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Survey of Ophthalmology 2024In recent years, the progress made in the field of optical coherence tomography has helped to understand the changes in eye layers in patients with exudative age-related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the progress made in the field of optical coherence tomography has helped to understand the changes in eye layers in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Early diagnosis of nAMD, a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment, is helpful. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on OCT measurement alterations before and after anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD and controls.
METHOD
We systematically searched Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science to find articles that measured choroidal and retinal layer changes after anti-VEGF therapy in nAMD Patients. We chose either a fixed-effects or random-effects model based on the assessed heterogeneity level to perform a meta-analysis. In addition, we conducted meta-regression, subgroup analyses, publication bias, and quality assessment for included studies.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 733 total participants. Foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) decreased significantly in the first 3 years after injections, except for subfoveal CT in the third year after injection. It also showed that CT at 1500 µm temporal and nasal to the fovea did not significantly change.
CONCLUSION
Our results showed anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD patients was associated with a significant reduction in foveal thickness and subfoveal CT in the first 2 years after treatment. Our analysis did not reveal any correlation between changes in foveal thickness and subfoveal CT with best-corrected visual acuity or other factors.
Topics: Humans; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Bevacizumab; Choroid; Intravitreal Injections; Ranibizumab; Retina; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Visual Acuity; Wet Macular Degeneration
PubMed: 38641181
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.04.001 -
BMC Ophthalmology Apr 2024The goal of the study was to search for novel bi-allelic CRB1 mutations, and then to analyze the CRB1 literature at the genotypic and phenotypic levels. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The goal of the study was to search for novel bi-allelic CRB1 mutations, and then to analyze the CRB1 literature at the genotypic and phenotypic levels.
APPROACH
We screened various variables such as the CRB1 mutation types, domains, exons, and genotypes and their relation with specific ocular phenotypes. An emphasis was given to the bi-allelic missense and nonsense mutations because of their high prevalence compared to other mutation types. Finally, we quantified the effect of various non-modifiable factors over the best-corrected visual acuity oculus uterque (BCVA OU) using multivariate linear regression models and identified genetic interactions.
RESULTS
A novel bi-allelic missense in the exon 9 of CRB1; c.2936G > A; p.(Gly979Asp) was found to be associated with rod-cone dystrophy (RCD). CRB1 mutation type, exons, domains, and genotype distribution varied significantly according to fundus characteristics, such as peripheral pigmentation and condition, optic disc, vessels, macular condition, and pigmentation (P < 0.05). Of the 154 articles retrieved from PubMed, 96 studies with 439 bi-allelic CRB1 patients were included. Missense mutations were significantly associated with an absence of macular pigments, pale optic disc, and periphery pigmentation, resulting in a higher risk of RCD (P < 0.05). In contrast, homozygous nonsense mutations were associated with macular pigments, periphery pigments, and a high risk of LCA (P < 0.05) and increased BCVA OU levels. We found that age, mutation types, and inherited retinal diseases were critical determinants of BCVA OU as they significantly increased it by 33% 26%, and 38%, respectively (P < 0.05). Loss of function alleles additively increased the risk of LCA, with nonsense having a more profound effect than indels. Finally, our analysis showed that p.(Cys948Tyr) and p.(Lys801Ter) and p.(Lys801Ter); p.(Cys896Ter) might interact to modify BCVA OU levels.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis updated the literature and identified genotype-phenotype associations in bi-allelic CRB1 patients.
Topics: Humans; Alleles; Codon, Nonsense; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Genetic Association Studies; Retina; Phenotype; Mutation; Eye Proteins; Pedigree; DNA Mutational Analysis; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 38622537
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03419-4 -
BMC Ophthalmology Apr 2024Corneal biomechanics has been implicated in a variety of ocular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the glaucoma and corneal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Corneal biomechanics has been implicated in a variety of ocular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the glaucoma and corneal biomechanical properties, and exploring the value of corneal biomechanics in the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma diseases.
