Long-term PM2.5 exposure disrupts corneal epithelial homeostasis by impairing limbal stem/progenitor cells in humans and rat models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) play a crucial role in maintaining corneal health by regulating epithelial homeostasis. Although PM2.5 is associated with the occurrence of several corneal diseases, its effects on LSPCs are not clearly understood.

Methods

In this study, we explored the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and human limbal epithelial thickness measured by Fourier-domain Optical Coherence Tomography in the ophthalmologic clinic. Long- and short-term PM2.5 exposed-rat models were established to investigate the changes in LSPCs and the associated mechanisms.

Results

We found that people living in regions with higher PM2.5 concentrations had thinner limbal epithelium, indicating the loss of LSPCs. In rat models, long-term PM2.5 exposure impair

SUBMITTER: Hao S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10523760 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature