Gonadotropins in Keratoconus: The Unexpected Suspects.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is the most prevalent ectatic corneal disease, significantly impacting visual acuity and daily life.
• The underlying etiology, onset, and pathobiology of KC remain largely unknown despite extensive research.
• Existing research has not explored the potential involvement of hormonal factors in KC pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of gonadotropins in the development and progression of keratoconus (KC).
• To determine if gonadotropins and their receptors are present in human corneal tissues of KC patients and healthy individuals.
• To explore a novel hormonal mechanism contributing to KC.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze plasma samples from 86 KC patients and 45 healthy controls.
• Corneal stromal cells from KC patients and controls, along with human epithelial corneal cells, were examined for gonadotropin-related markers.
• Quantitative analysis of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and receptor expression.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in LH and FSH levels were observed in KC patients compared to healthy controls.
• Gonadotropins and their corresponding receptors were detected in the corneal tissues of KC patients for the first time.
• The human cornea was demonstrated to express gonadotropins and their receptors, expanding known expression sites.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence linking LH and FSH to keratoconus (KC).
• The presence of gonadotropins and their receptors in the human cornea suggests a novel pathway for KC.
• Findings propose an intriguing mechanism involving gonadotropin signaling in the onset and/or progression of KC.