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Lv X, Li H, Su S, Fan S. Advances in the ocular complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Ann Hematol 2024:10.1007/s00277-024-05678-z. [PMID: 38403713 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has benefited an increasing number of patients with hematological disease in the clinic. It is a curative therapy for malignant and nonmalignant hematological diseases. With the advancement and further clinical application of HSCT in recent years, the life expectancy of patients has increased, but complications have become more common. The occurrence of ocular complications is receiving increasing attention because they can seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Ocular complications require increased attention from clinicians because of their negative impact on patients and increasing incidence. Most of recent reports on posttransplant ocular complications involve ocular manifestations of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and a few ocular complications that do not originate from GVHD have also been reported. This review summarizes the diagnosis, scoring criteria, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of and common therapies for ocular graft-versus-host disease(oGVHD) after HSCT, and includes a description of some rare cases and novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Lv
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Huibo Li
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Sheng Su
- Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Shengjin Fan
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.
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2
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Abdalkader RK, Fujita T. Corneal epithelium models for safety assessment in drug development: Present and future directions. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109697. [PMID: 37890755 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109697] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The human corneal epithelial barrier plays a crucial role in drug testing studies, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), as well as toxicity testing during the preclinical stages of drug development. However, despite the valuable insights gained from animal and current in vitro models, there remains a significant discrepancy between preclinical drug predictions and actual clinical outcomes. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on adhering to the 3R principles (refine, reduce, replace) to minimize the use of animals in testing. To tackle these challenges, there is a rising demand for alternative in vitro models that closely mimic the human corneal epithelium. Recently, remarkable advancements have been made in two key areas: microphysiological systems (MPS) or organs-on-chips (OoCs), and stem cell-derived organoids. These cutting-edge platforms integrate four major disciplines: stem cells, microfluidics, bioprinting, and biosensing technologies. This integration holds great promise in developing powerful and biomimetic models of the human cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodi Kado Abdalkader
- Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization (R-GIRO), Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan.
| | - Takuya Fujita
- Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization (R-GIRO), Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-Higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
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3
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Soleimani M, Mirzaei A, Cheraqpour K, Baharnoori SM, Arabpour Z, Ashraf MJ, Ghassemi M, Djalilian AR. The Potential of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Therapy in Mustard Keratopathy: Discovering New Roads to Combat Cellular Senescence. Cells 2023; 12:2744. [PMID: 38067171 PMCID: PMC10705954 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are considered a valuable option to treat ocular surface disorders such as mustard keratopathy (MK). MK often leads to vision impairment due to corneal opacification and neovascularization and cellular senescence seems to have a role in its pathophysiology. Herein, we utilized intrastromal MSC injections to treat MK. Thirty-two mice were divided into four groups based on the exposure to 20 mM or 40 mM concentrations of mustard and receiving the treatment or not. Mice were clinically and histopathologically examined. Histopathological evaluations were completed after the euthanasia of mice after four months and included hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), CK12, and beta-galactosidase (β-gal) staining. The treatment group demonstrated reduced opacity compared to the control group. While corneal neovascularization did not display significant variations between the groups, the control group did register higher numerical values. Histopathologically, reduced CK12 staining was detected in the control group. Additionally, β-gal staining areas were notably lower in the treatment group. Although the treated groups showed lower severity of fibrosis compared to the control groups, statistical difference was not significant. In conclusion, it seems that delivery of MSCs in MK has exhibited promising therapeutic results, notably in reducing corneal opacity. Furthermore, the significant reduction in the β-galactosidase staining area may point towards the promising anti-senescence potential of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Soleimani
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran; (M.S.); (A.M.); (K.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.M.B.); (Z.A.); (M.J.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Arash Mirzaei
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran; (M.S.); (A.M.); (K.C.)
| | - Kasra Cheraqpour
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran; (M.S.); (A.M.); (K.C.)
| | - Seyed Mahbod Baharnoori
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.M.B.); (Z.A.); (M.J.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Zohreh Arabpour
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.M.B.); (Z.A.); (M.J.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Mohammad Javad Ashraf
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.M.B.); (Z.A.); (M.J.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Mahmood Ghassemi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.M.B.); (Z.A.); (M.J.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Ali R. Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.M.B.); (Z.A.); (M.J.A.); (M.G.)
