Corneal Cell Morphology in Keratoconus: A Confocal Microscopic Observation
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Corneal Cell Morphology in Keratoconus: A Confocal Microscopic Observation
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Somnath Ghosh, Haliza Abdul Mutalib, Sharanjeet Kaur, Rituparna Ghoshal, Shamala Retnasabapathy
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Corneal Cell Morphology in Keratoconus: A Confocal Microscopic Observation
Year: 2017 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.2.6
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory condition of the cornea characterized by its ectatic deformation, leading to significant alterations in corneal cellular structure. The study utilizes in vivo slit-scanning confocal microscopy to observe and compare the corneal cell morphology in patients with keratoconus against healthy eyes. Previous research has indicated that keratoconus involves distinct cellular changes, but there is limited understanding of these alterations at varying stages of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the morphological differences in the cornea of keratoconus patients of differing severities compared to a control group of healthy subjects.
Significant Changes in Corneal Morphology in Keratoconus
The results of the study revealed notable differences in corneal cell morphology between keratoconus patients and healthy controls. Specifically, while the endothelial cell density remained relatively unchanged across stages, significant morphological alterations were observed in the anterior and posterior stroma. As the severity of keratoconus increased, patients exhibited heightened levels of stromal haze, elongation of keratocyte nuclei, and clustering of cells, particularly in the anterior stroma. Statistical analyses indicated that the mean keratocyte densities and areas in both anterior and posterior stroma significantly varied across different stages of keratoconus, correlating with the disease's progression. These findings underscore the importance of using confocal microscopy for a deeper understanding of keratoconus pathology and may serve as a crucial tool in monitoring disease development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study highlights the significant morphological changes in the corneal cells of keratoconus patients as compared to healthy individuals, contributing to the broader understanding of the disease. The progressive alterations observed across different stages emphasize the need for severity-based management strategies, although the precise pathological processes leading to these changes remain complex. Preventive measures, such as avoiding micro trauma from eye rubbing or ill-fitting contact lenses, may help slow disease progression. The study also notes limitations regarding imaging the epithelial layers and suggests that further research is needed to explore the impact of ethnicity on keratoconus.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on keratoconus patients?
The study aims to evaluate corneal cell morphology in patients with keratoconus, identifying changes using an in vivo slit scanning confocal microscope, which enhances the understanding of the disease's effects on the cornea.
How many patients were involved in the keratoconus study?
The study involved 47 patients diagnosed with keratoconus and 32 healthy control eyes, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of corneal cell morphology and the evaluation of cellular changes in varying keratoconus stages.
What significant findings were observed regarding stromal keratocyte densities?
The study found significant decreases in mean anterior and posterior stromal keratocyte densities in keratoconus patients compared to healthy controls, with a notable reduction correlating with increased severity of the condition.
What conclusions can be drawn from the keratoconus study results?
Significant alterations in corneal cell morphology between keratoconus and healthy eyes were observed. Understanding these changes can inform long-term monitoring and management strategies for keratoconus when tailored to disease severity.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Corneal Cell Morphology in Keratoconus: A Confocal Microscopic Observation”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
A table is a structured arrangement of data in rows and columns, providing an organized representation of information. In research, tables help to summarize complex data and show comparisons or trends visually, making it easier for readers to grasp findings and interpret statistics quickly. They facilitate efficient communication of results.
2) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation into a specific subject to discover new information, validate existing knowledge, or analyze relationships. In the context of scientific research, it often involves hypothesis formulation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The quality and rigor of a study are crucial for its findings to be credible.
3) Disease:
A disease represents a pathological condition of the body or mind characterized by specific symptoms and signs. Understanding the nature and progression of diseases is fundamental in medicine as it guides diagnosis, treatment, and management decisions. In this context, keratoconus is the primary focus, affecting corneal health.
4) Observation:
Observation in a research context involves carefully noting and recording phenomena, behaviors, or outcomes during an investigation. It serves as a critical method of data collection that can lead to insights and conclusions. In the provided text, observations inform understanding of corneal cell morphology in various disease stages.
