Application of Animal Models in Interpreting Dry Eye Disease
Jun Zhu1,2, Takenori Inomata1,3,4, Kendrick Co Shih5
1Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Different pathophysiologic mechanisms are involved in the initiation, development, and outcome of dry eye disease (DED). Animal models have proven valuable and efficient in establishing ocular surface microenvironments that mimic humans, thus enabling better understanding of the pathogenesis. Several dry eye animal models, including lacrimal secretion insufficiency, evaporation, neuronal dysfunction, and environmental stress models, are related to different etiological factors. Other models may be categorized as having a multifactorial DED. In addition, there are variations in the methodological classification, including surgical lacrimal gland removal, drug-induced models, irradiation impairment, autoimmune antibody-induced models, and transgenic animals. The aforementioned models may manifest varying degrees of severity or specific pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the complexity of DED. This review aimed to summarize various dry eye animal models and evaluate their respective characteristics to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism and identify therapeutic prospects for clinical purposes.
Insights
This review summarizes various dry eye disease (DED) animal models, detailing their mechanisms and classifications. Understanding these models aids in comprehending DED pathogenesis and developing new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathophysiology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Dry eye disease (DED) involves complex pathophysiologic mechanisms.
- Animal models are crucial for studying ocular surface microenvironments and DED pathogenesis.
- Existing models address various etiological factors, including lacrimal insufficiency, evaporation, and neuronal dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate diverse dry eye animal models.
- To enhance understanding of DED underlying mechanisms.
- To identify potential therapeutic strategies for clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of DED animal models based on etiological factors (e.g., insufficiency, evaporation, stress).
- Classification of models by methodology (e.g., surgical, drug-induced, irradiation, autoimmune, transgenic).
- Evaluation of model characteristics, severity, and pathophysiologic relevance.
Main Results:
- Multiple animal models exist, each mimicking specific aspects of dry eye disease.
- Models vary in their ability to replicate human DED pathophysiology and severity.
- Different models highlight distinct etiological factors and disease pathways.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of various dry eye animal models is essential.
- Selecting appropriate models is key to elucidating DED mechanisms.
- Further research using these models can guide the development of effective clinical treatments for dry eye disease.
