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Sharma P, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Effects of hypoxia in the diabetic corneal stroma microenvironment. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109790. [PMID: 38224848 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Corneal dysfunctions associated with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), termed diabetic keratopathy (DK), can cause impaired vision and/or blindness. Hypoxia affects both Type 1 (T1DM) and Type 2 (T2DM) surprisingly, the role of hypoxia in DK is unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of hypoxia in vitro on primary human corneal stromal cells derived from Healthy (HCFs), and diabetic (T1DMs and T2DMs) subjects, by exposing them to normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (2% O2) conditions through 2D and 3D in vitro models. Our data revealed that hypoxia affected T2DMs by slowing their wound healing capacity, leading to significant alterations in oxidative stress-related markers, mitochondrial health, cellular homeostasis, and endoplasmic reticulum health (ER) along with fibrotic development. In T1DMs, hypoxia significantly modulated markers related to membrane permeabilization, oxidative stress via apoptotic marker (BAX), and protein degradation. Hypoxic environment induced oxidative stress (NOQ1 mediated reduction of superoxide in T1DMs and Nrf2 mediated oxidative stress in T2DMs), modulation in mitochondrial health (Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), and dysregulation of cellular homeostasis (HSP90) in both T1DMs and T2DMs. This data underscores the significant impact of hypoxia on the diabetic cornea. Further studies are warranted to delineate the complex interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purnima Sharma
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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2
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Priyadarsini S, McKay TB, Escandon P, Nicholas SE, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Cell sheet-based approach to study the diabetic corneal stroma. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109717. [PMID: 37944849 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109717] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged hyperglycemia during diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe complications that may affect both the anterior and posterior ocular segments, leading to impaired vision or blindness. The cornea is a vital part of the eye that has a dual role as a protective transparent barrier and as a major refractive structure and is likewise negatively affected by hyperglycemia in DM. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic changes associated with DM is critical to developing targeted therapies to promote tissue integrity. In this proof-of-concept study, we applied a cell sheet-based approach to generate stacked constructs of physiological corneal thickness using primary human corneal fibroblasts isolated from cadaveric control (healthy), Type 1 DM and Type 2 DM corneal tissues. Self-assembled corneal stromal sheets were generated after 2 weeks in culture, isolated, and subsequently assembled to create stacked constructs, which were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of gene expression patterns revealed significant downregulation of fibrotic markers, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type 3, with stacking in Type 2 DM constructs when compared to controls. IGF1 expression was significantly upregulated in Type 2 DM constructs compared to controls with a significant reduction induced by stacking. This study describes the development of a thicker, self-assembled corneal stromal construct as a platform to evaluate phenotypic differences associated with DM-derived corneal fibroblasts and enable the development of targeted therapeutics to promote corneal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Tina B McKay
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Paulina Escandon
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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3
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Escandon P, Nicholas SE, Vasini B, Cunningham RL, Murphy DA, Riaz KM, Karamichos D. Selective Modulation of the Keratoconic Stromal Microenvironment by FSH and LH. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1762-1775. [PMID: 36822267 PMCID: PMC10726429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) affects the corneal structure, with thinning and bulging outward into a conelike shape. Irregular astigmatism and decreased visual acuity appear during puberty and progress into the mid-30s, with unpredictable disease severity. The cause of KC is recognized as multifactorial, but remains poorly understood. Hormone imbalances are a significant modulator of the onset of KC. This study sought to investigate the role of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in KC, using a three-dimensional, self-assembled matrix in vitro model. Healthy corneal fibroblasts and human KC cells in the corneal stroma were isolated, cultured, and stimulated with stable vitamin C to promote extracellular matrix assembly. Cultures were further stimulated with 2.5 or 10 mIU/mL FSH and 5 or 35 mIU/mL LH. Samples were evaluated for cell proliferation and morphology via BrdU assay and imaging; protein expression was assessed via Western blot analysis. Proliferation was significantly greater in human KC cells compared to healthy corneal fibroblasts with LH stimulation, but no changes were found with FSH stimulation. Additionally, in sex hormone receptors, fibrotic markers, proteoglycans, and members of the gonadotropin signaling pathway were significantly changed, largely driven by exogenous LH. The impact of exogenous FSH/LH in the KC stromal microenvironment was demonstrated. These results highlight the need to further examine the role of FSH/LH in KC and in human corneal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Escandon
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Brenda Vasini
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - David A Murphy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kamran M Riaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
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4
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Metabolomics in Corneal Diseases: A Narrative Review from Clinical Aspects. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030380. [PMID: 36984820 PMCID: PMC10055016 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal pathologies may have subtle manifestations in the initial stages, delaying diagnosis and timely treatment. This can lead to irreversible visual loss. Metabolomics is a rapidly developing field that allows the study of metabolites in a system, providing a complementary tool in the early diagnosis and management of corneal diseases. Early identification of biomarkers is key to prevent disease progression. The advancement of nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry allows the identification of new biomarkers in the analysis of tear, cornea, and aqueous humor. Novel perspectives on disease mechanisms are identified, which provide vital information for potential targeted therapies in the future. Current treatments are analyzed at a molecular level to offer further information regarding their efficacy. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the metabolomic studies undertaken in the cornea and various pathologies such as dry eye disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, keratoconus, post-refractive surgery, contact lens wearers, and diabetic corneas. Lastly, we discuss the exciting future that metabolomics plays in cornea research.
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Shu DY, Chaudhary S, Cho KS, Lennikov A, Miller WP, Thorn DC, Yang M, McKay TB. Role of Oxidative Stress in Ocular Diseases: A Balancing Act. Metabolites 2023; 13:187. [PMID: 36837806 PMCID: PMC9960073 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis is a delicate balancing act of maintaining appropriate levels of antioxidant defense mechanisms and reactive oxidizing oxygen and nitrogen species. Any disruption of this balance leads to oxidative stress, which is a key pathogenic factor in several ocular diseases. In this review, we present the current evidence for oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions affecting both the anterior segment (e.g., dry eye disease, keratoconus, cataract) and posterior segment (age-related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma) of the human eye. We posit that further development of therapeutic interventions to promote pro-regenerative responses and maintenance of the redox balance may delay or prevent the progression of these major ocular pathologies. Continued efforts in this field will not only yield a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ocular diseases but also enable the identification of novel druggable redox targets and antioxidant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Y. Shu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - William P. Miller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David C. Thorn
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Menglu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tina B. McKay
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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6
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Liang W, Ma JX, Van L, Vasini B, Karamichos D. Prolactin-Induced Protein facilitates corneal wound healing. Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109300. [PMID: 36328302 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of Prolactin-Induced Protein (PIP) in corneal wound healing, in vivo and in vitro. In C57BL/6J mice, corneal epithelia was removed using an ocular burr. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PIP (0.5 and 1.0 μg/mL) was applied topically or subconjunctivally injected. PIP accelerated wound closure as early as 24 h. PIP treatment promoted corneal wound healing and epithelial integrity and thickness. Integrin α6, integrin β4, Thrombospondin-1, and TGF-β1 expressions were all downregulated by PIP after wound closure. In vitro, scratch assays were performed using primary human epithelial cells (HCECs) and human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs), stimulated with PIP at various dosages. PIP treatment promoted both HCECs and HCFs migration. PIP upregulated expression of integrin α6, integrin β4, and Thrombospondin-1 in HCECs. Expression of TGF-β1 in HCECs and expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and Type III Collagen (Col III) in HCFs were significantly downregulated at 150 ng/mL PIP. PIP exhibits noteworthy anti-fibrotic potentiality. While the mechanism of how PIP is impactful on the corneal wound healing cascade is unknown, our findings are novel and further studies are warranted in order to unravel any therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lyly Van
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Brenda Vasini
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
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Unravelling Novel Roles of Salivary Exosomes in the Regulation of Human Corneal Stromal Cell Migration and Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084330. [PMID: 35457149 PMCID: PMC9024472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary exosomes have demonstrated vast therapeutic and diagnostic potential in numerous diseases. This study pioneers previously unexplored roles of SE in the context of corneal wound healing by utilizing primary corneal stromal cells from healthy (HCFs), type I diabetes mellitus (T1DMs), type II DM (T2DMs), and keratoconus (HKCs) subjects. Purified, healthy human SEs carrying tetraspanins CD9+, CD63+, and CD81+ were utilized. Scratch and cell migration assays were performed after 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h following SE stimulation (5 and 25 µg/mL). Significantly slower wound closure was observed at 6 and 12 h in HCFs with 5 μg/mL SE and T1DMs with 5 and 25 μg/mL SE. All wounds were closed by 24-hour, post-wounding. HKCs, T1DMs, and T2DMs with 25µg/mL SE exhibited a significant upregulation of cleaved vimentin compared to controls. Thrombospondin 1 was significantly upregulated in HCFs, HKCs, and T2DMs with 25 µg/mL SE. Lastly, HKCs, T1DMs, and T2DMs exhibited a significant downregulation of fibronectin with 25 μg/mL SE. Whether SEs can be utilized to clinical settings in restoring corneal defects is unknown. This is the first-ever study exploring the role of SEs in corneal wound healing. While the sample size was small, results are highly novel and provide a strong foundation for future studies.
