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Dissection of Human Vitreous Body Elements for Proteomic Analysis
Published on: January 23, 2011
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Comparative electron microscopy analysis of internal limiting membrane and epiretinal membrane ultrastructure from
Thananop Pothikamjorn1, Thanapong Somkijrungroj2,3, Marisa Prasanpanich4
1Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Plos One
|September 2, 2025
Summary
Epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation involves changes in the internal limiting membrane (ILM). This study compares ILM pathology in patients with and without ERM to understand disease mechanisms and improve treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a retinal layer causing visual impairment.
- Understanding ERM pathophysiology is key for better ophthalmic care.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate ERM pathophysiology by comparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) pathology in patients with and without ERM.
- Elucidate the role of ILM changes in ERM development and correlate findings with clinical biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Collected ILM and ERM specimens during vitrectomy and membrane peeling.
- Analyzed specimens using light and transmission electron microscopy for morphological and ultrastructural changes.
- Correlated pathological findings with clinical data (fundus photography, OCT, OCT-A) and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct pathological features in the ILM associated with ERM development.
- Evaluated cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling in the ILM.
- Established correlations between pathological changes and clinical features/biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- ILM alterations, including cellular proliferation and matrix remodeling, are significant contributors to epiretinal membrane formation.
- Pathological findings correlate with clinical biomarkers, offering insights into ERM pathogenesis.
- Enhanced understanding of ERM pathophysiology may lead to improved prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
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