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Chen S, Li Y, Song W, Cheng Y, Gao Y, Xie L, Huang M, Yan X. Insulin eye drops improve corneal wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic mice by regulating corneal inflammation and neuropeptide release. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:155. [PMID: 38594682 PMCID: PMC11003036 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03436-3] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, insulin eye drops have attracted increasing attention from researchers and ophthalmologists. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of action of insulin eye drops in diabetic mice with corneal wounds. METHODS A type 1 diabetes model was induced, and a corneal epithelial injury model of 2.5 mm was established. We used corneal fluorescein staining, hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining and the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer to examine the process of wound healing. Subsequently, the expression levels of Ki-67, IL-1β, β3-tubulin and neuropeptides, including substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), were examined at 72 h after corneal injury. RESULTS Fluorescein staining demonstrated an acceleration of the recovery of corneal epithelial injury in diabetic mice compared with the saline treatment, which was further evidenced by the overexpression of Ki-67. Moreover, 72 h of insulin application attenuated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophil infiltration. Remarkably, the results demonstrated that topical insulin treatment enhanced the density of corneal epithelial nerves, as well as neuropeptide SP and CGRP release, in the healing cornea via immunofluorescence staining. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that insulin eye drops may accelerate corneal wound healing and decrease inflammatory responses in diabetic mice by promoting nerve regeneration and increasing levels of neuropeptides SP and CGRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Yingsi Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Luoying Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Meiting Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Avenue, 100034, Beijing, China.
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Mohan RR, Gupta S, Kumar R, Sinha NR, Landreneau J, Sinha PR, Tandon A, Chaurasia SS, Hesemann NP. Tissue-targeted and localized AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF combination gene therapy abrogates corneal fibrosis and concurrent neovascularization in rabbit eyes in vivo. Ocul Surf 2024; 32:13-25. [PMID: 38191093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.01.001] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal fibrosis and neovascularization (CNV) after ocular trauma impairs vision. This study tested therapeutic potential of tissue-targeted adeno-associated virus5 (AAV5) mediated decorin (DCN) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) combination genes in vivo. METHODS Corneal fibrosis and CNV were induced in New Zealand White rabbits via chemical trauma. Gene therapy in stroma was delivered 30-min after chemical-trauma via topical AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF application using a cloning cylinder. Clinical eye examinations and multimodal imaging in live rabbits were performed periodically and corneal tissues were collected 9-day and 15-day post euthanasia. Histological, cellular, and molecular and apoptosis assays were used for efficacy, tolerability, and mechanistic studies. RESULTS The AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF combination gene therapy significantly reduced corneal fibrosis (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) and CNV (p < 0.001) in therapy-given (chemical-trauma and AAV5-DCN + AAV5-PEDF) rabbit eyes compared to the no-therapy given eyes (chemical-trauma and AAV5-naked vector). Histopathological analyses demonstrated significantly reduced fibrotic α-smooth muscle actin and endothelial lectin expression in therapy-given corneas compared to no-therapy corneas on day-9 (p < 0.001) and day-15 (p < 0.001). Further, therapy-given corneas showed significantly increased Fas-ligand mRNA levels (p < 0.001) and apoptotic cell death in neovessels (p < 0.001) compared to no-therapy corneas. AAV5 delivered 2.69 × 107 copies of DCN and 2.31 × 107 copies of PEDF genes per μg of DNA. AAV5 vector and delivered DCN and PEDF genes found tolerable to the rabbit eyes and caused no significant toxicity to the cornea. CONCLUSION The combination AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF topical gene therapy effectively reduces corneal fibrosis and CNV with high tolerability in vivo in rabbits. Additional studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
| | - Suneel Gupta
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - James Landreneau
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Prashant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Ashish Tandon
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Shyam S Chaurasia
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nathan P Hesemann
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
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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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Bartold M, Ivanovski S. Biological processes and factors involved in soft and hard tissue healing. Periodontol 2000 2024. [PMID: 38243683 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12546] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex and iterative process involving myriad cellular and biologic processes that are highly regulated to allow satisfactory repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. This review is intended to be an introductory chapter in a volume focusing on the use of platelet concentrates for tissue regeneration. In order to fully appreciate the clinical utility of these preparations, a sound understanding of the processes and factors involved in soft and hard tissue healing. This encompasses an appreciation of the cellular and biological mediators of both soft and hard tissues in general as well as specific consideration of the periodontal tissues. In light of good advances in this basic knowledge, there have been improvements in clinical strategies and therapeutic management of wound repair and regeneration. The use of platelet concentrates for tissue regeneration offers one such strategy and is based on the principles of cellular and biologic principles of wound repair discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Bartold
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Saso Ivanovski
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Shiju TM, Sampaio LP, Martinez VV, Hilgert GSL, Wilson SE. Transforming growth factor beta-3 localization in the corneal response to epithelial-stromal injury and effects on corneal fibroblast transition to myofibroblasts. Exp Eye Res 2023; 235:109631. [PMID: 37633325 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the localization of TGF beta-3 in situ in unwounded rabbit corneas and corneas that had epithelial-stromal injuries produced by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in rabbits and to evaluate the in vitro effects of TGF beta-3 compared to TGF beta-1 on alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression and myofibroblast development in corneal fibroblasts. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits underwent either -3 diopter (D) or -9D PRK and were studied from one to eight weeks (four corneas in each group at each time point) after surgery with immunohistochemistry for TGF beta-3, laminin alpha-5, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Rabbit corneal fibroblasts were treated with activated TGF beta-1 and/or TGF beta-3 at different concentrations and duration of exposure and studied with immunocytochemistry for myofibroblast development and the expression of α-SMA using Jess automated Western blotting. TGF beta-3 was detected at high levels in the stroma of unwounded corneas and corneas at one to eight weeks after -3D or -9D PRK, as well as in the epithelium and epithelial basement membrane (EBM). No difference was noted between corneas that healed with and without myofibroblast-mediated fibrosis, although TGF beta-3 was commonly associated with myofibroblasts. TGF beta-3 effects on corneal fibroblasts in vitro were similar to TGF beta-1 in stimulating transition to α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts and promoting α-SMA protein expression. The corneal stromal localization pattern of TGF beta-3 protein in unwounded corneas and corneas after epithelial-stromal injury was found to be higher and different from TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2 reported in previous studies. TGF beta-3 had similar effects to TGF beta-1 in driving myofibroblast development and α-SMA expression in corneal fibroblasts cultured in medium with 1% fetal bovine serum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Ophthalmology at University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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Sampaio LP, Villabona-Martinez V, Shiju TM, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Topical Losartan Decreases Myofibroblast Generation But Not Corneal Opacity After Surface Blast-Simulating Irregular PTK in Rabbits. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:20. [PMID: 37750746 PMCID: PMC10541722 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.9.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of topical losartan after blast injury-simulating irregular phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in rabbits. Methods Twelve NZW rabbits underwent 100 pulse 6.5 mm diameter PTK over a metal screen to generate severe surface irregularity and inhibit epithelial basement membrane regeneration. Corneas were treated with 0.8 mg/mL losartan in balanced salt solution (BSS) or BSS 50 µL six times per day for six weeks after PTK. All corneas had slit lamp photography, with and without 1% fluorescein at two, four, and six weeks after PTK, and were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), keratocyte marker keratocan, mesenchymal cell marker vimentin, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and collagen type IV. Results Topical 0.8 mg/mL losartan six times a day significantly decreased anterior stromal α-SMA intensity units compared to BSS at six weeks after anterior stromal irregularity-inducing screened PTK (P = 0.009). Central corneal opacity, however, was not significantly different between the two groups. Keratocan, vimentin, TGF-β1, or collagen type IV levels in the anterior stroma were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Topical losartan effectively decreased myofibroblast generation after surface blast simulation irregular PTK. However, these results suggest initial masking-smoothing PTK, along with adjuvant topical losartan therapy, may be needed to decrease corneal stromal opacity after traumatic injuries that produce severe surface irregularity. Translational Relevance Topical losartan decreased scar-producing stromal myofibroblasts after irregular PTK over a metal screen but early smoothing of irregularity would also likely be needed to significantly decrease corneal opacity.
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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
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van Setten GB. Ocular Surface Allostasis-When Homeostasis Is Lost: Challenging Coping Potential, Stress Tolerance, and Resilience. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1246. [PMID: 37627311 PMCID: PMC10452761 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081246] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of ocular surface (OS) homeostasis characterizes the onset of dry eye disease. Resilience defines the ability to withstand this threat, reflecting the ability of the ocular surface to cope with and bounce back after challenging events. The coping capacity of the OS defines the ability to successfully manage cellular stress. Cellular stress, which is central to the outcome of the pathophysiology of dry eye disease, is characterized by intensity, continuity, and receptivity, which lead to the loss of homeostasis, resulting in a phase of autocatalytic dysregulation, an event that is not well-defined. To better define this event, here, we present a model providing a potential approach when homeostasis is challenged and the coping capacities have reached their limits, resulting in the stage of heterostasis, in which the dysregulated cellular stress mechanisms take over, leading to dry eye disease. The main feature of the proposed model is the concept that, prior to the initiation of the events leading to cellular stress, there is a period of intense activation of all available coping mechanisms preventing the imminent dysregulation of ocular surface homeostasis. When the remaining coping mechanisms and resilience potential have been maximally exploited and have, finally, been exceeded, there will be a transition to manifest disease with all the well-known signs and symptoms, with a shift to allostasis, reflecting the establishment of another state of balance. The intention of this review was to show that it is possibly the phase of heterostasis preceding the establishment of allostasis that offers a better chance for therapeutic intervention and optimized recovery. Once allostasis has been established, as a new steady-state of balance at a higher level of constant cell stress and inflammation, treatment may be far more difficult, and the potential for reversal is drastically decreased. Homeostasis, once lost, can possibly not be fully recovered. The processes established during heterostasis and allostasis require different approaches and treatments for their control, indicating that the current treatment options for homeostasis need to be adapted to a more-demanding situation. The loss of homeostasis necessarily implies the establishment of a new balance; here, we refer to such a state as allostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gysbert-Botho van Setten
- St. Eriks Eye Hospital, 171 04 Solna, Sweden;
- Lab of DOHF and Wound Healing, Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 12/Level 6, 171 04 Solna, Sweden
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Ishikane S, Arioka M, Takahashi-Yanaga F. Promising small molecule anti-fibrotic agents: Newly developed or repositioned drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 214:115663. [PMID: 37336252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115663] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in all organs and tissues except the brain, and its progression leads to dysfunction of affected organs. Fibrosis-induced organ dysfunction results from the loss of elasticity, strength, and functionality of tissues due to the extracellular matrix secreted by myofibroblasts that express smooth muscle-type actin as a marker. Myofibroblasts, which play a major role in fibrosis, were once thought to originate exclusively from activated fibroblasts; however, it is now clear that myofibroblasts are diverse in origin, from epithelial cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, macrophages, and other cells. Fibrosis of vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, is a serious chronic disease that ultimately leads to death. Currently, anti-cancer drugs have made remarkable progress, as evidenced by the development of many molecular-targeted drugs, and are making a significant contribution to improving the prognosis of cancer treatment. However, the development of anti-fibrotic agents, which also play an important role in prognosis, has lagged. In this review, the current knowledge regarding myofibroblasts is summarized, with particular attention given to their origin and transdifferentiation signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ and AMPK signaling pathways). The development of new small molecule anti-fibrotic agents and the repositioning of existing drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ishikane
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Masaki Arioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Fumi Takahashi-Yanaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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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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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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Sprogyte L, Park M, Di Girolamo N. Pathogenesis of Alkali Injury-Induced Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: A Literature Survey of Animal Models. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091294. [PMID: 37174694 PMCID: PMC10177508 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a debilitating ocular surface disease that eventuates from a depleted or dysfunctional limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) pool, resulting in corneal epithelial failure and blindness. The leading cause of LSCD is a chemical burn, with alkali substances being the most common inciting agents. Characteristic features of alkali-induced LSCD include corneal conjunctivalization, inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis. Over the past decades, animal models of corneal alkali burn and alkali-induced LSCD have been instrumental in improving our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for disease development. Through these paradigms, important insights have been gained with regards to signaling pathways that drive inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis, including NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, JNK, STAT3, PI3K/AKT, mTOR and WNT/β-catenin cascades. Nonetheless, the molecular and cellular events that underpin re-epithelialization and those that govern long-term epithelial behavior are poorly understood. This review provides an overview of the current mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of alkali-induced LSCD. Moreover, we highlight limitations regarding existing animal models and knowledge gaps which, if addressed, would facilitate development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies for patients with alkali-induced LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sprogyte
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mijeong Park
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Sampaio LP, Martinez VV, Shiju TM, Hilgert GSL, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Cell Biology of Spontaneous Persistent Epithelial Defects After Photorefractive Keratectomy in Rabbits. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:15. [PMID: 37184499 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.5.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate wound healing in rabbit corneas that developed a spontaneous persistent epithelial defect (PED) after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Methods Forty-eight 10- to 15-week-old female New Zealand White rabbits weighing 2.5 to 3.0 kg underwent either -3 diopter (D) or -9 D PRK to generate a series of corneas to study wound healing after injury. During that series, seven corneas developed a PED detected with 1% fluorescein staining at a slit lamp that either did not have epithelial closure by 1 week after surgery or subsequently had the closed epithelium break down to form a PED 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. The corneas had slit-lamp photography, with and without 1% fluorescein, and were removed from the normal PRK series. Each PED cornea was evaluated using immunohistochemistry for the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), keratocyte marker keratocan, and mesenchymal cell marker vimentin, as well as basement membrane components perlecan and collagen type IV. Results All seven corneas that had PRK with a PED, even the two evaluated at only 1 week after PRK, had α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts populating the anterior stroma within the PED, along with comingled α-SMA-negative cells that were likely corneal fibroblasts and possibly bone marrow-derived fibrocytes. Both perlecan and collagen type IV accumulated in the anterior stroma of the epithelial defects without an epithelial basement membrane, likely produced by corneal fibroblasts to modulate transforming growth factor-β entering the stroma from the tears and peripheral epithelium. Conclusions Corneas with a PED that occurred following PRK (a procedure that produces a transient neurotropic state in the cornea) had myofibroblasts populating the superficial stroma within the epithelial defect as early as 1 week after the surgery. Translational Relevance Pharmacologic treatments that trigger myofibroblast apoptosis, including topical losartan, could facilitate decreased scarring fibrosis in corneas with a PED.
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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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13
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Fattah SA, Selim MS, Abdel Fattah MA, Abo-Elmatty DM, Mesbah NM, Abdel-Hamed AR. Serum Transforming Growth Factor β1 and Its Genetic Variants Are Associated with Increased Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1β and Susceptibility to Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050715. [PMID: 37240885 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050715] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy in which one of the body's peripheral nerves becomes pinched or crushed. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CTS. An association between TGF-β1 polymorphisms and the susceptibility or progression of a number of diseases has been reported. In this study, three TGF-β1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), serum TGF-β1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta (MIP-1β) were investigated as potential diagnostic markers for the progression of CTS in Egyptian patients. One hundred CTS patients and 100 healthy controls were recruited for the study. TGF-β1 SNPs +915G/C, -509C/T and -800G/A were determined by TaqMan genotyping assay. Serum TGF-β1 and MIP-1β levels were measured by ELISA. Serum TGF-β1 and MIP-1β levels increased significantly and were strongly correlated with the occurrence of CTS. The C allele of +915G/C, the T allele of -509C/T, and the G allele of -800G/A occurred more frequently in patients from CTS than in controls. The serum levels of TGF-β1 and MIP-1β in the group of carriers of the genotypes +915G/C GC and CC, the genotype -509C/T TT and the genotype -800G/A GA and AA were significantly higher in CTS patients. TGF-β1 and its +915G/C, -509C/T, and -800G/A SNPs and MIP-1β could be useful prognostic markers for the occurrence of CTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa A Fattah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Selim
- Cardiovascular Therapy Department, Novartis Company, Riyadh 12271, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha A Abdel Fattah
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Dina M Abo-Elmatty
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Noha M Mesbah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Asmaa R Abdel-Hamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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14
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Yang GN, Roberts PK, Gardner-Russell J, Shah MH, Couper TA, Zhu Z, Pollock GA, Dusting GJ, Daniell M. From bench to clinic: Emerging therapies for corneal scarring. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 242:108349. [PMID: 36682466 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108349] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Corneal diseases are one of the leading causes of moderate-to-severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide, after glaucoma, cataract, and retinal disease in overall importance. Given its tendency to affect people at a younger age than other blinding conditions such as cataract and glaucoma, corneal scarring poses a huge burden both on the individuals and society. Furthermore, corneal scarring and fibrosis disproportionately affects people in poorer and remote areas, making it a significant ophthalmic public health problem. Traditional medical strategies, such as topical corticosteroids, are not effective in preventing fibrosis or scars. Corneal transplantation, the only effective sight-restoring treatment for corneal scars, is curbed by challenges including a severe shortage of tissue, graft rejection, secondary conditions, cultural barriers, the lack of well-trained surgeons, operating rooms, and well-equipped infrastructures. Thanks to tremendous research efforts, emerging therapeutic options including gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy and novel molecules are in development to prevent the progression of corneal scarring and compliment the surgical options currently available for treating established corneal scars in clinics. In this article, we summarise the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies on emerging therapies for corneal scarring in recent years, showing how these approaches may prevent scarring in its early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gink N Yang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia.