- Cornea Service, Stem Cell Therapy and Corneal Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1855 W. Taylor Street, M/C 648, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Corneal Reconstruction with EGFP-Labelled Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rabbit Model of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065431. [PMID: 36982507 PMCID: PMC10051408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular surface reconstruction is essential for treating corneal epithelial defects and vision recovery. Stem cell-based therapy demonstrates promising results but requires further research to elucidate stem cell survival, growth, and differentiation after transplantation in vivo. This study examined the corneal reconstruction promoted by EGFP-labeled limbal mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs-EGFP) and their fate after transplantation. EGFP labeling allowed us to evaluate the migration and survival rates of the transferred cells. L-MSCs-EGFP seeded onto decellularized human amniotic membrane (dHAM) were transplanted into rabbits with a modeled limbal stem cell deficiency. The localization and viability of the transplanted cells in animal tissue were analyzed using histology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy up to 3 months after transplantation. EGFP-labeled cells remained viable for the first 14 days after transplantation. By the 90th day, epithelialization of the rabbit corneas reached 90%, but the presence of viable labeled cells was not observed within the newly formed epithelium. Although labeled cells demonstrated low survivability in host tissue, the squamous corneal-like epithelium was partially restored by the 30th day after transplantation of the tissue-engineered graft. Overall, this study paves the way for further optimization of transplantation conditions and studying the mechanisms of corneal tissue restoration.
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Soleimani M, Masoumi A, Momenaei B, Cheraqpour K, Koganti R, Chang AY, Ghassemi M, Djalilian AR. Applications of mesenchymal stem cells in ocular surface diseases: sources and routes of delivery. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:509-525. [PMID: 36719365 PMCID: PMC10313829 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2175605] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are novel, promising agents for treating ocular surface disorders. MSCs can be isolated from several tissues and delivered by local or systemic routes. They produce several trophic factors and cytokines, which affect immunomodulatory, transdifferentiating, angiogenic, and pro-survival pathways in their local microenvironment via paracrine secretion. Moreover, they exert their therapeutic effect through a contact-dependent manner. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss the characteristics, sources, delivery methods, and applications of MSCs in ocular surface disorders. We also explore the potential application of MSCs to inhibit senescence at the ocular surface. EXPERT OPINION Therapeutic application of MSCs in ocular surface disorders are currently under investigation. One major research area is corneal epitheliopathies, including chemical or thermal burns, limbal stem cell deficiency, neurotrophic keratopathy, and infectious keratitis. MSCs can promote corneal epithelial repair and prevent visually devastating sequelae of non-healing wounds. However, the optimal dosages and delivery routes have yet to be determined and further clinical trials are needed to address these fundamental questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Soleimani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Masoumi
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Momenaei
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kasra Cheraqpour
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raghuram Koganti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Arthur Y Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mahmoud Ghassemi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Harrell CR, Djonov V, Volarevic V. Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13254. [PMID: 36362040 PMCID: PMC9656879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocular GVHD (oGVHD), manifested by severe injury of corneal epithelial cells, meibomian and lacrimal glands' dysfunction, is a serious complication of systemic GVHD which develops as a consequence of donor T and natural killer cell-driven inflammation in the eyes of patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are, due to their enormous differentiation potential and immunosuppressive characteristics, considered as a potentially new remedy in ophthalmology. MSC differentiate in corneal epithelial cells, suppress eye inflammation, and restore meibomian and lacrimal glands' function in oGVHD patients. MSC-sourced exosomes (MSC-Exos) are extracellular vesicles that contain MSC-derived growth factors and immunoregulatory proteins. Due to the lipid membrane and nano-sized dimension, MSC-Exos easily by-pass all biological barriers in the eyes and deliver their cargo directly in injured corneal epithelial cells and eye-infiltrated leukocytes, modulating their viability and function. As cell-free agents, MSC-Exos address all safety issues related to the transplantation of their parental cells, including the risk of unwanted differentiation and aggravation of intraocular inflammation. In this review article, we summarized current knowledge about molecular mechanisms which are responsible for beneficial effects of MSC and MSC-Exos in the therapy of inflammatory eye diseases, emphasizing their therapeutic potential in the treatment of oGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Randall Harrell
