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Alonso-Alonso S, Vázquez N, Chacón M, Caballero-Sánchez N, Del Olmo-Aguado S, Suárez C, Alfonso-Bartolozzi B, Fernández-Vega-Cueto L, Nagy L, Merayo-Lloves J, Meana A. An effective method for culturing functional human corneal endothelial cells using a xenogeneic free culture medium. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19492. [PMID: 37945668 PMCID: PMC10636196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46590-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a leading cause of corneal blindness in developed countries and the only available treatment is the endothelial transplantation. However, the limited availability of suitable donors remains a significant challenge, driving the exploration of alternative regenerative therapies. Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products show promise but must adhere to strict regulations that prohibit the use of animal-derived substances. This study investigates a novel culture methodology using Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) as the only source of growth factors for primary cultures of human corneal endothelial cells (CECs). CECs were obtained from discarded corneas or endothelial rings and cultured in two different media: one supplemented with xenogeneic factors and other xenogeneic-free, using PRGF. Comprehensive characterization through immunofluorescence, morphological analyses, trans-endothelial electrical resistance measurements, RNA-seq, and qPCR was conducted on the two groups. Results demonstrate that CECs cultured in the xenogeneic-free medium exhibit comparable gene expression, morphology, and functionality to those cultured in the xenogeneic medium. Notably, PRGF-expanded CECs share 46.9% of the gene expression profile with native endothelium and express all studied endothelial markers. In conclusion, PRGF provides an effective source of xenogeneic-free growth factors for the culture of CECs from discarded corneal tissue. Further studies will be necessary to demonstrate the applicability of these cultures to cell therapies that make clinical translation possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Alonso-Alonso
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - N Vázquez
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - M Chacón
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - N Caballero-Sánchez
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immunobiology. Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nuclear Receptor Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - S Del Olmo-Aguado
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - C Suárez
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - B Alfonso-Bartolozzi
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega. Avenida Doctores Fernández-Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - L Fernández-Vega-Cueto
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega. Avenida Doctores Fernández-Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - L Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nuclear Receptor Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 6Th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - J Merayo-Lloves
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - A Meana
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Unidad de Ingeniería Tisular, Centro Comunitario Sangre y Tejidos de Asturias (CCST), Unidad 714 CIBERER, Calle Emilio Rodríguez Vigil, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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2
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Parekh M, Romano D, Wongvisavavit R, Coco G, Giannaccare G, Ferrari S, Rocha-de-Lossada C, Levis HJ, Semeraro F, Calvo-de-Mora MR, Scorcia V, Romano V. DMEK graft: One size does not fit all. Acta Ophthalmol 2023; 101:e14-e25. [PMID: 35751171 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a popular procedure for the treatment of corneal endothelial diseases mainly targeting Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK). Although DMEK has multiple advantages, it is challenging in terms of graft preparation and delivery. One of the crucial factors of DMEK graft preparation is determining the size of the graft. Evaluating risks and benefits of transplanting larger or smaller grafts compared with the descemetorhexis performed following a standard DMEK procedure thus becomes important. Advanced techniques like pre-loaded DMEK requires pre-selection of graft diameter without physical examination of the eye making it more challenging. Therefore, recognizing the benefits of graft size and the number of transplanted endothelial cells becomes essential. Smaller DMEK grafts have been preferred and accepted for grafting. Larger diameter grafts have advantages but can be challenging due to higher detachment rates. We thus aim to review the challenges of preparing and delivering DMEK tissues with small or large diameter based on selected descemetorhexis area, discuss the outcomes based on different graft sizes, highlight related complications and suggest which cases may benefit from adopting smaller or larger graft size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Davide Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rintra Wongvisavavit
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Giulia Coco
- Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Carlos Rocha-de-Lossada
- Department of Ophthalmology (Qvision), Vithas Virgen del Mar Hospital, Almería, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Cirugia, Area de Oftalmologia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Hannah J Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francesco Semeraro
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Rodríguez Calvo-de-Mora
- Department of Ophthalmology (Qvision), Vithas Virgen del Mar Hospital, Almería, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Regional Universitario, Málaga, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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3