| | - Philippe Ke Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Vienna, 18-20 Währinger Gürtel, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jesse Gardner-Russell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Manisha H Shah
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Terry A Couper
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Zhuoting Zhu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Graeme A Pollock
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Mark Daniell
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, level 7, Peter Howson Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; Lions Eye Donation Service, level 7, Smorgon Family Wing, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
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15
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The role of TGF-beta3 in cartilage development and osteoarthritis. Bone Res 2023; 11:2. [PMID: 36588106 PMCID: PMC9806111 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-022-00239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage serves as a low-friction, load-bearing tissue without the support with blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves, making its repair a big challenge. Transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3), a vital member of the highly conserved TGF-β superfamily, plays a versatile role in cartilage physiology and pathology. TGF-β3 influences the whole life cycle of chondrocytes and mediates a series of cellular responses, including cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Since TGF-β3 is involved in maintaining the balance between chondrogenic differentiation and chondrocyte hypertrophy, its regulatory role is especially important to cartilage development. Increased TGF-β3 plays a dual role: in healthy tissues, it can facilitate chondrocyte viability, but in osteoarthritic chondrocytes, it can accelerate the progression of disease. Recently, TGF-β3 has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis (OA) owing to its protective effect, which it confers by enhancing the recruitment of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to damaged cartilage. However, the biological mechanism of TGF-β3 action in cartilage development and OA is not well understood. In this review, we systematically summarize recent progress in the research on TGF-β3 in cartilage physiology and pathology, providing up-to-date strategies for cartilage repair and preventive treatment.
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16
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Stone TW, Clanchy FIL, Huang YS, Chiang NY, Darlington LG, Williams RO. An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1002004. [PMID: 36507331 PMCID: PMC9729788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1002004] [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: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Trevor W. Stone,
| | - Felix I. L. Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nien-Yi Chiang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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17
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Sklenářová R, Akla N, Latorre MJ, Ulrichová J, Franková J. Collagen as a Biomaterial for Skin and Corneal Wound Healing. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13040249. [PMID: 36412890 PMCID: PMC9680244 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13040249] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea and the skin are two organs that form the outer barrier of the human body. When either is injured (e.g., from surgery, physical trauma, or chemical burns), wound healing is initiated to restore integrity. Many cells are activated during wound healing. In particular, fibroblasts that are stimulated often transition into repair fibroblasts or myofibroblasts that synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM) components into the wound area. Control of wound ECM deposition is critical, as a disorganized ECM can block restoration of function. One of the most abundant structural proteins in the mammalian ECM is collagen. Collagen type I is the main component in connective tissues. It can be readily obtained and purified, and short analogs have also been developed for tissue engineering applications, including modulating the wound healing response. This review discusses the effect of several current collagen implants on the stimulation of corneal and skin wound healing. These range from collagen sponges and hydrogels to films and membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Sklenářová
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University in Olomouc, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Naoufal Akla
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Jitka Ulrichová
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University in Olomouc, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Franková
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University in Olomouc, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
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18
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Lang C, Roy S, Wang Y, Graves D, Xu Y, Serezani CH, Korrer M, Kim YJ. Efferocytosis drives myeloid NLRP3 dependent inflammasome signaling secretion of IL-1β to promote tumor growth. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993771. [PMID: 36439171 PMCID: PMC9681818 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspase-1 signaling in myeloid suppressor cells can promote T-cell independent cancer progression, but the regulation of inflammasome signaling within the highly heterogeneous myeloid population in the tumor milieu remains elusive. To resolve this complexity, single cell transcriptomic profile of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) identified distinct inflammasome-associated genes within specific clusters of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Among these myeloid cells, the sensor protein, NLRP3, and downstream effector IL-1β transcripts were enriched in discreet monocytic and macrophage subtypes in the TME. We showed that deletion of NLRP3, but not AIM2, phenocopied caspase-1/IL-1β dependent tumor progression in vivo. Paradoxically, we found myeloid-intrinsic caspase-1 signaling increased myeloid survival contrary to what would be predicted from the canonical pyroptotic function of caspase-1. This myeloid NLRP3/IL-1β signaling axis promotion of tumor growth was found to be gasdermin D independent. Mechanistically, we found that phagocyte-mediated efferocytosis of dying tumor cells in the TME directly activated NLRP3-dependent inflammasome signaling to drive IL-1β secretion. Subsequently we showed that NLRP3-mediated IL-1β production drives tumor growth in vivo. Dynamic RNA velocity analysis showed a robust directional flow from efferocytosis gene-set high macrophages to an inflammasome gene-set high macrophage population. We provide a novel efferocytosis-dependent inflammasome signaling pathway which mediates homeostatic tumor cell apoptosis that characterizes chronic inflammation-induced malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Lang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sohini Roy
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Diana Graves
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Yaomin Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - C. Henrique Serezani
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Michael Korrer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Young J. Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Young J. Kim,
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19
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Gong C, Lu Y, Jia C, Xu N. Low-level green laser promotes wound healing after carbon dioxide fractional laser therapy. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21:5696-5703. [PMID: 35947511 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The carbon dioxide (CO2 ) fractional laser resurfacing has become one of the hottest therapies for dermatoses. However, complications such as skin swelling, prolonged erythema, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and scar formation remain. Low-level laser (LLL) therapy is accepted to promote skin wound healing and regeneration, decrease inflammation and pain, and modulate immunoreaction with low-dose laser of different wavelength. 532 nm laser therapy is commonly used to remove pigmented spots and to tender skin, but not utilized in wound care. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the efficacy of the low-level 532 nm green laser in wound healing after CO2 fractional laser. METHODS Six adult male mice (C57BL/6, 8 weeks old) were prepared for animal experiments. The dorsum of each mouse was divided into four parts that, respectively, received designed treatments, as controlled (group Ctrl), 532 nm LLL-treated (group GL), CO2 fractional laser-treated (group FL), and CO2 fractional laser followed by three times 532 nm LLL-treated (group FG). Hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Masson-trichrome staining, CD31 immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate the efficacy of wound healing after treated by different irradiations. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of related proteins. Mouse skin fibroblasts (MSFs) were treated with LLL using a wavelength of 532 nm once. Cellular responses were observed and analyzed after 48 hours. Cell viability and migration of different groups were assessed by scratch and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays, respectively. RESULTS Collagen remodeling and epidermis thickness were significantly enhanced in group FG than that in group FL in morphology. Besides, CD31 immunohistochemical staining indicated prominently increased angiogenesis in both groups FL and FG than non-irradiation group. The expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related protein (Col1, Col3 and MMP1) showed a remarkable improvement in wound healing in group FG than that in group FL. Irradiated MSFs showed a better migration ability compared with non-irradiated controls. LLL enhanced the secretion function of MSFs on Collagen I and III. CONCLUSIONS Low-level green laser promotes wound healing after CO2 fractional laser by improving the integrity of skin barrier and allowing for scarless healing. Therefore, low-level green laser therapy might serve as a sequential therapy of invasive laser surgery to ensure a better wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchen Gong
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongzhou Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanlong Jia
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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20
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Keratocyte Differentiation Is Regulated by NF-κB and TGFβ Signaling Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911073. [PMID: 36232373 PMCID: PMC9570283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) are important cytokines involved in corneal wound healing. Here, we studied the effect of these cytokines on corneal stromal cell (keratocyte) differentiation. IL-1β treatment resulted in reduced keratocyte phenotype, as evident by morphological changes and decreased expression of keratocyte markers, including keratocan, lumican, ALDH3A1, and CD34. TGFβ1 treatment induced keratocyte differentiation towards the myofibroblast phenotype. This was inhibited by simultaneous treatment with IL-1β, as seen by inhibition of α-SMA expression, morphological changes, and reduced contractibility. We found that the mechanism of crosstalk between IL-1β and TGFβ1 occurred via regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, since the IL-1β induced inhibition of TGFβ1 stimulated keratocyte-myofibroblast differentiation was abolished by a specific NF-κB inhibitor, TPCA-1. We further found that Smad7 participated in the downstream signaling. Smad7 expression level was negatively regulated by IL-1β and positively regulated by TGFβ1. TPCA-1 treatment led to an overall upregulation of Smad7 at mRNA and protein level, suggesting that NF-κB signaling downregulates Smad7 expression levels in keratocytes. All in all, we propose that regulation of cell differentiation from keratocyte to fibroblast, and eventually myofibroblast, is closely related to the opposing effects of IL-1β and TGFβ1, and that the mechanism of this is governed by the crosstalk of NF-κB signaling.
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21
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Xu J, Chen P, Luan X, Yuan X, Wei S, Li Y, Guo C, Wu X, Di G. The NLRP3 Activation in Infiltrating Macrophages Contributes to Corneal Fibrosis by Inducing TGF-β1 Expression in the Corneal Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:15. [PMID: 35838447 PMCID: PMC9296889 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.8.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the effect and mechanism of NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes on corneal fibrosis. Methods The wild-type, NLRP3 knockout (KO), and myeloid cell-specific NLRP3 KO (NLRP3 Lyz-KO) C57 mice were used to establish a corneal scarring model. NLRP3 inhibitor, IL-1β neutralizing antibody, and an IL-1R antagonist were used to investigate the role of NLRP3 and IL-1β in corneal fibrosis. The expression of the NLRP3 signaling pathway related proteins, alpha-smooth muscle actin, TGF-β was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect the infiltration of macrophages during corneal fibrosis. Results The components of the NLRP3 inflammasomes were elevated and activated during corneal scarring. Additionally, genetic or chemical-mediated blocking of NLRP3 as well as IL-1β significantly alleviated corneal fibrosis. Moreover, neutrophil (CD45+Ly6G+) and macrophage (CD45+ F4/80+) accumulation increased in the cornea during the progression of corneal fibrosis. Intriguingly, the increased concentrations of NLRP3 and IL-1β were prominently colocalized with the infiltrating F4/80+ macrophages. Expectedly, NLRP3 Lyz-KO mice exhibited a marked decrease in their corneal fibrosis symptoms. Mechanistically, the activation of IL-1β or macrophage NLRP3 stimulated the expression of TGF-β1 in the corneal epithelial cells, whereas an NLRP3 deficiency decreased its expression in the corneal epithelium. Conclusions These observations revealed that the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in infiltrating macrophages contributes to corneal fibrosis by regulating corneal epithelial TGF-β1 expression. Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome might be a promising strategy for the treatment of corneal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoyu Luan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinying Yuan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Susu Wei
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yaxin Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuanlong Guo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xianggen Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohu Di
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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22
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Artlett CM. The Mechanism and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome during Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050634. [PMID: 35625564 PMCID: PMC9138796 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is often the end result of chronic inflammation. It is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. This leads to structural alterations in the tissue, causing permanent damage and organ dysfunction. Depending on the organ it effects, fibrosis can be a serious threat to human life. The molecular mechanism of fibrosis is still not fully understood, but the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin–domain–containing protein 3) inflammasome appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been the most extensively studied inflammatory pathway to date. It is a crucial component of the innate immune system, and its activation mediates the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. NLRP3 activation has been strongly linked with fibrosis and drives the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by the chronic upregulation of IL-1β and IL-18 and subsequent autocrine signaling that maintains an activated inflammasome. Both IL-1β and IL-18 are profibrotic, however IL-1β can have antifibrotic capabilities. NLRP3 responds to a plethora of different signals that have a common but unidentified unifying trigger. Even after 20 years of extensive investigation, regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is still not completely understood. However, what is known about NLRP3 is that its regulation and activation is complex and not only driven by various activators but controlled by numerous post-translational modifications. More recently, there has been an intensive attempt to discover NLRP3 inhibitors to treat chronic diseases. This review addresses the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in fibrotic disorders across many different tissues. It discusses the relationships of various NLRP3 activators to fibrosis and covers different therapeutics that have been developed, or are currently in development, that directly target NLRP3 or its downstream products as treatments for fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Artlett
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
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23
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Topical losartan inhibits corneal scarring fibrosis and collagen type IV deposition after Descemet's membrane-endothelial excision in rabbits. Exp Eye Res 2022; 216:108940. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Wilson SE. Defective perlecan-associated basement membrane regeneration and altered modulation of transforming growth factor beta in corneal fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:144. [PMID: 35188596 PMCID: PMC8972081 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the cornea, the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) and corneal endothelial Descemet's basement membrane (DBM) critically regulate the localization, availability and, therefore, the functions of transforming growth factor (TGF)β1, TGFβ2, and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) that modulate myofibroblast development. Defective regeneration of the EBM, and notably diminished perlecan incorporation, occurs via several mechanisms and results in excessive and prolonged penetration of pro-fibrotic growth factors into the stroma. These growth factors drive mature myofibroblast development from both corneal fibroblasts and bone marrow-derived fibrocytes, and then the persistence of these myofibroblasts and the disordered collagens and other matrix materials they produce to generate stromal scarring fibrosis. Corneal stromal fibrosis often resolves completely if the inciting factor is removed and the BM regenerates. Similar defects in BM regeneration are likely associated with the development of fibrosis in other organs where perlecan has a critical role in the modulation of signaling by TGFβ1 and TGFβ2. Other BM components, such as collagen type IV and collagen type XIII, are also critical regulators of TGF beta (and other growth factors) in the cornea and other organs. After injury, BM components are dynamically secreted and assembled through the cooperation of neighboring cells-for example, the epithelial cells and keratocytes for the corneal EBM and corneal endothelial cells and keratocytes for the corneal DBM. One of the most critical functions of these reassembled BMs in all organs is to modulate the pro-fibrotic effects of TGFβs, PDGFs and other growth factors between tissues that comprise the organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, I-32, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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25
