1
|
Wang Y, Yang F, Yang M, Wang S, He H, Hong M, Wang G, Li S, Liu H, Wang Y. Construction of Dome-Shaped 3D Corneal Epithelial Tissue Models Based on Eyeball-Shaped Gel Microspheres. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:31597-31609. [PMID: 38850560 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
By overcoming interspecies differences and mimicking the in vivo microenvironment, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro corneal models have become a significant novel tool in contemporary ophthalmic disease research. However, existing 3D corneal models struggle to replicate the actual human corneal environment, especially the dome-shaped physiological structure with adjustable curvature. Addressing these challenges, this study introduces a straightforward method for fabricating collagen/chitosan-alginate eyeball-shaped gel microspheres with a Janus structure via a two-phase aqueous system, used subsequently to construct in vitro 3D corneal epithelial tissue models. By adjusting the diameter ratio of collagen/chitosan to alginate droplets, we can create eyeball-shaped gel microspheres with varying curvatures. Human corneal epithelial cells were seeded on the surfaces of these microspheres, leading to the formation of in vitro 3D corneal epithelial tissues characterized by dome-like multilayers and tight junctions. Additionally, the model demonstrated responsiveness to UVB exposure through the secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory factors. Therefore, we believe that in vitro 3D corneal epithelial tissue models with dome-shaped structures hold significant potential for advancing ophthalmic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yilan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Feng Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Menghan Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Siping Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Huatao He
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Meiying Hong
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Suiyan Li
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Wuxi No. 5 People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214061, China
| | - Yaolei Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Krzemiński P, Misiewicz-Krzemińska I, Grodzik M, Padzińska-Pruszyńska I, Kucharzewska P, Ostrowska A, Sawosz E, Pomorski P. The protective effect of silver nanoparticles' on epithelial cornea cells against ultraviolet is accompanied by changes in calcium homeostasis and a decrease of the P2X7 and P2Y2 receptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116090. [PMID: 38169187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116090] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles hydrocolloids (AgNPs) on human corneal epithelial cells. Epithelial cells form the outermost and the most vulnerable to environmental stimuli layer of the cornea in the eye. Mechanical stress, UV radiation, and pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites challenge the fragile homeostasis of the eye. To help combat stress, infection, and inflammation wide portfolio of interventions is available. One of the oldest treatments is colloidal silver. Silver nanoparticle suspension in water is known for its anti-bacterial anti-viral and antiprotozoal action. However, AgNPs interact also with host cells, and the character of the interplay between corneal cells and silver seeks investigation. METHODS The human epithelial corneal cell line (HCE-2) was cultured in vitro, treated with AgNPs, and subjected to UV. The cell's viability, migration, calcium concentration, and expression/protein level of selected proteins were investigated by appropriate methods including cytotoxicity tests, "wound healing" assay, Fluo8/Fura2 AM staining, qRT-PCR, and western blot. RESULTS Incubation of human corneal cells (HCE-2) with AgNP did not affect cells viability but limited cells migration and resulted in altered calcium homeostasis, decreased the presence of ATP-activated P2X7, P2Y2 receptors, and enhanced the expression of PACAP. Furthermore, AgNPs pretreatment helped restrain some of the deleterious effects of UV irradiation. Interestingly, AgNPs had no impact on the protein level of ACE2, which is important in light of potential SARS-CoV-2 entrance through the cornea. CONCLUSIONS Silver nanoparticles are safe for corneal epithelial cells in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patryk Krzemiński
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Insitute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, bldg. 23, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Irena Misiewicz-Krzemińska
- Plasma Cell Neoplasm Laboratory, Department of Experimental Haematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Chocimska 5, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Grodzik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Insitute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, bldg. 23, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irena Padzińska-Pruszyńska
- Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, bldg. 23, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Kucharzewska
- Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, bldg. 23, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Ostrowska
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Insitute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, bldg. 23, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Sawosz
