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Keratoconus: I. Biochemical studies.

J W Critchfield1, A J Calandra, A B Nesburn

  • 1Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis 95616.

Experimental Eye Research
|June 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary
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Researchers found abnormal non-collagenous components in keratoconus corneas, differing from normal corneas. These findings suggest a new understanding of keratoconus (KC) disease mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive thinning of the cornea.
  • The extracellular matrix, including collagen and non-collagenous proteins, plays a crucial role in corneal structure and integrity.
  • Alterations in corneal matrix composition are implicated in KC pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the collagenous and non-collagenous components of normal and keratoconus corneas.
  • To identify potential biochemical differences that may contribute to the pathophysiology of keratoconus.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of intact corneas and isolated non-collagenous fractions.
  • Quantification of collagen, total protein, hydroxylysine, and reducible collagen cross-linking.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Biochemical assays including PAGE-silver stain, uronic acid, and neutral hexose measurements.
  • Western blot analysis using castor-bean agglutinin (RCA120) to detect terminal galactose.

    • Main Results:

    • Keratoconus corneas exhibited decreased collagen, total protein, and hydroxylysine levels compared to normal corneas.
    • Normal reducible collagen cross-linking was observed in keratoconus corneas.
    • PAGE-silver stain revealed a unique 75 kDa band in keratoconus guanidine extracts, absent in normal controls.
    • Keratoconus extracts showed significantly higher levels of protein, uronic acid, and neutral hexose.
    • Western blot analysis indicated increased binding affinity for RCA120 in keratoconus extracts, suggesting altered galactose residues.

    Conclusions:

    • Keratoconus corneas contain an abnormal non-collagenous component not found in normal corneas.
    • These biochemical differences, particularly in the non-collagenous fraction, may play a significant role in the development or progression of keratoconus.
    • Further characterization of this abnormal component could provide insights into keratoconus pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.