METHODS
We searched studies in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and clinicaltrials.gov., as of October 8, 2022. Only English studies were included, without publication time limit. We also searched the reference lists of published reviews. This meta-analysis was conducted with random-effects models, we used mean difference(MD) to evaluate the outcome, and the heterogeneity was assessed with the I statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed under the appearance of high heterogeneity. We used 11 items to describe the characteristics of included studies, publication bias was performed through the Egger's test. The quality assessment were evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) items.
RESULTS
A total of 27 eligible studies were identified for data synthesis and assessment. The result of meta-analysis showed that in the comparison of included indicators, the corneal biomechanics values of glaucoma patients were statistically lower than those of normal subjects in a similar age range. The covered indicators included central corneal thickness(CCT) (MD = -8.34, 95% CI: [-11.74, -4.94]; P < 0.001), corneal hysteresis(CH)(MD = -1.54, 95% CI: [-1.88, -1.20]; P < 0.001), corneal resistance factor(CRF)( MD = -0.82, 95% CI: [-1.21, -0.44]; P < 0.001), and intraocular pressure(IOP)( corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc): MD = 2.45, 95% CI: [1.51, 3.38]; P < 0.001); Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg): MD = 1.30, 95% CI: [0.41, 2.20]; P = 0.004), they all showed statistical difference. While the value of axial length(AL) did not show statistically different(MD = 0.13, 95% CI: [-0.24, 0.50]; P = 0.48).
CONCLUSION
Corneal biomechanics are associated with glaucoma. The findings can be useful for the design of glaucoma screening, treatment and prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Biomechanical Phenomena; Glaucoma; Intraocular Pressure; Cornea; Tonometry, Ocular
PubMed: 38622519
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03443-4 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Melatonin's cytoprotective properties may have therapeutic implications in treating ocular diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Literature data... (Review)
Review
Melatonin's cytoprotective properties may have therapeutic implications in treating ocular diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Literature data suggest that melatonin could potentially protect ocular tissues by decreasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory mediators. This study aims to summarize the screened articles on melatonin's clinical, pharmacological, and formulation evaluation in treating ocular disorders. The identification of relevant studies on the topic in focus was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. The studies were searched in the following databases and web search engines: Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Reaxys, Google Scholar, Google Patents, Espacenet, and Patentscope. The search time interval was 2013-2023, with the following keywords: melatonin AND ocular OR ophthalmic AND formulation OR insert AND disease. Our key conclusion was that using melatonin-loaded nano-delivery systems enabled the improved permeation of the molecule into intraocular tissues and assured controlled release profiles. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of developed formulations, a considerable gap has been observed in the clinical translation of the results. To overcome this failure, revising the preclinical experimental phase might be useful by selecting endpoints close to clinical ones.
Topics: Humans; Melatonin; Eye; Glaucoma; Face; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38612812
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073999 -
Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy Jun 2024Statins, in the role of anti-cancer agents, have been used in many types of cancers with results in some cases promising while, in others, disappointing.
INTRODUCTION
Statins, in the role of anti-cancer agents, have been used in many types of cancers with results in some cases promising while, in others, disappointing.
AREAS COVERED
The purpose of this review is to identify and highlight data from literature on the successes or failure of using statins as anti-cancer agents. We asked ourselves the following two questions:1. 2.
