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Nicholas SE, Basu SK, Mandal N, Karamichos D. Amelioration of Fibrosis via S1P Inhibition Is Regulated by Inactivation of TGF-β and SPL Pathways in the Human Cornea. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6560. [PMID: 38928268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126560] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human corneal fibrosis can lead to opacity and ultimately partial or complete vision loss. Currently, corneal transplantation is the only treatment for severe corneal fibrosis and comes with the risk of rejection and donor shortages. Sphingolipids (SPLs) are known to modulate fibrosis in various tissues and organs, including the cornea. We previously reported that SPLs are tightly related to both, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling and corneal fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P inhibition on specific TGF-β and SPL family members in corneal fibrosis. Healthy human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were isolated and cultured in EMEM + FBS + VitC (construct medium) on 3D transwells for 4 weeks. The following treatments were prepared in a construct medium: 0.1 ng/mL TGF-β1 (β1), 1 μM sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and 5 μM Sphingosine kinase inhibitor 2 (I2). Five groups were tested: (1) control (no treatment); rescue groups; (2) β1/S1P; (3) β1/I2; prevention groups; (4) S1P/β1; and (5) I2/β1. Each treatment was administered for 2 weeks with one treatment and switched to another for 2 weeks. Using Western blot analysis, the 3D constructs were examined for the expression of fibrotic markers, SPL, and TGF-β signaling pathway members. Scratch assays from 2D cultures were also utilized to evaluate cell migration We observed reduced fibrotic expression and inactivation of latent TGF-β binding proteins (LTBPs), TGF-β receptors, Suppressor of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic homologs (SMADs), and SPL signaling following treatment with I2 prevention and rescue compared to S1P prevention and rescue, respectively. Furthermore, we observed increased cell migration following stimulation with I2 prevention and rescue groups, with decreased cell migration following stimulation with S1P prevention and rescue groups after 12 h and 18 h post-scratch. We have demonstrated that I2 treatment reduced fibrosis and modulated the inactivation of LTBPs, TGF-β receptors, SPLs, and the canonical downstream SMAD pathway. Further investigations are warranted in order to fully uncover the potential of utilizing SphK I2 as a novel therapy for corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Nicholas
- 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
| | - Sandip K Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, 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
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Sun Z, Lu K, He Q, Tang Y, Li H, Pazo EE, Hu L, Wei R. INOS ablation promotes corneal wound healing via activation of Akt signaling. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109886. [PMID: 38583755 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109886] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Corneal injury leads to impaired normal structure of the cornea. Improving the wound healing process in epithelial cells significantly contributes to ocular damage treatments. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of nitric oxide (NO) and its mediator, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in the process of corneal wound healing. We established a corneal injury model of iNOS-/- mice, and treated human corneal epithelial cell lines (HCE-2) with the iNOS inhibitor L-INL, with or without NO replenishment by supplying sodium nitroferricyanide dihydrate (SNP). Our findings showed that inhibition of NO/iNOS accelerated corneal repair, enhanced uPAR (a receptor protein indicating the migration ability), and improved epithelial cell migration. Furthermore, NO/iNOS ablation activated Akt phosphorylation, reduced neutrophil marker protein MPO expression, and downregulated the transcription of inflammation cytokines CXCL-1, CXCL-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. However, the protective effects of NO/iNOS inhibition are significantly reduced by NO replenishment when treated with SNP. Therefore, we confirmed that inhibiting NO/iNOS improved the corneal wound healing by facilitating epithelial cell migration and reducing inflammatory reactions, which might be related to the activation of the Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Kunpeng Lu
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Qingdao State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 266071, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoru Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Emmanuel Eric Pazo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Lizhi Hu
- Basic Medical College, Immunology Department, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Ruihua Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 300070, Tianjin, China.
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Yu C, Xu J, Heidari G, Jiang H, Shi Y, Wu A, Makvandi P, Neisiany RE, Zare EN, Shao M, Hu L. Injectable hydrogels based on biopolymers for the treatment of ocular diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:132086. [PMID: 38705321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132086] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels based on biopolymers, fabricated utilizing diverse chemical and physical methodologies, exhibit exceptional physical, chemical, and biological properties. They have multifaceted applications encompassing wound healing, tissue regeneration, and across diverse scientific realms. This review critically evaluates their largely uncharted potential in ophthalmology, elucidating their diverse applications across an array of ocular diseases. These conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, corneal disorders (spanning from age-related degeneration to trauma, infections, and underlying chronic illnesses), retina-associated ailments (such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)), eyelid abnormalities, and uveal melanoma (UM). This study provides a thorough analysis of applications of injectable hydrogels based on biopolymers across these ocular disorders. Injectable hydrogels based on biopolymers can be customized to have specific physical, chemical, and biological properties that make them suitable as drug delivery vehicles, tissue scaffolds, and sealants in the eye. For example, they can be engineered to have optimum viscosity to be injected intravitreally and sustain drug release to treat retinal diseases. Their porous structure and biocompatibility promote cellular infiltration to regenerate diseased corneal tissue. By accentuating their indispensable role in ocular disease treatment, this review strives to present innovative and targeted approaches in this domain, thereby advancing ocular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyu Yu
- Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China; School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiahao Xu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Golnaz Heidari
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Huijun Jiang
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yifeng Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Aimin Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, China; Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh 174103, India; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; Department of Polymer Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 9617976487, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare
- School of Chemistry, Damghan University, Damghan 36716-45667, Iran; Centre of Research Impact and Outreach, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140417, Punjab, India.
| | - Minmin Shao
- Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Liang Hu
- Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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Tati V, Mitra S, Basu S, Shukla S. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote corneal epithelial repair and suppress apoptosis via modulation of Caspase-3 in vitro. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:968-982. [PMID: 38684330 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13804] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal injuries are the major cause of blindness and visual impairment. Available treatments are limited by their efficacy and side effects. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are presumed as functional equivalents and potential candidates for cell-free therapy. This study reports isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and evaluates their role in mediating epithelial repair and apoptosis in cultured corneal epithelial cells through scratch assay, PCR, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry in vitro. The isolated extracellular vesicles were spherical, < 150 nm in diameter, and characterized as CD9+, CD63+, CD81+, TSG101+, and Calnexin-. Further, these vesicles promoted corneal epithelial repair by enhancing proliferation and suppressed apoptosis by regulating the expression of BAD, P53, BCL-2, and cleaved CASPASE-3. Thus, our results suggest that BM-MSC-EVs might have the potential to be used for the treatment of injury-induced corneal epithelial defects. Clinical translation of this work would require further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasudeva Tati
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sreya Mitra
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sachin Shukla
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Ocular Regeneration, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Li Z, Liu R, Zhang X, Guo Z, Geng X, Chu D, Cui H, Zhang A, Li W, Zhu L, Li J. An injectable thermoresponsive-hydrogel for lamellar keratoplasty: In-situ releases celastrol and hampers corneal scars. J Control Release 2024; 369:604-616. [PMID: 38582337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.010] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Corneal stromal fibrosis is a common cause of visual impairment resulting from corneal injury, inflammation and surgery. Therefore, there is an unmet need for inhibiting corneal stromal fibrosis. However, bioavailability of topical eye drops is very low due to the tear and corneal barriers. In situ delivery offers a unique alternative to improve efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity. Herein, a drug delivery platform based on thermoresponsive injectable hydrogel/nano-micelles composite with in situ drug-controlled release and long-acting features is developed to prevent corneal scarring and reduce corneal stromal fibrosis in lamellar keratoplasty. The in-situ gelation hydrogels enabled direct delivery of celastrol to the corneal stroma. In vivo evaluation with a rabbit anterior lamellar keratoplasty model showed that hydrogel/micelles platform could effectively inhibit corneal stromal fibrosis. This strategy achieves controlled and prolonged release of celastrol in the corneal stroma of rabbit. Following a single corneal interlamellar injection, celastrol effectively alleviated fibrosis via mTORC1 signal promoting autophagy and inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Overall, this strategy demonstrates promise for the clinical application of celastrol in preventing corneal scarring and reducing corneal stromal fibrosis post-lamellar keratoplasty, highlighting the potential benefits of targeted drug delivery systems in ocular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanrong Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Ruixing Liu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xiacong Zhang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhihua Guo
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xingchen Geng
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Dandan Chu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Haohao Cui
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Afang Zhang
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Wen Li
- International Joint Laboratory of Biomimetic and Smart Polymers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Lei Zhu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China.
| | - Jingguo Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China.
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Meissner JM, Chmielińska A, Ofri R, Cisło-Sankowska A, Marycz K. Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Equine Adipose-Derived Stromal Stem Cells (ASCs) Mitigate Tunicamycin-Induced ER Stress in Equine Corneal Stromal Stem Cells (CSSCs). Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3251-3277. [PMID: 38666934 PMCID: PMC11048834 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040204] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal ulcers, characterized by severe inflammation of the cornea, can lead to serious, debilitating complications and may be vision-threatening for horses. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in corneal stem progenitor cell (CSSC) dysfunction and explore the potential of equine adipose-derived stromal stem cell (ASC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to improve corneal wound healing. We showed that CSSCs expressed high levels of CD44, CD45, and CD90 surface markers, indicating their stemness. Supplementation of the ER-stress-inducer tunicamycin to CSSCs resulted in reduced proliferative and migratory potential, accumulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stressed cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, increased expression of proinflammatory genes, induced oxidative stress and sustained ER stress, and unfolded protein response (UPR). Importantly, treatment with EVs increased the proliferative activity and number of cells in the G2/Mitosis phase, enhanced migratory ability, suppressed the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, and upregulated the anti-inflammatory miRNA-146a-5p, compared to control and/or ER-stressed cells. Additionally, EVs lowered the expression of ER-stress master regulators and effectors (PERK, IRE1, ATF6, and XBP1), increased the number of mitochondria, and reduced the expression of Fis-1 and Parkin, thereby promoting metabolic homeostasis and protecting against apoptosis in equine CSSCs. Our findings demonstrate that MSCs-derived EVs represent an innovative and promising therapeutic strategy for the transfer of bioactive mediators which regulate various cellular and molecular signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna M. Meissner
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 27B, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Chmielińska
- International Institute of Translational Medicine, Jesionowa 11, Malin, 55-114 Wisznia Mala, Poland; (A.C.); (A.C.-S.)
