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Gao J, Ding L, Xin Y, Li Y, He K, Su M, Hu R. Pax6-induced proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into limbal epithelial stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2023. [PMID: 37097204 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal integrity, transparency, and visual acuity are maintained by corneal epithelial cells (CECs), which are continuously renewed by limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). The limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is associated with ocular diseases. This study aimed to develop a novel method to differentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) into LESC-like cells using a culture medium and paired box 6 (Pax6) transfection. The LESC-like cells were confirmed using the LESC markers CK14 and p63 and CEC marker CK12. Pax6 induces BM-MSCs to differentiate into LESC-like cells in vitro. Mouse models of chemical corneal burn were obtained and treated with the LESC-like cells. The transplantation experiment indicated that Pax6-reprogramed BM-MSCs attached to and replenished the damaged cornea via the formation of stratified corneal epithelium. The proliferation and colony formation abilities of Pax6-overexpressing BM-MSCs were significantly enhanced. These findings provide evidence that BM-MSCs might serve as an excellent candidate for generating bioengineered corneal epithelium and provide a new strategy for the treatment of clinical corneal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Guizhou Medical University, 74628, Guiyang, Guizhou, China;
| | - Ling Ding
- Guizhou Medical University, 74628, Guiyang, Guizhou, China;
| | - Ying Xin
- Guizhou Medical University, 74628, Guiyang, Guizhou, China;
| | - Yuandi Li
- Guizhou Medical University, 74628, Guiyang, Guizhou, China;
| | - Keke He
- Guizhou Medical University, 74628, Guiyang, Guizhou, China;
| | - Min Su
- Guizhou Medical University, 74628, Guiyang, China, 550004;
| | - Rong Hu
- Guizhou Medical University, 74628, Guiyang, Guizhou, China;
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Zhurenkov KE, Alexander-Sinkler EI, Gavrilyik IO, Yartseva NM, Aleksandrova SA, Mashel TV, Khorolskaya JI, Blinova MI, Kulikov AN, Churashov SV, Chernysh VF, Mikhailova NA. Labial Mucosa Stem Cells: Isolation, Characterization, and Their Potential for Corneal Epithelial Reconstruction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:16. [PMID: 35848889 PMCID: PMC9308017 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.8.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize labial mucosa stem cells (LMSCs) and to investigate their potential for corneal epithelial reconstruction in a rabbit model of total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Methods Rabbit LMSCs (rLMSCs) and human (hLMSCs) LMSCs were derived from labial mucosa and characterized in terms of their proliferation activity by the evaluation of proliferation index (PI) and colony forming efficiency (CFE), cell senescence, and differentiation abilities. The expression of various limbus-specific, stem cell-specific, and epithelial markers was assessed via immunocytochemistry. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate mesenchymal and hematopoietic cell surface markers expression. Chromosomal stability of the derived cells was examined using the conventional GTG-banding technique. To assess the impact of LMSCs on corneal epithelial reconstruction, rLMSCs were seeded onto a decellularized human amniotic membrane (dHAM), thereafter their regeneration potential was examined in the rabbit model of total LSCD. Results Both rLMSCs and hLMSCs showed high proliferation and differentiation abilities, entered senescence at later passages, and expressed different stem cell-specific (ABCB5, ALDH3A1, ABCG2, and p63α), mesenchymal (vimentin), and epithelial (CK3/12, CK15) markers. Cell surface antigen expression was similar to other described mesenchymal stem cells. No clonal structural chromosome abnormalities (CSCAs) and the low percentage of non-clonal structural chromosome abnormalities (NSCAs) were observed. Transplantation of rLMSCs promoted corneal epithelial reconstruction and enhanced corneal transparency. Conclusions LMSCs have significant proliferation and differentiation abilities, display no detrimental chromosome aberrations, and demonstrate considerable potential for corneal repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill E Zhurenkov
- Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Cytology and Histology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Natalia M Yartseva
- Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Tatiana V Mashel
- Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Miralda I Blinova
- Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Sheptulin VA, Fedorov AA, Kovrigina AM, Lazuk AV, Grusha YO. [Granulomatous inflammation of the orbit as a complication of stem cells injection (case study)]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:94-98. [PMID: 34965074 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202113706194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The article present a case report of orbital granulomatous inflammation after a retrobulbar injection of allogenous stem cells. Experimental treatment resulted in an orbital tumor that required surgical excision. Lymphogranulomatous inflammation with a secondary abscess was verified by morphological and immunohistochemical analyses. This case demonstrates the possible dangerous complications of the "off-label" therapy amid the rising popularity of stem cells treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A A Fedorov
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Kovrigina
- National Medical Research Center of Hematology, Ministry of Health of Russia Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Y O Grusha
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Evaluating the clinical translational relevance of animal models for limbal stem cell deficiency: A systematic review. Ocul Surf 2021; 23:169-183. [PMID: 34583088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Animal models are pivotal for elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms and evaluating novel therapies. This systematic review identified studies that developed or adapted animal models of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), assessed their reporting quality, summarized their key characteristics, and established their clinical translational relevance to human disease. METHODS The protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42020203937). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Ovid EMBASE and Web of Science in August 2020. Two authors screened citations, extracted data, assessed the reporting quality of eligible studies using the ARRIVE guidelines, and judged the clinical translational relevance of each model using a custom matrix. RESULTS 105 studies were included. Rabbits were the most common animal species. Overall, 97% of studies recapitulated LSCD to a clinical etiology, however 62% did not provide sufficient methodological detail to enable independent reproduction of the model. Adverse events and/or exclusion of animals were infrequently (20%) reported. Approximately one-quarter of studies did not produce the intended severity of LSCD; 34% provided insufficient information to assess the fidelity of disease induction. Adjunctive diagnostic confirmation of LSCD induction was performed in 13% of studies. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review to assess the reporting quality and clinical translational relevance of animal models of LSCD. Models of LSCD have evolved over time, resulting in variable reporting of the characteristics of animals, experimental procedures and adverse events. In most studies, validation of LSCD was made using clinical tests; newer adjunctive techniques would enhance diagnostic validation. As most studies sought to evaluate novel therapies for LSCD, animal models should ideally recapitulate all features of the condition that develop in patients.
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Yazdani M, Shahdadfar A, Reppe S, Sapkota D, Vallenari EM, Lako M, Connon CJ, Figueiredo FC, Utheim TP. Response of human oral mucosal epithelial cells to different storage temperatures: A structural and transcriptional study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243914. [PMID: 33326470 PMCID: PMC7744058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Seeking to improve the access to regenerative medicine, this study investigated the structural and transcriptional effects of storage temperature on human oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs). METHODS Cells were stored at four different temperatures (4°C, 12°C, 24°C and 37°C) for two weeks. Then, the morphology, cell viability and differential gene expression were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, trypan blue exclusion test and TaqMan gene expression array cards, respectively. RESULTS Cells stored at 4°C had the most similar morphology to non-stored controls with the highest viability rate (58%), whereas the 37°C group was most dissimilar with no living cells. The genes involved in stress-induced growth arrest (GADD45B) and cell proliferation inhibition (TGFB2) were upregulated at 12°C and 24°C. Upregulation was also observed in multifunctional genes responsible for morphology, growth, adhesion and motility such as EFEMP1 (12°C) and EPHA4 (4°C-24°C). Among genes used as differentiation markers, PPARA and TP53 (along with its associated gene CDKN1A) were downregulated in all temperature conditions, whereas KRT1 and KRT10 were either unchanged (4°C) or downregulated (24°C and 12°C; and 24°C, respectively), except for upregulation at 12°C for KRT1. CONCLUSIONS Cells stored at 12°C and 24°C were stressed, although the expression levels of some adhesion-, growth- and apoptosis-related genes were favourable. Collectively, this study suggests that 4°C is the optimal storage temperature for maintenance of structure, viability and function of OMECs after two weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazyar Yazdani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aboulghassem Shahdadfar
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sjur Reppe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Unger-Vetlesen Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dipak Sapkota
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Evan M. Vallenari
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Bioscience West Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Che J. Connon
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Bioscience West Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco C. Figueiredo
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Bioscience West Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary & Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
- Department of Computer Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Hou L, Fu W, Liu Y, Wang Q, Wang L, Huang Y. Agrin Promotes Limbal Stem Cell Proliferation and Corneal Wound Healing Through Hippo-Yap Signaling Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:7. [PMID: 32392315 PMCID: PMC7405682 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.5.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effect and mechanism of Agrin on limbal stem cell proliferation and corneal wound healing. Methods Limbal stem cells were isolated and treated with different concentrations of Agrin. CCK-8 and cell proliferation markers (Ki67 and pH3) were detected to evaluate cell numbers or proliferative potential of limbal stem cells. The corneal epithelium wound model was induced by debridement of central corneal epithelial, and the effects of Agrin on limbal stem cell proliferation and corneal epithelial wound healing rate were determined. Results Agrin promoted the proliferation of cultured limbal stem cells in vitro and increased the expression level of p63α rather than keratin 12. Furthermore, Agrin accelerated the wound healing rate of corneal epithelium through activating limbal stem cell proliferation in vivo. In terms of mechanism, Agrin could facilitate the dephosphorylation of Yap1, which contributed to the nuclear translocation of Yap1 and expression of Cyclin D1, and subsequently promoted proliferation of limbal stem cells. Conclusions Agrin promotes the proliferation of limbal stem cells and accelerates the healing rate of corneal wound through Hippo-Yap signaling pathway.
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Simple oral mucosal epithelial transplantation in a rabbit model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18088. [PMID: 31792300 PMCID: PMC6889162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54571-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated a rabbit model of autologous simple oral mucosal epithelium transplantation (SOMET) for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). LSCD was created in the SOMET group and the Control group. In the SOMET group, oral mucosa harvested from the buccal region was treated with dispase, cut into small pieces, and placed on the exposed corneal stroma without using graft sutures, amniotic membrane, and/or glue. A soft contact lens was positioned and tarsorrhaphy was performed in both groups. Postoperative corneal neovascularization and fluorescein staining scores were evaluated by slit lamp microscopy in both groups. At 2 weeks postoperatively, eyes were excised and subjected to immunohistochemical staining for CK3, CK13, CK15, and p63. In the SOMET group, transplantation of oral mucosa led to complete recovery of LSCD, as indicated by low neovascularization scores, low fluorescein staining scores, and detection of stratified K3/K13-positive cells on the stroma at 2 weeks after surgery. In contrast, corneal epithelial defects persisted in the Control group at 2 weeks. SOMET achieved re-epithelialization of the corneal surface in this rabbit LSCD model. It is a simple technique that does not require culture and could be a promising option for ocular surface reconstruction in bilateral LSCD.
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Yazdani M, Shahdadfar A, Jackson CJ, Utheim TP. A Hyaluronan Hydrogel Scaffold for Culture of Human Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cells in Limbal Stem-Cell Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2019; 6:E97. [PMID: 31652804 PMCID: PMC6955856 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6040097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, plays a key role in cell proliferation, growth, survival, polarization and differentiation. We investigated the optimization of a HA hydrogel scaffold for culture of human oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs) for potential application in limbal stem cell therapy. The effect of the optimized scaffold on OMEC cell sheet morphology, cell metabolic activity and expression of genes associated with stemness, adherence and cell damage was studied. The results indicate that HA hydrogels crosslinked with polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) failed to support OMEC attachment and growth. However, HA hydrogel scaffolds dried for three days and coated with 1 mg/mL collagen IV produced a full OMEC sheet. Cell morphology was comparable to control after three weeks culture, maintaining 76% metabolic activity. Of apoptosis-related genes, the pro-apoptotic markers CASP3 and BAX2 were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, compared to control whereas the anti-apoptotic marker BCL2 was downregulated. The expression level of stemness genes ΔNp63α and ABCG2 was significantly higher than control. Genes associated with improved scar-less wound healing (integrin-V) and protection of the ocular surface (cadherin-1) had ~3-fold increased expression. These data suggest that our optimized HA-hydrogel scaffold could enhance culture of OMEC cell sheets for use in ocular reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazyar Yazdani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- The Norwegian Dry Eye Clinic, 0366 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Aboulghassem Shahdadfar
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Catherine Joan Jackson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- The Norwegian Dry Eye Clinic, 0366 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011 Stavanger, Norway.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, 4604 Arendal, Norway.
