Principais achados em um paciente com diagnóstico de Amaurose Congênita de Leber / Main findings in a patient diagnosed with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis

RESUMO A amaurose congênita de Leber, também conhecida como neuropatia óptica hereditária de Leber, é caracterizada por uma das formas mais graves de distrofia da retina com início na infância. Os achados clássicos são deficiência visual grave e precoce, nistagmo e eletrorretinograma (ERG) anormal ou não detectável. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de um paciente com amaurose congênita de Leber com comprometimento visual desde os 6 meses de vida e acentuado declínio visual a partir dos 15 anos de idade. A realização de exames específicos para confirmar o diagnóstico é importante para o manejo e o seguimento adequado do paciente e para proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida para o mesmo.

ABSTRACT Leber Congenital Amaurosis, also known as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, is characterized by one of the most severe forms of childhood-onset retinal dystrophy. Classic findings are severe and early visual impairment, nystagmus, and abnormal or undetectable electroretinogram. The aim of this study is to report a case of a patient with Leber Congenital Amaurosis with visual impairment since the first six months of age and marked visual decline from fifteen years of age. Performing specific tests to confirm the diagnosis is important for the proper management and follow-up of the patient and to provide them with a better quality of life.

Comportamiento de los pacientes con distrofia corneal endotelial de Fuchs en la provincia Camagüey

Introducción: La distrofia corneal endotelial de Fuchs se trata de un trastorno degenerativo específico, bilateral y progresivo del endotelio corneal, es la más frecuente pero no siempre es diagnosticada en sus etapas iniciales en las consultas de oftalmología general. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento clínico de pacientes con distrofia corneal endotelial de Fuchs en la provincia Camagüey. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal en el Centro Oftalmológico del Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech en la provincia Camagüey desde noviembre 2019 hasta junio 2021. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por todos los pacientes que asistieron durante el periodo de estudio y la muestra la conformaron 19 pacientes (38 ojos) quienes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, color de la piel, agudeza visual con corrección, asociación con glaucoma, paquimetría, biomicroscopía del segmento anterior, microscopía endotelial, microscopía confocal, estadio de la enfermedad y tipo de tratamiento aplicado. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes entre 40 y 59 años de edad, el sexo femenino y color blanco de la piel. Sobresalió la visión útil, los valores de paquimetría altos y asociados al glaucoma. Se constató la presencia de guttas, edema corneal, bajo conteo celular con polimorfismo y polimegatismo. El estadio 2 estuvo en 47,4 % y el tratamiento médico se aplicó en el 97,4 %. Conclusiones: La distrofia aparece con más frecuencia después de los 40 años de edad, en sexo femenino y color blanco de piel. Predominó la visión útil, valores altos de paquimetrías y asociación con glaucoma. En la biomicroscopía del segmento anterior predominaron las guttas y el edema estromal y la microscopía endotelial y confocal se caracterizaron en su mayoría por el bajo conteo celular, las guttas, polimorfismo y polimegatismo. Prevaleció el estadio 2 y el tratamiento médico.

Introduction: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy is a specific, bilateral and progressive degenerative disorder of the corneal endothelium, it is the most frequent but it is not always diagnosed in its initial stages in general ophthalmology consultations. Objective: To describe the clinical behavior of patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy in Camagüey province. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out at the Ophthalmological Center of the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital in Camagüey in the period from November 2019 to June 2021. The study universe consisted of all the patients who attended during the study period and the sample was made up of 19 patients (38 eyes) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The variables studied were age, sex, skin color, corrected visual acuity, association with glaucoma, pachymetry, anterior segment biomicroscopy, endothelial microscopy, confocal microscopy, disease stage, and type of treatment applied. Results: Patients between 40 and 59 years of age, female sex, and white skin color predominated. Useful vision stood out, high pachymetry values and associated with glaucoma, the presence of guttas, corneal edema, low cell count with polymorphism, and polymegatism was confirmed. Stage 2 was 47.4% and medical treatment was applied in 97.4%. Conclusions: Dystrophy appears more frequently after 40 years of age, in females and white skin persons. Useful vision, high pachymetry values, and association with glaucoma prevailed. In the biomicroscopy of the anterior segment, guttas and stromal edema predominated, and endothelial and confocal microscopy were mostly characterized by low cell count, guttas, polymorphism, and polymegatism. Stage 2 and medical treatment prevailed.

