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Roszkowska AM, Spinella R, Calderone A, Sindoni M, Wowra BH, Kozak M, Sajak-Hydzik K, Aliò J. The use of rh-NGF in the management of neurotrophic keratopathy. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 4:1408587. [PMID: 39040985 PMCID: PMC11260816 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2024.1408587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Neurotrophic keratitis or keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease induced by impairment of the trigeminal nerve function. This condition may lead to persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulceration, and perforation. The diagnosis of NK requires a careful investigation of any ocular and systemic condition associated with the disease and ocular surface and corneal sensitivity examinations. In the past, several medical and surgical procedures were used to treat this condition with different clinical effectiveness. Cenegermin is a recombinant human nerve growth factor (rh-NGF) that supports corneal reinnervation. Different clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of topical cenegermin in patients with moderate to severe neurotrophic keratitis. In this review, we report the literature on clinical results regarding the treatment of NK with cenegermin since its approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Roszkowska
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Rosaria Spinella
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Calderone
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marianna Sindoni
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Bogumił H. Wowra
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sajak-Hydzik
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jorge Aliò
- Ophthalmology Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain
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Musa M, Enaholo E, Aluyi-Osa G, Atuanya GN, Spadea L, Salati C, Zeppieri M. Herpes simplex keratitis: A brief clinical overview. World J Virol 2024; 13:89934. [PMID: 38616855 PMCID: PMC11008405 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i1.89934] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of our minireview is to provide a brief overview of the diagnosis, clinical aspects, treatment options, management, and current literature available regarding herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). This type of corneal viral infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can affect several tissues, including the cornea. One significant aspect of HSK is its potential to cause recurrent episodes of inflammation and damage to the cornea. After the initial infection, the HSV can establish a latent infection in the trigeminal ganglion, a nerve cluster near the eye. The virus may remain dormant for extended periods. Periodic reactivation of the virus can occur, leading to recurrent episodes of HSK. Factors triggering reactivation include stress, illness, immunosuppression, or trauma. Recurrent episodes can manifest in different clinical patterns, ranging from mild epithelial involvement to more severe stromal or endothelial disease. The severity and frequency of recurrences vary among individuals. Severe cases of HSK, especially those involving the stroma and leading to scarring, can result in vision impairment or even blindness in extreme cases. The cornea's clarity is crucial for good vision, and scarring can compromise this, potentially leading to visual impairment. The management of HSK involves not only treating acute episodes but also implementing long-term strategies to prevent recurrences and attempt repairs of corneal nerve endings via neurotization. Antiviral medications, such as oral Acyclovir or topical Ganciclovir, may be prescribed for prophylaxis. The immune response to the virus can contribute to corneal damage. Inflammation, caused by the body's attempt to control the infection, may inadvertently harm the corneal tissues. Clinicians should be informed about triggers and advised on measures to minimize the risk of reactivation. In summary, the recurrent nature of HSK underscores the importance of both acute and long-term management strategies to preserve corneal health and maintain optimal visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin 300283, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Africa Eye Laser Centre, Km 7, Benin 300105, Nigeria
| | - Ehimare Enaholo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Africa Eye Laser Centre, Km 7, Benin 300105, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Sight Africa, Nkpor 434101, Nigeria
| | - Gladness Aluyi-Osa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Africa Eye Laser Centre, Km 7, Benin 300105, Nigeria
| | | | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00142, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
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Krok M, Wróblewska-Czajka E, Łach-Wojnarowicz O, Bronikowska J, Czuba ZP, Wylęgała E, Dobrowolski D. Level of Secretion and the Role of the Nerve Growth Factor in Patients with Keratoconus before and after Collagen Fibre Cross-Linking Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:366. [PMID: 38203537 PMCID: PMC10779167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010366] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyse the concentration of the nerve growth factor (NGF-β) in patients with keratoconus (KC) who are undergoing collagen fibre cross-linking (CXL) surgery in order to better understand the pathogenesis of this disease and observe the molecular changes occurring after the procedure. Among many cytokines, β-NGF seems to play an important role in the healing processes of corneal damage. Therefore, its role in the regenerative process after CXL treatment may affect the course of treatment and its final results. Tear samples from 52 patients were collected in this prospective study. Additionally, the patients also had a number of tests performed, including corneal topography using optical coherence tomography. Flat (K 1), steep (K 2), cylindrical (CYL), and central corneal thickness (CCT) keratometry were assessed. The tear samples were collected, and other tests were performed before the CXL procedure and afterwards, during the 12-month follow-up period. The NGF concentration was measured using the Bio-Plex Magnetic Luminex Assay. Lower levels of NGF-β were detected in the KC patients than in the control group (p < 0.001). The day after the procedure, the NGF-β level was significantly lower (on average by 2.3 pg/mL) (p = 0.037) than before the procedure, after which, the level of the reagent increases, but only in the group with the advanced cone, one month after CXL it was significantly higher (p = 0.047). Regarding the correlation of NGF with topographic measurements, the following were found: NGF-β correlates significantly (p < 0.05) and positively (r > 0) with K1 before the CXL procedure; NGF-β correlates significantly (p < 0.05) and positively (r > 0) with K1 one month after CXL; NGF-β correlates significantly (p < 0.05) and positively (r > 0) with CYL nine months after CXL; and, after twelve months, NGF-β correlates significantly (p < 0.05) and positively (r > 0) with K2 and K1. Corneal sensitivity did not statistically and significantly correlate with the level of NGF-β secretion. Our study suggests that NGF may be crucial in the development and progression of KC as well as in the repair mechanisms after CXL surgery. Further research is needed on the role of NGF and other inflammatory biomarkers for rapid diagnosis and selection of targeted therapy in patients with keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Krok
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland; (E.W.-C.); (O.Ł.-W.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
| | - Ewa Wróblewska-Czajka
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland; (E.W.-C.); (O.Ł.-W.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
| | - Olga Łach-Wojnarowicz
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland; (E.W.-C.); (O.Ł.-W.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department with Paediatric Unit, St. Barbara Hospital, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Joanna Bronikowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (J.B.); (Z.P.C.)
| | - Zenon P. Czuba
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (J.B.); (Z.P.C.)
| | - Edward Wylęgała
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland; (E.W.-C.); (O.Ł.-W.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dariusz Dobrowolski
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Panewnicka 65 Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland; (E.W.-C.); (O.Ł.-W.); (E.W.); (D.D.)
- Ophthalmology of Department, District Railway Hospital, 65 Panewnicka Street, 40-760 Katowice, Poland
- Ophthalmology of Department with Paediatric Unit, St. Barbara Hospital, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
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Balbuena-Pareja A, Bogen CS, Cox SM, Hamrah P. Effect of recombinant human nerve growth factor treatment on corneal nerve regeneration in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1210179. [PMID: 37965220 PMCID: PMC10642242 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1210179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurotrophic Keratopathy (NK) is a neurodegenerative corneal disease that results in diminished corneal sensation. Previous studies have found that Cenegermin 0.002%, a recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF), improves corneal epithelial healing in stage 2 and 3 NK patients. However, rhNGF effect on corneal sensation and nerve regeneration has not been well established. Thus, this study aims to analyze the effect of rhNGF on corneal nerve regeneration using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and on corneal sensitivity in NK patients. Methods This is a retrospective, longitudinal, case-control study that included patients with NK, treated with rhNGF for at least 4 weeks, with pre- and post-treatment IVCM images available for analysis. Chart reviews were conducted documenting prior medical and surgical history, clinical signs and symptoms, and corneal sensation using Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry. Corneal nerve parameters were assessed by IVCM. Sex- and age-matched reference controls were selected from a database of healthy subjects for comparison. Results The study included 25 patients, with 22 (88%) stage 1, two (8%) stage 2, and 1 (4%) stage 3 NK patients, with a median age of 64 years (range: 30-93 years). Total, main, and branch nerve densities [median (range) in mm/mm2] were lower in the NK group pre-treatment [2.3 (0.0-21.1); 1.7 (0.0-13.0); 0.5 (0.0-10.2); respectively] vs. controls [22.3 (14.9-29.0); 10.1 (3.2-15.4); and 12.1 (6.2-18.4), (p < 0.0001 for all), respectively]. Post-treatment nerve densities increased compared to pre-treatment to 5.3 (0.0-19.4, p = 0.0083) for total, 3.5 (0.0-13.2, p = 0.0059) for main, and 2.0 (0.0-10.4, p = 0.0251) for branch nerves, but remained lower than controls (p < 0.0001 for all). Corneal sensation increased from 2.3 ± 1.1 cm pre-treatment to 4.1 ± 1.4 cm post-treatment (p = 0.001). Median best corrected visual acuity significantly increased following rhNGF treatment from 0.4 (0.0-1.6) to 0.12 (-0.1 to 1.6) (p = 0.007). Conclusion Patients with NK treated with at least 4 weeks of rhNGF, showed a significant increase in corneal nerve densities after treatment. A significant increase in corneal sensation, as well as best corrected visual acuity, was observed following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Balbuena-Pareja
