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Fang F, Li S, Sun H, Fu Y, Shao C. Clinical and pathologic characterization of a mouse model of graded limbal stem cell deficiency. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109942. [PMID: 38795839 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a clinically challenging eye disease caused by damage to limbal stem cells (LSCs). Currently, the international consensus classifies LSCD into three clinical stages based on the disease severity. However, no existing animal models attempt to replicate the varying degrees of LSCD observed in clinical cases. The present study demonstrates an easy-to-create, reproducible, and reliable mouse model of graded LSCD. To achieve mild, moderate, or severe LSCD, filter paper rings with a variety of central angles (90°, 180°, or 270°) are utilized to deliver alkali burns to different sizes of the limbal area (1, 2, or 3 quarters). The animal model has successfully resulted in the development of clinical signs and pathological manifestations in escalating severity that are similarly observed in the three clinical stages of LSCD. Our study thus provides new insights into distinct pathological features underlying different grades of LSCD and serves as a new tool for further exploring the disease mechanisms and developing new effective therapeutics for repairing damaged LSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiding Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunyi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
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Stoddard-Bennett T, Bonnet C, Deng SX. Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Subbasal Nerve Density in Eyes With Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: A Pilot Study. Cornea 2024:00003226-990000000-00594. [PMID: 38923539 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal subbasal nerve parameters have been previously reported using two-dimensional scans of in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM) in eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). This study aims to develop and validate a method to better quantify corneal subbasal nerve parameters and changes from reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) images. METHODS IVCM volume scans from 73 eyes with various degrees of LSCD (mild/moderate/severe) confirmed by multimodal anterior segment imaging including IVCM and 20 control subjects were included. Using ImageJ, the scans were manually aligned and compiled to generate a 3D reconstruction. Using filament-tracing semiautomated software (Imaris), subbasal nerve density (SND), corneal nerve fiber length, long nerves (>200 μm), and branch points were quantified and correlated with other biomarkers of LSCD. RESULTS 3D SND decreased in eyes with LSCD when compared with control subjects. The decrease was significant for moderate and severe LSCD (P < 0.01). 3D SND was reduced by 3.7% in mild LSCD, 32.4% in moderate LSCD, and 96.5% in severe LSCD. The number of long nerves and points of branching correlated with the severity of LSCD (P < 0.0001) and with declining SND (R2 = 0.66 and 0.67, respectively). When compared with two-dimensional scans, 3D reconstructions yielded significant increases of SND and branch points in all conditions except severe LSCD. 3D analysis showed a 46% increase in long nerves only in mild LSCD (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This proof-of-concept study validates the use of 3D reconstruction to better characterize the corneal subbasal nerve in eyes with LSCD. In the future, this concept could be used with machine learning to automate the measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clémence Bonnet
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
- Paris Cité Université, AP-HP, Paris, France; and
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
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Kahuam-López N, Yeung SN, Iovieno A. Resolution of limbal stem cell deficiency with the use of a topical Rho kinase inhibitor. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 59:e271-e272. [PMID: 38096908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Kahuam-López
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Instituto de Oftalmología Fundación Conde de Valenciana, Mexico City, Mexico
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Akgun Z, Palamar M, Egrilmez S, Yagci A, Barut Selver O. Severity Classification of Limbal Stem Cell Failure Due to Steven Johnson Syndrome in the Light of the Classification Consensus of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Eye Contact Lens 2024; 50:159-162. [PMID: 38305421 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine and to understand the limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD) because of Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) in line with the new classification system for the first time in the literature. METHODS Medical records of patients with LSCD because of SJS were reviewed retrospectively. In addition to demographic data and ophthalmologic or systemic findings, anterior segment photographs of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Limbal stem-cell deficiency severity was graded according to the classification published by the Limbal Stem Cell Working Group. RESULTS Twenty-four eyes of 14 patients with eye involvement secondary to SJS were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 36.09±16.70 (9-58) years and the female-to-male ratio was 11:3. The anterior segment photographs of the patients were evaluated by two independent masked observers. Limbal stem-cell deficiency severity was graded according to the classification published by Deng et al. Corneal opacity was divided into three stages according to the area of involvement. Corneal opacity was classified as Stage I if the central 5 mm region of the cornea was not affected, as Stage II if the central 5 mm region of the cornea was affected, and as Stage III if the entire corneal surface was affected. Limbal involvement was classified as Stage A if it was below 50%, as Stage B if it was between 50% and 100%, and as Stage C if it was 100%. CONCLUSION This is the first study in the literature to describe and classify LSCD because of SJS, according to the new LSCD classification. Consistent with the results, LSCD follows a bimodal distribution. Most patients demonstrated severe (Stage III-32.14%) or mild (Stage IA-21.42%) LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Akgun