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Kopecny LR, Lee BWH, Coroneo MT. A systematic review on the effects of ROCK inhibitors on proliferation and/or differentiation in human somatic stem cells: A hypothesis that ROCK inhibitors support corneal endothelial healing via acting on the limbal stem cell niche. Ocul Surf 2023; 27:16-29. [PMID: 36586668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCKi) have attracted growing multidisciplinary interest, particularly in Ophthalmology where the question as to how they promote corneal endothelial healing remains unresolved. Concurrently, stem cell biology has rapidly progressed in unravelling drivers of stem cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation, where mechanical niche factors and the actin cytoskeleton are increasingly recognized as key players. There is mounting evidence from the study of the peripheral corneal endothelium that supports the likelihood of an internal limbal stem cell niche. The possibility that ROCKi stimulate the endothelial SC niche has not been addressed. Furthermore, there is currently a paucity of data that directly evaluates whether ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial healing by acting on this limbal SC niche located near the transition zone. Therefore, we performed a systematic review examining the effects ROCKi on the proliferation and differentiation of human somatic SC, to provide insight into its effects on various human SC populations. An appraisal of electronic searches of four databases identified 1 in vivo and 58 in vitro studies (36 evaluated proliferation while 53 examined differentiation). Types of SC studied included mesenchymal (n = 32), epithelial (n = 11), epidermal (n = 8), hematopoietic and other (n = 8). The ROCK 1/2 selective inhibitor Y-27632 was used in almost all studies (n = 58), while several studies evaluated ≥2 ROCKi (n = 4) including fasudil, H-1152, and KD025. ROCKi significantly influenced human somatic SC proliferation in 81% of studies (29/36) and SC differentiation in 94% of studies (50/53). The present systemic review highlights that ROCKi are influential in regulating human SC proliferation and differentiation, and provides evidence to support the hypothesis that ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial division and maintenance via acting on the inner limbal SC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd R Kopecny
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Brendon W H Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 2 South Wing, Edmund Blacket Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Minas T Coroneo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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4
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Aiello F, Gallo Afflitto G, Pocobelli G, Ponzin D, Nucci C. Effect of Covid-19 on Eye Banks and Corneal Transplantations: Current Perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:4345-4354. [PMID: 36606249 PMCID: PMC9809163 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s379849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exerted a great impact on medical practice, which was reframed according to the actual needs. Ophthalmological services and procedures including corneal transplantation did not represent an exception. The adoption and implementation of new standard operating procedures as well as of new technologies for remote consultation and smart-working reshaped daily activities of both eye bankers, physicians, researchers, and patients. Regulatory restrictions were issued redefining corneal donor eligibility criteria, as well as handling and harvesting procedures of donor ocular tissues. Surgical schedules underwent an abrupt contraction with prioritization of urgent procedures. Local lockdowns and confinement strategies resulted in both a reduction and redirection of research activities. The evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 colonization of ocular tissues, long-term corneal storage techniques, new disinfection strategies, split corneal transplants and cell-based therapies for the treatment of corneal disease peaked in the pipeline. Aim of this article is to summarizes the overall impact of the pandemic on the corneal transplantation machinery, and the current and future perspectives for the corneal transplant community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Aiello
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Correspondence: Francesco Aiello, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy, Email
| | - Gabriele Gallo Afflitto
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Giulio Pocobelli
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Carlo Nucci
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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5
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Clinical Outcomes of Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty With Endothelium Inward: A 24-Month Comparative Analysis Between Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy and Bullous Keratopathy. Cornea 2022:00003226-990000000-00121. [PMID: 36538420 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes of preloaded Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) between Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and bullous keratopathy (BK). METHODS In this single-center retrospective clinical case series, 71 eyes of 64 patients indicated with FECD (62%) or BK (38%) (with or without cataract) were treated with preloaded DMEK grafts between March 2018 and February 2020. Standard DMEK peeling, followed by manual folding of the tissue with endothelium-inward orientation and storing in a preloaded fashion inside a 2.2-mm intraocular lens cartridge. All tissues were delivered using a bimanual pull-through technique, followed by air tamponade. Graft unfolding time, endothelial cell loss, corrected distance visual acuity, central corneal thickness, rebubbling rate, and intraoperative and postoperative complications at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were recorded. RESULTS The mean intraoperative graft unfolding time in FECD did not differ from the BK group ( P = 0.6061). Cystoid macular edema did not differ in either group ( P = 0.6866). The rebubbling rate was found to be significantly higher in FECD compared with the BK group ( P = 0.0423). Corrected distance visual acuity significantly improved at the first month after surgery ( P = 0.0012), with no differences between FECD and BK at 24 months ( P = 0.2578). Central corneal thickness was stable postoperatively and showed no differences between the groups ( P = 0.3693). Significantly higher endothelial cell counts were observed in the FECD group at 24 months ( P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Preloaded DMEK with "endothelium-in" offers acceptable intraoperative time, rebubbling rate, and clinical outcomes in both FECD and BK groups. Patients with FECD show better postoperative clinical outcomes even if the rebubbling rate is relatively high.
