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A Novel Technique of Amniotic Membrane Preparation Mimicking Limbal Epithelial Crypts Enhances the Number of Progenitor Cells upon Expansion. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050738. [PMID: 36899873 PMCID: PMC10001367 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether a novel technique of human amniotic membrane (HAM) preparation that mimics the crypts in the limbus enhances the number of progenitor cells cultured ex vivo. The HAMs were sutured on polyester membrane (1) standardly, to obtain a flat HAM surface, or (2) loosely, achieving the radial folding to mimic crypts in the limbus. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate a higher number of cells positive for progenitor markers p63α (37.56 ± 3.34% vs. 62.53 ± 3.32%, p = 0.01) and SOX9 (35.53 ± 0.96% vs. 43.23 ± 2.32%, p = 0.04), proliferation marker Ki-67 (8.43 ± 0.38 % vs. 22.38 ± 1.95 %, p = 0.002) in the crypt-like HAMs vs. flat HAMs, while no difference was found for the quiescence marker CEBPD (22.99 ± 2.96% vs. 30.49 ± 3.33 %, p = 0.17). Most of the cells stained negative for the corneal epithelial differentiation marker KRT3/12, and some were positive for N-cadherin in the crypt-like structures, but there was no difference in staining for E-cadherin and CX43 in crypt-like HAMs vs. flat HAMs. This novel HAM preparation method enhanced the number of progenitor cells expanded in the crypt-like HAM compared to cultures on the conventional flat HAM.
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Jurkunas U, Johns L, Armant M. Cultivated Autologous Limbal Epithelial Cell Transplantation: New Frontier in the Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 239:244-268. [PMID: 35314191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Taking into consideration prior human experience with treating limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) with cultivated limbal epithelial cells (CLEC) from other countries, we have set a goal to optimize and standardize the techniques of CLEC preparation (called CALEC by our group) for the clinical trial in the United States. METHODS We performed an extensive literature review of all human trials, case series, and reports involving autologous cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplantation. Allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplantations were reported only when combined with autologous studies. We also searched prior animal data aiding in detailing regulatory toxicology requirements. RESULTS Between 1997 and 2020, the analysis of human trials revealed 21 studies on autologous grafts, and 13 studies analyzing both autologous grafts and allogeneic grafts. Of a total of 34 studies, 6 studies used good manufacturing process (GMP) facilities, and 11 studies had no animal-derived products or murine feeder layers, whereas only 1 study had both. Overall, the treatment with autologous CLEC grafts was 68.9% successful. In total there were 6 preclinical studies using rabbits, serving as surrogate studies to assess the safety and toxicity of cultivated limbal epithelial cells for human trials. Based on prior human experience, we further optimized the manufacturing conditions with GMP-grade and serum and animal-free reagents, and developed cell characterization assays for the CALEC product release. CONCLUSIONS These data were used to develop a novel and consistent manufacturing process using only qualified and validated reagents for performing the first clinical trial on CALEC transplantation to treat LSCD in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula Jurkunas
- From the Schepens Eye Research Institute (U.J., L.J.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Lynette Johns
- From the Schepens Eye Research Institute (U.J., L.J.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Myriam Armant
- TransLab (M.A.), Translational Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Oie Y, Komoto S, Kawasaki R. Systematic review of clinical research on regenerative medicine for the cornea. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2021; 65:169-183. [PMID: 33591470 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-021-00821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a systematic review of clinical research on the use of regenerative medicine for the cornea in human patients. METHODS A systematic literature search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library was performed in May 2020. RESULTS Forty-two articles were identified. Thirty-eight of those articles focused on the treatment for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), of which 17 articles involved autologous cultured limbal epithelial cell sheet transplantation (CLET), 13 involved allogeneic CLET, and 14 involved autologous cultured oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet transplantation (COMET). For autologous CLET, the median ocular surface reconstruction rate, visual recovery rate, incidence of immunologic rejection, infectious keratitis, and ocular hypertension/glaucoma were 74.1%, 54.5%, 0%, 4.6%, and 6.3%, respectively. For allogeneic CLET, they were 71.4%, 71.4%, 7.1%, 12.0%, and 7.1%, respectively. For autologous COMET, they were 66.7%, 66.7%, 0%, 5.3%, and 8.1%, respectively. Systemic immunosuppressants and steroid medications were predominantly used following allogeneic CLET, whereas they were not routinely used after autologous CLET. Three studies focused on the treatment of keratoconus using autologous adipose-derived adult stem cells and reported no marked adverse events. One study reported on the treatment of bullous keratopathy using allogeneic cultured corneal endothelial cells. All patients achieved an endothelial cell density of >500 cells, and the corrected distance visual acuity improved in 82% of the treated eyes. CONCLUSIONS The results show that regenerative medicine for the cornea demonstrated a satisfactory efficacy and safety. Through translational research, we are expecting to establish a new treatment for waiting patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Oie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Room E7, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Shimpei Komoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Room E7, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryo Kawasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Room E7, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Figueiredo FC, Glanville JM, Arber M, Carr E, Rydevik G, Hogg J, Okonkwo A, Figueiredo G, Lako M, Whiter F, Wilson K. A systematic review of cellular therapies for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency affecting one or both eyes. Ocul Surf 2021; 20:48-61. [PMID: 33412337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review (SR) assessed the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of cell-based therapy to manage limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a sight-threatening orphan condition most frequently associated with severe chemical or thermal burns. LSCD has historically been treated by transplanting limbal tissue. In 1997, a new treatment, cultured limbal epithelial autografts, was described for unilateral LSCD. In cases of bilateral disease cultured autologous oral mucosa stem cells have been used. The relative efficacy of different cultured tissue procedures is unknown. METHODS A protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017081117). Searches were conducted in 14 databases and 6 conference websites. Two reviewers independently selected studies, conducted data extraction and assessed risk of bias. One reviewer extracted individual patient data (IPD); a second checked extracted data. Data were assessed to determine the feasibility of statistical analysis, with Bayesian synthesis used to estimate improvement achieved by different treatments. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were eligible for inclusion (1113 eyes); 41 studies (716 eyes) reported IPD. No evidence was identified on cost-effectiveness. This SR was unable to confirm that any of the types of ex vivo cultured stem cell transplants identified for LSCD treatment were statistically superior when assessed against the outcomes of interest. CONCLUSIONS We believe this SR is the first to include IPD analysis of LSCD data. There is no evidence for the superiority of any method of limbal stem cell transplant. Confirmation of the safety and efficacy of this treatment modality is challenging due to heterogeneity within and between the studies identified. Therefore, recommendations for future research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary and University of Newcastle, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
| | - J M Glanville
- York Health Economics Consortium, Enterprise House, Innovation Way, University of York, York, YO10 5NQ, UK
| | - M Arber
- York Health Economics Consortium, Enterprise House, Innovation Way, University of York, York, YO10 5NQ, UK
| | - E Carr
- York Health Economics Consortium, Enterprise House, Innovation Way, University of York, York, YO10 5NQ, UK
| | - G Rydevik
- Quantics Biostatistics, West End House, 28 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 7RN, UK
| | - J Hogg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary and University of Newcastle, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - A Okonkwo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary and University of Newcastle, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - G Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary and University of Newcastle, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - M Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - F Whiter
- York Health Economics Consortium, Enterprise House, Innovation Way, University of York, York, YO10 5NQ, UK
| | - K Wilson
- York Health Economics Consortium, Enterprise House, Innovation Way, University of York, York, YO10 5NQ, UK
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Shimazaki J, Satake Y, Higa K, Yamaguchi T, Noma H, Tsubota K. Long-term outcomes of cultivated cell sheet transplantation for treating total limbal stem cell deficiency. Ocul Surf 2020; 18:663-671. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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O'Callaghan AR, Dziasko MA, Sheth-Shah R, Lewis MP, Daniels JT. Oral Mucosa Tissue Equivalents for the Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900265. [PMID: 32515079 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cultured limbal and oral epithelial cells have been successfully used to treat patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The most common culture method for these cell therapies utilizes amniotic membrane as a cell support and/or murine 3T3s as feeder fibroblasts. The aim of this study is to refine the production of autologous oral mucosal cell therapy for the treatment of LSCD. Real architecture for 3D tissue (RAFT) is used as an alternative cell culture support. In addition, oral mucosal cells (epithelial and fibroblast) are used as autologous alternatives to donor human limbal epithelial cells (HLE) and murine 3T3s. The following tissue equivalents are produced and characterized: first, for patients with bilateral LSCD, an oral mucosa tissue equivalent consisting of human oral mucosal epithelial cells on RAFT supported by human oral mucosal fibroblasts (HOMF). Second, for patients with unilateral LSCD, HLE on RAFT supported by HOMF. For both tissue equivalent types, features of the cornea are observed including a multi-layered epithelium with small cells with a stem cell like phenotype in the basal layer and squamous cells in the top layers, and p63α and PAX6 expression. These tissue equivalents may therefore be useful in the treatment of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R O'Callaghan
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Marc A Dziasko
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Radhika Sheth-Shah
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mark P Lewis
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Julie T Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
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Le Q, Chauhan T, Deng SX. Diagnostic criteria for limbal stem cell deficiency before surgical intervention-A systematic literature review and analysis. Surv Ophthalmol 2019; 65:32-40. [PMID: 31276736 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
An accurate diagnosis of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is the premise of an appropriate treatment; however, there is no consensus about the diagnostic criteria for LSCD. We performed a systematic literature search of the peer-reviewed articles on PubMed, Medline, and Ovid to investigate how LSCD was diagnosed before surgical intervention. The methods used to diagnose LSCD included clinical presentation, impression cytology, and in vivo confocal microscopy. Among 131 eligible studies (4054 eyes), 26 studies (459 eyes, 11.3%) did not mention the diagnostic criteria. In the remaining 105 studies, the diagnosis of LSCD was made on the basis of clinical examination alone in 2398 eyes (62.9%), and additional diagnostic tests were used in 1047 (25.8%) eyes. Impression cytology was used in 981 eyes (24.2%), in vivo confocal microscopy was used in 29 eyes (0.7%), and both impression cytology and in vivo confocal microscopy were used in 37 eyes (0.9%). Our findings suggest that only a small portion of patients underwent a diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis of LSCD. Treating physicians should be aware of the limitations of clinical examination in diagnosing LSCD and perform a diagnostic test whenever possible before surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihua Le
- Stein Eye Institute, Cornea Division, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tulika Chauhan
- Stein Eye Institute, Cornea Division, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, Cornea Division, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
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Bains KK, Fukuoka H, Hammond GM, Sotozono C, Quantock AJ. Recovering vision in corneal epithelial stem cell deficient eyes. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2019; 42:350-358. [PMID: 31047800 PMCID: PMC6611221 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal limbal epithelial stem cells deficiencies cause severe ocular surface instability and visual impairment. These conditions, caused by injury or disease, are very difficult to treat. Laboratory-grown epithelial cell sheets expanded from healthy limbal tissue can be used to reconstruct the ocular surface. Other epithelia, such as the oral mucosa, can be used to generate the therapeutic cell sheets.
A healthy corneal epithelium, which is essential for proper vision and protection from external pathogens, is continuously replenished throughout life by stem cells located at the limbus. In diseased or injured eyes, however, in which stem cells are deficient, severe ocular problems manifest themselves. These are notoriously difficult to manage and as a result the last 20 or so years has seen a number of therapeutic strategies emerge that aim to recover the ocular surface and restore vision in limbal stem cell deficient eyes. The dominant concept involves the generation of laboratory cultivated epithelial cell sheets expanded from small biopsies of the epithelial limbus (for patient or donors) or another non-corneal epithelial tissue such as the oral mucosa. Typically, cells are grown on sterilised human amniotic membrane as a substrate, which then forms part of the graft, or specially formulated plastic culture dishes from which cells sheets can be released by lowering the temperature, and thus the adherence of the plastic to the cells. Overall, clinical results are promising, as is discussed, with new cultivation methodologies and different cell lineages currently being investigated to augment the treatment options for visual disturbance caused by a corneal epithelial limbal stem cell deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiranjit K Bains
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
| | - Hideki Fukuoka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8065, Japan.
| | - Greg M Hammond
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Chie Sotozono
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8065, Japan.
| | - Andrew J Quantock
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8065, Japan.
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Systematic review and meta-analysis investigating autograft versus allograft cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation in limbal stem cell deficiency. Int Ophthalmol 2019; 39:2685-2696. [PMID: 30826943 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-019-01092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Currently, regenerative medicine has attracted much attention among researchers investigating new methods to treat ocular surface diseases. Based on this new concept, cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET), whether in the form of autograft or allograft, has emerged as a promising surgical procedure for treating limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Given that there is no updated comparison between autograft and allograft CLETs, the present review and meta-analysis aims to compare and determine the efficacy of two different CLET techniques, autologous versus allogeneic, based on a literature review of relevant studies. METHODS A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase and Scopus, for related articles was performed in March 2018 to obtain relevant articles and to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the success rate of ocular surface regeneration and two-line improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using autograft versus allograft transplantations. RESULTS A total of 30 studies, including 1306 eyes from 1288 patients with LSCD, with a sample size ranging from 6 to 200 and follow-up period of 0.6-156 months, were reviewed. Of 1306 eyes, 982 (75.2%) underwent autograft and 324 (24.8%) received allografts from living or deceased donors. Meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between autograft and allograft CLETs in terms of success rate and two-line BCVA improvement. The prospective studies showed a zero difference between the two groups; only two retrospective studies included in the analysis pulled the autografts up to 1.82 and 1.2 times more than allografts in terms of success rate and two-line BCVA improvement, respectively [pooled OR 1.82 (95% CI 0.80-4.11); pooled OR 1.2 (95% CI 0.54-2.65)]. There was no statistically significant evidence of bias in the meta-analysis in terms of success rates and two-line BCVA improvement. CONCLUSIONS The present analysis revealed no significant differences in success rates or visual improvement between autograft and allograft surgical techniques.
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Lorenzo Y, Haug Berg K, Ringvold A, Petrovski G, Moe MC, Collins A, Nicolaissen B. Levels of oxidative DNA damage are low in ex vivo engineered human limbal epithelial tissue. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:834-840. [PMID: 30239138 PMCID: PMC6667899 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine levels of oxidative DNA base damage and expression of selected genes and proteins related to DNA damage repair in human limbal epithelium engineered ex vivo. METHODS Cells were expanded from limbal tissue on cell culture-treated inserts in medium containing fetal bovine serum, recombinant growth factors, hormones and cholera toxin (COM) and in medium with human serum as the single growth-promoting additive (HS). Cells were analysed after two, three and four weeks in culture for DNA strand breaks and oxidized purine bases (Comet assay using the enzyme formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, Fpg) and for expression of DNA repair enzymes APE1, OGG1 and Polβ by in situ hybridization (ISH) and by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS Levels of strand breaks were substantial while levels of net Fpg-sensitive sites (8-oxoguanine and ring-opened FaPy bases) were relatively low in cells engineered in COM and in HS. Both types of medium were found to support expression of base excision repair (BER) enzymes APE1, OGG1 and Polβ at the gene level. At the protein level, expression of APE1 and OGG1 was noticeable in both conditions while expression of Polβ was low. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate low levels of oxidative stress and/or efficient DNA purine base damage repair in human limbal epithelium engineered in a medium with human serum as the single growth-promoting additive as well as in traditional medium with xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Lorenzo
- Center for Eye ResearchDepartment of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Kristiane Haug Berg
- Center for Eye ResearchDepartment of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Amund Ringvold
- Center for Eye ResearchDepartment of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye ResearchDepartment of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Morten C. Moe
- Center for Eye ResearchDepartment of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Andrew Collins
