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Andjelic S, Drašlar K, Hvala A, Hawlina M. Structural Characteristics of the Lens in Presenile Cataract. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:802275. [PMID: 35004779 PMCID: PMC8727346 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.802275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to examine the structure of the anterior lens epithelial cells (aLECs) of presenile idiopathic cortical cataract to investigate the possible structural reasons for its development. The anterior lens capsules (aLCs: basement membrane and associated lens epithelial cells) were obtained from routine uneventful cataract surgery of 5 presenile cataract patients (16 and 41 years old women and 29, 39, and 45 years old men). None of the patients had family history of cataract, medication, or trauma and they were otherwise healthy. In addition, the patients did not have any other abnormal features in the ocular status except cataract. The aLCs were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The most prominent abnormal features observed by SEM for all 5 studied presenile cataract patients were the changes of the aLECs structure with the dents, the selective concavity of some LECs, at their apical side centrally toward the nucleus. In addition, TEM showed the thinning of the lens epithelium with the segmentally concave cells and the compressed and elongated nuclei. Abnormal and distinguishable structural features were observed in the anterior lens epithelium aLECs in all 5 patients with presenile cataract. Disturbed structure of aLECs, regularly present in presenile cataract type is shown that might be associated with water accumulation in the presenile idiopathic cortical cataract lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofija Andjelic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kazimir Drašlar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anastazija Hvala
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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UV Effect on Human Anterior Lens Capsule Macro-Molecular Composition Studied by Synchrotron-Based FTIR Micro-Spectroscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105249. [PMID: 34065666 PMCID: PMC8156142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is an important risk factor in cataractogenesis. Lens epithelial cells (LECs), which are a highly metabolically active part of the lens, play an important role in UV-induced cataractogenesis. The purpose of this study was to characterize cell compounds such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids in human UV C-irradiated anterior lens capsules (LCs) with LECs, as well as to compare them with the control, non-irradiated LCs of patients without cataract, by using synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) micro-spectroscopy. In order to understand the effect of the UV C on the LC bio-macromolecules in a context of cataractogenesis, we used the SR-FTIR micro-spectroscopy setup installed on the beamline MIRAS at the Spanish synchrotron light source ALBA, where measurements were set to achieve a single-cell resolution with high spectral stability and high photon flux. UV C irradiation of LCs resulted in a significant effect on protein conformation with protein formation of intramolecular parallel β-sheet structure, lower phosphate and carboxyl bands in fatty acids and amino acids, and oxidative stress markers with significant increase of lipid peroxidation and diminishment of the asymmetric CH3 band.
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Gosak M, Gojić D, Spasovska E, Hawlina M, Andjelic S. Cataract Progression Associated with Modifications in Calcium Signaling in Human Lens Epithelia as Studied by Mechanical Stimulation. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050369. [PMID: 33919270 PMCID: PMC8143283 DOI: 10.3390/life11050369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling disturbances are associated with lens pathophysiology and are involved in cataract formation. Here, we explored the spatiotemporal changes in Ca2+ signaling in lens epithelial cells (LECs) upon local mechanical stimulation, to better understand the LECs’ intercellular communication and its association with cataractogenesis. We were interested in if the progression of the cataract affects the Ca2+ signaling and if modifications of the Ca2+ homeostasis in LECs are associated with different cataract types. Experiments were done on the human postoperative anterior lens capsule (LC) preparations consisting of the monolayer of LECs on the basement membrane. Our findings revealed that the Ca2+ signal spreads radially from the stimulation point and that the amplitude of Ca2+ transients decreases with increasing distance. It is noteworthy that a comparison of signaling characteristics with respect to the degree of cataract progression revealed that, in LCs from more developed cataracts, the Ca2+ wave propagates faster and the amplitudes of Ca2+ signals are lower, while their durations are longer. No differences were identified when comparing LCs with regard to the cataract type. Moreover, experiments with Apyrase have revealed that the Ca2+ signals are not affected by ATP-dependent paracrine communication. Our results indicated that cataract progression is associated with modifications in Ca2+ signaling in LECs, suggesting the functional importance of altered Ca2+ signaling of LECs in cataractogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Dajana Gojić
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Elena Spasovska
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Sofija Andjelic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.G.); (E.S.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Kreuzer M, Dučić T, Hawlina M, Andjelic S. Synchrotron-based FTIR microspectroscopy of protein aggregation and lipids peroxidation changes in human cataractous lens epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15489. [PMID: 32968091 PMCID: PMC7511928 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72413-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide but the mechanisms involved in the process of cataractogenesis are not yet fully understood. Two most prevalent types of age-related cataracts are nuclear (N) and cortical (C) cataracts. A common environmental factor in most age-related cataracts is believed to be oxidative stress. The lens epithelium, the first physical and biological barrier in the lens, is build from lens epithelial cells (LECs). LECs are important for the maintenance of lens transparency as they control energy production, antioxidative mechanisms and biochemical transport for the whole lens. The purpose of this study is to characterize compounds in LECs originated from N and C cataracts, by using the synchrotron radiation-based Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy, in order to understand the functional importance of their different bio-macromolecules in cataractogenesis. We used the SR-FTIR microspectroscopy setup installed on the beamline MIRAS at the Spanish synchrotron light source ALBA, where measurements were set to achieve single cell resolution, with high spectral stability and high photon flux. The results showed that protein aggregation in form of fibrils was notably pronounced in LECs of N cataracts, while oxidative stress and the lipids peroxidation were more pronounced in LECs of C cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kreuzer