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Insitute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, bldg. 23, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Pomorski
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Cell Motility, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qin D, Han Y, Wang L, Yin H. Recent advances in medicinal compounds related to corneal crosslinking. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1232591. [PMID: 37841929 PMCID: PMC10570464 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1232591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is the recognized technique to strengthen corneal collagen fibers through photodynamic reaction, aiming to halt progressive and irregular changes in corneal shape. CXL has greatly changed the treatment for keratoconus (KCN) since it was introduced in the late 1990's. Numerous improvements of CXL have been made during its developing course of more than 20 years. CXL involves quite a lot of materials, including crosslinking agents, enhancers, and supplements. A general summary of existing common crosslinking agents, enhancers, and supplements helps give a more comprehensive picture of CXL. Either innovative use of existing materials or research and development of new materials will further improve the safety, effectiveness, stability, and general applicability of CXL, and finally benefit the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danyi Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute and Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute and Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lixiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongbo Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Petrela RB, Patel SP. The soil and the seed: The relationship between Descemet's membrane and the corneal endothelium. Exp Eye Res 2023; 227:109376. [PMID: 36592681 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Descemet's membrane (DM), the basement membrane of the corneal endothelium, is formed from the extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by corneal endothelial cells. The ECM supports the growth and function of the corneal endothelial cells. Changes to DM are central to the diagnosis of the most common corneal endothelial disease, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Changes in DM are also noted in systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. In FECD, the DM progressively accumulates guttae, "drop-like deposits" that disrupt the corneal endothelial cell monolayer. While the pathophysiologic changes to corneal endothelial cells in the course of FECD have been well described and reviewed, the changes to DM have received limited attention. The reciprocity of influence between the corneal endothelial cells and DM demands full attention to the latter in our search for novel treatment and preventive strategies. In this review, we discuss what is known about the formation and composition of DM and how it changes in FECD and other conditions. We review characteristics of guttae and the interplay between corneal endothelial cells and guttae, particularly as it might apply to future cell-based and genetic therapies for FECD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Redion B Petrela
- Ross Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1176 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA; Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Sangita P Patel
- Ross Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1176 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA; Research and Ophthalmology Services, Veterans Administration of Western New York Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Esposito G, Balzamino BO, Rocco ML, Aloe L, Micera A. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) as Partaker in the Modulation of UV-Response in Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116337. [PMID: 35683016 PMCID: PMC9181148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corroborating data sustain the pleiotropic effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the protection of the visual system from dangerous stimuli, including ultraviolet (UV). Since UV exposure might promote ocular surface changes (conjunctival inflammation and matrix rearrangement), as previously reported from in vivo studies sustaining some protective NGF effects, in vitro cultures of human conjunctival fibroblasts (FBs) were developed and exposed to a single UV exposure over 15 min (0.277 W/m2), either alone or supplemented with NGF (1–10–100 ng/mL). Conditioned media and cell monolayers were collected and analyzed for protein release (ELISA, ELLA microfluidic) and transcript expression (real-time PCR). A specific “inflammatory to remodeling” pattern (IL8, VEGF, IL33, OPN, and CYR61) as well as a few epigenetic transcripts (known as modulator of cell differentiation and matrix-remodeling (DNMT3a, HDAC1, NRF2 and KEAP1)) were investigated in parallel. UV-exposed FBs (i), showed no proliferation or significant cytoskeleton rearrangement; (ii), displayed a trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype; and (iii), synthesized/released IL8, VEGF-A, IL33, OPN, and CYR61, as compared to unexposed ones. NGF addition counteracted IL8, IL33, OPN, and CYR61 protein release merely at lower NGF concentrations but not VEGF. NGF supplementation did not affect DNMT3a or HDAC1 transcripts, while it significantly upregulated NRF2 at lowest NGF doses and did not change KEAP1 expression. Taken together, a single UV exposure