Publications by authors named "Joyce Covre"
Cell injection therapy is emerging as an alternative to treat corneal endothelial dysfunction (CED) and to avoid corneal scarring due to bullous keratopathy. However, establishing a standardized culture procedure that provides appropriate cell yield while retaining functional features remains a challenge. Here, we describe a detailed framework obtained from in vitro culture of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) and comparative in vivo experimental models for CED treatment with a new cell tracking approach.
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- * In a study using human RPE cells (ARPE-19), different concentrations of Gal-3 were tested before exposing the cells to UVA radiation, which normally reduces cell viability significantly, especially with longer exposure times.
- * Results showed that pretreating the cells with Gal-3 improved their survival rates after UVA exposure and reduced oxidative stress, indicating that Gal-3 can help protect RPE cells from damage.
Purpose: This quality and reliability study aimed to identify the mass variability of multidose eyedrops and to verify the existence of a reference pattern for the drop volume of eyedrops using standard lubricant eyedrops available on the Brazilian market.
Methods: Five brands of lubricant eyedrops were evaluated. An ideal standard 20 µL drop of eyedrops from each manufacturer was captured using an adjustable micropipette.
A need exists for further research elucidating the benefits of environmentally safe photoprotective agents against ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and plant extracts represent a human-friendly alternative formulation. This study was designed to evaluate the potential use of Bellis perennis extract (BPE), from the Asteraceae family, known as the common daisy or the English daisy, in cosmeceuticals as a photoprotective factor, using an in vitro model of UVA-induced keratinocyte damage. Human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) were incubated with BPE at 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To evaluate the ability of human immature dental pulp stem cells, which are mesenchymal stem cells of neural crest origin, to differentiate into the corneal epithelium for purposes of corneal transplantation and tissue engineering when cultured on de-epithelized amniotic membranes.
Methods: We compared the immunophenotypes (ABCG2, K3/12, and vimentin) of cells grown on amniotic membranes or plastic surfaces under serum-free conditions or in culture media containing serum or serum replacement components.
Results: Immature dental pulp stem cells grown on amniotic membranes under basal conditions are able to maintain their undifferentiated state.
Aims: To evaluate the expression of β-galactoside-binding proteins galectin (Gal)-1 and Gal-3 in patients with keratoconus (KC) and postcorneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) treatment in vitro.
Methods: Tear fluid, cornea samples and conjunctival impression cytology specimens from control and KC patients were used to evaluate Gal-1 and Gal-3 expressions. Primary keratocytes were isolated by collagenase digestion from surgically removed corneas of five normal or KC human corneal buttons and cultured in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium/Ham's F12 medium supplemented with 2% fetal bovine serum.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to culture human keratocytes and assess the effects of ultraviolet light and riboflavin on these cells in a lab setting.
- Keratocytes were isolated from donor corneas, characterized for specific markers, and treated with collagen, riboflavin, and UV light to evaluate cell viability and cytotoxicity.
- Results showed that while keratocytes can be cultured successfully, collagen significantly reduces cell death from UV exposure compared to cells cultured without it.
Purpose: To investigate the cytotoxicity, cellular intake and magnetic field interaction of three superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and one ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles on ARPE-19 cells.
Methods: Two FDA-approved SPIO nanoparticles (Endorem and Lumirem), one commercial SPIO(FluidMag-L) and one FDA-approved USPIO (Feraheme) were tested. Nanoparticle suspensions were diluted and prepared in high- (1000 Fe-ug/ml) and low- (100 Fe-ug/ml) dose suspensions.
Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of three culture media for growth, proliferation, differentiation, and viability of ex vivo cultured limbal epithelial progenitor cells.
Methods: Limbal epithelial progenitor cell cultures were established from ten human corneal rims and grew on plastic wells in three culture media: supplemental hormonal epithelial medium (SHEM), keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM), and Epilife. The performance of culturing limbal epithelial progenitor cells in each medium was evaluated according to the following parameters: growth area of epithelial migration; immunocytochemistry for adenosine 5'-triphosphate-binding cassette member 2 (ABCG2), p63, Ki67, cytokeratin 3 (CK3), and vimentin (VMT) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for CK3, ABCG2, and p63, and cell viability using Hoechst staining.
Purpose: To report the outcomes of transplantation of autologous conjunctival epithelial cells cultivated ex vivo (EVCAU) in patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).
Methods: EVCAU were cultivated on denuded human amniotic membrane and transplanted in 12 eyes of 10 patients with total LSCD. We evaluated the improvement in the defined clinical parameters of LSCD (loss of corneal epithelial transparency, superficial corneal neovascularization and epithelial irregularity/recurrent epithelial breakdown), vision acuity, impression cytology, immunocytochemical analysis (CK3/CK19), and the appearance of a regular hexagonal basal layer of cells on corneal confocal microscopy.
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and ultrastructural aspects of human limbal epithelial cells cultured on amniotic membrane (AM) with and without epithelium.
Methods: Limbal epithelial cell cultures were established from cadaveric cor neo-scleral rim explants derived from 6 different donors. The explants from each donor were placed under 3 different groups: on human preserved AM with epithelium (Group 1), AM deepithelialized with trypsin (Group 2) and control (Group 3).