure, the preoperative screening for iatrogenic ectasia after laser vision correction surgery and the diagnosis and treatment of corneal ectatic diseases such as keratoconus. The localised aspect of the microstructure deterioration in keratoconus leading to local biomechanical softening, corneal bulging, irregular astigmatism and ultimately loss of vision boosted the need to map the corneal stiffness to identify the regional biomechanical failure. Currently, two methods to map the corneal stiffness in vivo are integrated into devices that are either already commercially available or about to be commercialised: the stress-strain index (SSI) maps and the Brillouin Microscopy (BM). The former method produces 2D map of stiffness across the corneal surface, developed through numerical simulations using the corneal shape, its microstructure content, and the deformation behaviour under air-puff excitation. It estimates the whole stress-strain behaviour, making it possible to obtain the material tangent modulus under different intraocular pressure levels. On the other hand, BM produces a 3D map of the corneal longitudinal modulus across the corneal surface and thickness. It uses a low-power near-infrared laser beam and through a spectral analysis of the returned signal, it assesses the mechanical compressibility of the tissue as measured by the longitudinal modulus. In this paper, these two techniques are reviewed, and their advantages and limitations discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo T Lopes
- School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ahmed Elsheikh
- School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE The relevance of corneal biomechanics and the importance of including it in the clinical assessment of corneal ectasias are being increasingly recognized. The connection between corneal ultrastructure, biomechanical properties, and optical function is exemplified by a condition like keratoconus. Biomechanical instability is seen as the underlying basis for the secondary morphological changes in the cornea. Asymmetric biomechanical weakening is believed to drive progressive corneal steepening and thinning. Biomechanical strengthening is the principle of collagen crosslinking that has been shown to effectively arrest progression of the keratoconus. Corneal biomechanics has therefore ignited the interest of researchers and clinicians alike and has given us new insights into the cause and course of the disease. This article is an overview of the extensive work published, predominantly in the last two decades, on the biomechanical aspect of keratoconus. METHODS Published articles on corneal biomechanics in the specific context of keratoconus were reviewed, based on an electronic search using PubMed, Elsevier, and Science Direct. The search terms used included "Corneal Biomechanics," "Mechanical properties of the cornea," "Corneal ultrastructure," "Corneal Collagen," and "Keratoconus". Articles pertaining to refractive surgery, keratoplasty, collagen crosslinking, or intrastromal rings were excluded. RESULTS The electronic search revealed more than 500 articles, from which 80 were chosen for this article. CONCLUSIONS The structural and organizational pattern of the corneal stroma determines its mechanical properties and are responsible for the maintenance of the normal shape and function of the cornea. Changes in the ultrastructure are responsible for the biomechanical instability that leads to corneal ectasia. As non-invasive methods for evaluating corneal biomechanics in vivo evolve, our ability to diagnose subclinical keratoconus will improve, allowing identification of patients at risk to develop ectasia and to allow early treatment to arrest progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prema Padmanabhan
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Ahmed Elsheikh
- School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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128
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Kirby MA, Regnault G, Pelivanov I, O’Donnell M, Wang RK, Shen TT. Non-contact acoustic micro-tapping optical coherence elastography for quantification of corneal anisotropic elasticity: in vivo rabbit study. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2301.10652v1. [PMID: 36748003 PMCID: PMC9900963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To demonstrate accurate measurement of corneal elastic moduli in vivo with non-contact and non-invasive optical coherence elastography. METHODS Elastic properties (in-plane Young's modulus E and both in-plane, u, and out-of-plane, G, shear moduli) of rabbit cornea were quantified in vivo using non-contact dynamic Acoustic micro-Tapping Optical Coherence Elastography (AuT-OCE). The IOP-dependence of measured mechanical properties was explored in extracted whole globes following in vivo measurement. A nearly-incompressible transverse isotropic (NITI) model was used to reconstruct moduli from AuT-OCE data. Independently, cornea elastic moduli were also measured ex vivo with traditional, destructive mechanical tests (tensile extensometry and shear rheometry). RESULTS Our study demonstrates strong anisotropy of corneal elasticity in rabbits. The in-plane Young's modulus, computer as E=3u, was in the range of 20-44 MPa, whereas the out-of-plane shear modulus was in the range of 34-261 kPa. Both pressure-dependent ex vivo OCE and destructive mechanical tests performed on the same samples within an hour of euthanasia strongly support the results of AuT-OCE measurements. CONCLUSIONS Non-contact AuT-OCE can non-invasively quantify cornea anisotropic elastic properties in vivo. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE As OCT is broadly accepted in Ophthalmology, these results suggest the potential for rapid translation of AuT-OCE into clinical practice. In addition, AuT-OCE can likely improve diagnostic criteria of ectatic corneal diseases, leading to early diagnosis, reduced complications, customized surgical treatment, and personalized biomechanical models of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A. Kirby
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Gabriel Regnault
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Ivan Pelivanov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Matthew O’Donnell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Ruikang K. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA
| | - Tueng T. Shen
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA
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Patnam M, Dommaraju SR, Masood F, Herbst P, Chang JH, Hu WY, Rosenblatt MI, Azar DT. Lymphangiogenesis Guidance Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications in Pathological States of the Cornea. Cells 2023; 12:319. [PMID: 36672254 PMCID: PMC9856498 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal lymphangiogenesis is one component of the neovascularization observed in several inflammatory pathologies of the cornea including dry eye disease and corneal graft rejection. Following injury, corneal (lymph)angiogenic privilege is impaired, allowing ingrowth of blood and lymphatic vessels into the previously avascular cornea. While the mechanisms underlying pathological corneal hemangiogenesis have been well described, knowledge of the lymphangiogenesis guidance mechanisms in the cornea is relatively scarce. Various signaling pathways are involved in lymphangiogenesis guidance in general, each influencing one or multiple stages of lymphatic vessel development. Most endogenous factors that guide corneal lymphatic vessel growth or regression act via the vascular endothelial growth factor C signaling pathway, a central regulator of lymphangiogenesis. Several exogenous factors have recently been repurposed and shown to regulate corneal lymphangiogenesis, uncovering unique signaling pathways not previously known to influence lymphatic vessel guidance. A strong understanding of the relevant lymphangiogenesis guidance mechanisms can facilitate the development of targeted anti-lymphangiogenic therapeutics for corneal pathologies. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of lymphatic guidance cues, their regulation of inflammatory states in the cornea, and recently discovered anti-lymphangiogenic therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehul Patnam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sunil R. Dommaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Faisal Masood
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Paula Herbst
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wen-Yang Hu
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mark I. Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dimitri T. Azar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Overview of Corneal Transplantation for the Nonophthalmologist. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1434. [PMID: 36700069 PMCID: PMC9835895 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplant is a procedure that aims to replace dysfunctional corneal tissue with a transparent graft and is one of the most widely performed transplant surgeries, but its public and professional awareness is low outside of ophthalmology. Corneal tissue consists of 5 major layers that serve to maintain its structural integrity and refractive shape: the epithelium, Bowman's layer, the stroma, Descemet's membrane, and the endothelium. Failure or irreversible damage to any layer of the cornea may be an indication for corneal transplant, and variants of this procedure may be full thickness or selectively lamellar. Complications related to corneal transplantation may occur anywhere from during surgery to years afterward, including rejection, dehiscence, cataract, and glaucoma. Complications should be managed by an ophthalmologist, but other physicians should be aware of prophylactic medications. Topical immunosuppressants and steroids are effective for preventing and treating rejection episodes, whereas there is little evidence to support the use of systemic immunosuppression. Eye protection is recommended for any corneal transplant recipient. Physicians should counsel patients on corneal donation, especially if outside the United States, where donor tissue is in short supply.
