Metabolic profile of keratoconic cornea

Curr Eye Res. 2013 Feb;38(2):305-9. doi: 10.3109/02713683.2012.754904. Epub 2013 Jan 17.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the difference in metabolic profile of keratoconic and normal corneas using two different analysis methods.

Methods: Keratoconic corneas were obtained from patients (aged 19-27) during transplantation surgery. Control samples were obtained from human donors (aged 61-75) 1-8 h post-mortem. The metabolic profile of tissues was investigated with high-resolution magic angle spinning (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results: Nine amino acids and 20 metabolites were assigned with HPLC and NMR spectroscopy, respectively. No significant biochemical difference was revealed between keratoconic and control samples, which represent distant age groups.

Conclusions: It suggests that development of keratoconus might be related to the accelerated ageing of the cornea. This issue warrants further studies.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods*
  • Cornea / metabolism*
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Corneal Transplantation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / metabolism*
  • Keratoconus / pathology
  • Keratoconus / surgery*
  • Male
  • Metabolome
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular / methods*
  • Protons
  • Tissue Donors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Protons