Posters

Severe abnormalities of the anterior lens capsule in age-related cataract of a Mediterranean population: a transmission electron microscopy study

Poster Details

First Author: K.Sorkou GREECE

Co Author(s): M. Manthou   T. Papamitsou   K. Tsaousis   I. Tsinopoulos           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The aim of the present study was to examine the anterior lens capsule of Greek patients with senile cataract via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This is the first ultrastructural study performed in a Mediterranean population.

Setting:

1. Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece 2. 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Methods:

Twenty patients, older than 60 years, with age-related cataract were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were radiation exposure, uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, Wilson's disease, Alport syndrome and non-senile or intumescent white cataract. Anterior lens capsules (aLCs) were obtained from patients during phacoemulsification, by the same surgeon, applying continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. The aLCs were then prepared and examined with TEM.

Results:

Ultrastructural abnormalities of the lens epithelium were observed in all patients. Diffuse intracellular and extracellular edemas were found in a varying degree. The epithelial cells often exhibited a loose connection amongst themselves or with the basement membrane and empty vacuoles were noticed, as well. Frequently, there was more than one layer of cells, giving the impression that healthier cells tried to cover neighboring cells presented with extensive damage. It was a common finding that cells lost their regular shape and appeared with expanded nuclei carrying dense granules and swollen vesicles. Apoptotic cells were detected.

Conclusions:

The lens epithelia of our Greek sample differed a lot from normal epithelium, as it is described in the literature. The observed lesions were more extended and severe, compared to what has already been described in senile cataract, and were comparable to severe pathologies, all of which were excluded from the study. We presume that environmental factors, such as increased UVB radiation exposure in Mediterranean countries, genetic, epigenetic factors or all of them could contribute in these alterations.

Financial Disclosure:

None