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Heydarian M, Rühl E, Rawal R, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Tissue Models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research—From 2D to 3D. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840122. [PMID: 35223556 PMCID: PMC8873371 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen that causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disease progression, drug discovery, and basic host-pathogen interactions are studied using different approaches, which rely on models ranging from 2D cell culture to complex 3D tissues and animals. In this review, we discuss the models used in N. gonorrhoeae research. We address both in vivo (animal) and in vitro cell culture models, discussing the pros and cons of each and outlining the recent advancements in the field of three-dimensional tissue models. From simple 2D monoculture to complex advanced 3D tissue models, we provide an overview of the relevant methodology and its application. Finally, we discuss future directions in the exciting field of 3D tissue models and how they can be applied for studying the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with host cells under conditions closely resembling those found at the native sites of infection.
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Terceiro LEL, Blanchard AAA, Edechi CA, Freznosa A, Triggs-Raine B, Leygue E, Myal Y. Generation of prolactin-inducible protein (Pip) knockout mice by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene engineering. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 100:86-91. [PMID: 34379992 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin-inducible protein (PIP) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that is highly expressed and found in the secretions of apocrine glands such as salivary, lacrimal, and sweat glands including the mammary glands. PIP has been implicated in various diseases, including breast cancer, gross cystic disease of the breast, keratoconus of the eye, and the autoimmune Sjögren's syndrome. Here we have generated a Pip knockout (KO) mouse using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRSPR-associated (Cas)9 system. The Cas9 protein and two single guide RNAs targeting specific regions for both exons 1 and 2 of the Pip gene were microinjected into mouse embryos. The deletions and insertions promoted by CRISPR/Cas9 system on the Pip gene successfully disrupted Pip protein coding, as confirmed by PCR genotyping, sequencing, and ultimately Western blot analysis. This mouse model was generated in the inbred C57Bl/6J mouse, which exhibits lower genetic variation. This novel CRISPR Pip KO mouse model will not only be useful for future studies to interrogate the multifunctional role of PIP in physiological processes but will facilitate a broader understanding of the function of PIP in vivo while providing unprecedented insight into its role in a spectrum of diseases attributed to the deregulation of the PIP gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E L Terceiro
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Anne A A Blanchard
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Chidalu A Edechi
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Agnes Freznosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Barbara Triggs-Raine
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Etienne Leygue
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
- CancerCareManitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Yvonne Myal
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- CancerCareManitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
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FAK Inhibition Attenuates Corneal Fibroblast Differentiation In Vitro. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11111682. [PMID: 34827680 PMCID: PMC8616004 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal fibrosis (or scarring) occurs in response to ocular trauma or infection, and by reducing corneal transparency, it can lead to visual impairment and blindness. Studies highlight important roles for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and -β3 as modulators in corneal wound healing and fibrosis, leading to increased extracellular matrix (ECM) components and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a myofibroblast marker. In this study, human corneal fibroblasts (hCF) were cultured as a monolayer culture (2D) or on poly-transwell membranes to generate corneal stromal constructs (3D) that were treated with TGF-β1, TGF-β3, or TGF-β1 + FAK inhibitor (FAKi). Results show that hCF 3D constructs treated with TGF-β1 or TGF-β3 impart distinct effects on genes involved in wound healing and fibrosis—ITGAV, ITGB1, SRC and ACTA2. Notably, in the 3D construct model, TGF-β1 enhanced αSMA and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein expression, whereas TGF-β3 did not. In addition, in both the hCF 2D cell and 3D construct models, we found that TGF-β1 + FAKi attenuated TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation, as shown by abrogated αSMA expression. This study concludes that FAK signaling is important for the onset of TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation, and FAK inhibition may provide a novel beneficial therapeutic avenue to reduce corneal scarring.
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11
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Stachon T, Latta L, Seitz B, Szentmáry N. Different mRNA expression patterns in keratoglobus and pellucid marginal degeneration keratocytes. Exp Eye Res 2021; 213:108804. [PMID: 34756941 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Alike keratoconus (KC), keratoglobus (KG) and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) belong to ectatic corneal diseases. While there are numerous studies on keratoconus pathophysiology, there is no exact knowledge on genetic and pathophysiological background of KG and PMD, so far. It is not yet clarified, whether KG and PMD are independent clinical entities or represent different stages of the same disease. Our purpose was to investigate key parameters concerning collagen synthesis, intracellular LOX expression and inflammation in corneal stromal cells of KG and PMD subjects, in vitro. METHODS Normal human keratocytes of corneas from the LIONS Cornea Bank Saar-Lor-Lux, Trier/Westpfalz and human keratocytes of KG and PMD patients were isolated and cultured as keratocytes. To examine Collagen I and V (Col I, Col V), heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47), Lysyl Oxidase (LOX), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) mRNA and protein expression in all cell types, quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis has been performed. RESULTS Col5A1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in KG and PMD keratocytes and LOX mRNA expression was significantly higher in KG-keratocytes, compared to controls. Col1A1, Hsp47 and NF-κB mRNA expression and the analyzed protein expressions did not differ from controls, in KG or PMD. CONCLUSIONS Col5A1 mRNA expression is decreased in KG and PMD and LOX mRNA expression is increased in KG. Therefore, the pathophysiology of KG and PMD differs from KC and these seem to be from KC independent entities. The explanation of the peripheral corneal thinning in KG and PMD must be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Stachon
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | - Lorenz Latta
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Nóra Szentmáry
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Homburg/Saar, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Chameettachal S, Puranik CJ, Veluthedathu MN, Chalil NB, John R, Pati F. Thickening of Ectatic Cornea through Regeneration Using Decellularized Corneal Matrix Injectable Hydrogel: A Strategic Advancement to Mitigate Corneal Ectasia. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7300-7313. [PMID: 35006959 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ectatic corneal diseases are a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive thinning and outward bulging of the cornea, resulting in vision impairment. A few attempts have been made to use cornea-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels for corneal tissue engineering; however, no studies have investigated its application in corneal ectasia. In this study, we have first developed an animal surgical model that mimics a few specific phenotypes of ectatic cornea. Later, we investigated the potential of decellularized cornea matrix hydrogels (dCMH) from both human and bovine sources in increasing the thickness of the cornea in the developed surgical model. Our data advocate that surgical stromal depletion can be followed to establish ectatic models and can also provide information on the biocompatibility of materials, its integration with native stroma, degradation over time, and tissue remodeling. We observed that dCMH from both sources could integrate with ectatic thin corneal stroma and helps in regaining the thickness by regenerating a reasonably functional and transparent stroma; however, no significant difference was spotted between the dCMH made from human and bovine corneal tissue sources. Hence, this study is a promising step toward developing a non-invasive technique for the treatment of corneal ectasia by using dCMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibu Chameettachal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Charuta J Puranik
- Oculus Regenerus Eye Care and Research Center, Nanalnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India
| | - Mohamed Nijas Veluthedathu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Najathulla Bhagavathi Chalil
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy , Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Renu John
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Falguni Pati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 502284, India
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Zhang L, Fang C, Wu Q. Ophthalmic Delivery of Riboflavin Loaded Nanoparticulate Suspension in Keratoconus: A Preclinical Study in Rabbit Model. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:1866-1873. [PMID: 34688332 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation undertakes the formulation of nanoparticulate suspension of Riboflavin to treat keratoconus disease by applying it to the infected mice corneas. The nanoparticles of Riboflavin were prepared using single solvent evaporation method and later formulated as suspension using continuous probe sonication method. Then, both riboflavin nanoparticles and suspension were evaluated for various parameters. The nanoparticles showed smooth and spherical surface with in vitro drug release up to 77.89%. The drug content was found to be 97.23%-98.89%. The suspension was found to be visually clear with pH ranging from 6 to 7. The drug entrapment was found to be from 76.37% to 97.34%. Since there was no hemolytic activity, this formulation was suitable for ophthalmic administration. The Draize test confirmed the non-irritant, non-itchy nature of formulation. The prepared formulations, such as nanoparticulate gel and suspension, were found to be significantly efficacious in experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, 024000, China
| | - Chunlai Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Forth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- 3Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an Fourth Hospital, No.21, Jiefang Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
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McKay TB, Priyadarsini S, Rowsey T, Karamichos D. Arginine Supplementation Promotes Extracellular Matrix and Metabolic Changes in Keratoconus. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082076. [PMID: 34440845 PMCID: PMC8394349 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a common corneal ectatic disease that affects 1:500–1:2000 people worldwide and is associated with a progressive thinning of the corneal stroma that may lead to severe astigmatism and visual deficits. Riboflavin-mediated collagen crosslinking currently remains the only approved treatment to halt progressive corneal thinning associated with KC by improving the biomechanical properties of the stroma. Treatments designed to increase collagen deposition by resident corneal stromal keratocytes remain elusive. In this study, we evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation on steady-state levels of arginine and arginine-related metabolites (e.g., ornithine, proline, hydroxyproline, spermidine, and putrescine) and collagen protein expression by primary human corneal fibroblasts isolated from KC and non-KC (healthy) corneas and cultured in an established 3D in vitro model. We identified lower cytoplasmic arginine and spermidine levels in KC-derived constructs compared to healthy controls, which corresponded with overall higher gene expression of arginase. Arginine supplementation led to a robust increase in cytoplasmic arginine, ornithine, and spermidine levels in controls only and a significant increase in collagen type I secretion in KC-derived constructs. Further studies evaluating safety and efficacy of arginine supplementation are required to elucidate the potential therapeutic applications of modulating collagen deposition in the context of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | | | - Tyler Rowsey