- Regenerative Processing Plant, LLC, 34176 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, USA
| | - Valentin Djonov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vladislav Volarevic
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozar Markovic Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 69 Svetozar Markovic Street, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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7
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Yang C, Pan J, Luo X, Li J, Jiang Z. Hypoxia-induced mesenchymal stem cells inhibit corneal fibroblast proliferation by regulating the WWP2/Notch1 axis. Regen Med 2022; 17:375-388. [PMID: 35545948 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2021-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to explore the role of hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in corneal alkali burns and the underlying mechanism. Materials & methods: Rat corneal fibroblasts were incubated with IL-6, followed by treatment with hypoxic MSC supernatant. A rat corneal alkali burn model was implemented and processed with hypoxic MSCs. The associated factors were detected by corresponding methods. Results: Hypoxic MSCs reduced the Notch1 level and the proliferation of rat corneal fibroblasts. Hypoxic MSCs or WWP2 overexpression in MSCs enhanced ubiquitination of Notch1. WWP2 interacted with Notch1, and WWP2 silencing reversed the effects of the hypoxic MSCs. Hypoxic MSC treatment in vivo decreased the corneal neovascularization scores and opacity scores. Conclusion: Hypoxic MSCs inhibited inflammation and alleviated corneal injury in alkali burns via the WWP2/Notch1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongmeng Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xu Luo
- Burn & Wound Healing Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.,Wound Repair Department, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, 324000, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Zipei Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
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8
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Nguyen HT, Theerakittayakorn K, Somredngan S, Ngernsoungnern A, Ngernsoungnern P, Sritangos P, Ketudat-Cairns M, Imsoonthornruksa S, Assawachananont J, Keeratibharat N, Wongsan R, Rungsiwiwut R, Laowtammathron C, Bui NX, Parnpai R. Signaling Pathways Impact on Induction of Corneal Epithelial-like Cells Derived from Human Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063078. [PMID: 35328499 PMCID: PMC8949174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal epithelium, the outmost layer of the cornea, comprises corneal epithelial cells (CECs) that are continuously renewed by limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). Loss or dysfunction of LESCs causes limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) which results in corneal epithelial integrity loss and visual impairment. To regenerate the ocular surface, transplantation of stem cell-derived CECs is necessary. Human Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are a good candidate for cellular therapies in allogeneic transplantation. This study aimed to test the effects of treatments on three signaling pathways involved in CEC differentiation as well as examine the optimal protocol for inducing corneal epithelial differentiation of human WJ-MSCs. All-trans retinoic acid (RA, 5 or 10 µM) inhibited the Wnt signaling pathway via suppressing the translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. SB505124 downregulated the TGF-β signaling pathway via reducing phosphorylation of Smad2. BMP4 did not increase phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 that is involved in BMP signaling. The combination of RA, SB505124, BMP4, and EGF for the first 3 days of differentiation followed by supplementing hormonal epidermal medium for an additional 6 days could generate corneal epithelial-like cells that expressed a CEC specific marker CK12. This study reveals that WJ-MSCs have the potential to transdifferentiate into CECs which would be beneficial for further applications in LSCD treatment therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Thi Nguyen
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (H.T.N.); (K.T.); (S.S.)
- Laboratory of Embryo Technology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Kasem Theerakittayakorn
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (H.T.N.); (K.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Sirilak Somredngan
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (H.T.N.); (K.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Apichart Ngernsoungnern
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (A.N.); (P.N.); (P.S.)
| | - Piyada Ngernsoungnern
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (A.N.); (P.N.); (P.S.)
| | - Pishyaporn Sritangos
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (A.N.); (P.N.); (P.S.)
| | - Mariena Ketudat-Cairns
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (M.K.-C.); (S.I.)
| | - Sumeth Imsoonthornruksa
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (M.K.-C.); (S.I.)
| | - Juthaporn Assawachananont
- School of Ophthalmology, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand;
| | - Nattawut Keeratibharat
- School of Surgery, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand;
| | - Rangsirat Wongsan
- The Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand;
| | - Ruttachuk Rungsiwiwut
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10000, Thailand;
| | - Chuti Laowtammathron
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10000, Thailand;
| | | | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (H.T.N.); (K.T.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-442-242-34
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da Mata Martins TM, de Carvalho JL, da Silva Cunha P, Gomes DA, de Goes AM. Induction of Corneal Epithelial Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent and Orbital Fat-Derived Stem Cells Seeded on Decellularized Human Corneas. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2522-2534. [PMID: 35247143 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Up to 40% of donor corneas are deemed unsuitable for transplantation, aggravating the shortage of graft tissue. In most cases, the corneal extracellular matrix is intact. Therefore, their decellularization followed by repopulation with autologous cells may constitute an efficient alternative to reduce the amount of discarded tissue and the risk of immune rejection after transplantation. Although induced pluripotent (hiPSCs) and orbital fat-derived stem cells (OFSCs) hold great promise for corneal epithelial (CE) reconstruction, no study to date has evaluated the capacity of decellularized corneas (DCs) to support the attachment and differentiation of these cells into CE-like cells. Here, we recellularize DCs with hiPSCs and OFSCs and evaluate their differentiation potential into CE-like cells using animal serum-free culture conditions. Cell viability and adhesion on DCs were assessed by calcein-AM staining and scanning electron microscopy. Cell differentiation was evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence analyses. DCs successfully supported the adhesion and survival of hiPSCs and OFSCs. The OFSCs cultured under differentiation conditions could not express the CE markers, TP63, KRT3, PAX6, and KRT12, while the hiPSCs gave rise to cells expressing high levels of these markers. RT-qPCR data suggested that the DCs provided an inductive environment for CE differentiation of hiPSCs, supporting the expression of PAX6 and KRT12 without the need for any soluble induction factors. Our results open the avenue for future studies regarding the in vivo effects of DCs as carriers for autologous cell transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Maria da Mata Martins
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Lott de Carvalho
- Department of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, QS 07 - Lote 01, EPCT - Taguatinga, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 71966-700, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Pricila da Silva Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.,Department of Biology, Minas Gerais State University, Avenida Olegário Maciel, 1427, Ubá, Minas Gerais, 36502-002, Brazil
| | - Dawidson Assis Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Alfredo Miranda de Goes
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
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Derivation and Characterization of EGFP-Labeled Rabbit Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential for Research in Regenerative Ophthalmology. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091134. [PMID: 34572321 PMCID: PMC8465718 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cell-based approaches to the treatment of various cornea pathologies, including limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), is an area of current interest in regenerative biomedicine. In this context, the shortage of donor material is urgent, and limbal mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs) may become a promising cell source for the development of these novel approaches, being established mainly within the rabbit model. In this study, we obtained and characterized rabbit L-MSCs and modified them with lentiviral transduction to express the green fluorescent protein EGFP (L-MSCs-EGFP). L-MSCs and L-MSCs-EGFP express not only stem cell markers specific for mesenchymal stem cells but also ABCG2, ABCB5, ALDH3A1, PAX6, and p63a specific for limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), as well as various cytokeratins (3/12, 15, 19). L-MSCs-EGFP have been proven to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic directions, as well as to transdifferentiate into epithelial cells. The possibility of using L-MSCs-EGFP to study the biocompatibility of various scaffolds developed to treat corneal pathologies was demonstrated. L-MSCs-EGFP may become a useful tool for studying regenerative processes occurring during the treatment of various corneal pathologies, including LSCD, with the use of cell-based technologies.
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11
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Beeken LJ, Ting DS, Sidney LE. Potential of mesenchymal stem cells as topical immunomodulatory cell therapies for ocular surface inflammatory disorders. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:39-49. [PMID: 32896982 PMCID: PMC7780815 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular surface inflammatory disorders (OSIDs) are a group of highly prevalent, heterogeneous diseases that display a variety of aetiologies and symptoms and are risk factors for serious complications, including ocular and cornea impairment. Corneal inflammation is a common factor of all OSIDs, regardless of their cause or symptoms. Current medications include over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, corticosteroids, and ciclosporin, which either do not treat the corneal inflammation or have been associated with multiple side effects leading to alternative treatments being sought. Regenerative medicine cell therapies, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have shown great promise for immunosuppression and disease amelioration across multiple tissues, including the cornea. However, for successful development and clinical translation of MSC therapy for OSIDs, significant problems must be addressed. This review aims to highlight considerations, including whether the source of MSC isolation impacts the efficacy and safety of the therapy, in addition to assessing the feasibility of MSC topical application to the cornea and ocular surface through analysis of potential scaffolds and cell carriers for application to the eye. The literature contains limited data assessing MSCs incorporated into scaffolds for corneal administration, thus here we highlight the necessity of further investigations to truly exploit the potential of an MSC-based cell therapy for the treatment of OSIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia J. Beeken
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre CampusNottinghamUK
| | - Darren S.J. Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre CampusNottinghamUK
| | - Laura E. Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre CampusNottinghamUK
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Nosrati H, Alizadeh Z, Nosrati A, Ashrafi-Dehkordi K, Banitalebi-Dehkordi M, Sanami S, Khodaei M. Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for corneal epithelium regeneration. Tissue Cell 2020; 68:101470. [PMID: 33248403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Any significant loss of vision or blindness caused by corneal damages is referred to as corneal blindness. Corneal blindness is the fourth most common cause of blindness worldwide, representing more than 5% of the total blind population. Currently, corneal transplantation is used to treat many corneal diseases. In some cases, implantation of artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) is suggested after a patient has had a donor corneal transplant failure. The shortage of donors and the side effects of keratoprosthesis are limiting these approaches. Recently, researchers have been actively pursuing new approaches for corneal regeneration because of these limitations. Nowadays, tissue engineering of different corneal layers (epithelium, stroma, endothelium, or full thickness tissue) is a promising approach that has attracted a great deal of interest from researchers and focuses on regenerative strategies using different cell sources and biomaterials. Various sources of corneal and non-corneal stem cells have shown significant advantages for corneal epithelium regeneration applications. Pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and iPS cells), epithelial stem cells (derived from oral mucus, amniotic membrane, epidermis and hair follicle), mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow, adipose-derived, amniotic membrane, placenta, umbilical cord), and neural crest origin stem cells (dental pulp stem cells) are the most promising sources in this regard. These cells could also be used in combination with natural or synthetic scaffolds to improve the efficacy of the therapeutic approach. As the ocular surface is exposed to external damage, the number of studies on regeneration of the corneal epithelium is rising. In this paper, we reviewed the stem cell-based strategies for corneal epithelium regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Nosrati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Alizadeh
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Nosrati
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Korosh Ashrafi-Dehkordi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehdi Banitalebi-Dehkordi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samira Sanami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khodaei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Golpayegan University of Technology, Golpayegan, Iran
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Theerakittayakorn K, Thi Nguyen H, Musika J, Kunkanjanawan H, Imsoonthornruksa S, Somredngan S, Ketudat-Cairns M, Parnpai R. Differentiation Induction of Human Stem Cells for Corneal Epithelial Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7834. [PMID: 33105778 PMCID: PMC7660084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiency of corneal epithelium causes vision impairment or blindness in severe cases. Transplantation of corneal epithelial cells is an effective treatment but the availability of the tissue source for those cells is inadequate. Stem cells can be induced to differentiate to corneal epithelial cells and used in the treatment. Multipotent stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells) and pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) are promising cells to address the problem. Various protocols have been developed to induce differentiation of the stem cells into corneal epithelial cells. The feasibility and efficacy of both human stem cells and animal stem cells have been investigated for corneal epithelium regeneration. However, some physiological aspects of animal stem cells are different from those of human stem cells, the protocols suited for animal stem cells might not be suitable for human stem cells. Therefore, in this review, only the investigations of corneal epithelial differentiation of human stem cells are taken into account. The available protocols for inducing the differentiation of human stem cells into corneal epithelial cells are gathered and compared. Also, the pathways involving in the differentiation are provided to elucidate the relevant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasem Theerakittayakorn
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (K.T.); (H.T.N.); (J.M.); (S.I.); (S.S.); (M.K.-C.)
| | - Hong Thi Nguyen
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (K.T.); (H.T.N.); (J.M.); (S.I.); (S.S.); (M.K.-C.)
| | - Jidapa Musika
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (K.T.); (H.T.N.); (J.M.); (S.I.); (S.S.); (M.K.-C.)
| | - Hataiwan Kunkanjanawan
- Medeze Research and Development Co., Ltd. 28/9 Moo 8, Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Rd., Krathum Lom, Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom 73220, Thailand;
| | - Sumeth Imsoonthornruksa
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (K.T.); (H.T.N.); (J.M.); (S.I.); (S.S.); (M.K.-C.)
| | - Sirilak Somredngan
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (K.T.); (H.T.N.); (J.M.); (S.I.); (S.S.); (M.K.-C.)
| | - Mariena Ketudat-Cairns
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (K.T.); (H.T.N.); (J.M.); (S.I.); (S.S.); (M.K.-C.)
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; (K.T.); (H.T.N.); (J.M.); (S.I.); (S.S.); (M.K.-C.)
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