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Myofibroblastic Transformation Secondary to Epithelial-stromal Interactions in the Keratoconus

NCT03990740 · Status: WITHDRAWN · Type: OBSERVATIONAL

Last updated 2020-05-14

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Keratoconus is characterized by a thinning of the cornea, which causes a decrease in visual acuity due to astigmatism.

Publications suggest that keratoconus is linked to chronic inflammation (increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases (MMP). Direct epithelial-stromal interactions (D-ESI) have a role in the induction of metalloproteinases (MMP) and the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts via an EMMPRIN membrane glycoprotein (extracellular matrix membran MMP inducer - CD 147). On a healthy cornea, EMMPRIN's effects are prevented by a lack of contact between epithelial and stromal cells through a basement membrane, which is altered in the keratoconus The hypothesis is that stromal thinning of the keratoconus could be related to increased expression of EMMPRIN by epithelial and stromal cells (resulting in increased MMP synthesis), with a preponderance at the most deformed areas.

The main objective is to demonstrate a transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in the corneal stroma of keratoconus patients.

Conditions

  • Keratoconus

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Corneal sampling

Corneal samples will be taken during corneal transplants for cases and orbital exenterations for controls. The mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) will be extracted and a retrotranscription will be made to obtain cDNA (complementary DNA). A qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) will be able to quantify the expression of alpha-SMA, MMP 1-2-3 and 9, and EMMPRIN.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild

    lead NETWORK

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2019-11-01
Primary Completion
2020-05-12
Completion
2020-05-12

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT03990740 on ClinicalTrials.gov