- CELLS-ALBA, Carrer de la Llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Valles, 08290, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tanja Dučić
- CELLS-ALBA, Carrer de la Llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Valles, 08290, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Grablovičeva 46, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sofija Andjelic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Grablovičeva 46, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Sorkou KN, Manthou ME, Meditskou S, Tsinopoulos IT, Ziakas N, Kouzi-Koliakou K. Lens Epithelial Surface Disorders in Exfoliation Syndrome: A Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy Study. Ophthalmic Res 2020; 64:216-223. [PMID: 32403107 DOI: 10.1159/000508631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrodissection was recently reported to occur more easily in patients with exfoliation syndrome (XFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies have already revealed alterations of the lens epithelial cells (LECs) and their apical membrane towards the lens fibers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to examine the three-dimensional appearance of the lens epithelium in patients with XFS. METHODS Fourteen patients with senile cataract, 7 of whom had XFS, were included. Anterior lens capsules (aLCs) were obtained with continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) during phacoemulsification and were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TEM. RESULTS Exfoliation samples exhibited an overall more irregular apical surface of the lens epithelium compared to control aLCs. The height of LECs varied extensively. On the apical surface of LECs, amorphous, crystalline-like, or microgranular extracellular material and membranous, oval-shaped structures were documented with SEM. All findings were connected to corresponding observations with TEM and were not correlated to the type of cataract. CONCLUSIONS In XFS patients, the lens epithelial surface exhibited a highly irregular margin, with extracellular material covering the apical membrane of LECs. We suggest that XFS probably causes both epithelial and lens fiber degeneration which, during CCC and mechanical extraction of the aLC from the lens cortex, result in diverse alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina N Sorkou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, .,2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis T Tsinopoulos
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Ziakas
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kokkona Kouzi-Koliakou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Tekin K, Ozdamar Erol Y, Inanc M, Sargon MF, Cakar Ozdal P, Berker N. Ultrastructural Analysis of the Anterior Lens Epithelium in Cataracts Associated with Uveitis. Ophthalmic Res 2019; 63:213-221. [PMID: 31838467 DOI: 10.1159/000504497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the transmission electron microscopic findings of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in patients with different subtypes of uveitis and to compare the findings with those in age-matched controls. METHODS In this prospective case-control study, the anterior lens capsules were taken from 47 eyes of 47 patients with uveitis of different subtypes (17 with Fuchs uveitis syndrome [FUS], 13 with -Behçet's uveitis, 10 with idiopathic uveitis, and 7 with herpetic keratouveitis) and from 15 eyes of 15 control patients. RESULTS In the FUS group, the LECs had homogeneous thickening and irregularity, with some small vacuoles and widespread, oval-shaped pigment clusters in some areas. In the Behçet uveitis group, there was evident thinning in the lens epithelium. The subepithelial tissue under the epithelium was thickened, and edematous areas were detected. In the idiopathic uveitis group, the LECs were thinner with small vacuoles, and the cubic structure of the LECs was transformed into a squamous one. Moreover, the LECs included some small vacuoles, similar to those in the FUS group. In the herpetic keratouveitis group, two prominent cell types were observed: (1) completely normal LECs and (2) degenerated-type LECs with pyknotic nuclei, condensation of chromatin, swelling in the cytoplasm, membrane ruptures, and intra-cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. In the control group, the LECs and all of their elements occurred in normal ultrastructural patterns, with the exception of a few small intraepithelial vacuoles, which were fewer in number and smaller than those in the FUS and idiopathic uveitis groups. CONCLUSION The electron microscopic analysis of LECs of patients with different subtypes of uveitis revealed significant ultrastructural alterations, which may be related to the summation of oxidative stress and intraocular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Tekin
- Ophthalmology Department, Ercis State Hospital, Van, Turkey,
| | - Yasemin Ozdamar Erol
- Ophthalmology Department, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve Inanc
- Ophthalmology Department, Ercis State Hospital, Van, Turkey
| | | | - Pinar Cakar Ozdal
- Ophthalmology Department, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Berker
