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Machalińska A, Kuligowska A, Ziontkowska-Wrzałek A, Stroynowska B, Pius-Sadowska E, Safranow K, Machaliński J, Mozolewska-Piotrowska K, Machaliński B. The Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy Corresponds with Corneal Nerve Alterations and Ocular Discomfort of the Patient. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6072. [PMID: 38892258 PMCID: PMC11173272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116072] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population. Its progression causes gradual damage to corneal nerves, resulting in decreased corneal sensitivity (CS) and disruption of anterior-eye-surface homeostasis, which is clinically manifested by increased ocular discomfort and dry eye disease (DED). This study included 52 DR patients and 52 sex- and age-matched controls. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) survey, tear film-related parameters, CS, and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) of the subbasal plexus were performed. Furthermore, all patients underwent tear sampling for neurotrophin and cytokine analysis. OSDI scores were greater in DR patients than in controls (p = 0.00020). No differences in the Schirmer test score, noninvasive tear film-break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus or interferometry values, bulbar redness, severity of blepharitis or meibomian gland loss were found. In the DR group, both the CS (p < 0.001), and the scotopic pupil diameter (p = 0.00008) decreased. IVCM revealed reduced corneal nerve parameters in DR patients. The stage of DR was positively correlated with the OSDI (Rs = +0.51, 95% CI: + 0.35-+0.64, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with IVCM corneal nerve parameters and scotopic pupillometry (Rs = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.44--0.06, p = 0.0097). We found negative correlations between the OSDI and IVCM corneal innervation parameters. The DR group showed lower tear film-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels (p = 0.0001) and no differences in nerve growth factor (NGF)-β, neurotrophin (NT)-4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, or IL-12 concentrations. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were decreased among patients with DR. Corneal innervation defects have a direct impact on patients' subjective feelings. The evolution of DR appears to be associated with corneal nerve alterations, emphasizing the importance of IVCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Machalińska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.Z.-W.); (B.S.); (J.M.); (K.M.-P.)
| | - Agnieszka Kuligowska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.Z.-W.); (B.S.); (J.M.); (K.M.-P.)
| | - Alicja Ziontkowska-Wrzałek
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.Z.-W.); (B.S.); (J.M.); (K.M.-P.)
| | - Beata Stroynowska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.Z.-W.); (B.S.); (J.M.); (K.M.-P.)
| | - Ewa Pius-Sadowska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (E.P.-S.); (B.M.)
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Jan Machaliński
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.Z.-W.); (B.S.); (J.M.); (K.M.-P.)
| | - Katarzyna Mozolewska-Piotrowska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.Z.-W.); (B.S.); (J.M.); (K.M.-P.)
| | - Bogusław Machaliński
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (E.P.-S.); (B.M.)
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Woronkowicz M, Roberts H, Skopiński P. The Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) System in the Corneal Epithelium Homeostasis-From Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells to Therapeutic Applications. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:144. [PMID: 38534414 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The corneal epithelium, comprising three layers of cells, represents the outermost portion of the eye and functions as a vital protective barrier while concurrently serving as a critical refractive structure. Maintaining its homeostasis involves a complex regenerative process facilitated by the functions of the lacrimal gland, tear film, and corneal nerves. Crucially, limbal epithelial stem cells located in the limbus (transitional zone between the cornea and the conjunctiva) are instrumental for the corneal epithelium integrity by replenishing and renewing cells. Re-epithelialization failure results in persistent defects, often associated with various ocular conditions including diabetic keratopathy. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is a sophisticated network of insulin and other proteins essential for numerous physiological processes. This review examines its role in maintaining the corneal epithelium homeostasis, with a special focus on the interplay with corneal limbal stem cells and the potential therapeutic applications of the system components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Woronkowicz
- NDDH, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Barnstaple EX31 4JB, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Harry Roberts
- West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter EX1 2HZ, UK
| | - Piotr Skopiński
- Department of Ophthalmology, SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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Yetkin E, Aksoy Aydemir G, Bilen A, Pehlivanoglu B, Asik A, Kocaay F, Ozkoyuncu D, Aydemir E. Evaluation of Dry Eye Disease Characteristics of Children With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and MODY. Eye Contact Lens 2024; 50:79-83. [PMID: 37882746 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000001049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess dry eye disease characteristics of pediatric patients with diabetes. METHODS Twenty-one patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM), 20 with type-2 DM, 19 with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and 20 control participants were included in the study. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear film break-up time (TBUT) analysis, Schirmer test with anesthesia, and conjunctival impression cytologic analysis were performed. RESULTS In Group 1, the Schirmer test and TBUT values were lower than the control group. In groups 1 to 3, OSDI scores were higher than the control group. In Groups 1 and 2, the goblet cell density was lower than the control group. CONCLUSIONS Dry eye parameters of all three diabetic groups were adversely affected in favor of dry eye disease. Children with MODY have increased OSDI scores. Alterations in the conjunctival impression cytology were observed more prominently in patients with type-1 DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esat Yetkin
- School of Medicine (E.Y., A.B.), Ophthalmology Department, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey; Ophthalmology Department (G.A.A., E.A.), Adiyaman Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Adiyaman, Turkey; School of Medicine (B.P.), Pathology Department, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey; Department of Pediatrics (A.A.), Adıyaman University Research and Training Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey; Department of Public Health (F.K.), School of Medicine, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Turkey; and TOBB ETU Hospital (D.O.), Ankara, Turkey
