ESCRS - PP11.017 - Cycloastragenol Preserves Telomere Length And Endothelial Cell Density: A Novel Approach For Early-Stage Fecd

Cycloastragenol Preserves Telomere Length And Endothelial Cell Density: A Novel Approach For Early-Stage Fecd

Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: PP11.017 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/6tj6-t565

Authors: Dr Iskender Alkin Solmaz* 1 , Isilay Kavadarli 1 , Canan Sevimli Gur 2 , Oguz Kul 3 , Patrick J. Rochette 4

1Ophthalmology,Private Practise,Istanbul,Türkiye, 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences,Izmir Katip Celebi University,Izmir,Türkiye, 3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preclinical Sciences,Kirikkale University,Kirikkale,Türkiye, 4Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement,Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec,Québec,Canada

Purpose

Corneal endothelial cell (CEC) telomeres are the shortest among ocular tissues. Short telomeres can lead to cell senescence and death. We hypothesized that preventing telomere attrition in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) cells will prevent CEC loss.

Setting

Kirikkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Kirikkale, Turkiye

Methods

The left eyes of eight 16-month-old New Zealand rabbits were treated with TAED017 (cycloastragenol-based formulation) for six months, while the untreated right eyes served as controls. 0.05 mL of TAED017 was applied twice daily to the left eye. Endothelial cell density was measured using specular microscopy (NIDEK-CEM 530, Japan) and reported as a percentage of baseline values. Corneal tissue cryosections (5 µm) were labeled with telomere peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) probes, and nuclei were counterstained with Hoechst. Telomere length in corneal layers was quantified as the ratio of telomere to nuclear signal intensity normalized to untreated controls.

Results

CEC density was measured in untreated and treated eyes at baseline and after six months, showing a 9.5% higher density in treated eyes. TAED017 treatment maintained longer CEC telomere lengths compared to untreated eyes after six months.

Conclusions

TAED017 treatment prevents corneal endothelial cell loss, suggesting it may serve as a potential therapy for FECD, preserving CECs in early-stage patients and reducing the need for invasive procedures.