-
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine May 2024Glaucoma, an irreversible optic neuropathy, primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and causes vision loss and blindness. The damage to RGCs in glaucoma occurs by... (Review)
Review
Glaucoma, an irreversible optic neuropathy, primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and causes vision loss and blindness. The damage to RGCs in glaucoma occurs by various mechanisms, including elevated intraocular pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other neurodegenerative processes. As the disease progresses, the loss of RGCs leads to vision loss. Therefore, protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival are important goals in managing glaucoma. In this regard, resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic phytoalexin, exerts antioxidant effects and slows down the evolution and progression of glaucoma. The present review shows that RES plays a protective role in RGCs in cases of ischemic injury and hypoxia as well as in ErbB2 protein expression in the retina. Additionally, RES plays protective roles in RGCs by promoting cell growth, reducing apoptosis, and decreasing oxidative stress in HO-exposed RGCs. RES was also found to inhibit oxidative stress damage in RGCs and suppress the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. RES could alleviate retinal function impairment by suppressing the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha/vascular endothelial growth factor and p38/p53 axes while stimulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, RES might exert potential therapeutic effects for managing glaucoma by protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival.
PubMed: 38808561
DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12438 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of T-shaped pars plana scleral incision technique in removing large intraocular foreign bodies, during 23-gauge pars plana...
AIM
To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of T-shaped pars plana scleral incision technique in removing large intraocular foreign bodies, during 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.
METHODS
Retrospective interventional case series that included patients diagnosed with a large intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Possible postoperative complications were recorded 24 h, 1 month, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.
RESULTS
Thirty eyes of 30 patients (48 ± 5 years old) were enrolled. All IOFBs were successfully removed: mean diameters of 7.8 ± 2.0 mm and 2.6 ± 0.3 mm. Silicone oil and sulfur hexafluoride were used in 27 and 3 eyes, respectively. Lensectomy was performed in 27 eyes. Intraocular lens was implanted at first attempt in 12 eyes; during a second operation in 12 eyes and 6 eyes remained aphakic. At any follow-up, no signs of postoperative complications were observed. Secondary retinal detachment occurred in 12 eyes. Mean preoperative corrected distance visual acuity was 0.04, on the Snellen scale; it increased to 0.07, at last follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure was 17.97 mmHg. All eyes were preserved.
CONCLUSION
T-shaped scleral incision could be an effective, safe and easy-to-perform standard procedure to remove large IOFBs during pars plana vitrectomy, without increasing the risk of surgical complications and additional damage to the ocular tissues.
PubMed: 38808133
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1399321 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2024Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative ocular disease primarily affecting central vision in the elderly. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving... (Review)
Review
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative ocular disease primarily affecting central vision in the elderly. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving cellular senescence and immune homeostasis dysregulation. This review investigates the interaction between these two critical biological processes in AMD pathogenesis and their impact on disease progression. Initially, cellular senescence is analyzed, with particular emphasis on retinal damage induced by senescent retinal pigment epithelial cells. Subsequently, the occurrence of immune homeostasis dysregulation within the retina and its mechanistic role in AMD areis explored. Furthermore, the paper also discusses in detail the interplay between cellular senescence and immune responses, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates retinal damage and may influence treatment outcomes. In summary, a deeper understanding of the interrelation between cellular senescence and immune dysregulation is vital for the developing innovative therapeutic strategies for AMD.
Topics: Humans; Macular Degeneration; Cellular Senescence; Homeostasis; Retinal Pigment Epithelium; Disease Progression; Retina
PubMed: 38807637
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S463297 -
Journal of Translational Medicine May 2024Myopia is one of the eye diseases that can damage the vision of young people. This study aimed to explore the protective role of miR-92b-3p against DNA damage and...
BACKGROUND
Myopia is one of the eye diseases that can damage the vision of young people. This study aimed to explore the protective role of miR-92b-3p against DNA damage and apoptosis in retinal tissues of negative lens-induced myopic (LIM) guinea pigs by targeting BTG2.
METHODS
Biometric measurements of ocular parameters, flash electroretinogram (FERG), and retinal thickness (RT) were performed after miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection in LIM guinea pigs. The apoptotic rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and the change in mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining. Retinal apoptosis and expression of p53, BTG2, and CDK2 were explored by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick labeling (TUNEL) and immunofluorescence staining assays, respectively. BTG2 and its upstream and downstream molecules at gene and protein levels in retinal tissues were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting.
RESULTS
Compared with normal controls (NC), the ocular axial length of LIM guinea pig significantly increased, whereas refraction decreased. Meanwhile, dMax-a and -b wave amplitudes of ERG declined, retinal thickness was decreased, the number of apoptotic cells and apoptotic rate in LIM eyes was exaggerated, and the mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased. In addition, results of qPCR and Western blot assays showed that the expression levels of p53, BTG2, CDK2, and BAX in LIM guinea pigs were higher than the levels of the NC group, whereas the BCL-2 expression level was decreased. By contrast, the miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection in LIM guinea pigs could significantly inhibit axial elongation, alleviate DNA damage and apoptosis, and thus protect guinea pigs against myopia.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, p53 and BTG2 were activated in the retinal tissue of myopic guinea pigs, and the activated BTG2 could elevate the expression of CDK2 and BAX, and attenuate the expression of BCL-2, which in turn promote apoptosis and eventually lead to retinal thinning and impaired visual function in myopic guinea pigs. The miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection can attenuate the elongation of ocular length and retinal thickness, and inhibit the CDK2, BAX, and p53 expression by targeting BTG2, thereby ameliorating DNA damage and apoptosis in LIM guinea pigs and protecting ocular tissues.
Topics: Animals; Guinea Pigs; Apoptosis; MicroRNAs; Retina; DNA Damage; Myopia; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Base Sequence; Immediate-Early Proteins; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Electroretinography; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38807184
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05288-3 -
BMJ Open May 2024Although nutritional support is beneficial to the visual rehabilitation of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a large gap continues to exist between...
Exploring the factors influencing nutritional literacy based on the socioecological model among patients with age-related macular degeneration: a qualitative study from China.
OBJECTIVES
Although nutritional support is beneficial to the visual rehabilitation of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a large gap continues to exist between the relevant guidelines and the actual practices of AMD patients; this gap can be attributed to a lack of nutritional literacy. Therefore, this study explored the factors affecting nutritional literacy among AMD patients.
DESIGN
A qualitative study was carried out based on individual in-person interviews with 15 AMD patients; a semistructured interview guide was used for data collection. The socioecological model (SEM) was employed for data analysis.
SETTING
The Southwest Hospital in Chongqing Province, China.
PARTICIPANTS
A purposive sample of 15 AMD patients was recruited between May and June 2023.
RESULTS
The social ecosystem of patients with AMD has not been positive. At the intrapersonal level, the factors affecting the nutritional literacy of such patients are lack of knowledge, nutrition self-efficacy, economic burdens, dietary preferences and health status. At the interpersonal level, the factors that can influence patients' nutritional literacy are social support and social roles. At the institutional level, the relevant factors are doctor-patient trust and interdisciplinary-team consistency. Finally, at the policy level, a powerful factor is the large gap between policy and implementation.
DISCUSSION
Nutritional literacy focuses on the changes in an individual's knowledge and behaviour concerning nutrition. To inform the development of nutritional-literacy interventions for people with AMD, medical staff should consider multiple perspectives that can remove the barriers to the SEM at all levels.
Topics: Humans; China; Female; Male; Qualitative Research; Aged; Macular Degeneration; Health Literacy; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Middle Aged; Social Support; Aged, 80 and over; Interviews as Topic; Nutritional Status; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 38806439
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081468 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology May 2024Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the common blinding factors worldwide, leading to reduced vision or even blindness. However, current treatments such as...
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the common blinding factors worldwide, leading to reduced vision or even blindness. However, current treatments such as surgical intervention and anti-VEGF agent therapy still have some shortcomings or evoke some adverse effects. Recently, SU6668, an inhibitor targeting angiogenic tyrosine kinases, has demonstrated growth inhibition of neovascularization. But the hydrophobicity and low ocular bioavailability limit its application in cornea. Hereby, we proposed the preparation of SU6668 pure nanoparticles (NanoSU6668; size ~135 nm) using a super-stable pure-nanomedicine formulation technology (SPFT), which possessed uniform particle size and excellent aqueous dispersion at 1 mg/mL. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cell membrane vesicle (MSCm) was coated on the surface of NanoSU6668, and then conjugated with TAT cell penetrating peptide, preparing multifunctional TAT-MSCm@NanoSU6668 (T-MNS). The T-MNS at a concentration of 200 µg/mL was treated for CNV via eye drops, and accumulated in blood vessels with a high targeting performance, resulting in elimination of blood vessels and recovery of cornea transparency after 4 days of treatment. Meanwhile, drug safety test confirmed that T-MNS did not cause any damage to cornea, retina and other eye tissues. In conclusion, the T-MNS eye drop had the potential to treat CNV effectively and safely in a low dosing frequency, which broke new ground for CNV theranostics.
Topics: Corneal Neovascularization; Animals; Nanoparticles; Ophthalmic Solutions; Cornea; Mice; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Particle Size; Humans; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Rabbits
PubMed: 38802884
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02510-8 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is an intraocular infection caused by the parasite OT is manifested as retinal choroiditis and is the most common infectious cause of... (Review)
Review
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is an intraocular infection caused by the parasite OT is manifested as retinal choroiditis and is the most common infectious cause of posterior uveitis. Invasion of the retina by leads to disruption of the blood-ocular barrier and promotes the migration of immune cells to the ocular tissues. Cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-1β are effective for controlling parasite growth, but excessive inflammatory responses can cause damage to the host. In this review, we will discuss in detail the latest advances in the immunopathology and treatment of OT.
Topics: Humans; Toxoplasmosis, Ocular; Toxoplasma; Animals; Cytokines
PubMed: 38799473
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403025 -
Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and... May 2024Photoreceptor degeneration decreases light sensitivity and leads to vision loss and various retinal diseases. Neurotrophin-3, originating from Müller glial cells in the...
Photoreceptor degeneration decreases light sensitivity and leads to vision loss and various retinal diseases. Neurotrophin-3, originating from Müller glial cells in the retina, plays a key role in protecting photoreceptors from damage induced by light or hypoxia. This neuroprotective approach is important because there are no established methods to regenerate lost photoreceptors. Dietary supplements are one of the useful methods for improving eye health. () Jack, which is native to the tropical forest of Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries, exhibits several medicinal properties. In the present study, we demonstrated that the water extract of roots enhanced neurotrophin-3 gene expression in primary rat Müller cells. Using a stepwise bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of root extracts, we isolated the active compound underlying neurotrophin-3 gene-enhancing activities. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data identified the compound as eurycomanone. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of and eurycomanone in enhancing neurotrophin-3 expression in Müller cells . Although the biological significance of this effect and its underlying mechanism remain to be elucidated, this study suggests that may be promising for improving eye health and must be further investigated.
PubMed: 38799139
DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.23-73 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and immune dysregulation. Ocular manifestations in these patients are...
: Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and immune dysregulation. Ocular manifestations in these patients are increasingly recognized, suggesting potential correlations between systemic vascular abnormalities and ocular microvascular changes. Advancements in molecular immunology and imaging technology using ocular coherence tomography (OCT) have unveiled intricate pathways underlying possible disease pathogenesis. Understanding the interplay between retinal vascular abnormalities and molecular immunology parameters could provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate vascular abnormalities, detected with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), in systemic sclerosis patients and to find correlations between the severity of the disease detected with molecular immunology findings and OCT-A parameters. A group of 32 systemic sclerosis patients were compared with 9 healthy controls. Ganglion cell complex thickness (GCC), retina thickness of the fovea and parafovea, nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and cup/disc area ratio were investigated using OCT. Vessel density (VD) of the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of the whole macular area and ETDRS grid, size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vessel density of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) were evaluated using OCT-A. Modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), capillaroscopy and disease duration were used to stage disease severity. There was a statistically significant reduction in retina thickness of the fovea and parafovea, VD of the whole DCP, VD of the SCP and DCP in ETDRS grid in the patient group compared to controls ( < 0.001). The patients presented a significant enlargement of the FAZ ( 0.005). No significant correlation between OCT and OCT-A parameters and disease severity scores was found. OCT-A could represent a non-invasive tool to detect retinal microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis.
PubMed: 38792282
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102738 -
Biomedicines May 2024Macular edema (ME) remains a primary cause of visual deterioration in uveitis. Visual acuity (VA) can often be maintained using corticosteroid depot systems. This study...
Macular edema (ME) remains a primary cause of visual deterioration in uveitis. Visual acuity (VA) can often be maintained using corticosteroid depot systems. This study evaluated the efficacy of a fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant (ILUVIEN) in treating non-infectious uveitis using real-world data. This retrospective analysis included 135 eyes subdivided into responders and non-responders. Central retinal thickness (CRT), VA, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were followed over time. A significant decrease in CRT and an increase in VA were observed in all eyes throughout the follow-up period ( < 0.01). An IOP increase ( = 0.028) necessitated treatment in 43% of eyes by Month 6. Non-responders were older ( = 0.004) and had been treated with more dexamethasone (DEX) implants ( = 0.04); 89.3% had a defect in the external limiting membrane (ELM) and inner/outer segment (IS/OS) zone ( < 0.001). Immunomodulatory therapy had no impact on treatment response. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) patients had a mean CRT reduction of 47.55 µm and a reduced effect by Month 24 ( = 0.046) versus non-PPV patients. We conclude that the FAc implant achieves long-term control of CRT and improves VA. Increases in IOP were manageable. Eyes with a previous PPV showed milder results. Data showed a correlation between older age, a damaged ELM and IS/OS zone, frequent DEX inserts, and poorer outcome measures.
PubMed: 38791073
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051106