Research progress of microglia in hereditary retinal degeneration / 中华眼底病杂志

The human hereditary retinal degeneration is one of the main cause of irreversible blindness in the world. the mechanisms leading to retinal photoreceptor degeneration are not entirely clear. However, microglia acting as innate immune monitors are found to be activated early in retinal degeneration in many retinitis pigmentosa animal models. These activated microglia are involved in phagocyte rod cell fragments of degenerated retina, and also produce high levels of cytotoxic substances such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which aggravate the death of adjacent healthy photoreceptor cells. It suggests that microglia activation plays an important role in photoreceptor degeneration. At the same time, a series of studies have confirmed that some drugs can prevent or reduce neuronal death and slow the occurrence and progression of retinal degeneration by interfering with abnormal activation of microglia. It is expected to be a new choice for the treatment of hereditary retinal degeneration.

Pay more attention to several issues in genetic diagnosis for patients with inherited retinal diseases / 中华眼底病杂志

Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a group of genetic disorders with high genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Patients with IRD may have their clinical diagnosis confirmed by genetic testing. Over the past 30 years, rapid advances in molecular genetics have raised the disease-causing gene variant detection rate and the accuracy of genetic testing, which provide hope to patients. The genetic diagnosis of patients with IRD is complicated due to the overlapping clinical phenotypes, and the fact that different variants lead to different phenotypes and severity even of the same gene. It is very important to overall evaluate the clinical phenotype of patients, precisely select genetic testing methods, and reasonably define disease-causing genes and variants during genetic diagnosis, which can guide the patient's subsequent treatment and provide genetic counseling.

Long-term effectiveness and safety of new channelrhodopsin PsCatCh2.0 in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To explore the light response, retinal inflammation and apoptosis of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) 1 year after the new type of channelrhodopsin PsCatCh2.0 was transfected into the retina of rd1 mice. Methods:Twenty-four male rd1 mice were randomly divided into rd1 experimental group and rd1 control group, 12 mice in each group. 1.5 μl of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)2/2-cytomegalovirus (CMV)- PsCatCh2.0-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was injected into the vitreous cavity 1 mm below the corneoscleral limbus of mice in the rd1 experimental group, and the same dose of recombinant virus was injected 2 weeks later at temporal side 1 mm below the corneoscleral limbus. One year after virus injection, the light response of RGCs expressing PsCatCh2.0 was recorded by patch clamp technique; the expression of PsCatCh2.0 in the retina was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining; the transfection efficiency of recombinant virus was evaluated by the transfection efficiency of virus and the number of RGCs. Hematoxylineosin staining was performed to measure the inner retinal thickness. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 in retina; real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the relative expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and Bax mRNA. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase kit was used to observe the apoptosis of retinal cells in each group of mice. Results:One year after the intravitreal injection of recombinant virus, PsCatCh2.0-expressing RGCs can still generate 30 pA photocurrent. The virus PsCatCh2.0-EGFP was mainly transfected into RGCs, and partly transfected into amacrine cells, almost no transfection was seen in bipolar and horizontal cells. There were no significant differences in the number of RGCs and thickness of the inner retina between the rd1 experimental group and the rd1 control group ( F=14.35, 0.05; P>0.05), while the rd1 experimental group NF-κB p65 protein expression, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA quantification were significantly lower than those of rd1 control group ( F=4.61, 5.91, 5.78; P<0.05). The number of red fluorescent apoptotic cells in the retina of mice in the rd1 experimental group was less than that in the rd1 control group, and the Bax mRNA expression was lower than that in the rd1 control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=7.52, P<0.01). Conclusion:One year after intravitreal injection of recombinant virus, the PsCatCh2.0 expressing RGCs can still generate photocurrent. Long term transfection and expression of PsCatCh2.0 has no obvious cytotoxic effect on RGCs, nor it increases the inflammatory effect of the retina of rd1 mice with retinal degeneration.

