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Wen Y, Chen Z, McAlinden C, Zhou X, Huang J. Recent advances in corneal neovascularization imaging. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109930. [PMID: 38750782 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109930] [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] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a vision-threatening ocular disease commonly secondary to infectious, inflammatory, and traumatic etiologies. Slit lamp photography, in vivo confocal microscopy, angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) are the primary diagnostic tools utilized in clinical practice to evaluate the vasculature of the ocular surface. However, there is currently a dearth of comprehensive literature that reviews the advancements in imaging technology for CoNV administration. Initially designed for retinal vascular imaging, OCTA has now been expanded to the anterior segment and has shown promising potential for imaging the conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. This expansion allows for the quantitative monitoring of the structural and functional changes associated with CoNV. In this review, we emphasize the impact of algorithm optimization in anterior segment-optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA) on the diagnostic efficacy of CoNV. Through the analysis of existing literature, animal model assessments are further reported to investigate its pathological mechanism and exhibit remarkable therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, AS-OCTA holds broad prospects and extensive potential for clinical diagnostics and research applications in CoNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongxing Chen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Colm McAlinden
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China; Corneo Plastic Unit & Eye Bank, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK
| | - Xingtao Zhou
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhai Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China.
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Wen Y, Jiang D, Tang K, Chen W. Current clinical applications of anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography: a review. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:2729-2741. [PMID: 36862203 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-05997-3] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a revolutionary in vivo imaging technology that presents real-time information on ocular structures. Angiography based on OCT, known as optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), is a noninvasive and time-saving technique originally utilized for visualizing retinal vasculature. As devices and built-in systems have evolved, high-resolution images with depth-resolved analysis have assisted ophthalmologists in accurately localizing pathology and monitoring disease progression. With the aforementioned advantages, application of OCTA has extended from the posterior to anterior segment. This nascent adaptation showed good delineation of the vasculature in the cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, and iris. Thus, neovascularization of the avascular cornea and hyperemia or ischemic changes involving the conjunctiva, sclera, and iris has become prospective applications for AS-OCTA. Although traditional dye-based angiography is regarded as the gold standard in demonstrating vasculature in the anterior segment, AS-OCTA is expected to be a comparable but more patient-friendly alternative. In its initial stage, AS-OCTA has exhibited great potential in pathology diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, presurgical planning, and prognosis assessments in anterior segment disorders. In this review of AS-OCTA, we aim to summarize scanning protocols, relevant parameters, and clinical applications as well as limitations and future directions. We are sanguine about its wide application in the future with the development of technology and refinement in built-in systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Wen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Kexin Tang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Tavakkoli F, Eleiwa TK, Elhusseiny AM, Damala M, Rai AK, Cheraqpour K, Ansari MH, Doroudian M, H Keshel S, Soleimani M, Djalilian AR, Sangwan VS, Singh V. Corneal stem cells niche and homeostasis impacts in regenerative medicine; concise review. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023:11206721221150065. [PMID: 36604831 DOI: 10.1177/11206721221150065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The limbal stem cells niche (LSCN) is an optimal microenvironment that provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbing the LSCN homeostasis can lead to limbal stem cell dysfunction (LSCD) and subsequent ocular surface aberrations, such as corneal stromal inflammation, persistent epithelial defects, corneal neovascularisation, lymphangiogenesis, corneal opacification, and conjunctivalization. As ocular surface disorders are considered the second main cause of blindness, it becomes crucial to explore different therapeutic strategies for restoring the functions of the LSCN. A major limitation of corneal transplantation is the current shortage of donor tissue to meet the requirements worldwide. In this context, it becomes mandatory to find an alternative regenerative medicine, such as using cultured limbal epithelial/stromal stem cells, inducing the production of corneal like cells by using other sources of stem cells, and using tissue engineering methods aiming to produce the three-dimensional (3D) printed cornea. Limbal epithelial stem cells have been considered the magic potion for eye treatment. Epithelial and stromal stem cells in the limbal niche hold the responsibility of replenishing the corneal epithelium. These stem cells are being used for transplantation to maintain corneal epithelial integrity and ultimately sustain optimal vision. In this review, we summarised the characteristics of the LSCN and their current and future roles in restoring corneal homeostasis in eyes with LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Tavakkoli
- Department of Community Health, College of Health Technology, Cihan University, Erbil, Iraq.,SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Taher K Eleiwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mukesh Damala
- SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Amit K Rai
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Kasra Cheraqpour
- Translational Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Ansari
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Doroudian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, 145440Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed H Keshel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Ophthalmology, 159636Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology, 159636Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Vivek Singh