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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15
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McKay TB, Guo X, Hutcheon AEK, Karamichos D, Ciolino JB. Methods for Investigating Corneal Cell Interactions and Extracellular Vesicles In Vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 89:e114. [PMID: 32986311 DOI: 10.1002/cpcb.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Science and medicine have become increasingly "human-centric" over the years. A growing shift away from the use of animals in basic research has led to the development of sophisticated in vitro models of various tissues utilizing human-derived cells to study physiology and disease. The human cornea has likewise been modeled in vitro using primary cells derived from corneas obtained from cadavers or post-transplantation. By utilizing a cell's intrinsic ability to maintain its tissue phenotype in a pre-designed microenvironment containing the required growth factors, physiological temperature, and humidity, tissue-engineered corneas can be grown and maintained in culture for relatively long periods of time on the scale of weeks to months. Due to its transparency and avascularity, the cornea is an optimal tissue for studies of extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions, toxicology and permeability of drugs, and underlying mechanisms of scarring and tissue regeneration. This paper describes methods for the cultivation of corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, epithelial, and endothelial cells for in vitro applications. We also provide detailed, step-by-step protocols for assembling and culturing 3D constructs of the corneal stroma, epithelial- and endothelial-stromal co-cultures and isolation of extracellular vesicles. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolating and culturing human corneal keratocytes and fibroblasts Basic Protocol 2: Isolating and culturing human corneal epithelial cells Basic Protocol 3: Isolating and culturing human corneal endothelial cells Basic Protocol 4: 3D corneal stromal construct assembly Basic Protocol 5: 3D corneal epithelial-stromal construct assembly Basic Protocol 6: 3D corneal endothelial-stromal construct assembly Basic Protocol 7: Isolating extracellular vesicles from corneal cell conditioned medium Support Protocol: Cryopreserving human corneal fibroblasts, corneal epithelial cells, and corneal endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and The North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Joseph B Ciolino
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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In vitro reconstructed 3D corneal tissue models for ocular toxicology and ophthalmic drug development. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:207-237. [PMID: 33544359 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00533-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Testing of all manufactured products and their ingredients for eye irritation is a regulatory requirement. In the last two decades, the development of alternatives to the in vivo Draize eye irritation test method has substantially advanced due to the improvements in primary cell isolation, cell culture techniques, and media, which have led to improved in vitro corneal tissue models and test methods. Most in vitro models for ocular toxicology attempt to reproduce the corneal epithelial tissue which consists of 4-5 layers of non-keratinized corneal epithelial cells that form tight junctions, thereby limiting the penetration of chemicals, xenobiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Also, significant efforts have been directed toward the development of more complex three-dimensional (3D) equivalents to study wound healing, drug permeation, and bioavailability. This review focuses on in vitro reconstructed 3D corneal tissue models and their utilization in ocular toxicology as well as their application to pharmacology and ophthalmic research. Current human 3D corneal epithelial cell culture models have replaced in vivo animal eye irritation tests for many applications, and substantial validation efforts are in progress to verify and approve alternative eye irritation tests for widespread use. The validation of drug absorption models and further development of models and test methods for many ophthalmic and ocular disease applications is required.
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17
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Guérin LP, Le-Bel G, Desjardins P, Couture C, Gillard E, Boisselier É, Bazin R, Germain L, Guérin SL. The Human Tissue-Engineered Cornea (hTEC): Recent Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031291. [PMID: 33525484 PMCID: PMC7865732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Each day, about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury requiring medical treatment. Corneal diseases are the fifth cause of blindness worldwide. Most of these diseases can be cured using one form or another of corneal transplantation, which is the most successful transplantation in humans. In 2012, it was estimated that 12.7 million people were waiting for a corneal transplantation worldwide. Unfortunately, only 1 in 70 patients received a corneal graft that same year. In order to provide alternatives to the shortage of graftable corneas, considerable progress has been achieved in the development of living corneal substitutes produced by tissue engineering and designed to mimic their in vivo counterpart in terms of cell phenotype and tissue architecture. Most of these substitutes use synthetic biomaterials combined with immortalized cells, which makes them dissimilar from the native cornea. However, studies have emerged that describe the production of tridimensional (3D) tissue-engineered corneas using untransformed human corneal epithelial cells grown on a totally natural stroma synthesized by living corneal fibroblasts, that also show appropriate histology and expression of both extracellular matrix (ECM) components and integrins. This review highlights contributions from laboratories working on the production of human tissue-engineered corneas (hTECs) as future substitutes for grafting purposes. It overviews alternative models to the grafting of cadaveric corneas where cell organization is provided by the substrate, and then focuses on their 3D counterparts that are closer to the native human corneal architecture because of their tissue development and cell arrangement properties. These completely biological hTECs are therefore very promising as models that may help understand many aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanistic response of the cornea toward different types of diseases or wounds, as well as assist in the development of novel drugs that might be promising for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gaëtan Le-Bel
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pascale Desjardins
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Couture
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elodie Gillard
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Élodie Boisselier
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Richard Bazin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Lucie Germain
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-682-7565
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García-Posadas L, Diebold Y. Three-Dimensional Human Cell Culture Models to Study the Pathophysiology of the Anterior Eye. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1215. [PMID: 33333869 PMCID: PMC7765302 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the establishment of complex three-dimensional (3D) models of tissues has allowed researchers to perform high-quality studies and to not only advance knowledge of the physiology of these tissues but also mimic pathological conditions to test novel therapeutic strategies. The main advantage of 3D models is that they recapitulate the spatial architecture of tissues and thereby provide more physiologically relevant information. The eye is an extremely complex organ that comprises a large variety of highly heterogeneous tissues that are divided into two asymmetrical portions: the anterior and posterior segments. The anterior segment consists of the cornea, conjunctiva, iris, ciliary body, sclera, aqueous humor, and the lens. Different diseases in these tissues can have devastating effects. To study these pathologies and develop new treatments, the use of cell culture models is instrumental, and the better the model, the more relevant the results. Thus, the development of sophisticated 3D models of ocular tissues is a significant challenge with enormous potential. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the development of 3D in vitro models of the anterior segment of the eye, with a special focus on those that use human primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-Posadas
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Yolanda Diebold
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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McKay TB, Hutcheon AEK, Guo X, Zieske JD, Karamichos D. Modeling the cornea in 3-dimensions: Current and future perspectives. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108127. [PMID: 32619578 PMCID: PMC8116933 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cornea is an avascular, transparent ocular tissue that serves as a refractive and protective structure for the eye. Over 90% of the cornea is composed of a collagenous-rich extracellular matrix within the stroma with the other 10% composed by the corneal epithelium and endothelium layers and their corresponding supporting collagen layers (e.g., Bowman's and Descemet's membranes) at the anterior and posterior cornea, respectively. Due to its prominent role in corneal structure, tissue engineering approaches to model the human cornea in vitro have focused heavily on the cellular and functional properties of the corneal stroma. In this review, we discuss model development in the context of culture dimensionality (e.g., 2-dimensional versus 3-dimensional) and expand on the optical, biomechanical, and cellular functions promoted by the culture microenvironment. We describe current methods to model the human cornea with focus on organotypic approaches, compressed collagen, bioprinting, and self-assembled stromal models. We also expand on co-culture applications with the inclusion of relevant corneal cell types, such as epithelial, stromal keratocyte or fibroblast, endothelial, and neuronal cells. Further advancements in corneal tissue model development will markedly improve our current understanding of corneal wound healing and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - James D Zieske
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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20
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Wadhwa H, Ismail S, McGhee JJ, Van der Werf B, Sherwin T. Sphere-forming corneal cells repopulate dystrophic keratoconic stroma: Implications for potential therapy. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:35-54. [PMID: 32110274 PMCID: PMC7031758 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i1.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratoconus is a degenerative corneal disease characterised by aberrant cell behaviour and loss of matrix that can result in vision loss. Cells extracted from peripheral corneas can form stem cell-enriched spheres, which have shown the potential to repopulate the normal peripheral corneal stroma in vitro upon sphere implantation but have not been previously studied in keratoconic tissue. AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential of stem cell-enriched spheres formed from extracted peripheral human corneal cells when introduced to keratoconic tissue. METHODS Stem cell-enriched spheres were formed from extracts of normal cadaveric human peripheral corneal cells. These spheres were implanted into incisions created in full thickness and onto the surface of 10 µm thin sections of keratoconic and normal stromal tissues in vitro. Tissue sections were used to maximise use of limited keratoconic tissue available for research. Living cells were stained with Calcein-AM and visualised with stereo and fluorescence microscopy to assess survival and behaviours between the time of implantation day 0 and 14 d (D14) from implantation. Sphere cells in implanted tissues were characterised for stem cell and differentiation markers using immunohistochemistry and droplet digital PCR to assess the potential implications of these characteristics in the use of spheres in keratoconus treatment. RESULTS Spheres were successfully implanted into full-thickness central corneal tissue and onto the surface of 10 µm thin en face tissue sections. No observable differences were seen in sphere migration, proliferation or differentiation in keratoconic tissue compared to normal between day 0 and D14. Spheres stained positively with Calcein-AM up to D14. Cell migration increased from day 0 to D14, occurring radially in three dimensions from the sphere and in alignment with tissue edges. Cell proliferation marker, EdU, was detected at day 10. Implanted spheres stained positively for putative stem cell markers ∆Np63α and ABCB5, while ABCG2, ABCB5, ∆Np63 and p63α were detectable by droplet digital PCR up to D14. Double immunolabelling revealed absence of ABCB5 staining in migrated cells but positive staining of alpha smooth muscle actin (myofibroblast marker) in some migrated cells. Droplet digital PCR showed similar expression patterns of differentiation markers but a reduction in stem cell markers between normal and keratoconic tissue with an increase in stromal cell markers and a reduction in epithelial cell markers, indicating an appropriate response to repopulating diseased tissue. CONCLUSION Cells from implanted stem cell-enriched spheres can repopulate a keratoconic corneal stromal surface in a directed manner and exhibit migratory stromal cell phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Wadhwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Salim Ismail