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Buonfiglio F, Wasielica-Poslednik J, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Diabetic Keratopathy: Redox Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Prospects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:120. [PMID: 38247544 PMCID: PMC10812573 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010120] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, the most prevalent endocrine disorder, not only impacts the retina but also significantly involves the ocular surface. Diabetes contributes to the development of dry eye disease and induces morphological and functional corneal alterations, particularly affecting nerves and epithelial cells. These changes manifest as epithelial defects, reduced sensitivity, and delayed wound healing, collectively encapsulated in the context of diabetic keratopathy. In advanced stages of this condition, the progression to corneal ulcers and scarring further unfolds, eventually leading to corneal opacities. This critical complication hampers vision and carries the potential for irreversible visual loss. The primary objective of this review article is to offer a comprehensive overview of the pathomechanisms underlying diabetic keratopathy. Emphasis is placed on exploring the redox molecular pathways responsible for the aberrant structural changes observed in the cornea and tear film during diabetes. Additionally, we provide insights into the latest experimental findings concerning potential treatments targeting oxidative stress. This endeavor aims to enhance our understanding of the intricate interplay between diabetes and ocular complications, offering valuable perspectives for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (J.W.-P.); (N.P.)
| | | | | | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (J.W.-P.); (N.P.)
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Toh CJL, Liu C, Lee IXY, Lin MTY, Tong L, Liu YC. Clinical associations of corneal neuromas with ocular surface diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:140-147. [PMID: 37488855 PMCID: PMC10479835 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.375308] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal neuromas, also termed microneuromas, refer to microscopic, irregularly-shaped enlargements of terminal subbasal nerve endings at sites of nerve damage or injury. The formation of corneal neuromas results from damage to corneal nerves, such as following corneal pathology or corneal or intraocular surgeries. Initially, denervated areas of sensory nerve fibers become invaded by sprouts of intact sensory nerve fibers, and later injured axons regenerate and new sprouts called neuromas develop. In recent years, analysis of corneal nerve abnormalities including corneal neuromas which can be identified using in vivo confocal microscopy, a non-invasive imaging technique with microscopic resolution, has been used to evaluate corneal neuropathy and ocular surface dysfunction. Corneal neuromas have been shown to be associated with clinical symptoms of discomfort and dryness of eyes, and are a promising surrogate biomarker for ocular surface diseases, such as neuropathic corneal pain, dry eye disease, diabetic corneal neuropathy, neurotrophic keratopathy, Sjögren's syndrome, bullous keratopathy, post-refractive surgery, and others. In this review, we have summarized the current literature on the association between these ocular surface diseases and the presentation of corneal microneuromas, as well as elaborated on their pathogenesis, visualization via in vivo confocal microscopy, and utility in monitoring treatment efficacy. As current quantitative analysis on neuromas mainly relies on manual annotation and quantification, which is user-dependent and labor-intensive, future direction includes the development of artificial intelligence software to identify and quantify these potential imaging biomarkers in a more automated and sensitive manner, allowing it to be applied in clinical settings more efficiently. Combining imaging and molecular biomarkers may also help elucidate the associations between corneal neuromas and ocular surface diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chang Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | | | | | - Louis Tong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Amorim M, Martins B, Fernandes R. Immune Fingerprint in Diabetes: Ocular Surface and Retinal Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9821. [PMID: 37372968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a prevalent global health issue associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a well-known inflammatory, neurovascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of preventable blindness in developed countries among working-age adults. However, the ocular surface components of diabetic eyes are also at risk of damage due to uncontrolled diabetes, which is often overlooked. Inflammatory changes in the corneas of diabetic patients indicate that inflammation plays a significant role in diabetic complications, much like in DR. The eye's immune privilege restricts immune and inflammatory responses, and the cornea and retina have a complex network of innate immune cells that maintain immune homeostasis. Nevertheless, low-grade inflammation in diabetes contributes to immune dysregulation. This article aims to provide an overview and discussion of how diabetes affects the ocular immune system's main components, immune-competent cells, and inflammatory mediators. By understanding these effects, potential interventions and treatments may be developed to improve the ocular health of diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madania Amorim
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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Yang C, Zhao X, An X, Zhang Y, Sun W, Zhang Y, Duan Y, Kang X, Sun Y, Jiang L, Lian F. Axonal transport deficits in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1136796. [PMID: 37056668 PMCID: PMC10086245 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1136796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a chronic and prevalent metabolic disease that gravely endangers human health and seriously affects the quality of life of hyperglycemic patients. More seriously, it can lead to amputation and neuropathic pain, imposing a severe financial burden on patients and the healthcare system. Even with strict glycemic control or pancreas transplantation, peripheral nerve damage is difficult to reverse. Most current treatment options for DPN can only treat the symptoms but not the underlying mechanism. Patients with long-term diabetes mellitus (DM) develop axonal transport dysfunction, which could be an important factor in causing or exacerbating DPN. This review explores the underlying mechanisms that may be related to axonal transport impairment and cytoskeletal changes caused by DM, and the relevance of the latter with the occurrence and progression of DPN, including nerve fiber loss, diminished nerve conduction velocity, and impaired nerve regeneration, and also predicts possible therapeutic strategies. Understanding the mechanisms of diabetic neuronal injury is essential to prevent the deterioration of DPN and to develop new therapeutic strategies. Timely and effective improvement of axonal transport impairment is particularly critical for the treatment of peripheral neuropathies.
