性激素在圆锥角膜中的作用及潜在治疗靶点

Role of sex hormones in keratoconus and potential therapeutic targets

摘要:

圆锥角膜是一种青春期起病，以角膜中央或旁中央变薄呈锥形突出为特征的致盲性眼病。目前该病的病因尚不明确，研究发现其发生与遗传、揉眼、变态反应性疾病、紫外线照射均有一定的相关性。近年来，多项研究表明性激素在圆锥角膜发病过程中也有一定影响，体内性激素的紊乱可增加圆锥角膜的发生及进展风险。本综述旨在总结性激素对角膜的病理生理作用，明确其对圆锥角膜的影响及其相关炎症和免疫机制，探求其在圆锥角膜早期诊疗中的作用，以期为临床工作提供参考及帮助。

Abstract:

Keratoconus is a blinding corneal disease characterized by central or paracentral corneal thinning and conical ectasia, and usually happens in adolescence. Currently, the etiology of keratoconus is unclear. Multiple studies have identified an association between genetics, eye rubbing, allergic diseases, ultraviolet exposure and keratoconus. Recently, several studies identified that sex hormones also played important roles in the pathogenesis of keratoconus. The disturbance of sex hormones may increase the risk of occurrence and progress of keratoconus. This review aims to summarize the pathophysiological effects of sex hormones on the cornea, clarify the effects of sex hormones on keratoconus and its related inflammatory or immune mechanisms, and explore the role of sex hormones in the early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus, providing reference and help for clinical work.