Current Eye Research最新文献

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, can lead to blindness, and its incidence is increasing. CircRNAs have been associated with a variety of tumors and vascular diseases, including DR. Here, we investigated the potential regulatory roles of hsa_circ_0002629/hsa-miR-532-3p in retinal neovascularization in DR.

Methods: Human retinal microvascular epithelial cells (hRECs) were exposed to three different conditions: low glucose (LG), LG plus mannitol, and high glucose (HG). Then, cells cultured under HG conditions were transfected with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting hsa_circ_0002629, hsa-miR-532-3p mimics and inhibitors, and a hsa_circ_0002629 overexpression (OE) plasmid to assess hREC viability in hyperglycemia. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR model rats were injected with rno-miR-532-3p agomir or antagomir every 2 weeks. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and FISH were used to investigate the direct binding relationship among hsa_circ_0002629, hsa-miR-532-3p, and HMGA2.

Results: QPCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of hsa_circ_0002629 were markedly elevated, while those of hsa-miR-532-3p were decreased in aqueous humor samples of DR patients and HG-exposed hRECs. Hsa_circ_0002629 overexpression improved hREC viability in hyperglycemia, reflected in augmented DNA synthesis, proliferation, migration, and tube formation; however, these effects were partially rescued by hsa-miR-532-3p mimics. In STZ-induced DR model rats, vitreous microinjection of rno-miR-532-3p agomir alleviated the pathologic features DR, including retinal vascular leakage, capillary decellularization, pericyte loss, fibrosis, and gliosis. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter and FISH assays indicated that hsa-miR-532-3p directly targets both hsa_circ_0002629 and HMGA2. These results indicated that the hsa_circ_0002629/hsa-miR-532-3p axis regulates the development of DR via HMGA2 within the DR microenvironment.

Conclusion: The hsa_circ_0002629/hsa-miR-532-3p/HMGA2 signaling pathway plays an essential role in the progression of DR and may represent a promising target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Purpose: To examine the association between female color vision deficiency (CVD) and other ophthalmic disorders including amblyopia and strabismus.

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of female adolescents undergoing military medical assessments between the years 2000 and 2020 was conducted. The prevalence of ophthalmic conditions, such as amblyopia, strabismus, and ametropia, was examined in both females with CVD and those with normal color vision. Demographic and socioeconomic data were also collected and analyzed.

Results: 912 females with CVD (mean age 17.1 ± 0.2 years) were identified within a cohort of 621,471 Israeli army female recruits. Female adolescents with CVD had higher prevalence of amblyopia (4.61% vs 0.66%, p < 0.001), strabismus (2.96% vs 0.81%, p < 0.001), and ametropia (moderate - less than 6.00 diopters, 40.46% vs 37.48%, p < 0.001, and high - higher than 6.00 diopters, 4.50% vs 1.95% p < 0.001) compared to females with normal color vision. Specific refractive data was available for a subgroup of 256 CVD females, demonstrating higher prevalence of both mild to moderate hyperopia (up to +6.00 diopters, 7.36% vs 2.72%, p < 0.001) and high hyperopia (≥ +6.00 diopters, 1.16% vs 0.13%, p < 0.001), but not for myopia or astigmatism.

Conclusions: CVD in young females is strongly associated with strabismus, hyperopia and amblyopia, suggesting that early population screening for CVD at a young age could identify girls at a higher risk for preventable vision loss.

Purpose: To evaluate ergothioneine (EGT), a naturally occurring amino acid and endogenous antioxidant, as a novel therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related ocular diseases. This evaluation specifically aimed to address the challenge of targeted ocular delivery by assessing EGT's antioxidant potency, stability, ocular tolerance, and crucially, its ability to reach the posterior segment (fundus) via topical administration.

Methods: This study evaluated EGT as a novel ocular antioxidant by examining its radical scavenging capacity (DPPH assay compared to glutathione, astaxanthin, and coenzyme Q10), stability (at 40 °C/75% relative humidity for six months using HPLC), ocular tolerance (using a New Zealand rabbit model), and fundus delivery efficiency (topical D₉-EGT eye drops quantified by LC-MS/MS).

Results: EGT demonstrated significantly superior radical scavenging activity, exhibiting 6.4-fold and 46-fold higher rates than glutathione and coenzyme Q10, respectively, at 50 ppm. It also showed excellent stability, retaining over 97% of its initial concentration after six months, and caused no ocular irritation at any tested concentration (score 0). Importantly, topical administration of EGT resulted in effective fundus delivery, with peak concentrations reached at 0.5 h post-application (1181 ± 56 ng/g), confirming successful penetration through corneal and scleral barriers. These findings establish EGT as a potent, multi-mechanistic antioxidant characterized by high stability, ocular safety, and exceptional posterior segment penetrance via noninvasive eye drops.

Conclusion: These findings establish EGT as a potent, multi-mechanistic antioxidant characterized by high stability, ocular safety, and exceptional posterior segment penetrance via noninvasive eye drops. By overcoming key delivery limitations, EGT presents a promising therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-related ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its long-term efficacy and clinical translation potential.

Purpose: The current meta-analysis reviewed the dry eye symptomatology and tear film differences between PCOS and healthy women.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for prospective/cross-sectional studies on patients with PCOS where at least one tear film parameter or dry eye symptomatology had been tested and compared with healthy controls. The analyzed data were changes in ocular surface disease index scores (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer values, and Meibography. RevMan software was used for meta-analysis, and weighted mean differences (MD) were computed along with GRADE evidence level determination.

Results: Thirteen articles were included, and PCOS (n = 639) was diagnosed using the Amsterdam (n = 2) or Rotterdam (n = 11) criteria. Studies were heterogeneous (I² > 75%) for all analyzed parameters. OSDI (MD 7.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 13.6, p = 0.02) and invasive TBUT (MD -3.1s, 95% CI -4.7 to -1.6, p < 0.0001) were worse in PCOS whereas Schirmer I (MD -1.8, 95% CI -4.5 to 0.5, p = 0.12) and noninvasive TBUT (MD -2.1, 95% CI -4.2 to -0.03, p = 0.05) were similar between PCOS and healthy controls. Forest plots revealed an overall MD estimate of all parameters to lie close to the null effect line. All studies had a low level of certainty regarding evidence.

Conclusions: Women with PCOS can experience mild dry eye symptoms; however, tear volume and tear film stability are similar in women with PCOS and those without the condition. In most studies, tear film parameters of PCOS women do not meet DEWS II criteria for DED diagnosis, though they are heterogeneous and have low levels of certainty.

Purpose: This study primarily aimed to identify the causes of failed dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with high ostium and analyze the associated radiological and endoscopic findings.

Methods: A retrospective interventional case series was conducted to analyze 72 eyes (from 69 patients) with high ostia and failed DCRs, all revised by the same surgeon between January 2015 and December 2024. The data collected included patient demographics, diagnostic and management details, objective measurements of computerized tomography dacryocystography (CT-DCG) images, and endoscopic findings. CT-DCG and endoscopy findings from 33 successful primary DCR cases were used as controls.

Results: The most common reasons for primary DCR failure were cicatricial closure of the DCR ostium (97.2%, 70/72), and creation of a small or inappropriately positioned bony ostium. Early recurrence (at one-month post-operatively) occurred in 62.5% (45/72) of cases. Compared with the successful group, the failed group had more prior laser DCR interventions and intubations before the primary DCR surgery (p = 0.03). The failed group also had a higher incidence of associated sinusitis (p = 0.011). The distance from the superior boundary of the ostium to the frontomaxillary suture on CT-DCG was significantly variable between the cases and the controls (p = 0.003). The CT-DCG findings of inadequate bone removal overlying the lacrimal sac, the unaddressed anterior uncinate process, ostium location away from the middle turbinate axilla, and the unopened agger nasi cell appeared to be the factors that influenced the outcomes of the initial DCR (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the anatomical success following revision of the prior high ostium failed DCRs was achieved in 95.8% (69/72), and the outcomes were excellent.

Conclusion: This study provides a precise CT-DCG and endoscopic comparison between high ostium failed DCRs and the ostia of successful cases. Analysis and objective measurements of CT-DCG provided valuable insights during the revision surgery in such cohorts.

Purpose: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in preterm infants, is characterized by abnormal retinal vascular development, including tortuous arterioles and abnormally dense capillaries. Dysregulated production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and disrupted interactions between glial and vascular cells contribute to its pathogenesis. This study investigated the effects of aflibercept, a clinically used anti-VEGF drug, and KRN633, a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on abnormal retinal vasculature and astrocyte distribution in a rat model of ROP.

Methods: ROP was induced in neonatal rats by subcutaneous injections of KRN633 on postnatal day (P) 7 and P8. Arteriolar tortuosity, capillary density, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity (as indicated by phosphorylation of S6 protein [pS6]), and the distribution of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes were evaluated.

Results: In ROP model rats, tortuous arterioles and dense capillary plexuses were observed. At the vascular front, many vascular endothelial cells lacked GFAP-positive astrocyte coverage and exhibited strong pS6 immunoreactivity. Treatment with aflibercept or KRN633 significantly reduced capillary density and pS6-positive blood vessels at the vascular front. Following treatment, most vascular endothelial cells were covered by GFAP-positive astrocytes. However, neither aflibercept nor KRN633 ameliorated arteriolar tortuosity.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that pathological angiogenesis in ROP is mediated through VEGF- and mTORC1-dependent mechanisms. Anti-VEGF therapies may help restore glial-vascular interactions by reducing abnormal blood vessels in the ROP retina.

Purpose: Tear fluid represents a minimally invasive and accessible source for biomarker discovery in both ocular and systemic diseases. This mini review aims to summarize and critically evaluate current microscopy and spectroscopy techniques applied to tear fluid analysis and their relevance for disease detection and monitoring.

Methods: A focused review was conducted on advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques used in tear fluid research. The methodologies discussed include atomic force microscopy, polarized light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and fluorescence techniques. These approaches were examined for their ability to characterize tear fluid morphology, molecular composition, and biochemical alterations.

Results: The reviewed techniques enable high-resolution morphological imaging, detailed protein secondary structure analysis, and sensitive detection of lipid and glycoprotein alterations in tear fluid. Multiple studies have demonstrated disease-specific changes detectable by these methods in conditions such as dry eye disease, keratoconus, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and depressive disorder. The findings highlight the versatility and diagnostic potential of microscopy and spectroscopy in identifying subtle biochemical and structural changes associated with disease states.

Conclusion: Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques offer powerful tools for advancing tear fluid diagnostics. However, challenges remain in standardizing sampling protocols and analysis methods. These are key for ensuring reproducibility and clinical applicability. Addressing these challenges will be important to unlock the full diagnostic potential of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques for tear fluid analysis in medical practice.

Purpose: To compare the differential effects of EP3, FP, and EP2 receptor agonists on adipogenic differentiation in orbital adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (OASC) spheroids from thyroid eye disease (TED) patients.

Methods: Orbital adipose tissue was obtained from inactive TED patients, and OASCs were isolated. Three-dimensional spheroid cultures were established and induced for adipogenic differentiation in the presence of FP agonist bimatoprost (BIM), EP3 agonist sulprostone (SULP), or EP2 agonist butaprost (BUTA). Spheroid size and lipid accumulation were assessed using bright-field imaging, BODIPY staining, and Oil Red O staining. Gene and protein expression of adipogenic markers (PPARG, ADIPOQ, FABP4, LEPTIN) were quantified by qPCR and/or western blotting. Levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and Leptin in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA.

Results: Sulprostone and bimatoprost markedly inhibited adipogenic differentiation of OASC spheroids, as evidenced by reduced spheroid size, decreased lipid accumulation, and downregulation of PPARG, FABP4, and LEPTIN. Compared with sulprostone, bimatoprost exerted a stronger inhibitory effect, showing smaller spheroid size, fewer lipid droplets, and lower LEPTIN expression. Despite the suppression of lipid accumulation, ADIPOQ expression was significantly upregulated in both SULP and BIM groups. Notably, bimatoprost treatment was associated with increased secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α, whereas sulprostone did not significantly alter the levels of the examined inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, butaprost showed no significant inhibitory effect on adipogenic differentiation, with lipid accumulation patterns similar to those of the control group.

Conclusions: Activation of EP3, FP, and EP2 receptors differentially modulates orbital adipogenesis. Among them, EP3 receptor activation by sulprostone suppresses adipogenic differentiation without increasing the evaluated inflammatory cytokines in our study. These findings suggest that EP3 receptor agonism may represent a potential strategy for limiting orbital fat expansion in TED, although further in vivo studies are required to evaluate its therapeutic feasibility and safety.