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel;
| | - Anna Cisło-Sankowska
- International Institute of Translational Medicine, Jesionowa 11, Malin, 55-114 Wisznia Mala, Poland; (A.C.); (A.C.-S.)
| | - Krzysztof Marycz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 27B, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland;
- International Institute of Translational Medicine, Jesionowa 11, Malin, 55-114 Wisznia Mala, Poland; (A.C.); (A.C.-S.)
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95516, USA
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Zhang D, Zhang J, Li S, Dong Z, Zheng Q, Zhang J. U-NTCA: nnUNet and nested transformer with channel attention for corneal cell segmentation. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1363288. [PMID: 38601089 PMCID: PMC11005453 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1363288] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Automatic segmentation of corneal stromal cells can assist ophthalmologists to detect abnormal morphology in confocal microscopy images, thereby assessing the virus infection or conical mutation of corneas, and avoiding irreversible pathological damage. However, the corneal stromal cells often suffer from uneven illumination and disordered vascular occlusion, resulting in inaccurate segmentation. Methods In response to these challenges, this study proposes a novel approach: a nnUNet and nested Transformer-based network integrated with dual high-order channel attention, named U-NTCA. Unlike nnUNet, this architecture allows for the recursive transmission of crucial contextual features and direct interaction of features across layers to improve the accuracy of cell recognition in low-quality regions. The proposed methodology involves multiple steps. Firstly, three underlying features with the same channel number are sent into an attention channel named gnConv to facilitate higher-order interaction of local context. Secondly, we leverage different layers in U-Net to integrate Transformer nested with gnConv, and concatenate multiple Transformers to transmit multi-scale features in a bottom-up manner. We encode the downsampling features, corresponding upsampling features, and low-level feature information transmitted from lower layers to model potential correlations between features of varying sizes and resolutions. These multi-scale features play a pivotal role in refining the position information and morphological details of the current layer through recursive transmission. Results Experimental results on a clinical dataset including 136 images show that the proposed method achieves competitive performance with a Dice score of 82.72% and an AUC (Area Under Curve) of 90.92%, which are higher than the performance of nnUNet. Conclusion The experimental results indicate that our model provides a cost-effective and high-precision segmentation solution for corneal stromal cells, particularly in challenging image scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- School of Cyber Science and Engineering, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Saiqing Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhixin Dong
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qinxiang Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiong Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
- The Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, China
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Yan D, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Ouyang W. Progranulin Facilitates Corneal Repair Through Dual Mechanisms of Inflammation Suppression and Regeneration Promotion. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-01999-3. [PMID: 38460093 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-01999-3] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The cornea serves as a vital protective barrier for the eye; however, it is prone to injury and damage that can disrupt corneal epithelium and nerves, triggering inflammation. Therefore, understanding the biological effects and molecular mechanisms involved in corneal wound healing and identifying drugs targeting these pathways is crucial for researchers in this field. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of progranulin (PGRN) in treating corneal injuries. Our findings demonstrated that PGRN significantly enhanced corneal wound repair by accelerating corneal re-epithelialization and re-innervation. In vitro experiments with cultured epithelial cells and trigeminal ganglion cells further revealed that PGRN stimulated corneal epithelial cell proliferation and promoted axon growth in trigeminal ganglion cells. Through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis and other experimental techniques, we discovered that PGRN exerted its healing effects modulating Wnt signaling pathway, which played a critical role in repairing epithelial cells and promoting axon regeneration in trigeminal neurons. Importantly, our study highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of PGRN by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to decreased infiltration of macrophages. In conclusion, our findings underscored the potential of PGRN in facilitating corneal wound healing by promoting corneal epithelial cell proliferation, trigeminal ganglion cell axon regeneration, and suppressing ocular inflammation. These results suggest that PGRN could potentially expedite the healing process and improve visual outcomes in patients with corneal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunuo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuhan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weijie Ouyang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Sang T, Wang Y, Wang Z, Sun D, Dou S, Yu Y, Wang X, Zhao C, Wang Q. NEAT1 Deficiency Promotes Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing by Activating cAMP Signaling Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:10. [PMID: 38466291 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the role of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 in corneal epithelial wound healing in mice. Methods The central corneal epithelium of wild-type (WT), MALAT1 knockout (M-KO), NEAT1 knockout (N-KO), and NEAT1 knockdown (N-KD) mice was scraped to evaluate corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration rates. RNA sequencing of the corneal epithelium from WT and N-KO mice was performed 24 hours after debridement to determine the role of NEAT1. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISA were used to confirm the bioinformatic analysis. The effects of the cAMP signaling pathway were evaluated in N-KO and N-KD mice using SQ22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor. Results Central corneal epithelial debridement in N-KO mice significantly promoted epithelial and nerve regeneration rates while suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, the expression of Atp1a2, Ppp1r1b, Calm4, and Cngb1, which are key components of the cAMP signaling pathway, was upregulated in N-KO mice, indicative of its activation. Furthermore, the cAMP pathway inhibitor SQ22536 reversed the accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing in both N-KO and N-KD mice. Conclusions NEAT1 deficiency contributes to epithelial repair during corneal wound healing by activating the cAMP signaling pathway, thereby highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy for corneal epithelial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Sang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Yani Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiqing Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Di Sun
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Yaoyao Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
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10
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Surico PL, Scarabosio A, Miotti G, Grando M, Salati C, Parodi PC, Spadea L, Zeppieri M. Unlocking the versatile potential: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ocular surface reconstruction and oculoplastics. World J Stem Cells 2024; 16:89-101. [PMID: 38455097 PMCID: PMC10915950 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i2.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the versatile potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a specific focus on adipose-derived MSCs. Ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgery, encompassing diverse procedures for ocular and periocular enhancement, demands advanced solutions for tissue restoration, functional and aesthetic refinement, and aging. Investigating immunomodulatory, regenerative, and healing capacities of MSCs, this review underscores the potential use of adipose-derived MSCs as a cost-effective alternative from bench to bedside, addressing common unmet needs in the field of reconstructive and regenerative surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Luigi Surico
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Anna Scarabosio
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Miotti
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Martina Grando
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale, San Vito al Tagliamento 33078, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Pier Camillo Parodi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00142, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy.
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11
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Huang J, Jiang T, Li J, Qie J, Cheng X, Wang Y, Zhou T, Liu J, Han H, Yao K, Yu L. Biomimetic Corneal Stroma for Scarless Corneal Wound Healing via Structural Restoration and Microenvironment Modulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302889. [PMID: 37988231 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302889] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Corneal injury-induced stromal scarring causes the most common subtype of corneal blindness, and there is an unmet need to promote scarless corneal wound healing. Herein, a biomimetic corneal stroma with immunomodulatory properties is bioengineered for scarless corneal defect repair. First, a fully defined serum-free system is established to derive stromal keratocytes (hAESC-SKs) from a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-grade human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs), and RNA-seq is used to validate the phenotypic transition. Moreover, hAESC-SKs are shown to possess robust immunomodulatory properties in addition to the keratocyte phenotype. Inspired by the corneal stromal extracellular matrix (ECM), a photocurable gelatin-based hydrogel is fabricated to serve as a scaffold for hAESC-SKs for bioengineering of a biomimetic corneal stroma. The rabbit corneal defect model is used to confirm that this biomimetic corneal stroma rapidly restores the corneal structure, and effectively reshapes the tissue microenvironment via proteoglycan secretion to promote transparency and inhibition of the inflammatory cascade to alleviate fibrosis, which synergistically reduces scar formation by ≈75% in addition to promoting wound healing. Overall, the strategy proposed here provides a promising solution for scarless corneal defect repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Huang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Tuoying Jiang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jinying Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Industry, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, P. R. China
| | - Jiqiao Qie
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Cheng
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Yiyao Wang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Tinglian Zhou
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Jia Liu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Luyang Yu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection & College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
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12
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Hu J, Shen X, Kheirabadi M, Streeter MD, Qian Z, Mootha VV, Corey DR. Targeting the Expanded TCF4/Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy CUG Repeat with Morpholino Peptide Conjugates. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:42797-42802. [PMID: 38024683 PMCID: PMC10652360 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Fuchs' corneal endothelial dystrophy (FECD) is a major cause of vision loss. Corneal transplantation is the only effective curative treatment, but this surgery has limitations. A pharmacological intervention would complement surgery and be beneficial for many patients. FECD is caused by an expanded CUG repeat within intron 2 of the TCF4 RNA. Agents that recognize the expanded repeat can reverse the splicing defects associated with the disease. Successful drug development will require diverse strategies for optimizing the efficacy of anti-CUG oligomers. In this study, we evaluate anti-CUG morpholinos conjugated to cyclic cell penetrating peptides. The morpholino domain of the conjugate is complementary to the repeat, while the peptide has been optimized for import across cell membranes. We show that morpholino conjugates can enter corneal endothelial cells and block the CUG RNA foci associated with the disease. These experiments support morpholino peptide conjugates as an approach for developing anti-CUG therapies for FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Department
of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern
Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Xiulong Shen
- Entrada
Therapeutics Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
| | | | | | - Ziqing Qian
- Entrada
Therapeutics Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
| | - V. Vinod Mootha
- Department
of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical
Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- McDermott
Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - David R. Corey
- Department
of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern
Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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13
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Polopalli S, Saha A, Niri P, Kumar M, Das P, Kamboj DV, Chattopadhyay P. ROCK Inhibitors as an Alternative Therapy for Corneal Grafting: A Systematic Review. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:585-599. [PMID: 37738326 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, corneal blindness is affecting >10 million individuals worldwide, and there is a significant unmet medical need because only 1.5% of transplantation needs are met globally due to a lack of high-quality grafts. In light of this global health disaster, researchers are developing corneal substitutes that can resemble the human cornea in vivo and replace human donor tissue. Thus, this review examines ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinases) inhibitors as a potential corneal wound-healing (CWH) therapy by reviewing the existing clinical and nonclinical findings. The systematic review was done from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for CWH, corneal injury, corneal endothelial wound healing, ROCK inhibitors, Fasudil, Netarsudil, Ripasudil, Y-27632, clinical trial, clinical study, case series, case reports, preclinical study, in vivo, and in vitro studies. After removing duplicates, all downloaded articles were examined. The literature search included the data till January 2023. This review summarized the results of ROCK inhibitors in clinical and preclinical trials. In a clinical trial, various ROCK inhibitors improved CWH in individuals with open-angle glaucoma, cataract, iris cyst, ocular hypertension, and other ocular diseases. ROCK inhibitors also improved ocular wound healing by increasing cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. ROCK inhibitors have antifibrotic, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic characteristics in CWH, according to the existing research. ROCK inhibitors were effective topical treatments for corneal infections. Ripasudil, Y-27632, H-1152, Y-39983, and AMA0526 are a few new ROCK inhibitors that may help CWH and replace human donor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanyam Polopalli
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Achintya Saha
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Pakter Niri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
| | - Parikshit Das
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
| | - Dev Vrat Kamboj
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
| | - Pronobesh Chattopadhyay
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
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14
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Syed ZA, Milman T, Fertala J, Steplewski A, Fertala A. Corneal Wound Healing in the Presence of Antifibrotic Antibody Targeting Collagen Fibrillogenesis: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13438. [PMID: 37686240 PMCID: PMC10488077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713438] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly organized collagen fibrils interlacing with proteoglycans form the crucial architecture of the cornea and facilitate its transparency. Corneal scarring from accidental injury, surgery, or infection alters this highly organized tissue, causing severe consequences, including blindness. There are no pharmacological or surgical methods to effectively and safely treat excessive corneal scarring. Thus, we tested the anticorneal scarring utility of a rationally designed anticollagen antibody (ACA) whose antifibrotic effects have already been demonstrated in nonocular models. Utilizing a rabbit model with an incisional corneal wound, we analyzed ACA's effects on forming collagen and proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrices in scar neotissue. We used microscopic and spectroscopic techniques to quantify these components and measure crucial parameters characterizing the structure and organization of collagen fibrils. Moreover, we analyzed the spatial distribution of collagen and proteoglycans in normal and healing corneas. Our study demonstrated significant changes in the quality and quantity of the analyzed molecules synthesized in scar neotissue. It showed that these changes extend beyond incision margins. It also showed ACA's positive impact on some crucial parameters defining proper cornea structure. This pilot study provides a stepping stone for future tests of therapeutic approaches that target corneal extracellular scar matrix assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba A. Syed
- Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (Z.A.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Tatyana Milman
- Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (Z.A.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Jolanta Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Curtis Building, Room 501, 1015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (J.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrzej Steplewski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Curtis Building, Room 501, 1015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (J.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Curtis Building, Room 501, 1015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (J.F.); (A.S.)
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15
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Lu X, Chen Z, Lu J, Watsky M. Effects of Topical 1,25 and 24,25 Vitamin D on Diabetic, Vitamin D Deficient and Vitamin D Receptor Knockout Mouse Corneal Wound Healing. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1065. [PMID: 37509101 PMCID: PMC10377579 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071065] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Delayed or prolonged corneal wound healing and non-healing corneas put patients at risk for ocular surface infections and subsequent stromal opacification, resulting in discomfort or visual loss. It is important to enhance corneal wound healing efficiency and quality. Vitamin D (Vit D) is both a hormone and a vitamin, and its insufficiency has been linked to immune disorders and diabetes. For this study, wound healing and recruitment of CD45+ cells into the wound area of normoglycemic and diabetic mice were examined following corneal epithelial debridement and treatment with 1,25-dihyroxyvitamin D (1,25 Vit D) or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25 Vit D). Treatment with topical 1,25-dihyroxyvitamin D (1,25 Vit D) resulted in significantly increased corneal wound healing rates of normoglycemic, diabetic and diabetic Vit D deficient mice. Furthermore, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25 Vit D) significantly increased corneal wound healing of diabetic Vit D deficient and Vit D receptor knockout (VDR KO) mice. In addition, CD45+ cell numbers were reduced in diabetic and VDR KO mouse corneas compared to normoglycemic mice, and 24,25 Vit D increased the recruitment of CD45+ cells to diabetic mouse corneas after epithelial debridement. CD45+ cells were found to infiltrate into the corneal basal epithelial layer after corneal epithelial debridement. Our data indicate that topical Vit D promotes corneal wound healing and further supports previous work that the Vit D corneal wound healing effect is not totally VDR-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mitchell Watsky
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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16
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Hu J, Gong X, Johnson ST, Corey DR, Mootha VV. The TCF4 Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion of Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: Implications for the Anterior Segment of the Eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:16. [PMID: 37204786 PMCID: PMC10204776 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.5.16] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the United States, 70% of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) cases are caused by an intronic trinucleotide repeat expansion in the TCF4 gene. CUG repeat RNA transcripts from this expansion accumulate as nuclear foci in the corneal endothelium. In this study, we sought to detect foci in other anterior segment cell types and assess their molecular impact. Methods We examined CUG repeat RNA foci appearance, expression of downstream affected genes, gene splicing, and TCF4 RNA expression in corneal endothelium, corneal stromal keratocytes, corneal epithelium, trabecular meshwork cells, and lens epithelium. Results CUG repeat RNA foci, the hallmark of FECD in corneal endothelium (found in 84% of endothelial cells), are less detectable in trabecular meshwork cells (41%), much less prevalent in stromal keratocytes (11%) or corneal epithelium (4%), and absent in lens epithelium. With few exceptions including mis-splicing in the trabecular meshwork, differential gene expression and splicing changes associated with the expanded repeat in corneal endothelial cells are not observed in other cell types. Expression of the TCF4 transcripts including full-length isoforms containing the repeat sequence at the 5' end is much higher in the corneal endothelium or trabecular meshwork than in the corneal stroma or corneal epithelium. Conclusions Expression of the CUG repeat containing TCF4 transcripts is higher in the corneal endothelium, likely contributing to foci formation and the large molecular and pathologic impact on those cells. Further studies are warranted to examine any glaucoma risk and impact of the observed foci in the trabecular meshwork of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Xin Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Samantha T. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - David R. Corey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - V. Vinod Mootha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
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17
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Nicholas SE, Choi AJ, Lam TN, Basu SK, Mandal N, Karamichos D. Potentiation of Sphingolipids and TGF-β in the human corneal stroma reveals intricate signaling pathway crosstalks. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109487. [PMID: 37084874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Corneal haze brought on by fibrosis due to insult can lead to partial or complete vision loss. Currently, corneal transplantation is the gold standard for treating severe corneal fibrosis, which comes with the risk of rejection and the issue of donor tissue shortages. Sphingolipids (SPLs) are known to be associated with fibrosis in various tissues and organs, including the cornea. We previously reported that SPLs are tightly related to Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) signaling and corneal fibrogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the interplay of SPLs, specifically sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling, and its' interactions with TGF-β signaling through detailed analyses of the corresponding downstream signaling targets in the context of corneal fibrosis, in vitro. Healthy human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were isolated, plated on polycarbonate membranes, and stimulated with a stable Vitamin C derivative. The 3D constructs were treated with either 5 μM sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), 5 μM SPHK I2 (I2; inhibitor of sphingosine kinase 1, one of the two enzymes responsible for generating S1P in mammalian cells), 0.1 ng/mL TGF-β1, or 0.1 ng/mL TGF-β3. Cultures with control medium-only served as controls. All 3D constructs were examined for protein expression of fibrotic markers, SPLs, TGF-βs, and relevant downstream signaling pathways. This data revealed no significant changes in any LTBP (latent TGF-β binding proteins) expression when stimulated with S1P or I2. However, LTBP1 was significantly upregulated via stimulation of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3, whereas LTBP2 was significantly upregulated only with TGF-β3 stimulation. Significant downregulation of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) following S1P stimulation but significant upregulation following I2 stimulation was observed. Following TGF-β1, S1P, and I2 stimulation, phospho-SMAD2 (pSMAD2) was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, I2 stimulation led to significant downregulation of SMAD4. Adhesion/proliferation/transcription regulation targets, SRC, FAK, and pERK 1/2 were all significantly downregulated by exogenous S1P, whereas I2 only significantly downregulated FAK. Exogenous TGF-β3 caused significant upregulation of AKT. Interestingly, both I2 and TGF-β3 caused significant downregulation of JNK expression. Lastly, TGF-β1 led to significant upregulation of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), whereas TGF-β3 caused significant upregulation of only SphK1. Together with previously published work from our group and others, S1P inhibition exhibits great potential as an efficacious anti-fibrotic modality in human corneal stromal ECM. The current findings shed further light on a very complex and rather incompletely investigated mechanism, and cement the intricate crosstalk between SPLs and TGF-β in corneal fibrogenesis. Future studies will dictate the potential of utilizing SPLs/TGF-β signaling modulators as novel therapeutics in corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Nicholas
- 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 HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Alexander J Choi
- 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 HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Thi N Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Sandip K Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee HSC, Memphis, TN, 38163, 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 HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas HSC, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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18
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Luo G, Xu W, Chen X, Xu W, Yang S, Wang J, Lin Y, Reinach PS, Yan D. The RNA m5C Methylase NSUN2 Modulates Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:5. [PMID: 36862118 PMCID: PMC9983701 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The emerging epitranscriptomics offers insights into the physiopathological roles of various RNA modifications. The RNA methylase NOP2/Sun domain family member 2 (NSUN2) catalyzes 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification of mRNAs. However, the role of NSUN2 in corneal epithelial wound healing (CEWH) remains unknown. Here we describe the functional mechanisms of NSUN2 in mediating CEWH. Methods RT-qPCR, Western blot, dot blot, and ELISA were used to determine the NSUN2 expression and overall RNA m5C level during CEWH. NSUN2 silencing or overexpression was performed to explore its involvement in CEWH both in vivo and in vitro. Multi-omics was integrated to reveal the downstream target of NSUN2. MeRIP-qPCR, RIP-qPCR, and luciferase assay, as well as in vivo and in vitro functional assays, clarified the molecular mechanism of NSUN2 in CEWH. Results The NSUN2 expression and RNA m5C level increased significantly during CEWH. NSUN2 knockdown significantly delayed CEWH in vivo and inhibited human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) proliferation and migration in vitro, whereas NSUN2 overexpression prominently enhanced HCEC proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, we found that NSUN2 increased ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) translation through the binding of RNA m5C reader Aly/REF export factor. Accordingly, UHRF1 knockdown significantly delayed CEWH in vivo and inhibited HCEC proliferation and migration in vitro. Furthermore, UHRF1 overexpression effectively rescued the inhibitory effect of NSUN2 silencing on HCEC proliferation and migration. Conclusions NSUN2-mediated m5C modification of UHRF1 mRNA modulates CEWH. This finding highlights the critical importance of this novel epitranscriptomic mechanism in control of CEWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangying Luo
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiwei Xu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenji Xu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Lin
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peter S. Reinach
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Yan
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Liu R, Li J, Guo Z, Chu D, Li C, Shi L, Zhang J, Zhu L, Li Z. Celastrol Alleviates Corneal Stromal Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3-YAP/TAZ Signaling After Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:9. [PMID: 36867128 PMCID: PMC9988716 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.3.9] [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: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of celastrol (CEL) on corneal stromal fibrosis after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and its associated mechanism. Methods Rabbit corneal fibroblasts (RCFs) were isolated, cultured, and identified. A CEL-loaded positive nanomedicine (CPNM) was developed to enhance corneal penetration. CCK-8 and scratch assays were performed to evaluate cytotoxicity and the effects of CEL on the migration of RCFs. The RCFs were activated by TGF-β1 with or without CEL treatment, and then the protein expression levels of TGFβRII, Smad2/3, YAP, TAZ, TEAD1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, FN, and COLI were assessed by immunofluorescence or Western blotting (WB). An in vivo DSEK model was established in New Zealand White rabbits. The corneas were stained using H&E, YAP, TAZ, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, TGFβRII, Masson, and COLI. H&E staining of the eyeball was performed to assess the tissue toxicity of CEL at 8 weeks after DSEK. Results In vitro CEL treatment inhibited the proliferation and migration of RCFs induced by TGF-β1. Immunofluorescence and WB showed that CEL significantly inhibited the protein expression of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, YAP, TAZ, TEAD1, α-SMA, TGF-βRII, FN, and COL1 induced by TGF-β1 in RCFs. In the rabbit DSEK model, CEL significantly reduced the levels of YAP, TAZ, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, TGFβRII, and collagen. No obvious tissue toxicity was observed in the CPNM group. Conclusions CEL effectively inhibited corneal stromal fibrosis after DSEK. The TGF-β1/Smad2/3-YAP/TAZ pathway may be involved in the mechanism by which CEL alleviates corneal fibrosis. The CPNM is a safe and effective treatment strategy for corneal stromal fibrosis after DSEK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixing Liu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingguo Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Guo
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dandan Chu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liuqi Shi
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanrong Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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20
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Zhou J, Ding Y, Zhang Y, Zheng D, Yan L, Guo M, Mao Y, Yang L. Exosomes from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells facilitate corneal wound healing via regulating the p44/42 MAPK pathway. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:723-734. [PMID: 36576571 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05956-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was aimed at exploring the function of Exosomes isolated from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exos) in corneal wound healing and at revealing the underlying mechanisms involving the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. METHODS The isolated BMSC-Exos were identified by transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. After coculture with BMSC-Exos, the proliferation and migration of human corneal epithelial cells (HCEs) were evaluated. The protein expression of p-MEK/MEK and p44/42 MAPK was detected by Western blot. A mouse model of alkali-burned cornea was established via NaOH exposure. After injection with BMSC-Exos, the pathological changes and expression of α-SMA (a fibrosis marker) and CD31 (a vascularization marker) in corneal tissues were detected. RESULTS BMSC-Exos enhanced the proliferation and migration of HCEs in a dose-dependent manner. The p44/42 MAPK pathway was activated by the treatment of BMSC-Exos, and its blocking using U0126 partially abrogated the effects of BMSC-Exos on promoting the proliferation and migration of HCEs. In vivo, the injection of BMSC-Exos facilitated the remission of the pathological changes (inflammation) and weakened the upregulation of α-SMA (fibrosis) and CD31 (vascularization) in corneal tissues of mice with alkali-burn injury. CONCLUSION BMSC-Exos promoted the proliferation and migration of HCEs via activating the p44/42 MAPK pathway in vitro and also inhibited alkali burn-induced inflammation, fibrosis, and vascularization in corneal tissues in vivo. BMSC-Exos may be promising resources for promoting corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No. 9, Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, 510623, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, 510515, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children's Hospital East Branch, Beijing City, 100002, China
| | - Dehui Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No. 9, Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, 510623, China
| | - Lifeng Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No. 9, Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, 510623, China
| | - Mengxiang Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No. 9, Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, 510623, China
| | - Yani Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No. 9, Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, 510623, China
| | - Lihong Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No. 9, Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, 510623, China
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21
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Abdi B, Mofidfar M, Hassanpour F, Kirbas Cilingir E, Kalajahi SK, Milani PH, Ghanbarzadeh M, Fadel D, Barnett M, Ta CN, Leblanc RM, Chauhan A, Abbasi F. Therapeutic contact lenses for the treatment of corneal and ocular surface diseases: advances in extended and targeted drug delivery. Int J Pharm 2023; 638:122740. [PMID: 36804524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122740] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
The eye is one of the most important organs in the human body providing critical information on the environment. Many corneal diseases can lead to vision loss affecting the lives of people around the world. Ophthalmic drug delivery has always been a major challenge in the medical sciences. Since traditional methods are less efficient (∼ 5%) at delivering drugs to ocular tissues, contact lenses have generated growing interest in ocular drug delivery due to their potential to enhance drug bioavailability in ocular tissues. The main techniques used to achieve sustained release are discussed in this review, including soaking in drug solutions, incorporating drug into multilayered contact lenses, use of vitamin E barriers, molecular imprinting, nanoparticles, micelles and liposomes. The most clinically relevant results on different eye pathologies are presented. In addition, this review summarizes the benefits of contact lenses over eye drops, strategies for incorporating drugs into lenses to achieve sustained release, results of in vitro and in vivo studies, and the recent advances in the commercialization of therapeutic contact lenses for allergic conjunctivitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Abdi
- Institute of Polymeric Materials (IPM), Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mofidfar
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Fatemeh Hassanpour
- Institute of Polymeric Materials (IPM), Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Sepideh K Kalajahi
- Institute of Polymeric Materials (IPM), Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Paria H Milani
- Institute of Polymeric Materials (IPM), Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ghanbarzadeh
- Institute of Polymeric Materials (IPM), Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Daddi Fadel
- Center for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Barnett
- University of California, Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Christopher N Ta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - Anuj Chauhan
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, CO, USA.
| | - Farhang Abbasi
- Institute of Polymeric Materials (IPM), Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Polymer Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, New Town of Sahand, Tabriz, Iran.
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22
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Aydoğan S, Erol H, Baran M. Effects of ozone therapy on acidic corneal burns in rats. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2023; 14:195-199. [PMID: 37181857 PMCID: PMC10170467 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2022.551199.3432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In the present study the effect of ozone therapy on hydrofluoric acid (HFA) related eye burn was investigated in rats. A Total 20 healthy male Wistar albino rats (weighing 250 - 300 g with the age of 16 weeks) were used. They were divided into groups (experimental and control groups) of 10 rats being housed individually and fed ad libitum. The HFA (2.00%) burn was created in all animals. The ozonized (20.00 µg O3 mL-1) bi-distilled water was applied as a drop (10.00 µL each drop) every 8 hr for 7 days in the experimental group. At the same time, 0.90% NaCl was applied as drop (10.00 µL each drop) every 8 hr for 7 days in the control group. In the experimental group, intensive inflammation, angiogenesis, epithelial damage and stromal edema were detected in one animal. Epithelial vascularization and stromal edema were seen in four animals. In control group, only two animals' corneal structures were normal. Inflammation, angiogenesis, epithelial damage, fibrosis, epithelial vascularization and stromal edema were detected in the rest. As a result of this study, it was observed that local usage of ozone therapy had a positive effect on the healing of corneal burns caused by HFA. It was concluded that more ozone-related studies should be done to enlighten the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Aydoğan
- Veterinary Surgeon, FourVet Veterinary Clinic, Kayseri, Türkiye;
| | - Hanifi Erol
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Türkiye;
- Correspondence Hanifi Erol. DVM, PhD Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Türkiye E-mail:
| | - Münevver Baran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Türkiye.
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23
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Zhang X, Dai J, Lin Y, Su H, Luo X. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSC) Homing with Chemotaxis Transplantation of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1a Promotes the Corneal Damage Repair. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2023.3215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) homing with chemotaxis transplantation of SDF-1a on the repair of corneal damage. The SDF-1a with varied concentration was added. They were divided into A group, B group, C group, D group and control group followed
by analysis of corneal cell survival by MTT, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and Trkb level by immunohistochemical staining. There was an increasing tendency on the quantity of chemotactic cells (P <0.05) with a highest quantity in C group. The recruitment of BMSC could be prompted
by SDF-1a and the chemotactic effect was the best when SDF-1a concentration was 100 ng/ml. The survival rate and Trkb protein level in experimental groups was higher than that in control group with highest survival rate and Trkb level in C group. In conclusion, corneal injury repair is prompted
by BMSC homing with chemotaxis transplantation of SDF-1a, indicating that it might be used as a novel approach to promote corneal injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Department of Optometry, Liuzhou Workers’ Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, 545000, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Liuzhou Workers’ Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, 545000, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Optometry, Liuzhou Workers’ Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, 545000, China
| | - Huanjun Su
- Department of Optometry, Liuzhou Workers’ Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, 545000, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Optometry, Liuzhou Workers’ Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, 545000, China
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24
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Romanov YA. [Corneal regeneration: is there a place for tissues of perinatal origin?]. Vestn Oftalmol 2023; 139:121-128. [PMID: 37942606 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2023139051121] [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: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The article reviews the main properties of the cornea and the mechanisms of its physiological regeneration and repair in response to damage and describes the most promising methods of treatment aimed at stimulating limbal stem cells and based on the use of native tissues of perinatal origin, umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells, and cell-free therapeutic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu A Romanov
- National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named After Academician E.I. Chazov, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Gautier B, Meneux L, Feret N, Audrain C, Hudecek L, Kuony A, Bourdon A, Le Guiner C, Blouin V, Delettre C, Michon F. AAV2/9-mediated gene transfer into murine lacrimal gland leads to a long-term targeted tear film modification. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:1-16. [PMID: 36156877 PMCID: PMC9463184 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is the fourth leading cause of blindness worldwide. Since corneal epithelium is constantly renewed, non-integrative gene transfer cannot be used to treat corneal diseases. In many of these diseases, the tear film is defective. Tears are a complex biological fluid secreted by the lacrimal apparatus. Their composition is modulated according to the context. After a corneal wound, the lacrimal gland secretes reflex tears, which contain growth factors supporting the wound healing process. In various pathological contexts, the tear composition can support neither corneal homeostasis nor wound healing. Here, we propose to use the lacrimal gland as bioreactor to produce and secrete specific factors supporting corneal physiology. In this study, we use an AAV2/9-mediated gene transfer to supplement the tear film. First, we demonstrate that a single injection of AAV2/9 is sufficient to transduce all epithelial cell types of the lacrimal gland efficiently and widely. Second, we detect no adverse effect after AAV2/9-mediated nerve growth factor expression in the lacrimal gland. Only a transitory increase in tear flow is measured. Remarkably, AAV2/9 induces an important and long-lasting secretion of this growth factor in the tear film. Altogether, our findings provide a new clinically applicable approach to tackle corneal blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Gautier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Corresponding author Benoit Gautier, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Léna Meneux
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nadège Feret
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Audrain
- TarGeT, Nantes University, INSERM UMR 1089, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Laetitia Hudecek
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- MRI, Biocampus, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Alison Kuony
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Cell Adhesion and Mechanics Lab, Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Bourdon
- INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Véronique Blouin
- INSERM UMR 1089, Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Cécile Delettre
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Michon
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Corresponding author Frédéric Michon, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
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26
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Liang W, Ma JX, Van L, Vasini B, Karamichos D. Prolactin-Induced Protein facilitates corneal wound healing. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109300. [PMID: 36328302 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of Prolactin-Induced Protein (PIP) in corneal wound healing, in vivo and in vitro. In C57BL/6J mice, corneal epithelia was removed using an ocular burr. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PIP (0.5 and 1.0 μg/mL) was applied topically or subconjunctivally injected. PIP accelerated wound closure as early as 24 h. PIP treatment promoted corneal wound healing and epithelial integrity and thickness. Integrin α6, integrin β4, Thrombospondin-1, and TGF-β1 expressions were all downregulated by PIP after wound closure. In vitro, scratch assays were performed using primary human epithelial cells (HCECs) and human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs), stimulated with PIP at various dosages. PIP treatment promoted both HCECs and HCFs migration. PIP upregulated expression of integrin α6, integrin β4, and Thrombospondin-1 in HCECs. Expression of TGF-β1 in HCECs and expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and Type III Collagen (Col III) in HCFs were significantly downregulated at 150 ng/mL PIP. PIP exhibits noteworthy anti-fibrotic potentiality. While the mechanism of how PIP is impactful on the corneal wound healing cascade is unknown, our findings are novel and further studies are warranted in order to unravel any therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lyly Van
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Brenda Vasini
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
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27
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Abd Rashid N, Mohammed SNF, Syed Abd Halim SA, Ghafar NA, Abdul Jalil NA. Therapeutic Potential of Honey and Propolis on Ocular Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1419. [PMID: 36422549 PMCID: PMC9696375 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey and propolis have recently become the key target of attention for treating certain diseases and promoting overall health and well-being. A high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids found in both honey and propolis contributes to the antioxidant properties to scavenge free radicals. Honey and propolis also exhibited antibacterial effects where they act in two ways, namely the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acids following the enzymatic activities of glucose oxidase, which exerts oxidative damage on the bacteria. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of honey and propolis are mainly by reducing proinflammatory factors such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Their effects on pain were discovered through modulation at a peripheral nociceptive neuron or binding to an opioid receptor in the higher center. The aforementioned properties of honey have been reported to possess potential therapeutic topical application on the exterior parts of the eyes, particularly in treating conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and corneal injury. In contrast, most of the medicinal values of propolis are beneficial in the internal ocular area, such as the retina, optic nerve, and uvea. This review aims to update the current discoveries of honey and propolis in treating various ocular diseases, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-nociceptive properties. In conclusion, research has shown that propolis and honey have considerable therapeutic promise for treating various eye illnesses, although the present study designs are primarily animal and in vitro studies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to translate this finding into a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norhashima Abd Rashid
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya 47301, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nur Farhana Mohammed
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | | | - Norzana Abd Ghafar
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Nahdia Afiifah Abdul Jalil
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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28
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Hefley BS, Deighan C, Vasini B, Khan A, Hjortdal J, Riaz KM, Liu Y, Karamichos D. Revealing the presence of tear extracellular vesicles in Keratoconus. Exp Eye Res 2022; 224:109242. [PMID: 36084727 PMCID: PMC10159047 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound vesicles that originate from the endosomal system or budded off from the plasma membrane. EVs are involved in cell-cell communication via transporting DNA, RNA, and proteins from one cell to another. Tear EVs (tEVs) have been reported in dry eye, Sjӧgren's Syndrome, and primary open-angle glaucoma. In this study, we sought to investigate the presence of tEVs in relation to keratoconus (KC). Tears were passively collected from the lateral meniscus from 10 healthy (5 males and 5 females) and 9 KC (4 males and 5 females) subjects. Tear samples were processed and analyzed using the ExoView™ R100. Statistical analysis was performed using a Mann-Whitney U non-parametric Student's t-test. All tEVs, in both Healthy and KC subjects, showed a CD9+ dominant tEV cohort independent of sex. A significant decrease in CD63+/CD9+ and CD63+/CD81+/CD9+ was found in the male KC tEVs (p < 0.05), but not in females compared to their healthy counterparts. Neither Healthy nor KC tEVs showed differences in the total number of tEVs, however significant differences were identified between the sexes (p < 0.05), with males having a higher number of tEVs. tEVs diameters ranged from 50 to 200 nm, in both Healthy and KC cohorts, with the majority in the 50-80 nm range suggesting exosome-dominant cohorts. To our knowledge, this is the first time, to date, that tEVs have been isolated and characterized in KCs. While further studies are warranted, the tEVs differences between KC and Healthy subjects suggest a potential role for tEVs in KC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna S Hefley
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | | | - Brenda Vasini
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Asher Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 167, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Kamran M Riaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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29
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Kim DH, Lee H, Hwangbo H, Kim SY, Ji SY, Kim MY, Park SK, Park SH, Kim MY, Kim GY, Cheong J, Nam SW, Choi YH. Particulate matter 2.5 promotes inflammation and cellular dysfunction via reactive oxygen species/p38 MAPK pathway in primary rat corneal epithelial cells. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2022; 41:273-284. [PMID: 36097682 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2022.2122489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Numerous studies have linked particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) to ocular surface diseases, but few studies have been conducted on the biological effect of PM2.5 on the cornea. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the harmful effect of PM2.5 on primary rat corneal epithelial cells (RCECs) in vitro and identify the toxic mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary cultured RCECs were characterized by pan-cytokeratin (CK) staining. In PM2.5-exposed RCECs, cell viability, microarray gene expression, inflammatory cytokine levels, mitochondrial damage, DNA double-strand break and signaling pathway were investigated. RESULTS Exposure to PM2.5 induced cytotoxicity and morphological changes in RCECs. In addition, PM2.5 markedly up-regulated pro-inflammatory mediators but down-regulated the wound healing-related transforming growth factor-β. Furthermore, PM2.5 promoted mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mediated cellular damage to mitochondria and DNA, whereas these cellular alterations induced by PM2.5 were markedly suppressed by a potential ROS scavenger. Noteworthy, removal of ROS selectively down-regulated the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in PM2.5-stimulated cells. Additionally, SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, markedly suppressed these PM2.5-mediated cellular dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings show that PM2.5 can promote the ROS/p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and lead to mitochondrial damage and DNA double-strand break, which is ultimately caused inflammation and cytotoxicity in RCECs. These findings indicate that the ROS/p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway is one mechanism involved in PM2.5-induced ocular surface disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Hye Kim
- Anti-Aging Research Center, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Biology, xxxx, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Lee
- Anti-Aging Research Center, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, xxxx, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Hwangbo
- Anti-Aging Research Center, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, xxxx, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Kim
- Anti-Aging Research Center, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, xxxx, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Ji
- Anti-Aging Research Center, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, xxxx, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Yeong Kim
- Anti-Aging Research Center, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, xxxx, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Seh-Kwang Park
- Research and Development Department, xxxx., Busan 47195, Republic of Korea.,xxxx, Seoul 05551, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Park
- Research and Development Department, xxxx., Busan 47195, Republic of Korea.,xxxx, Seoul 05551, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Research and Development Department, xxxx., Busan 47195, Republic of Korea.,xxxx, Seoul 05551, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Department of Marine Life Science, xxxx, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehun Cheong
- Department of Molecular Biology, xxxx, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Wan Nam
- Department of Smart Bio-Health, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology Major, Division of Applied Bioengineering, College of Engineering, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Anti-Aging Research Center, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, xxxx, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea.,Department of Smart Bio-Health, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea.,Core-Facility Center for Tissue Regeneration, xxxx, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
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30
