Effects of HMGB1/TLR4 on secretion IL-10 and VEGF in human jaw bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract Objective: We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway on the expression of IL-10 and VEGF in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Methodology: Human JBMSCs were isolated and cultured. Then, HMGB1 was added into the JBMSCs culture medium, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of IL-10 and VEGF were assessed. Moreover, cells were pretreated with a specific TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242), and the expression changes of IL-10 and VEGF were compared. Results: Compared with the control group, exposure to HMGB1 in human JBMSCs up-regulated TLR4, IL-10, and VEGF secretion at both protein and mRNA levels (P<0. 05). In addition, the increased expression of IL-10 and VEGF could be restrained in TAK-242 group compared with the HMGB1 group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that HMGB1 activate TLR4 signaling pathway in Human JBMSCs, which plays a regulatory role in cytokines expression.

Risk of renal damage associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic macular edema in routine clinical practice

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti?VEGF) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. However, there is little information about the systemic effects of intraocular administration of anti?VEGF drugs in patients with coexistent diabetic nephropathy because it can produce adverse renal effects. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the effect of intravitreal anti?VEGF drugs (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept) on eFGR and microalbuminuria (MicA) in patients with diabetic macular edema and nonproliferative retinopathy without chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results: Sixty?six patients were included, 54.5% male and 45.5% female, with a mean age of 66.70 ± 11.6 years. The mean follow?up of patients with antiangiogenic treatment was 42.5 ± 28.07 months, and the mean number of injections was 10.91 ± 7.54. In 12.1% of the cases, there was a worsening of the glomerular filtration rate (eFGR) and a 19.7% worsening of the microalbuminuria (MicA). The number of injections was not related to the worsening of the eFGR (P = 0.74) or the MicA (P = 0.239). No relationship was found between the type of drug and the deterioration of the GFR (P = 0.689) or the MicA (P = 0.53). Conclusions: Based on the results, there is a small proportion of patients with increase in MicA and the decrease in eFGR after anti?VEGF therapy, and these was no associated with the number of injection or the drug type. Ophthalmologists should be aware of renal damage in order to do a close monitoring of renal function and proteinuria after intravitreal administration of anti?VEGF mainly in hypertensive patients.

Distance and near vision changes after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection in eyes with center-involving diabetic macular edema

Purpose: To elucidate distance and near vision changes after intravitreal injections in center?involving diabetic macular edema (CIDME) in phakic and pseudophakic groups. Methods: A retrospective study was done on 148 eyes (72 phakic and 76 pseudophakic) with center?involving DME. All eyes were treated with intravitreal anti?vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection. All patients underwent distance best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, near BCVA testing, dilated fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and follow?up visits. Eyes that could not improve after the first injection were given 2nd, 3rd, and more injections in the subsequent visits. Results: On follow?up, post injections in the phakic group (n = 72), there were 65 eyes (90.3%) with stable/improved near vision and 59 eyes (81.9%) with stable/improved distance vision, whereas in the pseudophakic group (n = 76), 63 eyes (82.9%) and 60 eyes (78.9%), respectively. Both in phakic and pseudophakic eyes, 7.7%–13% of the cohort showed only near vision improvement. Conclusion: In DME, besides the changes in distance vision, there are also changes in near vision. These changes should be taken into account while determining the response to anti?VEGF in DME treatment.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Breast Carcinoma and its Association with Expression of Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors and HER-2/neu and Molecular Subtypes

Background: The management of breast carcinoma depends on several molecular markers and tumor stages. In the last decades, estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER-2/neu have shown good therapeutic responses. Among other molecular markers, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is becoming more widely used as a prognostic indicator in patients with breast carcinoma. Anti-VEGF therapy already has been proven as an effective chemotherapeutic agent in some other carcinomas. The study aimed to find out the immunohistochemical expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in breast carcinoma and its possible correlation with the expression of ER, PR, and HER-2/neu and molecular subtypes to evaluate its prognostic value. Material & Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, from March 2018 to January 2020. In this study, 45 diagnosed cases of breast carcinoma were enrolled. Slides of all cases were stained with ER, PR, HER-2/neu, and VEGF antibodies following the avidin-biotin-peroxidase staining method. Results: Among 45 cases, 60% showed positive immunohistochemical expression of VEGF. Most of these cases (71.1%) were ER/PR positive. VEGF did not show a significant association with other molecular markers or molecular subtypes. Conclusion: Although, the potential prognostic value of VEGF has not been confirmed. Based on the findings of the current study, it can be assumed that VEGF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. So, it may serve as a useful biomarker for immuno-targeting therapy in patients with breast cancer.

Inverse correlation of CD3 & vascular endothelial growth factor in incisional oral squamous cell carcinoma biopsies predicts nodal metastasis & poor survival of patients

Background & objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is widely prevalent in the Indian subcontinent mainly due to habit-associated aetiologies. Immune regulation and angiogenesis are the part of tumourigenesis that play a crucial role in metastasis and survival. However, the concurrent expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD3 (immune regulator receptor on T-lymphocyte) in the same OSCC tissue samples has not been reported in the Indian population. The present study evaluated the expression of CD3+ T-cells and VEGF in OSCC tissue samples and studied the clinicopathological correlation and survival analysis in an Indian population. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on 30 formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded sections which were histologically diagnosed as OSCC cases comprising of 15 metastatic OSCC and 15 non- metastatic OSCC with available clinical data and survival status. Results: Reduced expression of CD3+ T-cells and increased VEGF expression were observed in metastatic OSCC samples. The correlation of expression of CD3+ T-cells and VEGF with clinicopathological parameters showed a significant association between these markers with age, nodal status, site of the lesion and survival. Interpretation & conclusions: Reduced expression of CD3+ T-cells in OSCC was found to be associated with a significantly poor survival. VEGF was found to be over expressed in metastatic OSCC as compared to that in non-metastatic OSCC. The study findings suggest that the evaluation of CD3 and VEGF in incisional OSCC biopsies can be considered for predicting the survival outcome and metastasis

Role of Suprachoroidal Anti-VEGF Injections in Recalcitrant Serous Pigment Epithelium Detachment

Purpose: Retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) are characterized by a separation between the RPE and the innermost aspect of Bruch's membrane. Many chorioretinal diseases can lead to pigment epithelial detachment of which the most common is age-related macular degeneration; but a significant number of PEDs are idiopathic in etiology. PEDs can be classified as drusenoid, serous, vascularized, or fibrovascular type.Currently, serous PED has not shown much response to treatment, so no specific treatment guidelines are established. Whereas vascularized PEDs, have several treatment options such as intravitreal anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal steroids. Hence, the need of the hour is to formulate a treatment strategy for serous PED.Methods: We report an original study of thirty patients who were diagnosed with serous pigment epithelial detachment on Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescence angiography. All the patients presented to our outpatient department with the chief complaint of diminution of vision, central/paracentralscotoma and metamorphopsia. All of them underwent treatment with suprachoroidal anti-VEGF (bevacizumab).The patients were followed 8 weeks.Results: BCVA and Amsler grid assessment was recorded on the 3rd day,1st week, 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week, and 8th week. Post-injection SD-OCT macular scan was performed on the 6thweek. Functional improvement (BCVA) was reported by all patients. All the patients had reduced size and height of PED in SD-OCT.Conclusion: Thus, our result indicates that suprachoroidalbevacizumab is an efficacious treatment for serous PED. It can be hypothesized that as degenerative changes in bruch membrane due to metabolite deposit plays a key role in development of PED; injecting the anti VEGF drug in the suprachoroida space adjacent to the choroid has a superior effect.

Efficacy and safety analysis of intravitreal bio-similar products of bevacizumab in patients with macular edema because of retinal diseases

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and safety profile of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab bio?similar product Zybev(Z) for macular edema because of retinal diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with macular edema because of retinal diseases, who had been administered intravitreal injections of bio?similar bevacizumab at a tertiary eye care center. Changes in the retinal thickness and visual acuity were evaluated to judge the efficacy, and adverse events were noted for the safety profile over a period of 6 weeks. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 53 ± 13.5 years. The mean pre?injection best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.32 ± 0.70 log minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) with a central subfield thickness (CST) of 429.26 ± 204.30 ?m, and the post?injection BCVA at 6 weeks was 1.13 ± 0.71 logMAR with a CST of 302.26 ± 104.50 ?m; this change was statistically significant (P < 0.05) for all groups. The mean average cube thickness (?m) decreased from 11.85 ± 1.96 pre?injection to 10.52 ± 1.75 post?injection, and the mean average cube volume (mm3) decreased from 329.30 ± 54.35 to 302.23 ± 49.56 (P < 0.05). During the follow?up period after injection, no patient had inflammation, endophthalmitis, an increase in intra?ocular pressure, or systemic side effects. Conclusion: This short?term retrospective analysis provides evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of bio?similar products of bevacizumab for the treatment of macular edema because of retinal diseases