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6
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Coco G, Romano V. Corneal Disease & Transplantation. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154432. [PMID: 35956050 PMCID: PMC9369630 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Coco
- Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Eye Clinic, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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7
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Parekh M, Wongvisavavit R, Cubero Cortes ZM, Wojcik G, Romano V, Tabernero SS, Ferrari S, Ahmad S. Alternatives to endokeratoplasty: an attempt towards reducing global demand of human donor corneas. Regen Med 2022; 17:461-475. [PMID: 35481361 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2021-0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is an anterior transparent tissue of the eye that enables the transmission of surrounding light to the back of the eye, which is essential for maintaining clear vision. Corneal endothelial diseases can lead to partial or total blindness; hence, surgical replacement of the diseased corneal tissue with a healthy cadaveric donor graft becomes necessary when the endothelium is damaged. Keratoplasties face a huge challenge due to a worldwide shortage in the supply of human donor corneas. Hence, alternative solutions such as cell or tissue engineering-based therapies have been investigated for reducing the global demand of donor corneas. This review aims at highlighting studies that have been successful at replacing partial or total endothelial keratoplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL,UK
| | - Rintra Wongvisavavit
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL,UK.,Faculty of Medicine & Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | | | - Gabriela Wojcik
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, 30174, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK.,Department of Ageing & Chronic Diseases, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8XL, UK
| | - Sara Sanchez Tabernero
- Cornea & external eye disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, 30174, Italy
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL,UK.,Cornea & external eye disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
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8
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Parekh M, Pedrotti E, Viola P, Leon P, Neri E, Bosio L, Bonacci E, Ruzza A, Kaye SB, Ponzin D, Ferrari S, Romano V. Factors Affecting the Success Rate of Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty With Endothelium-Inward Technique: A Multicenter Clinical Study. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 241:272-281. [PMID: 35288072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate factors affecting the outcomes of preloaded Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (pl-DMEK) with endothelium-inward. DESIGN Retrospective clinical case series and a comparative tissue preparation study. METHODS Participants: Fifty-five donor tissues for ex vivo study and 147 eyes of 147 patients indicated with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy with or without cataract. INTERVENTION Standardized DMEK peeling was performed with 9.5-mm-diameter trephination followed by second trephination for loading the graft (8.0-9.5 mm diameter). The tissues were manually preloaded with endothelium-inward and preserved for 4 days or shipped for transplantation. Live and dead assay and immunostaining was performed on ex vivo tissues. For the clinical study, the tissues were delivered using bimanual pull-through technique followed by air tamponade at all the centers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Tissue characteristics, donor and recipient factors, rebubbling rate, endothelial cell loss (ECL), and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS At day 4, significant cell loss (P = .04) was observed in pl-DMEK with loss of biomarker expression seen in prestripped and pl-DMEK tissues. Rebubbling was observed in 40.24% cases. Average ECL at 3, 6, and 12 months was 45.87%, 40.98%, and 47.54%, respectively. CDVA improved significantly at 3 months postoperation (0.23 ± 0.37 logMAR) (P < .01) compared to the baseline (0.79 ± 0.61 logMAR). A significant association (P < .05) between graft diameter, preservation time, recipient gender, gender mismatch, and recipient age to rebubbling rate was observed. CONCLUSION Graft loading to delivery time of pl-DMEK tissues in endothelium-inward fashion must be limited to 4 days after processing. Rebubbling rate and overall surgical outcomes following preloaded DMEK can be multifactorial and center-specific.
