Reduced OPA1, Mitochondrial Fragmentation and Increased Susceptibility to Apoptosis in Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type 2 Corneal Fibroblasts.

The progressive degeneration of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) corneal fibroblasts is associated with altered mitochondrial function, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. We investigated whether an imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction of GCD2 corneal fibroblasts. Transmission electron microscopy revealed several small, structurally abnormal mitochondria with altered cristae morphology in GCD2 corneal fibroblasts.

Polypropylene nanoplastic exposure leads to lung inflammation through p38-mediated NF-κB pathway due to mitochondrial damage.

Background: Polypropylene (PP) is used in various products such as disposable containers, spoons, and automobile parts. The disposable masks used for COVID-19 prevention mainly comprise PP, and the disposal of such masks is concerning because of the potential environmental pollution. Recent reports have suggested that weathered PP microparticles can be inhaled, however, the inhalation toxicology of PP microparticles is poorly understood.

Pulmonary Toxicity of Polystyrene, Polypropylene, and Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics in Mice.

Globally, plastics are used in various products. Concerns regarding the human body's exposure to plastics and environmental pollution have increased with increased plastic use. Microplastics can be detected in the atmosphere, leading to potential human health risks through inhalation; however, the toxic effects of microplastic inhalation are poorly understood.

Lysosomal dysfunction of corneal fibroblasts underlies the pathogenesis of Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type 2 and can be rescued by TFEB.

Granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) is the most common form of transforming growth factor β-induced (TGFBI) gene-linked corneal dystrophy and is pathologically characterized by the corneal deposition of mutant-TGFBIp. The defective autophagic degradation of pathogenic mutant-TGFBIp has been shown in GCD2; however, its exact mechanisms are unknown. To address this, we investigated lysosomal functions using corneal fibroblasts.

APP processing and metabolism in corneal fibroblasts and epithelium as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) primarily affects the brain and is the most common form of dementia worldwide. Despite more than a century of research, there are still no early biomarkers for AD. It has been reported that AD affects the eye, which is more accessible for imaging than the brain; however, links with the cornea have not been evaluated.