5) Reason:
The term reason refers to the justification or rationale behind a particular conclusion or finding. In research, understanding the reasons for specific observations or results is fundamental for making sense of data and understanding underlying mechanisms. This helps to frame future studies and inform therapeutic approaches.
6) Patel:
Patel may refer to a co-author or individual associated with the research discussed. In academic contexts, author names denote contributors to the study, highlighting their expertise and the collaboration involved. Recognition of contributors is essential for academic integrity and accountability in presenting scientific findings.
7) Sugar:
In this context, Sugar likely refers to another co-author or contributor to the research. Author identities play a crucial role in establishing credibility and ensuring diverse expertise in a study. Recognizing contributors promotes transparency in research, enabling readers to assess the qualifications and backgrounds of the authors involved.
8) Rules:
Rules refer to established principles or guidelines that govern the conduct of research or specific methodologies. In scientific studies, adherence to rules ensures the validity and reliability of the results. These rules dictate how experiments are designed, how data is collected, and how findings are reported.
9) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transforming refers to a process of significant change or alteration. In a biological context, transforming factors can influence cellular functions, leading to changes in morphology or pathology. In keratoconus research, understanding how transforming factors affect corneal cells is essential for elucidating disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
10) Indian:
Indian may refer to a specific ethnic group represented in the study participants. Ethnicity can influence health conditions and disease presentations, making it relevant in understanding variations in diseases like keratoconus. Recognizing ethnic diversity in research data is vital for accurately interpreting the results and addressing health disparities.
11) Death:
In this context, death signifies the end of life, which can be relevant when discussing cellular health and apoptosis in diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of cell death is crucial in the study of diseases like keratoconus, where cellular survival and apoptosis can greatly impact corneal structure and function.
12) Beta:
Beta may refer to a designation in signaling pathways, particularly in the context of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). This growth factor plays a crucial role in cellular functions and processes like fibrosis, impacting corneal health and disease progression. Understanding the mechanisms of such factors is vital for targeted treatments.
13) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the buildup of substances or cells within a specific area or tissue. In the context of keratoconus, the accumulation of cells can indicate pathological changes in the cornea. Studying patterns of accumulation can shed light on disease mechanisms and suggest interventions to mitigate progression.
14) Arrangement:
Arrangement refers to the organized structure or distribution of components within a system. In corneal research, the arrangement of collagen fibers and keratocytes is critical for maintaining corneal integrity. Changes in arrangement can lead to optical disturbances, emphasizing the need to study these patterns in conditions like keratoconus.
15) Reliability:
Reliability pertains to the consistency and dependability of measurements or results. In research, high reliability ensures that findings can be replicated and trusted. Evaluating the reliability of data obtained from techniques like confocal microscopy is essential to validate findings about corneal cell morphology in keratoconus.
16) Discussion:
The discussion section of a research paper interprets the findings, placing them in the context of existing literature. It synthesizes results, explores implications, and suggests future research directions. Effective discussions enhance the understanding of a study's significance, as demonstrated in the text about keratoconus observations.
17) Chang:
Chang may refer to a co-author or a key figure related to the research study. It is essential to recognize contributions from multiple authors in research, as it reflects collaboration and diverse expertise. Identifying authors also aids in reviewing the credibility and depth of research insights provided.
18) Deva:
In this context, Deva likely represents a co-author associated with the research work. Recognizing authorship is important in academic integrity, allowing readers to appreciate the collaborative nature of the research and the relevance of each contributor's expertise in the study's respective field.
19) Sign:
A sign represents an indicator or signal in a clinical context, often referring to observable phenomena related to health conditions. In the study of keratoconus, signs indicative of disease progression or cellular changes are crucial for accurate diagnosis and monitoring, thereby guiding treatment strategies.
20) Post:
Post can indicate something that occurs after a particular event or condition. In research, postulations or findings discussed after experiments are vital for drawing conclusions and implications from the research, helping to establish a connection between data, observations, and clinical significance in conditions like keratoconus.
21) Sho (So):
Shao might refer to a contributor or researcher associated with this field of study. Acknowledging various contributors in academic papers is fundamental for maintaining academic integrity. It highlights the collaborative efforts in conducting research, which brings together diverse perspectives and expertise to enhance the quality of study.
22) Male:
Male refers to the gender of certain participants in the study, especially in epidemiological research where demographic factors can influence disease manifestation. Understanding how gender affects disease processes is essential for creating tailored monitoring and treatment plans in conditions like keratoconus.
23) Measurement:
Measurement involves quantifying variables or parameters during research. Accurate measurements are critical for assessing cormoran cell morphology and other physiological characteristics. In research settings, the methods of measurement directly impact the reliability of results and conclusions drawn about diseases like keratoconus.
24) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard or grade of something, encompassing aspects like reliability and validity in research methodologies. In scientific investigations, the quality of data collection and analysis is paramount for producing credible findings. High-quality research fosters trust in results, driving advancements in healthcare practices.
25) Nature:
Nature signifies the inherent characteristics or essence of a phenomenon. In research contexts, understanding the nature of diseases, like keratoconus, entails examining underlying mechanisms, interactions, and changes that occur within biological systems. This understanding is essential for effective diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
26) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to a condition where a space is occupied or a specific element is present. In keratoconus, spaces within corneal structures may be filled with abnormal cells or entities due to disease progress. Such findings are significant for understanding keratoconus pathology and potential interventions.
27) Field:
Field can refer to a domain of study or a physical area. In research, the field pertains to the body of knowledge and methodologies dealing with a specific phenomenon, like corneal diseases. Understanding the nuances of the field is crucial for accurate data collection and interpretation.
28) Lamp:
Lamp may refer to a tool or device used in clinical examinations, such as a slit lamp, which provides illumination for direct observation of the eye’s structures. Such tools are crucial for diagnosing ocular conditions, guiding accurate assessments, and discussing findings in research focused on eye health.
29) Tear:
Tear pertains to a rupture in a structure. In the study of keratoconus, tears in Bowman’s layer can indicate disease progression or deterioration. Understanding the implications of such tears contributes to a comprehensible view of corneal health and the mechanisms involved in keratoconus pathophysiology.
30) Pur:
Poor typically refers to inadequacy in quality or condition. In the context of research, it may describe limitations in data quality, methodology, or findings. Addressing poor conditions enhances research efficacy and improves the understanding of patient experiences and health outcomes related to specific diseases like keratoconus.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Corneal Cell Morphology in Keratoconus: A Confocal Microscopic Observation’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Diabetes mellitus, Ocular disease, Informed consent, Wound healing, Statistical analysis, Significant change, Sample size, Statistical Significance, Statistically Significant, Study population, Inclusion and exclusion criteria, Ethics committee, Qualitative analysis, Spss software, Grading scale, Systemic disease, Cross-sectional study, Quantitative analysis, Hypertension, Eye rubbing, Qualitative analyses, Cell morphology, Declaration of Helsinki, Mean age, Random selection, Keratoconus, Arthritis, Thyroid disease, Statistical method, Corneal topography, Qualitative and Quantitative analysis, Contact lenses, Pathological process, Cross Sectional Observational Study, Eye Examination, Clinical sign, Long-term monitoring, Control subjects, One way ANOVA test, Confocal Microscopy, Study Limitation, Ophthalmology Department, Apoptotic cell death, Corneal thickness, Vogt's striae, Corneal Endothelium, Healthy Eye, Disease severity, Quantitative analyses, Cell densities, Reliability coefficient, Qualitative observation, Independent sample T-test, Topography, Mechanical injuries, Post Hoc Test, Longitudinal assessment, Epithelial injury, Cellular morphology, Transformation growth factor, Intraclass correlation coefficient, Collagen fibrils, Interclass correlation coefficient, Pleomorphism, Cellular structure.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Indian, Chinese, Irregularities.