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131
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Balters L, Reichl S. 3D bioprinting of corneal models: A review of the current state and future outlook. J Tissue Eng 2023; 14:20417314231197793. [PMID: 37719307 PMCID: PMC10504850 DOI: 10.1177/20417314231197793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and serves to protect the eye and enable vision by refracting light. The need for cornea organ donors remains high, and the demand for an artificial alternative continues to grow. 3D bioprinting is a promising new method to create artificial organs and tissues. 3D bioprinting offers the precise spatial arrangement of biomaterials and cells to create 3D constructs. As the cornea is an avascular tissue which makes it more attractive for 3D bioprinting, it could be one of the first tissues to be made fully functional via 3D bioprinting. This review discusses the most common 3D bioprinting technologies and biomaterials used for 3D bioprinting corneal models. Additionally, the current state of 3D bioprinted corneal models, especially specific characteristics such as light transmission, biomechanics, and marker expression, and in vivo studies are discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Balters
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan Reichl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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Sherif NA, Fleischman D, Knight OJ. Unintentional Descemet Cleft Introduces Novel Mechanism of Maintenance of Corneal Clarity. Cornea 2023; 42:113-115. [PMID: 35942525 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report a case of corneal transparency for 7 months after the formation and persistence of a Descemet fluid cleft. METHODS We report the case of a 64-year-old woman undergoing anterior chamber reformation 2 months after Baerveldt implantation of the right eye. During the procedure, the ophthalmic viscoelastic was inadvertently injected into the posterior stroma, nearly isolating the corneal endothelial cell layer, and creating a Descemet fluid cleft filled with viscoelastic. The patient was managed conservatively and monitored near monthly for corneal decompensation. RESULTS The cornea remained centrally clear for 207 days after the initial anterior chamber reformation until the collapse of the viscoelastic cleft. When the cleft completely collapsed, the cornea became diffusely edematous, and the patient underwent cataract removal and intraocular lens placement without need for Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty to maintain vision. During these 7 months, the patient's best-corrected visual acuity remained stable at 20/25 +2 or better. Intraocular pressure was also stable, averaging 18.2 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that corneal transparency can be maintained in the absence of endothelial cell function provided that aqueous humor cannot reach the cornea and disrupt the arrangement of the interfibrillar space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A Sherif
- The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; and
| | - David Fleischman
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - O'Rese J Knight
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Kuznetsov SL, Payushina OV. [On the issue of separate designation of the pre-Descemet's layer in the structure of the cornea]. Vestn Oftalmol 2023; 139:128-130. [PMID: 37638583 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2023139041128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
In 2013, based on the results of an experimental pneumodissection of the cornea, English ophthalmologist H. Dua postulated the existence of a previously unknown pre-Descemet's layer (PDL) with unique characteristics. However, the need to revise the traditional concepts of the corneal structure raises reasonable doubts among many researchers. This article discusses the question of whether the structural features of the pre-Descemet's layer can be a sufficient basis for designating it as a separate anatomical unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Kuznetsov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Payushina
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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134
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Luo J, Wang S, Zhang L, Zhang L, Wu S, Zheng W, Huang X, Ye X, Wu M. Research advance and clinical implication of circZNF609 in human diseases. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2118076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jieyi Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shengchun Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Weirang Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xueshan Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Ye
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Minhua Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
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135
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Mörö A, Samanta S, Honkamäki L, Rangasami VK, Puistola P, Kauppila M, Narkilahti S, Miettinen S, Oommen O, Skottman H. Hyaluronic acid based next generation bioink for 3D bioprinting of human stem cell derived corneal stromal model with innervation. Biofabrication 2022; 15. [PMID: 36579828 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acab34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation remains gold standard for the treatment of severe cornea diseases, however, scarcity of donor cornea is a serious bottleneck. 