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Chin JY, Liu C, Lee IXY, Lin MTY, Cheng CY, Wong JHF, Teo CL, Mehta JS, Liu YC. Impact of Age on the Characteristics of Corneal Nerves and Corneal Epithelial Cells in Healthy Adults. Cornea 2024; 43:409-418. [PMID: 37643477 PMCID: PMC10906190 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate age-related changes in corneal nerves and corneal epithelial cell parameters and to establish age-adjusted reference values. METHODS A total of 7025 corneal nerve images and 4215 corneal epithelial images obtained using in vivo confocal microscopy from 281 eyes of 143 healthy participants were included. Seven corneal nerve parameters and 3 corneal epithelial cell parameters were quantified using 2 automatic analytic software and analyzed across 6 age groups ranging from 21 to 80 years. RESULTS There was a declining trend in all 7 nerve parameters with advancing age. In particular, corneal nerve fiber length and corneal nerve fiber density demonstrated a significant decrease in subjects aged 65 years or older compared with subjects younger than 65 years (10.8 ± 2.6 mm/mm 2 vs. 9.9 ± 2.0 mm/mm 2 , P = 0.011 in corneal nerve fiber length; 15.8 ± 5.2 fibers/mm 2 vs. 14.4 ± 4.3 fibers/mm 2 , P = 0.046 in corneal nerve fiber density), whereas corneal nerve fractal dimension demonstrated a borderline significant decrease ( P = 0.057). Similarly, there was a general declining trend in all epithelial cell parameters with advancing age. Corneal epithelial cell circularity was significantly lower in subjects aged 65 years and older as compared to subjects younger than 65 years (0.722 ± 0.021 μm 2 vs. 0.714 ± 0.021 μm 2 ; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS Advancing age results in reduced corneal nerve metrics and alteration of corneal cell morphology. Aging effects should be considered when evaluating patients with corneal neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ying Chin
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Chang Liu
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Molly Tzu Yu Lin
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Ching-Yu Cheng
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Epidemiology Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jipson Hon Fai Wong
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Cong Ling Teo
- Epidemiology Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; and
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; and
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Surico PL, Narimatsu A, Forouzanfar K, Singh RB, Shoushtari S, Dana R, Blanco T. Effects of Diabetes Mellitus on Corneal Immune Cell Activation and the Development of Keratopathy. Cells 2024; 13:532. [PMID: 38534376 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases globally, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. Most patients with a long-term history of DM present with some degree of keratopathy (DK). Despite its high incidence, the underlying inflammatory mechanism of DK has not been elucidated yet. For further insights into the underlying immunopathologic processes, we utilized streptozotocin-induced mice to model type 1 DM (T1D) and B6.Cg-Lepob/J mice to model type 2 DM (T2D). We evaluated the animals for the development of clinical manifestations of DK. Four weeks post-induction, the total frequencies of corneal CD45+CD11b+Ly-6G- myeloid cells, with enhanced gene and protein expression levels for the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, were higher in both T1D and T2D animals. Additionally, the frequencies of myeloid cells/mm2 in the sub-basal neural plexus (SBNP) were significantly higher in T1D and T2D compared to non-diabetic mice. DK clinical manifestations were observed four weeks post-induction, including significantly lower tear production, corneal sensitivity, and epitheliopathy. Nerve density in the SBNP and intraepithelial terminal endings per 40x field were lower in both models compared to the normal controls. The findings of this study indicate that DM alters the immune quiescent state of the cornea during disease onset, which may be associated with the progressive development of the clinical manifestations of DK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Luigi Surico
- Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Akitomo Narimatsu
- Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Katayoon Forouzanfar
- Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rohan Bir Singh
- Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sara Shoushtari
- Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Reza Dana
- Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tomas Blanco
- Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Transplantation and Regeneration, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Wong NSQ, Liu C, Lin MTY, Lee IXY, Tong L, Liu YC. Neuropathic Corneal Pain after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection. Diseases 2024; 12:37. [PMID: 38391784 PMCID: PMC10887979 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This is a case report of a patient with neuropathic corneal pain after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. METHODS A previously healthy 27-year-old female presented with bilateral eye pain accompanied by increased light sensitivity 5 months after COVID-19 infection. She was diagnosed with neuropathic corneal pain based on clear corneas without fluorescein staining, alongside the presence of microneuromas, dendritic cells, and activated stromal keratocytes identified bilaterally on in vivo confocal microscopy. RESULTS The patient's tear nerve growth factor, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide levels were 5.9 pg/mL, 2978.7 pg/mL, and 1.1 ng/mL, respectively, for the right eye and 23.1 pg/mL, 4798.7 pg/mL, and 1.2 ng/mL, respectively, for the left eye, suggesting corneal neuroinflammatory status. After 6 weeks of topical 0.1% flurometholone treatment, decreased microneuroma size, less extensive dendritic cells, and reduced tear nerve growth factor and substance P levels were observed. The scores on the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey showed an improvement in burning sensation and light sensitivity, decreasing from 80% and 70% to 50% for both. CONCLUSIONS Neuropathic corneal pain is a potential post-COVID-19 complication that warrants ophthalmologists' and neurologists' attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Shi Qi Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Chang Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | | | | | - Louis Tong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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Tarvestad-Laise KE, Ceresa BP. Modulating Growth Factor Receptor Signaling to Promote Corneal Epithelial Homeostasis. Cells 2023; 12:2730. [PMID: 38067157 PMCID: PMC10706396 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is the first anatomical barrier between the environment and the cornea; it is critical for proper light refraction onto the retina and prevents pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) from entering the immune-privileged eye. Trauma to the highly innervated corneal epithelium is extremely painful and if not resolved quickly or properly, can lead to infection and ultimately blindness. The healthy eye produces its own growth factors and is continuously bathed in tear fluid that contains these proteins and other nutrients to maintain the rapid turnover and homeostasis of the ocular surface. In this article, we review the roles of growth factors in corneal epithelial homeostasis and regeneration and some of the limitations to their use therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Tarvestad-Laise
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Brian P. Ceresa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Balbuena-Pareja A, Bogen CS, Cox SM, Hamrah P. Effect of recombinant human nerve growth factor treatment on corneal nerve regeneration in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1210179. [PMID: 37965220 PMCID: PMC10642242 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1210179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurotrophic Keratopathy (NK) is a neurodegenerative corneal disease that results in diminished corneal sensation. Previous studies have found that Cenegermin 0.002%, a recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF), improves corneal epithelial healing in stage 2 and 3 NK patients. However, rhNGF effect on corneal sensation and nerve regeneration has not been well established. Thus, this study aims to analyze the effect of rhNGF on corneal nerve regeneration using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and on corneal sensitivity in NK patients. Methods This is a retrospective, longitudinal, case-control study that included patients with NK, treated with rhNGF for at least 4 weeks, with pre- and post-treatment IVCM images available for analysis. Chart reviews were conducted documenting prior medical and surgical history, clinical signs and symptoms, and corneal sensation using Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry. Corneal nerve parameters were assessed by IVCM. Sex- and age-matched reference controls were selected from a database of healthy subjects for comparison. Results The study included 25 patients, with 22 (88%) stage 1, two (8%) stage 2, and 1 (4%) stage 3 NK patients, with a median age of 64 years (range: 30-93 years). Total, main, and branch nerve densities [median (range) in mm/mm2] were lower in the NK group pre-treatment [2.3 (0.0-21.1); 1.7 (0.0-13.0); 0.5 (0.0-10.2); respectively] vs. controls [22.3 (14.9-29.0); 10.1 (3.2-15.4); and 12.1 (6.2-18.4), (p < 0.0001 for all), respectively]. Post-treatment nerve densities increased compared to pre-treatment to 5.3 (0.0-19.4, p = 0.0083) for total, 3.5 (0.0-13.2, p = 0.0059) for main, and 2.0 (0.0-10.4, p = 0.0251) for branch nerves, but remained lower than controls (p < 0.0001 for all). Corneal sensation increased from 2.3 ± 1.1 cm pre-treatment to 4.1 ± 1.4 cm post-treatment (p = 0.001). Median best corrected visual acuity significantly increased following rhNGF treatment from 0.4 (0.0-1.6) to 0.12 (-0.1 to 1.6) (p = 0.007). Conclusion Patients with NK treated with at least 4 weeks of rhNGF, showed a significant increase in corneal nerve densities after treatment. A significant increase in corneal sensation, as well as best corrected visual acuity, was observed following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Balbuena-Pareja
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chloe S. Bogen
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie M. Cox
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Chiang JCB, Tran V, Wolffsohn JS. The impact of dry eye disease on corneal nerve parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023; 43:1079-1091. [PMID: 37357424 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dry eye disease (DED) is a growing global health problem with a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. While neurosensory abnormalities have been recognised as a contributor to DED pathophysiology, the potential role of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy in detecting nerve loss or damage remains unclear. This systematic review with meta-analysis (PROSPERO registered CRD42022381861) investigated whether DED has an impact on sub-basal corneal nerve parameters. METHODS PubMed, Embase and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched from inception to 9 December 2022. Studies using laser scanning confocal microscopy to compare corneal nerve parameters of DED with healthy eyes were included. Study selection process and data extraction were performed by two independent members of the review team. RESULTS Twenty-two studies with 916 participants with DED and 491 healthy controls were included, with 21 of these studies included in subsequent meta-analyses. There was a decrease in total corneal nerve length (-3.85 mm/mm2 ; 95% CI -5.16, -2.55), corneal main nerve trunk density (-4.81 number/mm2 ; 95% CI -7.94, -1.68) and corneal nerve branch density (-15.52 number/mm2 ; 95% CI -27.20, -3.84) in DED eyes compared with healthy eyes, with subgroup analysis demonstrating that these differences were more evident in studies using NeuronJ software, a semi-automated procedure. While this review found evidence of loss of corneal nerve parameters in eyes with DED compared with healthy controls, particularly with the use of a semi-automated image analysis method, it is evident that there is substantial heterogeneity between studies in terms of corneal nerve imaging methodology. CONCLUSIONS Standardisation is required in terms of terminology and analysis, with more research needed to potentially improve the clinical applicability and practicality of corneal nerve imaging. Further investigation is also required to confirm the diagnostic accuracy of this imaging modality and its potential for monitoring DED treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang
- School of Optometry, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vincent Tran
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James S Wolffsohn
- School of Optometry, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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Gyenes A, Tapasztó Z, Quirce S, Luna C, Frutos-Rincón L, Gallar J, Acosta MC, Kovács I. Cyclosporine A Decreases Dryness-Induced Hyperexcitability of Corneal Cold-Sensitive Nerve Terminals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13025. [PMID: 37629206 PMCID: PMC10455570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclosporine A (CsA) is used for the treatment of dry eye (DE) with good clinical results, improving tear secretion and decreasing subjective symptoms. These effects are attributed to the improved tear film dynamics, but there are no data on the effect of CsA on the abnormal sensory nerve activity characteristic in DE. Our purpose was to evaluate the CsA effect on the enhanced activity of corneal cold thermoreceptors in a tear-deficient DE animal model using in vitro extracellular recording of cold thermoreceptors nerve terminal impulses (NTIs) before and in the presence of CsA. NTI shape was also analyzed. Blinking frequency and tearing rate were also measured in awake animals before and after topical CsA. CsA increased the tearing and blinking of treated animals. CsA significantly decreased the peak response to cold of cold thermoreceptors. Neither their spontaneous NTIs discharge rate nor their cooling threshold were modified. CsA also seemed to reverse some of the changes in NTI shape induced by tear deficiency. These data suggest that, at least in part, the beneficial clinical effects of CsA in DE can be attributed to a direct effect on sensory nerve endings, although the precise mechanisms underlying this effect need further studies to be fully clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gyenes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Tapasztó
