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Chen L, Liu X, Wu W, Ren Z, Wang J, Li X, Wang J. A supramolecular hydrogel eye-drop alleviates inflammation via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Int J Pharm 2024; 663:124563. [PMID: 39111353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124563] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The modulation of inflammation is effective to treat many ocular surface diseases. Thus the low bioavailability of common anti-inflammatory eye-drops urges the development of ocular drug delivery systems to extend the ocular retention and enhance the cellular uptake for improving anti-inflammatory effect of eye-drops. Here we covalently conjugate two molecules of clinically anti-inflammatory drug (i.e., dexamethasone) with a small peptide (i.e., Tyr-Glu-Asn-Pro-Thr-Tyr) to generate an anti-inflammatory hydrogel eye-drop. With a self-assembled ability, the designed supramolecular hydrogel achieves gel-sol-gel transition by varying shearing forces which increases the pre-corneal retention of drug. The fluorescent imaging reveals the efficient cellular uptake of designed conjugate via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. A rodent model of endotoxin-induced uveitis verifies that the supramolecular hydrogel eye-drop suppresses inflammation responses without ocular irritation. As a rational approach to design anti-inflammatory drugs as eye-drops, this work overcomes the frequent instillation of clinical eye-drops and further improves the bioavailability of anti-inflammatory drugs, which may provide an effective and household way to fight ocular surface inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry & Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry & Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Wei Wu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry & Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Zhibin Ren
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry & Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jingli Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry & Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xingyi Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry & Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
| | - Jiaqing Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry & Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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Lucchino L, Visioli G, Scarinci F, Colabelli Gisoldi RAM, Komaiha C, Giovannetti F, Marenco M, Pocobelli G, Lambiase A, Pocobelli A. Influence of Opacity Depth on Big Bubble Formation During Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Corneal Stromal Scars. Cornea 2024:00003226-990000000-00626. [PMID: 39023329 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the key preoperative predictors of big bubble (BB) formation during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in patients with corneal stromal scars (CSS). METHODS This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with CSS after infective keratitis who underwent BB-deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty between January 2021 and July 2023 at a tertiary referral center. Topographic and tomographic data were collected to compare the rates and types of BB formations. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was employed to assess the maximum depth of opacity by dividing the stroma into 3 zones of equal thickness: anterior (stage A), mid (stage B), and posterior stroma (stage C). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the potential preoperative predictors of bubble formation. RESULTS Pneumatic dissection was achieved in 13 of 33 eyes (39.4%), with 11 BB type 1 eyes (33.3%) and 2 BB type 2 eyes (6.1%). According to AS-OCT grading, bubble formation was more frequent with CSS involving more superficial stromal layers (P <0.032). In the eyes with stage C, bubble formation failed 12 out of 14 times (85.7%, P <0.026). Spearman correlation showed that bubble formation was inversely associated with the AS-OCT grading (rho = -0.443, P = 0.001). After logistic regression analysis, AS-OCT grading was found to be the sole factor that predicted bubble formation (coeff. -1.58, confidence interval 95% -3.03 to -0.12, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Depth of opacity in CSS was the key determinant for predicting the success of pneumatic dissection, as advanced AS-OCT stages are strongly associated with BB failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Lucchino
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza - University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Visioli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza - University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Scarinci
- San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital, UOC Oftalmologia-Banca degli Occhi, Rome, Italy; and
| | | | - Chiara Komaiha
- San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital, UOC Oftalmologia-Banca degli Occhi, Rome, Italy; and
| | | | - Marco Marenco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza - University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Pocobelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, and Transplants (MIMIT), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Augusto Pocobelli
- San Giovanni Addolorata Hospital, UOC Oftalmologia-Banca degli Occhi, Rome, Italy; and
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3
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Lin FY, Ho RW, Yu HJ, Yang IH, Fang PC, Kuo MT. Impacts and Correlations on Corneal Biomechanics, Corneal Optical Density and Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1557. [PMID: 39061693 PMCID: PMC11275892 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14141557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the extended effects and interrelations of corneal biomechanics, corneal optical density (COD), corneal thickness (CT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) following cataract surgery. Sixteen eyes were analyzed prospectively. The Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) device assessed corneal biomechanics, while the Pentacam AxL® (Pentacam) measured COD and CT. Postoperative data were collected around six months after surgery, with a subgroup analysis of data at nine months. The Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between surgical-induced changes in corneal biomechanics and COD. At six months, significant postoperative differences were observed in various biomechanical indices, including uncorrected IOP (IOPuct) and biomechanics-corrected IOP (bIOP). However, many indices lost statistical significance by the nine-month mark, suggesting the reversibility of postoperative corneal changes. Postoperative COD increased at the anterior layer of the 2-6 mm annulus and incision site. The changes in COD correlated with certain biomechanical indices, including maximal (Max) deformative amplitude (DA) and stiffness parameter (SP). In conclusion, despite significant immediate postoperative changes, corneal biomechanics, COD, and IOP experienced a gradual recovery process following cataract surgery. Clinicians should maintain vigilance for any unusual changes during the short-term observation period to detect abnormalities early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yang Lin
- Medical Education Department, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Ren-Wen Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan; (R.-W.H.); (H.-J.Y.); (I.-H.Y.); (P.-C.F.)
| | - Hun-Ju Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan; (R.-W.H.); (H.-J.Y.); (I.-H.Y.); (P.-C.F.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City 80424, Taiwan
| | - I-Hui Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan; (R.-W.H.); (H.-J.Y.); (I.-H.Y.); (P.-C.F.)
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chiung Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan; (R.-W.H.); (H.-J.Y.); (I.-H.Y.); (P.-C.F.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City 80424, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tse Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan; (R.-W.H.); (H.-J.Y.); (I.-H.Y.); (P.-C.F.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City 80424, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
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Cheng KKW, Fingerhut L, Duncan S, Prajna NV, Rossi AG, Mills B. In vitro and ex vivo models of microbial keratitis: Present and future. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101287. [PMID: 39004166 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101287] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microbial keratitis (MK) is an infection of the cornea, caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. MK leads to significant morbidity, being the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is an urgent requirement to better understand pathogenesis in order to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. Many in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo MK models have been developed and implemented to meet this aim. Here, we present current in vitro and ex vivo MK model systems, examining their varied design, outputs, reporting standards, and strengths and limitations. Major limitations include their relative simplicity and the perceived inability to study the immune response in these MK models, an aspect widely accepted to play a significant role in MK pathogenesis. Consequently, there remains a dependence on in vivo models to study this aspect of MK. However, looking to the future, we draw from the broader field of corneal disease modelling, which utilises, for example, three-dimensional co-culture models and dynamic environments observed in bioreactors and organ-on-a-chip scenarios. These remain unexplored in MK research, but incorporation of these approaches will offer further advances in the field of MK corneal modelling, in particular with the focus of incorporation of immune components which we anticipate will better recapitulate pathogenesis and yield novel findings, therefore contributing to the enhancement of MK outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Kah Wai Cheng
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Fingerhut
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sheelagh Duncan
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - N Venkatesh Prajna
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Adriano G Rossi
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Mills
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Shen S, Zhang Y. Restoration of corneal epithelial barrier function: A possible target for corneal neovascularization. Ocul Surf 2024; 34:38-49. [PMID: 38901546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.06.003] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is the second leading common cause of vision impairment worldwide and is a blinding pathological alteration brought on by ocular trauma, infection, and other factors. There are some limitations in the treatment of CoNV, hence it's critical to look into novel therapeutic targets. The corneal epithelial barrier, which is the initial barrier of the ocular surface, is an important structure that shields the eye from changes in the internal environment or invasion by the external environment. This study sought to collate evidence on the regulation of corneal epithelial barrier injury on the activation of vascular endothelial cells (VECs), basement membrane (BM) degradation, differentiation, migration, and proliferation of VECs, vascular maturation and stability, and other key processes in CoNV, so as to provide a novel concept for CoNV therapy targeting corneal epithelial barrier repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Trujillo Cubillo L, Gurdal M, Zeugolis DI. Corneal fibrosis: From in vitro models to current and upcoming drug and gene medicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115317. [PMID: 38642593 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are characterised by myofibroblast differentiation, uncontrolled pathological extracellular matrix accumulation, tissue contraction, scar formation and, ultimately tissue / organ dysfunction. The cornea, the transparent tissue located on the anterior chamber of the eye, is extremely susceptible to fibrotic diseases, which cause loss of corneal transparency and are often associated with blindness. Although topical corticosteroids and antimetabolites are extensively used in the management of corneal fibrosis, they are associated with glaucoma, cataract formation, corneoscleral melting and infection, imposing the need of far more effective therapies. Herein, we summarise and discuss shortfalls and recent advances in in vitro models (e.g. transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) / ascorbic acid / interleukin (IL) induced) and drug (e.g. TGF-β inhibitors, epigenetic modulators) and gene (e.g. gene editing, gene silencing) therapeutic strategies in the corneal fibrosis context. Emerging therapeutical agents (e.g. neutralising antibodies, ligand traps, receptor kinase inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides) that have shown promise in clinical setting but have not yet assessed in corneal fibrosis context are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillo Cubillo
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mehmet Gurdal
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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7
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Guclu H, Sattarpanah S, Gurlu V. Association of Changes in Thickness of Limbal Epithelial and Stroma with Corneal Scars Detected by High-Resolution Anterior Segment Optic Coherence Tomography. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2024; 241:744-750. [PMID: 35504299 DOI: 10.1055/a-1842-2683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the corneal central and limbal thickness in cornea scar patients using high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and to determine the changes in the limbal region due to the corneal scar. Also, to evaluate tear film parameters in scar patients. METHODS Thirty patients with central corneal scar and 30 control subjects. The control subjects were healthy individuals who came to our clinic for routine ophthalmological examination. They were enrolled in this matched case-control study. Central epithelial thickness (ET), stromal thickness (ST), limbal epithelial thickness (LET), and limbal stromal thickness (LST) were analyzed using high-resolution AS-OCT. For evaluation of the ocular surface, the following techniques were used: tear break-up time (BUT) employing standard sterile strips of fluorescein sodium, Schirmer test-I (SCH), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Questionnaire. RESULTS The mean central ET of the patient group was 51.5 ± 12.4 µm, while the mean central ET of the control group was 59.2 ± 9.0 µm. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls (p = 0.008). The mean LST of the patients was 747.9 ± 115.7 µm, and the mean LST of the controls was 726.3 ± 79.7 µm. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls according to BUT (p = 0.009) and SCH (p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference between OSDI results of patients and controls (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION Corneal monitoring with high-resolution AS-OCT is a simple, noninvasive, useful technique for corneal scar patients. Cornea scars cause decreased ET. This result could be associated with lower tear film parameters in scar patients. The scar length is associated with higher intraocular pressure (IOP) values. Decreased LET and increased LST were detected in scar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hande Guclu