3D bioprinting holds tremendous potential for cornea tissue engineering (TE). One of the key technological challenges is to design bioink compositions with ideal printability and cytocompatibility. Photo-crosslinking and ionic crosslinking are often used for the stabilization of 3D bioprinted structures, which can possess limitations on biological functionality of the printed cells. Here, we developed a hyaluronic acid-based dopamine containing bioink using hydrazone crosslinking chemistry for the 3D bioprinting of corneal equivalents. First, the shear thinning property, viscosity, and mechanical stability of the bioink were optimized before extrusion-based 3D bioprinting for the shape fidelity and self-healing property characterizations. Subsequently, human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and hASC-derived corneal stromal keratocytes were used for bioprinting corneal stroma structures and their cell viability, proliferation, microstructure and expression of key proteins (lumican, vimentin, connexin 43,α-smooth muscle actin) were evaluated. Moreover, 3D bioprinted stromal structures were implanted intoex vivoporcine cornea to explore tissue integration. Finally, human pluripotent stem cell derived neurons (hPSC-neurons), were 3D bioprinted to the periphery of the corneal structures to analyze innervation. The bioink showed excellent shear thinning property, viscosity, printability, shape fidelity and self-healing properties with high cytocompatibility. Cells in the printed structures displayed good tissue formation and 3D bioprinted cornea structures demonstrated excellentex vivointegration to host tissue as well asin vitroinnervation. The developed bioink and the printed cornea stromal equivalents hold great potential for cornea TE applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Mörö
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Sumanta Samanta
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University, Tampere 33720, Finland
| | - Laura Honkamäki
- Neuro Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Vignesh K Rangasami
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University, Tampere 33720, Finland
| | - Paula Puistola
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Maija Kauppila
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Susanna Narkilahti
- Neuro Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland.,Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Oommen Oommen
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University, Tampere 33720, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
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136
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Orash Mahmoud Salehi A, Heidari-Keshel S, Poursamar SA, Zarrabi A, Sefat F, Mamidi N, Behrouz MJ, Rafienia M. Bioprinted Membranes for Corneal Tissue Engineering: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2797. [PMID: 36559289 PMCID: PMC9784133 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is considered a convenient strategy for various types of corneal disease needs. Even though it has been applied as a suitable solution for most corneal disorders, patients still face several issues due to a lack of healthy donor corneas, and rejection is another unknown risk of corneal transplant tissue. Corneal tissue engineering (CTE) has gained significant consideration as an efficient approach to developing tissue-engineered scaffolds for corneal healing and regeneration. Several approaches are tested to develop a substrate with equal transmittance and mechanical properties to improve the regeneration of cornea tissue. In this regard, bioprinted scaffolds have recently received sufficient attention in simulating corneal structure, owing to their spectacular spatial control which produces a three-cell-loaded-dimensional corneal structure. In this review, the anatomy and function of different layers of corneal tissue are highlighted, and then the potential of the 3D bioprinting technique for promoting corneal regeneration is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Orash Mahmoud Salehi
- Department of Chemistry and Nanotechnology, School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico
| | - Saeed Heidari-Keshel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1434875451, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Poursamar
- Biosensor Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Farshid Sefat
- Department of Biomedical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Polymer Science & Technology (Polymer IRC), University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Narsimha Mamidi
- Department of Chemistry and Nanotechnology, School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico
| | - Mahmoud Jabbarvand Behrouz
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717443, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rafienia
- Biosensor Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran
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137
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Batista A, Guimarães P, Domingues JP, Quadrado MJ, Morgado AM. Two-Photon Imaging for Non-Invasive Corneal Examination. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9699. [PMID: 36560071 PMCID: PMC9783858 DOI: 10.3390/s22249699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Two-photon imaging (TPI) microscopy, namely, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and second-harmonic generation (SHG) modalities, has emerged in the past years as a powerful tool for the examination of biological tissues. These modalities rely on different contrast mechanisms and are often used simultaneously to provide complementary information on morphology, metabolism, and structural properties of the imaged tissue. The cornea, being a transparent tissue, rich in collagen and with several cellular layers, is well-suited to be imaged by TPI microscopy. In this review, we discuss the physical principles behind TPI as well as its instrumentation. We also provide an overview of the current advances in TPI instrumentation and image analysis. We describe how TPI can be leveraged to retrieve unique information on the cornea and to complement the information provided by current clinical devices. The present state of corneal TPI is outlined. Finally, we discuss the obstacles that must be overcome and offer perspectives and outlooks to make clinical TPI of the human cornea a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Batista
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-516 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Guimarães
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Domingues
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-516 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Quadrado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Miguel Morgado
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-516 Coimbra, Portugal
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138
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Lin X, Mekonnen T, Verma S, Zevallos-Delgado C, Singh M, Aglyamov SR, Gesteira TF, Larin KV, Coulson-Thomas VJ. Hyaluronan Modulates the Biomechanical Properties of the Cornea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:6. [PMID: 36478198 PMCID: PMC9733656 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hyaluronan (HA) is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that has high viscosity and is essential for maintaining tissue hydration. In the cornea, HA is enriched in the limbal region and is a key component of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche. HA is upregulated after injury participating in the formation of the provisional matrix, and has a key role in regulating the wound healing process. This study investigated whether changes in the distribution of HA before and after injury affects the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo. Methods Corneas of wild-type (wt) mice and mice lacking enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of HA were analyzed before, immediately after, and 7 and 14 days after a corneal alkali burn (AB). The corneas were evaluated using both a ring light and fluorescein stain by in vivo confocal microscopy, optical coherence elastography (OCE), and immunostaining of corneal whole mounts. Results Our results show that wt mice and mice lacking HA synthase (Has)1 and 3 present an increase in corneal stiffness 7 and 14 days after AB without a significant increase in HA expression and absence of scarring at 14 days after AB. In contrast, mice lacking Has2 present a significant decrease in corneal stiffness, with a significant increase in HA expression and scarring at 14 days after AB. Conclusions Our findings show that the mechanical properties of the cornea are significantly modulated by changes in HA distribution following alkali burn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Taye Mekonnen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States,Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - Manmohan Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Salavat R. Aglyamov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Tarsis F. Gesteira
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Kirill V. Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
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139
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Li J, Du J, Deng A, Chen Z, Guo Y, Wang Z. Comparative Analysis of Central Corneal Thickness in Four Fish Models. Zebrafish 2022; 19:224-228. [PMID: 36459623 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2022.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the left-right asymmetry of vertebrate eyes, this study measured the central corneal thickness (CCT) of Oryzias curvinotus, Oryzias melastigma, Oryzias latipes, and zebrafish with optical coherence tomography. The results showed that the CCTs were significant differences among different species and groups, even between the right and left eyes of each fish. The values of the CCTs (mean ± SD, μm) for the four species were 104.71 ± 14.49, 61.88 ± 8.63, 64.76 ± 10.36 and 56.96 ± 10.48, respectively. Moreover, comparing the two wild groups of O. curvinotus from Sanya on N18° and Gaoqiao on N21°, the CCT value for the low-latitude group was 104.71 ± 14.49 μm, greater than the high latitude group 76.13 ± 5.70 μm significantly (t-test, p = 0.0001). Lastly, the paired Student's t-test revealed that significant CCT differences existed between the left and right eye for all four species and groups, of which zebrafish and O. melastigma were belonging to the left thicker type in contrast to the others. This study laid a foundation for understanding the causes of the difference in CCT, and also provided possible fish models for human researches on keratomileusis, glaucoma, and other corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Li
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Juan Du
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Aiping Deng
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ziyang Chen
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yusong Guo
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhongduo Wang
- Guangdong South China Sea Key Laboratory of Aquaculture for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
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140
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MCPIP1 alleviates inflammatory response through inducing autophagy in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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141
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Zhang H, Asroui L, Randleman JB, Scarcelli G. Motion-tracking Brillouin microscopy for in-vivo corneal biomechanics mapping. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:6196-6210. [PMID: 36589595 PMCID: PMC9774862 DOI: 10.1364/boe.472053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Corneal biomechanics play a critical role in maintaining corneal shape and thereby directly influence visual acuity. However, direct corneal biomechanical measurement in-vivo with sufficient accuracy and a high spatial resolution remains an open need. Here, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) motion-tracking Brillouin microscope for in-vivo corneal biomechanics mapping. The axial tracking utilized optical coherence tomography, which provided a tracking accuracy better than 3 µm. Meanwhile, 10 µm lateral tracking was achieved by tracking pupils with digital image processing. The 3D tracking enabled reconstruction of depth-dependent Brillouin distribution with a high spatial resolution. This superior technical performance enabled the capture of high-quality mechanical mapping in vivo even while the subject was breathing normally. Importantly, we improved Brillouin spectral measurements to achieve relative accuracy better than 0.07% verified by rubidium absorption frequencies, with 0.12% stability over 2000 seconds. These specifications finally yield the Brillouin measurement sensitivity that is required to detect ophthalmology-relevant corneal biomechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Zhang
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Lara Asroui
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - J. Bradley Randleman
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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142
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Development of a novel ex vivo model for chemical ocular toxicity assessment and its applicability for hair straightening products. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 170:113457. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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143
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McMonnies CW. Mechanisms of corneal trauma in response to rubbing and other intraocular pressure elevating activities in keratoconus. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2022.2153119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles W McMonnies
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales
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144
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Jaffey JA, Bullock G, Guo J, Mhlanga-Mutangadura T, O’Brien DP, Coates JR, Morrissey R, Hutchison R, Donnelly KS, Cohn LA, Katz ML, Johnson GS. Novel Homozygous ADAMTS2 Variants and Associated Disease Phenotypes in Dogs with Dermatosparactic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2158. [PMID: 36421833 PMCID: PMC9690363 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue fragility, skin hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility are defining characteristics of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Human EDS is subclassified into fourteen types including dermatosparactic EDS, characterized by extreme skin fragility and caused by biallelic ADAMTS2 mutations. We report two novel, ADAMTS2 variants in DNA from EDS-affected dogs. Separate whole-genome sequences from a Pit Bull Terrier and an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog each contained a rare, homozygous variant (11:2280117delC, CanFam3.1), predicted to produce a frameshift in the transcript from the first coding ADAMTS2 exon (c.10delC) and a severely truncated protein product, p.(Pro4ArgfsTer175). The clinical features of these dogs and 4 others with the same homozygous deletion included multifocal wounds, atrophic scars, joint hypermobility, narrowed palpebral fissures, skin hyperextensibility, and joint-associated swellings. Due to severe skin fragility, the owners of all 6 dogs elected euthanasia before the dogs reached 13 weeks of age. Cross sections of collagen fibrils in post-mortem dermal tissues from 2 of these dogs showed hieroglyphic-like figures similar to those from cases of severe dermatosparaxis in other species. The whole-genome sequence from an adult Catahoula Leopard Dog contained a homozygous ADAMTS2 missense mutation, [11:2491238G>A; p.(Arg966His)]. This dog exhibited multifocal wounds, atrophic scars, and joint hypermobility, but has survived for at least 9 years. This report expands the spectrum of clinical features of the canine dermatosparactic subtype of EDS and illustrates the potential utility of subclassifying canine EDS by the identity of gene harboring the causal variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared A. Jaffey
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Garrett Bullock
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Juyuan Guo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Tendai Mhlanga-Mutangadura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dennis P. O’Brien
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Joan R. Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Robert Hutchison
- Animal Clinic Northview, 36400 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039, USA
| | - Kevin S. Donnelly
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Martin L. Katz
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Gary S. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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145
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Acoustic Micro-Tapping Optical Coherence Elastography to Quantify Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking: An Ex Vivo Human Study. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 3:100257. [PMID: 36685713 PMCID: PMC9852959 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate changes in the anisotropic elastic properties of ex vivo human cornea treated with ultraviolet cross-linking (CXL) using noncontact acoustic micro-tapping optical coherence elastography (AμT-OCE). Design Acoustic micro-tapping OCE was performed on normal and CXL human donor cornea in an ex vivo laboratory study. Subjects Normal human donor cornea (n = 22) divided into 4 subgroups. All samples were stored in optisol. Methods Elastic properties (in-plane Young's, E, and out-of-plane, G, shear modulus) of normal and ultraviolet CXL-treated human corneas were quantified using noncontact AμT-OCE. A nearly incompressible transverse isotropic model was used to reconstruct moduli from AμT-OCE data. Independently, cornea elastic moduli were also measured with destructive mechanical tests (tensile extensometry and shear rheometry). Main Outcome Measures Corneal elastic moduli (in-plane Young's modulus, E, in-plane, μ, and out-of-plane, G, shear moduli) can be evaluated in both normal and CXL treated tissues, as well as monitored during the CXL procedure using noncontact AμT-OCE. Results Cross-linking induced a significant increase in both in-plane and out-of-plane elastic moduli in human cornea. The statistical mean in the paired study (presurgery and postsurgery, n = 7) of the in-plane Young's modulus, E = 3 μ , increased from 19 MPa to 43 MPa, while the out-of-plane shear modulus, G, increased from 188 kPa to 673 kPa. Mechanical tests in a separate subgroup support CXL-induced cornea moduli changes and generally agree with noncontact AμT-OCE measurements. Conclusions The human cornea is a highly anisotropic material where in-plane mechanical properties are very different from those out-of-plane. Noncontact AμT-OCE can measure changes in the anisotropic elastic properties in human cornea as a result of ultraviolet CXL.
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146
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Di Girolamo N, Park M. Cell identity changes in ocular surface Epithelia. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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147
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Quinlan RA, Clark JI. Insights into the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms mediating the longevity of the transparent optics of the eye lens. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102537. [PMID: 36174677 PMCID: PMC9638808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human eye, a transparent cornea and lens combine to form the "refracton" to focus images on the retina. This requires the refracton to have a high refractive index "n," mediated largely by extracellular collagen fibrils in the corneal stroma and the highly concentrated crystallin proteins in the cytoplasm of the lens fiber cells. Transparency is a result of short-range order in the spatial arrangement of corneal collagen fibrils and lens crystallins, generated in part by post-translational modifications (PTMs). However, while corneal collagen is remodeled continuously and replaced, lens crystallins are very long-lived and are not replaced and so accumulate PTMs over a lifetime. Eventually, a tipping point is reached when protein aggregation results in increased light scatter, inevitably leading to the iconic protein condensation-based disease, age-related cataract (ARC). Cataracts account for 50% of vision impairment worldwide, affecting far more people than other well-known protein aggregation-based diseases. However, because accumulation of crystallin PTMs begins before birth and long before ARC presents, we postulate that the lens protein PTMs contribute to a "cataractogenic load" that not only increases with age but also has protective effects on optical function by stabilizing lens crystallins until a tipping point is reached. In this review, we highlight decades of experimental findings that support the potential for PTMs to be protective during normal development. We hypothesize that ARC is preventable by protecting the biochemical and biophysical properties of lens proteins needed to maintain transparency, refraction, and optical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road Science Site, Durham, United Kingdom; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - John I Clark
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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148
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Chen Z, Khuu N, Xu F, Kheiri S, Yakavets I, Rakhshani F, Morozova S, Kumacheva E. Printing Structurally Anisotropic Biocompatible Fibrillar Hydrogel for Guided Cell Alignment. Gels 2022; 8:685. [PMID: 36354593 PMCID: PMC9689575 DOI: 10.3390/gels8110685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Many fibrous biological tissues exhibit structural anisotropy due to the alignment of fibers in the extracellular matrix. To study the impact of such anisotropy on cell proliferation, orientation, and mobility, it is important to recapitulate and achieve control over the structure of man-made hydrogel scaffolds for cell culture. Here, we report a chemically crosslinked fibrous hydrogel due to the reaction between aldehyde-modified cellulose nanofibers and gelatin. We explored two ways to induce structural anisotropy in this gel by extruding the hydrogel precursor through two different printheads. The cellulose nanofibers in the hydrogel ink underwent shear-induced alignment during extrusion and retained it in the chemically crosslinked hydrogel. The degree of anisotropy was controlled by the ink composition and extrusion flow rate. The structural anisotropy of the hydrogel extruded through a nozzle affected the orientation of human dermal fibroblasts that were either seeded on the hydrogel surface or encapsulated in the extruded hydrogel. The reported straightforward approach to constructing fibrillar hydrogel scaffolds with structural anisotropy can be used in studies of the biological impact of tissue anisotropy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Nancy Khuu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sina Kheiri
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Ilya Yakavets
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Faeze Rakhshani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sofia Morozova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
- N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 5/1 2nd Baumanskaya Street, 105005 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
- The Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
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149
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Desjardins P, Berthiaume R, Couture C, Le-Bel G, Roy V, Gros-Louis F, Moulin VJ, Proulx S, Chemtob S, Germain L, Guérin SL. Impact of Exosomes Released by Different Corneal Cell Types on the Wound Healing Properties of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12201. [PMID: 36293057 PMCID: PMC9602716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal wound healing involves communication between the different cell types that constitute the three cellular layers of the cornea (epithelium, stroma and endothelium), a process ensured in part by a category of extracellular vesicles called exosomes. In the present study, we isolated exosomes released by primary cultured human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs), corneal fibroblasts (hCFs) and corneal endothelial cells (hCEnCs) and determined whether they have wound healing characteristics of their own and to which point they modify the genetic and proteomic pattern of these cell types. Exosomes released by all three cell types significantly accelerated wound closure of scratch-wounded hCECs in vitro compared to controls (without exosomes). Profiling of activated kinases revealed that exosomes from human corneal cells caused the activation of signal transduction mediators that belong to the HSP27, STAT, β-catenin, GSK-3β and p38 pathways. Most of all, data from gene profiling analyses indicated that exosomes, irrespective of their cellular origin, alter a restricted subset of genes that are completely different between each targeted cell type (hCECs, hCFS, hCEnCs). Analysis of the genes specifically differentially regulated for a given cell-type in the microarray data using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software revealed that the mean gene expression profile of hCECs cultured in the presence of exosomes would likely promote cell proliferation and migration whereas it would reduce differentiation when compared to control cells. Collectively, our findings represent a conceptual advance in understanding the mechanisms of corneal wound repair that may ultimately open new avenues for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to improve closure of corneal wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Desjardins
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Rébecca Berthiaume
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Couture
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gaëtan Le-Bel
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Vincent Roy
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - François Gros-Louis
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Véronique J. Moulin
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Proulx
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Lucie Germain
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- Regenerative Medicine Division of the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO)-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Hôpital Enfant-Jésus, 1401 18e Rue, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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150
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3D cell/scaffold model based on aligned-electrospun-nanofiber film/hydrogel multilayers for construction of anisotropic engineered tissue. Biointerphases 2022; 17:051002. [PMID: 36216595 DOI: 10.1116/6.0002058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many tissues have a three-dimensional (3D) anisotropic structure compatible with their physiological functions. Engineering an in vitro 3D tissue having the natural structure and functions is a hotspot in tissue engineering with application for tissue regeneration, drug screening, and disease modeling. Despite various designs that have successfully guided the cellular alignment, only a few of them could precisely control the orientation of each layer in a multilayered construct or achieve adequate cell contact between layers. This study proposed a design of a multilayered 3D cell/scaffold model, that is, the cell-loaded aligned nanofiber film/hydrogel (ANF/Gel) model. The characterizations of the 3D cell-loaded ANF/Gel model in terms of design, construction, morphology, and cell behavior were systematically studied. The ANF was produced by efficiently aligned electrospinning using a self-designed, fast-and-easy collector, which was designed based on the parallel electrodes and modified with a larger gap area up to about 100 cm2. The nanofibers generated by this simple device presented numerous features like high orientation, uniformity in fiber diameter, and thinness. The ANF/Gel-based cell/scaffold model was formed by encapsulating cell-loaded multilayered poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-ANFs in hydrogel. Cells within the ANF/Gel model showed high viability and displayed aligned orientation and elongation in accordance with the nanofiber orientation in each film, forming a multilayered tissue having a layer spacing of 60 μm. This study provides a multilayered 3D cell/scaffold model for the in vitro construction of anisotropic engineered tissues, exhibiting potential applications in cardiac tissue engineering.
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