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Liu F, Liu C, Lee IXY, Lin MTY, Liu YC. Corneal dendritic cells in diabetes mellitus: A narrative review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1078660. [PMID: 36777336 PMCID: PMC9911453 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1078660] [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] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a global public health problem with both macrovascular and microvascular complications, such as diabetic corneal neuropathy (DCN). Using in-vivo confocal microscopy, corneal nerve changes in DCN patients can be examined. Additionally, changes in the morphology and quantity of corneal dendritic cells (DCs) in diabetic corneas have also been observed. DCs are bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells that serve both immunological and non-immunological roles in human corneas. However, the role and pathogenesis of corneal DC in diabetic corneas have not been well understood. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of both animal and clinical studies that report changes in DCs, including the DC density, maturation stages, as well as relationships between the corneal DCs, corneal nerves, and corneal epithelium, in diabetic corneas. We have also discussed the associations between the changes in corneal DCs and various clinical or imaging parameters, including age, corneal nerve status, and blood metabolic parameters. Such information would provide valuable insight into the development of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for DM-associated ocular surface complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Liu
- University of Cambridge, Girton College, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Molly Tzu Yu Lin
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Yu-Chi Liu,
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Ashena Z, Nanavaty MA, Bardan AS, Thaker R, Bascaran L. Reply to Letter to Editor: Prophylactic Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs after Cataract Surgery and Corneal Melt. J Curr Ophthalmol 2022; 34:385-386. [PMID: 36644465 PMCID: PMC9832453 DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_176_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ashena
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Mayank A. Nanavaty
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom,Address for correspondence: Mayank A. Nanavaty, Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BF, United Kingdom E-mail:
| | - Ahmed Shalaby Bardan
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom,Department of Ophthalmology, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Cliftonville, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Riddhi Thaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Cliftonville, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Bascaran
- Sussex Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Shrestha P, Whelchel AE, Nicholas SE, Liang W, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Monocarboxylate Transporters: Role and Regulation in Corneal Diabetes. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:6718566. [PMID: 36340268 PMCID: PMC9629935 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6718566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that is known to cause structural and functional ocular complications. In the human cornea, DM-related complications affect the epithelium, stroma, and nerves. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are a family of proton-linked plasma membrane transporters that carry monocarboxylates across plasma membranes. In the context of corneal health and disease, their role, presence, and function are largely undetermined and solely focused on the most common MCT isoforms, 1 through 4. In this study, we investigated the regulation of MCT1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10, in corneal DM, using established 3D self-assembled extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro models. Primary stromal corneal fibroblasts were isolated from healthy (HCFs), type I (T1DMs), and type II (T2DMs) DM donors. Monoculture 3D constructs were created by stimulating stromal cells on transwells with stable vitamin C for two or four weeks. Coculture 3D constructs were created by adding SH-SY5Y neurons at two different densities, 12 k and 500 k, on top of the monocultures. Our data showed significant upregulation of MCT1 at 4 weeks for HCF, T1DM, and T2DM monocultures, as well as the 500 k nerve cocultures. MCT8 was significantly upregulated in HCF and T1DM monocultures and all of the 500 k nerve cocultures. Further, MCT10 was only expressed at 4 weeks for all cocultures and was limited to HCFs and T1DMs in monocultures. Immunofluorescence analysis showed cytoplasmic MCT expression for all cell types and significant downregulation of both MCT2 and MCT4 in HCFs, when compared to T1DMs and T2DMs. Herein, we reveal the existence and modulation of MCTs in the human diabetic cornea in vitro. Changes appeared dependent on neuronal density, suggesting that MCTs are very likely critical to the neuronal defects observed in diabetic keratopathy/neuropathy. Further studies are warranted in order to fully delineate the role of MCTs in corneal diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Shrestha
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Amy E. Whelchel
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Sarah E. Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 575 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 575 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Bu Y, Shih KC, Tong L. The ocular surface and diabetes, the other 21st Century epidemic. Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109099. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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