- Ophthalmology, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey
| | | | - Vuslat Gurlu
- Ophthalmology, Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey
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8
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van der Putten C, Sahin G, Grant R, D’Urso M, Giselbrecht S, Bouten CVC, Kurniawan NA. Dimensionality Matters: Exploiting UV-Photopatterned 2D and Two-Photon-Printed 2.5D Contact Guidance Cues to Control Corneal Fibroblast Behavior and Collagen Deposition. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:402. [PMID: 38671823 PMCID: PMC11048187 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the event of disease or injury, restoration of the native organization of cells and extracellular matrix is crucial for regaining tissue functionality. In the cornea, a highly organized collagenous tissue, keratocytes can align along the anisotropy of the physical microenvironment, providing a blueprint for guiding the organization of the collagenous matrix. Inspired by this physiological process, anisotropic contact guidance cues have been employed to steer the alignment of keratocytes as a first step to engineer in vitro cornea-like tissues. Despite promising results, two major hurdles must still be overcome to advance the field. First, there is an enormous design space to be explored in optimizing cellular contact guidance in three dimensions. Second, the role of contact guidance cues in directing the long-term deposition and organization of extracellular matrix proteins remains unknown. To address these challenges, here we combined two microengineering strategies-UV-based protein patterning (2D) and two-photon polymerization of topographies (2.5D)-to create a library of anisotropic contact guidance cues with systematically varying height (H, 0 µm ≤ H ≤ 20 µm) and width (W, 5 µm ≤ W ≤ 100 µm). With this unique approach, we found that, in the short term (24 h), the orientation and morphology of primary human fibroblastic keratocytes were critically determined not only by the pattern width, but also by the height of the contact guidance cues. Upon extended 7-day cultures, keratocytes were shown to produce a dense, fibrous collagen network along the direction of the contact guidance cues. Moreover, increasing the heights also increased the aligned fraction of deposited collagen and the contact guidance response of cells, all whilst the cells maintained the fibroblastic keratocyte phenotype. Our study thus reveals the importance of dimensionality of the physical microenvironment in steering both cellular organization and the formation of aligned, collagenous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas van der Putten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gozde Sahin
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering cBITE, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rhiannon Grant
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering cBITE, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirko D’Urso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering cBITE, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas A. Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Zidan AA, Zhu S, Elbasiony E, Najafi S, Lin Z, Singh RB, Naderi A, Yin J. Topical application of calcitonin gene-related peptide as a regenerative, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory therapy for corneal injury. Commun Biol 2024; 7:264. [PMID: 38438549 PMCID: PMC10912681 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a multifunctional neuropeptide abundantly expressed by corneal nerves. Using a murine model of corneal mechanical injury, we found CGRP levels in the cornea significantly reduced after injury. Topical application of CGRP as an eye drop accelerates corneal epithelial wound closure, reduces corneal opacification, and prevents corneal edema after injury in vivo. CGRP promotes corneal epithelial cell migration, proliferation, and the secretion of laminin. It reduces TGF-β1 signaling and prevents TGF-β1-mediated stromal fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. CGRP preserves corneal endothelial cell density, morphology, and pump function, thus reducing corneal edema. Lastly, CGRP reduces neutrophil infiltration, macrophage maturation, and the production of inflammatory cytokines in the cornea. Taken together, our results show that corneal nerve-derived CGRP plays a cytoprotective, pro-regenerative, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory role in corneal wound healing. In addition, our results highlight the critical role of sensory nerves in ocular surface homeostasis and injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A Zidan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shuyan Zhu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elsayed Elbasiony
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sheyda Najafi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhirong Lin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohan Bir Singh
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amirreza Naderi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jia Yin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Thomasy SM, Leonard BC, Greiner MA, Skeie JM, Raghunathan VK. Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101234. [PMID: 38176611 PMCID: PMC11193890 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The cornea, as a dynamic and responsive tissue, constantly interacts with mechanical forces in order to maintain its structural integrity, barrier function, transparency and refractive power. Cells within the cornea sense and respond to various mechanical forces that fundamentally regulate their morphology and fate in development, homeostasis and pathophysiology. Corneal cells also dynamically regulate their extracellular matrix (ECM) with ensuing cell-ECM crosstalk as the matrix serves as a dynamic signaling reservoir providing biophysical and biochemical cues to corneal cells. Here we provide an overview of mechanotransduction signaling pathways then delve into the recent advances in corneal mechanobiology, focusing on the interplay between mechanical forces and responses of the corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. We also identify species-specific differences in corneal biomechanics and mechanotransduction to facilitate identification of optimal animal models to study corneal wound healing, disease, and novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and therapeutic opportunities in corneal mechanobiology that are pressing for the research community to address especially pertinent within the domains of limbal stem cell deficiency, keratoconus and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. By furthering our understanding corneal mechanobiology, we can contextualize discoveries regarding corneal diseases as well as innovative treatments for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Brian C Leonard
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mark A Greiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
| | - Jessica M Skeie
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
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11
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Bisen AC, Agrawal S, Rayiti R, Sanap SN, Biswas A, Mishra A, Gupta NM, Bhatta RS. Pirfenidone: A Promising Drug in Ocular Therapeutics. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301389. [PMID: 38299764 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Pirfenidone, initially indicated for lung fibrosis, has gone beyond its original purpose, and shown promise in eye care. This detailed review tracks its evolution from lung treatment to aiding eye healing as evidenced by published literature. Pirfenidone's multifaceted attributes extend to mitigating corneal fibrosis, inflammation, and trauma. Through rigorous investigations, its efficacy emerges in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and postoperative glaucoma interventions. As an unheralded protagonist, pirfenidone reshapes ocular care paradigms, inviting renewed research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Chhatrapati Bisen
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Sristi Agrawal
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Ramakrishna Rayiti
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Sachin Nashik Sanap
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Arpon Biswas
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Anjali Mishra
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Neeraj Mohan Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Government P. G. College, Guna, Madhya Pradesh, 473001, India
| | - Rabi Sankar Bhatta
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
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12
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Martinez VV, Dutra BAL, Sampaio LP, Shiju TM, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Topical Losartan Inhibition of Myofibroblast Generation in Rabbit Corneas With Acute Incisions. Cornea 2024; 43:00003226-990000000-00464. [PMID: 38277165 PMCID: PMC11272906 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to study whether deep central corneal incisions close during topical losartan treatment and the effect of topical losartan on myofibroblast generation after incisions in rabbit corneas. METHODS Rabbits (12) had a 0.35-mm deep radial incision from the center of the cornea into the limbus in 1 eye that was approximated with a single 10-0 nylon suture 1 mm inside the limbus. The incision was treated with 50 μL of topical 0.8 mg/mL losartan or 50 μL of balanced salt solution vehicle 6 times per day for 1 month. Standardized slitlamp photographs of the central incisions were analyzed for opacity with ImageJ before euthanasia. Triplex IHC was performed on cryofixed corneas for myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin, mesenchymal cell marker vimentin, and basement membrane marker laminin alpha-5. Stromal α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts surrounding the incisions were quantitated with ImageJ. RESULTS Topical losartan compared with vehicle did not affect closure of the radial incisions or the opacity that developed surrounding the incisions at 1 month after injury. Topical losartan compared with vehicle did significantly decrease the average density of stromal myofibroblasts surrounding the incisions. CONCLUSIONS Topical losartan, a known inhibitor of transforming growth factor beta signaling, did not affect closure of deep corneal incisions. Losartan decreased myofibroblast generation surrounding nearly full-thickness radial corneal incisions compared with vehicle. The opacity at the incisions was not significantly affected by losartan-likely because corneal fibroblasts that develop in the stroma adjacent to the incisions were not changed by the losartan compared with the vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Araujo Lima Dutra
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland,
Ohio
- Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao
Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland,
Ohio
- Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao
Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Choi AJ, Hefley BS, Nicholas SE, Cunningham RL, Karamichos D. Novel Correlation between TGF-β1/-β3 and Hormone Receptors in the Human Corneal Stroma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13635. [PMID: 37686439 PMCID: PMC10487450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the interplay between transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1/T1 and TGF-β3/T3), and sex hormone receptors using our 3D in vitro cornea stroma model. Primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy donors were plated in transwells at 106 cells/well and cultured for four weeks. HCFs were supplemented with stable vitamin C (VitC) and stimulated with T1 or T3. 3D construct proteins were analyzed for the androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), KiSS1-derived peptide receptor (KiSS1R/GPR54), and follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta (FSH-B). In female constructs, T1 significantly upregulated AR, PR, ERα, FSHR, GnRHR, and KiSS1R. In male constructs, T1 significantly downregulated FSHR and FSH-B and significantly upregulated ERα, ERβ, and GnRHR. T3 caused significant upregulation in expressions PR, ERα, ERβ, LHR, FSHR, and GNRHR in female constructs, and significant downregulation of AR, ERα, and FSHR in male constructs. Semi-quantitative Western blot findings present the interplay between sex hormone receptors and TGF-β isoforms in the corneal stroma, which is influenced by sex as a biological variable (SABV). Additional studies are warranted to fully delineate their interactions and signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Choi
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Brenna S. Hefley
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Sarah E. Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Rebecca L. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (A.J.C.); (B.S.H.); (S.E.N.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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14
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Yam GHF, Pi S, Du Y, Mehta JS. Posterior corneoscleral limbus: Architecture, stem cells, and clinical implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101192. [PMID: 37392960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The limbus is a transition from the cornea to conjunctiva and sclera. In human eyes, this thin strip has a rich variation of tissue structures and composition, typifying a change from scleral irregularity and opacity to corneal regularity and transparency; a variation from richly vascularized conjunctiva and sclera to avascular cornea; the neural passage and drainage of aqueous humor. The limbal stroma is enriched with circular fibres running parallel to the corneal circumference, giving its unique role in absorbing small pressure changes to maintain corneal curvature and refractivity. It contains specific niches housing different types of stem cells for the corneal epithelium, stromal keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and trabecular meshwork. This truly reflects the important roles of the limbus in ocular physiology, and the limbal functionality is crucial for corneal health and the entire visual system. Since the anterior limbus containing epithelial structures and limbal epithelial stem cells has been extensively reviewed, this article is focused on the posterior limbus. We have discussed the structural organization and cellular components of the region beneath the limbal epithelium, the characteristics of stem cell types: namely corneal stromal stem cells, endothelial progenitors and trabecular meshwork stem cells, and recent advances leading to the emergence of potential cell therapy options to replenish their respective mature cell types and to correct defects causing corneal abnormalities. We have reviewed different clinical disorders associated with defects of the posterior limbus and summarized the available preclinical and clinical evidence about the developing topic of cell-based therapy for corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore.
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15
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Zidan AA, Zhu S, Elbasiony E, Najafi S, Lin Z, Singh RB, Naderi A, Yin J. Topical application of calcitonin gene-related peptide as a regenerative, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory therapy for corneal injury. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3204385. [PMID: 37609298 PMCID: PMC10441448 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3204385/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a multifunctional neuropeptide abundantly expressed by corneal nerves. Using a murine model of corneal mechanical injury, we found CGRP levels in the cornea to be significantly reduced after injury. Topical application of CGRP as an eye drop three times daily accelerates corneal epithelial wound closure, reduces corneal opacification, and prevents corneal edema after injury in vivo. We then used a series of in vitro and in vivo techniques to investigate the mechanisms underlying CGRP's functions. CGRP promotes corneal epithelial cell migration, proliferation, and the secretion of laminin. It reduces TGF-β1 signaling and prevents TGF-β1-mediated stromal fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. CGRP reduces corneal endothelial cell apoptosis and death, preserves cell density and morphology, and promotes their pump function, thus reducing edema. Lastly, CGRP reduces neutrophil infiltration, macrophage maturation, and the production of inflammatory cytokines in the cornea. Taken together, our results show that corneal nerve-derived CGRP plays a cyto-protective, pro-regenerative, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory role in corneal wound healing. Given that current treatment options for corneal injury and opacity are scarce, CGRP has significant therapeutic potential in this area of unmet medical needs. In addition, our results highlight the critical role of sensory nerves in ocular surface homeostasis and injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A. Zidan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Shuyan Zhu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Elsayed Elbasiony
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Sheyda Najafi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Zhirong Lin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Rohan Bir Singh
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Amirreza Naderi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Jia Yin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114
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16
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Kumar R, Sinha NR, Mohan RR. Corneal gene therapy: Structural and mechanistic understanding. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:279-297. [PMID: 37244594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cornea, a dome-shaped and transparent front part of the eye, affords 2/3rd refraction and barrier functions. Globally, corneal diseases are the leading cause of vision impairment. Loss of corneal function including opacification involve the complex crosstalk and perturbation between a variety of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors generated by corneal keratocytes, epithelial cells, lacrimal tissues, nerves, and immune cells. Conventional small-molecule drugs can treat mild-to-moderate traumatic corneal pathology but requires frequent application and often fails to treat severe pathologies. The corneal transplant surgery is a standard of care to restore vision in patients. However, declining availability and rising demand of donor corneas are major concerns to maintain ophthalmic care. Thus, the development of efficient and safe nonsurgical methods to cure corneal disorders and restore vision in vivo is highly desired. Gene-based therapy has huge potential to cure corneal blindness. To achieve a nonimmunogenic, safe and sustained therapeutic response, the selection of a relevant genes, gene editing methods and suitable delivery vectors are vital. This article describes corneal structural and functional features, mechanistic understanding of gene therapy vectors, gene editing methods, gene delivery tools, and status of gene therapy for treating corneal disorders, diseases, and genetic dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow campus, UP, 226028, India
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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17
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Wilson SE. The corneal fibroblast: The Dr. Jekyll underappreciated overseer of the responses to stromal injury. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:53-62. [PMID: 37080483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the functions of corneal fibroblasts in wound healing. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Corneal fibroblasts arise in the corneal stroma after anterior, posterior or limbal injuries and are derived from keratocytes. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and TGFβ2, along with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), are the major modulators of the keratocyte to corneal fibroblast transition, while fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, TGFβ3, and retinoic acid are thought to regulate the transition of corneal fibroblasts back to keratocytes. Adequate and sustained levels of TGFβ1 and/or TGFβ2, primarily from epithelium, tears, aqueous humor, and corneal endothelium, drive the development of corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts have been shown in vitro to transition back to corneal fibroblasts, although apoptosis of myofibroblasts has been documented as a major contributor to the resolution of fibrosis in several in situ corneal injury models. Corneal fibroblasts, aside from their role as a major progenitor to myofibroblasts, also perform many critical functions in the injured cornea, including the production of critical basement membrane (BM) components during regeneration of the epithelial BM and Descemet's membrane, production of non-basement membrane-associated stromal collagen type IV to control and downregulate TGFβ effects on stromal cells, release of chemotactic chemokines that attract bone marrow-derived cells to the injured stroma, production of growth factors that modulate regeneration and maturation of the overlying epithelium, and production of collagens and other ECM components that contribute to stromal integrity after injury. CONCLUSIONS Corneal fibroblasts are major contributors to and overseers of the corneal response to injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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18
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Pan M, Ren Z, Ma X, Chen L, Lv G, Liu X, Li S, Li X, Wang J. A Biomimetic Peptide-drug Supramolecular Hydrogel as Eyedrops Enables Controlled Release of Ophthalmic Drugs. Acta Biomater 2023:S1742-7061(23)00361-6. [PMID: 37392932 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.036] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The rapid clearance of instilled drugs from the ocular surface due to tear flushing and excretion results in low drug bioavailability, necessitating the development of new drug delivery routes. Here, we generated an antibiotic hydrogel eye drop that can extend the pre-corneal retention of a drug after topical instillation to address the risk of side effects (e.g., irritation and inhibition of enzymes), resulting from frequent and high-dosage administrations of antibiotics used to obtain the desired therapeutic drug concentration. The covalent conjugation of small peptides to antibiotics (e.g., chloramphenicol) first endows the self-assembly ability of peptide-drug conjugate to generate supramolecular hydrogels. Moreover, the further addition of calcium ions, which are also widely present in endogenous tears, tunes the elasticity of supramolecular hydrogels, making them ideal for ocular drug delivery. The in vitro assay revealed that the supramolecular hydrogels exhibited potent inhibitory activities against both gram-negative (e.g., Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, whereas they were innocuous toward human corneal epithelial cells. Moreover, the in vivo experiment showed that the supramolecular hydrogels remarkably increased pre-corneal retention without ocular irritation, thereby showing appreciable therapeutic efficacy for treating bacterial keratitis. This work, as a biomimetic design of antibiotic eye drops in the ocular microenvironment, addresses the current issues of ocular drug delivery in the clinic and further provides approaches to improve the bioavailability of drugs, which may eventually open new directions to resolve the difficulty of ocular drug delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Herein, we present a biomimetic design for antibiotic hydrogel eye drops mediated by calcium ions (Ca2+) in the ocular microenvironment, which can extend the pre-corneal retention of antibiotics after topical instillation. The mediation of Ca2+ which is widely present in endogenous tears, tunes the elasticity of hydrogels, making them ideal for ocular drug delivery. Since increasing the ocular retention of antibiotic eye drops enhances its action and reduces its adverse effects, this work may lead to an approach of peptide-drug-based supramolecular hydrogel for ocular drug delivery in clinics to combat ocular bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minmengqi Pan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhibin Ren
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaohui Ma
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Guanghao Lv
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shan Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xingyi Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Jiaqing Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Dhull A, Yu C, Wilmoth AH, Chen M, Sharma A, Yiu S. Dendrimers in Corneal Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Translational Opportunities. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1591. [PMID: 37376040 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendrimers are biocompatible organic nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties, making them the focus of recent research in drug delivery. The cornea of the human eye presents a challenge for drug transit due to its inherently impenetrable nature, requiring nanocarrier-mediated targeted drug delivery. This review intends to examine recent advancements in the use of dendrimers for corneal drug delivery, including their properties and their potential for treating various ocular diseases. The review will also highlight the benefit of the novel technologies that have been developed and applied in the field, such as corneal targeting, drug release kinetics, treatments for dry eye disease, antibacterial drug delivery, corneal inflammation, and corneal tissue engineering. The review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this field, along with the translational developments in the field of dendrimer-based therapeutics and imaging agents and inspire the potential for future developments and translational opportunities in dendrimers based corneal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhav Dhull
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Carson Yu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alex Hunter Wilmoth
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Minjie Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Samuel Yiu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Meng N, Wu J, Chen J, Luo Y, Xu L, Li X. Basement membrane regeneration and TGF-β1 expression in rabbits with corneal perforating injury. Mol Vis 2023; 29:58-67. [PMID: 37287643 PMCID: PMC10243679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the relationship between basement membrane (BM) regeneration and the spatiotemporal expression of TGF-β1 during wound healing in rabbits with corneal perforating injury. Methods Forty-two rabbits were randomly allocated into 7 experimental groups, with 6 rabbits per group at each time point. The central cornea of the left eye was injured with 2.0 mm trephine to establish the perforating injury model. Six rabbits that received no treatment were used as controls. The cornea was evaluated at 3 days, 1-3 weeks, and 1-3 months after injury with a slit lamp for haze levels. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to quantify the relative expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA mRNA. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to assess TGF-β1 and alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA) expression and localization. BM regeneration was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results After injury, dense haze appeared at 1 month and then gradually faded. The relative expression of TGF-β1 mRNA peaked at 1 week and then decreased until 2 months. The relative α-SMA mRNA expression reached its peak at 1 week, then reached a small peak again at 1 month. IF results showed that TGF-β1 was initially detected in the fibrin clot at 3 days and then in the entire repairing stroma at 1 week. TGF-β1 localization gradually diminished from the anterior region to the posterior region at 2 weeks to 1 month, and it was nearly absent at 2 months. The myofibroblast marker α-SMA was observed in the entire healing stroma at 2 weeks. Localization of α-SMA gradually disappeared from the anterior region at 3 weeks to 1 month, remaining only in the posterior region at 2 months and disappearing at 3 months. Defective epithelial basement membrane (EBM) was first detected at 3 weeks after injury, then gradually repaired, and was nearly regenerated at 3 months. A thin and uneven Descemet's membrane (DM) was initially detected at 2 months after injury, then gradually regenerated to some extent, but remained abnormal at 3 months. Conclusions In the rabbit corneal perforating injury model, EBM regeneration was observed earlier than DM. At 3 months, complete EBM regeneration was observed, while the regenerated DM was still defective. TGF-β1 was distributed throughout the entire wound area in the early stages and then decreased from the anterior to the posterior region. α-SMA exhibited a similar temporospatial expression to TGF-β1. EBM regeneration may play a key role in low expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in the anterior stroma. Meanwhile, incomplete DM regeneration may contribute to the sustained expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in the posterior stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinling Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yuqing Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Luxing Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Yoshitomi S, Chikama T, Kiuchi Y. Case Report: Corneal Inlay Removal after Myofibroblast Detection under in Vivo Confocal Microscopy. Optom Vis Sci 2023; 100:334-338. [PMID: 37071088 PMCID: PMC10227935 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000002018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Corneal inlays, one of the treatment options for presbyopia, are effective and safe, and various such devices have been developed. However, there have been cases of inlay removal due to complications or patient dissatisfaction. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report a case of inlay removal due to corneal opacity after inlay implantation and the results of 5 years of follow-up. CASE REPORT A 63-year-old man was referred to our hospital with visual disturbance and double vision in his left eye. Two years before presentation at our hospital, he had undergone bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis with corneal inlay implantation in the left eye at another clinic. Slit-lamp examinations showed paracentral corneal opacity. The patient was treated with tranilast eye drops for 18 months, with no progression of symptoms. However, 6 months after stopping the eye drop treatment, the opacity recurred, and vision acuity decreased, along with the formation of myofibroblasts around the inlay, as revealed by in vivo confocal microscopy. Consequently, the inlay was removed at the previous clinic. During the subsequent 5-year follow-up period, ophthalmic examination revealed reduced corneal opacity, although visual acuity did not change; moreover, no myofibroblast was found. CONCLUSIONS Corneal inlays can sometimes cause complications. In this case, the patient experienced corneal fibrosis and associated vision loss. In vivo confocal microscopy detected myofibroblasts that cause corneal stromal fibrosis; thus, the removal was decided to avoid fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzu Yoshitomi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Taiichiro Chikama
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kiuchi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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22
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Ong HS, Riau AK, Yam GHF, Yusoff NZBM, Han EJY, Goh TW, Lai RC, Lim SK, Mehta JS. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes as Immunomodulatory Therapy for Corneal Scarring. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7456. [PMID: 37108619 PMCID: PMC10144287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal scarring is a leading cause of worldwide blindness. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been reported to promote corneal wound healing through secreted exosomes. This study investigated the wound healing and immunomodulatory effects of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exo) in corneal injury through an established rat model of corneal scarring. After induction of corneal scarring by irregular phototherapeutic keratectomy (irrPTK), MSC exosome preparations (MSC-exo) or PBS vehicle as controls were applied to the injured rat corneas for five days. The animals were assessed for corneal clarity using a validated slit-lamp haze grading score. Stromal haze intensity was quantified using in-vivo confocal microscopy imaging. Corneal vascularization, fibrosis, variations in macrophage phenotypes, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using immunohistochemistry techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) of the excised corneas. Compared to the PBS control group, MSC-exo treatment group had faster epithelial wound closure (0.041), lower corneal haze score (p = 0.002), and reduced haze intensity (p = 0.004) throughout the follow-up period. Attenuation of corneal vascularisation based on CD31 and LYVE-1 staining and reduced fibrosis as measured by fibronectin and collagen 3A1 staining was also observed in the MSC-exo group. MSC-exo treated corneas also displayed a regenerative immune phenotype characterized by a higher infiltration of CD163+, CD206+ M2 macrophages over CD80+, CD86+ M1 macrophages (p = 0.023), reduced levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α, and increased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In conclusion, topical MSC-exo could alleviate corneal insults by promoting wound closure and reducing scar development, possibly through anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulation towards a regenerative and anti-inflammatory phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
| | - Andri K. Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - Evelina J. Y. Han
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Tze-Wei Goh
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Ruenn Chai Lai
- Institute of Medical Biology & Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Sai Kiang Lim
- Institute of Medical Biology & Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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23
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Akoto T, Cai J, Nicholas S, McCord H, Estes AJ, Xu H, Karamichos D, Liu Y. Unravelling the Impact of Cyclic Mechanical Stretch in Keratoconus-A Transcriptomic Profiling Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7437. [PMID: 37108600 PMCID: PMC10139219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical and molecular stresses may contribute to the pathogenesis of keratoconus (KC). We aimed to profile the transcriptomic changes in healthy primary human corneal (HCF) and KC-derived cells (HKC) combined with TGFβ1 treatment and cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS), mimicking the pathophysiological condition in KC. HCFs (n = 4) and HKCs (n = 4) were cultured in flexible-bottom collagen-coated 6-well plates treated with 0, 5, and 10 ng/mL of TGFβ1 with or without 15% CMS (1 cycle/s, 24 h) using a computer-controlled Flexcell FX-6000T Tension system. We used stranded total RNA-Seq to profile expression changes in 48 HCF/HKC samples (100 bp PE, 70-90 million reads per sample), followed by bioinformatics analysis using an established pipeline with Partek Flow software. A multi-factor ANOVA model, including KC, TGFβ1 treatment, and CMS, was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs, |fold change| ≥ 1.5, FDR ≤ 0.1, CPM ≥ 10 in ≥1 sample) in HKCs (n = 24) vs. HCFs (n = 24) and those responsive to TGFβ1 and/or CMS. PANTHER classification system and the DAVID bioinformatics resources were used to identify significantly enriched pathways (FDR ≤ 0.05). Using multi-factorial ANOVA analyses, 479 DEGs were identified in HKCs vs. HCFs including TGFβ1 treatment and CMS as cofactors. Among these DEGs, 199 KC-altered genes were responsive to TGFβ1, thirteen were responsive to CMS, and six were responsive to TGFβ1 and CMS. Pathway analyses using PANTHER and DAVID indicated the enrichment of genes involved in numerous KC-relevant functions, including but not limited to degradation of extracellular matrix, inflammatory response, apoptotic processes, WNT signaling, collagen fibril organization, and cytoskeletal structure organization. TGFβ1-responsive KC DEGs were also enriched in these. CMS-responsive KC-altered genes such as OBSCN, CLU, HDAC5, AK4, ITGA10, and F2RL1 were identified. Some KC-altered genes, such as CLU and F2RL1, were identified to be responsive to both TGFβ1 and CMS. For the first time, our multi-factorial RNA-Seq study has identified many KC-relevant genes and pathways in HKCs with TGFβ1 treatment under CMS, suggesting a potential role of TGFβ1 and biomechanical stretch in KC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Akoto
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jingwen Cai
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Sarah Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Hayden McCord
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Amy J. Estes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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24
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He Y, Ma BS, Zeng JH, Ma DJ. Corneal optical density: Structural basis, measurements, influencing factors, and roles in refractive surgery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1144455. [PMID: 37091331 PMCID: PMC10117965 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1144455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the main refractive medium of the human eye, and its clarity is critical to visual acuity. Corneal optical density (COD) is an important index to describe corneal transparency. Intact corneal epithelial and endothelial cells, regular arrangement of collagen fibers in the stroma, and normal substance metabolism are all integral for the cornea to maintain its transparency. In the last two decades, the Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging system has emerged as a breakthrough for the measurement of COD (also called corneal densitometry). It has been found that a wide variety of factors such as age, refractive status, and corneal diseases can affect COD. Different corneal refractive surgery methods also change COD in different corneal regions and layers and affect visual acuity following the surgery. Thus, COD has gradually become a significant indicator to evaluate corneal health, one on which the attention of clinicians has been increasingly focused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye He
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Bo-Sheng Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun-Hao Zeng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dai-Jin Ma
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Dai-Jin Ma,
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25
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Hu Y, Shi H, Ma X, Xia T, Wu Y, Chen L, Ren Z, Lei L, Jiang J, Wang J, Li X. Highly stable fibronectin-mimetic-peptide-based supramolecular hydrogel to accelerate corneal wound healing. Acta Biomater 2023; 159:128-139. [PMID: 36708851 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Without timely treatment, poor wound healing in corneal injuries can seriously impair vision and lead to blindness. Thus, it is vital to develop a therapeutic strategy to accelerate corneal re-epithelialization. The conjugation of self-assembled motifs with a fibronectin-mimetic peptide sequence (PHSRN) drastically improves the chemical stability of PHSRN against protease hydrolysis and minimally affects its biological activity to promote the migration of corneal epithelial cells. The optimized Nap-FFPHSRN self-assembled into bioactive supramolecular hydrogels increases cell motility by remolding F-actin and boosts the tight junction of the corneal epithelium by increasing the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). An in vivo experiment showed that a Nap-FFPHSRN hydrogel provided extended precorneal retention with good ocular tolerance after topical instillation. An animal model of corneal scrape showed that a single daily dose of Nap-FFPHSRN hydrogel had a superior therapeutic effect in facilitating corneal re-epithelialization with complete morphological and architectural recovery. With a rational approach to mimic bioactive proteins, this study presents a new strategy to demonstrate the potential of peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels for use in clinical treatment of corneal injury. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here we systematically investigate the self-assembly behavior and chemical stability of designed peptide amphiphiles (Nap-FPHRSN, Nap-FFPHSRN and Nap-FFFPHSRN). The introduction of self-assembled motifs (Nap-F, Nap-FF and Nap-FFF) drastically enhances the chemical stability of fibronectin-mimetic peptide (PHSRN). Moreover, topical instillation of Nap-FFPHSRN hydrogel once daily, exhibits a better in vivo effect than PHSRN and the same in vivo effect as fibronectin, both of which are instilled three times daily, for promoting full morphological and architectural recovery after corneal re-epithelialization. As a rational design of conjugating bioactive peptides with self-assembled motifs to mimic bioactive proteins, this work may lead to a new approach that improves the in vivo therapeutic effect for treating corneal injury in clinic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Hu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xiaohui Ma
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yiping Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Zhibin Ren
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jiaqing Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
| | - Xingyi Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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26
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Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Human Limbus-Derived Stromal/Mesenchymal Stem Cells with and without Alginate Encapsulation for Future Clinical Applications. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060876. [PMID: 36980217 PMCID: PMC10047711 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal opacification or scarring is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Human limbus-derived stromal/mesenchymal stem cells (hLMSCs) have the potential of clearing corneal scarring. In the current preclinical studies, we aimed to determine their ability to heal the scarred corneas, in a murine model of corneal scar, and examined their ocular and systemic toxicity after topical administration to rabbit eyes. The hLMSCs were derived from human donor corneas and were cultivated in a clean room facility in compliance with the current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). Before the administration, the hLMSCs were analyzed for their characteristic properties including immunostaining, and were further subjected to sterility and stability analysis. The corneas (right eye) of C57BL/6 mice (n = 56) were stripped of their central epithelium and superficial anterior stroma using a rotary burr (Alger Brush® II). Few mice were left untreated (n = 8), while few (n = 24) were treated immediately with hLMSCs after debridement (prophylaxis group). The rest (n = 24, scar group) were allowed to develop corneal scarring for 2 weeks and then treated with hLMSCs. In both groups, the treatment modalities included encapsulated (En+) and non-encapsulated (En−) hLMSCs and sham (vehicle) treatment. The follow-up (4 weeks) after the treatment or debridement included clinical photography, fluorescein staining, and optical coherence tomography at regular intervals. All the images and scans were analyzed using ImageJ software to assess the changes in corneal haze, scar area, and the reflectivity ratio of the epithelium to the stroma. The scar area and the scar intensity were found to be decreased in the groups that received hLMSCs. The reflectivity of the stroma was found to be normalized to the baseline levels before the debridement in the eyes that were treated with hLMSCs, relative to the untreated. In the safety study, the central corneas of the left eye of 18 New Zealand rabbits were scraped with a needle and then treated with En+ hLMSCs, En− hLMSCs, and the sham (n = 6 each). Rabbits were then followed up for 4 weeks, during which blood and tear samples were collected at regular intervals. These rabbits were then assessed for changes in the quantities of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IgE) in the sera and tears, changes in the ocular surface observations such as intraocular pressure (IOP), and the hematological and clinical chemistry parameters. Four weeks later, the rabbits were euthanized and examined histopathologically. No significant changes in conjunctival congestion, corneal clarity, or IOP were noticed during the ophthalmic examination. The level of inflammatory molecules (TNF-α and IL-6 TNF-α) and the hematological parameters were similar in all groups without any significant changes. Histological examination of the internal organs and ocular tissues did not reveal any abnormalities. The results of these studies summarize that the En+ and En− hLMSCs are not harmful to the recipient and potentially restore the transparency of debrided or scarred corneas, indicating that hLMSCs can be assessed for clinical use in humans.
