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Tonti E, Manco GA, Spadea L, Zeppieri M. Focus on limbal stem cell deficiency and limbal cell transplantation. World J Transplant 2023; 13:321-330. [PMID: 38174150 PMCID: PMC10758683 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v13.i6.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) causes severe vision impairment and can lead to blindness, representing one of the most challenging ocular surface disorders. Stem cell deficiency can be congenital or, more often, acquired. The categorization of ocular surface transplantation techniques is crucial to achieving treatment homogeneity and quality of care, according to the anatomic source of the tissue being transplanted, genetic source, autologous or allogenic transplantation (to reflect histocompatibility in the latter group), and cell culture and tissue engineering techniques. The aim of this minireview is to provide a summary of the management of LSCD, from clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes to the development of novel therapeutic approaches. The manuscript also briefly summarizes recent findings in the current literature and outlines the future challenges to overcome in the management of the major types of ocular surface failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Tonti
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00142, Italy
| | | | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00142, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
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2
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Jiang B, Hu Q, Li T, She M, Li C, Zhou X. Relationship between dry eye and expressions of CXCR3 and CCR5 after ocular acid burn. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:489. [PMID: 36522768 PMCID: PMC9753282 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02678-3] [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: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the manifestation of dry eye and its relationship with CXCR3 and CCR5 expression in patients with ocular acid burns. METHODS This is a case-control study. A total of 27 eyes of 22 cases ocular with acid burns of I-V degrees from Jan.2020 to Feb.2021 in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University were selected as observation group, and 8 eyes of 8 cases of normal people were selected as control group. The follow-up period was 3 months. The visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal fluorescein staining scores (CFS), breakup time of tear film (BUT), Schirmer I test, corneal thickness and tear meniscus height (TMH) were observed at 1 day, 1 and 3 months after injury. The protein expressions of CXCR3 and CCR5 were examined by ELISA and compared among groups at each time point. RESULTS BUT and Schirmer I tests value in the observation group were lower than those in the control group 3 months after injury (BUT: Group I ~ IV p = 0.0266, p = 0.0222, p = 0.0003, p = 0.0059, respectively; Schirmer I test: Group I ~ IV p = 0.0027, p = 0.0033, p = 0.0016, p = 0.0032, respectively). CFS scores were higher than those in the control group at 1 day after injury (all p < 0.0001), but decreased gradually at 1 and 3 months after injury (Group I ~ IV p = 0.0042, p = 0.0096, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). The corneal thickness and TMH 1 day after injury were higher than those in the control group (corneal thickness: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0010, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively; TMH: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), and also higher than those at 1 month and 3 months after injury (corneal thickness: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0010, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively; TMH: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0345 and p = 0.0045, p = 0.0005 and p < 0.0001, p = 0.0114 and p = 0.0019, respectively). The expression levels of CXCR3 and CCR5 protein were significantly negatively correlated with BUT (all p < 0.0001), and CXCR3 and CCR5 were also significantly negatively correlated with Schirmer I test value (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0004, respectively). CONCLUSION Ocular acid burns can cause dry eye, and the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 protein in tears may be related to the occurrence of dry eye after ocular acid burn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiang
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Hu
- grid.413597.d0000 0004 1757 8802Department of Ophthalmology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Li
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Man She
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- grid.412540.60000 0001 2372 7462Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhou
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Ophthalmology, Jinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ying PX, Fu M, Huang C, Li ZH, Mao QY, Fu S, Jia XH, Cao YC, Hong LB, Cai LY, Guo X, Liu RB, Meng FK, Yi GG. Profile of biological characterizations and clinical application of corneal stem/progenitor cells. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:777-797. [PMID: 36483848 PMCID: PMC9724387 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i11.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal stem/progenitor cells are typical adult stem/progenitor cells. The human cornea covers the front of the eyeball, which protects the eye from the outside environment while allowing vision. The location and function demand the cornea to maintain its transparency and to continuously renew its epithelial surface by replacing injured or aged cells through a rapid turnover process in which corneal stem/progenitor cells play an important role. Corneal stem/progenitor cells include mainly corneal epithelial stem cells, corneal endothelial cell progenitors and corneal stromal stem cells. Since the discovery of corneal epithelial stem cells (also known as limbal stem cells) in 1971, an increasing number of markers for corneal stem/progenitor cells have been proposed, but there is no consensus regarding the definitive markers for them. Therefore, the identification, isolation and cultivation of these cells remain challenging without a unified approach. In this review, we systematically introduce the profile of biological characterizations, such as anatomy, characteristics, isolation, cultivation and molecular markers, and clinical applications of the three categories of corneal stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Xi Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chang Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Li
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Shock and Microcirculation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510550, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qing-Yi Mao
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng Fu
- Hengyang Medical School, The University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xu-Hui Jia
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Chen Cao
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Bing Hong
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Yang Cai
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Medical College of Rehabilitation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ru-Bing Liu
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fan-ke Meng
- Emergency Department, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guo-Guo Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
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Chang YS, Chan TY, Jan RL, Tseng SH. Case Report: Allogenic Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation From a Human Leukocyte Antigen-Matched Living Related Donor to Treat Bilateral Corneal Chemical Burns Post Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:849791. [PMID: 35295603 PMCID: PMC8919960 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.849791] [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: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 35-year-old woman who had undergone laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in both eyes experienced bilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) due to chemical burns. Due to bilateral severe LSCD, allogenic simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched living related donor was the first choice of treatment for her left eye. We report the first case of HLA or ABO matching living related allogenic SLET for permanent restoration of the cornea for bilateral LSCD treatment. Our ABO-HLA-matched living related allogenic SLET alleviation of the systemic immunosuppressant to topical corticosteroids alone. It also came the limitations of prolonged systemic immunosuppressant usage in conjunctival-limbal allografts and keratolimbal allograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh-Shin Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yueh Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Long Jan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ren-Long Jan
| | - Sung-Huei Tseng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Sung-Huei Tseng
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Singh A, Sangwan VS. Mini-Review: Regenerating the Corneal Epithelium With Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:673330. [PMID: 34124103 PMCID: PMC8195332 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.673330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) is an ingenious, low cost and effective technique of limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) that is increasingly being undertaken in practice across the world. Since it was first described a decade ago, the technique has been performed in a variety of cases of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and has underwent several innovative modifications. Published literature on SLET has progressively increased over time and successful outcomes in various clinical scenarios have been reported. This concise review attempts to present a crisp account of SLET covering the indications and contraindications of performing the procedure; detailed account of pre-operative work up and preparation; surgical technique and its modifications; post-operative course, care and possible complications as well as published outcomes of surgery from across the world. Comparative analysis of various techniques of LSCT have been discussed and common concerns of surgeons practising or those who are planning to start practising SLET have been addressed. The authors hope that the pragmatic insights and pearls given at the end of the review will aid the surgeons in performing this technique to provide maximum benefit to patients suffering from the potentially blinding condition of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Singh
- Department of Cornea, Anterior Segment and Uveitis, Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Virender S Sangwan
- Department of Cornea, Anterior Segment and Uveitis, Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Beeken LJ, Ting DSJ, Sidney LE. Potential of mesenchymal stem cells as topical immunomodulatory cell therapies for ocular surface inflammatory disorders. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 10:39-49. [PMID: 32896982 PMCID: PMC7780815 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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 Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham, UK
| | - Darren S J Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura E Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham, UK
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7
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Shanbhag SS, Patel CN, Goyal R, Donthineni PR, Singh V, Basu S. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET): Review of indications, surgical technique, mechanism, outcomes, limitations, and impact. Indian J Ophthalmol 2019; 67:1265-1277. [PMID: 31332106 PMCID: PMC6677059 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_117_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) is an innovative limbal stem cell transplantation technique that has gained increasing popularity over the last few years. Different groups from across the world have published the clinical results of SLET in large case series with varying types and severities of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). This review attempts to place all the available knowledge on SLET together in one place for the benefit of not only cornea specialists and trainees but also for residents and general ophthalmologists. It follows a balanced approach of blending evidence with experience by providing an objective analysis of published results along with helpful insights from subject experts, starting from preoperative considerations including the role of newer imaging modalities to the technical aspects of the surgery itself and the management of possible complications. Original data and novel insights on allogeneic SLET for bilateral LSCD are included in the review to address the few remaining lacunae in the existing literature on this topic. This review intends to inform, educate, and empower all aspiring and practicing SLET surgeons to optimize their clinical outcomes and to have maximal positive impact on the lives of the individuals affected by unilateral or bilateral chronic LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ritin Goyal
- Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Vivek Singh
- Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Tej Kohli Cornea Institute; Center for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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8