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Susana Quirce
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain (C.L.); (L.F.-R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Carolina Luna
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain (C.L.); (L.F.-R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Laura Frutos-Rincón
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain (C.L.); (L.F.-R.); (M.C.A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante-ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Juana Gallar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain (C.L.); (L.F.-R.); (M.C.A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante-ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Acosta
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—CSIC, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain (C.L.); (L.F.-R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Illés Kovács
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Clinical Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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Frutos-Rincón L, Luna C, Aleixandre-Carrera F, Velasco E, Diaz-Tahoces A, Meseguer V, Gallar J, Acosta MC. The Contribution of TRPA1 to Corneal Thermosensitivity and Blink Regulation in Young and Aged Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12620. [PMID: 37628800 PMCID: PMC10454529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of TRPA1 in the thermosensitivity of the corneal cold thermoreceptor nerve endings was studied in young and aged mice. The contribution of the TRPA1-dependent activity to basal tearing and thermally-evoked blink was also explored. The corneal cold thermoreceptors' activity was recorded extracellularly in young (5-month-old) and aged (18-month-old) C57BL/6WT (WT) and TRPA1-/- knockout (TRPA1-KO) mice at basal temperature (34 °C) and during cooling (15 °C) and heating (45 °C) ramps. The blink response to cold and heat stimulation of the ocular surface and the basal tearing rate were also measured in young animals using orbicularis oculi muscle electromyography (OOemg) and phenol red threads, respectively. The background activity at 34 °C and the cooling- and heating-evoked responses of the cold thermoreceptors were similar in WT and TRPA1-KO animals, no matter the age. Similar to the aged WT mice, in the young and aged TRPA1-KO mice, most of the cold thermoreceptors presented low frequency background activity, a low cooling threshold, and a sluggish response to heating. The amplitude and duration of the OOemg signals correlated with the magnitude of the induced thermal change in the WT but not in the TRPA1-KO mice. The basal tearing was similar in the TRPA1-KO and WT mice. The electrophysiological data suggest that the TRPA1-dependent nerve activity, which declines with age, contributes to detecting the warming of the ocular surface and also to integrating the thermally-evoked reflex blink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Frutos-Rincón
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
| | - Carolina Luna
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
| | - Fernando Aleixandre-Carrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
| | - Enrique Velasco
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
| | - Ariadna Diaz-Tahoces
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
| | - Víctor Meseguer
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
| | - Juana Gallar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Sanitaria de Alicante, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Acosta
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (C.L.); (F.A.-C.); (E.V.); (A.D.-T.); (V.M.); (J.G.)
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Yu F, Gong D, Yan D, Wang H, Witman N, Lu Y, Fu W, Fu Y. Enhanced adipose-derived stem cells with IGF-1-modified mRNA promote wound healing following corneal injury. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2454-2471. [PMID: 37165618 PMCID: PMC10422019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea serves as an important barrier structure to the eyeball and is vulnerable to injuries, which may lead to scarring and blindness if not treated promptly. To explore an effective treatment that could achieve multi-dimensional repair of the injured cornea, the study herein innovatively combined modified mRNA (modRNA) technologies with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) therapy, and applied IGF-1 modRNA (modIGF1)-engineered ADSCs (ADSCmodIGF1) to alkali-burned corneas in mice. The therapeutic results showed that ADSCmodIGF1 treatment could achieve the most extensive recovery of corneal morphology and function when compared not only with simple ADSCs but also IGF-1 protein eyedrops, which was reflected by the healing of corneal epithelium and limbus, the inhibition of corneal stromal fibrosis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and also the repair of corneal nerves. In vitro experiments further proved that ADSCmodIGF1 could more significantly promote the activity of trigeminal ganglion cells and maintain the stemness of limbal stem cells than simple ADSCs, which were also essential for reconstructing corneal homeostasis. Through a combinatorial treatment regimen of cell-based therapy with mRNA technology, this study highlighted comprehensive repair in the damaged cornea and showed the outstanding application prospect in the treatment of corneal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Danni Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Dan Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Huijing Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Nevin Witman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Wei Fu
- Institute of Pediatric Translational Medicine, Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Stache N, Bohn S, Sperlich K, George C, Winter K, Schaub F, Do HV, Röhlig M, Reichert KM, Allgeier S, Stachs O, Stachs A, Sterenczak KA. Taxane-Induced Neuropathy and Its Ocular Effects-A Longitudinal Follow-up Study in Breast Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092444. [PMID: 37173911 PMCID: PMC10177451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A common severe neurotoxic side effect of breast cancer (BC) therapy is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and intervention is highly needed for the detection, prevention, and treatment of CIPN at an early stage. As the eye is susceptible to neurotoxic stimuli, the present study aims to determine whether CIPN signs in paclitaxel-treated BC patients correlate with ocular changes by applying advanced non-invasive biophotonic in vivo imaging. Patients (n = 14, 10 controls) underwent monitoring sessions after diagnosis, during, and after therapy (T0-T3). Monitoring sessions included general anamnesis, assessment of their quality of life, neurological scores, ophthalmological status, macular optical coherence tomography (OCT), and imaging of their subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) by large-area confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM). At T0, no significant differences were detected between patients and controls. During treatment, patients' scores significantly changed while the greatest differences were found between T0 and T3. None of the patients developed severe CIPN but retinal thickenings could be detected. CLSM revealed large SNP mosaics with identical areas while corneal nerves remained stable. The study represents the first longitudinal study combining oncological examinations with advanced biophotonic imaging techniques, demonstrating a powerful tool for the objective assessment of the severity of neurotoxic events with ocular structures acting as potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Stache
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bohn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Karsten Sperlich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian George
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Karsten Winter
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Friederike Schaub
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Ha-Vy Do
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Röhlig
- Institute for Visual and Analytic Computing, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Klaus-Martin Reichert
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Stephan Allgeier
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Oliver Stachs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Angrit Stachs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Katharina A Sterenczak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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11
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Barros A, Lozano-Sanroma J, Queiruga-Piñeiro J, Fernández-Vega Cueto L, Anitua E, Alcalde I, Merayo-Lloves J. Recovery of Corneal Innervation after Treatment in Dry Eye Disease: A Confocal Microscopy Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12. [PMID: 36902628 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the changes in corneal innervation by means of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients diagnosed with Evaporative (EDE) and Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye (ADDE) and treated with a standard treatment for Dry Eye Disease (DED) in combination with Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF). METHODS Eighty-three patients diagnosed with DED were enrolled in this study and included in the EDE or ADDE subtype. The primary variables analyzed were the length, density and number of nerve branches, and the secondary variables were those related to the quantity and stability of the tear film and the subjective response of the patients measured with psychometric questionnaires. RESULTS The combined treatment therapy with PRGF outperforms the standard treatment therapy in terms of subbasal nerve plexus regeneration, significantly increasing length, number of branches and nerve density, as well as significantly improving the stability of the tear film (p < 0.05 for all of them), and the most significant changes were located in the ADDE subtype. CONCLUSIONS the corneal reinnervation process responds in a different way depending on the treatment prescribed and the subtype of dry eye disease. In vivo confocal microscopy is presented as a powerful technique in the diagnosis and management of neurosensory abnormalities in DED.
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12
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Liu F, Liu C, Lee IXY, Lin MTY, Liu YC. Corneal dendritic cells in diabetes mellitus: A narrative review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1078660. [PMID: 36777336 PMCID: PMC9911453 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1078660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a global public health problem with both macrovascular and microvascular complications, such as diabetic corneal neuropathy (DCN). Using in-vivo confocal microscopy, corneal nerve changes in DCN patients can be examined. Additionally, changes in the morphology and quantity of corneal dendritic cells (DCs) in diabetic corneas have also been observed. DCs are bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells that serve both immunological and non-immunological roles in human corneas. However, the role and pathogenesis of corneal DC in diabetic corneas have not been well understood. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of both animal and clinical studies that report changes in DCs, including the DC density, maturation stages, as well as relationships between the corneal DCs, corneal nerves, and corneal epithelium, in diabetic corneas. We have also discussed the associations between the changes in corneal DCs and various clinical or imaging parameters, including age, corneal nerve status, and blood metabolic parameters. Such information would provide valuable insight into the development of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for DM-associated ocular surface complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Liu
- University of Cambridge, Girton College, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Molly Tzu Yu Lin
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Yu-Chi Liu,
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13
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Asiedu K, Markoulli M, Tummanapalli SS, Chiang JCB, Alotaibi S, Wang LL, Dhanapalaratnam R, Kwai N, Poynten A, Krishnan AV. Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Corneal Neuroimmune Features in Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Med 2022; 12. [PMID: 36614815 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine the impact of chronic kidney disease on corneal nerve measures and dendritic cell counts in type 2 diabetes. Methods: In vivo corneal confocal microscopy images were used to estimate corneal nerve parameters and compared in people with type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease (T2DM-CKD) (n = 29) and those with type 2 diabetes without chronic kidney disease (T2DM-no CKD) (n = 29), along with 30 healthy controls. Corneal dendritic cell densities were compared between people with T2DM-CKD and those with T2DM-no CKD. The groups were matched for neuropathy status. Results: There was a significant difference in corneal nerve fiber density (p < 0.01) and corneal nerve fiber length (p = 0.04) between T2DM-CKD and T2DM-no CKD groups. The two diabetes groups had reduced corneal nerve parameters compared to healthy controls (all parameters: p < 0.01). Immature central dendritic cell density was significantly higher in the T2DM-CKD group compared to the T2DM-no CKD group ((7.0 (3.8−12.8) and 3.5 (1.4−13.4) cells/mm2, respectively, p < 0.05). Likewise, central mature dendritic cell density was significantly higher in the T2DM-CKD group compared to the T2DM-no CKD group (0.8 (0.4−2.2) and 0.4 (0.6−1.1) cells/mm2, respectively, p = 0.02). Additionally, total central dendritic cell density was increased in the T2DM-CKD group compared to T2DM-no CKD group (10.4 (4.3−16.1) and 3.9 (2.1−21.0) cells/mm2, respectively, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The study showed that central corneal dendritic cell density is increased in T2DM-CKD compared to T2DM-no CKD, with groups matched for peripheral neuropathy severity. This is accompanied by a loss of central corneal nerve fibers. The findings raise the possibility of additional local factors exacerbating central corneal nerve injury in people with diabetic chronic kidney disease.