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27
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Joshi VP, Chatterjee S, Basu S. Relationship of Density, Depth, and Surface Irregularity of Superficial Corneal Opacification with Visual Acuity. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:536-545. [PMID: 36724802 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2173786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the relationship between the density, depth, and surface irregularity of superficial corneal opacities and vision. METHODS This prospective imaging study included 19 patients with unilateral superficial corneal opacification due to scarring post-microbial keratitis. Each eye underwent an assessment of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), contact lens corrected visual acuity (CLCVA), and Scheimpflug and anterior segment optical tomography imaging. Regression analysis was performed to detect the association between density, depth of scarring, and the surface irregularity in terms of higher order aberrations (HOA), and keratometry and UCVA, CLCVA, and the difference between BSCVA and CLCVA. RESULTS The mean logMAR UCVA, BSCVA, and CLCVA were 0.76, 0.35, and 0.28, respectively. The corneal scars had a mean thickness of 158.7 ± 61 µ and density of 65.73 ± 24.46 GSU. Bivariate analysis model for UCVA showed an association with Z42 secondary astigmatism (p = 0.02), Z44 quadrafoil (p = 0.01), combined coma Z3 ± 1(p = 0.03), and combined HOA Z3-Z6 (p = 0.045), out of which Z44 Quadrafoil (p = 0.04) was most significant with multivariate analysis. Bivariate analysis for BCVA-CLVA showed association with Z31 coma horizontal (p = 0.04), Z33 oblique trefoil (p = 0.02), Z40 primary spherical aberration (p = 0.008), and Z5 - 5 (p = 0.007), out of which Z31 horizontal coma (p = 0.04) and Z40 spherical aberration (p = 0.009) were significant on multivariate analysis. Change in densitometry, corneal thickness, epithelial:stromal reflectivity ratio, scar depth, and keratometry did not show any significant association with UCVA, BSCVA-CLCVA, or CLCVA. CONCLUSION In superficial corneal stromal scarring, deranged surface irregularity parameters like higher-order aberrations affect the final visual acuity more than the depth or density of the opacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Pramod Joshi
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Subhajit Chatterjee
- Cataract, Refractive Surgery and Contact Lens Services, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Professor Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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28
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Pal-Ghosh S, Karpinski BA, Datta Majumdar H, Ghosh T, Thomasian J, Brooks SR, Sawaya AP, Morasso MI, Scholand KK, de Paiva CS, Galletti JG, Stepp MA. Molecular mechanisms regulating wound repair: Evidence for paracrine signaling from corneal epithelial cells to fibroblasts and immune cells following transient epithelial cell treatment with Mitomycin C. Exp Eye Res 2023; 227:109353. [PMID: 36539051 PMCID: PMC10560517 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we use RNAseq to identify senescence and phagocytosis as key factors to understanding how mitomyin C (MMC) stimulates regenerative wound repair. We use conditioned media (CM) from untreated (CMC) and MMC treated (CMM) human and mouse corneal epithelial cells to show that corneal epithelial cells indirectly exposed to MMC secrete elevated levels of immunomodulatory proteins including IL-1α and TGFβ1 compared to cells exposed to CMC. These factors increase epithelial and macrophage phagocytosis and promote ECM turnover. IL-1α supplementation can increase phagocytosis in control epithelial cells and attenuate TGFβ1 induced αSMA expression by corneal fibroblasts. Yet, we show that epithelial cell CM contains factors besides IL-1α that regulate phagocytosis and αSMA expression by fibroblasts. Exposure to CMM also impacts the activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells and their ability to present antigen. These in vitro studies show how a brief exposure to MMC induces corneal epithelial cells to release proteins and other factors that function in a paracrine way to enhance debris removal and enlist resident epithelial and immune cells as well as stromal fibroblasts to support regenerative and not fibrotic wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Pal-Ghosh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Beverly A Karpinski
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Himani Datta Majumdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Trisha Ghosh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Julie Thomasian
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Stephen R Brooks
- Biodata Mining and Discovery Section, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Andrew P Sawaya
- Laboratory of Skin Biology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Maria I Morasso
- Laboratory of Skin Biology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kaitlin K Scholand
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Cintia S de Paiva
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jeremias G Galletti
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Medicine (IMEX), National Academy of Medicine/CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mary Ann Stepp
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20037, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
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29
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Kim H, Jang JH, Han W, Hwang HJ, Jang J, Kim JY, Cho DW. Extracellular matrix-based sticky sealants for scar-free corneal tissue reconstruction. Biomaterials 2023; 292:121941. [PMID: 36495802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine requires both tissue restoration and ease of compliance for clinical application. Considering this, sticky tissue sealants have been shown to have great potentials over surgical suturing and wound treatment. However, tissue sealants currently used pose challenges such as uncontrollable adhesion formation, mechanical mismatch, and lack of tissue restoration. A new sticky sealant based on gelatinized cornea-derived extracellular matrix (GelCodE) with a visible light-activating system is firstly being introduced in this study. De novo tissue regeneration relies on the matrisome in charge of tissue-organization and development within GelCodE while visible light-based photopolymerization with ruthenium/sodium persulfate rapidly induces covalent bonds with the adjacent tissues. The ease of not only in vivo application, biocompatibility, and biointegration, but also exceptional de novo tissue formation is demonstrated in this study. Interestingly, newly regenerated tissues were shown to have normal tissue-like matrices with little scar formation. Hence, this work presents a promising strategy to meet clinical demands for scar-free tissue recovery with superior ease of clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonji Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, 37673, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Hwan Jang
- Department of Veterinary Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonil Han
- Division of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, POSTECH, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, 37673, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jeong Hwang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, 37673, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea; Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, 03722, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Convergence IT Engineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, POSTECH, 37673, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea; School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, POSTECH, 37673, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joon Young Kim
- Department of Veterinary Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Seoul, Republic of Korea; KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, 05029, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong-Woo Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, 37673, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea; Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, 03722, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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30
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The Yin and Yang of Mesenchymal Cells in the Corneal Stromal Fibrosis Response to Injury: The Cornea as a Model of Fibrosis in Other Organs. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010087. [PMID: 36671472 PMCID: PMC9855862 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells (keratocytes, corneal fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts), as well as mesenchymal progenitor bone marrow-derived fibrocytes, are the major cellular contributors to stromal fibrosis after injury to the cornea. Corneal fibroblasts, in addition to being major progenitors to myofibroblasts, also have anti-fibrotic functions in (1) the production of non-basement membrane collagen type IV that binds activated transforming growth factor (TGF) beta-1 and TGF beta-2 to downregulate TGF beta effects on cells in the injured stroma, (2) the production of chemokines that modulate the entry of bone marrow-derived cells into the stroma, (3) the production of hepatocyte growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor to regulate corneal epithelial healing, (4) the cooperation with the epithelium or corneal endothelium in the regeneration of the epithelial basement membrane and Descemet's membrane, and other functions. Fibrocytes also serve as major progenitors to myofibroblasts in the corneal stroma. Thus, mesenchymal cells and mesenchymal cell progenitors serve Yin and Yang functions to inhibit and promote tissue fibrosis depending on the overall regulatory milieu within the injured stroma.
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The Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator BAY 41-2272 Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation of Human Corneal Keratocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315325. [PMID: 36499651 PMCID: PMC9737374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transparency, necessary for vision and depending on the high organization of stromal extracellular matrix, is maintained by keratocytes. Severe or continuous corneal injuries determine exaggerated healing responses resulting in the formation of irreversible fibrotic scars and vision impairment. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation demonstrated antifibrotic effects in both experimental fibrosis and human lung and skin fibroblasts. Here, we assessed whether sGC stimulation with BAY 41-2272 could attenuate transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced myofibroblast differentiation of human corneal keratocytes. Cells were challenged with TGFβ1, with/without BAY 41-2272 preincubation, and subsequently assessed for viability, proliferation, migration, chemoinvasion, as well for the expression of myofibroblast/fibroblast activation markers and contractile abilities. Treatment with BAY 41-2272 did not affect keratocyte viability, while preincubation of cells with the sGC stimulator was able to inhibit TGFβ1-induced proliferation, wound healing capacity, and invasiveness. BAY 41-2272 was also able to attenuate TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast-like profibrotic phenotype of keratocytes, as demonstrated by the significant decrease in ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1 and PDPN gene expression, as well as in α-smooth muscle actin, α-1 chain of type I collagen, podoplanin, vimentin and N-cadherin protein expression. Finally, BAY 41-2272 significantly counteracted the TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast-like ability of keratocytes to contract collagen gels, reduced phosphorylated Smad3 protein levels, and attenuated gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our data show for the first time that BAY 41-2272 is effective in counteracting keratocyte-to-myofibroblast transition, thus providing the rationale for the development of sGC stimulators as novel promising modulators of corneal scarring and fibrosis.