EXPERT OPINION
There are data which correlate statins with a possible tumor suppressive action among the following cancers: breast, lung, prostate and head and neck. Lastly, for gastric cancer and colorectal there is no evidence of a correlation. The onco-suppressive efficacy of statins is mainly related to the histopathological and/or molecular characteristics of the tumor cells, which have different characteristics.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasms; Prognosis
PubMed: 38609343
DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2343338 -
Physical and Engineering Sciences in... Jun 2024Healthy cornea guarantees the refractive power of the eye and the protection of the inner components, but injury, trauma or pathology may impair the tissue shape and/or... (Review)
Review
Healthy cornea guarantees the refractive power of the eye and the protection of the inner components, but injury, trauma or pathology may impair the tissue shape and/or structural organization and therefore its material properties, compromising its functionality in the ocular visual process. It turns out that biomechanical research assumes an essential role in analysing the morphology and biomechanical response of the cornea, preventing pathology occurrence, and improving/optimising treatments. In this review, ex vivo, in vivo and in silico methods for the corneal mechanical characterization are reported. Experimental techniques are distinct in testing mode (e.g., tensile, inflation tests), samples' species (human or animal), shape and condition (e.g., healthy, treated), preservation methods, setup and test protocol (e.g., preconditioning, strain rate). The meaningful results reported in the pertinent literature are discussed, analysing differences, key features and weaknesses of the methodologies adopted. In addition, numerical techniques based on the finite element method are reported, incorporating the essential steps for the development of corneal models, such as geometry, material characterization and boundary conditions, and their application in the research field to extend the experimental results by including further relevant aspects and in the clinical field for diagnostic procedure, treatment and planning surgery. This review aims to analyse the state-of-art of the bioengineering techniques developed over the years to study the corneal biomechanics, highlighting their potentiality to improve diagnosis, treatment and healing process of the corneal tissue, and, at the same, pointing out the current limits in the experimental equipment and numerical tools that are not able to fully characterize in vivo corneal tissues non-invasively and discourage the use of finite element models in daily clinical practice for surgical planning.
Topics: Cornea; Humans; Biomechanical Phenomena; Computer Simulation; Animals; Finite Element Analysis; Models, Biological
PubMed: 38598066
DOI: 10.1007/s13246-024-01403-2 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Apr 2024Microtia is a congenital ear malformation that can occur as isolated microtia or as part of a syndrome. The etiology is currently poorly understood, although there is...
BACKGROUND
Microtia is a congenital ear malformation that can occur as isolated microtia or as part of a syndrome. The etiology is currently poorly understood, although there is strong evidence that genetics has a role in the occurrence of microtia. This systematic review aimed to determine the genes involved and the abnormalities in microtia patients' head and neck regions.
METHODS
We used seven search engines to search all known literature on the genetic and phenotypic variables associated with the development or outcome of microtia. The identified publications were screened and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. We found 40 papers in this systematic review with phenotypic data in microtia involving 1459 patients and 30 articles containing genetic data involved in microtia.
RESULT
The most common accompanying phenotype of all microtia patients was external ear canal atresia, while the most common head and neck abnormalities were the auricular, mental, and oral regions. The most common syndrome found was craniofacial microsomia syndrome. In the syndromic microtia group, the most common genes were TCOF1 (43.75%), SIX2 (4.69%), and HSPA9 (4.69%), while in the non-syndromic microtia group, the most frequently found gene was GSC exon 2 (25%), FANCB (16.67%), HOXA2 (8.33%), GSC exon 3 (8.33%), MARS1 (8.33%), and CDT1 (8.33%).
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review shows some genes involved in the microtia development, including TCOF1, SIX2, HSPA9, GSC exon 2, FANCB, HOXA2, GSC exon 3, MARS1, and CDT1 genes. We also reveal a genotype-phenotype association in microtia. In addition, further studies with more complete and comprehensive data are needed, including patients with complete data on syndromes, phenotypes, and genotypes.
