Eye & ENT Research最新文献

With the rapid and groundbreaking development in 21st century medicine on a global scale, new possibilities have emerged for addressing eye diseases, that can be blindness, and that conventional pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions have not hitherto been able to adequately treat. Gene enhancement/supplementation, gene editing, and stem cell therapies have now emerged as key subdisciplines. Here we discuss the current state and prospects of regenerative therapy in the field of ophthalmology, with a primary focus on diseases affecting the cornea, retina, and optic nerve. Our review summarizes the latest advances, challenges, and opportunities in these fields, as well as the potential applications and limitations of different strategies. The review also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative innovation models for achieving breakthroughs in therapeutic development for sight-loss diseases worldwide.

The mechanical theory of glaucoma indicates that high intraocular pressure (IOP) leads to glaucomatous optic nerve damage. However, nearly half of primary open-angle glaucoma patients with normal intraocular pressure also exhibit progression of what appears to be glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Our earlier prospective study identified for the first time that the relatively low intracranial pressure (ICP) is also an important risk factor for progressive glaucomatous injury of normal-tension glaucoma. When considering the results of studies in nonhuman primates, clinical research, large-scale natural-population studies, and basic laboratory investigations, a new understanding of the pathophysiology of glaucoma, the “Dual-Pressure Theory”, has been proposed. This theory states that “either high IOP or low ICP contributes to increasing the translaminar cribrosa pressure difference; it is the pressure difference rather than the IOP alone that results in the glaucomatous optic neuropathy”. Here, we provide a systematic introduction to Dual-Pressure Theory relating to glaucoma, the form of a research map, an outline of basic laboratory investigations, the main methodology, and research updates.

Type 2 dominant inflammation in nasal mucosa is the key underlying pathophysiological mechanism of allergic rhinitis (AR) and most presentations of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 share common receptor subunits and signaling molecules, which lead to various pathological changes in different cells, playing key roles in the pathogenesis of nasal type 2 inflammation. Numerous clinical trials have shown that biologics targeting key molecules of the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, especially IL-4 receptor alpha, can treat CRSwNP and AR with high efficacy, and are generally well tolerated. Several biologics have been approved for the treatment of difficult-to-control CRSwNP, while others also show promising results. Here, we review the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, its role in nasal type 2 inflammation, and current targeted therapies related to the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, with a focus on AR and CRSwNP.

Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) are crucial for the maintenance of corneal transparency and normal visual function. Corneal endothelial dysfunction can lead to corneal edema, opacity, and even blindness. Due to the limited proliferative capacity of human CECs and the global shortage of donor cornea, corneal endothelial regeneration and replacement always represent the most challenge in the basic research and clinical treatment of corneal diseases. Although there is a potential existence of corneal endothelial progenitor cells, the efficiency of Descemet stripping without endothelial keratoplasty remains controversial. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the field of cultured endothelial cell regeneration and artificial material replacement. Here, we reviewed the current research and clinical progress of corneal endothelial cell regeneration and replacement, including the in vitro cultivation of primary human CECs, in vitro differentiation of stem cell-derived CECs, tissue-engineered corneal endothelium, and fabrication of artificial corneal endothelium. We also discussed the remaining questions regarding innovating clinical preventive and therapeutic strategies for corneal endothelial dysfunction.

As the inaugural editors of Eye and ENT Research, a new academic journal in the field of sensory medicine, we are deeply honored to share our vision and commitment with our esteemed readers and contributors at this important juncture. The collaborative efforts of Beijing Tongren Hospital with the Higher Education Press have enabled us to present this landmark inaugural issue to our extensive readership. Beijing Tongren Hospital's profound clinical experience and research achievements in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, and especially its national key disciplinary status not just in those fields but also in allergology and traditional Chinese ophthalmology, have made a significant contribution to medical research in China and globally.

We find ourselves in an era of remarkable growth in China's scientific research investment and output. Since 1981, China's investment in scientific research has increased by an astounding factor of 400, with a 3.5-fold increase in just the past decade, far surpassing the growth rates of Western nations. This surge in investment not only signifies China's rise on the global scientific stage but also heralds its future dominance in technological innovations. Research is international and open, and Chinese researchers are increasingly prominent in key scientific areas. Their prolific output in high-quality, original academic papers, producing over 1000 highly cited papers annually, not only showcases their capabilities but also opens new avenues for global scientific research collaboration. Similarly, the leadership of our researchers in critical fields like ophthalmology and otolaryngology is becoming increasingly evident. We encourage domestic researchers to publish their work in international journals, not only to highlight their achievements but also to enhance the international impact of our academic publications. We are also committed to creating a robust and open platform to attract the latest and best research from around the world.

The mission of Eye and ENT Research is to gather and present the wisdom and experience of researchers and practitioners in the fields of ophthalmology and otolaryngology, to foster scientific development in these areas, and to reflect the latest research achievements globally, especially from the Asia-Pacific region. By sharing the latest research findings, innovative methodologies, and clinical practices, we are dedicated to guiding scientific advancement in these fields to new heights.

We look forward to Eye and ENT Research becoming an essential platform for ophthalmology and otolaryngology researchers, clinicians, and related experts to exchange ideas and share the latest research findings. We firmly believe that through collective wisdom and collaboration, we can contribute insights and strengths to global medical research, advancing the science of human health.