Genetic analysis of the CACNA1F gene in a family affected with incomplete form Schubert-Bornschein type congenital stationary night blindness / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To determine the pathogenic gene mutation in a family with incomplete congenital quiescent night blindness (CSNB) of Schubert-Bornschein type.Methods:A retrospective clinical study. In February 2021, one patient and his parents and elder brother from a Han Chinese incomplete CSNB of Schubert-Bornschein type family diagnosed by clinical and genetic examination at Henan Provincial People's Hospital were included in the study. The patient’s medical history, family history were inquired; best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), color vision, fundus color photography, full-field electroretinogram (ERG), and frequency domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) were examined in detail. Five ml of the subject’s peripheral venous blood was collected and the whole genome DNA was extracted. The genomic DNA of the subject was library constructed, and all-exon probes were polymerized for capture. The suspected pathogenic mutation site was verified by Sanger, and the pathogenicity of the gene mutation site was determined by parallel bioinformatics analysis.Results:The BCVA of both eyes of the proband (Ⅱ2) was 0.4; the color vision test could not recognize the red color. Fundus examination showed no obvious abnormalities. The retina thickness in the macular area of both eyes was slightly thinned. ERG examination of the whole field showed that the amplitude of ERG b wave was significantly reduced under the stimulation of binocular dark adaptation 3.0 and showed a negative waveform. The mother of the proband (Ⅰ2) had normal BCVA, color vision, fundus color photography, and frequency domain OCT examination. The full-field ERG examination showed that the amplitude of each eye reaction was slightly reduced, and the amplitude of the dark adaptation shock potential was significantly reduced. Genetic testing showed that the proband (Ⅱ2) had a c.1761dupC hemizygous mutation in exon 14 of the voltage-dependent calcium channel α1F subunit gene ( CACNA1F gene). The results of protein sequence homology analysis showed that the site was highly conserved in multiple species; the results of bioinformatics analysis showed that the CACNA1F gene c.1761dupC (pY588fs) subsequently had a frameshift mutation and became a stop at position 10. Codons appear translational termination in the conserved regions of the protein. According to the standards and guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the mutation was judged to be a possible pathogenic variant. The mother of the proband (Ⅰ2) was a carrier of this site mutation. The clinical and genetic test results of the father and elder brother of the proband were not abnormal. Conclusion:CACNA1F gene c.1761dupC is the pathogenic mutation site of the Schubert-Bornschein type incomplete CSNB family.

Understanding the application of genetic testing in practicing precision medicine for inherited ocular disease / 中华眼底病杂志

Inherited eye disease is a heterogeneous group of eye disorders caused by genetic defects, which has many genetic characteristics, such as multiple inheritance modes and numerous gene variation types. Over the past few decades, genetic testing has improved significantly, with more and more known diseasecausing gene variants identified. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology, clinical diagnosis and treatment of eye genetic diseases have been accelerated, and molecular diagnosis of eye genetic diseases has become an important step in accurate diagnosis and treatment. How to correctly select and evaluate each kind of genetic testing technology, reasonably standardize the use of genetic testing technology, and provide patients with more accurate genetic counseling are problem that clinicians need to seriously consider.

Macular microvascular findings in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy on optical coherence tomography angiography / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To evaluate macular microvessel changes in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) by optical coherence tomography angiography.Methods:Cross-sectional clinical case-control study. From November 2019 to November 2020, 21 FEVR patients (41 eyes) from Weifang Eye Hospital were selected; 17 healthy volunteers (28 eyes) with the same age and gender as FEVR group were selected as normal control group. According to the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 1.0 and <1.0, FEVR group was divided into normal visual acuity group (27 eyes) and visual acuity decreased group (14 eyes). All enrollees received BCVA and OCTA. BCVA was performed with an international standard visual acuity chart, which was converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) vision. The OCTA instrument was used to scan the macular area of all the examined eyes in the range of 3 mm×3 mm, 6 mm×6 mm, and the blood vessel density (VD) and blood perfusion density (PD) within the range of 3 mm×3 mm, 6 mm×6 mm were measured and the area, circumference, and morphological index of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) within the range of 6 mm×6 mm. Quantitative data were compared between groups by independent sample t test. Statistical data were compared by χ 2 test. The area under curve (AUC) of each index was determined according to receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve), and the predictive value of each index was evaluated. Results:In the macular area of 6 mm×6 mm, VD, PD, FAZ area and FAZ perimeter of FEVR group were all lower than those of normal control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-3.350, -2.387, -3.519, -3.029; P<0.05). In macular area of 3 mm×3 mm and 6 mm×6 mm, compared with normal vision group and vision loss group, both VD and PD decreased. The differences were statistically significant ( t=2.088, 2.114, 2.160, 2.545; P<0.05). In the macular area of 6 mm×6 mm , the FAZ morphological index of the two groups was significantly different ( t=2.409, P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that all the indicators had low diagnostic value for FEVR (AUC<0.5). Conclusion:There are microvascular abnormalities in macular area in FEVR patients, and the decrease of blood vessels and the change of FAZ shape may be related to the loss of visual acuity.

Síndrome de Pierre Robin associada à Síndrome de Duane familiar do tipo III / Pierre Robin Syndrome associated with type III familial Duane Retraction Syndrome

Resumo A síndrome de Pierre Robin (PRS) consiste em uma tríade de anomalias caracterizada por micrognatia, glossoptose e fissura de palato, comumente associada com outras síndromes e ocasionalmente com alterações oculares. Na Síndrome de Duane (DRS), há uma falha na inervação do reto lateral pelo VI nervo, com inervação anômala do reto lateral por fibras do III nervo. Ainda que a PRS já tenha sido associada com mais de 50 outras síndromes, não existe na literatura relato de casos de associação com a DRS familiar. Dessa forma, esse trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso dessa associação em um paciente de 29 anos com recorrência das síndromes na família.

Abstract The Pierre Robin Syndrome (PRS) consists of a triad of anomalies characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis and fissure of the palate, usually associated with other syndromes e occasionally associated with ocular variations. In Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS), there is a failure in the lateral rectus innervation by the VI cranial nerve, with anomalous innervation of the lateral rectus by fibers of the III nerve. Even though PRS has already been associated with more than 50 other syndromes, there is not any report in literature of association with familial DRS. Thus, this work aims to report a case of this association in a 29 years old patient with recurrence of the syndromes in the family.

Current research status of optical coherence tomography angiography in hereditary retinochoroidal degeneration / 中华眼底病杂志

OCT angiography (OCTA) is a fast,noninvasive and quantifiable new technique,which is especially suitable for long-term follow-up in patients with hereditary retinochoroidal degeneration,such as retinitis pigmentosa,Best vitelliform macular dystrophy,adult onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy,doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy,choroideremia and Stargardt disease.During the follow-up,clinicians can find the subtle signs that explain disease development from the blood flow imaging,quantitatively describe the vascular density,timely detect and treat choroidal neovascularization.It is significant to explore the etiology and monitor the course of these diseases.With the development of more treatments for these diseases,OCTA parameters can also be used as indicators to evaluate and compare different therapeutic effects.In the future,more quantitative indicators of OCTA will be applied to evaluate the course of hereditary retinochoroidal degeneration,and provide valuable basis for early diagnosis and treatment.

Benign familial fleck retina: multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography angiography / Benign familial fleck retina: estudo multimodal incluindo OCT angiography

ABSTRACT This report presents multimodal imaging of a 27-year-old woman diagnosed with benign familial fleck retina (OMIM 228980), an uncommon disorder. Fundus photographs revealed retinal flecks that affected her post-equatorial retina but spared the macular area. Fundus autofluorescence and infrared imaging demonstrated a symmetrical pattern of yellow-white fleck lesions that affected both eyes. Her full-field electroretinogram and electrooculogram were normal. An optical coherence tomography B-scan was performed for both eyes, revealing increased thickness of the retinal pigmented epithelium leading to multiple small pigmented epithelium detachments. The outer retina remained intact in both eyes. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography with split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation algorithm and 3 × 3 mm structural en face optical coherence tomography did not show macular lesions. Benign familial fleck retina belongs to a heterogenous group of so-called flecked retina syndromes, and should be considered in patients with yellowish-white retinal lesions without involvement of the macula.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente relato é demonstrar um estudo multimodal de um paciente com diagnóstico de Benign Familial Fleck Retina (BFFR) (OMIM 228980), uma alteração retinana muito rara. Retinografia colorida demonstrou "flecks" na retina posterior ao equador, poupando mácula. Tanto autofluorescência quando imagem "infrared," nota-se padrão simétrico de lesões amareladas em ambos os olhos. Eletrorretinograma padrão de campo total e EOG não evidenciaram alterações. SD OCT B-scan demostrou pequenos e múltiplos descolamentos do epitélio pigmentado (EPR), com retina externa intacta em ambos os olhos. Angiografia por OCT com "split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation algorithm" e "structural" "en face" OCT 3 x 3 mm não apontaram anormalidades na mácula. BFFR pertence ao heterogêneo grupo chamado "flecked retina syndromes," devendo ser considerada em pacientes com flecks retinianos poupando mácula.