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Abstract
Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), or neurotrophic keratitis, is a degenerative condition that results from decreased innervation to the cornea. The cornea is innervated by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Neurotrophic keratopathy is most commonly caused by herpes keratitis however, any condition that disrupts the normal corneal innervation can cause NK. Neurotrophic keratopathy is a clinical diagnosis and is classified into three stages based on the disease severity. Stage 1 has mild epithelial defects, such as punctate keratopathy, stage 2 disease has persistent epithelial defects, and stage 3 is defined by the presence of ulcers. Current treatment modalities consist of medical and surgical options. Stage 1 is treated with lubrication through artificial tears, eyelid taping, and punctal plug/cautery. Stage 2 treatment can involve therapeutic contact lenses, topical autologous or allogenic serum, tarsorrhaphy, botulinum toxin injections, and possibly anti-inflammatory medications. Stage 3 disease may require human nerve growth factor, amniotic membrane transplantation, conjunctival flap, or corneal neurotization. New therapies, such as matrix regenerating therapy, plasma rich in growth factors, Thymosin β4, Substance P/Insulin like growth factor-1, and nicergoline represent exciting future options.KEY MESSAGESNeurotrophic keratopathy is a rare degenerative disease defined by decreased innervation to the cornea that is associated with significant morbidity.Treatment options range from lubrication alone to various medical and surgical treatments.Matrix regenerating therapy, plasma rich in growth factors, Thymosin β4, Substance P/Insulin like growth factor-1, and nicergoline are exciting novel therapies that will influence how neurotrophic keratopathy is treated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin NaPier
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Matthew Camacho
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Timothy F McDevitt
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Adam R Sweeney
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
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15
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Saeed A, Khan WA, Moqeet MA, Ali W, Khan FU. Peripheral Neuropathy in Beta-Thalassemia: Corneal Confocal Microscopy-Based Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e32122. [PMID: 36601181 PMCID: PMC9805547 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peripheral neuropathy is a controversial but serious complication of beta-thalassemia (β-Th). Although few studies have reported no relationship between neuropathy and thalassemia, many have linked it with increasing age, iron overload, and iron chelator toxicity. This study aims to investigate the presence of neuropathy in β-Th using corneal nerve fibers. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted using corneal confocal microscopy on individuals with intermediate and major β-Th who were compared to healthy individuals. The main outcome variables were corneal main nerve and branch nerve densities which were calculated using Image J software. The comparison between groups was done using the independent-samples F-test and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. Results There was reduced corneal main nerve and branch nerve density in β-Th intermediate and major patients compared to the control group, and the results were statistically significant (p-value <0.05). However, a significant correlation was not observed between serum ferritin levels and corneal nerve parameters. Conclusions The reduction in corneal nerve parameters in β-Th patients compared to healthy controls can be an indication of peripheral neuropathy in β-Th. Further work is needed to confirm these findings.
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16
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Chao C, Tajbakhsh Z, Stapleton F, Mobeen R, Madigan MC, Jalbert I, Briggs N, Golebiowski B. Corneal epithelial dendritic cells, tear neuropeptides and corneal nerves continue to be affected more than 12 months after LASIK. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 101:e302-e314. [PMID: 36250753 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE LASIK causes corneal nerve damage and may affect the neuro-immune crosstalk. This study examined the effects of LASIK on corneal epithelial dendritic cells (CEDC) density and morphology and explored their relationships with corneal nerves and tear neuropeptides. A grading system was developed to assess CEDC morphology. METHODS Intra- and inter-observer repeatability of the CEDC morphology grading system was established using kappa (κ). In vivo confocal microscope images of the central cornea were captured from 20 participants who had undergone LASIK 12-16 months earlier and 20 controls (age 18-32 years, 55%F). CEDC density was counted manually, and CEDC morphology was assessed using a new grading system. CEDC sub-types (contacting nerves [CEDCc] and not contacting nerves [CEDCnc]) were also assessed. Differences in CEDC density and morphology were examined using mixed models and chi-squared test. Relationships between CEDC and corneal nerve parameters and tear substance P were explored using Spearman's correlation. RESULTS Excellent intra- and inter-observer repeatability was demonstrated for the grading system (κ = 0.82-0.97). In post-LASIK participants, CEDC density was lower compared with controls (5 [0-34] vs. 21 [7-77] cells/mm2 ; p = 0.01), and the proportion of CEDC with thick dendrites was higher (55%-73% vs. 11%-21%, p < 0.003). Higher tear substance P levels were associated with higher CEDC density (rho = 0.48, p = 0.003). Fewer nerve interconnections were observed in participants in whom CEDC had dendrites (p = 0.03). CEDC sub-types followed a similar pattern to CEDC. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that CEDC may remain altered more than 12 months post-LASIK. The association with substance P suggests a role for CEDC in corneal neurogenic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Chao
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zahra Tajbakhsh
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rabia Mobeen
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabelle Jalbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nancy Briggs
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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17
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So WZ, Qi Wong NS, Tan HC, Yu Lin MT, Yu Lee IX, Mehta JS, Liu YC. Diabetic corneal neuropathy as a surrogate marker for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2172-2178. [PMID: 35259825 PMCID: PMC9083173 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.327364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting nerves in all parts of the body including corneal nerves and peripheral nervous system, leading to diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, respectively. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed in clinical practice using electrophysiological nerve conduction studies, clinical scoring, and skin biopsies. However, these diagnostic methods have limited sensitivity in detecting small-fiber disease, hence they do not accurately reflect the status of diabetic neuropathy. More recently, analysis of alterations in the corneal nerves has emerged as a promising surrogate marker for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, elaborating on the foundational aspects of each: pathogenesis, clinical presentation, evaluation, and management. We will further discuss the relevance of diabetic corneal neuropathy in detecting the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, particularly early diabetic peripheral neuropathy; the correlation between the severity of diabetic corneal neuropathy and that of diabetic peripheral neuropathy; and the role of diabetic corneal neuropathy in the stratification of complications of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng So
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natalie Shi Qi Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Chang Tan
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Singapore Eye Research Institute; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Rathi A, Bothra N, Priyadarshini SR, Achanta DSR, Fernandes M, Murthy SI, Kapoor AG, Dave TV, Rath S, Yellinedi R, Nuvvula R, Dendukuri G, Naik MN, Ramappa M. Neurotization of the human cornea - A comprehensive review and an interim report. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:1905-1917. [PMID: 35647955 PMCID: PMC9359267 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2030_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a comprehensive review of existing literature on surgical corneal neurotization (SCN) as a treatment modality for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) with an interim report of seven cases where SCN was performed using the indirect approach and followed up till 18 months postoperatively to look for improvement in ocular surface, corneal sensations, and nerve regeneration by using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). A literature search was performed for publications with keywords “corneal nerves,” “neurotization,” “esthesiometry,” “corneal anesthesia,” and “neurotrophic keratopathy.” All literature available till December 31, 2020 was reviewed and included to describe NK and its management options, particularly SCN. NK is associated with absent or reduced corneal sensations and is managed using a step-ladder algorithm ranging from medical management for symptomatic relief to surgical corneal neurotization. Both direct and indirect approaches of SCN have a favorable outcome with reduced surgical morbidity in the indirect approach using sural nerve graft. Post neurotization, corneal sensation recovery may take up to 3–6 months, while nerve regeneration on confocal microscopy can take as long as 6 months–1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubha Rathi
- The Cornea Institute, KAR Campus; Centre for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Nandini Bothra
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute; Centre for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Divya S R Achanta
- The Cornea Institute, KAR Campus; Centre for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Merle Fernandes
- The Cornea Institute, KAR Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana; The Cornea Institute, GMRV Campus, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | - Anasua G Kapoor
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, Ocular Oncology, KVC Campus, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Tarjani V Dave
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Suryasnata Rath
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, Ocular Oncology, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rajesh Yellinedi
- Basavatarakam, Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rambabu Nuvvula
- Basavatarakam, Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Gautam Dendukuri
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics and Faciomaxillary Surgery Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Milind N Naik
- Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Muralidhar Ramappa
- The Cornea Institute, KAR Campus; Centre for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics, L V Prasad Eye Institute; Jasti V Ramanamma Children's Eye Care Center, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Acar Eser N, Kocabeyoğlu S, Atakan N, Irkec M. The effects of the systemic isotretinoin treatment on ocular surface and meibomian glands: a prospective longitudinal study. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2022; 41:155-161. [PMID: 35609140 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2022.2077749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effects of systemic isotretinoin therapy (SIT) on the ocular surface, meibomian glands (MG) and cornea microstructure in acne vulgaris (AV) patients. METHODS Patients with AV (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20) were enrolled in the study. All participants underwent ocular surface tests in the order of ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, corneal sensitivity, tear break-up time (BUT), fluorescein and lissamine green (LG) staining and Schirmer II test with anaesthesia. MG alterations were evaluated with meibography for upper (UE) and lower eyelids (LE) separately. Corneal basal epithelium and subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) were evaluated using In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM). RESULTS Schirmer II test with anaesthesia, BUT, corneal sensitivity, fluorescein and LG staining grades and OSDI score results showed no difference between the control group and the baseline of the patient group. Whereas the meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) grades, UE and LE meiboscores were higher in the patient group at the baseline (p = 0.013, p = 0.004, p = 0.008 respectively). The Control group possessed higher numbers of total and long nerve fibres compared with patients at the baseline (p ≤ 0.001 for both two values). Compared to the baseline and the third month, BUT decreased and fluorescein staining grades increased (p = 0.017 and p = 0.043, respectively). MGD grades, UE and LE meiboscores increased in the third month compared to the baseline (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008 respectively). Basal epithelial cell density (BECD) decreased in the third month of SIT (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS This prospective study showed that systemic Isotretinoin treatment effects not only ocular surface parameters but also corneal and Meibomian glands structure. Considering early alterations in the course of treatment, ophthalmological assessment and follow-up during SIT are mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazan Acar Eser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sibel Kocabeyoğlu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Zheng Z, Lin M, Lu W, Huang P, Zheng Y, Zhang X, Yan L, Wang W, Lawson T, Shi B, Chen S, Liu Y. The Efficient Regeneration of Corneal Nerves via Tunable Transmembrane Signaling Channels Using a Transparent Graphene-Based Corneal Stimulation Electrode. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101667. [PMID: 35108456 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The efficient regeneration of corneal nerves is of limited success in the field of ophthalmology. This work reports the use of a non-invasive electrical stimulation technique that uses a transparent graphene-based corneal stimulation electrode and that can achieve efficient regeneration of corneal nerves. The corneal stimulation electrode is prepared using electroactive nitrogen-containing conducting polymers such as polyaniline functionalized graphene (PAG). This composite can carry a high capacitive current. It can be used to tune transmembrane signaling pathways including calcium channels and the MAPK signaling pathway. Tuning can lead to the efficient regeneration of corneal damaged nerves after the surgery of laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The composite and its application reported have the potential to provide a new way to treat nerve-related injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zheng
