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Kate A, Basu S. Corneal blindness in the developing world: The role of prevention strategies. F1000Res 2024; 12:1309. [PMID: 38618022 PMCID: PMC11009612 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.141037.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness is an important contributor to the burden of global blindness and has a greater prevalence in low-income countries of the developing world where resources and infrastructure are limited. The causes of corneal blindness too are different from high-income countries and include infectious keratitis, ocular trauma, and xerophthalmia. Persons with these indications tend to have unfavourable outcomes after corneal transplantation, limiting their chances of benefitting from this sight-saving procedure. However, most causes of corneal blindness in the developing world are preventable. This highlights the importance of understanding the unique challenges in these regions and the need for targeted interventions. This article discusses various prevention strategies, including primordial, primary, and secondary prevention, aimed at reducing the burden of corneal blindness in low-income countries. These include capacity building, training, and awareness campaigns to reduce the risk factors of ocular trauma, infectious keratitis, and to improve access to first aid. It is also important to promote safe eye practices and tackle nutritional deficiencies through public health interventions and policy changes. Providing the required training to general ophthalmologists in the management of basic corneal surgeries and diseases and enhancing the accessibility of eye care services in rural areas will ensure early treatment and prevent sequelae. Current treatment modalities belong to the tertiary level of prevention and are largely limited to corneal transplantation. In developing nations, there is a scarcity of donor corneal tissue necessitating an urgent expansion of eye banking services. Alternative approaches to corneal transplantation such as 3D printed corneas, cultured stem cells, and biomaterials should also be explored to meet this demand. Thus, there is a need for collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to implement effective prevention strategies and reduce the prevalence of corneal blindness in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Kate
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Champalimaud Translational Centre for Eye Research, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Lin Z, Lin D, Lin D. The Mechanisms of Adipose Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote Wound Healing and Regeneration. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2024:10.1007/s00266-024-03871-z. [PMID: 38438760 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-03871-z] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Chronic wound healing is a class of diseases influenced by multiple complex factors, causing severe psychological and physiological impact on patients. It is an intractable clinical challenge and its possible mechanisms are not yet clear. It has been proven that adipose stem cell-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) can promote wound healing and inhibit scar formation by regulating inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, regulating matrix remodeling, which provides a new approach for wound healing through biological treatment. This review focuses on the mechanism, treatment, and administration methods of ADSC-Exos in wound healing, providing a comprehensive understanding the mechanisms of ADSC-Exos on wound healing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Lin
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Danyi Lin
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dane Lin
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 57 Changping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
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Guo L, Mi JW, Zhang HC, Gao J, Zhang S, Li LX, Wu MY, Wang JM, Huang H. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition as a novel mechanism for generating myofibroblasts during wound healing and scarring. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:661-668. [PMID: 36237150 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important mechanism in tissue regeneration and the development of organ fibrosis. Whether EndMT occurs in wound healing and scarring remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS The isolated cells from the normal dermal tissue and the wound tissue of mouse with full-thickness skin wound, and human scar tissue sections were performed with CD31/factorVII and α-SMA immunohistochemical staining and H and E staining. The ratio of factor VII or CD31/α-SMA double-positive cells in factor VII-positive cells was assessed in the isolated cells and in scar tissues. RESULTS In this study, we found that approximately 27-60% of ECs coexpressed VII factor and α-SMA in the isolated cells from the wound tissues of mice, which was significantly higher than that of normal dermal tissue cells. Accordingly, the number of CD31/α-SMA double-positive cells in mouse wound tissue sections was also significantly more than that in normal dermal tissue sections. In scar tissues, in addition to high-density microvessels, a large number of proliferative ECs in scar strama and CD31/α-SMA double-positive cells were also found. Approximately 46.82 to 84.11% of ECs and 68.77 to 95.25% of myofibroblasts coexpressed VII factor and α-SMA, and these two values in hypertrophic scars were significantly higher than those in keloids. CONCLUSION These results confirmed that ECs might contribute to the emergence of myofibroblasts in the wound and scar tissue via the process of EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun-Wei Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua-Cai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luo-Xi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Meng-Yu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian-Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Recent Advancements in Molecular Therapeutics for Corneal Scar Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203310. [PMID: 36291182 PMCID: PMC9600986 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of corneal wound healing is complex and induces scar formation. Corneal scarring is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The fibrotic healing of a major ocular wound disrupts the highly organized fibrillar collagen arrangement of the corneal stroma, rendering it opaque. The process of regaining this organized extracellular matrix (ECM) arrangement of the stromal layer to restore corneal transparency is complicated. The surface retention capacity of ocular drugs is poor, and there is a large gap between suitable corneal donors and clinical requirements. Therefore, a more efficient way of treating corneal scarring is needed. The eight major classes of interventions targeted as therapeutic tools for healing scarred corneas include those based on exosomes, targeted gene therapy, microRNAs, recombinant viral vectors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, bioactive molecules, growth factors, and nanotechnology. This review highlights the recent advancements in molecular therapeutics to restore a cornea without scarring. It also provides a scope to overcome the limitations of present studies and perform robust clinical research using these strategies.
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Wang K, Jiang L, Zhong Y, Zhang Y, Yin Q, Li S, Zhang X, Han H, Yao K. Ferrostatin-1-loaded liposome for treatment of corneal alkali burn via targeting ferroptosis. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10276. [PMID: 35600640 PMCID: PMC9115688 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkali burn is a potentially blinding corneal injury. During the progression of alkali burn-induced injury, overwhelmed oxidative stress in the cornea triggers cell damage, including oxidative changes in cellular macromolecules and lipid peroxidation in membranes, leading to impaired corneal transparency, decreased vision, or even blindness. In this study, we identified that ferroptosis, a type of lipid peroxidation-dependent cell death, mediated alkali burn-induced corneal injury. Ferroptosis-targeting therapy protected the cornea from cell damage and neovascularization. However, the specific ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) is hydrophobic and cannot be directly applied in the clinic. Therefore, we developed Fer-1-loaded liposomes (Fer-1-NPs) to improve the bioavailability of Fer-1. Our study demonstrated that Fer-1-NPs exerted remarkable curative effects regarding corneal opacity and neovascularization in vivo. The efficacy was comparable to that of dexamethasone, but without appreciable side effects. The significant suppression of ferroptosis (induced by lipid peroxidation and mitochondria disruption), inflammation, and neovascularization might be the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Fer-1-NPs. Moreover, the Fer-1-NPs treatment showed no signs of cytotoxicity, hematologic toxicity, or visceral organ damage, which further confirmed the biocompatibility. Overall, Fer-1-NPs provide a new prospect for safe and effective therapy for corneal alkali burn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yueyang Zhong
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yin Zhang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Qichuan Yin
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Su Li
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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Zhu S, Shan H, Li J, Pan L, Wang S, Zhu J, Guo H, Mi F, Wu X, Yin J, Pang K. Therapeutic potential of topical administration of acriflavine against hypoxia-inducible factors for corneal fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:996635. [PMID: 36339559 PMCID: PMC9634531 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.996635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transdifferentiation of keratocytes into fibroblasts or further into myofibroblasts, which produced denser and more disorganized extracellular matrix, is the major cause of corneal fibrosis and scarring, leading to corneal blindness. TGF-β1 is the critical cytokine for the myofibroblast's transdifferentiation and survival. Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) was found to play an important role in promoting fibrosis in lung, kidney, and dermal tissues recently. Our preliminary study demonstrated that topical administration of the acriflavine (ACF), a drug inhibiting HIF dimerization, delayed corneal opacity and neovascularization after the alkali burn. To know whether ACF could prevent corneal fibrosis and improve corneal transparency, we created a mouse mechanical corneal injury model and found that topical administration of ACF significantly inhibited corneal fibrosis at day 14 post-injury. The reduction of myofibroblast marker α-SMA, and fibronectin, one of the disorganized extracellular matrix molecules, in the corneal stroma were confirmed by the examination of immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Furthermore, the ACF inhibited the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin in both TGF-β1 stimulated or unstimulated fibroblasts in vitro. This effect was based on the inhibition of HIF signal pathways since the levels of the HIF-1α downstream genes including Slc2a1, Bnip3 and VEGFA were downregulated. To our knowledge, this is the first time to implicate that HIFs might be a new treatment target for controlling corneal fibrosis in mechanical corneal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Zhu
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Huimin Shan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianqiao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lijie Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shudan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fenghua Mi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jia Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kunpeng Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Duarte LG, Alencar WM, Iacuzio R, Silva NC, Picone CS. Synthesis, characterization and application of antibacterial lactoferrin nanoparticles. Curr Res Food Sci 2022; 5:642-652. [PMID: 35373146 PMCID: PMC8971344 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (L) and gellan gum (G) nanoparticles were produced in different biopolymer proportions through electrostatic complexation to enhance the antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin. The nanoparticles were characterized according to size, charge density, morphology and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, in two different broths to show the effect of the broth composition on the nanoparticle activity. The 9L:1G particles showed the highest positive zeta potential (+21.20 mV) and reduced diameter (92.03 nm) which resulted in a minimum inhibitory concentration six times smaller (0.3 mg/ml) than pure lactoferrin (2 mg/ml). However, the bacteriostatic action of nanoparticles was inhibited in the presence of divalent cations. When applied to strawberries as a coating, lactoferrin nanoparticles extended fruit shelf-life up to 6 days in the presence of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Therefore, lactoferrin-gellan gum complexation was proved to be a promising tool to enhance lactoferrin antimicrobial action and broaden its application as a food preserver. Positive charged nanoparticles showed 6 times lower MIC than pure lactoferrin. Bacteriostatic action of nanoparticles was inhibited in high salt environments. Nanoparticle allied to CMC coating extended the shelf life of strawberries. The growth of mesophilic bacteria in strawberries was retarded by nanoparticles.
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Lactoferrin as a regenerative agent: The old-new panacea? Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105564. [PMID: 33744427 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) possesses various biological properties and therapeutic potentials being a perspective anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory agent. A significant body of literature has also demonstrated that Lf modulates regenerative processes in different anatomical structures, such as bone, cartilage, skin, mucosa, cornea, tendon, vasculature, and adipose tissue. Hence, this review collected and analyzed the data on the regenerative effects of Lf, as well as paid specific attention to their molecular basis. Furthermore, tissue and condition-specific activities of different Lf types as well as problems of their delivery to the targeted organs were discussed. The authors strongly hope that this review will stimulate researchers to focus on the highlighted topics thus accelerating the progress of Lf's wider clinical application.
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Rocher M, Robert PY, Desmoulière A. The myofibroblast, biological activities and roles in eye repair and fibrosis. A focus on healing mechanisms in avascular cornea. Eye (Lond) 2019; 34:232-240. [PMID: 31767967 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0684-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue healing is one of the mysteries of modern medicine. Healing involves complex processes and many cellular types, amongst which the myofibroblast plays a major role. In the eye, when needed, myofibroblasts can be found from the cornea to the retina, derived from a wide variety of different cells, and aimed at effectively repairing tissue damage. Myofibroblast differentiation requires transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, the presence of specific extracellular matrix components such as the ED-A domain of fibronectin, and mechanical tension. Control of this process may, in some cases, be abnormal leading to development of fibrotic tissue, which alters and compromises the integrity of the original tissue. The eye is no exception to this rule with normal visual function, a highly demanding process, only possible in a fully integrated organ. The cornea, a transparent protective tissue and first dioptre of the eye, has the particularity of being entirely avascular and very richly innervated under normal physiological conditions. However, these anatomical features do not prevent it from developing myofibroblasts in the event of a deep corneal lesion. Activated by growth factors such as TGF-β1 and platelet-derived growth factor from the aqueous humour, tears or corneal epithelial cells, myofibroblasts can cause corneal scarring, sometimes with devastating consequences. Understanding the factors involved in healing and its signalling pathways, will potentially enable us to control corneal healing in the future, and thus avoid fibrotic ocular surface disease and the blindness that this may induce. Currently, this issue is the subject of very active research and development with the aim of discovering new antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Rocher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Limoges University Hospital, F-87000, Limoges, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Robert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Limoges University Hospital, F-87000, Limoges, France
| | - Alexis Desmoulière
- Department of Physiology and EA 6309, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, F-87000, Limoges, France.
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