Tear Proteomic Analysis From Offspring of Keratoconus Patients: New Insights Into Corneal Biomechanical Weakness and Disease Risk Stages.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To analyze the tear proteome of keratoconus offspring (O-KC) and assess the molecular drivers underlying corneal biomechanical weakening at KC-risk stages.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 80 O-KC young participants and 42 controls without a KC family history. Based on the corneal biomechanical behavior, O-KC eyes were classified as low, moderate, and high-risk of KC development (O-KC-LR, O-KC-MR, O-KC-HR). Tear fluid was extracted using Schirmer strips, and the proteomic profile was mapped using LC-MS/MS. Bioinformatic tools were used to determine the dysregulated protein's biological implications. The sensitivity-specificity of each biomarker for differentiating between controls and O-KC groups was determined. Logistic regression analysis (LRA) identifie

SUBMITTER: Lopez-Lopez M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12126124 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature