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The Molecular and Cellular Pathophysiologic Mechanisms Underlying Ocular Diseases and Emerging Therapies (2nd Edition)

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Guest Editor
Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: glaucoma; diabetic retinopathy; dry eye disease; ocular tumors; immunotherapy; molecular genetic; biomarkers; inflammation
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Visual impairment and ophthalmic diseases are among the world’s major public health problems, and their prevalence is increasing. It is important for researchers and eye care specialists to improve the understanding of risk factors involved, the genetic and biochemical biomarkers as well as cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying eye diseases. Identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the pathophysiological processes of eye diseases is crucial for the prevention, early diagnosis and implementation of novel therapeutic strategies. The aim of the current Special Issue is to provide an overview of the biomarkers and biological pathways underlying eye disease development and the identification of molecules that may serve as treatment targets. It will present new advances in the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of eye diseases, as well as the development of preventative measures and emerging therapies.

This Special Issue of IJMS will cover recent preclinical and clinical research and current review articles that provide new insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying eye diseases; new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers; clinical implications; preventive measures; and emerging therapies. Review articles, commentaries, short communications and original research articles with an emphasis on molecular approaches are encouraged. We look forward to your contribution to this Special Issue.

Dr. Snježana Kaštelan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • eye disease
  • immunobiological features
  • molecular pathogenesis
  • biomarkers
  • clinical implications
  • emerging therapies
  • lacrimal gland
  • ocular tumors
  • glaucoma
  • diabetic retinopathy

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

36 pages, 1092 KB  
Review
Dry Eye Disease and Psychiatric Disorders: Neuroimmune Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives
by Snježana Kaštelan, Lea Kozina, Zora Tomić, Ivana Bakija, Tomislav Matejić and Domagoj Vidović
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10699; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110699 - 3 Nov 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3879
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface that extends beyond local tear film pathology to involve systemic immune, neuroendocrine, and neurosensory mechanisms. Increasing evidence reveals a strong and bidirectional association between DED and psychiatric disorders, particularly [...] Read more.
Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface that extends beyond local tear film pathology to involve systemic immune, neuroendocrine, and neurosensory mechanisms. Increasing evidence reveals a strong and bidirectional association between DED and psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disturbances. This review synthesises the current knowledge on shared molecular, neuroimmune, and neuropathic pathways that underlie this comorbidity. Key mechanisms include hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, systemic and ocular inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired neurotrophic signaling, especially reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Dysregulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine not only contributes to mood disturbances but also alters tear secretion and corneal pain perception. Corneal nerve changes and trigeminal–limbic sensitisation further reinforce the overlap between neuropathic ocular pain and affective dysregulation. Psychotropic medications, while essential for psychiatric care, may exacerbate ocular surface dysfunction through anticholinergic effects, altered neurotransmission, and tear film instability, highlighting the iatrogenic dimension of this interface. Conversely, tear-based biomarkers, including cytokines, serotonin, and BDNF, offer promising translational tools for patient stratification, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring across ocular and psychiatric domains. Recognising DED as part of a systemic, biopsychosocial continuum is critical for effective management. Multidisciplinary strategies that integrate ophthalmologic and psychiatric care, alongside novel therapies targeting shared molecular pathways, provide a framework for improving outcomes. Future research should prioritise longitudinal studies, biomarker validation, and personalised interventions to address this complex comorbidity. Full article
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