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chloe S. Bogen
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie M. Cox
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Ghalibafan S, Osei K, Amescua G, Sabater A. Efficacy of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) in Stage 1 Neurotrophic Keratitis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3040369. [PMID: 37461454 PMCID: PMC10350222 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3040369/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: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Background/Aims Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is a neurodegenerative disease that can lead to corneal hypoesthesia, decreased tear production, and epitheliopathy. Based on the severity of ocular surface damage, NK is classified into 3 stages. Stage 1 NK is characterized by superficial punctate keratopathy, tear film instability, and reduced corneal sensation. The therapeutic efficacy of PRGF eye drops for NK stages 2 and 3 has been previously reported. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of autologous PRGF eye drops in improving corneal sensitivity and other ocular surface clinical signs in patients with stage 1 NK. Methods Retrospective chart review. Results 26 eyes of 15 stage 1 NK patients (seven males, eight females), aged 76.3 ± 12.1 years, were included in the study. The mean treatment duration was 2 ± 1.8 months. With PRGF treatment, corneal sensitivity increased from 2.8 to 4.5 cm in 53.8% (14/26) (p < 0.01), TBUT increased from 3.6 to 5.0 s in 69.2% (18/26) (p < 0.01), and Schirmer score increased from 13.7 to 16.8 mm in 80.7% (21/26) of treated eyes (p < 0.01). Similarly, an improvement in corneal staining (punctate epithelial erosions) and MMP-9 levels was seen in 80.7% (n = 21) and 65.4% (n = 17) of treated eyes, respectively. BCVA improvement was seen in 26.9% of treated eyes (n = 7). Conclusions This study demonstrates the effective role of PRGF therapy in recovering corneal sensation and tear film function and in the healing of corneal erosions in stage 1 NK patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kwaku Osei
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Guillermo Amescua
- Bascom Palmer Eye institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
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Roszkowska AM, Fogagnolo P, Neri P. Editorial: Eye in systemic diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1171238. [PMID: 37035311 PMCID: PMC10080045 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1171238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Roszkowska
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Kraków University, Kraków, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna M. Roszkowska
| | | | - Piergiorgio Neri
- The Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Meduri A, Oliverio GW, Valastro A, Azzaro C, Camellin U, Franchina F, Inferrera L, Roszkowska A, Aragona P. Neurotrophic Keratopathy in Systemic Diseases: A Case Series on Patients Treated With rh-NGF. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:920688. [PMID: 35707524 PMCID: PMC9189296 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.920688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the prevalence, clinical ocular presentation and corneal healing in moderate and severe neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) caused by systemic diseases and treated with rh-NGF. Setting Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Italy. Design Retrospective observational study of case series. Materials and Methods In this retrospective observational study 11 patients (five female and six males) aged from 24 to 88 years (55.4 ± 21.3 years) with moderate and severe NK caused by systemic diseases were enrolled. The VAS questionnaire was dispensed. The ocular examination comprised slit lamp evaluation, ocular surface assessment with Keratograph 5M (Oculus, Germany), corneal sensitivity with Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (Lunneaux, France) and corneal thickness measurement with AC-OCT (DRI, Triton, Topcon, Japan). The underlying systemic causes of NK were determined. Results The main cause of NK was post-neuroma surgery (36%), followed by diabetes (18%). The remaining causes were rheumatoid arthritis (9%), post-traumatic (9%), post-surgery (9%), atopia (9%), Graves' disease (9%). Seven eyes presented severe grade of NK with corneal ulcer and in four a moderate grade was registered. The rh-NGF (Cenegermin) was administered with a standard protocol one drop six times daily for 8 weeks. The complete healing of all corneal defects was registered at the end of the treatment. Conclusions The post-neuroma surgery was the most common cause of NK and severe grade was clinically more represented. The rh-NGF proved effective to promote corneal recovery with all defects healed after the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Meduri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni William Oliverio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni William Oliverio
| | - Antonio Valastro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Azzaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Umberto Camellin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Franchina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Leandro Inferrera
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Health, Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Roszkowska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Pasquale Aragona
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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