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
- Department of Ophthalmology Shanghai General Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine National Clinical Research Centre for Eye Diseases 100 Haining Road Shanghai 200080 China
| | - Mimi Lin
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Weicong Lu
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Pingping Huang
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Yaru Zheng
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Xincheng Zhang
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Lu Yan
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Wei Wang
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Tom Lawson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics (CNBP) Department of Physics and Astronomy Macquarie University Sydney NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan‐Macquarie University International Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation Henan University Jinming Avenue Kaifeng Henan 475004 China
| | - Shihao Chen
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
| | - Yong Liu
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Optometry and Vision Science Wenzhou Medical University 270 Xuanyuanxi Road Wenzhou Zhejiang 325027 China
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Frutos-Rincón L, Gómez-Sánchez JA, Íñigo-Portugués A, Acosta MC, Gallar J. An Experimental Model of Neuro-Immune Interactions in the Eye: Corneal Sensory Nerves and Resident Dendritic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062997. [PMID: 35328417 PMCID: PMC8951464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is an avascular connective tissue that is crucial, not only as the primary barrier of the eye but also as a proper transparent refractive structure. Corneal transparency is necessary for vision and is the result of several factors, including its highly organized structure, the physiology of its few cellular components, the lack of myelinated nerves (although it is extremely innervated), the tightly controlled hydration state, and the absence of blood and lymphatic vessels in healthy conditions, among others. The avascular, immune-privileged tissue of the cornea is an ideal model to study the interactions between its well-characterized and dense sensory nerves (easily accessible for both focal electrophysiological recording and morphological studies) and the low number of resident immune cell types, distinguished from those cells migrating from blood vessels. This paper presents an overview of the corneal structure and innervation, the resident dendritic cell (DC) subpopulations present in the cornea, their distribution in relation to corneal nerves, and their role in ocular inflammatory diseases. A mouse model in which sensory axons are constitutively labeled with tdTomato and DCs with green fluorescent protein (GFP) allows further analysis of the neuro-immune crosstalk under inflammatory and steady-state conditions of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Frutos-Rincón
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- The European University of Brain and Technology-NeurotechEU, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - José Antonio Gómez-Sánchez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-91-9594
| | - Almudena Íñigo-Portugués
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
| | - M. Carmen Acosta
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- The European University of Brain and Technology-NeurotechEU, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Juana Gallar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- The European University of Brain and Technology-NeurotechEU, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Sanitaria de Alicante, 03010 Alicante, Spain
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Teo AWJ, Mansoor H, Sim N, Lin MTY, Liu YC. In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Evaluation in Patients with Keratoconus. J Clin Med 2022; 11:393. [PMID: 35054085 PMCID: PMC8778820 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus is the most common primary corneal ectasia characterized by progressive focal thinning. Patients experience increased irregular astigmatism, decreased visual acuity and corneal sensitivity. Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL), a minimally invasive procedure, is effective in halting disease progression. Historically, keratoconus research was confined to ex vivo settings. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) has been used to examine the corneal microstructure clinically. In this review, we discuss keratoconus cellular changes evaluated by IVCM before and after CXL. Cellular changes before CXL include decreased keratocyte and nerve densities, disorganized subbasal nerves with thickening, increased nerve tortuosity and shortened nerve fibre length. Repopulation of keratocytes occurs up to 1 year post procedure. IVCM also correlates corneal nerve status to functional corneal sensitivity. Immediately after CXL, there is reduced nerve density and keratocyte absence due to mechanical removal of the epithelium and CXL effect. Nerve regeneration begins after 1 month, with nerve fibre densities recovering to pre-operative levels between 6 months to 1 year and remains stable up to 5 years. Nerves remain tortuous and nerve densities are reduced. Corneal sensitivity is reduced immediately postoperatively but recovers with nerve regeneration. Our article provides comprehensive review on the use of IVCM imaging in keratoconus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Wei Jun Teo
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore;
| | - Hassan Mansoor
- Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Jhelum Road, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan;
| | - Nigel Sim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 168751, Singapore;
| | - Molly Tzu-Yu Lin
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore;
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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23
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Yang LWY, Mehta JS, Liu YC. Corneal neuromediator profiles following laser refractive surgery. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2177-2183. [PMID: 33818490 PMCID: PMC8354117 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Laser refractive surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide. In laser refractive surgery, Femtosecond Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Refractive Lenticule Extraction have emerged as promising alternatives to microkeratome Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Photorefractive Keratectomy. Following laser refractive surgery, the corneal nerves, epithelial and stromal cells release neuromediators, including neurotrophins, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. Notably, nerve growth factor, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and various cytokines are important mediators of neurogenic inflammation and corneal nerve regeneration. Alterations in neuromediator profiles and ocular surface parameters following laser refractive surgery are attributed to the surgical techniques and the severity of tissue insult induced. In this review, we will discuss the (1) Functions of neuromediators and their physiological and clinical significance; (2) Changes in the neuromediators following various laser refractive surgeries; (3) Correlation between neuromediators, ocular surface health and corneal nerve status; and (4) Future directions, including the use of neuromediators as potential biomarkers for ocular surface health following laser refractive surgery, and as adjuncts to aid in corneal regeneration after laser refractive surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Wei Yun Yang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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24
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Roszkowska AM, Rusciano D, Inferrera L, Severo AA, Aragona P. Oral Aminoacids Supplementation Improves Corneal Reinnervation After Photorefractive Keratectomy: A Confocal-Based Investigation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:680734. [PMID: 34385916 PMCID: PMC8353515 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.680734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of this retrospective study was to estimate the effect of oral supplementation with amino acids (AA) on corneal nerves regrowth after excimer laser refractive surgery with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Based on the pre and post-surgical treatment received, 40 patients with 12 months of follow-up were distributed in two groups: 20 patients had received oral AA supplementation 7 days before and 30 days after PRK, and 20 patients without AA supplementation, as untreated reference control. All patients followed the same standard post-operative topical therapy consisting of an association of antibiotic and steroid plus sodium hyaluronate during the first week, then steroid alone progressively decreasing during 30 days and sodium hyaluronate for the following 3 months. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy was used to evaluate the presence of sub-basal corneal nerve fibers during 12 months after PRK. Results have shown that sub-basal nerves regenerated significantly faster (p <0.05), and nerve fibers density was significantly higher (p <0.05) with a more regular pattern in the eyes of AA treated patients with respect to the untreated control group. Therefore, our data indicate that oral supplementation with AA improved significantly corneal nerve restoration after PRK and could thus be considered as an additional treatment during corneal surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Roszkowska
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Leandro Inferrera
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alice Antonella Severo
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Pasquale Aragona
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Pham TL, Kakazu AH, He J, Nshimiyimana R, Petasis NA, Jun B, Bazan NG, Bazan HEP. Elucidating the structure and functions of Resolvin D6 isomers on nerve regeneration with a distinctive trigeminal transcriptome. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21775. [PMID: 34245621 PMCID: PMC8362171 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100686r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Innervation sustains cornea integrity. Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) regenerated damaged nerves by stimulating the synthesis of a new stereoisomer of Resolvin D6 (RvD6si). Here, we resolved the structure of this lipid isolated from mouse tears after injured corneas were treated with PEDF + DHA. RvD6si synthesis was inhibited by fluvoxamine, a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, but not by 15‐ or 5‐LOX inhibitors, suggesting that the 4‐ and 17‐hydroxy of DHA have an RR‐ or SR‐configuration. The two compounds were chemically synthesized. Using chiral phase HPLC, four peaks of RvD6si1‐4 from tears were resolved. The RR‐RvD6 standard eluted as a single peak with RvD61 while pure SR‐RvD6 eluted with RvD63. The addition of these pure mediators prompted a trigeminal ganglion transcriptome response in injured corneas and showed that RR‐RvD6 was the more potent, increasing cornea sensitivity and nerve regeneration. RR‐RvD6 stimulates Rictor and hepatocyte growth factor (hgf) genes specifically as upstream regulators and a gene network involved in axon growth and suppression of neuropathic pain, indicating a novel function of this lipid mediator to maintain cornea integrity and homeostasis after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thang L Pham
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Azucena H Kakazu
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jiucheng He
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Robert Nshimiyimana
- Department of Chemistry and Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicos A Petasis
- Department of Chemistry and Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bokkyoo Jun
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Haydee E P Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Cañadas P, Lantigua Y, Enríquez-de-Salamanca A, Fernandez I, Pastor-Idoate S, Sobas EM, Dueñas-Laita A, Pérez-Castrillón JL, Pastor Jimeno JC, Calonge M. Ocular Surface Pathology in Patients Suffering from Mercury Intoxication. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081326. [PMID: 34441261 PMCID: PMC8391177 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To report the ocular surface pathology of patients suffering from acute/subacute mercury vapor intoxication. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Male workers intoxicated with inorganic mercury referred for ophthalmic involvement and healthy control subjects. Methods: The following tests were performed: dry eye (DE)-related symptoms indicated by the ocular surface disease (OSDI) index questionnaire; tear osmolarity; analysis of 23 tear cytokine concentrations and principal component and hierarchical agglomerative cluster analyses; tear break-up time (T-BUT); corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining; tear production by Schirmer and tear lysozyme tests; mechanical and thermal corneal sensitivity (non-contact esthesiometry); and corneal nerve analysis and dendritic cell density by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). Results: Twenty-two out of 29 evaluated patients entered the study. Most had DE-related symptoms (OSDI values > 12), that were severe in 63.6% of them. Tear osmolarity was elevated (>308 mOsms/L) in 83.4% of patients (mean 336.23 (28.71) mOsm/L). Corneal and conjunctival staining were unremarkable. T-BUT was low (<7 s) in 22.7% of patients. Schirmer test and tear lysozyme concentration were low in 13.6% and 27.3% of cases, respectively. Corneal esthesiometry showed patient mechanical (mean 147.81 (53.36) mL/min) and thermal thresholds to heat (+2.35 (+1.10) °C) and cold (−2.57 (−1.24) °C) to be significantly higher than controls. Corneal IVCM revealed lower values for nerve density (6.4 (2.94) n/mm2), nerve branching density (2 (2.50) n/mm2), and dendritic cell density (9.1 (8.84) n/mm2) in patients. Tear levels of IL-12p70, IL-6, RANTES, and VEGF were increased, whereas EGF and IP-10/CXCL10 were decreased compared to controls. Based on cytokine levels, two clusters of patients were identified. Compared to Cluster 1, Cluster 2 patients had significantly increased tear levels of 18 cytokines, decreased tear lysozyme, lower nerve branching density, fewer dendritic cells, and higher urine mercury levels. Conclusions: Patients suffering from systemic mercury intoxication showed symptoms and signs of ocular surface pathology, mainly by targeting the trigeminal nerve, as shown by alterations in corneal sensitivity and sub-basal nerve morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Cañadas
