Ultraviolet-induced Effector Molecules In Ocular Surface Diseases: Regulation Of Expression In Vitro And In Vivo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$293,500.00
Summary
Pterygium is a common, recurrent, inflammatory, and sight-threatening complication of the human eye. The disease is characterised by a fleshy vascular growth that gradually covers the ocular surface if left untreated. Limbal dysplasia is a less common disease but in some regards this disease behaves much like a pterygium. We have generated considerable laboratory based data that these ocular surface disorders may be triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and this fits well with the extensive ep ....Pterygium is a common, recurrent, inflammatory, and sight-threatening complication of the human eye. The disease is characterised by a fleshy vascular growth that gradually covers the ocular surface if left untreated. Limbal dysplasia is a less common disease but in some regards this disease behaves much like a pterygium. We have generated considerable laboratory based data that these ocular surface disorders may be triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and this fits well with the extensive epidemiological evidence. To data the only form of treatment is surgical intervention, often with adjunctive topical agents that can cause other more severe complication of the eye. The aim of this investigation is to determine the effectiveness of agents such as retinoic acid and interferons to block or inhibit the down-stream effects of UV radiation. Currently, we have preliminary data that suggests these agents can significantly reduce several molecules that are activated by UV in cultured ocular surface cells. Furthermore, we have clinical evidence that retinoic acid and interferon can resolve both pterygia and conjunctival dysplasia in a small group of patients. If successful, these agents may replace costly and time-consuming surgical approach to treatment.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Novel Bioengineered Tissue Construct For Repairing The Eye.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,817.00
Summary
Corneal diseases are often treated using donor tissue transplants. Nevertheless, donor tissue is unsuitable for treating the peripheral or limbal margin of the cornea. We have therefore developed a way to transplant sheets of limbal tissue (epithelium) grown in the laboratory from a patient's own cells, but this tissue lacks a foundation of connective tissue that we believe is essential for sustained healing. Thus, our aim is to develop a novel limbal transplant which contains both layers.