Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics最新文献

Purpose: Glaucoma is a complex degenerative optic neuropathy characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Solanum nigrum has been used for decades in traditional medicine system. However, no extensive studies were reported on its antiglaucoma properties. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of S. nigrum extract on RGC against glaucoma rat model. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the phytochemical profile of aqueous extract of S. nigrum (AESN). In vitro, {3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide} (MTT) and H₂DCFDA assays were used to determine cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea cells. In vivo, AESN was orally administered to carbomer-induced rats for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure, antioxidant levels, and electrolytes were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to evaluate the neurodegeneration of RGC. Results: MTT assay showed AESN exhibited greater cell viability and minimal ROS production at 10 μg/mL. Slit lamp and funduscopy confirmed glaucomatous changes in carbomer-induced rats. Administration of AESN showed minimal peripheral corneal vascularization and restored histopathological alterations such as minimal loss of corneal epithelium and moderate narrowing of the iridocorneal angle. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed increased expression of positive BRN3A cells and decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activation in retina and cornea, whereas western blot analysis revealed downregulation of extracellular matrix proteins (COL-1 and MMP-9) in AESN-treated rats compared with the diseased group rats. Conclusions: AESN protects RGC loss through remodeling of MMPs and, therefore, can be used for the development of novel neurotherapeutics for the treatment of glaucoma.

Purpose: To assess over 2 weeks, the effect of 3 different low concentrations of atropine on pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude in children with myopia. Methods: Fifty-eight children with myopia [spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.50 diopters (D) or worse, astigmatism of less than or equal to 2.00 D] were randomly allocated to 3 groups receiving 0.01%, 0.02%, or 0.03% atropine eye drops, once nightly for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude with each of the concentrations. Results: Fifty-seven participants (114 eyes), aged between 6 and 12 years, completed the 2-week trial (mean age 9.3 ± 1.7 years and mean SE -3.53 ± 1.79 D). After 2 weeks of use, all the 3 concentrations were found to have a statistically significant effect on both the pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude. Accommodative amplitude reduced by an average of 5.23 D, 9.28 D, and 9.32 D, and photopic pupil size increased by an average of 0.95 ± 1.05 mm, 1.65 ± 0.93 mm, and 2.16 ± 0.88 mm with 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03%, respectively. Of the eyes, a total of 5.3% and 5.9% of the eyes on 0.02% and 0.03% atropine had a mean residual accommodative amplitude of <5 D. The percentage of eyes having a pupillary dilation >3 mm were 4.8%, 10.5%, and 23.5% for 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03% atropine, respectively. Conclusions: Low-dose atropine had an effect on pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude. With the highest concentration assessed, that is, 0.03% nearly 1 of 4 eyes had pupillary dilation of >3 mm. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03699423.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a new treatment-conditioned medium from human orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASC-CM)-on corneal recovery after alkali burns in a rabbit model. Methods: The corneal alkali burn rabbit model was established and treated with OASC-CM, conditioned medium from human abdominal subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells (ABASC-CM), and fresh control culture medium (con-CM) three times a day for 7 days, respectively. Subsequently, the treatment effects were evaluated and compared through clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and cytokine evaluations. Results: Clinically, OASC-CM alleviated corneal opacity and edema and promoted recovery of corneal epithelium defect. Histologically and immunohistochemically, OASC-CM inhibited neovascularization, conjunctivalization, and immuno-inflammatory reaction, while promoting corneal regeneration and rearrangement. Increased secretion of interleukin-10 and inhibited protein levels of cluster of differentiation 45, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α were observed in the alkali-burned cornea after OASC-CM treatment, which might be the relevant molecular mechanism. Conclusions: OASC-CM showed significant effects on the recovery of rabbit corneal alkali burns and eliminated immunological and ethical limitations, representing a new option for corneal wound treatment.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the onset and duration of action of 3 commercially available topical anesthetic solutions in Brazil, using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (Luneau^®, Paris, France) and to quantitatively assess patient-reported discomfort during application. Methods: A prospective, randomized, masked, and double-blind study was conducted, involving 40 eyes from 21 patients. Patients were administered each one of the topical anesthetics weekly, and corneal sensitivity was measured using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer's corneal touch threshold (CTT). Patients rated the burning sensation using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: Among the 21 patients (42.9% male), with a mean age of 31.95 years (±standard deviation = 10.17, range = 22.0-58.0), corneal sensitivity significantly decreased 30 s after application, returning to baseline after 30 min for all groups (P < 0.0001). Significant differences in CTT were observed at 5 min, with proparacaine exhibiting a superior anesthetic effect (P = 0.0003), at 10 min, where tetracaine displayed the most substantial anesthetic effect (P = 0.0135), and at 20 min, where tetracaine demonstrated the highest anesthetic efficacy (P < 0.0001). VAS scores indicated the most intense burning sensation with tetracaine (P < 0.0001). Men reported experiencing more discomfort during instillation compared with women (P = 0.0168). Conclusions: Proparacaine exhibited the fastest onset of action among the 3 topical anesthetics and provided a more comfortable eye sensation during instillation. However, tetracaine demonstrated the longest duration of action despite causing more discomfort.

