Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P15088 (mast cell)
 14,925 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The aim of this study was assessment of the role of mast cells in inflammatory processes associated with keratoconus and corneal epithelial-endothelial dystrophy and clinical assessment of Lecrolin, a specially designed dosage form (eye drops) of potassium cromoglycate (intal) used as an antiallergic drug in asthma, rhinitis, etc. Examinations of 43 biopsy specimens of the conjunctiva from patients with keratoconus and epithelial-endothelial corneal dystrophy demonstrated the significance of immune inflammation in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Mast cells are a typical cell element participating in inflammation at all stages. The count of mast cells increases from 2.5 during the acute stage to 8.86 during the chronic stage, which is explained by absence of the leukocytic stage and proteolysis and stabilization of mature labrocyte degranulation associated with it. Reactions of mast cells with lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages lead to proliferation of fibroblasts and chronic development of collagen formation. Close relationships between microvessels and mast cells promote stable spasms of the vessels, impairing the microcirculatory bed and leading to ischemia of the anterior segment of the eye. In such cases sodium cromolyne drugs (lecrolin) inhibiting histamine release and stabilizing mast cell membranes are recommended.
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PMID:[The role of the mast cells of the conjunctiva in the intercellular interactions in keratoconus and epithelial-endothelial corneal dystrophy]. 986 87

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a potentially blinding disease characterized by a bilateral chronic keratoconjunctivitis associated with atopic dermatitis. The disease usually manifests as severe itching and burning, excessive tearing, foreign body sensation, and mucoid discharge. The clinical characteristics of AKC show a broad spectrum including lid dermatitis, chronic blepharitis, cicatrizing conjunctivitis with fornix foreshortening and symblepharon formation, punctate epithelial keratitis, persistent epithelial defects, corneal scarring and neovascularization, lipid keratopathy, conjunctivalization of peripheral cornea, and peripheral ulcerative keratitis. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanism in AKC involves a combination of type-I IgE-mediated, and type-IV delayed hypersensitivity reactions. The immunoregulatory defect responsible for the overproduction of allergen-specific IgE antibody, the key component responsible for antigen binding, and subsequent mast cell degranulation, is probably multifactorial. The histopathologic characteristics of the conjunctiva in AKC include a mast cell and eosinophil invasion of the epithelium, epithelial pseudotubule formation, and prominent mast cell and mononuclear cell infiltration of the substantia propria. A number of ocular conditions have been reported to be associated with AKC, including keratoconus, herpes simplex keratitis, and cataracts. Successful long-term control of this potentially blinding disease requires a multidisciplinary approach involving systemic and environmental aspects. Scrupulous long-term environmental control of allergens is the single most important aspect in the management of patients with AKC. Systemic anti-histamine therapy, and long-term topical mast cell stabilizing therapy are also mandatory. Topical steroids should be reserved for exacerbations of the disease.
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PMID:Atopic keratoconjunctivitis. 2282 13

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic noninfectious inflammatory condition and is one of the most severe ophthalmic complications associated with atopic dermatitis. It requires prompt and effective treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Complications of atopic keratoconjunctivitis include cataracts, keratoconus, infectious keratitis, blepharitis, tear dysfunction, and steroid-induced glaucoma. All treatment for atopic keratoconjunctivitis should be managed in conjunction with an ophthalmologist, and immediate referral is indicated when there is moderate to severe irritation, increased redness, discharge, or any visual symptoms. Treatment options include a combination of mast cell inhibitors, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and calcineurin inhibitors.
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PMID:Atopic keratoconjunctivitis: A review. 2434 54