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Liang W, Ma JX, Van L, Vasini B, Karamichos D. Prolactin-Induced Protein facilitates corneal wound healing. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109300. [PMID: 36328302 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of Prolactin-Induced Protein (PIP) in corneal wound healing, in vivo and in vitro. In C57BL/6J mice, corneal epithelia was removed using an ocular burr. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PIP (0.5 and 1.0 μg/mL) was applied topically or subconjunctivally injected. PIP accelerated wound closure as early as 24 h. PIP treatment promoted corneal wound healing and epithelial integrity and thickness. Integrin α6, integrin β4, Thrombospondin-1, and TGF-β1 expressions were all downregulated by PIP after wound closure. In vitro, scratch assays were performed using primary human epithelial cells (HCECs) and human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs), stimulated with PIP at various dosages. PIP treatment promoted both HCECs and HCFs migration. PIP upregulated expression of integrin α6, integrin β4, and Thrombospondin-1 in HCECs. Expression of TGF-β1 in HCECs and expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and Type III Collagen (Col III) in HCFs were significantly downregulated at 150 ng/mL PIP. PIP exhibits noteworthy anti-fibrotic potentiality. While the mechanism of how PIP is impactful on the corneal wound healing cascade is unknown, our findings are novel and further studies are warranted in order to unravel any therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lyly Van
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Brenda Vasini
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
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33
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Joseph LB, Gordon MK, Zhou P, Hahn RA, Lababidi H, Croutch CR, Sinko PJ, Heck DE, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Sulfur mustard corneal injury is associated with alterations in the epithelial basement membrane and stromal extracellular matrix. Exp Mol Pathol 2022; 128:104807. [PMID: 35798063 PMCID: PMC10044521 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2022.104807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM; bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide) is a highly reactive bifunctional alkylating agent synthesized for chemical warfare. The eyes are particularly sensitive to SM where it causes irritation, pain, photophobia, and blepharitis, depending on the dose and duration of exposure. In these studies, we examined the effects of SM vapor on the corneas of New Zealand white male rabbits. Edema and hazing of the cornea, signs of acute injury, were observed within one day of exposure to SM, followed by neovascularization, a sign of chronic or late phase pathology, which persisted for at least 28 days. Significant epithelial-stromal separation ranging from ~8-17% of the epithelial surface was observed. In the stroma, there was a marked increase in CD45+ leukocytes and a decrease of keratocytes, along with areas of disorganization of collagen fibers. SM also disrupted the corneal basement membrane and altered the expression of perlecan, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and cellular fibronectin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein. This was associated with an increase in basement membrane matrix metalloproteinases including ADAM17, which is important in remodeling of the basement membrane during wound healing. Tenascin-C, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, was also upregulated in the stroma 14-28 d post SM, a finding consistent with its role in organizing structural components of the stroma necessary for corneal transparency. These data demonstrate that SM vapor causes persistent alterations in structural components of the cornea. Further characterization of SM-induced injury in rabbit cornea will be useful for the identification of targets for the development of ocular countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America.
| | - Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Peihong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Rita A Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Hamdi Lababidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | | | - Patrick J Sinko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
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Li S, Lei J, Wang YH, Xu XL, Yang K, Jie Y. Rare giant corneal keloid presenting 26 years after trauma: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9776-9782. [PMID: 36186176 PMCID: PMC9516904 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i27.9776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corneal keloid is a rare clinical disease with an unknown etiology, which is easily misdiagnosed. Surgery is the most effective treatment but is rarely reported in the literature. Herein, we report the clinical features, histopathology, and surgical outcome of a giant corneal keloid with trophoblastic vessels and discuss the genesis of the mass.
CASE SUMMARY A 36-year-old young man was admitted to the hospital because of a large mass on the surface of the left cornea. The patient had suffered an injury to his left eye at the age of 6-years-old; however, as the injury did not cause cornea perforation, he did not undergo treatment. Slit lamp exam showed a large, elevated, opaque lesion that covered the entire cornea and protruded from the surface of the eyeball. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed a lesion of irregular density involving the anterior stroma. We suspected a secondary corneal fibroproliferative mass based on the clinical history, and slit lamp and AS-OCT findings. The patient subsequently underwent a superficial keratectomy and keratoplasty, and the final diagnosis of corneal keloid was confirmed by intraoperative histopathological examination.
CONCLUSION Non-penetrating corneal trauma damages corneal epithelium basement membrane, initiating stromal fibrosis and causing corneal keloids. AS-OCT and biopsy confirm diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Li
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jiang Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou 730050, Henan Province, China
| | - Ying-Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Xu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ying Jie
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100005, China
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35
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Tavakkoli F, Damala M, Koduri MA, Gangadharan A, Rai AK, Dash D, Basu S, Singh V. Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Limbus-Derived Stromal/Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Novel Mechanistic Insights into the Pathways Involved in Corneal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158226. [PMID: 35897793 PMCID: PMC9368612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbus-derived stromal/mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) are vital for corneal homeostasis and wound healing. However, despite multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies reporting the potency of LMSCs in avoiding inflammation and scarring during corneal wound healing, the molecular basis for the ability of LMSCs remains unknown. This study aimed to uncover the factors and pathways involved in LMSC-mediated corneal wound healing by employing RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) in human LMSCs for the first time. We characterized the cultured LMSCs at the stages of initiation (LMSC−P0) and pure population (LMSC−P3) and subjected them to RNA-Seq to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in comparison to native limbus and cornea, and scleral tissues. Of the 28,000 genes detected, 7800 DEGs were subjected to pathway-specific enrichment Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. These DEGs were involved in Wnt, TGF-β signaling pathways, and 16 other biological processes, including apoptosis, cell motility, tissue remodeling, and stem cell maintenance, etc. Two hundred fifty-four genes were related to wound healing pathways. COL5A1 (11.81 ± 0.48) and TIMP1 (20.44 ± 0.94) genes were exclusively up-regulated in LMSC−P3. Our findings provide new insights involved in LMSC-mediated corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Tavakkoli
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Center for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India;
| | - Mukesh Damala
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Madhuri Amulya Koduri
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Abhilash Gangadharan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road Campus, New Delhi 110025, India; (A.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Amit K. Rai
- Center for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India;
| | - Debasis Dash
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mathura Road Campus, New Delhi 110025, India; (A.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Sayan Basu
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India
| | - Vivek Singh
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India; (F.T.); (M.D.); (M.A.K.); (S.B.)
- Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 500034, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-40-6810-2286
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van der Putten C, van den Broek D, Kurniawan NA. Myofibroblast transdifferentiation of keratocytes results in slower migration and lower sensitivity to mesoscale curvatures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930373. [PMID: 35938166 PMCID: PMC9355510 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional tissue repair after injury or disease is governed by the regenerative or fibrotic response by cells within the tissue. In the case of corneal damage, keratocytes are a key cell type that determine the outcome of the remodeling response by either adapting to a fibroblast or myofibroblast phenotype. Although a growing body of literature indicates that geometrical cues in the environment can influence Myo(fibroblast) phenotype, there is a lack of knowledge on whether and how differentiated keratocyte phenotype is affected by the curved tissue geometry in the cornea. To address this gap, in this study we characterized the phenotype of fibroblastic and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced myofibroblastic keratocytes and studied their migration behavior on curved culture substrates with varying curvatures. Immunofluorescence staining and quantification of cell morphological parameters showed that, generally, fibroblastic keratocytes were more likely to elongate, whereas myofibroblastic keratocytes expressed more pronounced α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and actin stress fibers as well as more mature focal adhesions. Interestingly, keratocyte adhesion on convex structures was weak and unstable, whereas they adhered normally on flat and concave structures. On concave cylinders, fibroblastic keratocytes migrated faster and with higher persistence along the longitudinal direction compared to myofibroblastic keratocytes. Moreover, this behavior became more pronounced on smaller cylinders (i.e., higher curvatures). Taken together, both keratocyte phenotypes can sense and respond to the sign and magnitude of substrate curvatures, however, myofibroblastic keratocytes exhibit weaker curvature sensing and slower migration on curved substrates compared to fibroblastic keratocytes. These findings provide fundamental insights into keratocyte phenotype after injury, but also exemplify the potential of tuning the physical cell environments in tissue engineering settings to steer towards a favorable regeneration response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas van der Putten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle van den Broek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Nicholas A. Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Nicholas A. Kurniawan,
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Jain P, Rauer SB, Möller M, Singh S. Mimicking the Natural Basement Membrane for Advanced Tissue Engineering. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:3081-3103. [PMID: 35839343 PMCID: PMC9364315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Advancements in the field of tissue engineering have
led to the
elucidation of physical and chemical characteristics of physiological
basement membranes (BM) as specialized forms of the extracellular
matrix. Efforts to recapitulate the intricate structure and biological
composition of the BM have encountered various advancements due to
its impact on cell fate, function, and regulation. More attention
has been paid to synthesizing biocompatible and biofunctional fibrillar
scaffolds that closely mimic the natural BM. Specific modifications
in biomimetic BM have paved the way for the development of in vitro models like alveolar-capillary barrier, airway
models, skin, blood-brain barrier, kidney barrier, and metastatic
models, which can be used for personalized drug screening, understanding
physiological and pathological pathways, and tissue implants. In this
Review, we focus on the structure, composition, and functions of in vivo BM and the ongoing efforts to mimic it synthetically.
Light has been shed on the advantages and limitations of various forms
of biomimetic BM scaffolds including porous polymeric membranes, hydrogels,
and electrospun membranes This Review further elaborates and justifies
the significance of BM mimics in tissue engineering, in particular
in the development of in vitro organ model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Jain
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | | | - Martin Möller
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Smriti Singh
- Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69028, Germany
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Sampaio LP, Hilgert GSL, Shiju TM, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Topical Losartan and Corticosteroid Additively Inhibit Corneal Stromal Myofibroblast Generation and Scarring Fibrosis After Alkali Burn Injury. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:9. [PMID: 35819289 PMCID: PMC9287619 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.7.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of losartan and prednisolone acetate in inhibiting corneal scarring fibrosis after alkali burn injury in rabbits. Methods Sixteen New Zealand White rabbits were included. Alkali injuries were produced using 1N sodium hydroxide on a 5-mm diameter Whatman #1 filter paper for 1 minute. Four corneas in each group were treated six times per day for 1 month with 50 µL of (1) 0.8 mg/mL losartan in balanced salt solution (BSS), (2) 1% prednisolone acetate, (3) combined 0.8 mg/mL losartan and 1% prednisolone acetate, or (4) BSS. Area of opacity and total opacity were analyzed in standardized slit-lamp photos with ImageJ. Corneas in both groups were cryofixed in Optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound at 1 month after surgery, and immunohistochemistry was performed for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and keratocan or transforming growth factor β1 and collagen type IV with ImageJ quantitation. Results Combined topical losartan and prednisolone acetate significantly decreased slit-lamp opacity area and intensity, as well as decreased stromal myofibroblast α-SMA area and intensity of staining per section and confined myofibroblasts to only the posterior stroma with repopulation of the anterior and mid-stroma with keratocan-positive keratocytes after 1 month of treatment. Corneal fibroblasts produced collagen type IV not associated with basement membranes, and this production was decreased by topical losartan. Conclusions Combined topical losartan and prednisolone acetate decreased myofibroblast-associated fibrosis after corneal alkali burns that produced full-thickness injury, including corneal endothelial damage. Increased dosages and duration of treatment may further decrease scarring fibrosis. Translational Relevance Topical losartan and prednisolone acetate decrease myofibroblast-mediated scarring fibrosis after corneal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology at University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Combined Therapy Using Human Corneal Stromal Stem Cells and Quiescent Keratocytes to Prevent Corneal Scarring after Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136980. [PMID: 35805991 PMCID: PMC9267074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness due to scarring is conventionally treated by corneal transplantation, but the shortage of donor materials has been a major issue affecting the global success of treatment. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that cell-based therapies using either corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) or corneal stromal keratocytes (CSK) suppress corneal scarring at lower levels. Further treatments or strategies are required to improve the treatment efficacy. This study examined a combined cell-based treatment using CSSC and CSK in a mouse model of anterior stromal injury. We hypothesize that the immuno-regulatory nature of CSSC is effective to control tissue inflammation and delay the onset of fibrosis, and a subsequent intrastromal CSK treatment deposited collagens and stromal specific proteoglycans to recover a native stromal matrix. Using optimized cell doses, our results showed that the effect of CSSC treatment for suppressing corneal opacities was augmented by an additional intrastromal CSK injection, resulting in better corneal clarity. These in vivo effects were substantiated by a further downregulated expression of stromal fibrosis genes and the restoration of stromal fibrillar organization and regularity. Hence, a combined treatment of CSSC and CSK could achieve a higher clinical efficacy and restore corneal transparency, when compared to a single CSSC treatment.
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40
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Wong HL, Bu Y, Chan YK, Shih KC. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide promotes corneal Re-epithelialization after alkaline injury. Exp Eye Res 2022; 221:109151. [PMID: 35714698 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemical injury of the cornea results in epithelial defect and subsequent stromal scarring and infection. Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-treatment of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) in promoting corneal re-epithelialization after alkaline burn. The corneas of C57BL/6J mice were pre-treated with topical phosphate-buffered saline or LBP (0.2/2/20 mg/mL) for 7 days, following by 0.1M sodium hydroxide injury for 30 s and washing with distilled water for another 30 s. Area of epithelial defect and thickness of cornea were evaluated. Inflammatory cytokines and water channel expression levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared to the injury group, mice with 2 mg/mL LBP pre-treatment revealed a significant decrease in fluorescein stained area after injury (p = 0.025), with increased epithelial layer thickness (p = 0.004). The corneal opacity was significantly reduced in the group with 2 mg/mL LBP pre-treatment followed by injury (p = 0.02). The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 12 (p = 0.033), platelet derived growth factor-BB (p = 0.031), and aquaporin 5 (p = 0.022) resulted in a decrease in expression level in group with 2 mg/mL LBP pre-treatment. Our results showed that 2 mg/mL LBP, with no apoptotic effect on corneal cells, promoted corneal epithelial growth and minimized disruption of the collagen architecture after injury in vivo. We suggest that LBP, as a natural Traditional Chinese Medicine, may potentially be a novel topical pre-treatment option for patients highly susceptible to ocular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Lam Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yashan Bu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yau Kei Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Biswas S, Shafiquzzaman M, Yu G, Li P, Yu Q, Zhao P, Li B, Li J. Notch1 signaling in keratocytes maintains corneal transparency by suppressing VEGF expression. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1442-1457. [PMID: 35623350 PMCID: PMC9214072 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea fends off chemicals, dirt, and infectious particles and provides most of the eye's focusing power. Corneal transparency is of paramount importance to normal vision, yet how it is established and maintained remains unclear. Here, we ablated Notch1 in keratocytes using Twist2-Cre mice and found that Twist2-Cre; Notch1f/f mice developed stroma expansion and neovascularization, followed by hyperproliferation and metaplasia of corneal epithelial progenitor cells and plaque formation at central cornea, leading to loss of transparency. Development of these phenotypes does not involve bacteria-caused inflammation; instead, Notch1 deletion upregulates Vegfa and Vegfc via Hif1α in keratocytes. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor inhibitor axitinib prevented development of these anomalies in Twist2-Cre; Notch1f/f mice, suggesting that VEGFs secreted by keratocytes promote not only neovascularization but also proliferation and metaplasia of epithelial progenitor cells at central cornea. This study uncovers a Notch1-Hif1α-VEGF pathway in keratocytes that maintains corneal transparency and represents a potential target for treatment of related corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Biswas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Md Shafiquzzaman
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Guo Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ping Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baojie Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Shhedding New Light on the Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Corneal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073630. [PMID: 35408986 PMCID: PMC8998466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea, an anterior ocular tissue that notably serves to protect the eye from external insults and refract light, requires constant epithelium renewal and efficient healing following injury to maintain ocular homeostasis. Although several key cell populations and molecular pathways implicated in corneal wound healing have already been thoroughly investigated, insufficient/impaired or excessive corneal wound healing remains a major clinical issue in ophthalmology, and new avenues of research are still needed to further improve corneal wound healing. Because of its implication in numerous cellular/tissular homeostatic processes and oxidative stress, there is growing evidence of the role of Hedgehog signaling pathway in physiological and pathological corneal wound healing. Reviewing current scientific evidence, Hedgehog signaling and its effectors participate in corneal wound healing mainly at the level of the corneal and limbal epithelium, where Sonic Hedgehog-mediated signaling promotes limbal stem cell proliferation and corneal epithelial cell proliferation and migration following corneal injury. Hedgehog signaling could also participate in corneal epithelial barrier homeostasis and in pathological corneal healing such as corneal injury-related neovascularization. By gaining a better understanding of the role of this double-edged sword in physiological and pathological corneal wound healing, fascinating new research avenues and therapeutic strategies will undoubtedly emerge.
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Hashemi H, Alvani A, Aghamirsalim M, Miraftab M, Asgari S. Comparison of transepithelial and conventional photorefractive keratectomy in myopic and myopic astigmatism patients: a randomized contralateral trial. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:68. [PMID: 35148689 PMCID: PMC8832736 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To assess transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) in terms of corneal epithelial healing rate, postoperative pain, postoperative discomfort, and visual and refraction outcomes compared to mechanical epithelial debridement PRK (mPRK) and alcohol-assisted PRK (aaPRK). Methods In this double-masked, randomized clinical trial, thirty-nine patients underwent tPRK in one eye and mPRK in the fellow eye (arm A), and 33 patients underwent tPRK in one eye and aaPRK in the contralateral eye (arm B). All surgical procedures were done using the Schwind Amaris excimer laser. The area of corneal epithelial defect in all eyes was captured and analyzed using ImageJ software. Results Mean epithelial healing time was respectively 3.74 ± 0.82 and 3.59 ± 0.79 days in tPRK versus mPRK (P = 0.21) in arm A, and 3.67 ± 0.92 and 3.67 ± 0.74 days in tPRK versus aaPRK (P = 1.00) in arm B. Accounting for the initial corneal epithelial defect area, the epithelial healing rate was faster in conventional PRK groups compared to tPRK (both P<0.001) in both arms. However, there was no significant difference in safety, efficacy, spherical equivalent refractive accuracy, or corneal haze development between tPRK and conventional PRK groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions All three methods are effective in terms of visual and refractive outcomes. However, although time to complete re-epithelialization was similar with the three methods, the epithelial healing rate was faster in conventional PRK considering the initial corneal epithelial defect area, and the patients experienced less pain and discomfort in the first postoperative day. Trial registration IRCT, IRCT20200317046804N1. Retrospectively registered 5 May 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Hashemi
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye Hospital, 96, Esfandiar Blvd, Valiasr St, Tehran, Tehran, 1968653111, Iran
| | - Azam Alvani
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye Hospital, 96, Esfandiar Blvd, Valiasr St, Tehran, Tehran, 1968653111, Iran.
| | | | - Mohammad Miraftab
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye Hospital, 96, Esfandiar Blvd, Valiasr St, Tehran, Tehran, 1968653111, Iran
| | - Soheila Asgari
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye Hospital, 96, Esfandiar Blvd, Valiasr St, Tehran, Tehran, 1968653111, Iran
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Xu W, Kong B, Xie H, Zhang J, Liu W, Liu S, Zhang Y, Yang F, Xiao J, Mi S, Xiong L, Zhang M, Jiang F. PCL scaffold combined with rat tail collagen type I to reduce keratocyte differentiation and prevent corneal stroma fibrosis after injury. Exp Eye Res 2022; 217:108936. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Swarup A, Ta CN, Wu AY. Molecular mechanisms and treatments for ocular symblephara. Surv Ophthalmol 2022; 67:19-30. [PMID: 33932469 PMCID: PMC8553799 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There are currently no effective methods to prevent or durably treat ocular symblephara, the adhesions between the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva. How symblephara form at the molecular level is largely unknown. We present here an overview of current clinical symblephara treatments and describe potential molecular mechanisms behind conjunctival adhesion formation that may inform future symblephara treatment and prevention options. Understanding how symblephara form at the molecular level will facilitate treatment development. Preventative therapies may be possible by targeting symblephara progenitor cells immediately after injuries, while novel therapeutics should be aimed at modulating TGF-β pathways and effector cells in conjunctival scarring to treat symblephara formation more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Swarup
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Christopher N Ta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Albert Y Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine.
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Sampaio LP, Shiju TM, Hilgert GSL, de Oliveira RC, DeDreu J, Menko AS, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Descemet's membrane injury and regeneration, and posterior corneal fibrosis, in rabbits. Exp Eye Res 2021; 213:108803. [PMID: 34736886 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to study Descemet's membrane and corneal endothelial regeneration, myofibroblast generation and disappearance, and TGF beta-1 localization after Descemet's membrane-endothelial excision (Descemetorhexis) in rabbits. Thirty-six rabbits had 8 mm Descemetorhexis and standardized slit lamp photos at 1, 2 and 4 days, 1, 2 and 4 weeks, and 2, 4 and 6 months, as well as multiplex IHC for stromal cell markers keratocan, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA); basement membrane (BM) components perlecan, nidogen-1, laminin alpha-5, and collagen type IV; and corneal endothelial marker Na,K-ATPase β1, and TGF beta-1, with ImageJ quantitation. Stromal transparency increased from the periphery beginning at two months after injury and progressed into the central cornea by six months. At six months, central transparency was primarily limited by persistent mid-stromal neovascularization. Stromal myofibroblast zone thickness in the posterior stroma peaked at one month after injury, and then progressively decreased until to six months when few myofibroblasts remained. The regeneration of a laminin alpha-5 and nidogen-1 Descemet's membrane "railroad track" structure was accompanied by corneal endothelial closure and stromal cell production of BM components in corneas from four to six months after injury. TGF beta-1 deposition at the posterior corneal surface from the aqueous humor peaked at one day after Descemetorhexis and diminished even before regeneration of the endothelium and Descemet's membrane. This decrease was associated with collagen type IV protein production by corneal fibroblasts, and possibly myofibroblasts, in the posterior stroma. Descemet's membrane and the corneal endothelium regenerated in the rabbit cornea by six months after eight mm Descemetorhexis. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR experiments in vitro with marker-verified rabbit corneal cells found that 5 ng/ml or 10 ng/ml TGF beta-1 upregulated col4a1 or col4a2 mRNA expression after 6 h or 12 h of exposure in corneal fibroblasts, but not in myofibroblasts. Stromal cells produced large amounts of collagen type IV that likely decreased TGF beta-1 penetration into the stroma and facilitated the resolution of myofibroblast-generated fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Carlos de Oliveira
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - JodiRae DeDreu
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Immune responses to injury and their links to eye disease. Transl Res 2021; 236:52-71. [PMID: 34051364 PMCID: PMC8380715 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The eye is regarded as an immune privileged site. Since the presence of a vasculature would impair vision, the vasculature of the eye is located outside of the central light path. As a result, many regions of the eye evolved mechanisms to deliver immune cells to sites of dysgenesis, injury, or in response to the many age-related pathologies. While the purpose of these immune responses is reparative or protective, cytokines released by immune cells compromise visual acuity by inducing inflammation and fibrosis. The response to traumatic or pathological injury is distinct in different regions of the eye. Age-related diseases impact both the anterior and posterior segment and lead to reduced quality of life and blindness. Here we focus attention on the role that inflammation and fibrosis play in the progression of age-related pathologies of the cornea and the lens as well as in glaucoma, the formation of epiretinal membranes, and in proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
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Key Words
- 2ryERM
- A T-helper cell that expresses high levels of IL-17 which can suppress T-regulatory cell function
- A cytokine expressed early during inflammation that attracts neutrophils
- A cytokine expressed early during inflammation that attracts neutrophils, sometimes referred to as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1))
- A mouse model that lacks functional T and B cells and used to study the immune response
- A pigmented mouse strain used for research and known to mount a primarily Th1 response to infection
- A protein encoded by the ADGRE1 gene that, in mice, is expressed primarily on macrophages
- A strain of pigmented mice used in glaucoma research
- ACAID
- APCs
- ASC
- An albino mouse strain used for research and known to mount a primarily Th2 response to infection
- Antigen Presenting Cells, this class includes dendritic cells and monocytes
- BALB/c
- BM
- C57BL6
- CCL2
- CD45
- CNS
- CXCL1
- Central Nervous System
- Cluster of differentiation 45 antigen
- DAMPs
- DBA/2J
- EBM
- ECM
- EMT
- ERM
- Epithelial Basement Membrane
- F4/80
- FGF2
- HA =hyaluronic acid
- HSK
- HSP
- HSPGs
- HSV
- ICN
- IL-20
- IL6
- ILM
- IOP
- Inner (or internal) limiting membrane
- Interleukin 6
- Interleukin-20
- MAGP1
- MHC-II
- Major histocompatibility complex type II, a class of MHC proteins typically found only on APCs
- Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 1
- N-cad
- N-cadherin
- NEI
- NK
- National Eye Institute
- Natural killer T cells
- PCO
- PDGF
- PDR
- PVD
- PVR
- Platelet derived growth factor
- Posterior capsular opacification
- RGC
- RPE
- RRD
- Rag1-/-
- Retinal ganglion cells
- Retinal pigment epithelial cells
- SMAD
- Sons of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic, SMADs are a class of molecules that mediate TGF and bone morphogenetic protein signaling
- T-helper cell 1 response, proinflammatory adaptive response involving interferon gamma and associated with autoimmunity
- T-helper cell 2 response involving IgE and interleukins 4,5, and 13, also induces the anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 family cytokines
- T-regulatory cell
- TG
- TGF1
- TM
- TNF
- Th1
- Th17
- Th2
- Transforming growth factor 1
- Treg
- Tumor necrosis factor a cytokine produced during inflammation
- VEGF
- Vascular endothelial growth factor
- WHO
- World Health Organization
- anterior chamber immune deviation
- anterior subcapsular cataracts
- basement membrane
- damage-associated molecular patterns
- epiretinal membrane
- epiretinal membrane secondary to disease pathology
- epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- extracellular matrix
- fibroblast growth factor 2, also referred to as basic FGF
- heat shock protein
- heparan sulfate proteoglycans
- herpes simplex virus
- herpes stromal keratitis
- iERM
- idiopathic epiretinal membrane
- intraepithelial corneal nerves
- intraocular pressure
- mTOR
- mechanistic target of rapamycin, a protein kinase encoded by the MTOR genes that regulates a variety of signal transduction events including cell growth, autophagy and actin cytoskeleton
- posterior vitreous detachment
- proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- proliferative vitreoretinopathy
- rhegmatogenous (rupture, tear) retinal detachment
- trabecular meshwork
- trigeminal ganglion
- αSMA
- α−Smooth muscle actin, a class of actin expressed in mesenchymal cells
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Wong HL, Hung LT, Kwok SS, Bu Y, Lin Y, Shum HC, Wang H, Lo ACY, Yam GHF, Jhanji V, Shih KC, Chan YK. The anti-scarring role of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on cornea epithelial-stromal injury. Exp Eye Res 2021; 211:108747. [PMID: 34450184 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cornea epithelial-stromal scarring is related to the differentiation of fibroblasts into opaque myofibroblasts. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) solution as a pre-treatment in minimizing corneal scarring. METHODS Human corneal fibroblasts were cultured in a three-dimensional collagen type I-based hydrogel in an eye-on-a-chip model. Fibroblasts were pre-treated with 2 mg/mL LBP for 24 h, followed by another 24-h incubation with 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) to induce relevant physiological events after stromal injury. Intracellular pro-fibrotic proteins, extracellular matrix proteins, and pro-inflammatory cytokines that involved in fibrosis, were assessed using immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Compared to the positive control TGF-β1 group, LBP pre-treated cells had a significantly lower expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, marker of myofibroblasts, vimentin (p < 0.05), and also extracellular matrix proteins both collagen type II and type III (p < 0.05) that can be found in scar tissues. Moreover, LBP pre-treated cells had a significantly lower secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 (p < 0.05). The cell-laden hydrogel contraction and stiffness showed no significant difference between LBP pre-treatment and control groups. Fibroblasts pretreated with LBP as well had reduced angiogenic factors expression and suppression of undesired proliferation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results showed that LBP reduced both pro-fibrotic proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines on corneal injury in vitro. We suggest that LBP, as a natural Traditional Chinese Medicine, may potentially be a novel topical pre-treatment option prior to corneal refractive surgeries with an improved prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Lam Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Lap Tak Hung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Sum Sum Kwok
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yashan Bu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Hua Wang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, China
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Gary Hin Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, USA
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, USA
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Yau Kei Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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McKay TB, Yeung V, Hutcheon AEK, Guo X, Zieske JD, Ciolino JB. Extracellular Vesicles in the Cornea: Insights from Other Tissues. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2021; 2021:9983900. [PMID: 34336556 PMCID: PMC8324376 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9983900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are phospholipid bilayer-bound particles secreted by cells that have been found to be important in mediating cell-cell communication, signal transduction, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Their role in both physiological and pathological processes has been established in different tissues throughout the human body. The human cornea functions as a transparent and refractive barrier that protects the intraocular elements from the external environment. Injury, infection, or disease may cause the loss of corneal clarity by altering extracellular matrix organization within the stroma that may lead to detrimental effects on visual acuity. Over the years, numerous studies have identified many of the growth factors (e.g., transforming growth factor-β1, thrombospondin-1, and platelet-derived growth factor) important in corneal wound healing and scarring. However, the functional role of bound factors encapsulated in EVs in the context of corneal biology is less defined. In this review, we describe the discovery and characterization of EVs in the cornea. We focus on EV-matrix interactions, potential functions during corneal wound healing, and the bioactivity of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs. We also discuss the development of EVs as stable, drug-loaded therapeutics for ocular applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B. McKay
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vincent Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Audrey E. K. Hutcheon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - James D. Zieske
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Joseph B. Ciolino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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50
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Cord blood and amniotic membrane extract eye drop preparations display immune-suppressive and regenerative properties. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13754. [PMID: 34215804 PMCID: PMC8253755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases and injuries that compromise the ocular surface cause considerable patient distress and have long term consequences for their quality of life. Treatment modalities that can address the delicate balance of tissue regeneration, inflammation and maintenance of corneal transparency are therefore needed. We have recently formulated two novel eye drops from placental tissues: cord blood platelet lysate (CBED) and amniotic membrane extract eye drops (AMED), which can be used to treat severe ocular disorders. Here we characterise these two preparations by measuring: (a) growth factors (GF) and cytokines composition, (b) promotion of human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) growth and (c) effects on immune cells in a lymphocyte culture assay. Finally, their bioavailability was assayed in an ex vivo porcine corneal model. We show that both preparations contain GF and cytokines that were able to promote the in vitro growth of HCEC and support repair in an in vitro scratch test. When assessed in a lymphocyte culture, both favoured immune suppression reducing the cellular expression of NKG2D and CD107a as well as the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in natural killer, NKT and T cells. Regarding bioavailability, CBED active molecules were found mainly in the pre-corneal fraction with some penetration into the corneal fraction, in an ex vivo model. In summary, both placental-derived allogeneic preparations, CBED and AMED, display regenerative and immunomodulatory capabilities. These results will help define mechanisms of action and the best indications and doses of each product for use in a particular patient and support the development of off-the-shelf therapies for ocular surface pathologies in which wound healing defects and inflammatory events are contributing factors.
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