Assessment of performance and safety of Corneal Chamber hypothermic storage medium and PSS-L corneal rinsing solution in human and porcine corneas

PURPOSE

To prove the safety and performance of the hypothermic corneal storage medium "Corneal Chamber" and the rinsing solution "PSS-L" in support of the new Conformité Européenne (CE) certification process in accordance with the Medical Device Regulation.

METHODS

Fifteen (n=15) human donor corneas and 11 (n=11) porcine corneas were evaluated for the following parameters: endothelial cell density (ECD) and mortality, percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX%), coefficient of cellular area variation (CV%) and corneal transparency at Day 0 and after 14±1 days of storage in Corneal Chamber medium at 2-8°C. Then, the same parameters were assessed after rinsing of corneas in PSS-L for 1 min at room temperature. Evaluation of gentamicin sulfate carryover after corneal storage and PSS-L rinsing was performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography analysis on human corneas homogenates.

RESULTS

Human and porcine corneas stored in Corneal Chamber medium showed a good overall quality of the tissue according to the quality parameters evaluated. In particular, mean ECD, HEX% and CV% did not show statistically significant changes at the end of storage and endothelial mortality increased to 3.1±3.3 and 7.8±3.5% in human and porcine corneas, respectively. Tissue rinsing with PSS-L did not affect the quality parameters evaluated before and gentamicin sulfate residues were absent in human corneas.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal preservation in Corneal Chamber medium at 2-8°C for 14 days and the corneal rinse with PSS-L are safe and effective procedures allowing the preservation of the corneal quality parameters as well as the complete elimination of gentamicin sulfate from the tissues before transplantation.Cite Now.

Selective ILM Staining and Safety of Two Vital Dyes During a Human-Like Pars Plana Vitrectomy Ex Vivo in Porcine Eyes

PURPOSE

An ideal dye for intraocular use should effectively stain the target tissue while being easy to apply and remove. Additionally, it should not have any adverse effects resulting from prolonged contact with the retinal tissue. Recently, concerns have been raised about the safety of some vital dyes during surgical procedures as they may cross the internal limiting membrane and deposit on the retina. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether commercially available vital dyes, VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® (AL.CHI.MI.A. S.r.l., Ponte San Nicolò, Padova, Italy), have the potential to cross the internal limiting membrane during vitreoretinal surgery and deposit on the retina. Furthermore, we evaluated their safety in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

A human-like pars plana vitrectomy was performed on porcine eyes ex vivo, with VIEW-ILM® or TWIN® used to stain the internal limiting membrane either with or without subsequent internal limiting membrane peeling. The two dyes were then extracted from retinal punches with or without internal limiting membrane, and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. Safety was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity tests and in vivo skin sensitization and irritation tests according to ISO standards.

RESULTS

High performance liquid chromatography analyses demonstrated that VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® effectively stained the internal limiting membrane without crossing the membrane. No residual dyes were found in the retinal layers after internal limiting membrane removal. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo safety tests confirmed the absence of cytotoxicity, skin sensitization, and irritation.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study support the safety and efficacy of VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® for internal limiting membrane staining. The experimental protocol described in this study could be utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of vital dyes.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant-Based Interventional Medicine in Ophthalmology

The different anatomical compartments of the eye are highly subjected to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation due to internal factors, such as metabolic high oxygen consumption, as well as environmental factors, including UV light. An antioxidant defense system is endowed in the eye tissues to regulate ROS quantity and activity. When this homeostatic system is overwhelmed, oxidative stress occurs, causing cellular damage, chronic inflammation, and tissue degeneration. It also plays a significant role in the development and progression of various ocular diseases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress in ocular conditions is thus crucial for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. To track marketed products based on antioxidant substances as active ingredients, the databases of the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were consulted. Only a limited number of items were identified, which were either used as therapeutic treatment or during ocular surgery, including antioxidants, synthetical derivatives, or pro-drugs designed to enhance tissue permeation and activity. This review aims to provide an overview of the primary ocular pathologies associated with oxidative stress and of the available pharmacological interventions centered around antioxidant molecules. Such insights are essential for advancing the development of effective prevention and novel treatment approaches.

P14-A117 Assessment of performance and safety of corneal chamber hypothermic storage and PSS-L corneal rinsing in human and porcine corneas

PURPOSE

To prove the safety and performance of the hypothermic corneal storage medium Corneal Chamber, containing Eusol-C solution (AL.CHI.MI.A. S.r.l.) and of the rinsing solution PSS-L (AL.CHI.MI.A. S.r.l.) in support to the new CE certification process in accordance to the EU 2017/745 Medical Device Regulation METHODS: Fifteen (n=15) human donor corneas unsuitable for transplantation and n=11 porcine corneas were evaluated for the following quality parameters: ECD, HEX%, CV%, endothelial morphology, endothelial mortality and transparency at day 0 and after 14±1 days (day 14) of storage in Corneal Chamber at 2-8°C. Then, corneas were rinsed in PSS-L for 1' at room temperature (RT) and the same parameters were assessed Post Rinsing (Day 14PR). In order to evaluate the antimicrobial carryover after the corneal storage in Corneal Chamber(14 days at 4°C), gentamicin sulphate was quantified in human and porcine corneas homogenates by UHPLC.

RESULTS

Human and porcine corneas stored in Corneal Chamber at 2-8°C for 14 days showed a good overall quality of the tissue according to quality parameters evaluated. In particular, mean ECD, HEX% and CV% did not show statistically significant changes at the end of storage and endothelial mortality increased of 3.1±3.3% in human corneas and 7.8±3.5% in porcine corneas. Slight variations in endothelial morphology score and corneal transparency were observed. Rinsing with PSS-L did not negatively affect the quality parameters evaluated before and after rinsing and gentamicin sulfate residues were completely removed.

CONCLUSION

The storage of corneal tissues in Corneal Chamber at 2-8°C for 14 days and the corneal rinse with 30 ml of PSS-L at RT for 1 min are safe and effective procedures allowing the preservation of the corneal quality parameters including ECD, endothelial mortality, endothelial morphology, HEX%, CV%, and corneal transparency and the elimination of gentamicin sulfate from the tissues before transplantation.

P12-A107 Porcine cornea ex vivo model as an alternative to human donor tissues for investigating new preservation conditions

PURPOSE

Considering the growing shortage of corneal tissues for research, the present study aimed to develop and optimize a porcine cornea model with qualitative features comparable to those of human tissues.

METHODS

A new decontamination procedure of porcine eye bulbs was set up and its efficacy as well as endothelial mortality were evaluated. Human corneas unsuitable for transplant and porcine corneas were then compared after storage under hypothermic (4-8°C, Eusol-C, AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L) or organ-culture (31-35°C, Tissue-C, AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L) storage conditions for 14 days. A new method, based on the semi-automatic analysis of Trypan-blue stained endothelial areas by Fiji software, was developed to quantify the whole endothelium viability. Corneas were assessed for central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal transparency, endothelial morphology, and endothelial cell density (ECD) at days 0, 7, and 14 of storage. Portions of lamellar tissues consisting of Descemet's membrane and endothelial cells were prepared for histological investigations.

RESULTS

The new decontamination procedure of porcine eye bulbs resulted in 18% versus 89% ('no decontamination' control) of corneas still contaminated after 28 days of storage at 31°C. The decontamination protocol did not affect endothelium viability, as assessed by the new Fiji-based method. ECD (porcine: 3156 ± 144 cells/mm2; human: 2287 ± 152 cells/mm2), CCT (porcine: 1073 ± 151 µm; human: 581 ± 39 µm), transparency (porcine: 88.6 ± 11.0%; human: 76.3 ± 5.4%), and morphology score (porcine: 4.0 ± 0.0; human: 3.2 ± 0.4) measured in the porcine cornea at day 0 were significantly higher than in human corneas. Nonetheless, the qualitative parameters of porcine and human corneas showed comparable trends during the storage under hypothermic (4-8°C) and organ-culture (31-35°C) conditions for 14 days.

CONCLUSION

The presented porcine cornea model represents a reliable and alternative model to human donor tissues for preliminary investigations and can be used for testing new media, substances, drugs, or preservation conditions and their impact on corneal tissue quality and safety. Furthermore, the quantitative method to assess whole endothelium mortality can be implemented at eye banks for the evaluation of corneas intended for transplantation.

P15-A112 Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) graft preparation in porcine cornea

PURPOSE

Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a frequently used treatment option for patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to set up a method to prepare porcine DMEK grafts and to simulate DMEK surgery in porcine eye bulbs in order to establish an ex-vivo-model for laboratory investigations on DMEK surgery conditions.