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Gui Y, He Y, Wang D, Wang S, Zhang Y. Advances in Cell Transplantation Therapy for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:933-941. [PMID: 37605422 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230821102450] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are essential for maintaining corneal transparency and ocular surface integrity. Many external factors or genetic diseases can lead to corneal limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), resulting in the loss of barrier and corneal epithelial cell renewal functions. Stem cell transplantation is one of the primary treatments for LSCD, including limbal transplantation and cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation. In addition, a variety of non-limbal stem cell lines have been experimented with for LSCD treatment. Biological scaffolds are also used to support in vitro stem cell culture and transplantation. Here, we review the mechanisms of corneal maintenance by LSCs, the clinical stage and surgical treatment of LSCD, the source of stem cells, and the biological scaffolds required for in vitro culture. METHODS This study is a narrative retrospective study aimed at collecting available information on various aspects of surgical treatments for LSCD. Relevant literature was searched in a range of online databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed from 2005 to March, 2023. RESULTS A total of 397 relevant articles were found, and 49 articles with strong relevance to the studies in this paper were obtained and analyzed. Moreover, 11 of these articles were on the concept of LSCD and the mechanism of LESCs maintaining the corneal epithelium, 3 articles on the staging and grading of LSCD, 17 articles on cell transplantation methods and donor cell sources, and 18 articles on scaffolds for delivering stem cells. We also summarized the advantages and disadvantages of different cell transplantation methods and the benefits and limitations of scaffolds based on the above literature. CONCLUSION The treatment of LSCD is determined by the clinical stage and whether it involves monocular or binocular eyes. Appropriate surgical techniques should be taken for LSCD patients in order to reconstruct the ocular surface, relieve symptoms, and restore visual function. Meanwhile, biological scaffolds assist in the ex vivo culture and implantation of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Gibson D, Tran T, Raveendran V, Bonnet C, Siu N, Vinet M, Stoddard-Bennett T, Arnold C, Deng SX, Speier W. Latent diffusion augmentation enhances deep learning analysis of neuro-morphology in limbal stem cell deficiency. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1270570. [PMID: 37908848 PMCID: PMC10613638 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1270570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) is a blinding corneal disease characterized by the loss of function or deficiency in adult stem cells located at the junction between the cornea and the sclera (i.e., the limbus), namely the limbal stem cells (LSCs). Recent advances in in vivo imaging technology have improved disease diagnosis and staging to quantify several biomarkers of in vivo LSC function including epithelial thickness measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and basal epithelial cell density and subbasal nerve plexus by in vivo confocal microscopy. A decrease in central corneal sub-basal nerve density and nerve fiber and branching number has been shown to correlate with the severity of the disease in parallel with increased nerve tortuosity. Yet, image acquisition and manual quantification require a high level of expertise and are time-consuming. Manual quantification presents inevitable interobserver variability. Methods The current study employs a novel deep learning approach to classify neuron morphology in various LSCD stages and healthy controls, by integrating images created through latent diffusion augmentation. The proposed model, a residual U-Net, is based in part on the InceptionResNetV2 transfer learning model. Results Deep learning was able to determine fiber number, branching, and fiber length with high accuracy (R2 of 0.63, 0.63, and 0.80, respectively). The model trained on images generated through latent diffusion on average outperformed the same model when trained on solely original images. The model was also able to detect LSCD with an AUC of 0.867, which showed slightly higher performance compared to classification using manually assessed metrics. Discussion The results suggest that utilizing latent diffusion to supplement training data may be effective in bolstering model performance. The results of the model emphasize the ability as well as the shortcomings of this novel deep learning approach to predict various nerve morphology metrics as well as LSCD disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gibson
- Medical Informatics Home Area, Graduate Programs in Bioscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thai Tran
- Medical Informatics Home Area, Graduate Programs in Bioscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vidhur Raveendran
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Clémence Bonnet