- SSR Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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da Mata Martins TM, de Carvalho JL, da Silva Cunha P, Gomes DA, de Goes AM. Induction of Corneal Epithelial Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent and Orbital Fat-Derived Stem Cells Seeded on Decellularized Human Corneas. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2522-2534. [PMID: 35247143 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Up to 40% of donor corneas are deemed unsuitable for transplantation, aggravating the shortage of graft tissue. In most cases, the corneal extracellular matrix is intact. Therefore, their decellularization followed by repopulation with autologous cells may constitute an efficient alternative to reduce the amount of discarded tissue and the risk of immune rejection after transplantation. Although induced pluripotent (hiPSCs) and orbital fat-derived stem cells (OFSCs) hold great promise for corneal epithelial (CE) reconstruction, no study to date has evaluated the capacity of decellularized corneas (DCs) to support the attachment and differentiation of these cells into CE-like cells. Here, we recellularize DCs with hiPSCs and OFSCs and evaluate their differentiation potential into CE-like cells using animal serum-free culture conditions. Cell viability and adhesion on DCs were assessed by calcein-AM staining and scanning electron microscopy. Cell differentiation was evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence analyses. DCs successfully supported the adhesion and survival of hiPSCs and OFSCs. The OFSCs cultured under differentiation conditions could not express the CE markers, TP63, KRT3, PAX6, and KRT12, while the hiPSCs gave rise to cells expressing high levels of these markers. RT-qPCR data suggested that the DCs provided an inductive environment for CE differentiation of hiPSCs, supporting the expression of PAX6 and KRT12 without the need for any soluble induction factors. Our results open the avenue for future studies regarding the in vivo effects of DCs as carriers for autologous cell transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Maria da Mata Martins
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Lott de Carvalho
- Department of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, QS 07 - Lote 01, EPCT - Taguatinga, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 71966-700, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Pricila da Silva Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.,Department of Biology, Minas Gerais State University, Avenida Olegário Maciel, 1427, Ubá, Minas Gerais, 36502-002, Brazil
| | - Dawidson Assis Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Miranda de Goes
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
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Elhusseiny AM, Soleimani M, Eleiwa TK, ElSheikh RH, Frank CR, Naderan M, Yazdanpanah G, Rosenblatt MI, Djalilian AR. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:259-268. [PMID: 35303110 PMCID: PMC8968724 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium serves to protect the underlying cornea from the external environment and is essential for corneal transparency and optimal visual function. Regeneration of this epithelium is dependent on a population of stem cells residing in the basal layer of the limbus, the junction between the cornea and the sclera. The limbus provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) with an optimal microenvironment, the limbal niche, which strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbances to the LESCs and/or their niche can lead to the pathologic condition known as limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) whereby the corneal epithelium is not generated effectively. This has deleterious effects on the corneal and visual function, due to impaired healing and secondary corneal opacification. In this concise review, we summarize the characteristics of LESCs and their niche, and present the current and future perspectives in the management of LSCD with an emphasis on restoring the function of the limbal niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Taher K Eleiwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Reem H ElSheikh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Charles R Frank
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Morteza Naderan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghasem Yazdanpanah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Corresponding author: Ali R. Djalilian, Cornea Service, Stem Cell Therapy and Corneal Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1855 W. Taylor Street, M/C 648, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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The triad of nanotechnology, cell signalling, and scaffold implantation for the successful repair of damaged organs: An overview on soft-tissue engineering. J Control Release 2021; 332:460-492. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Oie Y, Yasukura Y, Nishida N, Koh S, Kawasaki R, Maeda N, Jhanji V, Nishida K. Fourier Analysis on Regular and Irregular Astigmatism of Anterior and Posterior Corneal Surfaces in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 223:33-41. [PMID: 33039376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct Fourier analysis on regular and irregular astigmatism of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS This study included 75 eyes of 43 FECD patients and 34 eyes of 34 healthy subjects in Osaka University Hospital. Corneal dioptric data from the central 6-mm zone of the anterior and posterior corneal surface were expanded into spherical, regular astigmatism, asymmetry, and higher-order irregularity components using Fourier analysis. We analyzed the association between each component and modified Krachmer grade. RESULTS There were significant differences in regular astigmatism, asymmetry, and higher-order irregularity components of the anterior corneal surface, and spherical, regular astigmatism, asymmetry, and higher-order irregularity components of the posterior corneal surface among modified Krachmer grades (P = .036, <.001, <.001, <.001, <.001, <.001, and <.001, respectively). Asymmetry component of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces gradually increased with FECD progression. Higher-order irregularity components of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces drastically increased in Grade 6. Many eyes had an axis of 0°-180° for the asymmetry component of the anterior surface and 180°-360° for that of the posterior surface. CONCLUSION Patients with severe FECD had a larger amount of asymmetry and higher-order irregularity components of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Patients with FECD up to Grade 5 were characterized by anterior and posterior flattening in the inferior cornea, and those with Grade 6 showed irregularity in the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces.
