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International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2021Photoreceptors are the light-sensing cells of the retina and the major cell type affected in most inherited retinal degenerations. Different metabolic pathways sustain...
Photoreceptors are the light-sensing cells of the retina and the major cell type affected in most inherited retinal degenerations. Different metabolic pathways sustain their high energetic demand in physiological conditions, particularly aerobic glycolysis. The principal metabolome of the mature retina has been studied, but only limited information is available on metabolic adaptations in response to key developmental events, such as eye opening. Moreover, dynamic metabolic changes due to retinal degeneration are not well understood. Here, we aimed to explore and map the ocular metabolic dynamics induced by eye opening in healthy (wild type) or -mutant (retinal degeneration 1, Rd1) mice, in which photoreceptors degenerate shortly after eye opening. To unravel metabolic differences emerging before and after eye opening under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, we performed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolome analysis of wild type and Rd1 retina and vitreous/lens. We show that eye opening is accompanied by changes in the concentration of selected metabolites in the retina and by alterations in the vitreous/lens composition only in the retinal degeneration context. As such, we identify NAcetylaspartate as a potential novel vitreous/lens marker reflecting progressive retinal degeneration. Thus, our data can help elucidating mechanisms underlying key events in retinal physiology and reveal changes occurring in pathology, while highlighting the importance of the vitreous/lens in the characterization of retinal diseases.
Topics: Animals; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 6; Disease Models, Animal; Lens, Crystalline; Metabolome; Mice; Mutation; Retina; Retinal Degeneration; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 33652907
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052345 -
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.) Feb 2022The causes of floaters include posterior vitreous detachment and fundus hemorrhage, both of which are risk factors for retinal tears. We observed the vitreous of...
PURPOSE
The causes of floaters include posterior vitreous detachment and fundus hemorrhage, both of which are risk factors for retinal tears. We observed the vitreous of patients with floaters using swept source optical coherence tomography.
METHODS
Fundus examination was performed, and the vitreous was observed using swept source optical coherence tomography in 202 eyes of 202 patients with floaters. Patients with uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and other fundus diseases were excluded.
RESULTS
Swept source optical coherence tomography revealed posterior vitreous detachment in 145 of 202 eyes (71.8%) and dot reflex like stardust in the vitreous in 42 of 202 eyes (20.8%). Posterior vitreous detachment occurred in 35 of 42 eyes (83.3%) and 110 of 160 eyes (68.8%) in the stardust (+) and stardust (-) groups, respectively; a significant difference was observed (P <0.001). In the stardust (+) group, 11 of 42 eyes (26.2%) had retinal tears with posterior vitreous detachment and 21 of 42 eyes (50.0%) had fundus hemorrhage. Three of 160 eyes (1.9%) and 4 of 160 eyes (2.5%) in the stardust (-) group had retinal tears with posterior vitreous detachment and fundus hemorrhage, respectively. Both tears and fundus hemorrhage were more frequent in the stardust (+) group than in the stardust (-) group (P <0.001).
CONCLUSION
The stardust sign on swept source optical coherence tomography indicates the risk of retinal tear.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Retinal Perforations; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Vitreous Body; Vitreous Detachment; Young Adult
PubMed: 35050930
DOI: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003317 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2021Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world with the incidence of disease ever-increasing worldwide. The vitreous humor represents an... (Review)
Review
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world with the incidence of disease ever-increasing worldwide. The vitreous humor represents an extensive and complex interactive arena for cytokines in the diabetic eye. In recent decades, there has been significant progress in understanding this environment and its implications in disease pathophysiology. In this review, we investigate the vitreous ecosystem in diabetic retinopathy at the molecular level. Areas of concentration include: the current level of knowledge of growth factors, cytokine and chemokine mediators, and lipid-derived metabolites in the vitreous. We discuss the molecular patho-mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy based upon current vitreous research.
Topics: Aqueous Humor; Chemokines; Cytokines; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Interleukins; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 34281192
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137142 -
Biomolecules Dec 2021Vitreous fluid is commonly collected for toxicological analysis during forensic postmortem investigations. Vitreous fluid is also often analyzed for potassium, sodium,...
Vitreous fluid is commonly collected for toxicological analysis during forensic postmortem investigations. Vitreous fluid is also often analyzed for potassium, sodium, chloride and glucose for estimation of time since death, and for the evaluation of electrolyte imbalances and hyperglycemia, respectively. Obtaining such results in the early phase of a death investigation is desirable both in regard to assisting the police and in the decision-making prior to the autopsy. We analyzed vitreous fluid with blood gas instruments to evaluate/examine the possible impact of different sampling and pre-analytical treatment. We found that samples from the right and left eye, the center of the eye as well as whole vitreous samples gave similar results. We also found imprecision to be very low and that centrifugation and dilution were not necessary when analyzing vitreous samples with blood gas instruments. Similar results were obtained when analyzing the same samples with a regular multi-analysis instrument, but we found that such instruments could require dilution of samples with high viscosity, and that such dilution might impact measurement accuracy. In conclusion, using a blood gas instrument, the analysis of postmortem vitreous fluid for electrolytes and glucose without sample pretreatment produces rapid and reliable results.
Topics: Autopsy; Humans; Postmortem Changes; Potassium; Sodium; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 35053180
DOI: 10.3390/biom12010032 -
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Dec 1978
Topics: Eye Diseases; Humans; Microsurgery; Ophthalmology; Surgical Instruments; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 739498
DOI: 10.1177/014107687807101202 -
The Journal of Cell Biology Oct 1976Two different cells types have been shown to synthesize embryonic chick vitreous collagen (vitrosin) at different stages of development. Identification of vitrosin was...
Two different cells types have been shown to synthesize embryonic chick vitreous collagen (vitrosin) at different stages of development. Identification of vitrosin was established by labeling the embryos in ovo [3H]proline at stages 23 and 28 and separating the extracted vitreous collagen alpha-chains by carboxymethylcellulose chromatography. The labeled collagen consisted predominately of alpha 1 chains, indicating a molecule in the form of a trimer of identical chains designated (alpha 1)3. The molecular weight of the labeled chains measured approximately 95,000 daltons by molecular sieve chromatography, and contained 41% of their imino acid as 4-hydroxyproline. To establish which eye tissues synthesize vitrosine, the collagens produced in organ culture by the isolated neural retina, lens and vitreous body from stages 26-27, 29-30, and 40 were examined. At the two earlier stages, only the neural retina synthesized large quantities of (alpha 1)3 collagen whereas the lens and the cells within the vitreous body itself synthesized relatively small amounts of collagen characterized by an alpha 1:alpha 2 ratio of about 2:1. At stage 40, however, the cells of the vitreous body itself synthesized the greatest quantities of collagen, which now was predominantly an (alpha 1)3 type molecule. Stage 40 neural retina and lens synthesized lesser amounts of collagen with an alpha 1:alpha 2 ratio of 2 to 3:1. Chick vitrosin thus appears to be synthesized by the neural retina in early embryonic stages, whereas the major contribution derives from cells within the vitreous body in later development.
Topics: Animals; Chick Embryo; Collagen; Lens, Crystalline; Retina; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 977655
DOI: 10.1083/jcb.71.1.59 -
Mediators of Inflammation 2013
Topics: Animals; Diabetic Retinopathy; Humans; Inflammation; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 23401646
DOI: 10.1155/2013/758035 -
Ophthalmology Feb 2018Despite posterior vitreous detachment being a common ocular event affecting most individuals in an aging population, there is little consensus regarding its precise...
PURPOSE
Despite posterior vitreous detachment being a common ocular event affecting most individuals in an aging population, there is little consensus regarding its precise anatomic definition. We investigated the morphologic appearance and molecular composition of the posterior hyaloid membrane to determine whether the structure clinically observed enveloping the posterior vitreous surface after posterior vitreous detachment is a true basement membrane and to postulate its origin. Understanding the relationship between the vitreous (in both its attached and detached state) and the internal limiting membrane of the retina is essential to understanding the cause of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and vitreoretinal interface disorders, as well as potential future prophylactic and treatment strategies.
DESIGN
Clinicohistologic correlation study.
PARTICIPANTS
Thirty-six human donor globes.
METHODS
Vitreous bodies identified to have posterior vitreous detachment were examined with phase-contrast microscopy and confocal microscopy after immunohistochemically staining for collagen IV basement membrane markers, in addition to extracellular proteins that characterize the vitreoretinal junction (fibronectin, laminin) and vitreous gel (opticin) markers. The posterior retina similarly was stained to evaluate the internal limiting membrane. Findings were correlated to the clinical appearance of the posterior hyaloid membrane observed during slit-lamp biomicroscopy after posterior vitreous detachment and compared with previously published studies.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Morphologic appearance and molecular composition of the posterior hyaloid membrane.
RESULTS
Phase-contrast microscopy consistently identified a creased and distinct glassy membranous sheet enveloping the posterior vitreous surface, correlating closely with the posterior hyaloid membrane observed during slit-lamp biomicroscopy in patients with posterior vitreous detachment. Immunofluorescent confocal micrographs demonstrated the enveloping membranous structure identified on phase-contrast microscopy to show positive stain results for type IV collagen. Immunofluorescence of the residual intact internal limiting membrane on the retinal surface also showed positive stain results for type IV collagen.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study provide immunohistochemical evidence that the posterior hyaloid membrane is a true basement membrane enveloping the posterior hyaloid surface. Because this membranous structure is observed only after posterior vitreous detachment, the results of this study indicate that it forms part of the internal limiting membrane when the vitreous is in its attached state.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Basement Membrane; Collagen; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Microscopy, Acoustic; Microscopy, Confocal; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Vitrectomy; Vitreous Body; Vitreous Detachment
PubMed: 28867131
DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.08.001 -
Disease Markers 2021The vitreous body is an important part of the ocular body fluid. A foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) is designed to treat chronic adverse complications in severe...
BACKGROUND
The vitreous body is an important part of the ocular body fluid. A foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) is designed to treat chronic adverse complications in severe ocular trauma and silicone oil-dependent eyes. This study is aimed at investigating a method for implanting an FCVB, its postoperative efficacy, and clinical value.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 18 patients who underwent vitrectomy and FCVB implantation for severe ocular trauma and silicone oil-dependent eyes between March 2019 and May 2020. All treated eyes underwent clinical examinations involving the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, FCVB position, anterior segment photography, and wide-angle fundus photography regularly after surgery.
RESULTS
Eighteen eyes from 18 patients were enrolled in this study. A total of 2.00-4.20 (3.46 ± 0.78) ml of silicone oil were injected into the FCVB during surgery. The patients were followed up at 1, 2, and 4 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Twelve months after surgery, visual acuity improved in 7 (38.89%) eyes. In contrast, 10 (55.56%) eyes showed no obvious improvement, and 1 (5.56%) eye had decreased vision. Intraocular pressure at 12 months was 10.13 ± 3.52 mmHg, which was comparable to that before the surgery ( = 0.38, = 0.71). The anterior chamber depth examined by slit lamp was 2.00-3.00 cornea thickness (CT) in 7 eyes, 1.00-2.00 CT in 2 eyes, and <1.00 CT in one eye. The anterior chamber disappeared in eight eyes. There were eight eyes with clear cornea, four eyes with localized opacity, and two eyes with obvious gray-white opacity. There was no case of severe FCVB deflection, rupture, or exposure during the observation period.
CONCLUSION
FCVB implantation is an effective and safe treatment for eyes with severe ocular trauma and silicone oil-dependent eyes. It may support retinal reattachment, slow down eyeball atrophy, reduce the risk of chronic adverse complications such as corneal endothelial decompensation, and maintain intraocular pressure and preoperative visual function.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Silicone Oils; Treatment Outcome; Vitrectomy; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 34987675
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6575195 -
PloS One 2021The systemic organ involvement of SARS-CoV-2 needs to be thoroughly investigated including the possibility of an ocular reservoir in humans. To examine retinal tissues...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
The systemic organ involvement of SARS-CoV-2 needs to be thoroughly investigated including the possibility of an ocular reservoir in humans. To examine retinal tissues and vitreous for histopathology and SARS-CoV-2 presence with regard to possible effects on the human retina and/ or vitreous. We performed histopathological analyses and quantitative (q)RT-PCR-testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on retinal tissues and vitreous of COVID-19 postmortem donors.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
Included in this study were 10 eyes of 5 deceased COVID-19 patients. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed via pharyngeal swabs and broncho-alveolar fluids. The highest level of personal protective equipment (PPE) and measures was employed during fluid-tissue procurement and preparation. Histopathological examinations and qRT-PCR-testing were carried out for all retinal tissues and vitreous fluids.
RESULTS
The histopathological examinations revealed no signs of morphologically identifiable retinal inflammation or vessel occlusions based on hematoxylin and eosin stains. By qRT-PCRs, we detected no significant level of viral RNA in human retina and vitreous.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, no significant level of SARS-CoV-2-RNA was detected in the human retinal and vitreous fluid samples of deceased COVID-19 patients. Histopathological examinations confirmed no morphological sign of damage to retinal vasculature or tissues. Further studies are needed to confirm or refute the results.
Topics: Autopsy; COVID-19; COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing; Humans; RNA, Viral; Retina; SARS-CoV-2; Vitreous Body
PubMed: 33984050
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251682