Photodynamic therapy on corneal dystrophy on the basis of molecular mechanism.

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24592618
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Ophthalmology
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: KAJI Yuichi 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 准教授 (50361332)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 角膜ジストロフィ / 角膜混濁 / アミロイド / チオフラビンT / 光線力学療法 / 角膜移植 / レーザー治療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Corneal dystrophy is genetic, progressive, and bilateral corneal dysorders leading to blindness. The only therapy on the corneal dystrophy is corneal transplantation. However, some of the patients can not receive corneal transplantation becaus of the lack of corneal donors in Japan, post-surgical complication, and recurrence of corneal dystrophy after corneal dystrophy.
In the present study, we have developed in vitro model of corneal dystrophy using the synthetic peptides corresponding to corneal dystrophy. Using thioflavin T, a amyloidphilic fluorescent reagent, was effective in the breakdown of the amyloid fibrils in the in vitro model of corneal dystrophy.
Thus, we have developed basic model of the photodynamic therapy on the corneal dystrophy.

Free Research Field

眼科学