- Ophthalmology Department, Cochin Hospital and Paris Cité University, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nathan Siu
- Medical Informatics Home Area, Graduate Programs in Bioscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Computational Diagnostics Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Micah Vinet
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Computational Diagnostics Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Theo Stoddard-Bennett
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Corey Arnold
- Medical Informatics Home Area, Graduate Programs in Bioscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Computational Diagnostics Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sophie X. Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Computational Diagnostics Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - William Speier
- Medical Informatics Home Area, Graduate Programs in Bioscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Computational Diagnostics Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Bonnet C, González S, Deng SX, Zheng JJ. Wnt activation as a potential therapeutic approach to treat partial limbal stem cell deficiency. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15670. [PMID: 37735479 PMCID: PMC10514048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42794-8] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) are adult stem cells located at the limbus, tightly regulated by their niche involving numerous signaling pathways, such as Wnt. Wnt proteins are secreted morphogens that play critical roles in embryonic development, stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, tissue regeneration, and remodeling in adults. It has been shown that a small molecule Wnt mimic could improve LSCs expansion ex vivo. Damage to the LSCs and/or their niche can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition that can cause corneal blindness and is difficult to treat. This study explored if repopulating residual LSCs in partial LSCD through Wnt activation could be a novel therapeutic approach. To mimic LSCD due to a chemical injury, single cultured LSCs were exposed to various concentrations of sodium hydroxide. A progressive loss of the LSCs phenotype was observed: the percentage of p63bright cells and cytokeratin (K)14+ cells decreased while the percentage of K12+ increased. Wnt activation was attained by treating the LSCs with lithium chloride (LiCl) and a small-molecule Wnt mimic, respectively. After 18 h of treatment, LSCs proliferation was increased, and the LSCs phenotype was recovered, while the untreated cells did not proliferate and lost their phenotype. The percentage of p63bright cells was significantly higher in the Wnt mimic-treated cells compared with untreated cells, while the percentage of K12+ cells was significantly lower. These findings suggest that local Wnt activation may rescue LSCs upon alkaline injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bonnet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Cordeliers Research Center, Ophthalmology Department, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sheyla González
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jie J Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Bonnet C, Lee A, Shibayama VP, Tseng CH, Deng SX. Clinical outcomes and complications of fluid-filled scleral lens devices for the management of limbal stem cell deficiency. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2023; 46:101528. [PMID: 34728142 PMCID: PMC9054946 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2021.101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the clinical and visual outcomes of fluid-filled scleral lens devices (SL) wear in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). DESIGN Retrospective consecutive case series. METHODS 27 eyes with LSCD confirmed by in vivo confocal microscopy at the Stein Eye Institute and fitted with SL were included. Correlations between corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and LSCD stage determined by clinical grading were performed between baseline (after the SL fit) and the last follow-up (the time of discontinuation of SL wear or the last visit in eyes in which SL were continued). In a subset of patients that had worsened LSCD while using SL, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and anterior segment fluorescein angiogram (AS-FA) were performed. RESULTS Baseline LSCD grading was stage I in 12 eyes (44.4%), stage 2 in 12 eyes (44.4%), and stage III in 3 eyes (11.1%). At the last follow-up, CDVA was improved in 7 eyes (25.9%), remained stable in 13 eyes (48.1%) and decreased in 7 eyes (25.9%, P = 0.16). The LSCD stage was improved in 7 eyes (25.9%), remained stable in 8 eyes (29.6%) and worsened in 12 eyes (44.4%, P = 0.10). AS-OCT and AS-FA, performed in 5 eyes, showed limbal compression and delayed fluorescein filling. CONCLUSION SL can improve visual acuity and maintain the ocular surface in the majority of eyes. Worsening of the ocular surface might be a result of limbal hypoxia. Close monitoring of SL fit is necessary in these compromised eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bonnet
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.,Ophthalmology Department, Paris University, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Andrew Lee
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Vivian P. Shibayama