Topics: Humans; Congenital Microtia; Homeodomain Proteins; Ear; Phenotype; Syndrome; Genetic Association Studies
PubMed: 38594752
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03142-9 -
International Journal of Biological... May 2024Corneal blindness is commonly treated through corneal replacement with allogeneic corneal donors, which may face shortage. Regarding this issue, xenogeneic alternatives... (Review)
Review
Corneal blindness is commonly treated through corneal replacement with allogeneic corneal donors, which may face shortage. Regarding this issue, xenogeneic alternatives are explored. Fish scale-derived scaffolds (FSSs) are among the alternatives due to the lower risk of infection and abundant sources of raw materials. Unfortunately, the information about mechanical, optical, chemical, and biological performances of FSSs for corneal replacements is still scattered, as well as about the fabrication techniques. This study aims to gather scattered pieces of information about the mentioned performances and fabrication techniques of FSSs for corneal replacements. Sorted from four scientific databases and using the PRISMA checklist, eleven relevant articles are collected. FSSs are commonly fabricated using decellularization and decalcification processes, generating FSSs with parallel multilayers or crossed fibers with topographic microchannels. In the collected studies, similar mechanical properties of FSSs to native tissues are discovered, as well as good transparency, light remittance, but poorer refractive indexes than native tissues. Biological evaluations mostly discuss histology, cell proliferations, and immune responses on FSSs, while only a few studies examine the vascularization. No studies completed comprehensive evaluations on the four properties. The current progress of FSS developments demonstrates the potential of FSS use for corneal replacements.
Topics: Animals; Tissue Scaffolds; Cornea; Humans; Corneal Transplantation; Animal Scales; Fishes; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 38580016
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131183 -
BMJ Open Ophthalmology Apr 2024Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder that requires surgical intervention for treatment. Conjunctival autografts are preferred over simple excision due to lower... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Modified sutureless and glue-free method versus conventional sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder that requires surgical intervention for treatment. Conjunctival autografts are preferred over simple excision due to lower recurrence rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the modified sutureless glue-free (MSGF) method with conventional sutures (CS) for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MSGF and CS conjunctival autografts. Outcome measures included operation time, recurrence and postoperative complications. Standardised mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) were used for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively.
RESULTS
11 RCTs involving 833 participants were included. The analysis revealed that MSGF had a significantly shorter operation time compared with CS (SMD -3.704, 95% CI -5.122 to -2.287, p<0.001). CS was associated with a higher risk of foreign body sensation (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74, p=0.01). MSGF was associated with a higher risk of graft dehiscence (RR 9.01, 95% CI 2.74 to 29.68, p=0.000) and graft retraction (RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.77, p=0.02). No significant differences were found in recurrence, graft haemorrhage, granuloma, Dellen and conjunctival oedema.
CONCLUSION
Using the MSGF technique in conjunctival autograft fixation for pterygium surgery reduces operation time by relying solely on the patient's blood for fixation. However, it increases the risk of graft dehiscence and retraction. However, CS is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing foreign body sensations. Understanding the learning curve and surgeon familiarity with novel techniques is crucial for optimising patient care and surgical outcomes, while individualised decision-making is necessary considering the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Further research is warranted to minimise complications and optimise surgical outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Pterygium; Autografts; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Recurrence; Conjunctiva; Sutures; Foreign Bodies
PubMed: 38565231
DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001621 -
Drug Discovery Today May 2024The ocular thin film presents a potential solution for addressing challenges to ocular drug delivery. In this review, we summarise the findings of a comprehensive review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The ocular thin film presents a potential solution for addressing challenges to ocular drug delivery. In this review, we summarise the findings of a comprehensive review analysing 336 formulations from 68 studies. We investigated the physical and mechanical properties of ocular thin films, categorised into natural polymer-based, synthetic polymer-based, and combined polymer films. The results showed that the type of polymers used impacted mucoadhesion force, moisture absorption:moisture loss ratio, pH, swelling index, and elongation percentage. Significant relationships were found between these properties within each subgroup. The results also highlighted the influence of plasticisers on elongation percentage, mucoadhesion force, swelling index, and moisture absorption:moisture loss ratio. These findings have implications for designing and optimising ocular drug formulations and selecting appropriate plasticisers to achieve formulations with the desired properties.
Topics: Humans; Polymers; Drug Delivery Systems; Administration, Ophthalmic; Eye; Animals
PubMed: 38552779
DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103964