P38 Inhibition Prevents Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection in Cultured Corneal Keratocytes.

: To evaluate keratocyte viability and proinflammatory cytokine secretion induced by HSV-1 infection. : Keratocytes were separated from corneal tissues obtained with the SMILE procedure, and an in vitro system was established to study HSV-1 infection in human keratocytes. Cell viability, HSV-1 genomic DNA copy number, and the expression levels of α-SMA, ALDH1A1, phospho-p38, p38, phospho-IRF3, and IRF3 were evaluated.

Murine corneal stroma cells inhibit LPS-induced dendritic cell maturation partially through TGF-β2 secretion in vitro.

Purpose: The peripheral cornea contains mature and immature resident dendritic cells (DCs) while the central cornea is exclusively equipped with immature DCs. There must be some factors that cause immature DCs. This study investigated whether corneal stroma cells (CSCs) inhibit DC maturation by secreting cytokines.

Murine corneal stroma cells suppress bone marrow-derived dendritic cells maturation in vitro.

Background: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) is a key modulator of dendritic cells (DCs) function, and cornea-derived transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β(2)) promotes the generation of phenotypically and functionally immature DCs. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate whether PGE(2) is involved in the suppressive effect on DCs maturation mediated by corneal stroma cells (CSCs) and whether PGE(2) and TGF-β(2) have additive effects in this immunosuppressive mechanism.

Methods: Bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs), splenic T cells and CSCs culture supernatant were obtained from mice via various protocols.

Suppressive effect of aqueous humor on lipopolysaccharide-induced dendritic cell maturation.

Purpose: The aqueous humor (AH) contains numerous immunosuppressive molecules that contribute to the ocular immune privilege. Here, we mimic an inflammatory environment to analyze the inhibitory effects of the AH on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced maturation of dendritic cells (DC).

Methods: Different concentrations of AH were added to dendritic cell cultures together with LPS.

[A clinical study on reparation of orbital blowout fracture by bridge hydroxylapatite artificial bone].

Objective: To explore a minimally invasive technique with hydroxylapatite artificial bone to repair the orbital blowout fracture.

Methods: Twenty-one cases of orbital blowout fracture from March 2008 to April 2010 were enrolled. And the fractures were repaired with a bridge of hydroxylapatite artificial bone under a nasal endoscope.

A preliminary study of mesenchymal stem cell-like cells derived from murine corneal stroma.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells can be isolated from various tissues besides bone marrow and can differentiate into cells of three germ layers. Recent studies indicate that some cells in corneal stroma express stem cell markers and can also differentiate into chondrocytes and neurocytes. This study was carried out to investigate whether mesenchymal stem cells reside in the murine corneal stroma.

JNK and ERK MAP kinases mediate induction of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-8 following hyperosmolar stress in human limbal epithelial cells.

Hyperosmolarity has been recognized to be a pro-inflammatory stress to the corneal epithelium. The cell signalling pathways linking hyperosmolar stress and inflammation have not been well elucidated. This study investigated whether exposure of human limbal epithelial cells to hyperosmotic stress activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and induces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) -1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, and the C-X-C chemokine IL-8.

Partial enrichment of a population of human limbal epithelial cells with putative stem cell properties based on collagen type IV adhesiveness.

The concept that corneal epithelium stem cells reside in limbus has been recognized for more than a decade, but isolation of these stem cells has not been accomplished. This study was an initial attempt to isolate a population of human limbal epithelial cells enriched for certain putative stem cell properties based on their phenotype. Epithelial cells harvested from fresh human limbal rings and their primary cultures were allowed to adhere to collagen IV-coated dishes for 20 min and 2 hr, sequentially.

Stimulation of matrix metalloproteinases by hyperosmolarity via a JNK pathway in human corneal epithelial cells.

Purpose: To investigate whether exposure of human corneal epithelial cells to hyperosmotic stress activates the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathway, and stimulates production of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs): gelatinase (MMP-9), collagenases (MMP-1 and -13), and stromelysin (MMP-3).

Methods: Primary human corneal epithelial cells cultured in normal osmolar medium (312 mOsM) were exposed to media with higher osmolarity (350-500 mOsM) achieved by adding NaCl, with or without SB202190, an inhibitor of the JNK pathway; dexamethasone; or doxycycline for different lengths of time. The conditioned media were collected after 24 hours of exposure for zymography and ELISA.

Phenotypic characterization of human corneal epithelial cells expanded ex vivo from limbal explant and single cell cultures.

Cultivated human corneal epithelial cells have been successfully used for corneal reconstruction. Explant and single cell systems are currently used for human corneal epithelial cultivation. This study was conducted to characterize the phenotypes of human corneal epithelial cells expanded ex vivo by these two culture systems with regard to their growth potential, morphology and antigen expression patterns.

Neurturin-deficient mice develop dry eye and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Purpose: Neurturin has been identified as a neurotrophic factor for parasympathetic neurons. Neurturin-deficient (NRTN(-/-)) mice have defective parasympathetic innervation of their lacrimal glands. This study was conducted to evaluate tear function and ocular surface phenotype in NRTN(-/-) mice.

Apoptosis of ocular surface cells in experimentally induced dry eye.

Purpose: To evaluate to effect of experimental dry eye on ocular surface apoptosis.

Methods: Aqueous tear production and clearance were inhibited by systemic administration of scopolamine and exposure to an air draft for 12 days in 4- to 6-week-old 129SvEv/CD-1 mixed white mice. Eyes and ocular adnexa were excised, cryosectioned, and evaluated for apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, immunohistochemical assay for caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) phosphate (PARP), and examination of nuclear morphologic changes by Hoechst DNA nuclear staining and transmission electron microscopy.