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Bert Van der Werf
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Trevor Sherwin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
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21
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Balmus IM, Alexa AI, Ciuntu RE, Danielescu C, Stoica B, Cojocaru SI, Ciobica A, Cantemir A. Oxidative stress markers dynamics in keratoconus patients' tears before and after corneal collagen crosslinking procedure. Exp Eye Res 2019; 190:107897. [PMID: 31836491 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a controversial ophthalmological disease, often considered both multifactorial and multigenic with poor or not entirely understood etiopathogenesis. Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) procedure is the most common surgical therapy for KC which both slows corneal thinning and halts disease progression. While extensive studies provide consistent evidence on systemic oxidative stress in KC patients and animal models, little is known on the tear fluid oxidative stress markers such as antioxidant enzymes activity or lipid peroxidation markers. Also, little is known considering the oxidative status dynamics following CXL. In this way, we aimed to evaluate three oxidative stress markers in the tears of KC patients before and after CXL procedure. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymatic activity and malondiladehyde (MDA) levels were assessed from the tears of 20 kC patients who received the recommendation for CXL procedure. Significantly decreased SOD activity (p = 0.0014) was observed in KC patients tears, as compared to age and sex-matched controls which could lead to significant lipid peroxidation boost (p < 0.001). Significantly higher GPx enzyme activity was observed in KC patients, as compared to control (p < 0.001), suggesting a compensatory response to intense lipid peroxidation. Following CXL, SOD activity significantly decreases and GPx activity extensively increases, as compared to baseline KC levels and controls (p < 0.001). This work provides additional evidence on oxidative stress status in the tears of KC considering general oxidative stress markers dynamics both before and after the CXL procedure. We also demonstrated that the CXL procedure could have further relevance in the management of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana-Miruna Balmus
- Department of Interdisciplinary Research in Science, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Carol I Avenue, no. 11, 700506, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Anisia Iuliana Alexa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Roxana-Elena Ciuntu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Ciprian Danielescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Bogdan Stoica
- "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Sabina Ioana Cojocaru
- Department of Biochemistry, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Alin Ciobica
- "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Faculty of Biology, Department of Research, Iasi, Romania.
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Corneal Epithelial-Stromal Fibroblast Constructs to Study Cell-Cell Communication in Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2019; 6:bioengineering6040110. [PMID: 31817298 PMCID: PMC6956392 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell–cell communication plays a fundamental role in mediating corneal wound healing following injury or infection. Depending on the severity of the wound, regeneration of the cornea and the propensity for scar development are influenced by the acute resolution of the pro-fibrotic response mediated by closure of the wound via cellular and tissue contraction. Damage of the corneal epithelium, basement membrane, and anterior stroma following a superficial keratectomy is known to lead to significant provisional matrix deposition, including secretion of fibronectin and thrombospondin-1, as well as development of a corneal scar. In addition, corneal wounding has previously been shown to promote release of extracellular vesicles from the corneal epithelium, which, in addition to soluble factors, may play a role in promoting tissue regeneration. In this study, we report the development and characterization of a co-culture system of human corneal epithelial cells and corneal stromal fibroblasts cultured for 4 weeks to allow extracellular matrix deposition and tissue maturation. The secretion of provisional matrix components, as well as small and large extracellular vesicles, was apparent within the constructs, suggesting cell–cell communication between epithelial and stromal cell populations. Laminin-1β was highly expressed by the corneal epithelial layer with the presence of notable patches of basement membrane identified by transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, we identified expression of collagen type III, fibronectin, and thrombospondin-1 along the epithelial–stromal interface similar to observations seen in vivo following a keratectomy, as well as expression of the myofibroblast marker, α-smooth muscle actin, within the stroma. Our results suggest that this corneal epithelial–stromal model may be useful in the study of the biochemical phenomena that occur during corneal wound healing.
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Karamichos D, Barrientez B, Nicholas S, Ma S, Van L, Bak-Nielsen S, Hjortdal J. Gonadotropins in Keratoconus: The Unexpected Suspects. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121494. [PMID: 31766771 PMCID: PMC6953013 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is the most common ectatic corneal disease with a significant visual acuity burden. The actual burden is intangible given that KC can disrupt daily activities (reading, driving, and various career paths). Despite decades of research and clinical studies, the etiology, onset, and pathobiology of KC remain a mystery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of gonadotropins in KC. We recruited 86 KC patients (63 males, 23 female), and 45 healthy controls (22 male, 23 female). Plasma samples were collected and analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Corneal stromal cells from KC and healthy controls, and human epithelial corneal cells, were also investigated for gonadotropin-related markers. Our results show significant alterations of LH/FSH in KCs, compared to healthy controls. Our data also reveals, for the first time, the existence of gonadotropins and their receptors in KC. Our study is the first to demonstrate the role of LH/FSH in KCs, and expand the list of organs known to express gonadotropins, or their receptors, to include the human cornea. Our findings suggest that the human cornea is capable of responding to gonadotropins, and propose an intriguing mechanism for the onset and/or progression of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, 73104 OK, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, 73104 OK, USA; (B.B.); (S.N.); (S.M.); (L.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-405-271-4019
| | - Brayden Barrientez
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, 73104 OK, USA; (B.B.); (S.N.); (S.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Sarah Nicholas
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, 73104 OK, USA; (B.B.); (S.N.); (S.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Symon Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, 73104 OK, USA; (B.B.); (S.N.); (S.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Lyly Van
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, 73104 OK, USA; (B.B.); (S.N.); (S.M.); (L.V.)
| | - Sashia Bak-Nielsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 167, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (S.B.-N.); (J.H.)
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 167, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (S.B.-N.); (J.H.)
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McKay TB, Priyadarsini S, Karamichos D. Mechanisms of Collagen Crosslinking in Diabetes and Keratoconus. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101239. [PMID: 31614631 PMCID: PMC6830090 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen crosslinking provides the mechanical strength required for physiological maintenance of the extracellular matrix in most tissues in the human body, including the cornea. Aging and diabetes mellitus (DM) are processes that are both associated with increased collagen crosslinking that leads to increased corneal rigidity. By contrast, keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disease associated with decreased mechanical stiffness leading to ectasia of the central cornea. Studies have suggested that crosslinking mediated by reactive advanced glycation end products during DM may protect the cornea from KC development. Parallel to this hypothesis, riboflavin-mediated photoreactive corneal crosslinking has been proposed as a therapeutic option to halt the progression of corneal thinning by inducing intra- and intermolecular crosslink formation within the collagen fibrils of the stroma, leading to stabilization of the disease. Here, we review the pathobiology of DM and KC in the context of corneal structure, the epidemiology behind the inverse correlation of DM and KC development, and the chemical mechanisms of lysyl oxidase-mediated crosslinking, advanced glycation end product-mediated crosslinking, and photoreactive riboflavin-mediated corneal crosslinking. The goal of this review is to define the biological and chemical pathways important in physiological and pathological processes related to collagen crosslinking in DM and KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Loukovitis E, Kozeis N, Gatzioufas Z, Kozei A, Tsotridou E, Stoila M, Koronis S, Sfakianakis K, Tranos P, Balidis M, Zachariadis Z, Mikropoulos DG, Anogeianakis G, Katsanos A, Konstas AG. The Proteins of Keratoconus: a Literature Review Exploring Their Contribution to the Pathophysiology of the Disease. Adv Ther 2019; 36:2205-2222. [PMID: 31363996 PMCID: PMC6822850 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-019-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Keratoconus (KC) is a complex, genetically heterogeneous multifactorial degenerative disorder characterized by corneal ectasia and thinning. Its incidence is approximately 1/2000-1/50,000 in the general population. KC is associated with moderate to high myopia and irregular astigmatism, resulting in severe visual impairment. KC structural abnormalities primarily relate to the weakening of the corneal collagen. Their understanding is crucial and could contribute to effective management of the disease, such as with the aid of corneal cross-linking (CXL). The present article critically reviews the proteins involved in the pathophysiology of KC, with particular emphasis on the characteristics of collagen that pertain to CXL. METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and GeneCards databases were screened for relevant articles published in English between January 2006 and June 2018. Keyword combinations of the words "keratoconus," "risk factor(s)," "genetics," "genes," "genetic association(s)," "proteins", "collagen" and "cornea'' were used. In total, 272 articles were retrieved, reviewed and selected, with greater weight placed on more recently published evidence. Based on the reviewed literature, an attempt was made to tabulate the up- and down-regulation of genes involved in KC and their protein products and to delineate the mechanisms involved in CXL. RESULTS A total of 117 proteins and protein classes have been implicated in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of KC. These have been tabulated in seven distinct tables according to their gene coding, their biochemistry and their metabolic control. CONCLUSION The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of KC remain enigmatic. Emerging evidence has improved our understanding of the molecular characteristics of KC and could further improve the success rate of CXL therapies.