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Jackson CJ, Myklebust Ernø IT, Ringstad H, Tønseth KA, Dartt DA, Utheim TP. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation: Current status and future perspectives. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 9:316-327. [PMID: 31802651 PMCID: PMC7031634 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to limbal stem cells as a result of injury or disease can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). This disease is characterized by decreased vision that is often painful and may progress to blindness. Clinical features include inflammation, neovascularization, and persistent cornea epithelial defects. Successful strategies for treatment involve transplantation of grafts harvested from the limbus of the alternate healthy eye, called conjunctival‐limbal autograft (CLAU) and transplantation of limbal cell sheets cultured from limbal biopsies, termed cultured limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET). In 2012, Sangwan and colleagues presented simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET), a novel transplantation technique that combines the benefits of CLAU and CLET and avoids the challenges associated with both. In SLET a small biopsy from the limbus of the healthy eye is divided and distributed over human amniotic membrane, which is placed on the affected cornea. Outgrowth occurs from each small explant and a complete corneal epithelium is typically formed within 2 weeks. Advantages of SLET include reduced risk of iatrogenic LSCD occurring in the healthy cornea at harvest; direct transfer circumventing the need for cell culture; and the opportunity to perform biopsy harvest and transplantation in one operation. Success so far using SLET is comparable with CLAU and CLET. Of note, 336 of 404 (83%) operations using SLET resulted in restoration of the corneal epithelium, whereas visual acuity improved in 258 of the 373 (69%) reported cases. This review summarizes the results of 31 studies published on SLET since 2012. Progress, advantages, challenges, and suggestions for future studies are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Jackson
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Håkon Ringstad
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Kim A Tønseth
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Darlene A Dartt
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tor P Utheim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
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Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. J Ophthalmol 2018; 2018:7894647. [PMID: 30050691 PMCID: PMC6040301 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7894647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification and characterization of the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) has proven to be a major accomplishment in anterior ocular surface biology. These cells have been shown to be a subpopulation of limbal epithelial basal cells, which serve as the progenitor population of the corneal epithelium. LESCs have been demonstrated to play an important role in maintaining corneal epithelium homeostasis. Many ocular surface diseases, including intrinsic (e.g., Sjogren's syndrome) or extrinsic (e.g., alkali or thermal burns) insults, which impair LESCs, can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). LSCD is characterized by an overgrowth of conjunctival-derived epithelial cells, corneal neovascularization, and chronic inflammation, eventually leading to blindness. Treatment of LSCD has been challenging, especially in bilateral total LSCD. Recently, advances in LESC research have led to novel therapeutic approaches for treating LSCD, such as transplantation of the cultured limbal epithelium. These novel therapeutic approaches have demonstrated efficacy for ocular surface reconstruction and restoration of vision in patients with LSCD. However, they all have their own limitations. Here, we describe the current status of LSCD treatment and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the available therapeutic modalities.
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Werkmeister RM, Sapeta S, Schmidl D, Garhöfer G, Schmidinger G, Aranha dos Santos V, Aschinger GC, Baumgartner I, Pircher N, Schwarzhans F, Pantalon A, Dua H, Schmetterer L. Ultrahigh-resolution OCT imaging of the human cornea. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 8:1221-1239. [PMID: 28271013 PMCID: PMC5330598 DOI: 10.1364/boe.8.001221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
We present imaging of corneal pathologies using optical coherence tomography (OCT) with high resolution. To this end, an ultrahigh-resolution spectral domain OCT (UHR-OCT) system based on a broad bandwidth Ti:sapphire laser is employed. With a central wavelength of 800 nm, the imaging device allows to acquire OCT data at the central, paracentral and peripheral cornea as well as the limbal region with 1.2 µm x 20 µm (axial x lateral) resolution at a rate of 140 000 A-scans/s. Structures of the anterior segment of the eye, not accessible with commercial OCT systems, are visualized. These include corneal nerves, limbal palisades of Vogt as well as several corneal pathologies. Cases such as keratoconus and Fuchs's endothelial dystrophy as well as infectious changes caused by diseases like Acanthamoeba keratitis and scarring after herpetic keratitis are presented. We also demonstrate the applicability of our system to visualize epithelial erosion and intracorneal foreign body after corneal trauma as well as chemical burns. Finally, results after Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) are imaged. These clinical cases show the potential of UHR-OCT to help in clinical decision-making and follow-up. Our results and experience indicate that UHR-OCT of the cornea is a promising technique for the use in clinical practice, but can also help to gain novel insight in the physiology and pathophysiology of the human cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- René M. Werkmeister
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Ocular and Dermal Effects of Thiomers, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabina Sapeta
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Singapore Eye Research Institute The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower Level 6, 169856, Singapore
| | - Doreen Schmidl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Garhöfer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Ocular and Dermal Effects of Thiomers, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Schmidinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Valentin Aranha dos Santos
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerold C. Aschinger
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Baumgartner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Niklas Pircher
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Schwarzhans
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anca Pantalon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Sf. Spiridon University Hospital, 16 Universitatii Str, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Harminder Dua
- Academic Section of Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust QMC campus, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Ocular and Dermal Effects of Thiomers, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Singapore Eye Research Institute The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower Level 6, 169856, Singapore
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore
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