• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.65-71
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• 2003

The corneal epithelium is constantly being shed. The mechanism of corneal desquamation is not fully understood. Apoptosis, programmed cell death, may play a role. Apoptosis can be induced by a number of factors and different mechanisms. The study was performed to examine the apoptotic index induced in human corneal epithelial cells maintained in tissue culture by various apoptotic inducers. Various inducers, recombinant human cytokines($INF{\gamma}$, $TNF{\alpha}$, FASAb), actinomycin D. camptothecin, cycloheximide, dexamethasone and etoposide, were purchased from commercial suppliers. Inducers at manufacturer-recommended concentration were added to the corneal epithelial cells for 48 hours. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. The cells were then assessed for the level of apoptosis. Morphologic changes and quantification of apoptotic cells were determined and counted under fluorescence microscope after inducers-treated human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells for 48 hours with Hoechst 33342 staining. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and DePsipher assay. The expression of Fas protein was studied by immunocytochemistry. All inducers induced apoptosis in HCE cells in a dose dependent manner. Actinomycin D. camptothecin and etoposide induced apoptosis at lower than manufacturer-recommended concentration, while cytokines, cycloheximide and dexamethasone induced apoptosis at higher concentrations at the end of 48 hours. All inducers elicited typical apoptotic morphologic changes (chromatin condensation, nucleus fragmentations non-orange-red colored mitochondria) and expresses Fas protein highly. Apoptotic index of HCE cells by these inducers was different from the other cell lines. RNA synthesis inhibitor and topoisomerase inhibitors induced apoptosis at lower concentration than manufacturer-recommended concentration. Cytokines, cycloheximide and dexamethasone were able to produce apoptosis at 10 times higher concentrations. RNA synthesis inhibitor and topoisomerase inhibitors are more sensitive than intracellular receptor-activators in apoptotic induction of HCE cells.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.85-97
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• 2018

The trans-differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is employed, but there is little understanding of the cell source-dependent trans-differentiation potential of MSCs into corneal epithelial cells. In the present study, we induced trans-differentiation of MSCs derived from umbilical cord matrix (UCM-MSCs) and from dental tissue (D-MSCs), and we comparatively evaluated the in vitro trans-differentiation properties of both MSCs into corneal epithelial-like cells. Specific cell surface markers of MSC (CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105) were detected in both UCM-MSCs and D-MSCs, but MHCII and CD119 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in UCM-MSCs than in D-MSCs. In UCM-MSCs, not only expression levels of Oct3/4 and Nanog but also proliferation ability were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in D-MSCs. In vitro differentiation abilities into adipocytes and osteocytes were confirmed for both MSCs. UCM-MSCs and D-MSCs were successfully trans-differentiated into corneal epithelial cells, and expression of lineage-specific markers (Cytokeratin-3, -8, and -12) were confirmed in both MSCs using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR analysis. In particular, the differentiation capacity of UCM-MSCs into corneal epithelial cells was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of D-MSCs. In conclusion, UCM-MSCs have higher differentiation potential into corneal epithelial-like cells and have lower expression of CD119 and MHC class II than D-MSCs, which makes them a better source for the treatment of corneal opacity.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2005

The effects of R products of B company and natural disinfectant naringin, well-known chemical disinfectant on Corneal endothelium and epithelium of rabbit were observed by scanning electron microscope. The main component of naringin is extract of grapefruit seed, which is one of the flavonoid widely recognized as natural antioxidants and used as preservative agent of food and cosmetics. The chemical disinfectants cytotoxicity in cell cultures were announced by MIT assay and LDH leakage assay. But there has been no study about that chemical disinfectants and natural disinfectants is inserted drops on rabbit's cornea directly. In this test R products B company and natural disinfectants has been dropped on the cornea of rabbits for one weeks and observed cytotoxiciy by light camera after rose bengal staining. Also, we analysed the damage of corneal epithelium and endothelium morphologically after enucleating the cornea by scanning electron microscope.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2007

The aim of the present study was to determine mechanisms of corneal epithelial cell apoptosis in vitro following exposure to anti-FAS and anti-FAS ligand antibody and during infection with mycoplasma sp.. A cultured human corneal epithelial(HCE) cell line was treated with anti-FAS antibody or anti-FAS ligand antibody for 2 and 4 days. The original cell line was found to be contaminated by mycoplasma removal agent(MRA) was used to eliminate the bacterium from the cell line. MRA($0.5{\mu}{\ell}$ tissue culture medium) was added to the cell line and incubated for 1 week. The cell line underwent multiple passages in media not contaminating MRA and cells were grown to 50-80% confluency on coverslips and stained using the Hoechst stain provided in the kit to ensure mycoplasma removal. Apoptosis experiments were performed before and after mycoplasma removal. The apoptotic index of anti-FAS and anti-FAS ligand antibody on mycoplasma contaminated cell line was studied using Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-FITC and Propidium Iodide Staining. In conclusion, anti-FAS antibody induces apoptosis in HCE cells in a time and concentration-dependent mechanism. Cell lines contaminated with mycoplasma have an incresed susceptibility to FAS induced apoptosis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.533-537
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• 2011

A 13-year-old, female, Shih-tzu and a 10-year-old, female, Yorkshire terrier were presented with ulcerative keratitis caused by corneal endothelial degeneration. Generalized corneal edema, conjunctival hyperemia, focal corneal pigmentation, corneal neovascularization, sub-epithelial bullae, and positive fluorescein staining were observed during ophthalmic examinations. Thermokeratoplasty was performed on the overall edematous corneas. Healing of the cornea was completed within 25 days and corneal ulceration has not recurred after healing of the cornea in both cases. Other ocular complications were not observed except for a slight increase in corneal pigmentation. According to this study, thermokeratoplasty could be an effective treatment for corneal ulceration secondary to corneal endothelial diseases in dogs.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 1999

The corneal epithelium is constantly shed and apoptosis may play an important role in this turn-over. We sought to define that serum-free medium was able to induce apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells. SV-40 transfected human corneal epithelial(HCE) cells were grown to 70% confluency in culture. Serum-free medium was added to cells and the cells incubated for 1, 2, 3, or 6 days. Apoptosis of cells at different times was assessed by staining cells with Giemsa or Hoechst 33342 and measuring DNA fragmentation using the TUNEL assay. HCE cells exposed to serum-free medium demonstrated a high incidence of apoptosis, which increased over time to $50{\pm}4%$ after 3 days. They also stained positively with TUNEL assay. Serum-free medium caused time dependent apoptosis of HCE cells. Thus, serum-like nutrient might be important in corneal epithelial cell homeostasis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.505-511
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• 2019

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare sight-threatening corneal infection, often reporting from contact lens wearers. An asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Thai male without history of contact lens use complained foreign body sensation at his left eye during motorbike riding. He had neither specific keratitis symptoms nor common drugs responding, which contributed to delayed diagnosis. By corneal re-scraping, Acanthamoeba-like cysts were detected by calcofluor white staining and agar culture. The etiological agent obtained from the culture was molecularly confirmed by Acanthamoeba spp.-specific PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The results from BLAST and phylogenetic analysis based on the DNA sequences, revealed that the pathogen was Acanthamoeba T4, the major genotype most frequently reported from clinical isolates. The infection was successfully treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide resulting in corneal scar. This appears the first reported AK case from a non-contact lens wearer with HIV infection in Thailand. Although AK is sporadic in developing countries, a role of free-living Acanthamoeba as an opportunistic pathogen should not be neglected. The report would increase awareness of AK, especially in the case presenting unspecific keratitis symptoms without clinical response to empirical antimicrobial therapy.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.712-720
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of rat corneal-derived epithelial cells as an in vitro model to evaluate the harmfulness of the cornea caused by particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5). To establish an experimental model for the effect of PM_2.5 on corneal epithelial cells, it was confirmed that primary cultured cells isolated from rat eyes were corneal epithelial cells through pan-cytokeratin staining. Our results showed that PM_2.5 treatment reduced cell viability of primary rat corneal epithelial (RCE) cells, which was associated with the induction of apoptosis. PM_2.5 treatment also increased the generation of reactive oxygen species due to mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, the production of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines was increased in PM_2.5-treated RCE cells. Furthermore, through heatmap analysis showing various expression profiling between PM_2.5-exposed and unexposed RCE cells, we proposed five genes, including BLNK, IL-1RA, Itga2b, ABCb1a and Ptgs2, as potential targets for clinical treatment of PM-related ocular diseases. These findings indicate that the primary RCE cell line is a useful in vitro model system for the study of PM_2.5-mediated pathological mechanisms and that PM2.5-induced oxidative and inflammatory responses are key factors in PM2.5-induced ocular surface disorders.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.88-92
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• 2019

A 6-month-old male thoroughbred foal with melting ulcer after left eye trauma was referred to Equine Hospital of Jeju National University. The left eye did not respond to the menace reflex test. Bacteria were not observed on corneal smear and culture test, and fluorescein staining revealed corneal injury. Subpalpebral Lavage (SPL) catheter was installed through the upper left eyelid. And the antibiotics, mydriatic and antifungal agents were administered using SPL. In addition, temporary tarsorrhaphy was performed and a hard cup hood was applied. After 2 weeks, the temporary tarsorrhaphy was removed and severe corneal neovascularization was found. On the 39th day of treatment, the left eye was responding to the menace reflex test and granular tissue formation was confirmed in the ulcer area. During the 2 months follow-up, we found that the granulation tissues decreased significantly. This case report describes a successful recovery of severe melting ulcers in a foal by intensive treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.153-157
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mitomycin C on conjunctival fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis. Rabbit conjunctival fibroblast mono layers were treated with 48 hours application of mitomycin-C. The viability of cells was evauated by MTT assay. To examine the effect of mitomycin-C on the cell proliferation, immunocytochemistry for BrdU staning was performed. Then, we investigated whether mitomycin-C induced cell's apoptosis by TUNEL staining. As a result of MTT assay, the viability of cells was gradually inhibited in a dose dependent manner by mitomycin-C. The BrdU staining showed that mitomycin-C significantly suppressed the proliferation of conjunctival fibroblast at concentrations of 0.02% or more. When TUNEL assays were performed, the number of apoptotic cells increased 5.6-, 18.5-, and 33.8-fold compared with the control at 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04%, respectively, of mitomycin-C at 48 hours of exposure. Therefore, mitomycin-C may be useful as a regulator in the treatment of corneal diseases that manifest with scar formation and tumor of fibroblast expansion.