METHODS

Ten (n=10) porcine eye bulbs from domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica), between 6 and 8 months old, were recovered at a local slaughterhouse, transported on ice and processed within 2 h after death. Porcine eye bulbs were decontaminated by immersion in 10 mL of 5% povidone-iodine and corneas were dissected under aseptic conditions, leaving approximately 2 mm of the scleral rim. DMEK grafts were prepared by means of mechanical stripping technique using specific surgical instruments for DMEK (Moria, France) on fresh corneas (n=2) and on corneas stored in Eusol-C (AL.CHI.MI.A. Srl, Italy) at 4°C for 7 days (n=4) and for 14 days (n=4). Endothelial cell (EC) density was compared before DMEK-preparation (specular and light microscopy on trypan blue stained tissues) and after DMEK-preparation (fluorescence microscopy on Calcein-AM stained tissues). DMEK graft injection was simulated in anterior chamber of fresh porcine eye bulbs.

RESULTS

The porcine DMEK grafts preparation resulted to be more challenging compared to human DMEK grafts. Despite similarity between human and porcine corneas, porcine Descemet membrane (DM) firmly adheres to the underlying stroma. DMEK grafts preparation was not successful at day 0; DMEK preparation was possible by mechanical stripping technique on corneas stored in Eusol-C for 7 and 14 days obtaining naturally rolled endo-out porcine DMEK grafts. An EC mortality increase up to 20% was observed on DMEK graft compared to initial whole corneal tissue. DMEK roll injection was successfully simulated in anterior chamber of the porcine eye bulb.

CONCLUSION

Naturally rolled DMEK endo-out grafts were successfully prepared by mechanical stripping technique on porcine corneal tissues stored in Eusol-C at 4°C (up to 14 days). DMEK Surgery including the tissue injection in anterior chamber could be simulated. Further studies will be performed to improve ex-vivo-porcine DMEK surgery model.

P20-A129 An innovative wound healing method reveals a donor and post-mortem time-dependent regeneration of corneal epithelium

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to establish and optimize a new and reproducible epithelial wound healing model on human corneas. This assay was used to study the kinetics of epithelial regeneration following a chemical injury.

METHODS

Thirty (n=30) human corneas unsuitable for transplant were used for the experiments. Corneas were cultured in Storagix medium (FBOV) at 31°C. Epithelial integrity before the beginning of the experiments (pre-wound) was assessed using the vital dyes trypan blue (TB, TB-S 0.25%, AL.CHI.MI.A. srl) and sodium fluorescein (Fluo). 1-heptanol soaked paper disks (6 mm) were applied in the centre of the corneas for 1' to trigger a chemical damage at the epithelial layer. Afterwards, sodium fluorescein and TB stainings were repeated to quantify the damaged area and to monitor healing progression. The damaged area (mm2) was calculated for each time point with Fiji software. Wound healing rate (HR, mm2/die) was calculated for both Fluo (HRF) and TB (HRTB) measurements using the previously described formula:Arithmetical averages (HRFAVG and HRTBAVG) of HRs were calculated and correlated by Pearson correlation coefficient with the following donor's parameters: age, sex, post-mortem time (PMT, time between death and tissue procurement), stromal defects, septicaemia, body temperature, diabetes.

RESULTS

The execution of the heptanol wounding is highly reproducible, as highlighted by Fluo and TB staining. The average time for full recovery from wounding was 3,8 ± 0,41 days for Fluo and 3,5 ± 0,63 days for TB. Fluo and TB stainings are interchangeable as they significantly correlate (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.630; p>0.05). A negative linear correlation was observed between HR and PMT (HRFAVG: corrected R2: 0.243, p = 0.003; HRTBAVG: corrected R2: 0,132, p = 0.028), but not with the other donors' parameters.

CONCLUSION

Our wound/healing model might be of great interest for studies of epithelial regeneration kinetics and validation of drugs for the treatment of ocular defects. The inverse correlation between PMT and HR provides valuable insights for scientists investigating the regenerative properties of the corneal epithelium, as well as for eye bank personnel aiming to preserve the regenerative potential of corneal epithelium.

Antioxidant Nutraceutical Strategies in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress Related Eye Diseases

This review aims to discuss the delicate balance between the physiological production of reactive oxygen species and the role of antioxidant nutraceutical molecules in managing radicals in the complex anatomical structure of the eye. Many molecules and enzymes with reducing and antioxidant potential are present in different parts of the eye. Some of these, such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, α-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and enzymatic antioxidants, are endogenously produced by the body. Others, such as plant-derived polyphenols and carotenoids, vitamins B2, C, and E, zinc and selenium, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, must be obtained through the diet and are considered essential nutrients. When the equilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen species and their scavenging is disrupted, radical generation overwhelms the endogenous antioxidant arsenal, leading to oxidative stress-related eye disorders and aging. Therefore, the roles of antioxidants contained in dietary supplements in preventing oxidative stress-based ocular dysfunctions are also discussed. However, the results of studies investigating the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation have been mixed or inconclusive, indicating a need for future research to highlight the potential of antioxidant molecules and to develop new preventive nutritional strategies.