Microcirculatory changes as a hallmark of aging in the heart and kidney / Cambios microcirculatorios como sello distintivo del envejecimiento en el corazón y riñón

SUMMARY: Changes in the microcirculation of multiple tissues and organs have been implicated as a possible mechanism in physiological aging. In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor is a secretory protein responsible for regulating angiogenesis via altering endothelial proliferation, survival, migration, extracellular matrix degradation and cell permeability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the progression of morphological alterations caused by physiological aging in the heart and kidney and to examine its relation to changes in capillary density. We used two age groups of healthy Wistar rats - 6- and 12-month- old. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was examined through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and assessed semi-quantitatively. Changes in capillary density were evaluated statistically and correlated with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. We reported stronger immunoreactivity for vascular endothelial growth factor in the left compared to the right ventricle and also observed an increase in its expression in both ventricles in older animals. Contrasting results were reported for the renal cortex and medulla. Capillary density decreased statistically in all examined structures as aging progressed. The studied correlations were statistically significant in the two ventricles in 12-month-old animals and in the renal cortex of both age groups. Our results shed light on some changes in the microcirculation that take place as aging advances and likely contribute to impairment in the function of the examined organs.

Los cambios en la microcirculación de múltiples tejidos y órganos se han implicado como un posible mecanismo en el envejecimiento fisiológico. En particular, el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular es una proteína secretora responsable de regular la angiogénesis mediante la alteración de la proliferación endotelial, la supervivencia, la migración, la degradación de la matriz extracelular y la permeabilidad celular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el papel del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular en la progresión de las alteraciones morfológicas causadas por el envejecimiento fisiológico en el corazón y riñón y examinar su relación con los cambios en la densidad capilar. Utilizamos dos grupos de ratas Wistar sanas: 6 y 12 meses de edad. La expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular se examinó mediante inmunohistoquímica e inmunofluorescencia y se evaluó semicuantitativamente. Los cambios en la densidad capilar se evaluaron estadísticamente y se correlacionaron con la expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular. Informamos una inmunorreactividad más fuerte para el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular en el ventrículo izquierdo en comparación con el derecho y también observamos un aumento en su expresión en ambos ventrículos en animales mayores. Se informaron resultados contrastantes para la corteza renal y la médula. La densidad capilar disminuyó estadísticamente en todas las estructuras examinadas a medida que avanzaba el envejecimiento. Las correlaciones estudiadas fueron estadísticamente significativas en los dos ventrículos en animales de 12 meses y en la corteza renal de ambos grupos de edad. Nuestros resultados arrojan luz sobre algunos cambios en la microcirculación que tienen lugar a medida que avanza el envejecimiento y probablemente contribuyan a un deterioro en la función de los órganos examinados.

Retinopatía de la prematuridad agresiva posterior / Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity

Introducción: La retinopatía del prematuro es una enfermedad ocular provocada por una alteración en la vasculogénesis de la retina, que lleva a la pérdida parcial o total de la visión. Objetivo: Presentar el primer caso, en la provincia de Santa Clara, de retinopatía de la prematuridad agresiva posterior y el tratamiento realizado. Presentación del caso: Niña prematura con más de 5 factores de riesgo al nacer que presentó retinopatía de la prematuridad agresiva posterior y se le realizó tratamiento con bevacizumab intravítreo. Conclusiones: La evolución de la niña en un período de un 1 año resultó satisfactoria con regresión total de la enfermedad. El tratamiento establecido constituye un método alternativo con buenos resultados en algunas condiciones específicas como la retinopatía del prematuro agresiva posterior(AU)

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity is an ocular disease caused by an alteration in retinal vasculogenesis, leading to partial or total loss of sight. Objective: To present the first case, in the province of Santa Clara, of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity and the treatment performed. Case presentation: Premature girl with more than 5 risk factors at birth who presented aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity and was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Conclusions: The evolution of the girl in a period of 1 year was satisfactory with total regression of the disease. The established treatment constitutes an alternative method with good results in some specific conditions such as aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity(AU)

Effects of Chitosan Nanoparticles with Long Synthetic siRNAs Targeting VEGF in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential angiogenic factor in breast cancer development and metastasis. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can specifically silence genes via the RNA interference pathway, therefore were investigated as cancer therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the effects of siRNAs longer than 30 base pairs (bp) loaded into chitosan nanoparticles in triple-negative breast cancer cells, compared with conventional siRNAs. 35 bp long synthetic siRNAs inhibited VEGF gene expression by 51.2% and increased apoptosis level by 1.75-fold in MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Furthermore, blank and siRNA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles induced expression of IFN-γ in breast cancer cells. These results suggest that long synthetic siRNAs can be as effective as conventional siRNAs, when introduced into cells with chitosan nanoparticles

YULINK regulates vascular formation in zebrafish and HUVECs

BACKGROUND: The distinct arterial and venous cell fates are dictated by a combination of various genetic factors which form diverse types of blood vessels such as arteries, veins, and capillaries. We report here that YULINK protein is involved in vasculogenesis, especially venous formation. METHODS: In this manuscript, we employed gene knockdown, yeast two-hybrid, FLIM-FRET, immunoprecipitation, and various imaging technologies to investigate the role of YULINK gene in zebrafish and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS: Knockdown of YULINK during the arterial-venous developmental stage of zebrafish embryos led to the defective venous formation and abnormal vascular plexus formation. Knockdown of YULINK in HUVECs impaired their ability to undergo cell migration and differentiation into a capillary-like tube formation. In addition, the phosphorylated EPHB4 was decreased in YULINK knockdown HUVECs. Yeast two-hybrid, FLIM-FRET, immunoprecipitation, as well as imaging technologies showed that YULINK colocalized with endosome related proteins (EPS15, RAB33B or TICAM2) and markers (Clathrin and RHOB). VEGF-induced VEGFR2 internalization was also compromised in YULINK knockdown HUVECs, demonstrating to the involvement of YULINK. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that YULINK regulates vasculogenesis, possibly through endocytosis in zebrafish and HUVECs. Key points Knockdown of YULINK with morpholino in embryos of double transgenic zebrafish exhibited abnormal venous formation. Tube formation and phosphorylated EPHB4 were decreased in YULINK knockdown HUVECs. FLIM-FRET, immunoprecipitation, as well as other imaging technologies showed that YULINK colocalized with endosome related proteins (EPS15, RAB33B and TICAM2) and endosome markers (Clathrin and RHOB). Knockdown of YULINK decreased the internalization of VEGF and VEGFR2 in HUVECs.

The effect of ALPL on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To observe the role of liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene (ALPL) in liver regeneration following 70% hepatectomy (partial hepatectomy, PH). 【Methods】 A knock-out mouse model (ALPL+/-) was established, and a 70% hepatectomy was performed. Changes in liver weight and liver function were measured at PH 1 day, PH 3 day, and PH 7 day (PH1d、PH3d、PH7d) after surgery. In addition, cell proliferation, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. 【Results】 ALPL knockout mice at PH7d exhibited a lower ratio of liver/total body weight than normal control mice. An analysis of liver function showed no significant difference between the ALPL knockout group and the WT (ALPL+/+) group when the ALPL gene was deleted. While Ki67 staining and PCNA analysis indicated that liver cell proliferation was decreased in ALPL+/- mice at PH1d and increased at PH7d compared to that in ALPL+/+group. Additionally, knockouts of ALPL decreased serum and liver HGF and VEGF levels at PH1d compared to WT controls, but increased at PH7d. 【Conclusion】 The knockout of ALPL leads to a delayed liver regeneration following hepatectomy, which provides theoretical support for exploring the mechanisms underlying liver regeneration after hepatectomy.

Influencing factors of poor response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration and therapeutic strategy of targeting pericytes / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

With the increasing aging population, the incidence of wet age-related macular degeneration(wARMD)is gradually rising. The formation of neovascularization leads to recurrent hemorrhage in the macular region, which is one of the main causes of blindness in the elderly. Currently, the primary clinical treatment for wARMD is intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs. However, there are still some patients who have poor or no response to anti-VEGF drugs, resulting in suboptimal or ineffective clinical outcomes. Analyzing the specific influencing factors will be beneficial in guiding clinical decision-making. This article reviews the impact of factors such as advanced age, treatment duration, number of injections, characteristics of neovascular lesions, macular structure, intraocular cytokine levels, and genetics on the response to anti-VEGF therapy. In addition, recent studies have found that pericytes, as cellular components of microvascular walls, can influence the sensitivity to anti-VEGF therapy. This review summarizes the current research on the mechanisms of pericytes in poor or non-response to anti-VEGF therapy and discusses targeted strategies focusing on pericytes.

Safflor yellow injection combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs in the treatment of non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the efficacy and safety of safflor yellow injection combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drug in the treatment of non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO).METHODS: A total of 91 patients(91 eyes)with non-ischemic CRVO complicated with macular edema who were treated in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from April 2017 to December 2021 were selected. They were randomly divided into observation group, with 47 cases(47 eyes)treated with safflor yellow injection combined with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, and control group with 44 cases(44 eyes)who were treated with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Followed-up for 11mo, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and macular central retinal thickness(CRT)of the two groups were observed and the cases of complete absorption of retinal hemorrhage, the times of anti-VEGF drug injections, the cases of ischemic CRVO, and the occurrence of systemic or ocular complications were recorded.RESULTS: At 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11mo after treatment, the BCVA and CRT in both groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment, and BCVA and CRT in the observation group were superior to the control group at 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11mo after treatment(all P&#x003C;0.05). At 5, 7, 9 and 11mo after treatment, the complete absorption rate of retinal hemorrhage in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P&#x003C;0.05). During the follow-up period, the anti-VEGF drug injection in the observation group was significantly less than that in the control group(4.83±1.05 vs. 5.75±1.01, P&#x003C;0.05), and the incidence of ischemic CRVO was significantly lower than that in the control group(21% vs. 86%, P&#x003C;0.05), and there were no treatment-related systemic and ocular complications in both groups.CONCLUSION: Safflor yellow injection combined with anti-VEGF drugs is a safe and effective method for the treatment of non-ischemic CRVO, which can significantly improve vision and reduce CRT. It can increase the complete absorption rate of retinal hemorrhage, reduce the times of anti-VEGF drug injections and the incidence of ischemic CRVO compared with monotherapy of anti-VEGF drug.

Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the clinical efficacy of Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration(wARMD).METHODS: A total of 58 patients(58 eyes)with wARMD who were treated in Ningbo Eye Hospital from September 2020 to November 2022 were collected. They were divided into two groups according to randomized digital table: 29 patients(29 eyes)for the combination group and the other 29 patients(29 eyes)for the injection group. The injection group was only given intravitreal injection of conbercept; the combination group was orally administrated with Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with intravitreal injection of conbercept. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT)and the improvement of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes after 3mo of treatment were observed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.RESULTS: After 3mo of treatment, the total improved effective rate of the combination group(76%)was higher than the rate of the injection group(66%). After the treatment, the BCVA of the two groups was both higher than that before treatment(P&#x003C;0.05), the CMT in both groups was lower than that before the treatment(P&#x003C;0.05), and the improvement of CMT of the combination group was better than the injection group(-155.93±143.79μm vs. -95.36±56.81μm, P&#x003C;0.05). After 3mo of treatment, each kinds of TCM syndrome in the combination group were significantly improved compared with those syndromes before the treatment(P&#x003C;0.001). In the injection group, only blurred vision was improved(P&#x003C;0.05). After the treatment, the scores of dizziness and insomnia, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, paleness and cold limbs, dry eyes and fatigue in the combination group were significantly lower than the injection group(P&#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with intravitreal anti-VEGF drug injection is effective in the treatment of wARMD.

Progress of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)is a proliferative vascular disorder of the immature retina, and it is a major eye disease that causes blindness in children of developing and developed countries. Retinal laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy are the conventional treatment used for ROP but could cause permanent damage to retina, with a risk of complications such as visual field defect and high myopia. With more normal growth of retinal function and convenience and shorter time than coagulation therapy, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)agents has gradually gained popularity and has even been advocated as the treatment of choice in treating zone I, zone II posterior or aggressive ROP. However, the serious systemic complications, minimum effective dose and late recurrence caused by anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of ROP still need to be further studied. This review focuses on the use of anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of ROP.

Application progress of laser photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy treatment in the era of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the most prevalent and severe ocular complication in people with diabetes, and it is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. In recent years, drug therapy represented by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)agents has become the first-line therapy in DR treatment, but it cannot reverse retinal non-perfusion areas, microaneurysms and abnormal teleangiectatic capillaries, those who cannot be treated on time are at risk of disease progression. Laser photocoagulation has been widely applied for more than 40 years, it can effectively reduce the rate of blindness by eliminating the non-perfusion areas of capillaries, and panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)has been the primary treatment for DR. With the continuing innovations in laser technology, on the basis of maintaining the curative effect, the aim of minimizing retinal damage and adverse side effects has been realized. A combination of laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF agents can achieve complementary advantages and better efficacy. Deepening the clinical research on laser therapy and laser therapy combined with anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of DR may help to establish the personalized treatment corresponds with our national conditions. This article briefly reviews the latest application progress of laser therapy in DR treatment in the era of anti-VEGF agents.

Efficacy of different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs in the treatment of diabetic macular edema and their relationship with optical coherence tomography classification / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the clinical efficacy of different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs in the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME), and analyze their relationship with optical coherence tomography(OCT)classification.METHODS: A total of 45 DME patients treated with ranibizumab(admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to February 2022)were selected as the ranibizumab group, and 45 DME patients treated with conbercept during the same period were selected as the conbercept group. The ranibizumab group was treated with retinal photocoagulation combined with ranibizumab, and the conbercept group was treated with retinal photocoagulation combined with conbercept. The improvement of symptoms(improvement time of macular edema, time of retinal thickness returning to normal, disappearance time of neovascularization and absorption time of fundus hemorrhage), levels of serum interleukin-6(IL-6)and VEGF, central macular thickness(CMT), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and complications were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between their clinical efficacy and different OCT types were analyzed.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the improvement time of macular edema, time of retinal thickness returning to normal, disappearance time of neovascularization and absorption time of fundus hemorrhage between the two groups(P&#x003E;0.05); After treatment, the values of IL-6, VEGF and BCVA in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P&#x003C;0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P&#x003E;0.05); compared with before treatment, CMT was significantly decreased in both groups after treatment(P&#x003C;0.05), and compared with ranibizumab group, the CMT was significantly decreased in the conbercept group(P&#x003C;0.01); there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between two groups(P&#x003E;0.05); there were significant differences in the total effective rate among patients with serous retinal detachment(SRD), cystoid macular edema(CME)and diffuse retinal thickening(DRT; P&#x003C;0.05), among which DRT had the highest total effective rate and SRD had the lowest total effective rate.CONCLUSION: Both conbercept and ranibizumab in the treatment of DME can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients and reduce the inflammatory response, but conbercept can better reduce the level of CMT, and has better treatment effect on DRT-type DME patients.

Effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on intraocular inflammatory cytokine levels in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)agents(Conbercept)before pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)on inflammatory cytokine levels of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).METHODS: A total of 49 patients(49 eyes)who diagnosed with PDR at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from June 2017 to January 2018 were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. A total of 25 cases(25 eyes)who did not receive intravitreal injection before PPV were included in no-intravitreal injection of Conbercept(IVC)group, and 24 cases(24 eyes)who received IVC 5～7d before PPV were included in IVC group. The vitreous samples were collected from all the patients at the start of PPV. Levels of VEGF-A, monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)and inflammatory cytokines in the vitreous humor were measured using Luminex technology.RESULTS: Compared with the no-IVC group, the level of VEGF-A decreased significantly(P&#x003C;0.001), the concentration of IL-6(P=0.004), IL-8(P=0.002), IL-18(P=0.04)and TNF-α(P=0.03)increased remarkably in the IVC group. The other inflammatory cytokines in the vitreous humor showed no significant difference between the IVC and no-IVC groups.CONCLUSION: IVC before PPV can effectively decrease the concentration of VEGF-A, but had limited influence on the level of inflammatory cytokines in the vitreous humor of patients with PDR.

Treatment of neovascular glaucoma by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor combined with ultrasonic ciliary plasty / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasonic ciliary plasty(UCP)combined with injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS: A total of 30 NVG patients(30 eyes)admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from September 2020 to September 2021 were selected. After admission, all the eyes of the patients were injected with anti-VEGF drug(ranibizumab). After surgery, 15 patients were randomly selected for UCP treatment(UCP group), and the other 15 patients received trabeculectomy(trabeculectomy group). During the 10mo postoperative follow-up, the decrease of intraocular pressure was compared between the two groups and the changes of the degree of ocular pain and the occurrence of related complications were evaluated at each follow-up visit.RESULTS: The intraocular pressure and pain degree of the UCP and trabeculectomy groups were significantly lower than those before operation, and the complication probability of the UCP group was less than that of the trabeculectomy group.CONCLUSION: With fewer complications and high safety, UCP combined with anti-VEGF injection can effectively control intraocular pressure and pain in NVG patients.