- Ophthalmology Department, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Sorkou KΝ, Manthou ME, Meditskou S, Ziakas N, Tsaousis KT, Tsinopoulos IT. Severe Abnormalities of Lens Epithelial Cells in Exfoliation Syndrome: A Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Patients with Age-Related Cataract. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55060235. [PMID: 31159315 PMCID: PMC6631419 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55060235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to examine via electron microscopy the lens epithelial cells in age-related cataracts and compare the findings between patients with and without exfoliation syndrome, in the Greek population. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with age-related cataracts, older than 60 years, were included in the study. Eleven of them also suffered from exfoliation syndrome. Anterior lens capsules, obtained during phacoemulsification, were examined with a transmission electron microscope. Results: In all cases, ultrastructural features of diffuse intracellular and extracellular oedema were noticed to a varying degree and transparent vacuoles were detected. Often, there was more than one layer of cells, giving the impression that healthier cells tried to cover neighboring cells presenting extensive damage. Commonly, cells lost their regular shape and appeared with expanded nuclei carrying dense granules. Apoptotic cells were also detected. The epithelial cells frequently were completely destroyed or absent, exhibiting loose connections amongst them or with the basement membrane. In exfoliation syndrome (XFS) patients the alterations were more severe. Additionally, the lens epithelial cells (LECs) apical cell membrane appeared with varying distances from the basement membrane, due to different cell "heights", creating an irregular margin of the epithelium (p<0.05). Conclusion: Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination revealed ultrastructural abnormalities in all patients' lens epithelia, more extended and more frequently observed in XFS group. In all cases, the lesions were comparable to those described in severe pathologies, all of which were excluded from the study. Environmental factors such as increased ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposure in Mediterranean countries, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, or all of them, could contribute to these alterations. Further epidemiological and molecular biology research is needed, so as to justify these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Ν. Sorkou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Agiou Pavlou 76, 56429, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.Z.); (K.T.T.); (I.T.T.)
- Correspondence: (K.N.S.); or (M.E.M.); Tel.: +30-6948467765 (K.N.S.); +30-6972296839 (M.E.M.)
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence: (K.N.S.); or (M.E.M.); Tel.: +30-6948467765 (K.N.S.); +30-6972296839 (M.E.M.)
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Ziakas
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Agiou Pavlou 76, 56429, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.Z.); (K.T.T.); (I.T.T.)
| | - Konstantinos T. Tsaousis
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Agiou Pavlou 76, 56429, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.Z.); (K.T.T.); (I.T.T.)
| | - Ioannis T. Tsinopoulos
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Agiou Pavlou 76, 56429, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.Z.); (K.T.T.); (I.T.T.)
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Tekin K, Erol YO, Sargon MF, Inanc M, Ozdal PC, Berker N. Effects of Fuchs uveitis syndrome on the ultrastructure of the anterior lens epithelium: A transmission electron microscopic study. Indian J Ophthalmol 2017; 65:1459-1464. [PMID: 29208835 PMCID: PMC5742983 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_691_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate the electron microscopic findings of the lens epithelial cells (LECs) in patients with Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS) who suffered from cataracts and to compare those with age-matched controls. METHODS This study was a prospective, comparative case series. The anterior lens capsules (ALC: basement membrane and associated LECs) were taken from 12 eyes of 12 cases of FUS and ten eyes of ten control patients. The ALCs were obtained from cataract surgery and prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences regarding the age or gender between the FUS group and the control group (P > 0.05). In the TEM examinations of the ALCs, all of the FUS cases revealed similar significant ultrastructural changes when compared to the control patients. In the FUS group, the LECs showed homogeneous thickening and irregularity which included some small vacuoles in different areas of the epithelial tissue. Moreover, in some areas of the LECs, widespread, oval-shaped, pigment clusters were detected. Conversely, in the control group, the LECs and all of their elements were in normal ultrastructural patterns, with the exception of some small intraepithelial vacuoles which were fewer and smaller than those in the FUS group. CONCLUSION Ultrastructural analysis of the ALC of the patients with FUS disclosed some significant alterations which may be related to the summation of oxidative stress, intraocular inflammation, and iris atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Tekin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Ozdamar Erol
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Merve Inanc
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pinar Cakar Ozdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Berker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Tekin K, Erol YO, Inanc M, Sargon MF, Can CU, Polat S, Yilmazbas P. Electron microscopic evaluation of anterior lens epithelium in patients with idiopathic congenital cataract. Int Ophthalmol 2017; 38:2127-2132. [PMID: 28942547 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-017-0713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the ultrastructure of the lens epithelial cells (LECs) in patients with idiopathic congenital cataract. METHODS This is a prospective interventional study. The anterior lens capsules (aLC: basement membrane and associated LECs) were taken from 16 eyes of 12 consecutive patients who were diagnosed as having idiopathic congenital cataracts. The aLCs were obtained from cataract surgery and prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS Some significant ultrastructural changes were observed in all aLCs of the participants. The anterior LECs showed alterations in different areas which were partly cuboidal and partly squamous in shape. The LECs had euchromatic nucleus and included some vacuoles in the cytoplasms as a remarkable alteration. The sizes of these intraepithelial cell vacuoles were changeable. CONCLUSIONS We identified remarkable changes in LECs of the eyes with idiopathic congenital cataract by TEM. It can be assumed that oxidative damage may be associated with these ultrastructural changes in LECs of the eyes with idiopathic congenital cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Tekin
- Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, 06240, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | - Merve Inanc
- Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, 06240, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Cigdem Ulku Can
- Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, 06240, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sibel Polat
- Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, 06240, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pelin Yilmazbas
- Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, 06240, Ankara, Turkey
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10
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Andjelic S, Drašlar K, Hvala A, Hawlina M. Anterior lens epithelium in cataract patients with retinitis pigmentosa - scanning and transmission electron microscopy study. Acta Ophthalmol 2017; 95:e212-e220. [PMID: 27679403 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13250] [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] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients, relatively minor lens opacity in central part of posterior pole of the lens may cause disproportionate functional symptoms requiring cataract operation. To investigate the possible structural reasons for this opacity development, we studied the structure of the lens epithelium of patients with RP. METHODS The anterior lens capsule (aLC: basement membrane and associated lens epithelial cells, LECs) was obtained from cataract surgery and prepared for scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). RESULTS Both SEM and TEM show a number of abnormal features in the anterior lens epithelium of cataract patients with RP. The abnormalities appear mainly as holes, thinning and degradation of the epithelium, with the dimensions from <1 μm to more than 50 μm. Other types of holes in size up to 20 μm were seen that may be formed by gradual stretching of the lens epithelium. Another type of abnormalities was cracks that were seen between adjacent LECs, with dimensions 0.1-2 μm × up to 10 μm. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal structural features were observed in the anterior lens epithelium that may cause water influx into the lens. This may lead to clouding along the water clefts leading towards the posterior pole in the RP cataractous lens. We suggest that the lens epithelium has a role in the development of the cataract in patients with RP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazimir Drašlar
- Department of Biology; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Anastazija Hvala
- Department of Pathology; Medical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital; University Medical Centre; Ljubljana Slovenia
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11
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Park YM, Park BG, Lee IH, Lee JS. A Comparative Histopathological Study of Lens Capsule and Epithelial Cells in Various Types of Cataract. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2017. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2017.58.8.924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Min Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, Korea
| | - Byung Gun Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - In Ho Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Jong Soo Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
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12
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Recek N, Andjelić S, Hojnik N, Filipič G, Lazović S, Vesel A, Primc G, Mozetič M, Hawlina M, Petrovski G, Cvelbar U. Microplasma Induced Cell Morphological Changes and Apoptosis of Ex Vivo Cultured Human Anterior Lens Epithelial Cells - Relevance to Capsular Opacification. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165883. [PMID: 27832099 PMCID: PMC5104483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducing selective or targeted cell apoptosis without affecting large number of neighbouring cells remains a challenge. A plausible method for treatment of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) due to remaining lens epithelial cells (LECs) by reactive chemistry induced by localized single electrode microplasma discharge at top of a needle-like glass electrode with spot size ~3 μm is hereby presented. The focused and highly-localized atmospheric pressure microplasma jet with electrode discharge could induce a dose-dependent apoptosis in selected and targeted individual LECs, which could be confirmed by real-time monitoring of the morphological and structural changes at cellular level. Direct cell treatment with microplasma inside the medium appeared more effective in inducing apoptosis (caspase 8 positivity and DNA fragmentation) at a highly targeted cell level compared to treatment on top of the medium (indirect treatment). Our results show that single cell specific micropipette plasma can be used to selectively induce demise in LECs which remain in the capsular bag after cataract surgery and thus prevent their migration (CXCR4 positivity) to the posterior lens capsule and PCO formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Recek
- Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics (F4), Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sofija Andjelić
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- * E-mail:
| | - Nataša Hojnik
- Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics (F4), Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Filipič
- Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics (F4), Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saša Lazović
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Alenka Vesel
- Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics (F4), Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Primc
- Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics (F4), Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miran Mozetič
- Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics (F4), Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Stem Cells and Eye Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Centre of Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Uroš Cvelbar
- Department of Surface Engineering and Optoelectronics (F4), Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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