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Nanoperlite Particles Enhance Fibrogenesis in Thyroid Orbital Fibroblasts: A Potential Activated Cell Source for
Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi1, Razi Sahraeian2, Behzad Khademi1
1Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, sums.ac.ir.
Biomed Research International
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Nanoperlite enhances specific gene expression in orbital fibroblasts from thyroid eye disease patients at a 1 μg/mL concentration. This finding suggests potential applications in tissue engineering for ocular repair and eyelid reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) are key in tissue engineering due to their extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and growth factor secretion.
- Thyroid eye disease (TED) OFs display heightened fibroblastic characteristics, making them valuable for ocular regenerative medicine.
- Nanoperlite, a silica-rich material, is explored for its potential to augment fibroblast functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of nanoperlite on the gene expression of OFs derived from TED patients.
- To assess nanoperlite's potential in enhancing fibrogenesis-related pathways for therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of nanoperlite (particle size, chemical composition).
- Isolation and in vitro expansion of OFs from TED patient orbital adipose tissue.
- Treatment of OFs with nanoperlite (1 and 10 μg/mL) and assessment of fibrogenesis gene expression via real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- Nanoperlite at 1 μg/mL significantly upregulated key fibrogenesis genes (TGF-β, CD90, α-SMA, ZEB1, β-Catenin, Snail) in TED OFs.
- The stimulatory effect was concentration-dependent, with no significant effect observed at 10 μg/mL.
- This indicates a specific optimal concentration for nanoperlite's bioactivity.
Conclusions:
- Nanoperlite demonstrates potential to enhance fibroblast activity at a specific concentration (1 μg/mL), relevant for tissue engineering.
- This finding supports nanoperlite as a candidate biomaterial for periorbital tissue repair and eyelid reconstruction strategies.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand its therapeutic potential and safety profile in ocular applications.