Clinical features and gene mutations in a Chinese family with choroideremia / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To observe the clinical features, phenotypes and genotypes in a Chinese family with choroideremia (CHM). Methods A Chinese four-generation family (15 members) with CHM, including 5 patients (4 males/1 female), 2 female carriers and 8 healthy members, was enrolled in this study. Initially all family members underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field and full view electroretinogram (ERG). BCVA was followed up for 3 years. Venous blood samples were collected, and all of the 15 coding exons and flanking intron regions were amplified in the proband by polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing. Protein structure was modeled based on the protein data bank and mutations in DeepView v4.0.1 to predict the effect of the mutations. A total of 180 healthy volunteers were enrolled as control group to matching CHM gene sequences. Results The visual acuity (VA) of 3/4 adult male patients began to decrease at less than 10, 10 and 30 years old, the average BCVA was 0.43. There were characteristic signs and symptoms of CHM including narrow visual field, extinguished rod and cone response in ERG, disappeared junction line and intermediate line of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment on OCT. After 3 years, the mean BCVA decreased to 0.11. The BCVA of one young male patient was 1.0 in both eyes with minor changes fundus and visual field. The VA of the female patient began to decrease at 50 years old, her BCVA of two eyes were 0.5 and 0.25, respectively. The fundus changes were typical of CHM, with relative scotomas in the peripheral visual field of OD, and big scotomas in the OS. After 3 years, her mean BCVA decreased to 0.2. Of 2 female carriers, one had minor fundus changes (patches of pigmentary deposits, atrophy spots of retinal pigment epithelium cells), and the other was normal. A novel heterozygous c.1837G>A mutation in exon 15 of CHM was detected in the proband, which resulted in the substitution of serine by proline at codon 613 (p.D613N). Based on molecular modeling, the misfolded protein caused by the mutation might destabilize the structure of the helix that potentially could affect the global stability of the Rep-1 protein. Conclusions A novel c.1837G>A (p.D613N) mutation may be the causative mutation for CHM in this family. Female CHM carriers may have some signs and symptoms.

Vitreorretinopatia exsudativa familiar simulando doença de Coats: relato de caso / Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy simulating Coats disease: case report

O objetivo é relatar o caso de um paciente de sete anos, nascido a termo, sem intercorrências perinatais, encaminhado ao Setor de Retina/Vítreo para elucidação diagnóstica. Apresentava história de redução da acuidade visual à esquerda, de caráter insidioso/progressivo, há quatro anos. Ao exame, apresentava diminuição do diâmetro corneano e corectopia do olho direito (OD), sem alterações à biomicroscopia do olho esquerdo (OE). A fundoscopia do OD revelava descolamento de retina (DR) total e, do OE, inicialmente, mostrava alterações vasculares retinianas periféricas e exsudação retiniana, associado à tração vitreorretiniana no setor temporal. As tomografias e ressonâncias de crânio/órbitas não apresentavam anormalidades, com exceção de achados sugestivos de DR antigo no OD, confirmado pela ultrassonografia do globo ocular, que também demonstrou microftalmia. Diante disso, aventou-se a hipótese diagnóstica de vitreorretinopatia exsudativa familiar, doença rara de caráter autossômico dominante e relacionada com casamentos consanguíneos, inicialmente simulando doença de Coats. O paciente foi tratado com fotocoagulação a laser diodo na periferia temporal do OE, com melhora das áreas de tração vitreorretiniana.