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Comparison of ocular surface squamous neoplasia and pterygium using anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2020; 20:100902. [PMID: 32995664 PMCID: PMC7502819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and pterygium using anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA). Observations Flow patterns of conjunctival vessels in patients with OSSN and pterygium were investigated using AS-OCTA. In case 1, slit-lamp examination of a 72-year-old woman revealed an elevated lesion with increased permeability of fluorescein in the inferior nasal conjunctiva of her left eye. AS-OCTA showed markedly meandering large blood vessels in both the superficial and deep layers. Histopathological evaluation of the conjunctival biopsy indicated conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia. Case 2 was that of a 79-year-old man with a history of three conjunctival tumor excisions. Slit-lamp examination showed an elevated lesion with hyperpermeability of fluorescein in the nasal conjunctiva of his left eye. AS-OCTA revealed increased meandering vasculature in both the superficial and deep layers. Histopathological investigation concluded that the diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. Case 3 involved a 61-year-old man with a pterygium. Slit-lamp examination showed typical findings of an elevated nasal lesion accompanied by a head that appeared triangular with a blunt apex. AS-OCTA revealed increased straight vasculature in the superficial layer and an avascular area in the deep layer of the pterygium head. Conclusions and importance AS-OCTA revealed abnormal “zigzag vessel patterns” in both the superficial and deep layers denoting meandering vessels in the patients with OSSN. In the patient with the pterygium, it showed “straight vessel patterns” signifying unbending stretched vessels in the superficial layer and an avascular zone in the deep layer of the pterygium head. These findings may be useful for the differential diagnosis of OSSN and pterygium.
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Role of optical coherence tomography angiography in the characterization of vascular network patterns of ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Ocul Surf 2020; 18:926-935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Ghareeb AE, Lako M, Figueiredo FC. Recent Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2020; 9:809-831. [PMID: 32970311 PMCID: PMC7708613 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-020-00305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Destruction of the limbus and depletion of limbal stem cells (LSCs), the adult progenitors of the corneal epithelium, leads to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). LSCD is a rare, progressive ocular surface disorder which results in conjunctivalisation and neovascularisation of the corneal surface. Many strategies have been used in the treatment of LSCD, the common goal of which is to regenerate a self-renewing, transparent, and uniform epithelium on the corneal surface. The development of these techniques has frequently resulted from collaboration between stem cell translational scientists and ophthalmologists. Direct transplantation of autologous or allogeneic limbal tissue from a healthy donor eye is regarded by many as the technique of choice. Expansion of harvested LSCs in vitro allows smaller biopsies to be taken from the donor eye and is considered safer and more acceptable to patients. This technique may be utilised in unilateral cases (autologous) or bilateral cases (living related donor). Recently developed, simple limbal epithelial transplant (SLET) can be performed with equally small biopsies but does not require in vitro cell culture facilities. In the case of bilateral LSCD, where autologous limbal tissue is not available, autologous oral mucosa epithelium can be expanded in vitro and transplanted to the diseased eye. Data on long-term outcomes (over 5 years of follow-up) for many of these procedures is needed, and it remains unclear how they produce a self-renewing epithelium without recreating the vital stem cell niche. Bioengineering techniques offer the ability to re-create the physical characteristics of the stem cell niche, while induced pluripotent stem cells offer an unlimited supply of autologous LSCs. In vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment OCT will complement impression cytology in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of LSCD. In this review we analyse recent advances in the pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali E Ghareeb
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Francisco C Figueiredo
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
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