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9
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Parekh M, Rhys H, Ramos T, Ferrari S, Ahmad S. Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Human Corneal Endothelial Cells Inhibit Proliferation of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:753555. [PMID: 35186961 PMCID: PMC8854366 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.753555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) are a monolayer of hexagonal cells that are responsible for maintaining the function and transparency of the cornea. Damage or dysfunction of CEnCs could lead to blindness. Human CEnCs (HCEnCs) have shown limited proliferative capacity in vivo hence, their maintenance is crucial. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are responsible for inter- and intra-cellular communication, proliferation, cell-differentiation, migration, and many other complex biological processes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of EVs (derived from human corneal endothelial cell line–HCEC-12) on corneal endothelial cells. HCEC-12 cells were starved with serum-depleted media for 72 h. The media was ultracentrifuged at 100,000xg to isolate the EVs. EV counting, characterization, internalization and localization were performed using NanoSight, flow cytometry, Dil labeling and confocal microscopy respectively. HCEC-12 and HCEnCs were cultured with media supplemented with EVs. Extracted EVs showed a homogeneous mixture of exosomes and microvesicles. Cells with EVs decreased the proliferation rate; increased apoptosis and cell size; showed poor wound healing response in vitro and on ex vivo human, porcine, and rabbit CECs. Thirteen miRNAs were found in the EV sample using next generation sequencing. We observed that increased cellular uptake of EVs by CECs limit the proliferative capacity of HCEnCs. These preliminary data may help in understanding the pathology of corneal endothelial dysfunction and provide further insights in the development of future therapeutic treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hefin Rhys
- Flow Cytometry Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tiago Ramos
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca Degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Cornea and External Eye Disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Sajjad Ahmad
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10
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Abstract
Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) facilitate the function of maintaining the transparency of the cornea. Damage or dysfunction of CECs can lead to blindness, and the primary treatment is corneal transplantation. However, the shortage of cornea donors is a significant problem worldwide. Thus, cultured CEC therapy has been proposed and found to be a promising approach to overcome the lack of tissue supply. Unfortunately, CECs in humans rarely proliferate in vivo and, therefore, can be extremely challenging to culture in vitro. Several promising cell isolation and culture techniques have been proposed. Multiple factors affecting the success of cell expansion including donor characteristics, preservation and isolation methods, plating density, media preparation, transdifferentiation and biomarkers have been evaluated. However, there is no consensus on standard technique for CEC culture. This review aimed to determine the challenges and investigate potential options that would facilitate the standardization of CEC culture for research and therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rintra Wongvisavavit
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine & Public Health, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julie T Daniels
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Català P, Thuret G, Skottman H, Mehta JS, Parekh M, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Collin RWJ, Nuijts RMMA, Ferrari S, LaPointe VLS, Dickman MM. Approaches for corneal endothelium regenerative medicine. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 87:100987. [PMID: 34237411 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The state of the art therapy for treating corneal endothelial disease is transplantation. Advances in the reproducibility and accessibility of surgical techniques are increasing the number of corneal transplants, thereby causing a global deficit of donor corneas and leaving 12.7 million patients with addressable visual impairment. Approaches to regenerate the corneal endothelium offer a solution to the current tissue scarcity and a treatment to those in need. Methods for generating corneal endothelial cells into numbers that could address the current tissue shortage and the possible strategies used to deliver them have now become a therapeutic reality with clinical trials taking place in Japan, Singapore and Mexico. Nevertheless, there is still a long way before such therapies are approved by regulatory bodies and become clinical practice. Moreover, acellular corneal endothelial graft equivalents and certain drugs could provide a treatment option for specific disease conditions without the need of donor tissue or cells. Finally, with the emergence of gene modulation therapies to treat corneal endothelial disease, it would be possible to treat presymptomatic patients or those presenting early symptoms, drastically reducing the need for donor tissue. It is necessary to understand the most recent developments in this rapidly evolving field to know which conditions could be treated with which approach. This article provides an overview of the current and developing regenerative medicine therapies to treat corneal endothelial disease and provides the necessary guidance and understanding towards the treatment of corneal endothelial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Català