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sophie X. Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Niruthisard D, Bonnet C, Tanasugarn L, Le B, Deng SX. Autologous Serum Eye Drops in the Management of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Associated With Glaucoma Surgery. Eye Contact Lens 2023; 49:19-24. [PMID: 36322388 PMCID: PMC9789170 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000000951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate safety and efficacy of autologous serum eye drops (AS) in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) associated with glaucoma surgery. METHODS Retrospective case series of eyes with glaucoma surgery-induced LSCD treated with AS. Diagnosis of LSCD was confirmed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography, in vivo confocal microscopy, and/or impression cytology. Limbal stem cell deficiency severity was staged using a clinical scoring system (2-10 points). Outcome measures were changes (≥2 points) of the LSCD score and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from the baseline to the last follow-up. RESULTS Thirteen eyes of 12 consecutive patients treated with 50% AS for at least 3 months were included. The mean age was 78.9±7.5 years and the mean duration of AS use was 20.9±16.8 months. Indications of AS included LSCD progression in eight eyes (61.5%) and visual axis threatening in five eyes (38.5%). The mean LSCD score at baseline (6.7±1.6) was similar to that at last follow-up (6.5±2.2, P =0.625). Two eyes (15.4%) showed improvement, nine eyes (69.2%) were stable, and two eyes (15.4%) worsened. The mean baseline BCVA (0.89±0.64 logMAR) was similar to the mean final BCVA (1.05±0.63 logMAR, P =0.173). There were no serious adverse complications related to AS. CONCLUSION AS appears to be well tolerated and may stabilize the progression of LSCD with limited effects. A larger study is necessary to confirm the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duangratn Niruthisard
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Banphaeo General Hospital, Samut Sakhon, Thailand
| | - Clémence Bonnet
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Cornea Department, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, F-75014, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Lokachet Tanasugarn
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Bryan Le
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine
| | - Sophie X. Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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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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Arboleda A, Ta CN. Observational study of cenegermin for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency associated with neurotrophic keratopathy. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2022; 14:25158414221134598. [DOI: 10.1177/25158414221134598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) and limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) have high morbidity and require aggressive management to prevent permanent vision loss. Cenegermin, a recombinant human nerve growth factor, was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 2018 for the treatment of NK. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of cenegermin in the treatment of LSCD associated with NK. Design: Prospective cohort study Methods: Patients diagnosed with LSCD and NK who had failed conventional treatment were enrolled in this prospective open-label study. Patients were treated with cenegermin for 8 weeks. The primary objective was to determine whether the area of abnormal epithelium decreased following treatment. Corneal sensation, visual acuity (VA), and LSCD severity were also evaluated. Results: Six eyes of 5 patients were included in the study. Cenegermin significantly improved the area of abnormal corneal epithelium in 5 of 6 eyes, measuring 73% of total corneal area at the initial visit and 48% at the final visit ( P = .036). Corneal sensation improved in all patients, Cochet–Bonnet aesthesiometry measured 14.7 and 26.7 mm at the initial and final visit, respectively ( P = .009). VA improved in 4 out of 6 eyes, with mean initial logMAR VA of 1.67 and final logMAR VA of 1.19 ( P = .045). Finally, LSCD grading improved using the Aravena scoring system; however, this difference was not statistically significant ( P = .14). One patient presented with an epithelial defect at baseline, which resolved following treatment. No patient withdrew from the study due to adverse effects. Conclusions: Cenegermin effectively improved the cornea epithelium, VA, and corneal sensation in patients with LSCD and NK who had failed prior treatment. Further studies are necessary to better understand the anatomical changes and to confirm our results with a larger randomized control trial. Registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT04552730 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04552730 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Arboleda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Christopher N. Ta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2452 Watson Ct, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
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Cell Morphology as an In Vivo Parameter for the Diagnosis of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Cornea 2021; 41:995-1001. [PMID: 34935665 PMCID: PMC9218010 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate basal epithelial cell morphology (CM) in the central cornea and limbal areas of eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). METHODS This was a prospective, cross-sectional comparative study. We developed a CM scoring system based on basal epithelial cell phenotypes graded from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe morphologic alterations); this system was evaluated by 2 independent masked observers. The CM score was compared with the LSCD clinical score, mean best-corrected visual acuity, and in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy parameters used to stage LSCD (ie, basal epithelial cell density, basal epithelial thickness, and subbasal corneal nerve fiber length density). RESULTS One hundred sixty-eight eyes with LSCD and 63 normal eyes were included. Compared with the control group, the LSCD group had significantly higher mean (±SD) CM scores in the central cornea (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 0.5 ± 0.4, respectively; P = 0.01) and limbal areas (1.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.3 ± 0.0, respectively; P < 0.05). The mean CM score in the central cornea was positively correlated with the clinical score (P < 0.01, r = 0.66) and negatively correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity (P < 0.01, r = 0.42). The CM scores were positively correlated with all other in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy parameters in the central cornea and limbal areas (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Basal epithelial CM is altered in the central cornea and limbus of eyes with LSCD and thus can be used to stage the clinical severity of the disease.
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Le Q, Chauhan T, Cordova D, Tseng CH, Deng SX. Biomarkers of in vivo limbal stem cell function. Ocul Surf 2021; 23:123-130. [PMID: 34902592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate in vivo parameters as biomarkers of limbal stem cell function and to establish an objective system that detects and stage limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). METHODS A total of 126 patients (172 eyes) with LSCD and 67 normal subjects (99 eyes) were included in this observational cross-sectional comparative study. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were performed to obtain the following: clinical score, cell morphology score, basal cell density (BCD), central corneal epithelial thickness (CET), limbal epithelial thickness (LET), total corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and tortuosity coefficient. Their potential correlations with the severity of LSCD were investigated, and cutoff values were determined. RESULTS An increase clinical score correlated with a decrease in central cornea BCD, limbal BCD, CET, mean LET, maximum LET, CNFL, CNFD, CNBD, and tortuosity coefficient. Regression analyses showed that central cornea BCD, CET and CNFL were the best parameters to differentiate LSCD from normal eyes (Coef = 3.123, 3.379, and 2.223; all p < 0.05). The rank correlation analysis showed a similar outcome between the clinical scores and the central cornea BCD (ρ = 0.79), CET (ρ = 0.82), and CNFL (ρ = 0.71). A comprehensive LSCD grading formula based on a combination of these parameters was established. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive staging system combining clinical presentation, central cornea BCD, CET, and CNFL is established to accurately and objectively diagnose LSCD and stage its severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihua Le
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tulika Chauhan
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, DAVV University, Indore, MP, India
| | - Daniel Cordova
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Bonnet C, González S, Roberts JS, Robertson SYT, Ruiz M, Zheng J, Deng SX. Human limbal epithelial stem cell regulation, bioengineering and function. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 85:100956. [PMID: 33676006 PMCID: PMC8428188 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is continuously renewed by limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs), a cell population harbored in a highly regulated niche located at the limbus. Dysfunction and/or loss of LSCs and their niche cause limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease that is marked by invasion of conjunctival epithelium into the cornea and results in failure of epithelial wound healing. Corneal opacity, pain, loss of vision, and blindness are the consequences of LSCD. Successful treatment of LSCD depends on accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease and requires restoration of functional LSCs and their niche. This review highlights the major advances in the identification of potential LSC biomarkers and components of the LSC niche, understanding of LSC regulation, methods and regulatory standards in bioengineering of LSCs, and diagnosis and staging of LSCD. Overall, this review presents key points for researchers and clinicians alike to consider in deepening the understanding of LSC biology and improving LSCD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bonnet
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Cornea Department, Paris University, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Sheyla González
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - JoAnn S Roberts
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sarah Y T Robertson
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Maxime Ruiz
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Basic Science Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Oral Mucosal Epithelial Transplantation and Limbal-Rigid Contact Lens: A Therapeutic Modality for the Treatment of Severe Ocular Surface Disorders. Cornea 2021; 39 Suppl 1:S19-S27. [PMID: 33181721 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, and severe thermal or chemical injury are considered severe ocular surface disorders (OSDs) because they affect the entire ocular surface, including corneal and conjunctival epithelial stem cells. In patients with severe OSDs, the long-term prognosis for limbal transplantation is poor, and the related corneal opacity and cicatrization lead to devastating visual impairment. To date, there is no standardized treatment to improve vision in cases with severe OSD. Investigating novel treatment methods for severe OSDs, our group began cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation in 2002 and developed a limbal-supported rigid-type contact lens that can be applied as a nonsurgical treatment. When used in combination, these treatment methods make it possible to successfully restore vision in cases with severe OSDs.
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Tong CM, He B, Iovieno A, Yeung SN. Diagnosis and management of limbal stem cell deficiency, challenges, and future prospects. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2021.1933441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Maya Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bonnie He
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alfonso Iovieno
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sonia N. Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the clinical presentation of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) associated with glaucoma surgeries. METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with LSCD and glaucoma who presented to the Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, between 2009 and 2018. Patients who underwent trabeculectomy and/or aqueous shunt surgery were included. The severity of LSCD was staged using global consensus guidelines and a clinical scoring system, and basal epithelial cell density was measured by in vivo confocal microscopy. Anatomic locations of glaucoma and non-glaucoma surgeries, locations of LSCD, and severity of LSCD were compared. RESULTS Fifty-one eyes of 41 patients with LSCD associated with glaucoma surgery were included in this study. LSCD in these patients uniquely featured sectoral replacement of corneal epithelium by conjunctival epithelium, without corneal neovascularization or pannus. The sites of glaucoma surgery strongly correlated with the locations of LSCD (P = 0.002). There was a trend toward increased severity of LSCD in eyes with 2 or more glaucoma surgeries as compared to eyes with 1 glaucoma surgery, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.3). Use of topical glaucoma medications correlated with LSCD severity, while the impact of antimetabolites did not reach statistical significance. The location of glaucoma drainage surgery is correlated with the location of LSCD. CONCLUSIONS LSCD associated with glaucoma surgery has clinical features distinct from LSCD resulting from other etiologies. Further study is required to delineate the full impact of glaucoma surgery on limbal stem cell function and survival.
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Adil MT, Henry JJ. Understanding cornea epithelial stem cells and stem cell deficiency: Lessons learned using vertebrate model systems. Genesis 2021; 59:e23411. [PMID: 33576188 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Animal models have contributed greatly to our understanding of human diseases. Here, we focus on cornea epithelial stem cell (CESC) deficiency (commonly called limbal stem cell deficiency, LSCD). Corneal development, homeostasis and wound healing are supported by specific stem cells, that include the CESCs. Damage to or loss of these cells results in blindness and other debilitating ocular conditions. Here we describe the contributions from several vertebrate models toward understanding CESCs and LSCD treatments. These include both mammalian models, as well as two aquatic models, Zebrafish and the amphibian, Xenopus. Pioneering developments have been made using stem cell transplants to restore normal vision in patients with LSCD, but questions still remain about the basic biology of CESCs, including their precise cell lineages and behavior in the cornea. We describe various cell lineage tracing studies to follow their patterns of division, and the fates of their progeny during development, homeostasis, and wound healing. In addition, we present some preliminary results using the Xenopus model system. Ultimately, a more thorough understanding of these cornea cells will advance our knowledge of stem cell biology and lead to better cornea disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Tayyab Adil
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jonathan J Henry
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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Bonnet C, Roberts JS, Deng SX. Limbal stem cell diseases. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108437. [PMID: 33571530 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The function of limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) is critical to maintain corneal epithelial homeostasis. Many external insults and intrinsic defects can be deleterious to LSCs and their niche microenvironment, resulting in limbal stem cell dysfunction or deficiency (LSCD). Ocular comorbidities, frequent in eyes with LSCD, can exacerbate the dysfunction of residual LSCs, and limit the survival of transplanted LSCs. Clinical presentation and disease evolution vary among different etiologies of LSCD. New ocular imaging modalities and molecular markers are now available to standardize the diagnosis criteria and stage the severity of the disease. Medical therapies may be sufficient to reverse the disease if residual LSCs are present. A stepwise approach should be followed to optimize the ocular surface, eliminate the causative factors and treat comorbid conditions, before considering surgical interventions. Furthermore, surgical options are selected depending on the severity and laterality of the disease. The standardized diagnostic criteria to stage the disease is necessary to objectively evaluate and compare the efficacy of the emerging customized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bonnet
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Cornea Department, Paris University, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, F-75014, Paris, France.
| | - JoAnn S Roberts
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Ozer MD, Altınkurt E, Yilmaz YC, Gedik AC, Alparslan N. The Surgical Outcomes of Limbal Allograft Transplantation in Eyes Having Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. J Curr Ophthalmol 2020; 32:132-141. [PMID: 32775793 PMCID: PMC7337021 DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_91_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To report the limbal allograft transplantation and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) results in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD)-developed eyes because of chemical or thermal injury. Methods: Medical records of 18 eyes of 14 patients who had undergone keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) or living-related conjunctival limbal allograft (lr-CLAL) with or without PK and followed up at least 1 year postoperatively were evaluated retrospectively. The preoperative LSCD grade was noted in all patients. Rejection incidents, recurrence of LSCD, and corneal graft clarity along with a visual improvement during the follow-up were noted. The complications rate due to surgery or injury itself, for instance, glaucoma and cataract, were evaluated. The limbal allograft tissue survival analysis and corneal allograft survival analysis were done to reveal the differences in both the procedures. The existence of normal corneal epithelium and improvement in visual acuity were accepted as the surgical success criteria. Results: In the limbal allograft transplantation group, the survival rates of the allograft tissue were 65 ± 10.7% at 1 year and 36.6 ± 11.4% at 3 years in lr-CLAL and 66.7 ± 15.7% at 12 months and 53.3 ± 17.3% at 18 months in KLAL-transplanted eyes. The survival rate of corneal allograft at the 5th postoperative year was lower in the simultaneous procedure compared to the staged procedure, but it was not statistically significant (25.7 ± 25.8% vs. 62.5 ± 17.1%, P = 0.75). The ambulatory vision was achieved in 10 eyes (56%) after a mean follow-up time of 93.8 ± 37.8 months. The visual acuity level has increased in 12 eyes (67%) in which the limbal allograft transplantation was applied. The ambulatory visual acuity level was achieved (≤1.0 logMar [20/200]) in 10 eyes (56%). In addition, two or more Snellen lines’ gain in the best corrected visual acuity was observed in 12 eyes of 18 (67%) at the last follow-up, and there was not any significant difference between the KLAL and lr-CLAL. Conclusions: Ocular surface integrity was longer in KLAL than in lr-CLAL transplantation, but it was not statistically significant. The staged procedure was more convenient than the simultaneous procedure in terms of corneal allograft clarity maintenance in limbal allograft-employed eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Derda Ozer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Emre Altınkurt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ali Ceyhun Gedik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Luleburgaz State Hospital, Kirklareli, Turkey
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Liang Q, Le Q, Cordova DW, Tseng CH, Deng SX. Corneal Epithelial Thickness Measured Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography as a Diagnostic Parameter for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 216:132-139. [PMID: 32283095 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), we investigated the epithelial thickness (ET) of the central cornea and limbal regions in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) as a diagnostic and staging parameter. DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS The central corneal epithelium thickness (CET) and maximum limbal epithelium thickness (mLET) were measured in the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal limbus on AS-OCT images of the normal and eyes with LSCD. CET was obtained by 1-point (OCT-CET1) and 3-point measurement (OCT-CET3). The values of OCT-CET1 and OCT-CET3 were compared to the CET obtained with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM-CET). RESULTS Sixty-eight eyes of 50 patients with LSCD and 52 eyes of 34 normal subjects were included. The mean (±standard deviation) OCT-CET3 was 55.0 ± 3.0 μm (range, 50.6-62.0 μm) in the control group and 41.6 ± 10.8 μm (range, 0-56.3 μm) in the LSCD group (P < .001). OCT-CET3 had a better correlation with IVCM-CET (r = 0.91) than did OCT-CET1 (r = 0.87, P = .001). The degree of reduction in OCT-CET3 increased in more advanced clinical stages of LSCD (all P < .001). The OCT-CET3 cutoff value that suggests LSCD was 46.6 μm. Compared with the control group, the LSCD group had decreases in mLET in all 4 limbal regions (all P < .001). The sensitivity and specificity of OCT-CET3 is the highest among all mLET in detecting LSCD. CONCLUSIONS Both CET and mLET were thinner in patients with LSCD than in normal subjects. OCT-CET3 appears to be a reliable parameter to confirm LSCD when there is clinical suspicion.