Background: Insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 receptors are present in ocular tissues such as corneal epithelium, keratocytes, and conjunctival cells. Insulin plays a crucial role in the growth, differentiation, and proliferation of corneal epithelial cells, as well as in wound healing processes in various tissues. Purpose: This review explores the potential role of topical insulin in the treatment of ocular surface diseases. Specifically, it examines its impact on corneal nerve regeneration, sub-basal plexus corneal nerves, and its application in conditions like corneal epithelial defects, dry eye disease, and diabetic keratopathy. Methods: The review analyzes studies conducted over the past decade that have investigated the use of topical insulin in ocular surface diseases. It focuses on indications, drug preparation methods, side effects, efficacy outcomes, and variations in insulin concentrations and dosages used. Results: While off-label use of topical insulin has shown promising results in refractory corneal epithelial defects, its efficacy in dry eye disease is yet to be demonstrated. Variations in concentrations, dilutions, and dosing guidelines have been reported. However, limited data on ocular penetration, ocular toxicity, and systemic side effects pose challenges to its widespread utility. Conclusion: This review synthesizes findings from ocular investigations on topical insulin to assess its potential applicability in treating ocular surface and corneal diseases. By highlighting indications, preparation methods, side effects, and efficacy outcomes, it aims to provide insights into the current status and future prospects of using topical insulin in ophthalmic practice.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of Brinzolamide-Brimonidine (BB) (1%+0.2%) with the gold standard Latanoprost-Timolol (LT) (0.005%+0.5%) in treating primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods: A 1-year prospective study, spanning from May 2022 to May 2023, conducted at a tertiary eye-care hospital. Participants, aged 40-60, with a baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mm Hg, requiring a >30% reduction, were enrolled. Group A (n = 100) received BB, and Group B (n = 100) received LT. Outcomes were assessed at 1 month (IOP difference from baseline), 3 and 6 months (mean diurnal variations). Results: The mean age at presentation was 55.5 ± 4.5 years in Group A and 54.7 ± 4.2 years in Group B. At 1 month, Group A exhibited a mean IOP of 18.7 mm Hg, while Group B had 17.6 mm Hg, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.53). No significant diurnal variation was observed in either group (P = 0.07). Target pressure was achieved in 88% of patients in Group A and slightly higher at 92% in Group B. Moreover, no serious side effects were reported, and compliance was higher in Group B (98%) compared to Group A (96%). Conclusion: Although LT showed slightly better and sustained IOP reduction, the difference was not statistically significant. Both BB and LT demonstrated comparable outcomes for managing POAG and OHT.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE)-19 cells. We also studied the inhibitory effect of K-975, a new pan-transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) inhibitor, and luteolin, a plant-derived flavonoid on CTGF expression. Methods: ARPE-19 cells were transfected with either YAP or TAZ overexpression plasmid or treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β₂. The cells were cultured either with or without K-975 or luteolin. The expression of YAP, TAZ, and CTGF was examined using real-time PCR. Results: ARPE-19 cells overexpressing YAP or TAZ exhibited significantly increased CTGF expression. This increase was attenuated by K-975 or luteolin alone. TGF-β₂ treatment significantly raised the expression of not just YAP and TAZ, but also CTGF in ARPE-19 cells. TGF-β₂ treatment-enhanced CTGF expression was considerably lowered by the addition of K-975 or luteolin. Conclusions: Overexpression of YAP or TAZ and treatment with TGF-β₂ led to an increase in the expression of CTGF in ARPE-19 cells. These increases were attenuated by treatment with K-975 and luteolin. These findings suggest that YAP and TAZ may be related to the expression of CTGF in ARPE-19 cells and that K-975 and luteolin can be explored as potential therapeutic agents for preventing CTGF production in vitreoretinal fibrosis.