Porcine Cornea Storage Ex Vivo Model as an Alternative to Human Donor Tissues for Investigations of Endothelial Layer Preservation

Purpose

Due to the growing shortage of human corneas for research, we developed a porcine cornea storage model with qualitative features comparable to human tissues.

Methods

We established a decontamination procedure for porcine eye bulbs to ensure corneal storage at 31°C to 35°C for up to 28 days without contamination. We compared human and porcine corneas under hypothermic (2-8°C) or culture (31-35°C) conditions for central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal transparency, endothelial morphology, endothelial cell density (ECD), and a novel method to quantify whole endothelial mortality. We also examined portions of lamellar tissues consisting of Descemet's membrane and endothelial cells under the microscope after Alizarin red staining.

Results

Our decontamination procedure reduced corneal contamination from 94% (control corneas without decontamination) to 18% after 28 days of storage at 31°C to 35°C. ECD, CCT, transparency, and morphology were significantly higher in porcine corneas than in human corneas at day 0. Nevertheless, the qualitative parameters of porcine and human corneas showed comparable trends under both investigated storage conditions for up to 14 days.

Conclusions

The presented corneal storage model provides a reliable alternative to human tissues for preliminary corneal investigations.

Translational Relevance

The porcine cornea storage model can be used to investigate the efficacy and safety of new media, substances, or storage conditions. Furthermore, the method developed to assess the percentage of endothelial mortality is tissue conservative and can be used in eye banks to monitor endothelial mortality during storage of tissues intended for transplantation.

18 A porcine cornea and lamellar tissue model to investigate effects of storage conditions on corneal preservation

BACKGROUND

Globally, more than 12 million people are awaiting corneal transplantation and cornea donor reduction has been observed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, negatively influencing the availability of human corneas for research purposes as well. Therefore, the exploitation of ex vivo animal models in this field is of great value.The present study aimed at the development of a novel experimental model of porcine cornea ex vivo and lamellar tissue preparation to investigate the effects of storage conditions on corneal preservation.

METHODS

Twelve fresh porcine eye bulbs were disinfected by immersion in 10 mL of 5% povidone-iodine under orbital mixing for 5 minutes at room temperature. The corneoscleral rims were dissected, and stored in Tissue-C (Alchimia S.r.l., n=6) at 31°C and in Eusol-C (Alchimia S.r.l., n=6) at 4°C up to 14 days.The evaluation of Endothelial Cell Density (ECD) and endothelial mortality was performed using vital dye Trypan Blue staining (TB-S, Alchimia S.r.l.). Digital 1X pictures of TB-stained corneal endothelium were acquired and percentage of stained area was quantified using FIJI ImageJ software. ECD and endothelial mortality were determined at 0, 3, 7 and 14 days.Medium turbidity detected by naked eye was considered as proof of tissue contamination.Additionally, non-vital staining of the endothelium with Alizarin Red (AR) was performed and the endothelial morphology was investigated at Day 14 in both whole corneas and dissected endothelial lamellae.

RESULTS

The contamination rate of porcine corneas corresponded to <10% and 0% in Tissue-C and Eusol-C after 14 days, respectively.Porcine corneas stored in Tissue-C and Eusol-C showed <10% and <20% mortality in Tissue-C and Eusol-C respectively at the end of storage.Preliminary ECD determination (range 3700-4100 cells/mm2) at Day 0 aligned with data present in the literature (Meltendorf et al., Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 2007).Whole cornea and dissected lamellae stained with TB and AR showed comparable endothelial morphology after incubation in Tissue-C and Eusol-C for 14 days. The lamellar tissue allowed endothelium morphology analysis at higher magnification compared to whole cornea.

CONCLUSION

The presented ex vivo porcine model allows evaluation of the performance and safety of storage conditions. Future perspectives of this method will be the extension of the porcine corneas storage up to 28 days.

