Effect of Genistein on the Survival and Production of Nitric Oxide in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of genistein on the survival and production of nitric oxide in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC). METHODS: Primarily cultured HTMC were exposed to 0, 1, and 10 microm genistein using serum-deprived media. Production of nitric oxide and eNOS activity were assessed with the Griess assay and RT-PCR after exposure to genistein for 10 min and one day. Cellular survival was assessed via MTT assay after exposure to genistein for one day. RESULTS: Genistein significantly increased the production of nitric oxide after exposure for 1 min at 10 microm and for 1 day at 1 microm under serum-deprived conditions. Genistein increased eNOS activity and cellular survival in HTMC. CONCLUSIONS: Genistein increases cellular survival under serum-deprived conditions, accompanied with an increase in nitric oxide production after both short-term and long-term exposures.

A Case of Vitrectomy without Laser for Serous Macular Detachment Associated with Optic Disc Pit

PURPOSE: To report a long term result of vitrectomy, gas tamponade without laser retinopexy for serous macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit (ODP). CASE SUMMARY: A 13 year old boy with visual disturbance in the left eye showed serous macular detachment associated with an inferior temporal ODP. The abnormal vitreous strand over the optic disc implying vitreous traction and retinoschisis were revealed by the optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination. Pars plana vitrectomy after complete induction of posterior vitreous detachment without laser retinopexy, and gas tamponade with postoperative facedown positioning were performed. Complete retinal attachment occurred at 6 months after first operation but recurrent macula detachment occurred at 15 months after first operation. Additional gas tamponade resulted in successful retinal attachment for more than 2 years and visual improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy and gas tamponade without additional laser photocoagulation could be another option for the treatment of ODP maculopathy. But recurrent macular detachment might occur and simple gas tamponade was effective in this case. This result supports another factor in addition to vitreous traction may play a role in the development of the macular detachment associated ODP. Further studies are required to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy, gas tamponade without laser retinopexy for the treatment of ODP maculopathy.

Effect of Creatine on the Survival of RGC-5 Cells under Serum Deprivation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effect of creatine on the survival of retinal ganglion cells after serum deprivation. METHODS: RGC-5 cells were exposed to 5 mM creatine with serum-free media for 4 days. Cellular survival and mitochondrial respiratory activity were measured with MTT assay and resazurin assay, respectively. Degree of apoptosis was evaluated with vital staining using acridine orange/Hoechest 33342 and flow cytometric analysis using annexin/PI, respectively. RESULTS: Creatine increased cellular survival of RGC-5 cells significantly after serum deprivation. Additionally, creatine increased mitochondrial respiratory activity and inhibited apoptosis of RGC-5 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The energy precursor creatine increased survival of retinal ganglion cells after serum deprivation. Creatine could be relevant for the cytoprotection of retinal ganglion cells.