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Tavakkoli F, Damala M, Koduri MA, Gangadharan A, Rai AK, Dash D, Basu S, Singh V. Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Limbus-Derived Stromal/Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Novel Mechanistic Insights into the Pathways Involved in Corneal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158226. [PMID: 35897793 PMCID: PMC9368612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbus-derived stromal/mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) are vital for corneal homeostasis and wound healing. However, despite multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies reporting the potency of LMSCs in avoiding inflammation and scarring during corneal wound healing, the molecular basis for the ability of LMSCs remains unknown. This study aimed to uncover the factors and pathways involved in LMSC-mediated corneal wound healing by employing RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) in human LMSCs for the first time. We characterized the cultured LMSCs at the stages of initiation (LMSC−P0) and pure population (LMSC−P3) and subjected them to RNA-Seq to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in comparison to native limbus and cornea, and scleral tissues. Of the 28,000 genes detected, 7800 DEGs were subjected to pathway-specific enrichment Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. These DEGs were involved in Wnt, TGF-β signaling pathways, and 16 other biological processes, including apoptosis, cell motility, tissue remodeling, and stem cell maintenance, etc. Two hundred fifty-four genes were related to wound healing pathways. COL5A1 (11.81 ± 0.48) and TIMP1 (20.44 ± 0.94) genes were exclusively up-regulated in LMSC−P3. Our findings provide new insights involved in LMSC-mediated corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Tavakkoli
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Center for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India;
| | - Mukesh Damala
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Madhuri Amulya Koduri
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Abhilash Gangadharan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road Campus, New Delhi 110025, India; (A.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Amit K. Rai
- Center for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India;
| | - Debasis Dash
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road Campus, New Delhi 110025, India; (A.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Sayan Basu
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India
| | - Vivek Singh
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-40-6810-2286
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31
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Xu J, Chen P, Luan X, Yuan X, Wei S, Li Y, Guo C, Wu X, Di G. The NLRP3 Activation in Infiltrating Macrophages Contributes to Corneal Fibrosis by Inducing TGF-β1 Expression in the Corneal Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:15. [PMID: 35838447 PMCID: PMC9296889 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.8.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the effect and mechanism of NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes on corneal fibrosis. Methods The wild-type, NLRP3 knockout (KO), and myeloid cell-specific NLRP3 KO (NLRP3 Lyz-KO) C57 mice were used to establish a corneal scarring model. NLRP3 inhibitor, IL-1β neutralizing antibody, and an IL-1R antagonist were used to investigate the role of NLRP3 and IL-1β in corneal fibrosis. The expression of the NLRP3 signaling pathway related proteins, alpha-smooth muscle actin, TGF-β was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect the infiltration of macrophages during corneal fibrosis. Results The components of the NLRP3 inflammasomes were elevated and activated during corneal scarring. Additionally, genetic or chemical-mediated blocking of NLRP3 as well as IL-1β significantly alleviated corneal fibrosis. Moreover, neutrophil (CD45+Ly6G+) and macrophage (CD45+ F4/80+) accumulation increased in the cornea during the progression of corneal fibrosis. Intriguingly, the increased concentrations of NLRP3 and IL-1β were prominently colocalized with the infiltrating F4/80+ macrophages. Expectedly, NLRP3 Lyz-KO mice exhibited a marked decrease in their corneal fibrosis symptoms. Mechanistically, the activation of IL-1β or macrophage NLRP3 stimulated the expression of TGF-β1 in the corneal epithelial cells, whereas an NLRP3 deficiency decreased its expression in the corneal epithelium. Conclusions These observations revealed that the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in infiltrating macrophages contributes to corneal fibrosis by regulating corneal epithelial TGF-β1 expression. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome might be a promising strategy for the treatment of corneal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoyu Luan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinying Yuan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Susu Wei
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yaxin Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuanlong Guo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xianggen Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohu Di
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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32
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McSwigan TM, Beck D, Farkas D. A rapid review of the red eye. JAAPA 2022; 35:40-45. [PMID: 35762955 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000832600.20016.d9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The red eye is a common presenting complaint among patients. Although assessment may seem intimidating, clinicians who are mindful of the patient's anticipated history and physical examination findings should be able to accurately diagnose and manage common conditions, identify ocular emergencies, and expedite care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M McSwigan
- Tara M. McSwigan is an assistant professor in the hybrid PA program at the University of Pittsburgh, and practices clinically at MedExpress Urgent Care in Pittsburgh, Pa. David Beck is an associate dean for interprofessional studies and chair and associate professor of the PA program at the University of Pittsburgh. Deborah Farkas is program administrator of the PA program at the University of Pittsburgh. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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33
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Corneal stromal repair and regeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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34
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Lee H, Chandrasekharan A, Seong K, Jo YJ, Park S, An S, Lee S, Kim H, Ahn H, Seo S, Lee JS, Yang SY. User‐demand fast‐curable ocular glues enforced by multilength tunable networks. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10323. [PMID: 36176623 PMCID: PMC9472003 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeseon Lee
- Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 Four Program) Life and Industry Convergence Institute, Pusan National University Miryang Republic of Korea
| | - Ajeesh Chandrasekharan
- Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 Four Program) Life and Industry Convergence Institute, Pusan National University Miryang Republic of Korea
| | - Keum‐Yong Seong
- Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 Four Program) Life and Industry Convergence Institute, Pusan National University Miryang Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ji Jo
- Department of Ophthalmology Pusan National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital Busan Republic of Korea
| | - Samdae Park
- SNvia Co., Ltd. Hyowon Industry‐Cooperation Building., Pusan National University Busan Republic of Korea
| | - Seonyeong An
- Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 Four Program) Life and Industry Convergence Institute, Pusan National University Miryang Republic of Korea
| | - Seungsoo Lee
- SNvia Co., Ltd. Hyowon Industry‐Cooperation Building., Pusan National University Busan Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeji Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Kyungpook National University Daegu Republic of Korea
- Industrial Technology Convergence Center Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, POSTECH Pohang Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungju Ahn
- Industrial Technology Convergence Center Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, POSTECH Pohang Republic of Korea
| | - Sungbaek Seo
- Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 Four Program) Life and Industry Convergence Institute, Pusan National University Miryang Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Soo Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology Pusan National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital Busan Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yun Yang
- Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 Four Program) Life and Industry Convergence Institute, Pusan National University Miryang Republic of Korea
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35
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Sang S, Yan Y, Shen Z, Cao Y, Duan Q, He M, Zhang Q. Photo-crosslinked hydrogels for tissue engineering of corneal epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2022; 218:109027. [PMID: 35276182 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of patients with corneal blindness cannot recover their vision due to the serious shortage of donor cornea. However, the technology to construct a feasible corneal substitute is a promising treatment method for corneal blindness. In this paper, methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)-methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) double network (GHDN) hydrogels were prepared by modifying gelatin and hyaluronic acid with methacrylate anhydride (MA). GHDN hydrogel was compared with GelMA single network and HAMA single network hydrogels through characterization experiments of mechanical properties, optical properties, hydrophilicity and in-situ degradation in vitro. At the same time, the biocompatibility of hydrogel was tested by inoculating rabbit corneal epithelial cells (CEpCs) epidermal cells on hydrogels using CCK-8 test, live/dead staining, immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR. It was found that the GHDN hydrogel has optical transparency in the visible region, and its mechanical properties are better than those of GelMA and HAMA hydrogels, and its hydrophilicity is similar to that of normal human corneas. The results of in vitro hydrogel culture of CEpCs showed that the proliferation of CEpCs on GHDN hydrogel was two times higher than that of HAMA hydrogel, and the expression of specific marker Cytokeratin 3 (CK3) and Cytokeratin 12 (CK12) could be better maintained on GHDN hydrogel. All the experimental results proved that GHDN hydrogel has good physical properties and biocompatibility and is a potential candidate for corneal tissue engineering scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Sang
- Micro Nano System Research Center, College of Information and Computer & Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Yayun Yan
- Micro Nano System Research Center, College of Information and Computer & Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Zhizhong Shen
- Micro Nano System Research Center, College of Information and Computer & Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Yanyan Cao
- Micro Nano System Research Center, College of Information and Computer & Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China; College of Information Science and Engineering, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, China
| | - Qianqian Duan
- Micro Nano System Research Center, College of Information and Computer & Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Min He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Micro Nano System Research Center, College of Information and Computer & Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of the Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China.
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Wang M, Hu J, Qu J, Huang H, Zhang J, Zhang J, Li H, Cui X, Zhang F, Hu MY, Li J, Hu Y. The Therapeutic Roles of Recombinant Hsp90α on Cornea Epithelial Injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:30. [PMID: 35201262 PMCID: PMC8883155 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.2.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic role of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in wound healing of injury cornea epithelium. Methods The right eye of C57BL/6N male mice were performed the debridement wounds in the center of the cornea using an algerbrush II blade. The injured area was determined by staining the cornea with fluorescein sodium and measured with image-J. Immunoblotting, ELISA and immunochemistry were used for determining protein expression. The quantitation PCR was performed to measure mRNA expression. Results Hsp90α is upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels, and is secreted extracellularly into the corneal stroma and tear film during the healing process after corneal injury in mice. This upregulation is associated with activation of HSF1. Administration of recombinant exogenous Hsp90α (eHsp90α) speeds up wound healing of injured corneal epithelium. The eHsp90α binds to low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-related protein-1 (LRP-1) on the corneal epithelial cells and increases phosphorylation of AKT at S473, which is associated with proliferation and migration corneal epithelial cells in vitro or vivo. Inhibition of AKT by its inhibitor LY294002 abolishes eHsp90α-induced migration and proliferation of corneal epithelial cells. Conclusions Hsp90α is upregulated and secreted after corneal injury and acts to promote the healing process. Recombinant Hsp90α may be a promising therapeutic drug candidate for corneal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Wang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Kaifeng Key Laboratory for Cataract and Myopia, Institute of Eye Disease, Kaifeng Central Hospital, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jialin Hu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Junwei Qu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Huili Huang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Hui Li
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiukun Cui
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Fengyan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Yue Hu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jing Li
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yanzhong Hu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Kaifeng Key Laboratory for Cataract and Myopia, Institute of Eye Disease, Kaifeng Central Hospital, Kaifeng, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Kempuraj D, Mohan RR. Autophagy in Extracellular Matrix and Wound Healing Modulation in the Cornea. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020339. [PMID: 35203548 PMCID: PMC8961790 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a robust cellular mechanism for disposing of harmful molecules or recycling them to cells, which also regulates physiopathological processes in cornea. Dysregulated autophagy causes inefficient clearance of unwanted proteins and cellular debris, mitochondrial disorganization, defective inflammation, organ dysfunctions, cell death, and diseases. The cornea accounts for two-thirds of the refraction of light that occurs in the eyes, but is prone to trauma/injury and infection. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a noncellular dynamic macromolecular network in corneal tissues comprised of collagens, proteoglycans, elastin, fibronectin, laminins, hyaluronan, and glycoproteins. The ECM undergoes remodeling by matrix-degrading enzymes and maintains corneal transparency. Autophagy plays an important role in the ECM and wound healing maintenance. Delayed/dysregulated autophagy impacts the ECM and wound healing, and can lead to corneal dysfunction. Stromal wound healing involves responses from the corneal epithelium, basement membrane, keratocytes, the ECM, and many cytokines and chemokines, including transforming growth factor beta-1 and platelet-derived growth factor. Mild corneal injuries self-repair, but greater injuries lead to corneal haze/scars/fibrosis and vision loss due to disruptions in the ECM, autophagy, and normal wound healing processes. Presently, the precise role of autophagy and ECM remodeling in corneal wound healing is elusive. This review discusses recent trends in autophagy and ECM modulation in the context of corneal wound healing and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
- One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
- One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Correspondence:
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Advances in Regulatory Strategies of Differentiating Stem Cells towards Keratocytes. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:5403995. [PMID: 35140792 PMCID: PMC8820938 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5403995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal injury is a commonly encountered clinical problem which led to vision loss and impairment that affects millions of people worldwide. Currently, the available treatment in clinical practice is corneal transplantation, which is limited by the accessibility of donors. Corneal tissue engineering appears to be a promising alternative for corneal repair. However, current experimental strategies of corneal tissue engineering are insufficient due to inadequate differentiation of stem cell into keratocytes and thus cannot be applied in clinical practice. In this review, we aim to clarify the role and effectiveness of both biochemical factors, physical regulation, and the combination of both to induce stem cells to differentiate into keratocytes. We will also propose novel perspectives of differentiation strategy that may help to improve the efficiency of corneal tissue engineering.
