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Hadvina R, Estes A, Liu Y. Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus. Cells 2023; 12:2681. [PMID: 38067109 PMCID: PMC10705680 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232681] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to disease susceptibility. Due to KC's complex nature, there is currently no ideal animal model to represent both the corneal phenotype and underlying pathophysiology. Attempts to establish a KC model have involved mice, rats, and rabbits, with some additional novel animals suggested. Genetic animal models have only been attempted in mice. Similarly, spontaneously occurring animal models for KC have only been discovered in mice. Models generated using chemical or environmental treatments have been attempted in mice, rats, and rabbits. Among several methods used to induce KC in animals, ultraviolet radiation exposure and treatment with collagenase are some of the most prevalent. There is a clear need for an experimental model animal to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the development and progression of keratoconus. An appropriate animal model could also aid in the development of treatments to slow or arrest the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hadvina
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Amy Estes
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Akoto T, Li JJ, Estes AJ, Karamichos D, Liu Y. The Underlying Relationship between Keratoconus and Down Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810796. [PMID: 36142709 PMCID: PMC9503764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is one of the most significant corneal disorders worldwide, characterized by the progressive thinning and cone-shaped protrusion of the cornea, which can lead to severe visual impairment. The prevalence of KC varies greatly by ethnic groups and geographic regions and has been observed to be higher in recent years. Although studies reveal a possible link between KC and genetics, hormonal disturbances, environmental factors, and specific comorbidities such as Down Syndrome (DS), the exact cause of KC remains unknown. The incidence of KC ranges from 0% to 71% in DS patients, implying that as the worldwide population of DS patients grows, the number of KC patients may continue to rise significantly. As a result, this review aims to shed more light on the underlying relationship between KC and DS by examining the genetics relating to the cornea, central corneal thickness (CCT), and mechanical forces on the cornea, such as vigorous eye rubbing. Furthermore, this review discusses KC diagnostic and treatment strategies that may help detect KC in DS patients, as well as the available DS mouse models that could be used in modeling KC in DS patients. In summary, this review will provide improved clinical knowledge of KC in DS patients and promote additional KC-related research in these patients to enhance their eyesight and provide suitable treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Akoto
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jiemin J. Li
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Amy J. Estes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-706-721-2015
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Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is one of the leading causes for keratoplasty. While the genetic aetiology of more and more corneal dystrophies is revealed, KC falls behind. And it is not because of lack of effort. The diversity in the many published results from over two decades is discussed in relation to the present knowledge in molecular biology. Results that at first appear to be in conflict with each other make sense when placed in the right context. Ophthalmologists often refer to KC as a heterogeneous disease. This review demonstrates that it truly is a multifactorial disease. Despite the many attempts to reveal the aetiology of KC, the pathological mechanism(s) still remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Nielsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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