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Sharif R, Khaled ML, McKay TB, Liu Y, Karamichos D. Transcriptional profiling of corneal stromal cells derived from patients with keratoconus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12567. [PMID: 31467338 PMCID: PMC6715750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48983-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a multi-factorial corneal ectasia with unknown etiology affecting approximately 1:2000 people worldwide. Dysregulated gene expression, using RNA-Seq technology, have been reported in KC corneal tissue. However, the differential expression of genes, in KC corneal stromal cells have been widely ignored. We utilized mRNA-Seq to analyze gene expression in primary human corneal stromal cells derived from five non-Keratoconus healthy (HCF) and four Keratoconus (HKC) donors. Selected genes were further validated using real time PCR (RT-PCR). We have identified 423 differentially expressed genes with 187 down- and 236 up-regulated in KC-affected corneal stromal cells. Gene ontology analysis using WebGestalt indicates the enrichment of genes involved in cell migration, extracellular matrix, adherens junction, and MAPK signaling. Our protein-protein interaction network analysis identified several network seeds, such as EGFR, NEDD4, SNTA1, LGALS3BP, HSPB1, SDC2, MME, and HIF1A. Our work provides an otherwise unknown information on the transcriptional changes in HKCs, and reveals critical mechanisms of the cellular compartment. It also highlights the importance of human-based in vitro studies on a disease that currently lacks strong biomarkers and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, USA
| | - Mariam L Khaled
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, United States
| | - Tina B McKay
- Schepens Eye Research Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, United States.
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, USA.
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Roy S, Yadav S, Dasgupta T, Chawla S, Tandon R, Ghosh S. Interplay between hereditary and environmental factors to establish an in vitro disease model of keratoconus. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:403-416. [PMID: 30408528 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral corneal dystrophy and a multifactorial, multigenic disorder with an etiology involving a strong environmental component and complex inheritance patterns. The underlying pathophysiology of KC is poorly understood because of potential crosstalk between genetic-epigenetic variants possibly triggered by the environmental factors. Here, we decode the etiopathological basis of KC using genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic approaches. The lack of relevant models that accurately imitate this condition has been particularly limiting in terms of the effective management of KC. Tissue-engineered in vitro models of KC could address this need and generate valuable insights into its etiopathology for the establishment of disease models to accelerate drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadeep Roy
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Saumya Yadav
- Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanushree Dasgupta
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shikha Chawla
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Radhika Tandon
- Cornea & Refractive Surgery Services, Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India.
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Sharif R, Fowler B, Karamichos D. Collagen cross-linking impact on keratoconus extracellular matrix. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200704. [PMID: 30020979 PMCID: PMC6051648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Keratoconus (KC) is a common multifactorial ectatic corneal disease with unknown onset. KC most commonly appears in adolescence and affects approximately 1:400 people worldwide. Treatment options, for advanced KC cases, are collagen cross-linking (CXL) and corneal transplants. CXL is a new KC treatment that helps arrest the disease. Unfortunately, only a fraction of KC patients will qualify for CXL treatment. Our goal, in this study, was to begin to understand how CXL affects the corneal microenvironment and pave the way towards a more patient-driven CXL treatment. Methods Primary human corneal fibroblasts from healthy and KC donors were plated on transwell polycarbonate membranes and stimulated by a stable vitamin C. At 4 weeks, riboflavin was added followed by UVA irradiation. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and western blots were used to assess the effect of CXL on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the resident cells, pre- and post CXL. Results Data shows CXL improved lamellar organization showing more organized collagen fibrils decorated with proteoglycans (PGs). The distribution of the collagen fibrils and interfibrillar spacing was also visibly improved, post-CXL. Lumican, mimecan, and decorin were the dominant PGs and were significantly upregulated in post-CXL cultures. ECM degradation proteins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-1, -3, and -9, but not MMP-2, were significantly downregulated post-CXL. TIMP-1 and -2 were not modulated by CXL. Conclusion The unknown effects of CXL on the human corneal microenvironment have hampered our ability to make CXL available to all KC patients. Our current study provides a deeper understanding on CXL activity, using our unique 3D in vitro model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Ben Fowler
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), Imaging Core Facility, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Effects of collagen cross-linking on the keratoconus metabolic network. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:1271-1281. [PMID: 29576618 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0075-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Keratoconus (KC) is a multifactorial, ectatic corneal disease. Metabolic changes in the corneal stroma with alterations in collagen fibril stability, oxidative stress, and urea cycle, have previously been reported as key players in KC pathobiology. Recently, corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) has been introduced as a treatment that can address the progressive nature of KC. While the treatment has been successful in the early days, it is not without clinical ramifications. In this study, we investigated the alterations in KC metabolic profiles due to CXL. METHODS Primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy donors and human KC fibroblasts (HKCs) from KC donor patients were plated on transwell polycarbonate membranes and stimulated by a stable vitamin C. At 4 weeks, riboflavin was added to the cultures followed by UVA irradiation (365 nm). Using mass spectrometry, we measured the major differences in metabolites in HKCs compared to HCFs pre- and post CXL. RESULT The analysis of 276 metabolites in HCFs and HKCs revealed that the most affected metabolites due to CXL were glutathione disulfide, ascorbic acid, proline, and lysine. A significant decrease in the pro-inflammatory biomarkers (myo-inositol and histidine) was also observed. Furthermore, a significant downregulation of many amino acids, lactate levels, and other water-soluble metabolites was noted in HKCs following CXL. CONCLUSION CXL is a KC treatment available to patients within certain criteria. Surprisingly, the cellular and molecular mechanisms are considerably understudied limiting our ability for more precise and targeted CXL treatments. In this study, for the first time, we report the effects of CXL on KC metabolism.
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Sharif R, Priyadarsini S, Rowsey TG, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Corneal Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Model of the Stromal-nerve Interactions of the Human Cornea. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29443018 DOI: 10.3791/56308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has gained substantial recognition due to the high demand for human cornea replacements with an estimated 10 million people worldwide suffering from corneal vision loss1. To address the demand for viable human corneas, significant progress in three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering has been made2,3,4. These cornea models range from simple monolayer systems to multilayered models, leading to 3D full-thickness corneal equivalents2. However, the use of a 3D tissue-engineered cornea in the context of in vitro disease models studied to date lacks resemblance to the multilayered 3D corneal tissue structure, function, and the networking of different cell types (i.e., nerve, epithelium, stroma, and endothelium)2,3. In addition, the demand for in vitro cornea tissue models has increased in an attempt to reduce animal testing for pharmaceutical products. Thus, more sophisticated models are required to better match systems to human physiological requirements, and the development of a model that is more relevant to the patient population is absolutely necessary. Given that multiple cell types in the cornea are affected by diseases and dystrophies, such as Keratoconus, Diabetic Keratopathy, and Fuchs, this model includes a 3D co-culture model of primary human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy donors and neurons from the SH-SY5Y cell line. This allows us for the first time to investigate the interactions between the two cell types within the human corneal tissue. We believe that this model could potentially dissect the underlying mechanisms associated with the stromal-nerve interactions of corneal diseases that exhibit nerve damages. This 3D model mirrors the basic anatomical and physiological nature of the corneal tissue in vivo and can be used in the future as a tool for investigating corneal defects as well as screening the efficacy of various agents before animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Tyler G Rowsey
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center;
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Sharif R, Hjortdal J, Sejersen H, Frank G, Karamichos D. Human in vitro Model Reveals the Effects of Collagen Cross-linking on Keratoconus Pathogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12517. [PMID: 28970517 PMCID: PMC5624875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disorder that leads to severe vision impairment As opposed to corneal transplantation; corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a relatively non-invasive procedure that leads to an increase in corneal stiffness. In order to evaluate the effect of CXL on human corneal stromal cells in vitro, we developed a 3-D in vitro CXL model, using primary Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) from healthy patients and Human Keratoconus fibroblasts (HKCs) from KC patients. Cells were plated on transwell polycarbonate membranes and stimulated by a stable vitamin C. CXL was performed using a mixed riboflavin 0.1% PBS solution followed by UVA irradiation. Our data revealed no significant apoptosis in either HCFs or HKCs following CXL. However, corneal fibrosis markers, Collagen III and α-smooth muscle actin, were significantly downregulated in CXL HKCs. Furthermore, a significant downregulation was seen in SMAD3, SMAD7, and phosphorylated SMADs -2 and -3 expression in CXL HKCs, contrary to a significant upregulation in both SMAD2 and Lysyl oxidase expression, compared to HCFs. Our novel 3-D in vitro model can be utilized to determine the cellular and molecular effects on the human corneal stroma post CXL, and promises to establish optimized treatment modalities in patients with KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Sharif
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sejersen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Garett Frank
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
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Unravelling the interplay of sphingolipids and TGF-β signaling in the human corneal stroma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182390. [PMID: 28806736 PMCID: PMC5555661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To delineate the role of Sphingolipids (SPLs) in the human cornea and their cross-talks with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in order to develop novel, non-invasive therapies. Methods Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were harvested from healthy donors, stimulated with Vitamin C to promote extracellular matrix assembly, treated with exogenous sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) or sphingosine kinase inhibitor 2 (SPHK I2) and isolated after 4 weeks for further analysis. Results Data showed that S1P led to a significant decrease in cellular migration where SPHK I2 just delayed it for 24h. Significant modulation of the sphingolipid pathway was also noted. Sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) was significantly downregulated upon exogenous stimulation with S1P at a concentration of 5μM and Sphingosine kinase-2 (SphK2) was also significantly downregulated at concentrations of 0.01μM, 0.1μM, and 5μM; whereas no effects were observed upon stimulation with SPHK I2. S1PR3 was significantly downregulated by 0.1μM and 5μM S1P and upregulated by 5μM and 10μM SPHK I2. Furthermore, both S1P and SPHK I2 regulated corneal fibrosis markers such as alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, III, and V. We also investigated the interplay between two TGF-β isoforms and S1P/SPHK I2 treatments and found that TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 were both significantly upregulated with the 0.1μM S1P but were significantly downregulated with the 5μM S1P concentration. When TGF-β1 was compared directly to TGF-β3 expression, we observed that TGF-β3 was significantly downregulated compared to TGF-β1 in the 5μM concentration of S1P. No changes were observed upon SPHK I2 treatment. Conclusion Our study delineates the role of sphingolipids in the human cornea and highlights their different activities based on the cell/tissue type.