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Topical Pirfenidone-Loaded Liposomes Ophthalmic Formulation Reduces Haze Development after Corneal Alkali Burn in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020316. [PMID: 35214048 PMCID: PMC8875218 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal chemical burns (CCBs) frequently result in corneal fibrosis or haze, an opacity of the cornea that obstructs vision and induces corneal blindness. Diverse strategies have been employed to prevent or reduce CCB-related corneal haze. In this study, we evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and biologic effects of a topical pirfenidone (PFD)-loaded liposomal formulation (PL) on a corneal alkali burn mice model. We found that PL was appropriate for ocular application due to its physiologic tear pH, osmolarity and viscosity suitable for topical ophthalmic use. Regarding its therapeutic activity, PL-treated mice had significantly reduced haze size and density, corneal edema, corneal thickness, and corneal inflammatory infiltration, in contrast to PFD in aqueous solution (p < 0.01). Importantly, the antifibrotic activity of PL (reduction of corneal haze) was associated with modulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and Interleukin (IL)-1β genes. PL suppressed TGF-β expression and restored normal IL-1β expression in corneal tissue more efficiently in contrast to PFD in aqueous solution. In conclusion, PFD showed essential anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in the treatment of alkali burns. Noteworthy, a new formulation of PFD-loaded liposomes remarkably improved these effects, standing out as a promising treatment for corneal haze.
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Fernandes-Cunha GM, Jeong SH, Logan CM, Le P, Mundy D, Chen F, Chen KM, Kim M, Lee GH, Na KS, Hahn SK, Myung D. Supramolecular host-guest hyaluronic acid hydrogels enhance corneal wound healing through dynamic spatiotemporal effects. Ocul Surf 2022; 23:148-161. [PMID: 34537415 PMCID: PMC10867859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe corneal wounds can lead to ulceration and scarring if not promptly and adequately treated. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been investigated for the treatment of corneal wounds due to its remarkable biocompatibility, transparency and mucoadhesive properties. However, linear HA has low retention time on the cornea while many chemical moieties used to crosslink HA can cause toxicity, which limits their clinical ocular applications. Here, we used supramolecular non-covalent host-guest interactions between HA-cyclodextrin and HA-adamantane to form shear-thinning HA hydrogels and evaluated their impact on corneal wound healing. Supramolecular HA hydrogels facilitated adhesion and spreading of encapsulated human corneal epithelial cells ex vivo and improved corneal wound healing in vivo as an in situ-formed, acellular therapeutic membrane. The HA hydrogels were absorbed within the corneal stroma over time, modulated mesenchymal cornea stromal cell secretome production, reduced cellularity and inflammation of the anterior stroma, and significantly mitigated corneal edema compared to treatment with linear HA and untreated control eyes. Taken together, our results demonstrate supramolecular HA hydrogels as a promising and versatile biomaterial platform for corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sang Hoon Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, POSTECH, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Caitlin M Logan
- Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Peter Le
- Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - David Mundy
- Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Fang Chen
- Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Karen M Chen
- Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Mungu Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, POSTECH, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon-Hui Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, POSTECH, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Na
- Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, POSTECH, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - David Myung
- Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States; VA Palo Alto HealthCare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
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Lopes AG, de Almeida GC, Miola MP, Teixeira RM, Pires FCBL, Miani RA, de Mattos LC, Brandão CC, Castiglioni L. Absence of significant genetic alterations in the VSX1, SOD1, TIMP3, and LOX genes in Brazilian patients with Keratoconus. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 43:73-79. [PMID: 34802378 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1992785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify inherited or acquired mutations in the VSX1, SOD1, TIMP3 and LOX genes from the combined analysis of corneal and blood samples from patients with Keratoconus. METHODS The casuistry was consisted of samples of peripheral blood and corneal epithelium from 35 unrelated patients with Keratoconus who were submitted to corneal crosslink treatment. Also, blood and corneal epithelium samples from 89 non-keratoconic patients were used to compose the control group. Ophthalmologic evaluations included a clinical examination, topography and tomography. DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood and from corneal epithelium in both groups and all coding regions of the VSX1, SOD1, TIMP3 and LOX genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, denatured and subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mutational screening was performed by single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS No pathogenic variant was found in all coding regions of VSX1, SOD1, TIMP3 and LOX genes, we detected only few SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms). Among the polymorphisms stand out three of them, corresponding to the synonymous exchange of amino acids: exon 3 of VSX1 Ala182Ala and exon 3 of TIMP3 His83His and Ser87Ser; in patients with Keratoconus and also in control subjects. All the polymorphisms were found in samples of corneal epithelium and corresponding blood. CONCLUSION There is absence of KC pathogenic related to mutations in the VSX1, SOD1, TIMP3 and LOX genes in the studied patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Garcia Lopes
- Biology Department, Instituto De Biociências, Letras E, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio De Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade De Medicina De São José Do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gildásio Castello de Almeida
- Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic, Hospital De Base Da Fundação Faculdade Regional De Medicina (HB-, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Paulo Miola
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade De Medicina De São José Do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronan Marques Teixeira
- Biology Department, Instituto De Biociências, Letras E, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio De Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Carlos de Mattos
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade De Medicina De São José Do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cinara Cássia Brandão
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Molecular Biology Department, Faculdade De Medicina De São José Do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian Castiglioni
- Biology Department, Instituto De Biociências, Letras E, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio De Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Epidemiology and Collective Health, Faculdade De Medicina De São José Do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ma SX, Guo XL. Two transition metal phosphonate coordination polymers: application and nursing values on corneal disease during soft contact lenses usage. INORG NANO-MET CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24701556.2021.1992428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Xiang Ma
- Ophthalmology Department, The Second People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Guo
- Community Development, Qilu Children’s Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Phillips AT, Boumil EF, Castro N, Venkatesan A, Gallo E, Adams JJ, Sidhu SS, Bernstein AM. USP10 Promotes Fibronectin Recycling, Secretion, and Organization. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:15. [PMID: 34665194 PMCID: PMC8543399 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Integrins play a central role in myofibroblast pathological adhesion, over-contraction, and TGFβ activation. Previously, we demonstrated that after corneal wounding, αv integrins are protected from intracellular degradation by upregulation of the deubiquitinase USP10, leading to cell-surface integrin accumulation. Because integrins bind to and internalize extracellular matrix (ECM), we tested whether extracellular fibronectin (FN) accumulation can result from an increase in integrin and matrix recycling in primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs). Methods Primary HCFs were isolated from cadaver eyes. HCFs were transfected with either USP10 cDNA or control cDNA by nucleofection. Internalized FN was quantified with a FN ELISA. Recycled extracellular integrin and FN were detected with streptavidin-488 by live cell confocal microscopy (Zeiss LSM 780). Endogenous FN extra domain A was detected by immunocytochemistry. Cell size and removal of FN from the cell surface was determined by flow cytometry. Results USP10 overexpression increased α5β1 (1.9-fold; P < 0.001) and αv (1.7-fold; P < 0.05) integrin recycling, with a concomitant increase in biotinylated FN internalization (2.1-fold; P < 0.05) and recycling over 4 days (1.7–2.2-fold; P < 0.05). The dependence of FN recycling on integrins was demonstrated by α5β1 and αv integrin blocking antibodies, which, compared with control IgG, decreased biotinylated FN recycling (62% and 84%, respectively; P < 0.05). Overall, we established that extracellular FN was composed of approximately 1/3 recycled biotinylated FN and 2/3 endogenously secreted FN. Conclusions Our data suggest that reduced integrin degradation with a subsequent increase in integrin/FN recycling after wounding may be a newly identified mechanism for the characteristic accumulation of ECM in corneal scar tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Phillips
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Edward F Boumil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Nileyma Castro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States.,Syracuse VA Medical Center, New York VA Health Care, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Arunkumar Venkatesan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Eugenio Gallo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jarrett J Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Audrey M Bernstein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States.,Syracuse VA Medical Center, New York VA Health Care, Syracuse, New York, United States
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Influence of interleukin 17 A and 17 F polymorphisms in keratoconus. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7165-7170. [PMID: 34554386 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until a few years ago, keratoconus was defined as a noninflammatory degenerative disease. However, recent studies have shown that the altered balance between inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and protease inhibitors, as well as free radicals and oxidants, have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this study is to investigate whether interleukin 17 A G197A (rs2275913) and interleukin 17 F T7488C (rs763780) polymorphisms are associated with keratoconus in patients from a population of the northwestern region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS 35 patients and 61 controls were enrolled. Genotyping of interleukin 17 A G197A and interleukin 17 F T7488C polymorphisms was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Statistical analyses were conducted using the chi-square test, and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was also calculated to evaluate the association between polymorphisms and disease. Evaluating interleukin 17 F T7488C, we found that the TT genotype is associated as a risk factor for keratoconus (P = 0.04; OR = 3.01; CI 1.11-8.14). As for evaluating interleukin 17 A G197A, the allele and genotype frequencies between patients and controls were compared and no statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that the interleukin 17 F T7488C polymorphisms may exert an influence in keratoconus.
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Hu H, Wang S, He Y, Shen S, Yao B, Xu D, Liu X, Zhang Y. The role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 in corneal injury repair. Exp Eye Res 2021; 212:108769. [PMID: 34537186 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal injury may cause neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis in cornea which have a detrimental effect to vision and even lead to blindness. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) regulates a variety of biological processes, which is closely relevant to the regulation of corneal epithelium and angiogenesis. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effect of BMP4 on corneal neovascularization (CNV), corneal lymphangiogenesis (CL), corneal epithelial repair, and the role of BMP4/Smad pathway in these processes. METHODS We used MTT assay to determine the optimal concentration of BMP4. The suture method was performed to induce rat CNV and CL. We used ink perfusion and HE staining to visualize the morphological change of CNV, and utilized RT-qPCR and ELISA to investigate the expression of angiogenic factors and lymphangiogenic factors. The effects of BMP4 and anti-VEGF antibody on migration, proliferation and adhesion of corneal epithelium were determined by scratch test, MTT assay and cell adhesion test. RESULTS BMP4 significantly inhibited CNV and possibly CL. Topical BMP4 resulted in increased expression of endogenous BMP4, and decreased expression of angiogenic factors and lymphangiogenic factors. Compared with anti-VEGF antibody, BMP4 enhanced corneal epithelium migration, proliferation and adhesion, which facilitated corneal epithelial injury repair. Simultaneously, these processes could be regulated by BMP4/Smad pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated unreported effects of BMP4 on CNV, CL, and corneal epithelial repair, suggesting that BMP4 may represent a potential therapeutic target in corneal injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huicong Hu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
| | - Shurong Wang
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
| | - Yuxi He
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
| | - Sitong Shen
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
| | - Boyuan Yao
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
| | - Duo Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
| | - Xin Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
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Song Y, Overmass M, Fan J, Hodge C, Sutton G, Lovicu FJ, You J. Application of Collagen I and IV in Bioengineering Transparent Ocular Tissues. Front Surg 2021; 8:639500. [PMID: 34513910 PMCID: PMC8427501 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.639500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagens represent a major group of structural proteins expressed in different tissues and display distinct and variable properties. Whilst collagens are non-transparent in the skin, they confer transparency in the cornea and crystalline lens of the eye. There are 28 types of collagen that all share a common triple helix structure yet differ in the composition of their α-chains leading to their different properties. The different organization of collagen fibers also contributes to the variable tissue morphology. The important ability of collagen to form different tissues has led to the exploration and application of collagen as a biomaterial. Collagen type I (Col-I) and collagen type IV (Col-IV) are the two primary collagens found in corneal and lens tissues. Both collagens provide structure and transparency, essential for a clear vision. This review explores the application of these two collagen types as novel biomaterials in bioengineering unique tissue that could be used to treat a variety of ocular diseases leading to blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Song
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Morgan Overmass
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jiawen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Eye and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chris Hodge
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- New South Wales (NSW) Tissue Bank, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Gerard Sutton
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- New South Wales (NSW) Tissue Bank, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Vision Eye Institute, Chatswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank J. Lovicu
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jingjing You
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Gupta S, Sinha NR, Martin LM, Keele LM, Sinha PR, Rodier JT, Landreneau JR, Hesemann NP, Mohan RR. Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of BMP7 and HGF Gene Overexpression in Rabbit Cornea. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:6. [PMID: 34383876 PMCID: PMC8362627 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tissue-targeted localized BMP7+HGF genes delivered into the stroma via nanoparticle effectively treats corneal fibrosis and rehabilitates transparency in vivo without acute toxicity. This study evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of BMP7+HGF nanomedicine for the eye in vivo. Methods One eye each of 36 rabbits received balanced salt solution (group 1, naïve; n = 12), naked vector with polyethylenimine-conjugated gold nanoparticles (PEI2-GNP; group 2, naked-vector; n = 12), or BMP7+HGF genes with PEI2-GNP (group 3, BMP7+HGF; n = 12) via a topical delivery technique. Safety and tolerability measurements were performed by clinical biomicroscopy in live rabbits at predetermined time intervals up to 7 months. Corneal tissues were collected at 2 months and 7 months after treatment and subjected to histology, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR analyses. Results Clinical ophthalmic examinations and modified MacDonald-Shadduck scores showed no significant changes in corneal thickness (P = 0.3389), tear flow (P = 0.2121), intraocular pressure (P = 0.9958), epithelial abrasion, or ocular abnormality. Slit-lamp, stereo, confocal, and specular biomicroscopy showed no signs of blepharospasm chemosis, erythema, epiphora, abnormal ocular discharge, or changes in epithelium, stroma, and endothelium after BMP7+HGF therapy for up to 7 months, as compared with control groups. Throughout the 7-month period, no significant changes were recorded in endothelial density (P = 0.9581). Histological and molecular data were well corroborated with the subjective clinical analyses and showed no differences in the naïve, naked-vector, and BMP7+HGF groups. Conclusions Localized BMP7+HGF therapy is a safe, tolerable, and innovative modality for the treatment of corneal fibrosis. Translational Relevance Nanoparticle-mediated BMP7+HGF combination gene therapy has the potential to treat corneal fibrosis in vivo without short- or long-term toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Gupta
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lynn M Martin
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Landon M Keele
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Prashant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jason T Rodier
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - James R Landreneau
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nathan P Hesemann
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Mohan RR, Balne PK, Muayad MS, Tripathi R, Sinha NR, Gupta S, An JA, Sinha PR, Hesemann NP. Six-Month In Vivo Safety Profiling of Topical Ocular AVV5-Decorin Gene Transfer. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:5. [PMID: 34383877 PMCID: PMC8362634 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose A significant remission of corneal fibrosis and neovascularization in rabbit eye in vivo was observed from a tissue-selective localized adeno-associated virus (AAV)5–Decorin (Dcn) gene therapy. This study sought to investigate 6-month toxicity profiling of this gene therapy for the eye in vivo using a rabbit model. Methods A small epithelial scrape followed by corneal drying was performed unilaterally in 12 rabbit eyes and either AAV5–Dcn (n = 6) or naked vector (n = 6) was delivered topically using a cloning cylinder technique. Contralateral eyes served as naïve control (n = 6). Safety and tolerability measurements in live rabbits were performed periodically until month 6 using multimodel clinical ophthalmic imaging tools—a slit lamp, stereomicroscope, and HRT3-RCM in vivo confocal microscope. Thereafter, corneas were excised and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining, Mason trichome staining, propidium iodide nuclear staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Results Clinical eye examinations based on the modified Hackett–McDonald ocular scoring system, and in vivo confocal imaging of the cornea showed no signs of ocular toxicity in rabbit eyes given AAV5–Dcn gene transfer vs control eyes (P > 0.05) through 6 months after treatment. The histologic and molecular analyses showed no significant differences in AAV5–Dcn vs AAV naked or naïve control groups (P > 0.05) and were in accordance with the masked clinical ophthalmic observations showing no abnormalities. Conclusions Topical tissue-targeted localized AAV5–Dcn gene therapy seems to be safe and nontoxic to the rabbit eye in vivo. Translational Relevance AAV5–Dcn gene therapy has the potential to treat corneal fibrosis and neovascularization in vivo safely without significant ocular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Praveen K Balne
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Maryam S Muayad
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ratnakar Tripathi
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Suneel Gupta
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jella A An
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Prashant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nathan P Hesemann
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Saccu G, Menchise V, Giordano C, Delli Castelli D, Dastrù W, Pellicano R, Tolosano E, Van Pham P, Altruda F, Fagoonee S. Regenerative Approaches and Future Trends for the Treatment of Corneal Burn Injuries. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020317. [PMID: 33467167 PMCID: PMC7830803 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular chemical and thermal burns are frequent causes of hospitalization and require immediate interventions and care. Various surgical and pharmacological treatment strategies are employed according to damage severity. Controlling inflammation and neovascularization while promoting normal ocular surface anatomy and function restoration is the principal aim. In the most severe cases, when epithelial healing is severely affected, reconstruction of the ocular surface may be a valid option, which, however, requires expertise, adequate instruments, and qualified donors. Numerous endogenous and exogenous strategies have been considered for corneal repair. Among these, stem cells and their derivatives have offered numerous attractive possibilities in finding an effective way in stimulating corneal regeneration. Limbal epithelial stem cells and mesenchymal cells from the ocular tissue as well as from various sources have demonstrated their effectiveness in dampening neovascularization, scarring, and inflammation, while promoting epithelialization of the injured cornea. Moreover, a plethora of cytokines and growth factors, and extracellular vesicles, which constitute the secretome of these cells, work in concert to enhance wound healing. In this review, we provide an update on the recent potential therapeutic avenues and clinical applications of stem cells and their products in corneal regeneration after burn injury, as well as current imaging strategies for monitoring therapeutic efficacy and damage resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Saccu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Valeria Menchise
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Molecular Biotechnology Center, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (F.A.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-0116706423 (S.F.)
| | - Cristina Giordano
- Ophthalmology Veterinary Practice, c.so Galileo Ferraris 121, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Daniela Delli Castelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Walter Dastrù
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | | | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
| | - Phuc Van Pham
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, and Stem Cell Institute, VNUHCM University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 08000, Vietnam;
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.S.); (D.D.C.); (W.D.); (E.T.)
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (F.A.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-0116706423 (S.F.)
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Molecular Biotechnology Center, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.M.); (F.A.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-0116706423 (S.F.)
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Chu Y, Hu J, Liang H, Kanchwala M, Xing C, Beebe W, Bowman CB, Gong X, Corey DR, Mootha VV. Analyzing pre-symptomatic tissue to gain insights into the molecular and mechanistic origins of late-onset degenerative trinucleotide repeat disease. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6740-6758. [PMID: 32463444 PMCID: PMC7337964 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
How genetic defects trigger the molecular changes that cause late-onset disease is important for understanding disease progression and therapeutic development. Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is an RNA-mediated disease caused by a trinucleotide CTG expansion in an intron within the TCF4 gene. The mutant intronic CUG RNA is present at one-two copies per cell, posing a challenge to understand how a rare RNA can cause disease. Late-onset FECD is a uniquely advantageous model for studying how RNA triggers disease because: (i) Affected tissue is routinely removed during surgery; (ii) The expanded CTG mutation is one of the most prevalent disease-causing mutations, making it possible to obtain pre-symptomatic tissue from eye bank donors to probe how gene expression changes precede disease; and (iii) The affected tissue is a homogeneous single cell monolayer, facilitating accurate transcriptome analysis. Here, we use RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to compare tissue from individuals who are pre-symptomatic (Pre_S) to tissue from patients with late stage FECD (FECD_REP). The abundance of mutant repeat intronic RNA in Pre_S and FECD_REP tissue is elevated due to increased half-life in a corneal cells. In Pre_S tissue, changes in splicing and extracellular matrix gene expression foreshadow the changes observed in advanced disease and predict the activation of the fibrosis pathway and immune system seen in late-stage patients. The absolute magnitude of splicing changes is similar in pre-symptomatic and late stage tissue. Our data identify gene candidates for early drivers of disease and biomarkers that may represent diagnostic and therapeutic targets for FECD. We conclude that changes in alternative splicing and gene expression are observable decades prior to the diagnosis of late-onset trinucleotide repeat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jiaxin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hanquan Liang
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mohammed Kanchwala
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Xin Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA
| | - David R Corey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - V Vinod Mootha
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA
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