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Patil S, D'Souza C, Patil P, Patil V, Prabhu M, Bargale A, Kaveeshwar V, Kumar S, Shetty P. Culture and characterization of human dental pulp‑derived stem cells as limbal stem cells for corneal damage repair. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4688-4694. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shankargouda Patil
- Department of Ophthalmology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Clinton D'Souza
- Department of Biochemistry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Prakash Patil
- SDM Biomedical Research Center, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Vidya Patil
- Department of Biochemistry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Mridula Prabhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Anil Bargale
- Department of Biochemistry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Vishwas Kaveeshwar
- Department of Biochemistry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Sarath Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
| | - Praveenkumar Shetty
- Department of Biochemistry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital Campus, Manjushree Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka‑580009, India
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Borkowska-Kuczkowska A, Sługocka D, Świątkowska-Flis B, Boruczkowski D. The use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of progressive retinal diseases: a review. Regen Med 2019; 14:321-329. [PMID: 30977436 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2019-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Some ocular diseases, such as dystrophies, retinal and macular degeneration, optic nerve atrophy, and Stargardt disease, are progressive and irreversible. In this review, we focus on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of these diseases. In animal studies, MSC transplantation significantly delayed retinal degeneration, led to the regeneration of cone cells, and supported the survival of retinal ganglion cells and axon regeneration. In clinical practice, patients with Behcet's disease with retinal vasculitis who received MSC injections experienced a decrease in retinal vasculitis but no improvement in vision acuity. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that MSCs are carcinogenic, and they even reduce the size of tumors in vitro. Furthermore, MSCs do not trigger the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Borkowska-Kuczkowska
- Polish Center of Cell Therapy & Immunotherapy in Częstochowa, Waly Dwernickiego 43/45, 42-202 Częstochowa, Poland.,Agamed Center of Ophthalmology, Jasnogórska 4, 42-202 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Dominika Sługocka
- Polish Center of Cell Therapy & Immunotherapy in Częstochowa, Waly Dwernickiego 43/45, 42-202 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Beata Świątkowska-Flis
- Polish Center of Cell Therapy & Immunotherapy in Częstochowa, Waly Dwernickiego 43/45, 42-202 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Dariusz Boruczkowski
- Polski Bank Komórek Macierzystych SA (FamiCord Group), Jana Pawła II 29, 00-867 Warsaw, Poland
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Yazdani M, Shahdadfar A, Jackson CJ, Utheim TP. Hyaluronan-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds for Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation: A Review. Cells 2019; 8:E245. [PMID: 30875861 PMCID: PMC6468750 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA), also termed hyaluronic acid or hyaluronate, is a major component of the extracellular matrix. This non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan plays a key role in cell proliferation, growth, survival, polarization, and differentiation. The diverse biological roles of HA are linked to the combination of HA's physicochemical properties and HA-binding proteins. These unique characteristics have encouraged the application of HA-based hydrogel scaffolds for stem cell-based therapy, a successful method in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). This condition occurs following direct damage to limbal stem cells and/or changes in the limbal stem cell niche microenvironment due to intrinsic and extrinsic insults. This paper reviews the physical properties, synthesis, and degradation of HA. In addition, the interaction of HA with other extracellular matrix (ECM) components and receptor proteins are discussed. Finally, studies employing HA-based hydrogel scaffolds in the treatment of LSCD are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazyar Yazdani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Aboulghassem Shahdadfar
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Catherine Joan Jackson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 3019 Drammen, Norway.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011 Stavanger, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, 4604 Arendal, Norway.
- National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South Eastern Norway, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway.
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Seyed MA, Vijayaraghavan K. Evaluation of an Improved Chitosan Scaffold Cross-Linked With Polyvinyl Alcohol and Amine Coupling Through 1-Ethyl-3-(3-Dimethyl Aminopropyl)-Carbodiimide (EDC) and 2 N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) for Corneal Applications. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:1561-1570. [PMID: 30337966 PMCID: PMC6182522 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Corneal blindness resulting from various medical conditions affects millions worldwide. The rapid developing tissue engineering field offers design of a scaffold with mechanical properties and transparency similar to that of the natural cornea. AIM: The present study aimed at to prepare and investigate the properties of PVA/chitosan blended scaffold by further cross-linking with 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) and 2 N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) as potential in vitro carrier for human limbal stem cells delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Acetic acid dissolved chitosan was added to PVA solution, uniformly mixed with a homogenizer until the mixture was in a colloidal state, followed by H2SO4 and formaldehyde added and the sample was allowed to cool, subsequently it was poured into a tube and heated in an oven at 60°C for 50 minutes. Finally, samples were soaked in a cross-linking bath with EDC, NHS and NaOH in H2O/EtOH for 24 h consecutively stirred to cross-link the polymeric chains, reduce degradation. After soaking in the bath, the samples were carefully washed with 2% glycine aqueous solution several times to remove the remaining amount of cross-linkers, followed by washed with water to remove residual agents. Later the cross-linked scaffold subjected for various characterization and biological experiments. RESULTS: After viscosity measurement, the scaffold was observed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The water absorbency of PVA/Chitosan was increased 361% by swelling. Compression testing demonstrated that by increasing the amount of chitosan, the strength of the scaffold could be increased to 16×10−1 MPa. Our degradation results revealed by mass loss using equation shows that scaffold degraded gradually imply slow degradation. In vitro tests showed good cell proliferation and growth in the scaffold. Our assay results confirmed that the membrane could increase the cells adhesion and growth on the substrate. CONCLUSION: Hence, we strongly believe the use of this improved PVA/chitosan scaffold has potential to cut down the disadvantages of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) for corneal epithelium in ocular surface surgery and greater mechanical strength in future after successful experimentation with clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Seyed
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kavitha Vijayaraghavan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Agni College of Technology, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Thalambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600130, India
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13
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Feeder Cells Free Rabbit Oral Mucosa Epithelial Cell Sheet Engineering. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 15:321-332. [PMID: 30603557 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-017-0108-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The optimal cell culture method of autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet is not well established for a safe transplantation on to the patients' ocular surface. Animal serum and 3T3 mouse feeder cells are currently being used to stimulate the growth of the epithelial cells. However, the use of animal compounds can have potential side effects for the patient after transplantation of the engineered cell sheet. In the present study, we focused on engineering a rabbit oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet without 3T3 mouse feeder cells using a mix of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Bronchial Epithelial Cell Growth Medium culture media (DMEM/BEGM). Autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets, engineered with DMEM/BEGM feeder cell free culture media, were compared to those cultured in presence of serum and feeder cells. Using a DMEM/BEGM mix culture media, feeder cell free culture condition, autologous oral mucosal epithelial cells reached confluence and formed a multilayered sheet. The phenotype of engineered cell sheets cultured with DMEM/BEGM were characterized and compared to those cultured with serum and feeder. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed the formation of a similar stratified multilayer cell sheets, in both culture conditions. The expression of deltaN-p63, ABCG2, PCNA, E-cadherin, Beta-catenin, CK3, CK4, CK13, Muc5AC, was similar in both culture conditions. We demonstrated that rabbit autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet can be engineered, in feeder cell free conditions. The use of the DMEM/BEGM culture media to engineer culture autologous oral mucosa epithelial cell sheet will help to identify key factors involved in the growth and differentiation of oral mucosal epithelial cells.
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Pluripotent Stem Cells and Other Innovative Strategies for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Diseases. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2017; 12:171-8. [PMID: 26779895 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-016-9643-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cornea provides two thirds of the refractive power of the eye and protection against insults such as infection and injury. The outermost tissue of the cornea is renewed by stem cells located in the limbus. Depletion or destruction of these stem cells may lead to blinding limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) that concerns millions of patients around the world. Innovative strategies based on adult stem cell therapies have been developed in the recent years but they are still facing numerous unresolved issues, and the long term results can be deceiving. Today there is a clear need to improve these therapies, and/or to develop new approaches for the treatment of LSCD. Here, we review the current cell-based therapies used for the treatment of ocular diseases, and discuss the potential of pluripotent stem cells (embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells) in corneal repair. As the secretion of paracrine factors is known to have a crucial role in maintaining stem cell homeostasis and in wound repair, we also consider the therapeutic potential of a promising novel pathway, the exosomes. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that have the ability to transfer RNAs and proteins to recipient cells, and several studies demonstrated their role in cell protection and wound healing. Exosomes could circumvent the hurdles of stem-cell based approaches, and they could become a strong candidate as an alternative therapy for ocular surface diseases.