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Priyadarsini S, Rowsey TG, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Unravelling the stromal-nerve interactions in the human diabetic cornea. Exp Eye Res 2017; 164:22-30. [PMID: 28827027 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Corneal defects due to diabetes mellitus (DM) may cause severe vision impairments. Current studies focus on the corneal epithelium and nerve defects neglecting the corneal stroma. The aim of this study was to develop a 3D in vitro model to examine the interactions between corneal stroma and nerves in the context of DM. Primary human corneal stromal fibroblasts isolated from healthy (HCFs), Type 1 (T1DM) and Type 2 (T2DM) patients were stimulated with stable ascorbic acid to secrete and assemble an extracellular matrix (ECM). Human neuronal cells were then seeded on top and differentiated to create the 3D co-cultures. Our data revealed successful co-culture of stromal fibroblasts and neuronal cells with large elongated neuron extensions. T2DM showed significant upregulation of Collagen III and IGF1 when compared to T1DM. Interestingly, upon nerve addition, those markers returned to HCF levels. Neuronal markers were also differentially modulated with T2DM co-cultures expressing high levels of βIII tubulin where T1DM co-cultures expressed Substance P. . Overall, our unique 3D co-culture model provides us with a tool that can be utilized for both molecular and therapeutic studies for diabetic keratopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Tyler G Rowsey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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McKay TB, Hjortdal J, Priyadarsini S, Karamichos D. Acute hypoxia influences collagen and matrix metalloproteinase expression by human keratoconus cells in vitro. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176017. [PMID: 28426715 PMCID: PMC5398580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal ectasia linked to thinning of the central cornea. Hard contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, and scleral lenses are the primary treatment modalities for early to mid- stages of KC to correct refractive error and astigmatism that develops as a result of an irregular corneal structure. These treatments are associated with significant drawbacks, including reduced availability of the tear film and oxygen to the corneal epithelium and stroma. However, it remains unknown whether hypoxia affects corneal integrity in the KC pathobiology. A number of studies have associated elevated oxidative stress with KC both in vitro and ex vivo. We hypothesized that KC-derived corneal fibroblasts are more susceptible to hypoxia-induced oxidative stress compared to healthy controls leading to exacerbation of corneal thinning in KC. This study investigated the effects of hypoxia on ECM secretion, assembly, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in human corneal fibroblasts from healthy controls (HCFs) and KC patients (HKCs) in vitro. HCFs and HKCs were cultured in 3D constructs for 3 weeks and maintained or transferred to normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (2% O2) conditions, respectively, for 1 additional week. At the 4 week time-point, constructs were isolated and probed for Collagen I, III, and V, keratocan and MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, and -13, as well as hypoxia markers, hypoxia inducible factor-1α and lactoferrin. Conditioned media was also collected and probed for Collagen I, III, and V by Western blot. Thickness of the ECM assembled by HCFs and HKCs was measured using immunofluorescence microscopy. Results showed that hypoxia significantly reduced Collagen I secretion in HKCs, as well as upregulated the expression of MMP-1 and -2 with no significant effects on MMP-3, -9, or -13. ECM thickness was reduced in both cell types following 1 week in a low oxygen environment. Our study shows that hypoxia influences collagen and MMP expression by HKCs, which may have consequential effects on ECM structure in the context of KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B. McKay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Differential Effects of Hormones on Cellular Metabolism in Keratoconus In Vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42896. [PMID: 28211546 PMCID: PMC5314412 DOI: 10.1038/srep42896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disease with an onset commonly immediately post-puberty and stabilization by 40 to 50 years of age. The role of hormones in regulating corneal tissue structure in homeostatic and pathological conditions is unknown. Our group recently linked altered hormone levels to KC. Our current study sought to investigate and delineate the effects of exogenous hormones, such as androgen, luteotropin, and estrogen, on corneal stroma bioenergetics. We utilized our established 3D in vitro model to characterize the effects of DHEA, prolactin, 17β-estradiol on insulin-growth factor-1 and -2 (IGF-1, -2) signaling and metabolic function in primary corneal fibroblasts from healthy controls (HCFs) and KC patients (HKCs). Our data showed that exogenous DHEA significantly downregulated IGF-1 and its receptor in both HCFs and HKCs with HKCs showing consistently lower basal pentose phosphate flux. Prolactin caused no significant change in IGF-1 levels and an increase in IGF-2 in HKCs correlating with an increase in ATP and NADH levels. 17β-estradiol led to a significant upregulation in pentose phosphate flux and glycolytic intermediates in HCFs. Our results identified hormone-specific responses regulated in HKCs compared to HCFs revealing a novel role for hormones on bioenergetics in KC.
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Qi H, Priyadarsini S, Nicholas SE, Sarker-Nag A, Allegood J, Chalfant CE, Mandal NA, Karamichos D. Analysis of sphingolipids in human corneal fibroblasts from normal and keratoconus patients. J Lipid Res 2017; 58:636-648. [PMID: 28188148 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m067264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of human keratoconus (KC), a bilateral progressive corneal disease leading to protrusion of the cornea, stromal thinning, and scarring, is not well-understood. In this study, we investigated a novel sphingolipid (SPL) signaling pathway through which KC may be regulated. Using human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) and human KC cells (HKCs), we examined the SPL pathway modulation. Both cell types were stimulated by the three transforming growth factor (TGF)-β isoforms: TGF-β1 (T1), TGF-β2 (T2), and TGF-β3 (T3). All samples were analyzed using lipidomics and real-time PCR. Our data showed that HKCs have increased levels of signaling SPLs, ceramide (Cer), and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Treatment with T1 reversed the increase in Cer in HKCs and treatment with T3 reversed the increase in S1P. S1P3 receptor mRNA levels were also significantly upregulated in HKCs, but were reduced to normal levels following T3 treatment. Furthermore, stimulation with Cer and S1P led to significant upregulation of fibrotic markers in HCFs, but not in HKCs. Additionally, stimulation with a Cer synthesis inhibitor (FTY720) led to significant downregulation of specific fibrotic markers in HKCs (TGF-β1, collagen type III, and α smooth muscle actin) without an effect on healthy HCFs, suggesting a causative role of Cer and S1P in fibrogenesis. Overall, this study suggests an association of the SPL signaling pathway in KC disease and its relation with the TGF-β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qi
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | - Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | - Akhee Sarker-Nag
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | - Jeremy Allegood
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23249
| | - Charles E Chalfant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23249; Research and Development, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249 and VCU Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, and VCU Johnson Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Nawajes A Mandal
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
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Priyadarsini S, Nicholas SE, Karamichos D. 3D Stacked Construct: A Novel Substitute for Corneal Tissue Engineering. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1697:173-180. [PMID: 28451994 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2017_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Corneal trauma/injury often results in serious complications including permanent vision loss or loss of visual acuity which demands corneal transplantations or treatment with allogenic graft tissues. There is currently a huge shortage of donor tissue worldwide and the need for human corneal equivalents increases annually. In order to meet such demand the current clinical approach of treating corneal injuries is limited and involves synthetic and allogenic materials which have various shortcomings when it comes to actual transplantations. In this study we introduce the newly developed, next generation of our previously established 3D self-assembled constructs, where multiple constructs are grown and stacked on top of each other without any other artificial product. This new technology brings our 3D in vitro model closer to what is seen in vivo and provides a solid foundation for future studies on corneal biology.Lipids are known for playing a vital role during metabolism and diseased state of various tissues and Sphingolipids are one such class of lipids which are involved in various cellular mechanisms and signaling processes. The impacts of Sphingolipids that have been documented in several human diseases often involve inflammation, neovascularization, tumorigenesis, and diabetes, but these conditions are not yet thoroughly studied. There is very little information about the exact role of Sphingolipids in the human cornea and future studies aiming at dissecting the mechanisms and pathways involved in order to develop novel therapies. We believe that our novel 3D stacked model can be used to delineate the role of Sphingolipids in the human cornea and provide new insights for understanding and treating various human corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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Priyadarsini S, Sarker-Nag A, Rowsey TG, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Establishment of a 3D In Vitro Model to Accelerate the Development of Human Therapies against Corneal Diabetes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168845. [PMID: 28005998 PMCID: PMC5179241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish an in vitro model that would mirror the in vivo corneal stromal environment in diabetes (DM) patients. METHODS Human corneal fibroblasts from Healthy (HCFs), Type 1DM (T1DM) and Type 2DM (T2DM) donors were isolated and cultured for 4 weeks with Vitamin C stimulation in order to allow for extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and assembly. RESULTS Our data indicated altered cellular morphology, increased cellular migration, increased ECM assembly, and severe mitochondrial damage in both T1DM and T2DMs when compared to HCFs. Furthermore, we found significant downregulation of Collagen I and Collagen V expression in both T1DM and T2DMs. Furthermore, a significant up regulation of fibrotic markers was seen, including α-smooth muscle actin in T2DM and Collagen III in both T1DM and T2DMs. Metabolic analysis suggested impaired Glycolysis and Tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) pathway. CONCLUSION DM has significant effects on physiological and clinical aspects of the human cornea. The benefits in developing and fully characterizing our 3D in vitro model are enormous and might provide clues for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Akhee Sarker-Nag
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Tyler G. Rowsey
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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McKay TB, Hjortdal J, Sejersen H, Asara JM, Wu J, Karamichos D. Endocrine and Metabolic Pathways Linked to Keratoconus: Implications for the Role of Hormones in the Stromal Microenvironment. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25534. [PMID: 27157003 PMCID: PMC4860577 DOI: 10.1038/srep25534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones play a critical role in regulating tissue function by promoting cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Our study explores the influence of endocrine function in regulating metabolism and inflammatory pathways in Keratoconus (KC), which is a corneal thinning disease associated with reduced stromal deposition. KC is known to be a multifactorial disease with an elusive pathogenesis. We utilized a cross-sectional study analyzing clinical features and saliva samples from sixty-four KC patients and fourteen healthy controls. In order to determine if endocrine function varied between healthy controls and KC, we measured hormone levels in saliva and found significantly increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and reduced estrone levels in KC patients compared to healthy controls. We measured significant variations in metabolites associated with pro-inflammatory processes, including myoinositol and 1-methyl-histidine, by targeted mass spectrometry. We also measured significantly increased IL-16 and stem cell factor in KC saliva samples compared to healthy controls, with higher expression of these pro-inflammatory proteins correlating with increased KC clinical grade, corneal curvature, and stromal thinning. Our results identify a novel mechanism linking KC and pro-inflammatory markers and suggest that altered hormone levels modulate metabolism, cytokine, and growth factor expression leading to increased severity of the KC condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Cell Biology/ University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sejersen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - John M Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jennifer Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology/ University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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41
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Sarker-Nag A, Hutcheon AEK, Karamichos D. Mitochondrial Profile and Responses to TGF-β Ligands in Keratoconus. Curr Eye Res 2015; 41:900-7. [PMID: 26430764 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1078361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Keratoconus (KC) is a complex corneal dystrophy with multifactorial etiology. Previous studies have shown evidence of mitochondrial abnormalities in KC; however, the exact cause of these abnormalities remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify if transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms play a role in the regulation of mitochondrial proteins in human KC cells (HKC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Human corneal fibroblasts (HCF) and HKC were isolated and cultured for 4 weeks in three different conditions: (a) CONTROL MEM + 10%FBS, (b) MEM + 10%FBS + TGF-β1 and (c) MEM + 10%FBS + TGF-β3. All samples were processed for mitochondrial damage analysis using real-time PCR. RESULTS We quantified and analyzed 84 mitochondrial and five housekeeping genes in HCFs and HKCs. Our data showed that when TGF-β1 and/or TGF-β3 were compared with control in HCFs, nine genes were significantly different; however, no genes were significantly regulated by the TGF-β isoforms in HKCs. Significant differences were also seen in seven genes when HFCs were compared with HKCs, in all three conditions. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data support the growing consensus that mitochondrial dysfunction is a key player in KC disease. These in vitro data show clear links between mitochondrial function and TGF-β isoforms, with TGF-β1 severely disrupting KC-mitochondrial function, while TGF-β3 maintained it, thus suggesting that TGF-β may play a role in KC-disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhee Sarker-Nag
- a Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Audrey E K Hutcheon
- b Schepens Eye Research Institute/MEE and Department of Ophthalmology , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- a Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA.,c Department of Cell Biology , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
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Karamichos D. Keratoconus: In Vitro and In Vivo. JACOBS JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2015; 1:002. [PMID: 30101209 PMCID: PMC6086357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd, DMEI PA-409, Oklahoma City, OK 73104; Tel: 405-271-4019
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McKay TB, Sarker-Nag A, Lyon D, Asara JM, Karamichos D. Quercetin modulates keratoconus metabolism in vitro. Cell Biochem Funct 2015; 33:341-50. [PMID: 26173740 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Corneal scarring is the result of a disease, infection or injury. The resulting scars cause significant loss of vision or even blindness. To-date, the most successful treatment is corneal transplantation, but it does not come without side effects. One of the corneal dystrophies that are correlated with corneal scarring is keratoconus (KC). The onset of the disease is still unknown; however, altered cellular metabolism has been linked to promoting the fibrotic phenotype and therefore scarring. We have previously shown that human keratoconus cells (HKCs) have altered metabolic activity when compared to normal human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs). In our current study, we present evidence that quercetin, a natural flavonoid, is a strong candidate for regulating metabolic activity of both HCFs and HKCs in vitro and therefore a potential therapeutic to target the altered cellular metabolism characteristic of HKCs. Targeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was performed on HCFs and HKCs with and without quercetin treatment in order to identify variations in metabolite flux. Overall, our study reveals a novel therapeutic target OF Quercetin on corneal stromal cell metabolism in both healthy and diseased states. Clearly, further studies are necessary in order to dissect the mechanism of action of quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Akhee Sarker-Nag
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Desiree' Lyon
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - John M Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Human Keratoconus Cell Contractility is Mediated by Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Isoforms. J Funct Biomater 2015; 6:422-38. [PMID: 26096146 PMCID: PMC4493522 DOI: 10.3390/jfb6020422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive disease linked to defects in the structural components of the corneal stroma. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is secreted and assembled by corneal keratocytes and regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We have previously identified alterations in the TGF-β pathway in human keratoconus cells (HKCs) compared to normal corneal fibroblasts (HCFs). In our current study, we seeded HKCs and HCFs in 3D-collagen gels to identify variations in contractility, and expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) by HKCs in response the TGF-β isoforms. HKCs showed delayed contractility with decreased Collagen I:Collagen V ratios. TGF-β1 significantly increased ECM contraction, Collagen I, and Collagen V expression by HKCs. We also found that HKCs have significantly decreased Collagen I:Collagen III ratios suggesting a potential link to altered collagen isoform expression in KC. Our findings show that HKCs have significant variations in collagen secretion in a 3D collagen gel and have delayed contraction of the matrix compared to HCFs. For the first time, we utilize a collagen gel model to characterize the contractility and MMP expression by HKCs that may contribute to the pathobiology of KC.
