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Everett Kinsey Lecture. Keratocyte apoptosis in refractive surgery
1Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA.
Summary
Keratocyte apoptosis, or programmed cell death, initiates corneal wound healing after refractive surgery. Controlling this process may improve healing and impact diseases like keratoconus.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Keratocyte programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a critical factor in corneal wound healing.
- Epithelial injury in the cornea triggers cytokine release, initiating keratocyte apoptosis.
Discussion:
- Refractive surgeries like PRK and LASIK induce keratocyte apoptosis.
- Apoptotic keratocytes are replaced by migrating myofibroblasts that aid healing.
- Inhibiting apoptosis via transepithelial PRK or drugs may regulate corneal wound repair.
Key Insights:
- Keratocyte apoptosis is an early event in corneal wound healing.
- The Fas ligand and IL-1 cytokines mediate apoptosis following epithelial injury.
- Keratocyte apoptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of keratoconus.
Outlook:
- Targeting keratocyte apoptosis offers a strategy to modulate corneal wound healing.
- Further research into apoptosis regulation could benefit patients undergoing refractive surgery.
- Understanding apoptosis's role in keratoconus may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.