Expression of visual system homeobox 1 in human keratoconus.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To investigate the expression of visual system homeobox 1 (VSX1) and myofibroblast marker alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in keratoconus (KC).

Methods

Thirty corneal tissue were collected from KC patients after corneal transplantation and 15 normal donor corneas were obtained. All corneal tissues divided into 4 parts for different detections. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the specimens. VSX1 and α-SMA localization in cornea tissues was detected using immunofluorescence histochemistry. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were performed to analyze the expression level of VSX1 and α-SMA.

Results

Compared to normal cornea tissue, the collagen fibers in KC stroma were distort

SUBMITTER: Wang YN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6376235 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature