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Liu Y, Hong J. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Laden In Situ-Forming Hydrogel for Preventing Corneal Stromal Opacity. Cornea 2024; 43:609-626. [PMID: 38289027 PMCID: PMC10980177 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003475] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were to construct a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-laden in situ-forming hydrogel and study its effects on preventing corneal stromal opacity. METHODS The native gellan gum was modified by high temperature and pressure, and the rabbit bone marrow MSCs were encapsulated before adding Ca 2+ to initiate cross-linking. The effects of the hydrogel on 3D culture and gene expression of the rabbit bone marrow MSCs were observed in vitro. Then, the MSC-hydrogel was used to repair corneal stromal injury in New Zealand white rabbits within 28 days postoperation. RESULTS The short-chain gellan gum solution has a very low viscosity (<0.1 Pa·s) that is ideal for encapsulating cells. Moreover, mRNA expressions of 3D-cultured MSCs coding for corneal stromal components (decorin, lumican, and keratocan) were upregulated (by 127.8, 165.5, and 25.4 times, respectively) ( P < 0.05) on day 21 in vitro and were verified by Western blotting results. For the in vivo study, the corneal densitometry of the experimental group was (20.73 ± 1.85) grayscale units which was lower than the other groups ( P < 0.05). The MSC-hydrogel downregulated mRNA expression coding for fibrosis markers (α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, collagen type 5-α1, and collagen type 1-α1) in the rabbit corneal stroma. Furthermore, some of the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-labeled MSCs integrated into the upper corneal stroma and expressed keratocyte-specific antigens on day 28 postoperation. CONCLUSIONS The short-chain gellan gum allows MSCs to slowly release to the corneal stromal defect and prevent corneal stromal opacity. Some of the implanted MSCs can integrate into the corneal stroma and differentiate into keratocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; and
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; and
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Beijing, China
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Sanie-Jahromi F, Sanie Jahromi MS. In Vitro Effect of Propofol on the Expression of Genes Involved in Inflammation and Apoptosis in Corneal Activated Keratocytes. Cornea 2024; 43:105-110. [PMID: 37702602 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the effect of propofol (0.5, 5, and 50 μM) on the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines [ IL-1β , IL-6 , transforming growth factor β ( TGF-β ), and LIF ] and apoptosis process ( BCL-2 and Bax ) in corneal activated keratocytes (CAKs). METHODS CAKs (10 6 cells/10 cm 2 ) were exposed to propofol at a concentration of 0.5, 5, and 50 μM for 24 hours at 37°C. The control group did not receive propofol at the same time or under the same condition. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to quantify the relative expression of IL-1β , IL-6 , TGF-β , LIF , BCL-2 , and Bax expression in the treated versus control cells. RESULT The results of this study showed that propofol treatment (0.5 and 5 μM) led to the downregulation of IL-1β and IL-6 gene expression in CAKs. TGF-β (with a role in fibrogenesis) was not changed in 0.5 and 5 μM propofol-treated CAKs, whereas CAKs treated with 50 μM propofol showed upregulation of the TGF-β gene. LIF (with a role in regeneration) was upregulated in 0.5 and 5 μM propofol-treated CAKs. The BCL-2/Bax ratio (as the antiapoptosis index) was increased in CAKs treated with 0.5 μM propofol and indicated the induction of an antiapoptotic effect. CONCLUSIONS We showed that CAKs treatment with propofol, at concentrations of 0.5 and 5 μM, could decrease the expression of genes related to inflammation and enhance the genes associated with cell regeneration. While 50 μM propofol treatment might induce CAK fibrogenesis. This proof-of-concept study could preserve a groundwork for future drug design for the treatment of corneal stromal diseases and ocular regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Shiraz, Iran; and
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Acosta AC, Joud H, Sun M, Avila MY, Margo CE, Espana EM. Keratocyte-Derived Myofibroblasts: Functional Differences With Their Fibroblast Precursors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:9. [PMID: 37796488 PMCID: PMC10561788 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.9] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In this study, we aim to elucidate functional differences between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts derived from a keratocyte lineage to better understand corneal scarring. Methods Corneal fibroblasts, derived from a novel triple transgenic conditional KeraRT/tetO-Cre/mTmG mouse strain that allows isolation and tracking of keratocyte lineage, were expanded, and transformed by exposure to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to myofibroblasts. The composition and organization of a fibroblast-built matrix, deposited by fibroblasts in vitro, was analyzed and compared to the composition of an in vitro matrix built by myofibroblasts. Second harmonic generation microscopy (SHG) was used to study collagen organization in deposited matrix. Different extracellular matrix proteins, expressed by fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, were analyzed and quantified. Functional assays compared latent (TGF-β) activation, in vitro wound healing, chemotaxis, and proliferation between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Results We found significant differences in cell morphology between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Fibroblasts expressed and deposited significantly higher quantities of fibril forming corneal collagens I and V. In contrast, myofibroblasts expressed and deposited higher quantities of fibronectin and other non-collagenous matrix components. A significant difference in the activation of latent TGF-β activation exists between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts when measured with a functional luciferase assay. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts differ in their morphology, extracellular matrix synthesis, and deposition, activation of latent TGF-β, and chemotaxis. Conclusions The differences in the expression and deposition of extracellular matrix components by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are likely related to critical roles they play during different stages of corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Acosta
- Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Hadi Joud
- Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Mei Sun
- Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Marcel Y. Avila
- Departamento de Oftalmologia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Curtis E. Margo
- Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Edgar M. Espana
- Cornea and External Disease, Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
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Sanie-Jahromi F, Mohsenzadeh AH, Namjoyan F, Gharegezloo Z, Nejabat M. Effect of adlay seed extract on inflammation and fibrogenesis in human corneal activated keratocytes at transcriptional level. Exp Eye Res 2023; 235:109641. [PMID: 37696465 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109641] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Corneal activated keratocytes (CAKs) -representing the injured phenotype of corneal stromal cells- are associated with several corneal diseases. Inflammatory cytokines are the key drivers of CAK formation subsequently leading to fibrogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adlay seed extract on the expression of genes involved in inflammation (IL-6, IL-1b, LIF) and fibrogenesis (TGF-β) in CAK cells. CAKs (106 cells/10 cm2) were exposed to methanolic (MeOH) and residual (Res) extract of adlay seed (1 mg/ml, 24 h). The control group received the vehicle solution without extract at the same time and condition. Then, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and real-time PCR were performed to quantify the relative expression of IL-6, IL-1b, LIF, and TGF-β in the treated vs. control cells. This study showed that the MeOH extract of adlay seed could significantly downregulate the expression of IL-6 and IL-1b in the CAKs, while the Res extract led to a significant decrease in TGF-β gene expression. We showed that CAK treatment with adlay seed extract could decrease the expression of genes related to inflammation and fibrogenesis. However, the genes to be targeted depended on the method of extraction. This proof-of-concept study could provide groundwork for the treatment of corneal stromal diseases and ocular regenerative medicine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Amir Hossein Mohsenzadeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Foroogh Namjoyan
- Pharmacognosy Department, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Zahra Gharegezloo
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Nejabat
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Fallah Tafti M, Aghamollaei H, Moosazadeh Moghaddam M, Jadidi K, Faghihi S. An inspired microenvironment of cell replicas to induce stem cells into keratocyte-like dendritic cells for corneal regeneration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15012. [PMID: 37696883 PMCID: PMC10495344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42359-9] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal stromal disorders due to the loss of keratocytes can affect visual impairment and blindness. Corneal cell therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for healing corneal tissue or even enhancing corneal function upon advanced disorders, however, the sources of corneal keratocytes are limited for clinical applications. Here, the capacity of cell-imprinted substrates fabricated by molding human keratocyte templates to induce differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into keratocytes, is presented. Keratocytes are isolated from human corneal stroma and grown to transmit their ECM architecture and cell-like topographies to a PDMS substrate. The hADSCs are then seeded on cell-imprinted substrates and their differentiation to keratocytes in DMEM/F12 (with and without chemical factors) are evaluated by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The mesenchymal stem cells grown on patterned substrates present gene and protein expression profiles similar to corneal keratocytes. In contrast, a negligible expression of myofibroblast marker in the hADSCs cultivated on the imprinted substrates, is observed. Microscopic analysis reveals dendritic morphology and ellipsoid nuclei similar to primary keratocytes. Overall, it is demonstrated that biomimetic imprinted substrates would be a sufficient driver to solely direct the stem cell fate toward target cells which is a significant achievement toward corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Fallah Tafti
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Group, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 14965/161, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Aghamollaei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Moosazadeh Moghaddam
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosrow Jadidi
- Vision Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, 1435916471, Iran.
| | - Shahab Faghihi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Group, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 14965/161, Tehran, Iran.
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Fuest M, Talpan D, Meusel L, Walter P, Salla S. P05-A152 Human platelet lysate for cornea organ culture. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2023; 8:A3. [PMID: 37604575 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-eeba.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Comprehensible concerns have been raised regarding the safety of FBS-based culture media. In this talk we discuss the benefits of using human platelet lysate (HPL) for the xeno-free culture of human donor corneas, isolated corneal stromal keratocytes (CSK) and stromal fibroblasts (SF). METHODS 32 human corneas unsuitable for transplantation from 16 human donors were cultured for 25-days in either 2%FBS or 2%HPL medium and compared by phase contrast microscopy (ECD and morphology), and next generation sequencing (NGS). Effects of 0.5%FBS, 5%FBS, 0.5%HPL, 2%HPL and 10%hPL on cultured human CSK and SF were evaluated. RESULTS Differential cornea culture showed lower endothelial cell loss in the 2%HPL vs. 2%FBS group (ECL hPL=-0.7% vs. FBS=-3.8%; p=0.01). 2%HPL led to the upregulation of cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic genes (e.g. HMOX1, SERPINE1, ANGPTL4, LEFTY2) and the downregulation of pro-inflammatory/apoptotic genes (e.g. CXCL14, SIK1B, PLK5, PPP2R3B). CSK/SF cell viability remained high in all groups (98-100%). Cell numbers and proliferation rates increased (p=0.024-0.001), CSK marker expression decreased with higher fractions of HPL and FBS (p<0.001). SMA1 increased with higher amounts of FBS (p=0.003) but decreased with incremental HPL substitution in both cell types (p=0.014). HPL contained more TGF-β1 (100%hPL 1.861±0.231ng/ml vs. 100%FBS 0.015±0.010ng/ml, p<0.001). bFGF and HGF were only detectable in 100% hPL (bFGF 0.067±0.017ng/ml, HGF 1.074±0.050ng/ml). CONCLUSION 2%HPL is a suitable xeno-free substitution for 2%FBS in human cornea organ culture, inducing less ECL and potentially beneficial alterations in gene expression. CSK and SF can be cultured with xeno-free hPL. To maintain CSK characteristics substitution must remain minimal (0.5% hPL/FBS). hPL contains the antifibrotic HGF und bFGF, suppressing myofibroblast conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Delia Talpan
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Linus Meusel
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Salla
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Kolkedi Z, Csutak A, Szalai E. Corneal Cellular and Neuroinflammatory Changes After SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Cornea 2022; 41:879-885. [PMID: 35349500 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate corneal cellular and ultrastructural changes and to quantify the neuroinflammatory process in patients after mild severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. METHODS Thirty patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection and 41 age-matched controls were examined. All subjects underwent in vivo confocal microscopy of the corneal cell layers and subbasal nerve fibers with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II. Semiautomated analysis of basal epithelial, anterior and posterior stromal keratocyte, and endothelial cell density was performed. Dendritic cell (DC) density and area were also calculated, and subbasal nerve plexus morphology was analyzed. RESULTS The posterior stromal keratocyte density was significantly lower in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection ( P = 0.0006). DC density in the central cornea was significantly higher in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection ( P = 0.0004). There was a significant difference in the DC area between the 2 groups ( P < 0.0001). Significantly altered subbasal nerve fiber morphology was detected in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with healthy volunteers ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Corneal cellular and ultrastructural changes demonstrated in this study suggest neuroinflammatory consequences of COVID-19 in the cornea in the absence of ophthalmoscopic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Kolkedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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Teus MA, de Benito-Llopis L. Keratocytes and Mitomycin C. J Refract Surg 2016; 32:503-4. [PMID: 27400085 DOI: 10.3928/1081597x-20160609-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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