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Drevets P, Chucair-Elliott A, Shrestha P, Jinkins J, Karamichos D, Carr DJJ. The use of human cornea organotypic cultures to study herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-induced inflammation. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2015; 253:1721-8. [PMID: 26047535 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-015-3073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the utility of human organotypic cornea cultures as a model to study herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-induced inflammation and neovascularization. METHODS Human organotypic cornea cultures were established from corneas with an intact limbus that were retrieved from donated whole globes. One cornea culture was infected with HSV-1 (10(4) plaque-forming units), while the other cornea from the same donor was mock-infected. Supernatants were collected at intervals post-culture with and without infection to determine viral titer (by plaque assay) and pro-angiogenic and proinflammatory cytokine concentration by suspension array analysis. In some experiments, the cultured corneas were collected and evaluated for HSV-1 antigens by immunohistochemical means. Another set of experiments measured susceptibility of human three-dimensional cornea fibroblast constructs, in the presence and absence of TGF-β1, to HSV-1 infection in terms of viral replication and the inflammatory response to infection as a comparison to the organotypic cornea cultures. RESULTS Organotypic cornea cultures and three-dimensional fibroblast constructs exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility to HSV-1. Fibroblast constructs were more susceptible to infection in terms of infectious virus recovered in a shorter period of time. There were changes in the levels of select pro-angiogenic or proinflammatory cytokines that were dictated as much by the cultures producing them as by whether they were infected with HSV-1 or treated with TGF-β1. CONCLUSION Organotypic cornea and three-dimensional fibroblast cultures are likely useful for the identification and short-term study of novel antiviral compounds and virus replication, but are limited in the study of the local immune response to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Drevets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Acers Pavilion, 415A, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Ana Chucair-Elliott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Acers Pavilion, 415A, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Priyadarsini Shrestha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Acers Pavilion, 415A, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Jeremy Jinkins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Acers Pavilion, 415A, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Acers Pavilion, 415A, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Daniel J J Carr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Acers Pavilion, 415A, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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Hertsenberg AJ, Funderburgh JL. Stem Cells in the Cornea. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 134:25-41. [PMID: 26310147 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the tough, transparent tissue through which light first enters the eye and functions as a barrier to debris and infection as well as two-thirds of the refractive power of the eye. Corneal damage that is not promptly treated will often lead to scarring and vision impairment. Due to the limited options currently available to treat corneal scars, the identification and isolation of stem cells in the cornea has received much attention, as they may have potential for autologous, cell-based approaches to the treatment of damaged corneal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Hertsenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Priyadarsini S, McKay TB, Sarker-Nag A, Karamichos D. Keratoconus in vitro and the key players of the TGF-β pathway. Mol Vis 2015; 21:577-88. [PMID: 26015770 PMCID: PMC4443584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disease of unknown etiology whose pathophysiology is correlated with the presence of a thin corneal stroma and altered extracellular matrix (ECM). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is a key regulator of ECM secretion and assembly in multiple tissues, including the anterior segment of the eye, and it has been linked to KC. We have previously shown that human keratoconus cells (HKCs) have a myofibroblast phenotype and altered ECM assembly compared to normal human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs). Moreover, TGF-β3 treatment promotes assembly of a more normal stromal ECM and modulates the fibrotic phenotype in HKCs. Herein, we identify alterations in TGF-β signaling that contribute to the observed fibrotic phenotype in HKCs. METHODS HCFs and HKCs were stimulated with TGF-β1, TGF-β2, or TGF-β3 isoforms (0.1 ng/mL) in the presence of a stable vitamin C derivative (0.5 mM) for 4 weeks. All samples were examined using RT-PCR and western blotting to quantify changes in the expressions of key TGF-β signaling molecules between HCFs and HKCs. RESULTS We found a significant downregulation in the SMAD6 and SMAD7 expressions by HKCs when compared to HCFs (p≤0.05). Moreover, stimulation of HKCs with any of the three TGF-β isoforms did not significantly alter the expressions of SMAD6 or SMAD7. HCFs also showed an upregulation in TGF-βRI, TGF-βRII, and TGF-βRIII following TGF-β3 treatment, whereas HKCs showed a significant two-fold downregulation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data shows the decreased expressions of the regulatory SMADs SMAD6 and SMAD7 by HKCs contribute to the pathological ECM structure observed in KC, and TGF-β3 may attenuate this mechanism by downregulating the expression of the key profibrotic receptor, TGF-βRII. Our study suggests a significant role of altered regulation of TGF-β signaling in KC progression and that it may enable novel therapeutic developments targeting TGF-β receptor regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrestha Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Tina B. McKay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Akhee Sarker-Nag
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK,Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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Sefic Kasumovic S, Racic-Sakovic A, Kasumovic A, Pavljasevic S, Duric-Colic B, Cabric E, Mavija M, Lepara O, Jankov M. Assessment of the tomographic values in keratoconic eyes after collagen crosslinking procedure. Med Arch 2015; 69:91-4. [PMID: 26005256 PMCID: PMC4429986 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2015.69.91-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
GOAL This study aimed to investigate the differences in values of K1 and K2 readings, the central corneal thickness (PAH) before the collagen crosslinking procedure (CXL) and 3, 6, 12 months later. METHODS 64 eyes were evaluated in retrospective cross sectional study. The corneal biomechanical parameters were taken with WaveLight Allegro Oculyzer produced by Alcon before the CXL, 3,6, 12 months after the procedure. The curvature of K1 reading and K2 reading were taken and the central corneal thickness were considered due to the time after CXL. RESULTS The value of K1 reading before the treatment was 48.8 diopters (D) (46.65-50.50) and was statistically significant lower comparing to the value of K1 3 months after the collagen CXL procedure 46.30 D (43.57-49.45) (p=0.0006), K1 reading one year post collagen CXL procedure was 47.20 D (44.35-50.07) (p=0.002). The value of K2 reading before the collagen CXL procedure was 52.65 D (47.55-54.72), 3 months after the procedure was 51.4 (45.05-54.0), 6 months later 48.55 D (47.20-50.62), 12 months later 51.30 D (47.22-54.77). There is statistically significant lower value of K2 reading 6 months after the treatment comparing to the values 3 months postoperatively (p=0.014). However there is significantly lower values of K2 reading 12 months postoperatively comparing to preoperative period (p=0.006). The value of central corneal thickness preoperative was 431.0 microns (398.0-446.25), 3 months after collagen CXL procedure was 373.50 microns (363.25-430.75), 6 months later 435.0 microns (360.0-464.75), 12 months after the CXL procedure was 429.50 microns (357.75-496.25). There is statistically significant lower values of central corneal thickness 3 months after collagen CXL treatment comparing to the central corneal thickness preoperative (p<0.005). There is statistically significant lower values of pachymetry 12 months after the CXL procedure comparing to the values 6 months later (p=0.036) and those preoperativelly (p=0.032). There is no statistically significant difference in the values of central corneal thickness in the period from 3 and 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION After riboflavin-UVA CXL in eyes with keratokonus there was significant decrease in central corneal thickness 3 and 6 months after the procedure and the thickness is almost the same 12 months. However, K2 (Kmax) reading is significantly changed 3 and 6 months later and is followed by changing of K1 reading.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aida Kasumovic
- Eye Polyclinic "Dr. Sefic", Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | | | - Emir Cabric
- "Public Health Care Institution Doboj-Jug, Matuzici", Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Milka Mavija
- University Clinical Center, Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Orhan Lepara
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirko Jankov
- Laser Fokus Centre for Eye Microsurgery, Beograd, Serbia
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49
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McKay TB, Lyon D, Sarker-Nag A, Priyadarsini S, Asara JM, Karamichos D. Quercetin attenuates lactate production and extracellular matrix secretion in keratoconus. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9003. [PMID: 25758533 PMCID: PMC4355637 DOI: 10.1038/srep09003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus(KC) is an ecstatic corneal disease leading to corneal-thinning and the formation of a cone-like cornea. Elevated lactate levels, increased oxidative stress, and myofibroblast formation have all been previously reported. In the current study, we assess the role of Quercetin on collagen secretion and myofibroblast formation in KC in vitro. Human corneal fibroblasts(HCFs) and human keratoconus cells(HKCs) were treated with a stable Vitamin C derivative and cultured for 4 weeks, stimulating formation of a self-assembled extracellular matrix. All samples were analyzed using Western blots and targeted tandem mass spectrometry. Our data showed that Quercetin significantly down regulates myofibroblast differentiation and fibrotic markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen III (Col III), in both HCFs and HKCs. Collagen III secretion was reduced 80% in both HCFs and HKCs following Quercetin treatment. Furthermore, Quercetin reduced lactate production by HKCs to normal HCF levels. Quercetin down regulated TGF-βR2 and TGF-β2 expression in HKCs suggesting a significant link to the TGF-β pathway. These results assert that Quercetin is a key regulator of fibrotic markers and ECM assembly by modulating cellular metabolism and TGF-β signaling. Our study suggests that Quercetin is a potential therapeutic for treatment of corneal dystrophies, such as KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. B. McKay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - D. Lyon
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - A. Sarker-Nag
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - S. Priyadarsini
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - J. M. Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - D. Karamichos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology/Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Gross cystic disease fluid protein-15/prolactin-inducible protein as a biomarker for keratoconus disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113310. [PMID: 25405607 PMCID: PMC4236164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral degenerative disease of the cornea characterized by corneal bulging, stromal thinning, and scarring. The etiology of the disease is unknown. In this study, we identified a new biomarker for KC that is present in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, tear samples were collected from age-matched controls with no eye disease (n = 36) and KC diagnosed subjects (n = 17). Samples were processed for proteomics using LC-MS/MS. In vitro, cells were isolated from controls (Human Corneal Fibroblasts-HCF) and KC subjects (Human Keratoconus Cells-HKC) and stimulated with a Vitamin C (VitC) derivative for 4 weeks, and with one of the three transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) isoforms. Samples were analyzed using real-time PCR and Western Blots. By using proteomics analysis, the Gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDFP-15) or prolactin-inducible protein (PIP) was found to be the best independent biomarker able to discriminate between KC and controls. The intensity of GCDFP-15/PIP was significantly higher in healthy subjects compared to KC-diagnosed. Similar findings were seen in vitro, using a 3D culture model. All three TGF-β isoforms significantly down-regulated the expression of GCDFP-15/PIP. Zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (AZGP1), a protein that binds to PIP, was identified by proteomics and cell culture to be highly regulated. In this study by different complementary techniques we confirmed the potential role of GCDFP-15/PIP as a novel biomarker for KC disease. It is likely that exploring the GCDFP-15/PIP-AZGP1 interactions will help better understand the mechanism of KC disease.
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