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gilles Thuret
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging of Corneal Graft, BiiGC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Heli Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-National University Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK; The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy; Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; Ophthalmology, Visual Optics and Visual Rehabilitation, Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rudy M M A Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Vanessa L S LaPointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mor M Dickman
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Parekh M, Ramos T, O’Sullivan F, Meleady P, Ferrari S, Ponzin D, Ahmad S. Human corneal endothelial cells from older donors can be cultured and passaged on cell-derived extracellular matrix. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:e512-e522. [PMID: 32914525 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of culturing human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnCs) from older donors on extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from human corneal endothelial cell line (HCEC-12). METHODS HCEC-12 cells were cultured on lab-tek chamber slides for 9 days. Upon confluence, the cells were ruptured using ammonium hydroxide leaving the released ECM on the slide surface which was visualized using scanning electron microscope (SEM). HCEnCs from old aged donor tissues (n = 40) were isolated and cultured on either fibronectin-collagen (FNC) or HCEC-12 ECM at passage (P) 0. At subsequent passages (P1 and P2), cells were sub-cultured on FNC and ECM separately. Live/dead analysis and tight junction using ZO-1 staining were used to record percentage viability and morphological changes. The protein composition of HCEC-12 ECM was then analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS SEM images showed long fibrillar-like structures and a fully laid ECM upon confluence. HCEnCs cultured from older donor tissues on this ECM showed significantly better proliferation and morphometric characteristics at subsequent passages. Out of 1307 proteins found from the HCEC-12 derived ECM, 93 proteins were evaluated to be matrix oriented out of which 20 proteins were exclusively found to be corneal endothelial specific. CONCLUSIONS ECM derived from HCEC-12 retains protein and growth factors that stimulate the growth of HCEnCs. As the current clinical trials are from younger donors that are not available routinely for cell culture, HCEnCs from older donors can be cultured on whole ECM and passaged successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
| | - Tiago Ramos
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
| | | | | | | | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus Venice Italy
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
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Parekh M, Ruzza A, Gallon P, Ponzin D, Ahmad S, Ferrari S. Synthetic media for preservation of corneal tissues deemed for endothelial keratoplasty and endothelial cell culture. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:314-325. [PMID: 32914554 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the difference between various endothelial graft preparation methods and endothelial cell culture from tissues that are preserved in serum-based and synthetic medium. METHODS In a randomized masked study, the tissues (n = 64) were preserved in Cornea Max (serum-based) and Cornea Syn (synthetic) series for 36 days at their respective preservation conditions. Following organ culture, corneal tissues (n = 48) were used to prepareDescemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), preloaded ultra-thin (UT) -DSAEK, prestripped Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), free-floating DMEK, and preloaded DMEK with endothelium inward and outward grafts. These tissues were preserved for another 4days at room temperature in dextran supplemented media following which they were subjected to trypan blue, alizarin red, live/dead and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) staining. A separate set of tissues (n = 16) from both the series was used for human corneal endothelial cell (HCEnC) culture. At confluence, the proliferation and cell doubling rate was calculated and the cultured cells were subjected to live/dead, ZO-1, 2A12 and Ki-67 staining. Mann-Whitney test was performed with p < 0.05 deemed statistically significant. RESULTS After preparation and preservation of the tissues for endothelial keratoplasty, alizarin red showed standard endothelial morphology from both the groups. Endothelial cell loss, hexagonality and uncovered areas did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between both groups. For HCEnC, cell doubling rate was 4.7 days (p > 0.05). All the antibodies were expressed in both the groups. Hexagonality, polymorphism, cell area, viable/dead cells and Ki-67 positivity were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Complete synthetic organ culture series is safe and advantageous for carrying out advanced endothelial keratoplasty graft preparation procedures and for HCEnC culture as it is free from animal or animal-derived products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus Venice Italy
| | - Alessandro Ruzza
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus Venice Italy
| | - Paola Gallon
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus Venice Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus Venice Italy
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus Venice Italy