Hydrogen peroxide is a neuronal alarmin that triggers specific RNAs, local translation of Annexin A2, and cytoskeletal remodeling in Schwann cells

Schwann cells are key players in neuro-regeneration: They sense "alarm" signals released by degenerating nerve terminals and differentiate toward a proregenerative phenotype, with phagocytosis of nerve debris and nerve guidance. At the murine neuromuscular junction, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a key signal of Schwann cells' activation in response to a variety of nerve injuries. Here we report that Schwann cells exposed to low doses of H₂O₂ rewire the expression of several RNAs at both transcriptional and translational levels. Among the genes positively regulated at both levels, we identified an enriched cluster involved in cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration, with the Annexin (Anxa) proteins being the most represented family. We show that both Annexin A2 (Anxa2) transcript and protein accumulate at the tips of long pseudopods that Schwann cells extend upon H₂O₂ exposure. Interestingly, Schwann cells reply to this signal and to nerve injury by locally translating Anxa2 in pseudopods, and undergo an extensive cytoskeleton remodeling. Our results show that, similarly to neurons, Schwann cells take advantage of local protein synthesis to change shape and move toward damaged axonal terminals to facilitate axonal regeneration.

Schwann cells are activated by ATP released from neurons in an in vitro cellular model of Miller Fisher syndrome

The neuromuscular junction is exposed to different types of insult, including mechanical trauma, toxins and autoimmune antibodies and, accordingly, has retained through evolution a remarkable ability to regenerate. Regeneration is driven by multiple signals that are exchanged among the cellular components of the junction. These signals are largely unknown. Miller Fisher syndrome is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome caused by autoimmune antibodies specific for epitopes of peripheral axon terminals. Using an animal model of Miller Fisher syndrome, we recently reported that a monoclonal anti-polysialoganglioside GQ1b antibody plus complement damages nerve terminals with production of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide, which activates Schwann cells. Several additional signaling molecules are likely to be involved in the activation of the regeneration program in these cells. Using an in vitro cellular model consisting of co-cultured primary neurons and Schwann cells, we found that ATP is released by neurons injured by the anti-GQ1b antibody plus complement. Neuron-derived ATP acts as an alarm messenger for Schwann cells, where it induces the activation of intracellular pathways, including calcium signaling, cAMP and CREB, which, in turn, produce signals that promote nerve regeneration. These results contribute to defining the cross-talk taking place at the neuromuscular junction when it is attacked by anti-gangliosides autoantibodies plus complement, which is crucial for nerve regeneration and is also likely to be important in other peripheral neuropathies.

ATP Released by Injured Neurons Activates Schwann Cells

Injured nerve terminals of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) can regenerate. This remarkable and complex response is governed by molecular signals that are exchanged among the cellular components of this synapse: motor axon nerve terminal (MAT), perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), and muscle fiber. The nature of signals that govern MAT regeneration is ill-known. In the present study the spider toxin α-latrotoxin has been used as tool to investigate the mechanisms underlying peripheral neuroregeneration. Indeed this neurotoxin induces an acute, specific, localized and fully reversible damage of the presynaptic nerve terminal, and its action mimics the cascade of events that leads to nerve terminal degeneration in injured patients and in many neurodegenerative conditions. Here we provide evidence of an early release by degenerating neurons of adenosine triphosphate as alarm messenger, that contributes to the activation of a series of intracellular pathways within Schwann cells that are crucial for nerve regeneration: Ca(2+), cAMP, ERK1/2, and CREB. These results contribute to define the cross-talk taking place among degenerating nerve terminals and PSCs, involved in the functional recovery of the NMJ.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 interacts with p21-activated kinase 6 to control neurite complexity in mammalian brain

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a causative gene for Parkinson's disease, but the physiological function and the mechanism(s) by which the cellular activity of LRRK2 is regulated are poorly understood. Here, we identified p21‐activated kinase 6 (PAK6) as a novel interactor of the GTPase/ROC domain of LRRK2. p21‐activated kinases are serine‐threonine kinases that serve as targets for the small GTP binding proteins Cdc42 and Rac1 and have been implicated in different morphogenetic processes through remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton such as synapse formation and neuritogenesis. Using an in vivo neuromorphology assay, we show that PAK6 is a positive regulator of neurite outgrowth and that LRRK2 is required for this function. Analyses of post‐mortem brain tissue from idiopathic and LRRK2 G2019S carriers reveal an increase in PAK6 activation state, whereas knock‐out LRRK2 mice display reduced PAK6 activation and phosphorylation of PAK6 substrates. Taken together, these results support a critical role of LRRK2 GTPase domain in cytoskeletal dynamics in vivo through the novel interactor PAK6, and provide a valuable platform to unravel the mechanism underlying LRRK2‐mediated pathophysiology.

We propose p21‐activated kinase 6 (PAK6) as a novel interactor of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), a kinase involved in Parkinson's disease (PD). In health, PAK6 regulates neurite complexity in the brain and LRRK2 is required for its function, (a) whereas PAK6 is aberrantly activated in LRRK2‐linked PD brain (b) suggesting that LRRK2 toxicity is mediated by PAK6.