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-(98)-3184763
| | - Yrbani Lantigua
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Amalia Enríquez-de-Salamanca
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Itziar Fernandez
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Pastor-Idoate
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Eva M. Sobas
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Antonio Dueñas-Laita
- Department of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain;
| | | | - Jose C. Pastor Jimeno
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Margarita Calonge
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Thundikandy R, Priya Chidambaranathan G, Radhakrishnan N, Sr R. In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Evaluation of the Limbus and Cornea in Vogt Koyanagi Haradas Syndrome. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2021; 30:1361-1368. [PMID: 33793348 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1873395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To elucidate the microarchitecture of limbus and cornea in subjects with Vogt Koyanagi Haradas syndrome (VKH)Methods: From January 2019 to December 2019 a total of 17 VKH subjects, 5 acute and 12 chronic, 18 non VKH uveitis controls, and 6 healthy controls were recruited for this study . In vivo confocal microscopic (IVCM) analysis of the limbal basal epithelium, scleral side of the limbus, limbal niche, corneal keratocytes, and corneal nerves was carried out .Results: Absence of pigmented cells in the limbal basal epithelium, presence of inflammatory cells on the scleral side of the limbus, fibrotic niche, degenerated keratocytes, thinning, and beading of corneal nerves were noted in VKH eyes as compared to controls.Conclusion: Presence of inflammatory cells and depigmentation of limbus in chronic VHK points to disease progression.Keratocyte and corneal nerve changes in Vogt Koyanagi Haradas syndrom are novel findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rathinam Sr
- Chief Uvea Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
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28
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Chiang JCB, Goldstein D, Trinh T, Au K, Mizrahi D, Muhlmann M, Crowe P, O'Neill S, Edwards K, Park SB, Krishnan AV, Markoulli M. A Cross-Sectional Study of Sub-Basal Corneal Nerve Reduction Following Neurotoxic Chemotherapy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:24. [PMID: 33510963 PMCID: PMC7804570 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sub-basal corneal nerves have been shown to change during neurotoxic chemotherapy treatment. This cross-sectional study investigated corneal nerve morphology in patients who have completed neurotoxic chemotherapy well after treatment cessation and its association with peripheral nerve function. Methods Central corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and inferior whorl length (IWL), average nerve fiber length (ANFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) and corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and nerve fiber area (CNFA) were examined using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy in patients with cancer who had completed treatment with either paclitaxel or oxaliplatin between 3 and 24 months prior to assessment in comparison with 2 separate groups of healthy controls. Neurological assessments were conducted including clinician- and patient-reported outcomes, and neurological grading scales. Results Both paclitaxel- (n = 40) and oxaliplatin-treated (n = 30) groups had reduced IWL and ANFL compared to the respective healthy control groups (n = 15 in each group) (paclitaxel: IWL = P = 0.02, ANFL = P = 0.009; and oxaliplatin: IWL = P = 0.008, ANFL P = 0.02). CNFL and CNFD reduction were observed only in the paclitaxel-treated group compared with healthy controls (P = 0.008 and P = 0.02, respectively), whereas CNFA was reduced in the oxaliplatin-treated group (P = 0.04). IWL reduction correlated with worse fine hand dexterity in chemotherapy-treated patients (r = −0.33, P = 0.007). Conclusions There is evidence of corneal nerve loss in patients with cancer who have been treated with paclitaxel and oxaliplatin well after treatment cessation associated with worse upper limb function. Translational Relevance Sub-basal corneal nerve reduction is evident even after cessation of neurotoxic treatment. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy may be useful in the monitoring of nerve function in patients receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Goldstein
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Terry Trinh
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kimberley Au
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Mizrahi
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Muhlmann
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip Crowe
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Siobhan O'Neill
- Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katie Edwards
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susanna B Park
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Avetisov SE, Tyurina AA, Surnina ZV. State of corneal nerve fibers after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:39-48. [PMID: 34156777 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202113703139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the state of corneal nerve fibers (CNF) based on quantitative parameters after laser correction of myopia using LASIK. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study examined 141 eyes - 80 eyes with myopia and 61 emmetropic eyes. In 47 cases a microkeratome was used to form a corneal flap, and in 33 cases a femtosecond laser was used (LASIK and FemtoLASIK, respectively). Confocal microscopy was performed before, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after correction. Objective analysis of CNF involved automatic calculation of the anisotropy (KΔL) and symmetry (Ksym) coefficients of CNF orientation in the Liner 1.2S software. RESULTS Lower values of KΔL were revealed in myopia as compared to emmetropia. Regardless of the method of flap formation, no CNF could be detected in the central cornea 1 month after myopia correction. In all cases after FemtoLASIK and in 2 cases after LASIK, CNF in the central cornea were first visualized after 3 months, and after 6 months CNF could be detected in all cases. At a similar observation time, CNF were visualized both after LASIK and after FemtoLASIK in the superior and inferior peripheral portions of the cornea. Analysis of long-term postoperative changes in KΔL and Ksym revealed a decrease in the former and an increase in the latter. CONCLUSION Evaluation of the state of CNF after corneal refractive correction should take into account the initial changes in CNF in myopia that are possibly associated with an increase in axial eye length. A more dynamic restoration of innervation was noted in cases where the flap was formed with the femtosecond laser, which may be explained by the fact that the mechanism of tissue separation when using this type of coherent radiation is gentler. Considering the changes in the quantitative indicators characterizing the state of CNF, the question of «completeness» of the restored CNF as a result of reinnervation remains open.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Avetisov
- Research Institute of Eye Disease, Moscow, Russia
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Tyurina
- Research Institute of Eye Disease, Moscow, Russia
| | - Z V Surnina
- Research Institute of Eye Disease, Moscow, Russia
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Abstract
Diabetic keratopathy (DK) is a common, but underdiagnosed, ocular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that has a significant economic burden. It is characterised by progressive damage of corneal nerves, due to DM-induced chronic hyperglycaemia and its associated metabolic changes. With advances in corneal nerve imaging and quantitative analytic tools, studies have shown that the severity of diabetic corneal neuropathy correlates with the status of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The corneal nerve plexus is, therefore, considered as an important surrogate marker of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and helps in the evaluation of interventional efficacy in the management of DM. The clinical manifestations of DK depend on the disease severity and vary from decreased corneal sensitivity to sight-threatening corneal infections and neurotrophic ulcers. The severity of diabetic corneal neuropathy and resultant DK determines its management plan, and a step-wise approach is generally suggested. Future work would focus on the exploration of biomarkers for diabetic corneal neuropathy, the development of new treatment for corneal nerve protection, and the improvement in the clinical assessment, as well as current imaging technique and analysis, to help clinicians detect diabetic corneal neuropathy earlier and monitor the sub-clinical progression more reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Mansoor
- Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Hong Chang Tan
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore;
| | - Molly Tzu-Yu Lin
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (M.T.-Y.L.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (M.T.-Y.L.); (J.S.M.)
- Cornea and External Eye Diseases, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Eye-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (M.T.-Y.L.); (J.S.M.)
- Cornea and External Eye Diseases, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Eye-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-65-767-246; Fax: +65-62-277-290
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McPheeters MT, Blackburn BJ, Dupps WJ, Rollins AM, Jenkins MW. Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators for In Situ Functional Studies of Corneal Nerves. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:10. [PMID: 33151279 PMCID: PMC7645214 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Millions of people suffer from diseases that involve corneal nerve dysfunction, caused by various conditions, including dry eye syndrome, neurotrophic keratopathy, diabetes, herpes simplex, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease. The morphology of corneal nerves has been studied extensively. However, corneal nerve function has only been studied in a limited fashion owing to a lack of tools. Here, we present a new system for studying corneal nerve function. Methods Optical imaging was performed on the cornea of excised murine globes taken from a model animal expressing a genetically encoded calcium indicator, GCaMP6f, to record calcium transients. A custom perfusion and imaging chamber for ex vivo murine globes was designed to maintain and stabilize the cornea, while allowing the introduction of chemical stimulation during imaging. Results Imaging of calcium signals in the ex vivo murine cornea was demonstrated. Strong calcium signals with minimal photobleaching were observed in experiments lasting up to 10 minutes. Concentrated potassium and lidocaine solutions both modulated corneal nerve activity. Similar responses were observed in the same neurons across multiple chemical stimulations, suggesting the feasibility of using chemical stimulations to test the response of the corneal nerves. Conclusions Our studies suggest that this tool will be of great use for studying functional changes to corneal nerves in response to disease and ocular procedures. This process will enable preclinical testing of new ocular procedures to minimize damage to corneal innervation and therapies for diminished neural function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T McPheeters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Brecken J Blackburn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - William J Dupps
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Andrew M Rollins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Michael W Jenkins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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Roszkowska AM, Licitra C, Tumminello G, Postorino EI, Colonna MR, Aragona P. Corneal nerves in diabetes-The role of the in vivo corneal confocal microscopy of the subbasal nerve plexus in the assessment of peripheral small fiber neuropathy. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 66:493-513. [PMID: 32961210 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cornea's intense innervation is responsible for corneal trophism and ocular surface hemostasis maintenance. Corneal diabetic neuropathy affects subbasal nerve plexus, with progressive alteration of nerves' morphology and density. The quantitative analysis of nerve fibers can be performed with in vivo corneal confocal microscopy considering the main parameters such as corneal nerve fibers length, corneal nerve fibers density, corneal nerve branching density, tortuosity coefficient, and beadings frequency. As the nerve examination permits the detection of early changes occurring in diabetes, the invivo corneal confocal microscopy becomes, over time, an important tool for diabetic polyneuropathy assessment and follow-up. In this review, we summarize the actual evidence about corneal nerve changes in diabetes and the relationship between the grade of alterations and the duration and severity of the disease. We aim at understanding how diabetes impacts corneal nerves and how it correlates with sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy and retinal complications. We also attempt to analyze the safety of the most common surgical procedures such as cataract and refractive surgery in diabetic patients and to highlight the specific risk factors. We believe that information about the corneal nerve fibers' condition obtained from the in vivo subbasal nerve plexus investigation may be crucial in monitoring peripheral small fiber polyneuropathy and that it will help with decision-making in ophthalmic surgery in diabetic patients.
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De Clerck EE, Schouten JS, Berendschot TT, Koolschijn RS, Nuijts RM, Schram MT, Schaper NC, Henry RM, Dagnelie PC, Ruggeri A, Guimarães P, Stehouwer CD, Webers CA. Reduced corneal nerve fibre length in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: The Maastricht Study. Acta Ophthalmol 2020; 98:485-491. [PMID: 32017403 PMCID: PMC7496813 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In individuals with diabetes, injury to the corneal nerve fibres predisposes to delayed corneal epithelial healing, reduced corneal sensitivity and corneal erosion. We investigated to what extent a reduction in corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL) is present in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (DM2) compared with individuals with normal glucose metabolism (NGM). METHODS Using composite images acquired by corneal confocal microscopy, we assessed total CNFL per mm2 in the subbasal nerve plexus of the cornea in 134 participants (mean age 59 ± 8 years, 49% men, 87 NGM, 20 prediabetes, 27 DM2). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between CNFL and glucose metabolism status, adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS In individuals with type 2 diabetes, the mean CNFL was significantly reduced [β = -1.86 mm/mm2 (95% CI -3.64 to -0.08), p = 0.04], as compared with individuals with normal glucose metabolism after adjustment for age and sex. Part of the reduction was present in individuals with prediabetes [β = -0.96 mm/mm2 (95% CI -2.91 to 0.99), p = 0.34], with a linear trend of corneal nerve fibre reduction with severity of glucose metabolism status (p trend = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS A significant reduction in CNFL was found in individuals with DM2 compared with individuals with NGM. A trend of reduction in CNFL was observed between individuals with NGM and prediabetes. The reduction in corneal nerve fibre length could contribute to a delayed corneal healing and an increased risk for corneal complications after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline E.B. De Clerck
- University Eye Clinic MaastrichtMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Jan S.A.G. Schouten
- University Eye Clinic MaastrichtMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Tos T.J.M. Berendschot
- University Eye Clinic MaastrichtMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Renée S. Koolschijn
- University Eye Clinic MaastrichtMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Rudy M.M.A. Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic MaastrichtMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Miranda T. Schram
- Department of Internal MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands,CARIM School for Cardiovascular DiseasesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas C. Schaper
- Department of Internal MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands,CARIM School for Cardiovascular DiseasesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands,CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary CareMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Ronald M.A. Henry
- Department of Internal MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands,CARIM School for Cardiovascular DiseasesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Pieter C. Dagnelie
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular DiseasesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands,CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary CareMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands,Department of EpidemiologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Alfredo Ruggeri
- Department of Information EngineeringUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
| | - Pedro Guimarães
- Department of Information EngineeringUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
| | - Coen D.A. Stehouwer
- Department of Internal MedicineMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands,CARIM School for Cardiovascular DiseasesMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Carroll A.B. Webers
- University Eye Clinic MaastrichtMaastricht University Medical Center +Maastrichtthe Netherlands
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Chin JY, Yang LWY, Ji AJS, Nubile M, Mastropasqua L, Allen JC, Mehta JS, Liu YC. Validation of the Use of Automated and Manual Quantitative Analysis of Corneal Nerve Plexus Following Refractive Surgery. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E493. [PMID: 32708510 PMCID: PMC7400400 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10070493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Following refractive surgery, the cornea is denervated and re-innervated, hence a reproducible tool to objectively quantify this change is warranted. This study aimed to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of corneal nerve quantification between automated (ACCMetrics) and manual software (CCMetrics) following refractive surgery. A total of 1007 in vivo confocal microscopy images from 20 post-small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) or post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients were evaluated by two independent observers using CCMetrics for corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL). Intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility and repeatability, as well as agreement and correlation between the measurements obtained by ACCMetrics and CCMetrics, were assessed. We found that CNFL demonstrated the best intra- and inter-observer agreement followed by CNFD (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.799 and 0.740, respectively for CNFL; 0.757 and 0.728 for CNFD). CNBD demonstrated poorest intra- and inter-observer ICC. There was an underestimation in ACCMetrics measurements compared to CCMetrics measurements, although the differences were not significant. Our data suggested that both automated and manual methods can be used as reliable tools for the evaluation of corneal nerve status following refractive surgery. However, the measurements obtained with different methods are not interchangeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ying Chin
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (J.Y.C.); (L.W.Y.Y.); (A.J.S.J.); (J.S.M.)
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lily Wei Yun Yang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (J.Y.C.); (L.W.Y.Y.); (A.J.S.J.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Angel Jung Se Ji
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (J.Y.C.); (L.W.Y.Y.); (A.J.S.J.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Mario Nubile
- Ophthalmic Clinic, University “G d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Ophthalmic Clinic, University “G d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.N.); (L.M.)
| | - John Carson Allen
- Department of Biostatistics, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore;
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (J.Y.C.); (L.W.Y.Y.); (A.J.S.J.); (J.S.M.)
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (J.Y.C.); (L.W.Y.Y.); (A.J.S.J.); (J.S.M.)
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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Hung KC, Lu CJ, Liu HY, Hou YC, Wang IJ, Hu FR, Chen WL. Use of white light in vivo confocal microscopy for the detection of spatial changes in the corneal nerves in cases of early-stage Acanthamoeba keratitis with radial keratoneuritis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2020; 68:1061-1066. [PMID: 32461430 PMCID: PMC7508073 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1313_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Radial keratoneuritis (RK) is a common feature of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is noninvasive and provides real-time images for the diagnosis of corneal diseases by allowing the visualization of corneal structures and morphologies of living organisms at the cellular level. Images of AK with RK obtained using commercial white light IVCM devices have not been frequently evaluated. In the present study, a white light IVCM device was used to evaluate the corneal findings and describe spatial changes in the corneal nerves at different depths in cases of early-stage AK with RK. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, white light IVCM images focused on RK were evaluated for Acanthamoeba cysts/trophozoites, corneal deposits, and altered corneal nerves, with special emphasis on three-dimensional spatial changes in the corneal nerves at different depths. Results: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients exhibiting early-stage AK with RK were included in the study. Acanthamoeba cysts/trophozoites were observed in the corneal epithelium of 13 eyes and stroma of 7 eyes. Alterations in the corneal nerve morphology and density were observed from the basal epithelial layer to the stromal layer in 12 eyes. Acanthamoeba trophozoites were attached to the corneal stromal nerves in five eyes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that white light IVCM can identify consistent corneal findings, particularly spatial changes in the corneal nerves, in cases of early-stage AK with RK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chi Hung
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University; Department of Ophthalmology, Sinying Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Xinying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ju Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Jong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Rong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital; Center of Corneal Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital; Center of Corneal Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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36
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Elhardt C, Wertheimer CM, Wartak A, Zhao J, Leung HM, Kassumeh SA, Yin B, Tearney GJ, Birngruber R. Stromal Nerve Imaging and Tracking Using Micro-Optical Coherence Tomography. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:6. [PMID: 32821478 PMCID: PMC7401960 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.5.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To image, track and map the nerve fiber distribution in excised rabbit corneas over the entire stromal thickness using micro-optical coherence tomography (µOCT) to develop a screening tool for early peripheral neuropathy. Methods Excised rabbit corneas were consecutively imaged by a custom-designed µOCT prototype and a commercial laser scanning fluorescence confocal microscope. The µOCT images with a field of view of approximately 1 × 1 mm were recorded with axial and transverse resolutions of approximately 1 µm and approximately 4 µm, respectively. In the volumetric µOCT image data, network maps of hyper-reflective, branched structures traversing different stromal compartments were segmented using semiautomatic image processing algorithms. Furthermore, the same corneas received βIII-tubulin antibody immunostaining before digital confocal microscopy, and a comparison between µOCT image data and immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to validate the nerval origin of the tracked network structures. Results Semiautomatic tracing of the nerves with a high range of different thicknesses was possible through the whole corneal volumes, creating a skeleton of the traced nerves. There was a good conformity between the hyper-reflective structures in the µOCT data and the stained nerval structures in the immunohistochemistry data. Conclusions This article demonstrates nerval imaging and tracking as well as a spatial correlation between µOCT and a fluorescence corneal nerve standard for larger nerves throughout the full thickness of the cornea ex vivo. Translational Relevance Owing to its advantageous properties, µOCT may become useful as a noncontact method for assessing nerval structures in humans to screen for early peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Elhardt
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian M Wertheimer
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Wartak
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jie Zhao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hui Min Leung
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefan A Kassumeh
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Biwei Yin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guillermo J Tearney
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reginald Birngruber
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Liu L, Dana R, Yin J. Sensory neurons directly promote angiogenesis in response to inflammation via substance P signaling. FASEB J 2020; 34:6229-6243. [PMID: 32162744 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903236r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessels and nerves travel together to supply most tissues in the body. However, there is a knowledge gap in the mechanisms underlying the direct regulation of angiogenesis by nerves. In the current study, we examined the regulation of angiogenesis by sensory nerves in response to inflammation using the cornea, a normally avascular and densely innervated ocular tissue, as a model. We used desiccating stress as an inflammatory stimulus in vivo and found that sub-basal and epithelial nerve densities in the cornea were reduced in dry eye disease (DED). We established a co-culture system of trigeminal ganglion sensory neurons and vascular endothelial cells (VEC) and found that neurons isolated from mice with DED directly promoted VEC proliferation and tube formation compared with normal controls. In addition, these neurons expressed and secreted higher levels of substance P (SP), a proinflammatory neuropeptide. SP potently promoted VEC activation in vitro and blockade of SP signaling with spantide I, an antagonist of SP receptor Neurokinin-1, significantly reduced corneal neovascularization in vivo. Spantide I and siRNA knockdown of SP abolished the promotion of VEC activation by DED neurons in vitro. Taken together, our data suggested that sensory neurons directly promote angiogenesis via SP signaling in response to inflammation in the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjia Liu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Reza Dana
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jia Yin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Coppey L, Davidson E, Shevalye H, Obrosov A, Torres M, Yorek MA. Progressive Loss of Corneal Nerve Fibers and Sensitivity in Rats Modeling Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Is Reversible with Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intervention: Supporting Cornea Analyses as a Marker for Peripheral Neuropathy and Treatment. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2020; 13:1367-1384. [PMID: 32425569 PMCID: PMC7189026 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s247571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether cornea nerve fiber density and/or corneal function are valid markers for early detection and treatment of peripheral neuropathy in rats modeling prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. METHODS High-fat feeding combined without or with low-dose streptozotocin was used to create rat models for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes that were longitudinally studied for loss of structure and function of sensory nerves in the cornea and skin as well as nerve conduction velocity and vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles. There were three time points examined in each of the three conditions with 12 rats per group. The latest time point (24 weeks of high-fat diet with or without 16 weeks of hyperglycemia) was used to examine reversibility of neuro and vascular pathology following 16 weeks of treatment with menhaden oil, a natural source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The number of rats in the intervention study ranged from 6 to 17. RESULTS Our longitudinal study demonstrated that vascular and neural dysfunction associated with obesity or type 2 diabetes occur early and are progressive. Decrease in cornea nerve fiber length and function were valid markers of disease in both the pre-diabetic and diabetic rat models and were more sensitive than decrease in intraepidermal nerve fiber density of the skin and thermal nociception of the hindpaw. Late intervention with menhaden oil significantly reversed both vascular and peripheral nerve damage induced by chronic obesity or type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION These studies provide support for examination of corneal structure and function as an early marker of peripheral neuropathy in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish oil are an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy that occurs with chronic obesity or type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Coppey
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Eric Davidson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hanna Shevalye
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alexander Obrosov
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael Torres
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mark A Yorek
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Correspondence: Mark A Yorek Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Health Care System, Iowa City, IA52246Tel +1-319-338-0581 ext. 7696Fax +1-319-339-7162 Email
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Marfurt C, Anokwute MC, Fetcko K, Mahony-Perez E, Farooq H, Ross E, Baumanis MM, Weinberg RL, McCarron ME, Mankowski JL. Comparative Anatomy of the Mammalian Corneal Subbasal Nerve Plexus. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:4972-4984. [PMID: 31790560 PMCID: PMC6886725 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-28519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) is the densest and most recognizable component of the mammalian corneal innervation; however, the anatomical configuration of the SNP in most animal models remains incompletely described. The purpose of the current study is to describe in detail the SNP architecture in eight different mammals, including several popular animal models used in cornea research. Methods Corneal nerves in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, macaque, domestic pig, and cow eyes were stained immunohistochemically with antiserum directed against neurotubulin. SNP architecture was documented by digital photomicrography and large-scale reconstructions, that is, corneal nerve maps, using a drawing tube attached to a light microscope. Results Subbasal nerve fibers (SNFs) in mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and macaques radiated centrally from the corneoscleral limbus toward the corneal apex in a whorl-like or spiraling pattern. SNFs in rabbit and bovine corneas swept horizontally across the ocular surface in a temporal-to-nasal direction and converged on the inferonasal limbus without forming a spiral. SNFs in the pig cornea radiated centrifugally in all directions, like a starburst, from a focal point located equidistant between the corneal apex and the superior pole. Conclusions The results of the present study have demonstrated for the first time substantial interspecies differences in the architectural organization of the mammalian SNP. The physiological significance of these different patterns and the mechanisms that regulate SNP pattern formation in the mammalian cornea remain incompletely understood and warrant additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Marfurt
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, Gary, Indiana, United States
| | - Miracle C. Anokwute
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, Gary, Indiana, United States
| | - Kaleigh Fetcko
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, Gary, Indiana, United States
| | - Erin Mahony-Perez
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, Gary, Indiana, United States
| | - Hassan Farooq
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, Gary, Indiana, United States
| | - Emily Ross
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, Gary, Indiana, United States
| | - Maraya M. Baumanis
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, Gary, Indiana, United States
| | - Rachel L. Weinberg
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Megan E. McCarron
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Joseph L. Mankowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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40
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Abstract
C-fibers are unmyelinated nerve fibers that transmit high threshold mechanical, thermal, and chemical signals that are associated with pain sensations. This review examines current literature on measuring altered peripheral nerve morphology and discusses the most relevant aspects of corneal microscopy, especially whether corneal imaging presents significant method advantages over skin biopsy. Given its relative merits, corneal confocal microscopy would seem to be a more practical and patient-centric approach than utilizing skin biopsies.
