title: A new perspective on the pathobiology of keratoconus: interplay of stromal wound healing and reactive species-associated processes.
abstract: Severe loss of vision manifests from the corneal protrusion, thinning and distortion that characterises keratoconus, which in its most severe form is still treated primarily by lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty. Unfortunately, alternative therapeutic options targeting the underlying pathobiology remain limited, attributable to an incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms instigating stromal deterioration and other disease processes. We postulate that underlying abnormalities in stromal repair and reactive species-linked activities and the interaction between these phenomena are implicated in the development of keratoconus. This revised interpretation of the pathophysiology may, with further investigation, advance our knowledge and the clinical management of this prevalent ectatic disorder.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. i.cheung@auckland.ac.nz
authors: Isabella M Y
authors: IM
authors: Cheung
authors: Charles N J
authors: CN
authors: McGhee
authors: Trevor
authors: T
authors: Sherwin
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis; D060527:Corneal Keratocytes / Q000473:pathology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000502:physiology; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D020381:Interleukin-17; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species