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Bhattacharya P, Edwards K, Harkin D, Schmid KL. Central corneal basal cell density and nerve parameters in ocular surface disease and limbal stem cell deficiency: a review and meta-analysis. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 104:1633-1639. [PMID: 32139501 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-315231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a review and meta-analysis for investigating the relative reduction of central corneal basal cell density (BCD) and nerve parameters in ocular surface disease (OSD) and limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). METHODS A systematic literature search using the terms ((1) "ocular surface disease" or "ocular surface disorder"; (2) "in vivo confocal microscopy"; (3) "limbal stem cell deficiency"; (4) "basal cell density" or "corneal basal cell density" or "central corneal basal cell density"; (5) "corneal nerves" or "corneal nerve parameters" or "central corneal nerve parameters") was performed. The results are presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) with corresponding 95% CI. RESULTS 16 studies that reported the central corneal BCD and 21 studies that reported the central corneal nerve parameters in OSD (including LSCD) were included. A significant reduction in central corneal BCD was observed in patients with various OSDs (WMD=-9.50, 95% CI -14.04 to -4.97, p<0.01) as well as in patients with LSCD (WMD=-22.14, 95% CI -37.91 to -6.37, p<0.01) compared with healthy controls, however, no significant difference in BCD was observed between the two groups (WMD=-11.61, 95% CI -15.96 to -7.26, p=0.13). There was no conclusive difference in various central corneal nerve parameters between OSDs and LSCD. CONCLUSION Central corneal BCD and nerve parameters are reduced in LSCD, there is a similar reduction in other OSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradipta Bhattacharya
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katie Edwards
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Damien Harkin
- School of Biomedical Science, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katrina L Schmid
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Development and Validation of an Open-Source Grading Tool for Outcome Assessment in Limbal Stem Cell Treatment. Cornea 2020; 39:787-792. [PMID: 32044825 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To design a grading system and validate an open-source tool to improve objective quantification and follow-up of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) after treatment. METHODS A custom-made web-based grading system was developed for grading stem cell deficient eyes, termed the "Vascularisation, Haze, and Integrity" tool. For validation purposes, 60 corneal slit-lamp images of 30 limbal stem cell deficient eyes were graded by 3 groups of examiners: 3 corneal specialists (group A), 3 ophthalmologists with an expertise other than cornea (group B), and 3 nonclinicians (group C). The intragrader and intergrader agreement was evaluated using Fleiss weighted kappa coefficients and concurrent assessment of interrater and intrarater reliability (IRR) coefficients. RESULTS The overall intergrader agreement was 0.78, 0.61, and 0.42 for superficial corneal vascularization, corneal haze, and epithelial integrity, respectively. All groups had good agreement for the vascularization parameter with the highest intergrader reliability in group A (IRR = 0.80) and the lowest in group C (IRR = 0.72). When assessing "haze," there was good agreement in groups A (IRR = 0.75) and B (IRR = 0.76) but low agreement in group C (IRR = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS We report the development and evaluation of a novel method for grading results of limbal stem cell deficient eyes after treatment and provide this system as a free, open-source online tool. The grading tool offers an easy and standardized way of assessing the corneal surface in patients with LSCD, enables evaluation of progression over time, reduces assessment bias, and-if adopted universally-will harmonize outcome being reported between groups.
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