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Sheha H, Tighe S, Hashem O, Hayashida Y. Update On Cenegermin Eye Drops In The Treatment Of Neurotrophic Keratitis. Clin Ophthalmol 2019; 13:1973-1980. [PMID: 31631965 PMCID: PMC6789413 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s185184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic keratitis is an underdiagnosed degenerative condition induced by impairment to the corneal nerves which may lead to persistent epithelial defects and corneal blindness. Current medical and surgical treatments are only supportive and poorly tackle the underlying problem of corneal anesthesia; hence, fail to provide a permanent cure. Cenegermin is a newly introduced recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) that may address this issue. Preliminary clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of topical cenegermin in patients with moderate to severe neurotrophic keratitis; however, the clinical experience with this drug is still limited. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and management of neurotrophic keratitis as well as the mechanism of action, uses, and limitations of cenegermin eye drops in the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosam Sheha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sean Tighe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Omar Hashem
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasutaka Hayashida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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Colorado LH, Markoulli M, Edwards K. The Relationship Between Corneal Dendritic Cells, Corneal Nerve Morphology and Tear Inflammatory Mediators and Neuropeptides in Healthy Individuals. Curr Eye Res 2019. [PMID: 30909745 DOI: 10.1080/027113683.2019.1600196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the association between corneal dendritic cell (DC) density and corneal nerve morphology and tear film inflammatory mediators and neuromediators in healthy individuals. Methods: Flush tears were collected from 21 healthy participants aged 39.7 ± 9.9 years and analyzed for total protein content (TPC), substance P, matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of MMPs-1 (TIMP-1), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In vivo confocal microscopy was used to assess DC density and corneal nerve morphology. Corneal nerve variables measured were corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), fiber total branch density (CTBD), fiber area (CNFA), fiber width (CNFW) and fractal dimension (CNFrac). Results: Participants with DC density over 50 cells/mm2 correlated with CNBD-average (r = 0.7, p = 0.02), CNBD-high (r = 0.6, p = 0.02), CNBD-low (r = 0.6, p = 0.02) CTBD-average (r = 0.7, p = 0.01), CTBD-high (r = 0.6, p = 0.03), CTBD-low (r = 0.7, p = 0.01), CNFA-average (r = 0.7, p = 0.00), CNFA-high (r = 0.7, p = 0.01), CNFA-low (r = 0.8, p < 0.001), CNFrac-SD (r = -0.6, p = 0.04), CNFrac-low (r = 0.6, p = 0.04) and CNFL-low (r = 0.7, p = 0.02). The percentage of MMP-9 correlated with DC density in the entire cohort (r = 0.47, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Corneal nerve measures showed a strong correlation with higher DC density, suggesting that the number of cells maybe be modulated by the corneal nerves in the central cornea. MMP-9 also showed a moderate correlation with DC, supporting an inflammatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa H Colorado
- a Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- b School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Katie Edwards
- a Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
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Shen F, Dong X, Zhou X, Yan L, Wan Q. Corneal subbasal nerve plexus changes in patients with episodic migraine: an in vivo confocal microscopy study. J Pain Res 2019; 12:1489-1495. [PMID: 31190959 PMCID: PMC6526177 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s196705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: It has been generally thought that activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular system may contribute to the pathogenesis of migraine. Nevertheless, there is little evidence on abnormalities in peripheral trigeminal afferent nerves from humans in vivo. Alterations of corneal nerves from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve may support the notion that trigeminal afferent nerves are involved in migraine pathophysiology. The aim of the present study was to investigate the structural changes in corneal subbasal nerve plexus in patients with episodic migraine (EM) with in vivo confocal microscope (IVCM). Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 10 EM patients and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Analysis of IVCM images with Image J software was performed to quantify the changes in the corneal subbasal nerve plexus. Results: EM patients showed an increase in nerve fiber length (25.0±2.65 vs 22.3±2.41 mm/mm2, p=0.047) and nerve fiber density (36.3±7.29 vs 30.5±6.19 fibers/mm2, p=0.104) as compared with normal controls, but this difference was not statistically significant. Nerve branching and tortuosity were significantly increased in the EM subjects compared to the normal subjects (91.3±13.8 vs 75.0±14.2 branches/mm2, p=0.030 and 2.30±0.46 versus 1.63±0.52, p=0.011, respectively). In addition, nerve sprouts and increased number of Langerhans cells were observed in the EM patients. Conclusion: The morphologic changes of corneal subbasal nerve plexus and Langerhans cell aggregation suggest the presence of nerve regeneration and inflammation in EM. Furthermore, the alterations of corneal nerves from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve offer support for the hypothesis that the peripheral trigeminal system may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanyun Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Wan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People's Republic of China
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Colorado LH, Markoulli M, Edwards K. The Relationship Between Corneal Dendritic Cells, Corneal Nerve Morphology and Tear Inflammatory Mediators and Neuropeptides in Healthy Individuals. Curr Eye Res 2019; 44:840-848. [PMID: 30909745 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1600196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the association between corneal dendritic cell (DC) density and corneal nerve morphology and tear film inflammatory mediators and neuromediators in healthy individuals. Methods: Flush tears were collected from 21 healthy participants aged 39.7 ± 9.9 years and analyzed for total protein content (TPC), substance P, matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of MMPs-1 (TIMP-1), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In vivo confocal microscopy was used to assess DC density and corneal nerve morphology. Corneal nerve variables measured were corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), fiber total branch density (CTBD), fiber area (CNFA), fiber width (CNFW) and fractal dimension (CNFrac). Results: Participants with DC density over 50 cells/mm2 correlated with CNBD-average (r = 0.7, p = 0.02), CNBD-high (r = 0.6, p = 0.02), CNBD-low (r = 0.6, p = 0.02) CTBD-average (r = 0.7, p = 0.01), CTBD-high (r = 0.6, p = 0.03), CTBD-low (r = 0.7, p = 0.01), CNFA-average (r = 0.7, p = 0.00), CNFA-high (r = 0.7, p = 0.01), CNFA-low (r = 0.8, p < 0.001), CNFrac-SD (r = -0.6, p = 0.04), CNFrac-low (r = 0.6, p = 0.04) and CNFL-low (r = 0.7, p = 0.02). The percentage of MMP-9 correlated with DC density in the entire cohort (r = 0.47, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Corneal nerve measures showed a strong correlation with higher DC density, suggesting that the number of cells maybe be modulated by the corneal nerves in the central cornea. MMP-9 also showed a moderate correlation with DC, supporting an inflammatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa H Colorado
- a Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- b School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Katie Edwards
- a Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
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Labetoulle M, Baudouin C, Calonge M, Merayo‐Lloves J, Boboridis KG, Akova YA, Aragona P, Geerling G, Messmer EM, Benítez‐del‐Castillo J. Role of corneal nerves in ocular surface homeostasis and disease. Acta Ophthalmol 2019; 97:137-145. [PMID: 30225941 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Corneal nerves are key components of the physiological system that controls ocular surface homeostasis. The cornea is primarily innervated by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerves (cranial nerve V), which distend bilaterally from the pons. The nasociliary branch (afferent) of the ophthalmic nerve is sensory for cornea, eyelid and conjunctiva. These nerve fibres play a role in sensing temperature, chemical and mechanical stimuli, and pain, whereas, branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) contain motor nerves that control blinking and autonomic (sympathetic and a paucity of parasympathetic) fibres that stimulate tear production and secretion via feedback loops between the ocular surface, lacrimal glands and brain. Disruption of these nerves with interruption of neural feedback loops between the ocular surface and lacrimal glands can lead to corneal diseases such as dry eye disease (DED) and neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). Inversely, hypersensitivity of the nerve fibres and/or dysregulation of pain-controlling nervous centres may lead to neuropathic pain. Recently, medications that specifically target regeneration of corneal nerves have started to become available - and considering the high prevalence of diseases associated with corneal nerve dysfunction, these agents promise to fulfil a hitherto important unmet need. In this review, we explore the physiology of corneal nerves, the pathology of corneal nerve diseases and how these relate to neuropathic pain, NK and DED. We also discuss what novel treatments may be useful against diseases involving corneal nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Labetoulle
- Ophthalmology South Paris University Hospital‐APHP Le Kremlin‐Bicêtre France
| | - Christophe Baudouin
- Quinze‐Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital Paris France
- INSERM UMRS968 CNRS UMR7210 Paris 6 Vision Institute UPMC University Paris France
- University of Versailles Saint‐Quentin en Yvelines Versaille France
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Fadavi H, Tavakoli M, Foden P, Ferdousi M, Petropoulos IN, Jeziorska M, Chaturvedi N, Boulton AJ, Malik RA, Abbott CA. Explanations for less small fibre neuropathy in South Asian versus European subjects with type 2 diabetes in the UK. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2018; 34:e3044. [PMID: 29972725 PMCID: PMC6220759 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low foot ulcer risk in South Asian, compared with European, people with type 2 diabetes in the UK has been attributed to their lower levels of neuropathy. We have undertaken a detailed study of corneal nerve morphology and neuropathy risk factors, to establish the basis of preserved small nerve fibre function in South Asians versus Europeans. METHODS In a cross-sectional, population-based study, age- and sex-matched South Asians (n = 77) and Europeans (n = 78) with type 2 diabetes underwent neuropathy assessment using corneal confocal microscopy, symptoms, signs, quantitative sensory testing, electrophysiology and autonomic function testing. Multivariable linear regression analyses determined factors accounting for ethnic differences in small fibre damage. RESULTS Corneal nerve fibre length (22.0 ± 7.9 vs. 19.3 ± 6.3 mm/mm2 ; P = 0.037), corneal nerve branch density (geometric mean (range): 60.0 (4.7-246.2) vs. 46.0 (3.1-129.2) no./mm2 ; P = 0.021) and heart rate variability (geometric mean (range): 7.9 (1.4-27.7) vs. 6.5 (1.5-22.0); P = 0.044), were significantly higher in South Asians vs. Europeans. All other neuropathy measures did not differ, except for better sural nerve amplitude in South Asians (geometric mean (range): 10.0 (1.3-43.0) vs. 7.2 (1.0-30.0); P = 0.006). Variables with the greatest impact on attenuating the P value for age- and HbA1C -adjusted ethnic difference in corneal nerve fibre length (P = 0.032) were pack-years smoked (P = 0.13), BMI (P = 0.062) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.062). CONCLUSIONS South Asians have better preserved small nerve fibre integrity than equivalent Europeans; furthermore, classic, modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease are the main contributors to these ethnic differences. We suggest that improved autonomic neurogenic control of cutaneous blood flow in Asians may contribute to their protection against foot ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Fadavi
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Peripheral Neuropathy Unit, Imperial College London, Hammersmith HospitalLondonUK
| | - Mitra Tavakoli
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Diabetes, Vascular Research CentreUniversity of Exeter Medical SchoolDevonUK
| | - Philip Foden
- Medical Statistics DepartmentUniversity Hospital of South ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Ioannis N. Petropoulos
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Maria Jeziorska
- Division of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Manchester School of Medical SciencesManchesterUK
| | - Nishi Chaturvedi
- Institute of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Andrew J.M. Boulton
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Diabetes Research InstituteUniversity of MiamiMiamiFLUSA
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarDohaQatar
| | - Caroline A. Abbott
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human DevelopmentUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
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47
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Mastropasqua L, Nubile M, Lanzini M, Calienno R, Dua HS. In vivo microscopic and optical coherence tomography classification of neurotrophic keratopathy. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:6108-6115. [PMID: 30240004 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a rare degenerative corneal disorder characterized by instability of epithelial integrity with consequent epithelial defects that can worsen up to persistent epithelial defects with stromal melting and ulceration. The pathogenesis of NK springs from a variable degree of damage to the trigeminal nerve plexus, leading to a reduction or total loss of corneal sensitivity. Mackie classification (1995) distinguishes three stages of NK, based on the severity of clinical presentation. The technological innovations in corneal diagnostic imaging allow clinicians to accurately study the morphometry and morphology of corneal structure with microscopic resolution. In this study, 45 patients affected by NK at different stages underwent in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) with particular attention to analyze subbasal nerve plexus fibers and the stromal structure. At the light of IVCM and AS-OCT observations, we propose a different staging of NK with respect to the Mackie's classification that takes into account the severity of subbasal nerve fibers damage and the extension in depth of stromal ulceration; this classification better defines, at the time of diagnosis, the cellular and structural alterations in the affected corneas, with possible prognostic and therapeutic values in the management of NK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Mario Nubile
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Manuela Lanzini
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Roberta Calienno
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Ophthalmic Clinic, National High Technology Eye Center, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Harminder S Dua
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology, Section of Academic Ophthalmology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Purpose Radiation therapy results in severe chronic keratopathy and dry eye disease. We developed a novel mouse model for radiation keratopathy to allow future mechanistic studies. Methods Six to 8-week-old BALB/c mice underwent sublethal irradiation to the head only from a Cesium-137 irradiator, 2 × 550 rad, 3-hours apart. Irradiated mice were clinically evaluated by corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) at 1, 2, and 3 months, after which corneas were excised and immunofluorescence histochemistry performed with anti-CD45, anti-MHC class II, and anti-β-tubulin antibodies. Results The survival rate after irradiation was 100%. Mice demonstrated significant CFS and hair loss around the eyes. Corneal nerve density decreased in the central and peripheral corneas (P < 0.01) at 2 and 3 months, respectively. CD45+ immune cell densities increased in the central and peripheral corneas (P < 0.005, P < 0.001) at 2 and 3 months, respectively. MHC class II, a sign of antigen presenting cell activation, significantly increased after irradiation in the central and peripheral corneas at 2 and 3 months (P = 0.02). A strong inverse correlation was noted between decreased corneal nerves and increase in CD45+ cells in the central cornea at 2 (P = 0.04, r = -0.89) and 3 months (P = 0.03, r = -0.91) after irradiation. Conclusions We present a model of radiation keratopathy and demonstrate significant nerve loss and increase in immune cell influx and activation within months. This model will enable future investigations to understand the effects of radiation therapy on the eye, and to study mechanisms of neuro-immune crosstalk in the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deshea L. Harris
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Immune Disease Institute, Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Takefumi Yamaguchi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Immune Disease Institute, Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Immune Disease Institute, Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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49
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Abstract
Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease caused by damage of trigeminal corneal innervation, which leads to spontaneous epithelial breakdown and corneal ulceration. The impairment of corneal sensory innervation causes the reduction of both protective reflexes and trophic neuromodulators that are essential for the vitality, metabolism, and wound healing of ocular surface tissues. A wide range of ocular and systemic conditions, including herpetic keratitis, ocular chemical burns, corneal surgery, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and neurosurgical procedures, can cause NK by damaging trigeminal innervation. Diagnosis of NK requires careful investigation of any ocular and systemic condition associated with the disease, complete ocular surface examination, and quantitative measurement of corneal sensitivity. The clinical stages of NK range from corneal epithelial alterations (stage 1) to persistent epithelial defect (stage 2) and ulcer (stage 3), which may progress to corneal perforation. Management of NK is based on clinical severity, and the aim of the therapy is to halt the progression of corneal damage and promote epithelial healing. Although several medical and surgical treatments have been proposed, no therapies are currently available to restore corneal sensitivity, and thus, NK remains difficult and challenging to treat. The purpose of this review is to summarize available evidence on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of NK. Novel medical and surgical therapies including the topical administration of nerve growth factor and corneal neurotization are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy,
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy,
| | - Marco Pellegrini
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy,
| | - Stefano Sebastiani
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy,
| | - Emilio C Campos
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy,
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50
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Dhillon VK, Elalfy MS, Messina M, Al-Aqaba M, Dua HS. Survival of corneal nerve/sheath structures in organ-cultured donor corneas. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:e334-e340. [PMID: 29193851 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the morphology of human corneal nerves in eye bank organ-cultured corneas and in corneal grafts post-transplantation. METHODS Thirty-seven organ-cultured corneas were divided into: Group-A, anterior 300-400 μm of 20 corneas used for Descemets stripping endothelial keratoplasty, and Group-B, 17 full-thickness corneas unsuitable for transplantation. Corneas whole mounts were stained for nerves using acetylcholinesterase technique and examined by NanoZoomer digital pathology microscope. Central and sub-Bowman's stromal nerves and the sub-basal nerve plexus including perforation sites and terminal bulbs were studied. Ten eyes were imaged following penetrating keratoplasty using in-vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) for the presence of sub-basal and stromal nerves at 1, 4-5 and 7-8 weeks postoperatively (five eyes) and in all the other five eyes, the final follow-up was at 12 weeks. RESULTS Fifteen of twenty (75%) corneas had stromal nerves in Group-A and 15 of 17 (88.2%) in Group-B. Average number of stromal nerves entering peripherally were 9.1 (range: 1-36). 7.5 in Group-A and 10.8 in Group-B. Central stromal nerves were seen in eight samples in Group-A and nine in Group-B. Many stromal nerves terminated abruptly without demonstrable continuity through Bowman's membrane. No terminal bulbs or sub-basal nerves were detected. In-vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) showed 4 of 5 in 9 of 10 (90%) donor corneas had stromal nerves 1 week postoperatively, which remained present in 8 of 10 (80%) corneas at 4-5 weeks and in 9 of 10 (90%) at 7-8 weeks postoperatively. All 5 corneas analysed at 12 weeks showed the same stromal nerves from 1 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Sub-basal nerves were absent in all corneas over the 12-week study period. CONCLUSION This study provides further insight into the behaviour of corneal nerves in transplanted corneas. Corneal stromal nerves/nerve-sheaths are preserved in organ-cultured eye bank eyes and persist post-transplantation up to 3 months. These could provide directional guidance to regenerating nerves from host stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virinder K. Dhillon
- Department of Ophthalmology; Section of Academic Ophthalmology; Division of Clinical Neuroscience; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
| | - Mohamed S. Elalfy
- Department of Ophthalmology; Section of Academic Ophthalmology; Division of Clinical Neuroscience; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
| | - Marco Messina
- Department of Ophthalmology; Section of Academic Ophthalmology; Division of Clinical Neuroscience; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
| | - Mouhamed Al-Aqaba
- Department of Ophthalmology; Section of Academic Ophthalmology; Division of Clinical Neuroscience; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
| | - Harminder S. Dua
- Department of Ophthalmology; Section of Academic Ophthalmology; Division of Clinical Neuroscience; University of Nottingham; Nottingham UK
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