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Wilson SE, Sampaio LP, Shiju TM, Hilgert GSL, de Oliveira RC. Corneal Opacity: Cell Biological Determinants of the Transition From Transparency to Transient Haze to Scarring Fibrosis, and Resolution, After Injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:22. [PMID: 35044454 PMCID: PMC8787546 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To highlight the cellular, matrix, and hydration changes associated with opacity that occurs in the corneal stroma after injury. Methods Review of the literature. Results The regulated transition of keratocytes to corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and of bone marrow-derived fibrocytes to myofibroblasts, is in large part modulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) entry into the stroma after injury to the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) and/or Descemet's membrane. The composition, stoichiometry, and organization of the stromal extracellular matrix components and water is altered by corneal fibroblast and myofibroblast production of large amounts of collagen type I and other extracellular matrix components-resulting in varying levels of stromal opacity, depending on the intensity of the healing response. Regeneration of EBM and/or Descemet's membrane, and stromal cell production of non-EBM collagen type IV, reestablishes control of TGFβ entry and activity, and triggers TGFβ-dependent myofibroblast apoptosis. Eventually, corneal fibroblasts also disappear, and repopulating keratocytes reorganize the disordered extracellular matrix to reestablish transparency. Conclusions Injuries to the cornea produce varying amounts of corneal opacity depending on the magnitude of cellular and molecular responses to injury. The EBM and Descemet's membrane are key regulators of stromal cellularity through their modulation of TGFβ. After injury to the cornea, depending on the severity of the insult, and possibly genetic factors, trace opacity to severe scarring fibrosis develops. Stromal cellularity, and the functions of different cell types, are the major determinants of the level of the stromal opacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E. Wilson
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Lycia Pedral Sampaio
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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26
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Shan Y, Chen Y, Brkić J, Fournier L, Ma H, Peng C. miR-218-5p Induces Interleukin-1β and Endovascular Trophoblast Differentiation by Targeting the Transforming Growth Factor β-SMAD2 Pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:842587. [PMID: 35299960 PMCID: PMC8920978 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.842587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of an endovascular trophoblast (enEVT) phenotype is essential for normal placental development and healthy pregnancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play critical roles in regulating gene expression. We have recently reported that miR-218-5p promotes enEVT differentiation and spiral artery remodeling in part by targeting transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2). We also identified IL1B, which encodes interleukin 1β (IL1β), as one of the most highly upregulated genes by miR-218-5p. In this study, we investigated how miR-218-5p regulates IL1B expression and IL1β secretion and the potential role of IL1β in enEVT differentiation. Using two cell lines derived from extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), HTR-8/SVneo and Swan 71, we found that stable overexpression of miR-218-5p precursor, mir-218-1, or transient transfection of miR-218-5p mimic, significantly increased IL1B mRNA and IL1β protein levels in cells and conditioned media. We also showed that miR-218-5p directly interacted with SMAD2 3'UTR and reduced SMAD2 at mRNA and protein levels. Knockdown of SMAD2 induced IL1B expression and attenuated the inhibitory effect of TGFβ2 on IL1B expression. On the other hand, overexpression of SMAD2 reduced IL1β levels and blocked the stimulatory effects of miR-218-5p on IL1B expression, trophoblast migration and endothelial-like network formation. In addition, treatment of trophoblasts with IL1β induced the formation of endothelial-like networks and the expression of enEVT markers in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that miR-218-5p inhibits the TGFβ/SMAD2 pathway to induce IL1β and enEVT differentiation. Finally, low doses of IL1β also inhibited the expression of miR-218-5p, suggesting the existence of a negative feedback regulatory loop. Taken together, our findings suggest a novel interactive miR-218-5p/TGFβ/SMAD2/IL1β signaling nexus that regulates enEVT differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Shan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jelena Brkić
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Haiying Ma
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chun Peng,
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27
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Luo Y, Shen M, Feng P, Qiu H, Wu X, Yang L, Zhu Y. Various administration forms of decellularized amniotic membrane extract towards improving corneal repair. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:9347-9357. [PMID: 34724021 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01848e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation is often used as a treatment for corneal repair, but AM is prone to dissolving and shedding after surgery; multiple transplants will cause pain and financial burden. In this work, human amniotic membrane was firstly decellularized to obtain an AM extracellular matrix (dAM). This dAM was homogenized and extracted to obtain the dAM extract (simplified as dAME). Different forms of administration for corneal injury were performed as liquid drops (diluted dAME), in situ gels (using temperature-dependent Poloxamer 407 as the matrix), and tablets (poly(vinyl alcohol) as the matrix). The cytocompatibility of dAME was evaluated using corneal epithelial cells, corneal stromal cells and fibroblasts as cell models. The results showed that dAME is biocompatible to all these cells. Cells exhibited normal morphology and growth state at a dAME concentration of up to 160 μg mL-1. In vivo, dAME exhibited increased wound healing efficiency in severe corneal injury, being characterized with a shorter healing time for epithelium and a faster recovery for stromal opacity and thickness, compared with those of the control eyes. Different forms of administration have different effects on corneal repair; among them, in situ gels achieved the best therapeutic efficiency. Their biological mechanism was detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technology. It was confirmed that dAME plays important roles in promoting the mRNA expression of leucine-rich and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) and in inhibiting the mRNA of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luo
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Meiting Shen
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Peipei Feng
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Haofeng Qiu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Xujin Wu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
| | - Lu Yang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China.
| | - Yabin Zhu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
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28
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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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