Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
09:20
Perturbing Endothelial Biomechanics via Connexin 43 Structural Disruption
Published on: October 4, 2019
6.0K
Decreased corneal biomechanical stability and structural integrity in PPAR-α knockout mice
Chengfang Zhu1, Huan He2, Hongwei Yan3
1Eye Institute and Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, China.
Experimental Eye Research
|February 11, 2026
Summary
Mice lacking peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) exhibit reduced corneal biomechanical stability and microstructural integrity. This decline is linked to altered corneal components, inflammation, and protease activity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Corneal biomechanical failure is linked to inflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes.
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) activation may inhibit inflammatory cascades.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate corneal biomechanical and structural features in PPAR-α-/- mice.
- Assess alterations in inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in PPAR-α-/- mice.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated corneas from PPAR-α-/- and wild-type mice using elasticity tests, enzymatic digestion, OCT, IVCM, TEM, and RT-PCR.
- Assessed tear film break-up time (tBUT) and corneal fluorescein sodium staining.
Main Results:
- PPAR-α-/- mice showed decreased corneal tangent modulus, enzymatic resistance, and thinner corneas.
- Microscopy revealed disorganized stromal fibers and reduced density in PPAR-α-/- mice.
- Gene expression analysis indicated decreased structural proteins and increased inflammatory markers (TNF-α, MMP-9) in PPAR-α-/- corneas.
Conclusions:
- PPAR-α deficiency compromises corneal biomechanical stability and microstructural integrity.
- Dysregulation of structural components, inflammatory factors, and proteases contributes to corneal alterations in PPAR-α-/- mice.
Keywords:
Corneal biomechanicsElastic modulusEnzymatic tissue digestionIn vivo confocal microscopyPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-αMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Stability of structures
532
In mechanical engineering, the stability of systems under various forces is critical for designing durable and efficient structures. One fundamental way to explore these concepts is by analyzing systems like two rods connected at a pivot point, O, with a torsional spring of spring constant k at the pivot point. This system is similar in appearance to a scissor jack used to change tires on a car. In this case, the arms of the linkage (equivalent to the rods in this system) are entirely vertical,...
532
01:27Decreasing Function
312
A decreasing function describes a relationship where the output consistently declines as the input increases. This means that for any two input values, if one is greater than the other, the corresponding output is smaller. Mathematically, a function f is decreasing on an interval I if for every x1 < x2 in I, f (x1) > f (x2). This type of behavior is visually identified on a graph that slopes downward from left to right.The nature of a function can be analyzed by calculating...
312
02:15Protein and Protein Structure
88.9K
Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
88.9K
01:53RNA Stability
35.8K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
35.8K
03:18Nuclear Stability
23.4K
Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together...
To hold positively charged protons together...
23.4K
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
1.1K
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by...
1.1K