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15
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Wang HX, Gao XW, Ren B, Cai Y, Li WJ, Yang YL, Li YJ. Comparative analysis of different feeder layers with 3T3 fibroblasts for culturing rabbits limbal stem cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2017; 10:1021-1027. [PMID: 28730101 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2017.07.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the possibility of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs), human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) serving as feeder cells in co-culture systems for the cultivation of limbal stem cells. METHODS Different feeder layers were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F12 and were treated with mitomycin C. Rabbits limbal stem cells (LSCs) were co-cultured on hUCMSCs, hUVECs, hDPSCs, hPDLSCs and NIH-3T3, and then comparative analysis were made between each group to see their respective colony-forming efficiency (CFE) assay and immunofluorescence (IPO13,CK3/12). RESULTS The efficiency of the four type cells in supporting the LSCs morphology and its cellular differentiation was similar to that of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts as demonstrated by the immunostaining properties analysis, with each group exhibiting a similar strong expression pattern of IPO13, but lacking CK3 and CK12 expression in terms of immunostaining. But hUCMSCs, hDPSCs and hPDLSCs feeder layers were superior in promoting colony formation potential of cells when compared to hUVECs and feeder-cell-free culture. CONCLUSION hUCMSCs, hDPSCs and hPDLSCs can be a suitable alternative to conventional mouse NIH-3T3 feeder cells, so that risk of zoonotic infection can be diminished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xian Wang
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,Ophthalmic Center, No.474 Hospital of Chinese PLA, Urumqi 830013, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Gao
- Ophthalmic Center, No.474 Hospital of Chinese PLA, Urumqi 830013, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bing Ren
- Ophthalmic Center, No.474 Hospital of Chinese PLA, Urumqi 830013, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan Cai
- Ophthalmic Center, No.474 Hospital of Chinese PLA, Urumqi 830013, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wen-Jing Li
- Ophthalmic Center, No.474 Hospital of Chinese PLA, Urumqi 830013, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu-Li Yang
- Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yi-Jian Li
- Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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Bongiorno T, Chojnowski JL, Lauderdale JD, Sulchek T. Cellular Stiffness as a Novel Stemness Marker in the Corneal Limbus. Biophys J 2017; 111:1761-1772. [PMID: 27760362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy eyes contain a population of limbal stem cells (LSCs) that continuously renew the corneal epithelium. However, each year, 1 million Americans are afflicted with severely reduced visual acuity caused by corneal damage or disease, including LSC deficiency (LSCD). Recent advances in corneal transplant technology promise to repair the cornea by implanting healthy LSCs to encourage regeneration; however, success is limited to transplanted tissues that contain a sufficiently high percentage of LSCs. Attempts to screen limbal tissues for suitable implants using molecular stemness markers are confounded by the poorly understood signature of the LSC phenotype. For cells derived from the corneal limbus, we show that the performance of cell stiffness as a stemness indicator is on par with the performance of ΔNP63α, a common molecular marker. In combination with recent methods for sorting cells on a biophysical basis, the biomechanical stemness markers presented here may enable the rapid purification of LSCs from a heterogeneous population of corneal cells, thus potentially enabling clinicians and researchers to generate corneal transplants with sufficiently high fractions of LSCs, regardless of the LSC percentage in the donor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bongiorno
- The G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jena L Chojnowski
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | | | - Todd Sulchek
- The G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
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17
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Afsharkhamseh N, Ghahari E, Eslani M, Djalilian AR. A Simple Mechanical Procedure to Create Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency in Mouse. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27911382 DOI: 10.3791/54658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a state of malfunction or loss of limbal epithelial stem cells, after which the corneal epithelium is replaced with conjunctiva. Patients suffer from recurrent corneal defects, pain, inflammation, and loss of vision. Previously, a murine model of LSCD was described and compared to two other models. The goal was to produce a consistent mouse model of LSCD that both mimics the phenotype in humans and lasts long enough to make it possible to study the disease pathophysiology and to evaluate new treatments. Here, the technique is described in more detail. A motorized tool with a rotating burr has been designed to remove the rust rings from the corneal surface or to smooth the pterygium bed in patients. It is a suitable device to create the desired LSCD model. It is a readily available, easy-to-use tool with a fine tip that makes it appropriate for working on small eyes, as in mice. Its application prevents unnecessary trauma to the eye and it does not result in unwanted injuries, as often is the case with chemical injury models. As opposed to a blunt scraper, it removes the epithelium with the basement membrane. In this protocol, the limbal area was abraded two times, and then the whole corneal epithelium was shaved from limbus to limbus. To avoid stroma injury, care was taken not to brush the corneal surface once the epithelium was already removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Afsharkhamseh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Elham Ghahari
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Medi Eslani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago;
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Rocca CJ, Kreymerman A, Ur SN, Frizzi KE, Naphade S, Lau A, Tran T, Calcutt NA, Goldberg JL, Cherqui S. Treatment of Inherited Eye Defects by Systemic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 56:7214-23. [PMID: 26540660 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cystinosis is caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal cystine transporter, cystinosin (CTNS gene), resulting in cystine crystal accumulation in tissues. In eyes, crystals accumulate in the cornea causing photophobia and eventually blindness. Hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) rescue the kidney in a mouse model of cystinosis. We investigated the potential for HSPC transplantation to treat corneal defects in cystinosis. METHODS We isolated HSPCs from transgenic DsRed mice and systemically transplanted irradiated Ctns-/- mice. A year posttransplantation, we investigated the fate and function of HSPCs by in vivo confocal and fluorescence microscopy (IVCM), quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), mass spectrometry, histology, and by measuring the IOP. To determine the mechanism by which HSPCs may rescue disease cells, we transplanted Ctns-/- mice with Ctns-/- DsRed HSPCs virally transduced to express functional CTNS-eGFP fusion protein. RESULTS We found that a single systemic transplantation of wild-type HSPCs prevented ocular pathology in the Ctns-/- mice. Engraftment-derived HSPCs were detected within the cornea, and also in the sclera, ciliary body, retina, choroid, and lens. Transplantation of HSPC led to substantial decreases in corneal cystine crystals, restoration of normal corneal thickness, and lowered IOP in mice with high levels of donor-derived cell engraftment. Finally, we found that HSPC-derived progeny differentiated into macrophages, which displayed tunneling nanotubes capable of transferring cystinosin-bearing lysosomes to diseased cells. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that HSPCs can rescue hereditary corneal defects, and supports a new potential therapeutic strategy for treating ocular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine J Rocca
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Alexander Kreymerman
- Shiley Eye Center, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Sarah N Ur
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Katie E Frizzi
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Swati Naphade
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Athena Lau
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Tammy Tran
- Shiley Eye Center, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Nigel A Calcutt
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Shiley Eye Center, University of California, San Diego, California, United States 4Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Stephanie Cherqui
- Department of Pediatrics Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
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Zakaria N, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Taal M, Berneman Z, Koppen C, Tassignon MJ. Optical Coherence Tomography in Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Transplantation Surgery. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2015; 4:339-45. [PMID: 26649762 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation (CLET) is a surgical approach reserved for severe stem cell deficiency and anterior segment pathology. The recipient cornea typically displays a highly vascularized pannus that must be dissected before graft placement. Extensive pannus dissection, however, can result in corneal thinning and increase the risk of ectasia and ultimately, of perforation. We aimed to examine the value of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) intraoperatively during pannus resection and long-term postoperative follow-up of CLET surgery. DESIGN This was a prospective observational case series. METHODS This study was performed on 8 eyes of 8 patients who underwent CLET surgery. Intraoperative OCT was performed before dissection and at several time points during dissection and after placement of the ex vivo cultivated graft. During the postoperative follow-up period, OCT was performed to image the graft integration and corneal thickness. RESULTS Anterior segment optical coherence tomography provided high-resolution images of the corneal pannus, including the blood vessel lumen. Imaging of the pannus depth and cleavage plane was possible intraoperatively, with the patient supine. Postoperative imaging displayed the transplanted graft, temporary amniotic membrane patch, and overlying bandage contact lens. The grafts were also visible after removal of the temporary membrane patch. Four months postoperatively, the grafts were integrated into the cornea, and all 8 participants showed the presence of an epithelial layer. CONCLUSIONS During CLET surgery, AS-OCT offers a noncontact method for rapid, intraoperative scanning and pachymetry mapping. Intraoperative OCT guidance assists in the removal of the delicate fibrovascular pannus. Sparing the viable corneal stroma can reduce the risk of extreme thinning, iatrogenic ectasia, and wound dehiscence while providing a smooth recipient surface for the composite graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Zakaria
- From the *Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine; †Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem; and ‡Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Tissue Engineering the Cornea: The Evolution of RAFT. J Funct Biomater 2015; 6:50-65. [PMID: 25809689 PMCID: PMC4384100 DOI: 10.3390/jfb6010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness affects over 10 million people worldwide and current treatment strategies often involve replacement of the defective layer with healthy tissue. Due to a worldwide donor cornea shortage and the absence of suitable biological scaffolds, recent research has focused on the development of tissue engineering techniques to create alternative therapies. This review will detail how we have refined the simple engineering technique of plastic compression of collagen to a process we now call Real Architecture for 3D Tissues (RAFT). The RAFT production process has been standardised, and steps have been taken to consider Good Manufacturing Practice compliance. The evolution of this process has allowed us to create biomimetic epithelial and endothelial tissue equivalents suitable for transplantation and ideal for studying cell-cell interactions in vitro.
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Yiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University, 400 N Broadway/Smith Bldg. 6041, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
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