activated conjunctival FBs to release pro-inflammatory/fibrogenic factors in association with epigenetic changes. The effects were selectively counteracted by NGF supplementation in a dose-dependent fashion, most probably accountable to the trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype. Further in vitro studies are underway to better understand this additional NGF pleiotropic effect. Since UV-shield impairments represent a worldwide alert and UV radiation can slowly affect ocular surface homeostasis (photo-ageing, cataract) or might exacerbate ocular diseases with a preexisting fibrosis (pterygium, VKC), these findings on NGF modulation of UV-exposed FBs might provide additional information for protecting the ocular surface (homeostasis) from low-grade long-lasting UV insults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Esposito
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Maria Luisa Rocco
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
- Associazione NGF ONLUS, 00172 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen X, Yang J, Li M, Zhu S, Zhao M, Yang C, Liu B, Gao H, Lu A, Ge L, Mo L, Gu Z, Xu H. Fullerenol protects cornea from ultraviolet B exposure. Redox Biol 2022; 54:102360. [PMID: 35690049 PMCID: PMC9190064 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The eyes are highly susceptible to the oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet B (UVB, wavelength between 280 ∼ 320 nm), which could cause severe damage to the cornea. Fullerenols are effective antioxidants to alleviate UVB-induced injury, while their application for the eyes is still rare. In present study, we investigated the protective performance and mechanism of fullerenols on cornea under UVB radiation in vivo and in vitro. The synthesized fullerenols exhibited broad-spectrum free radical scavenging properties (applicable to both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS)) and photo-stability. When compared with another widely used antioxidant glutathione (GSH), the administration of fullerenols markedly decreased the injured area, corneal edema, cell death, and increased the cell proliferation in UVB-induced rat cornea. The effects of fullerenols were confirmed in UVB-exposed human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs), where elevated cell viability and proliferation, decreased oxidative free radical production, repaired mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA lesions were observed. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis demonstrated that fullerenol alleviated UVB-induced corneal injury through down-regulation of oxidative stress-related genes and up-regulation of proliferation-associated genes. Our results demonstrate the suitability of fullerenols as a potential exogenous treatment in ameliorating UVB-induced cornea damage. Fullerenol produces significant precaution on UVB-induced corneal damage. Fullerenol exhibits broader spectrum free radical scavenging properties than GSH. Fullerenol mitigates the LSCs loss in the cornea caused by UVB. Fullerenol down-regulates oxidative stress genes and up-regulates proliferation-related genes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Jurja S, Negreanu‑Pirjol T, Vasile M, Hincu M, Ciuluvica R, Negreanu‑Pirjol BS. Comparative antioxidant activity of various ophthalmic product types for artificial tears under different experimental conditions. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:330. [PMID: 35401809 PMCID: PMC8987944 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial tears or lubricants is a developing category in pharmaceutical research, due to the permanent increasing incidence of dry eye syndrome caused by the extensive use of personal computers and other gadget screens, associated with global warming and pollution. Considering the role of inflammation in dry eye syndrome, characterized by the production of free radicals, it is imperative to determine which elements are more significant in forming an artificial tear more effectively and more comfortably for the eye state and for the quality of life. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the evolution of the total antioxidant capacity of some frequently commercialized artificial tears via the photochemiluminescence method, using an antioxidant capacity of lipid soluble substances procedure, prior and subsequent to the exposure of these therapy agents to some physical agents. This is a preliminary research aiming to evaluate the impact of various environmental factors on these ophthalmic products, to be continued by evaluating whether the effectiveness of these products, in terms of objective examination and patient preference and adherence criteria, is impacted by the conditions of use and storage. Thus, the total antioxidant capacity of the evaluated artificial tear samples after UVC irradiation at 254 nm wavelength was studied, in order to investigate whether their status suffered any change in terms of antioxidant potential. In addition to the findings obtained in the study, some recommendations were also made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanda Jurja
- Faculty of Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | | | - Monica Vasile
- Faculty of Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Mihaela Hincu
- Faculty of Medicine, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Radu Ciuluvica
- Faculty of Medical Dentistry, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 010221 Bucharest, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|