Lisch Epithelial Corneal Dystrophy

	Lisch Epithelial Corneal Dystrophy Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy (LECD), also known as band-shaped and whorled microcystic dystrophy of the corneal epithelium, is a rare form of corneal dystrophy first described in 1992 by Lisch et al. In one study it was linked to chromosomal region Xp22.3, with as yet unknown candidate gene The candidate gene approach to conducting genetic association studies focuses on associations between genetic variation within pre-specified genes of interest, and phenotypes or disease states. This is in contrast to genome-wide association studies ...s. The main features of this disease are bilateral or unilateral gray band-shaped and feathery opacities. They sometimes take on a form of a whirlpool, repeating the known pattern of corneal epithelium renewal. Abrasion of the epithelium in 3 patients brought only temporary relief, with abnormal epithelium regrowth in several months. Epithelial cells in the zones of opacity were shown to have diffuse cytoplasmic vacuoles with as yet unestabl ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]
	Corneal Dystrophy Corneal dystrophy is a group of rare hereditary disorders characterised by bilateral abnormal deposition of substances in the transparent front part of the eye called the cornea. Signs and symptoms Corneal dystrophy may not significantly affect vision in the early stages. However, it does require proper evaluation and treatment for restoration of optimal vision. Corneal dystrophies usually manifest themselves during the first or second decade but sometimes later. It appears as grayish white lines, circles, or clouding of the cornea. Corneal dystrophy can also have a crystalline appearance. There are over 20 corneal dystrophies that affect all parts of the cornea. These diseases share many traits: * They are usually inherited. * They affect the right and left eyes equally. * They are not caused by outside factors, such as injury or diet. * Most progress gradually. * Most usually begin in one of the five corneal layers and may later spread to nearby layers. * Most do not affect oth ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]
	Candidate Gene The candidate gene approach to conducting genetic association studies focuses on associations between genetic variation within pre-specified genes of interest, and phenotypes or disease states. This is in contrast to genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which is a hypothesis-free approach that scans the entire genome for associations between common genetic variants (typically SNPs) and traits of interest. Candidate genes are most often selected for study based on ''a priori'' knowledge of the gene's biological functional impact on the trait or disease in question. The rationale behind focusing on allelic variation in specific, biologically relevant regions of the genome is that certain alleles within a gene may directly impact the function of the gene in question and lead to variation in the phenotype or disease state being investigated. This approach often uses the case-control study design to try to answer the question, "Is one allele of a candidate gene more frequently seen in ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu]