Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
05:45
Author Spotlight: In-Depth Morphometric Examination and Quantification of Native Lens Structure Using Whole Mount Imaging
Published on: January 19, 2024
1.0K
Detecting Apoptotic Human Lens Epithelial Cells With Transmission Electron Microscopy
Konstantina N Sorkou1,2, Paschalis Theotokis3,4, Theodora-Eleftheria Deftereou5
1Department of Ophthalmology, Frimley Park Hospital, National Health Service (NHS), Camberley, GBR.
Cureus
|October 27, 2023
Summary
Apoptotic cells were found in the lens epithelium of Greek patients with senile cataracts. Neighboring cells phagocytosed apoptotic bodies, suggesting a role in clearing cellular debris.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cataract formation is a major cause of vision impairment globally.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of cataractogenesis is vital for developing new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and ultrastructural features of apoptotic cells in the lens epithelium of Greek patients with senile cataracts.
- To correlate apoptosis with potential risk factors such as age, gender, cataract type, exfoliation syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine anterior lens capsules from 21 senile cataract patients.
- Morphological characteristics of apoptosis were identified and analyzed.
- Statistical correlations were performed between apoptosis and various clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Apoptotic cells were detected in 9 out of 21 patients, exhibiting characteristic nuclear and cytoplasmic changes.
- Features included chromatin condensation, nuclear membrane irregularity, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and membrane blebbing.
- Apoptotic bodies were observed, and neighboring lens epithelial cells (LECs) were seen phagocytosing them.
Conclusions:
- No significant association was found between apoptosis and the examined risk factors.
- Lens epithelial cells (LECs) appear to play a phagocytic role, similar to macrophages, in clearing apoptotic bodies.
- Further research comparing apoptosis rates across populations with varying sun exposure may elucidate the role of UV radiation in cataract formation.