- Department of NutritionInstitute for Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Bjørn Nicolaissen
- Center for Eye ResearchDepartment of OphthalmologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
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Utheim TP, Aass Utheim Ø, Salvanos P, Jackson CJ, Schrader S, Geerling G, Sehic A. Concise Review: Altered Versus Unaltered Amniotic Membrane as a Substrate for Limbal Epithelial Cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2018; 7:415-427. [PMID: 29573222 PMCID: PMC5905228 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.17-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can result from a variety of corneal disorders, including chemical and thermal burns, infections, and autoimmune diseases. The symptoms of LSCD may include irritation, epiphora, blepharospasms, photophobia, pain, and decreased vision. There are a number of treatment options, ranging from nonsurgical treatments for mild LSCD to various forms of surgery that involve different cell types cultured on various substrates. Ex vivo expansion of limbal epithelial cells (LEC) involves the culture of LEC harvested either from the patient, a living relative, or a cadaver on a substrate in the laboratory. Following the transfer of the cultured cell sheet onto the cornea of patients suffering from LSCD, a successful outcome can be expected in approximately three out of four patients. The phenotype of the cultured cells has proven to be a key predictor of success. The choice of culture substrate is known to affect the phenotype. Several studies have shown that amniotic membrane (AM) can be used as a substrate for expansion of LEC for subsequent transplantation in the treatment of LSCD. There is currently a debate over whether AM should be denuded (i.e., de-epithelialized) prior to LEC culture, or whether this substrate should remain intact. In addition, crosslinking of the AM has been used to increase the thermal and mechanical stability, optical transparency, and resistance to collagenase digestion of AM. In the present review, we discuss the rationale for using altered versus unaltered AM as a culture substrate for LEC. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018;7:415-427.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University HospitalNorway
- Department of OphthalmologyDrammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital TrustNorway
- Department of OphthalmologyStavanger University HospitalNorway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of BergenNorway
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloNorway
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOslo University HospitalNorway
| | | | - Panagiotis Salvanos
- Department of OphthalmologyDrammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital TrustNorway
| | - Catherine J. Jackson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University HospitalNorway
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloNorway
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOslo University HospitalNorway
| | | | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Amer Sehic
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloNorway
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Saghizadeh M, Kramerov AA, Svendsen CN, Ljubimov AV. Concise Review: Stem Cells for Corneal Wound Healing. Stem Cells 2017; 35:2105-2114. [PMID: 28748596 PMCID: PMC5637932 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Corneal wound healing is a complex process that occurs in response to various injuries and commonly used refractive surgery. It is a significant clinical problem, which may lead to serious complications due to either incomplete (epithelial) or excessive (stromal) healing. Epithelial stem cells clearly play a role in this process, whereas the contribution of stromal and endothelial progenitors is less well studied. The available evidence on stem cell participation in corneal wound healing is reviewed, together with the data on the use of corneal and non-corneal stem cells to facilitate this process in diseased or postsurgical conditions. Important aspects of corneal stem cell generation from alternative cell sources, including pluripotent stem cells, for possible transplantation upon corneal injuries or in disease conditions are also presented. Stem Cells 2017;35:2105-2114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnoosh Saghizadeh
- Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, Regenerative Medicine InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Andrei A. Kramerov
- Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, Regenerative Medicine InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Clive N. Svendsen
- Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, Regenerative Medicine InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alexander V. Ljubimov
- Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, Regenerative Medicine InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Lužnik Z, Breda C, Barbaro V, Ferrari S, Migliorati A, Di Iorio E, Ferrari B, Griffoni C, Grassetto A, Elbadawy HM, Bertolin M. Towards xeno-free cultures of human limbal stem cells for ocular surface reconstruction. Cell Tissue Bank 2017; 18:461-474. [DOI: 10.1007/s10561-017-9632-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Safety of Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Transplantation for Human Corneal Regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:6978253. [PMID: 28465692 PMCID: PMC5390601 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6978253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation is a promising technique for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. While the results of the clinical trials have been extensively reported since the introduction of the technique in 1997, little has been reported regarding the potential health risks associated with production processes and transplantation techniques. Culture procedures require the use of animal and/or human-derived products, which carry the potential of introducing toxic or infectious agents through contamination with known or unknown additives. Protocols vary widely, and the risks depend on the local institutional methods. Good manufacturing practice and xeno-free culture protocols could reduce potential health risks but are not yet a common practice worldwide. In this review, we focus on the safety of both autologous- and allogeneic-cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation, with respect to culture processes, surgical approaches, and postoperative strategies.
