Dry eye disorders are becoming more common due to many causes, including an aging population, increased pollution, and postrefractive surgery. Current treatments include artificial tears; gels; lubricants; tear duct plugs; and anti-inflammatory agents such as steroids, doxycycline, and cyclosporine. For more severe forms of the disease, serum tears and scleral contact lenses are employed. Despite these therapies, successful resolution of the problem is limited because none of these treatments fully addresses the underlying causes of dry eye to promote ocular surface repair. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a small, naturally occurring protein, promotes complete and faster corneal healing than saline alone or prescription agents (doxycycline and cyclosporine) in various animal models of eye injury. In human trials, it improves both the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe dry eye with effects lasting beyond the treatment period. This review will cover the multiple activities of Tβ4 on cell migration, inflammation, apoptosis, cytoprotection, and gene expression with a focus on mechanisms of cell migration, including laminin-332 synthesis and degradation, that account for this paradigm-shifting potential new treatment for dry eye disorders. We will also speculate on additional mechanisms that might promote eye repair based on data from other tissue injury models. Such studies provide the rationale for use of Tβ4 in other types of eye disorders beyond dry eye. Finally, we will identify the gaps in our knowledge and propose future research avenues.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1167/iovs.15-16890 | DOI Listing |
Cont Lens Anterior Eye
January 2025
Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Integrative Medicine, Baoshan Campus of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Electronic address:
Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel modulators for dry eye.
Methods: A thorough search for randomized clinical trials was conducted in seven databases up to February 16, 2024. Suitable studies were identified according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data were synthesized and analyzed using Review Manager 5.
Expert Opin Drug Saf
January 2025
Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) has become a significant public health issue, impacting quality of life. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a primary contributor to DES, and its etiology includes diverse factors. Given the potential for drug-induced MGD, comprehensive investigation into this association is crucial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArthritis Res Ther
January 2025
Scientific Research Project Department, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Laboratory (Guangzhou), Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou, China.
Background: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) share overlapping genetic and immunological profiles. This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy of machine learning algorithms, with a focus on the Random Forest Classifier, to predict the presence of thyroid-specific autoantibodies (TPOAb and TgAb) in pSS patients.
Methods: A total of 96 patients with pSS were included in the retrospective study.
Nat Commun
January 2025
Rheumatology Research Group, Department of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medicine & Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Tertiary lymphoid structures play important roles in autoimmune and non-autoimmune conditions. While many of the molecular mechanisms involved in tertiary lymphoid structure formation have been identified, the cellular sources and temporal and spatial relationship remain unknown. Here we use combine single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics of minor salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's disease and Sicca Syndrome, with ex-vivo functional studies to construct a cellular and spatial map of key components involved in the formation and function of tertiary lymphoid structures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOcul Surf
December 2024
The First Hospital Affiliated to Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China, 150040. Electronic address:
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition with complex and incompletely understood molecular mechanisms. Advances in multi-omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, have provided new insights into the pathophysiology of DED. Genomic analyses have identified key genetic variants linked to immune regulation and lacrimal gland function.
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