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Ruzza A, Parekh M, Avoni L, Wojcik G, Ferrari S, Desneux L, Ponzin D, Levis HJ, Romano V. Ultra-thin DSAEK using an innovative artificial anterior chamber pressuriser: a proof-of-concept study. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259:1871-1877. [PMID: 33907884 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the impact of establishing and maintaining a high intracameral pressure (ICP) of 200 mmHg on UT-DSAEK graft preparation using an artificial anterior chamber pressuriser (ACP) control unit (Moria SA, Antony, France). METHOD Retrospective laboratory and clinical study. Four paired donor corneas were mounted on an artificial anterior chamber and subjected to 70 mmHg ("low") and 200 mmHg ("high") ICP using an ACP system. The central corneal thinning rate was measured after 5 min using AS-OCT and the endothelial cell viability was analysed using trypan blue and live/dead staining following 70 mmHg and 200 mmHg ICP. Visual outcomes and complications in a clinical case series of nine patients with bullous keratopathy who underwent UT-DSAEK using 200 mmHg ICP during graft preparation are reported. RESULTS Laboratory outcomes showed 2 ± 1% and 2 ± 2% dead cells following 70 mmHg and 200 mmHg ICP respectively. Percentage viability in the 70 mmHg group (52.94 ± 5.88%) was not found to be significantly different (p = 0.7) compared to the 200 mmHg group (59.14 ± 10.43%). The mean corneal thinning rate after applying 200 mmHg ICP was 27 ± 13 μm/min centrally (7.2%/min). In the clinical case series, two cases were combined with cataract surgery. Re-bubbling rate was 11%. At the last follow-up (259 ± 109 days), graft thickness was 83 ± 22 μm centrally, endothelial cell density was 1175 ± 566 cell/mm2 and the BCVA of 0.08 ± 0.12 logMAR was recorded with no episodes of rejection. CONCLUSION ACP control unit for UT-DSAEK graft preparation helps in consistently obtaining UT-DSAEK grafts without compromising endothelial cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ruzza
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Via Padiglione Rama, Zelarino, 30174, Venice, Italy.
| | - Mohit Parekh
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Via Padiglione Rama, Zelarino, 30174, Venice, Italy
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Luca Avoni
- Unita Operativa Oculistica Di Ravenna, Azienda USL Della Romagna, Emilia Romagna, Italy
| | - Gabriela Wojcik
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Via Padiglione Rama, Zelarino, 30174, Venice, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Via Padiglione Rama, Zelarino, 30174, Venice, Italy
| | | | - Diego Ponzin
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Via Padiglione Rama, Zelarino, 30174, Venice, Italy
| | - Hannah J Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Instituto Universitario Fernandez-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo and Fundacion de Investigacion on Oftalmologica, Oviedo, Spain
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Wojcik G, Ferrari S, Romano V, Ponzin D, Ahmad S, Parekh M. Corneal storage methods: considerations and impact on surgical outcomes. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2021.1829476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Wojcik
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Diego Ponzin
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Cornea and external eye disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, UK
| | - Mohit Parekh
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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Parekh M, Peh G, Mehta JS, Ramos T, Ponzin D, Ahmad S, Ferrari S. Passaging capability of human corneal endothelial cells derived from old donors with and without accelerating cell attachment. Exp Eye Res 2019; 189:107814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Increasing Donor Endothelial Cell Pool by Culturing Cells from Discarded Pieces of Human Donor Corneas for Regenerative Treatments. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:2525384. [PMID: 31428467 PMCID: PMC6679880 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2525384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate if the peripheral corneal endothelium that is usually discarded after a corneal transplant could be used for endothelial cell culture. Methods Donor corneas (n = 19) with a mean age of 72 years, male : female ratio of 15 : 4, and death-to-preservation time of 10 hours were assessed for endothelial cell density (ECD) and number of dead cells before isolation. Alizarin red staining (n = 3) was performed to check the morphology of cells in the center and periphery. Descemet's membrane-endothelial complex was peeled from the center (8.25 mm) and the periphery (2.75 mm) and plated in two different wells of an 8-well chamber slide with media refreshed every alternate day. The confluence rate was monitored by microscopy. Live/dead analysis was performed (n = 3) at confluence. Tag-2A12 as a monoclonal antibody against peroxiredoxin-6 (Prdx-6) (n = 4), ZO-1 (zonula occludens-1) as a tight junction protein (n = 4), and Ki-67 as a proliferative cell marker (n = 4) were used to characterize the cells at confluence. Results At confluence, 8.25% average increase in the number of cells was observed from the central zone compared with 16.5% from the peripheral zone. Proliferation rate, hexagonality, Ki-67 positivity, and the cell area did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). All the proteins corresponding to the biomarkers tested were expressed in both the groups. Conclusions Although there are significantly fewer amounts of peripheral cells available after graft preparation for keratoplasty, these cells can still be used for endothelial cell culture due to their proliferative capability. The peripheral cells that are discarded after graft preparation can thus be utilized to increase the donor endothelial cell pool for regenerative treatments.
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