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15
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McLenachan S, Zhang D, Hao E, Zhang L, Chen SC, Chen FK. Human limbal neurospheres prevent photoreceptor cell death in a rat model of retinal degeneration. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2017; 45:613-624. [PMID: 28256796 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The culture of retinal progenitors from an accessible adult stem cell source such as the limbus could provide a useful autologous source of retinal cell therapies. The human corneoscleral limbus contains multipotent stem cells that can be cultured as floating neurospheres. Previous work in rodents has demonstrated neuronal and photoreceptor differentiation from limbal neurosphere cultures. Here, this study has examined undifferentiated cultured adult human limbal neurospheres as donor cells for retinal cell therapies by transplantation into a rat model of retinal degeneration. METHODS Gene expression in limbal neurospheres was examined by immunostaining and western blot. Human limbal neurospheres were transplanted into the subretinal space of Royal College of Surgeon's rats. Rats were monitored by optical coherence tomography for 6 weeks then processed for retinal histology. RESULTS Human limbal neurospheres expressed the neural lineage markers, Nestin, sex determining region box-2 and N-cadherin, and the retinal transcription factors microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, sex determining region box-2 and orthodentical homeobox-2. Human limbal neurospheres could be cultured to express NeuN, neurofilament and rhodopsin. Rats receiving saline or no injection underwent complete degeneration of the retinal outer nuclear layer after 3 weeks. In contrast, rats injected with human limbal neurospheres or retinal pigment epithelial cells maintained the outer nuclear layer for up to 6 weeks. Gene expression in transplanted limbal neurospheres was inconsistent with the production of mature retinal pigment epithelial or photoreceptor cells. CONCLUSIONS Human limbal neurospheres represent an accessible source of autologous donor cells for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel McLenachan
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dan Zhang
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Erwei Hao
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shang-Chih Chen
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fred K Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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16
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Lužnik Z, Hawlina M, Ferrari S, Ponzin D, Schollmayer P. Ocular surface reconstruction in limbal stem cell deficiency: current treatment options and perspectives. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2017.1263568] [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: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zala Lužnik
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Via Paccagnella 11, Venezia Zelarino, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Via Paccagnella 11, Venezia Zelarino, Italy
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17
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Parihar JKS, Parihar AS, Jain VK, Kaushik J, Nath P. Allogenic cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation versus cadaveric keratolimbal allograft in ocular surface disorder: 1-year outcome. Int Ophthalmol 2016; 37:1323-1331. [PMID: 28025793 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-016-0415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the outcome of allogenic ex vivo cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) versus cadaveric keratolimbal allograft in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). METHODS In this prospective interventional study from Army Hospital Research and Referral in New Delhi, 50 eyes of 40 patients with ocular surface disorder having LSCD underwent either cultivated LSCT (group 1: 25 eyes of 20 patients) or keratolimbal allograft transplantation (group 2: 25 eyes of 20 patients). The outcome measures were gain of two or more lines of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), absence of conjunctival vascularization over cornea, corneal neovascularization regression, regression of visually significant corneal opacity (iris details poorly visible), Schirmer's 1 ≥10 s, tear break-up time (TBUT) ≥10 s, and absence of fluorescein staining. RESULTS At 1 year of follow-up, both groups experienced significant improvement in all outcome measures, but there was no significant difference between both groups in improvement of two or more lines of BCVA (P = 0.841), absence of conjunctival vascularization over cornea (P = 0.812), corneal neovascularization (P = 0.074), visually significant corneal opacity (P = 0.075), Schirmer's 1 ≥10 s (P = 0.814), TBUT ≥10 s (P = 0.382), or absence of fluorescein stain (P = 1.00). CONCLUSION Both allogenic ex vivo cultivated LSCT and cadaveric keratolimbal allograft transplantation are comparable in terms of visual gain and ocular surface restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vaibhav Kumar Jain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Uttar Pradesh Rural Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (U.P.R.I.M.S. & R.), Saifai, Etawah, India
| | - Jaya Kaushik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (P.G.I.M.E.R.), Chandigarh, India
| | - Pramod Nath
- Department of Histopathology, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
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18
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López-Paniagua M, Nieto-Miguel T, de la Mata A, Galindo S, Herreras JM, Corrales RM, Calonge M. Successful Consecutive Expansion of Limbal Explants Using a Biosafe Culture Medium under Feeder Layer-Free Conditions. Curr Eye Res 2016; 42:685-695. [PMID: 27911610 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2016.1250278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transplantation of in vitro cultured limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) is a treatment widely used for LESC deficiency. However, the number of limbal tissue donors is limited, and protocols for LESC cultivation often include compounds and/or feeder layers that can induce side effects and/or increase the cost of the culture procedure. We investigated the feasibility of obtaining more than one limbal primary culture (LPC) from the same biopsy using a culture medium in which several potentially harmful compounds were replaced at the same time by biosafe supplements, allowing the LESC cultivation without feeder layers. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established feeder layer-free LPCs with three culture media: (1) a modified supplemental hormonal epithelial medium, containing potential harmful components (cholera toxin, dimethylsulfoxide, and fetal bovine serum [FBS]), (2) IOBA-FBS, a medium with FBS but with no other harmful supplements, and (3) IOBA-HS, similar to IOBA-FBS but with human serum instead of FBS. Additionally, the same limbal explant was consecutively cultured with IOBA-HS producing three cultures. LPCs were characterized by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or immunofluorescence. RESULTS LPCs cultured with the three media under feeder layer-free conditions showed cuboidal cells and no significant differences in the percentage of positive cells for limbal (ABCG2, p63, and K14) and corneal (K3, K12) proteins. Except for ABCG2, the relative mRNA expression of the LESC markers was significantly higher when IOBA-FBS or IOBA-HS was used. LPC1 showed characteristics similar to LPC0, while LPC2 cell morphology became elongated and the expression of some LESC markers was diminished. CONCLUSION IOBA-HS enables the culturing of up to two biosafe homologous LPCs from one limbal tissue under feeder layer-free conditions. The routine use of this culture medium could improve both the biosafety and the number of available LPCs for potential clinical transplantation, as well as decrease the expense of the culture procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina López-Paniagua
- a IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology) , University of Valladolid , Valladolid , Spain.,b CIBER-BBN (Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine) , Valladolid , Spain
| | - Teresa Nieto-Miguel
- a IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology) , University of Valladolid , Valladolid , Spain.,b CIBER-BBN (Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine) , Valladolid , Spain
| | - Ana de la Mata
- a IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology) , University of Valladolid , Valladolid , Spain.,b CIBER-BBN (Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine) , Valladolid , Spain
| | - Sara Galindo
- a IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology) , University of Valladolid , Valladolid , Spain.,b CIBER-BBN (Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine) , Valladolid , Spain
| | - José M Herreras
- a IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology) , University of Valladolid , Valladolid , Spain.,b CIBER-BBN (Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine) , Valladolid , Spain
| | - Rosa M Corrales
- a IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology) , University of Valladolid , Valladolid , Spain.,b CIBER-BBN (Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine) , Valladolid , Spain
| | - Margarita Calonge
- a IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology) , University of Valladolid , Valladolid , Spain.,b CIBER-BBN (Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine) , Valladolid , Spain
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19
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Lužnik Z, Hawlina M, Maličev E, Bertolin M, Kopitar AN, Ihan A, Ferrari S, Schollmayer P. Effect of Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane Orientation on the Expression of Limbal Mesenchymal and Epithelial Stem Cell Markers in Prolonged Limbal Explant Cultures. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164408. [PMID: 27723792 PMCID: PMC5056676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of prolonged limbal explants cultured without any scaffolds or on amniotic membrane (AM) on the viability, proliferation and differentiation potential of putative phenotypically defined cultured limbal mesenchymal (LMSC) and epithelial stem cells (LESC). METHODS Limbal explants were cultivated on cryopreserved intact AM or plastic plates using medium supplemented with only human serum. AM was positioned with either the epithelial or stromal side up. The outgrowing cells were immunophenotyped for the co-expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73/CD90/CD105 positive and CD45 negative), proliferation and putative progenitor markers (CXCR4, CD117), epithelial markers and antigen presenting cell markers (CD80, CD83, CD86) by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry on limbal cultures cultivated on AM was carried out with antibodies against pan-cytokeratin, p63, Ki67. RESULTS Morphological and immunostaining analyses revealed two distinct stem cell population types, which could be identified over prolonged culturing time periods. Expression of LMSC markers and CXCR4 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cultures cultivated without AM. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in CD117 expression. The cells cultivated on AM retained an epithelial cell structure, which was further confirmed by histology examination. Histology revealed limbal epithelial growth and p63, Ki67 positive cells on both sides of AM. CONCLUSION Limbal cells cultivated on AM exhibited a lower expression profile of LMSC and CXCR4 markers as limbal cells cultivated on plastic culture plates. However, CD117 expression was similar. Histology confirmed limbal epithelial cell growth on both sides of AM, with no morphological differences, or positivity of cells for p63 and Ki67.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zala Lužnik
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elvira Maličev
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Slovenia
| | - Marina Bertolin
- The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation (Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto), Zelarino-Venice, Italy
| | - Andreja Nataša Kopitar
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alojz Ihan
- Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation (Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto), Zelarino-Venice, Italy
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20
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Pathak M, Olstad OK, Drolsum L, Moe MC, Smorodinova N, Kalasova S, Jirsova K, Nicolaissen B, Noer A. The effect of culture medium and carrier on explant culture of human limbal epithelium: A comparison of ultrastructure, keratin profile and gene expression. Exp Eye Res 2016; 153:122-132. [PMID: 27702552 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) often experience pain and photophobia due to recurrent epithelial defects and chronic inflammation of the cornea. Successfully restoring a healthy corneal surface in these patients by transplantation of ex vivo expanded human limbal epithelial cells (LECs) may alleviate these symptoms and significantly improve their quality of life. The clinical outcome of transplantation is known to be influenced by the quality of transplanted cells. Presently, several different protocols for cultivation and transplantation of LECs are in use. However, no consensus on an optimal protocol exists. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of culture medium and carrier on the morphology, staining of selected keratins and global gene expression in ex vivo cultured LECs. Limbal biopsies from cadaveric donors were cultured for three weeks on human amniotic membrane (HAM) or on tissue culture coated plastic (PL) in either a complex medium (COM), containing recombinant growth factors, hormones, cholera toxin and fetal bovine serum, or in medium supplemented only with human serum (HS). The expanded LECs were examined by light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC) for keratins K3, K7, K8, K12, K13, K14, K15 and K19, as well as microarray and qRT-PCR analysis. The cultured LECs exhibited similar morphology and keratin staining on LM, TEM and IHC examination, regardless of the culture condition. The epithelium was multilayered, with cuboidal basal cells and flattened superficial cells. Cells were attached to each other by desmosomes. Adhesion complexes were observed between basal cells and the underlying carrier in LECs cultured on HAM, but not in LECs cultured on PL. GeneChip Human Gene 2.0 ST microarray (Affymetrix) analysis revealed that 18,653 transcripts were ≥2 fold up or downregulated (p ≤ 0.05). Cells cultured in the same medium (COM or HS) showed more similarities in gene expression than cells cultured on the same carrier (HAM or PL). When each condition was compared to HAM/COM, no statistical difference was found in the transcription level of the selected genes associated with keratin expression, stemness, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, corneal wound healing or autophagy. In conclusion, the results indicate that ex vivo cultures of LECs on HAM and PL, using culture media supplemented with COM or HS, yield tissues with similar morphology and keratin staining. The gene expression appears to be more similar in cells cultured in the same medium (COM or HS) compared to cells cultured on the same carrier (HAM or PL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meeta Pathak
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - O K Olstad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv Drolsum
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten C Moe
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalia Smorodinova
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Kalasova
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, General Teaching Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Jirsova
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, General Teaching Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bjørn Nicolaissen
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Agate Noer
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Abstract
Corneal integrity is essential for visual function. Transplantation remains the most common treatment option for advanced corneal diseases. A global donor material shortage requires a search for alternative treatments. Different stem cell populations have been induced to express corneal cell characteristics in vitro and in animal models. Yet before their application to humans, scientific and ethical issues need to be solved. The in vitro propagation and implantation of primary corneal cells has been rapidly evolving with clinical practices of limbal epithelium transplantation and a clinical trial for endothelial cells in progress, implying cultivated ocular cells as a promising option for the future. This review reports on the latest developments in primary ocular cell and stem cell research for corneal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Fuest
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Gary Swee-Lim Peh
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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22
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Suri K, Gong HK, Yuan C, Kaufman SC. Human Platelet Lysate as a Replacement for Fetal Bovine Serum in Limbal Stem Cell Therapy. Curr Eye Res 2016; 41:1266-1273. [PMID: 26863375 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1116586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the use of human platelet lysate (HPL) as an alternative supplement for limbal explant culture. METHODS Culture media were prepared using either 10% pooled HPL (PHPL), single donor HPL, or fetal bovine serum (FBS). Limbal tissues, obtained from the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, were cultured in each medium on plastic plates or on denuded amniotic membrane (AM). Immunofluorescence staining was performed for ABCG2, tumor protein p63α, and cytokeratin 3 (K3). Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of ABCG2 and p63. Limbal explants grown in each medium were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to assess the proliferative capacity in each medium. Concentration of growth factors including epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) in HPL and PHPL was compared to that in human serum (HS). RESULTS Immunofluorescence staining on AM showed prominent expression of ABCG2, p63α but sparse expression of K3 in HPL and PHPL supplemented medium. Real time-PCR showed 1.7 fold higher expression of ABCG2 in PHPL supplemented medium (p = 0.03), and similar expression of p63 in HPL and PHPL supplemented medium compared to FBS medium. The proliferation assay showed that LSCs retained their proliferative potential in HPL supplemented medium. Higher concentration of growth factors were found in HPL, compared to HS. CONCLUSIONS Human platelet lysate has higher concentration of grown factors and is effective in maintaining growth and stem cell phenotype of corneal limbal explant cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Suri
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Hwee K Gong
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Ching Yuan
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Stephen C Kaufman
- a Department of Ophthalmology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA.,b State University of New York-Downstate Medical Center , Brooklyn , NY , USA
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23
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Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: Current Treatment Options and Emerging Therapies. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:9798374. [PMID: 26788074 PMCID: PMC4691643 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9798374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe ocular surface disease can result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a condition leading to decreased visual acuity, photophobia, and ocular pain. To restore the ocular surface in advanced stem cell deficient corneas, an autologous or allogenic limbal stem cell transplantation is performed. In recent years, the risk of secondary LSCD due to removal of large limbal grafts has been significantly reduced by the optimization of cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET). Despite the great successes of CLET, there still is room for improvement as overall success rate is 70% and visual acuity often remains suboptimal after successful transplantation. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation reports higher success rates but has not been performed in as many patients yet. This review focuses on limbal epithelial stem cells and the pathophysiology of LSCD. State-of-the-art therapeutic management of LSCD is described, and new and evolving techniques in ocular surface regeneration are being discussed, in particular, advantages and disadvantages of alternative cell scaffolds and cell sources for cell based ocular surface reconstruction.
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Long-Term Cultures of Human Cornea Limbal Explants Form 3D Structures Ex Vivo - Implications for Tissue Engineering and Clinical Applications. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143053. [PMID: 26580800 PMCID: PMC4651561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term cultures of cornea limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) were developed and characterized for future tissue engineering and clinical applications. The limbal tissue explants were cultivated and expanded for more than 3 months in medium containing serum as the only growth supplement and without use of scaffolds. Viable 3D cell outgrowth from the explants was observed within 4 weeks of cultivation. The outgrowing cells were examined by immunofluorescent staining for putative markers of stemness (ABCG2, CK15, CK19 and Vimentin), proliferation (p63α, Ki-67), limbal basal epithelial cells (CK8/18) and differentiated cornea epithelial cells (CK3 and CK12). Morphological and immunostaining analyses revealed that long-term culturing can form stratified 3D tissue layers with a clear extracellular matrix deposition and organization (collagen I, IV and V). The LESCs showed robust expression of p63α, ABCG2, and their surface marker fingerprint (CD117/c-kit, CXCR4, CD146/MCAM, CD166/ALCAM) changed over time compared to short-term LESC cultures. Overall, we provide a model for generating stem cell-rich, long-standing 3D cultures from LESCs which can be used for further research purposes and clinical transplantation.
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25
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Massie I, Kureshi AK, Schrader S, Shortt AJ, Daniels JT. Optimization of optical and mechanical properties of real architecture for 3-dimensional tissue equivalents: Towards treatment of limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency. Acta Biomater 2015; 24:241-250. [PMID: 26092352 PMCID: PMC4550494 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) deficiency can cause blindness. Transplantation of cultured human limbal epithelial cells (hLE) on human amniotic membrane (HAM) can restore vision but clinical graft manufacture can be unreliable. We have developed a reliable and robust tissue equivalent (TE) alternative to HAM, Real Architecture for 3D Tissue (RAFT). Here, we aimed to optimize the optical and mechanical properties of RAFT TE for treatment of LESC deficiency in clinical application. The RAFT TE protocol is tunable; varying collagen concentration and volume produces differing RAFT TEs. These were compared with HAM samples taken from locations proximal and distal to the placental disc. Outcomes assessed were transparency, thickness, light transmission, tensile strength, ease of handling, degradation rates and suitability as substrate for hLE culture. Proximal HAM samples were thicker and stronger with poorer optical properties than distal HAM samples. RAFT TEs produced using higher amounts of collagen were thicker and stronger with poorer optical properties than those produced using lower amounts of collagen. The ‘optimal’ RAFT TE was thin, transparent but still handleable and was produced using 0.6 ml of 3 mg/ml collagen. Degradation rates of the ‘optimal’ RAFT TE and HAM were similar. hLE achieved confluency on ‘optimal’ RAFT TEs at comparable rates to HAM and cells expressed high levels of putative stem cell marker p63α. These findings support the use of RAFT TE for hLE transplantation towards treatment of LESC deficiency.
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26
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Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Transplantation of Ex Vivo Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell on Amniotic Membrane in Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Cornea 2015; 34:592-600. [DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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27
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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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Harritshøj LH, Nielsen C, Ullum H, Hansen MB, Julian HO. Ready-made allogeneic ABO-specific serum eye drops: production from regular male blood donors, clinical routine, safety and efficacy. Acta Ophthalmol 2014; 92:783-6. [PMID: 24629028 DOI: 10.1111/aos.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To overcome problems and delays of the preparation of autologous serum eye drops, a production line of ABO-specific allogeneic serum eye drops from male blood donors was set up in a blood bank. Feasibility, clinical routine, safety and efficacy were evaluated in a cohort of patients with severe ocular surface disorders. METHODS Serum was derived from 450 ml whole-blood donations from regular male blood donors, produced and tested according to good manufacturing practice and legislation regulating blood products in Denmark. Serum was diluted to 20% (v/v) with NaCl 0.9%, filtered, bottled, registered and stored at -30°C in the blood bank. Upon request, frozen ABO-identical serum drops in lots of 14 bottles could be provided immediately. Safety and efficacy were evaluated in 34 patients with severe ocular surface disease refractory to conventional medical therapy. Patients were treated six times daily for minimum 2-4 weeks. Objective findings and subjective symptoms were compared between day 0 and after 4 weeks of treatment using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Clinically, no side-effects were observed. In total, 59% of the patients with ocular surface changes improved objectively (slit-lamp examination). Partial or full healing of corneal changes, as well as subjective relief of symptoms, was observed in 16 of 20 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (p < 0.001). The 14 patients with persistent epithelial defect experienced neither objective nor subjective improvements during serum treatment. CONCLUSION Ready-made ABO-identical allogeneic serum eye drops were straightforwardly produced, quality-assured and registered as a safe standard blood product for the treatment of certain cases of severe dry eye disease. Therapeutic efficacy was comparable to previous reports on autologous serum drops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Holm Harritshøj
- Department of Clinical Immunology; Blood Bank; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Connie Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology; Blood Bank; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Henrik Ullum
- Department of Clinical Immunology; Blood Bank; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Morten Bagge Hansen
- Department of Clinical Immunology; Blood Bank; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen Denmark
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He H, Yiu SC. Stem cell-based therapy for treating limbal stem cells deficiency: A review of different strategies. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2014; 28:188-94. [PMID: 25278795 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The self renewal capability of limbal epithelial stem (LEST) cells is fundamental to the maintenance and healing of corneal epithelium. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), due to dysfunction or loss of LEST cells, therefore presents as persistent epithelial defects, corneal vascularization, conjunctivalization etc. Stem cell-based therapy, in its simplest form - limbal autograft, has been used successfully for more than a decade. For bilateral LSCD, similar approaches with limbal allografts have been unsuccessful largely due to strong immune rejection. Therefore, as an alternate strategy for treating bilateral LSCD, ex vivo expansion of the remaining LEST cells or autologous stem cells sourced from other potential sites is being explored. Different culture systems (with and without xenobiotic supplements) using substrates like amniotic membrane or fibrin gels have been used successfully for ex vivo LEST cell maintenance and reproduction by imitating the stem cell niche. This paper is organized into sections reviewing the LEST cells, LSCD and various stem cell-based approaches for treating LSCD and discussing future direction and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong He
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Samuel C Yiu
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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