We report the case of a seven year-old male patient, born at term without any perinatal complications, referred to the Retina/Vitreous Service for diagnostic elucidation. He had a history of progressive visual acuity loss on his left eye that started four years ago. On examination, he had decreased corneal diameter and corectopia of the right eye (OD), without any noteworthy findings on the biomicroscopy of the left eye (OS). The fundus of the OD revealed total retinal detachment, and the OS initially showed peripheral retinal vascular abnormalities and retinal exudation, associated with retinal vitreous traction on the temporal sector. The CT and MRI of the brain/orbits showed no abnormalities, except for findings suggestive of an old retinal detachment on the OD, confirmed by ultrasonography, which also showed microphthalmia of the OD. The diagnosis of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, a rare disease of autosomal dominant inheritance and related to consanguineous marriages, that can initially simulate Coats disease, was proposed. The patient was treated with diode laser photocoagulation in the temporal periphery of the OS, with improvement in the areas of vitreoretinal traction.

Studies on genes related to fundus diseases: current status and future prospects / 中华眼底病杂志

Most fundus diseases leading to irreversible blindness are associated with genetic variations. Some sequence changes directly cause retinal diseases while others lead toa higher susceptibility to environmental insults common in daily life. Studies of genes related to fundus diseases will lead to a revolutionary change in the prevention and treatment of irreversible blindness.Application of high throughput next-generation sequencing and exome capture techniques will greatly enhance our ability to elucidate genes responsible for fundus diseases. With such technical and analytical advances, we are likely to see continuing and accelerating progress in the genetic study of fundus diseases, particularly in those fields requiring collaborative study of common fundus diseases using large cohorts of samples. The translational clinical application of understanding about these newly identified genes responsible for fundus diseases is also increasing in promise. Thus, strengthening current genetic studies of fundus diseases in both of these areas will make a valuable contribution to the prevention and treatment of blindness in both the near and especially the distant future.

Hereditary and Clinical Features of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Koreans

There has been no report about hereditary and clinical features of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Koreans. To evaluate these, data were collected from 365 RP patients including age, gender, visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent (SE) of refractive errors, funduscopic findings, color vision test, visual field score (VFS) obtained from Goldmann perimetry, and the inheritance patterns from pedigrees. Simplex RP was the most common inheritance pattern (61.9%); followed by autosomal recessive RP (17.3%), autosomal dominant RP (12.1%) and X-linked recessive RP (8.8%). Myopia was the most common refractive errors (77.5%) including 16.1% of high myopia. The most common cataract type was posterior subcapsular cataract (25.8%). Observed retinal findings included changes of retinal pigment epithelium (88.8%), bony spicule-like pigmentation (79.7%), attenuation of retinal vessel (76.2%), waxy disc pallor (12.6%), golden ring around optic disc (2.2%), epiretinal membrane (0.8%) and cystoid macular edema (0.5%). Corrected VA and refractive errors did not show any significant difference between the inheritance patterns. VFS was significantly worse in autosomal recessive RP than in autosomal dominant RP. Color vision defect was noted in 66.1% on Hardy-Rand-Rittlers color vision test. In conclusion, Korean RP patients have the indigenous hereditary and clinical features as well as the ordinary ones.

Terapia gênica em distrofias hereditárias de retina / Gene therapy for inherited retinal dystrophies

As distrofias hereditárias de retina abrangem um amplo número de doenças caracterizadas por lenta e progressiva degeneração da retina. São o resultado de mutações em genes expressos em fotorreceptores e no epitélio pigmentado da retina. A herança pode ser autossômica dominante, autossômica recessiva, ligada ao X recessiva, digênica ou herança mitocondrial. Atualmente não há tratamento para essas doenças e os pacientes convivem com a perda progressiva da visão. O aconselhamento genético e o suporte para reabilitação têm indicação nestes casos. Pesquisas envolvendo a base molecular e genética dessas doenças está continuamente em expansão e ampliam as perspectivas para novas formas de tratamento. Dessa forma, a terapia gênica, que consiste na inserção de material genético exógeno em células de um indivíduo com finalidade terapêutica, tem sido a principal forma de tratamento para as distrofias hereditárias de retina. O olho é um órgão peculiar para a terapia gênica, pois é anatomicamente dividido em compartimentos, imunologicamente privilegiado e com meios transparentes. A maioria das doenças oculares tem defeitos em genes conhecidos. Além disso, há modelo animal bem caracterizado para algumas condições. Propostas para pesquisa clínica em terapia gênica nas degenerações retinianas hereditárias com defeito no gene RPE65, recentemente tiveram aprovação ética e os resultados preliminares obtidos trouxeram grandes expectativas na melhora da qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

