The effects of low- and hyper-Dk contact lenses on corneal epithelial homeostasis.
Contact lens were and eyelid suturing diminish overall Bcl-2 expression in the corneal epithelium, yet nuclear Bcl-2 in the exposed surface epithelial cells seems to be retained for longer periods when compared with the retention in control eyes. This observation may explain why there is a decrease in surface cell exfoliation during CTL wear, because nuclear Bcl-2 loss needs to precede apoptotic surface cell exfoliation. In addition, if the hypothesis is true that Bcl-2 also has a regulatory function in the proliferation and differentiation of tissues, the overall reduced expression of Bcl-2 (nuclear plus cytoplasmic) may clarify the decrease in proliferation of the corneal epithelium seen during CTL wear. Future studies should clarify the role of Bcl-2 in the homeostatic dynamics of the corneal epithelium. CTL wear and eyelid suturing provide excellent noninflammatory models to advance knowledge of Bcl-2 and its regulatory roles. Additionally, these models should help researchers gain a better understanding of the CTL-associated effects on corneal epithelium.
Cavanagh
H Dwight
HD
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA. Dwight.Cavanagh@UTSouthwestern.edu
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002470:Cell Survival; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D019938:Cyclin D1 / Q000378:metabolism; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000382:microbiology; D010100:Oxygen; D010539:Permeability; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000209:etiology
D019938:Cyclin D1; D010100:Oxygen