The inherited retinal dystrophies comprise a large number of disorders characterized by a slow and progressive retinal degeneration. They are the result of mutations in genes that express in either the photoreceptor cells or the retinal pigment epithelium. The mode of inheritance can be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X linked recessive, digenic or mitochondrial DNA inherited. At the moment, there is no treatment for these conditions and the patients can expect a progressive loss of vision. Accurate genetic counseling and support for rehabilitation are indicated. Research into the molecular and genetic basis of disease is continually expanding and improving the prospects for rational treatments. In this way, gene therapy, defined as the introduction of exogenous genetic material into human cells for therapeutic purposes, may ultimately offer the greatest treatment for the inherited retinal dystrophies. The eye is an attractive target for gene therapy because of its accessibility, immune privilege and translucent media. A number of retinal diseases affecting the eye have known gene defects. Besides, there is a well characterized animal model for many of these conditions. Proposals for clinical trials of gene therapy for inherited retinal degenerations owing to defects in the gene RPE65, have recently received ethical approval and the obtained preliminary results brought large prospects in the improvement on patient's quality of life.

Avaliação genética e oftalmológica de pacientes com síndrome de Stickler tipo II / Genetic and ophthalmological assessment of patients with type II Stickler syndrome

OBJETIVOS: Diagnosticar, avaliar e descrever os achados clínico-genéticos e oftalmológicos de pacientes com síndrome de Stickler tipo II de uma mesma família. MÉTODOS: Todos os pacientes com alterações oftalmológicas foram submetidos à radiografia de mãos e punhos para idade óssea e posteriormente analisados pelo exame clínico-genético. O diagnóstico de síndrome de Stickler foi dado mediante análise clínica e correlação com o perfil metacarpofalangeano visualizado na radiografia. RESULTADOS: Síndrome de Stickler tipo II foi comprovada em 11 pacientes. Os achados oculares mais importantes foram: alta miopia (80 por cento), subluxação do cristalino (70 por cento), exotropia (50 por cento) e anomalias vítreo-retinianas (80 por cento) incluindo vazio vítreo (50 por cento). O exame clínico-genético revelou que 30 por cento dos pacientes apresentavam micrognatia, 50 por cento hipoacusia, 40 por cento depressão nasal e 60 por cento palato alto. Hipermotilidade articular e dedos longos foram demonstrados em 7 casos (70 por cento) e artropatia esteve presente em 3 pacientes (30 por cento dos casos). CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico da síndrome de Stickler é difícil devido à variabilidade fenotípica e a existência de outras síndromes genéticas com características semelhantes. As radiografias de mão e punho são de particular importância no diagnóstico desta síndrome.

PURPOSE: To diagnose, evaluate and describe the clinical, genetic and ophthalmic characteristics of a family with type II Stickler syndrome. METHODS: X-rays for bone age, clinical and genetic evaluation were performed in all patients with ocular alterations. The Stickler syndrome diagnosis was established after correlating these examinations. RESULTS: Type II Stickler syndrome was found in 11 patients. The most important ocular findings were: high myopia (80 percent), lens subluxation (70 percent), exotropia (50 percent) and vitreoretinal abnormalities (80 percent) including vitreous cavity (50 percent). The clinical genetic examination disclosed that 30 percent of the patients had micrognathia, 50 percent hearing loss, 40 percent nasal depression and 60 percent high palate. Seven cases had articular hypermotility and long fingers and arthropathy was present in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of the Stickler syndrome is difficult due to its phenotypic variability and the existence of other genetic syndromes with similar characteristics. Hand and wrist radiographs are of particular importance in the diagnosis of this syndrome.

Molecular pathophysiological basis of the ocular albinism type 1 / 中国病理生理杂志

Ocular albinism type 1 (OA1),the most form of the ocular albinism,is an X-linked disorder mainly characterized by a severe reduction of visual acuity,hypopigmentation of the retina,photophobia,strabismus and nystagmus. The OA1 gene is located on chromosome Xp22.32 and the coding sequence is divided into nine exons. The OA1 gene codes for a 404 amino acid protein thought to be a melanosomal transmembrane glycoprotein. The OA1 protein is similar to the G protein-coupled receptors,but it's exact function is not clear. There are many mutations and deletions of the OA1 gene have been found.