Cytoprotective Effect of Polyphenolic Compounds against Oxidative Stress in Cultured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE: Grape seed-derived polyphenols (GSPs) provide a concentrated source of polyphenols having antioxidant capacity. In this study we investigated the cytoprotective effect of GSP against oxidative stress-induced cell damage in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. METHODS: Cultured adult retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE)-19 cells were incubated with GSP from Vitis vinifera (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 or 10 microg/mL) for 24 hours and treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 0.4 mM) for 24 hours to induce oxidative stress. Cell viability was measured using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) fluorescence. RESULTS: The percentage of viable RPE cells was significantly lower in cultures treated with H2O2 0.4 mM than in control cultures. GSP significantly reduced H2O2-induced cell death in a dose dependent manner. GSP at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 microg/mL significantly reduced cell mortality due to the treatment with H2O2. Intracellular ROS production increased significantly in cultures treated with H2O2 0.4 mM compared with control. There was a significant dose-dependent decrease in intracellular ROS levels after treatment of RPE with GSP. CONCLUSIONS: GSP, a natural polyphenolic compound, can protect RPE cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and reduce intracellular ROS production by scavenging free radicals. This suggests potential effects of polyphenolic compounds against retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress.

The Effect of Prophylactic IOP-Lowering Medication after Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implantation

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of prophylactic intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 39 eyes undergoing intravitreal dexamethasone implantation for macular edema. Eyes were divided into two groups, those which had used prophylactic IOP-lowering medication and those which had not. IOP was measured preoperatively, at one week, and monthly until six months post-injection in each group. RESULTS: The mean pre-injection IOP for the group that had not used prophylactic IOP-lowering medication and the group that had was 13.95 +/- 3.32 mm Hg and 13.56 +/- 3.71 mm Hg, the mean post-injection IOP at two months was 15.81 +/- 3.75 mm Hg and 12.56 +/- 5.02 mm Hg, and that at six months was 12.90 +/- 2.95 mm Hg and 11.44 +/- 3.59 mm Hg, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant at one week, one month, two months, and three months (p = 0.001, 0.002, 0.011, 0.035, respectively). A greater than 22 mm Hg increase in IOP was seen in four eyes (19.05%) in the group that had not used IOP-lowering medication and in one eye (5.56%) in the group that had. A greater than 5 mm Hg increase in IOP from baseline was seen in eight eyes (38.10%) in the group that had not used IOP-lowering medication and in one eye (5.56%) in the group that had. CONCLUSIONS: After intravitreal dexamethasone implantation, prophylactic IOP-lowering medication will significantly prevent IOP increase and decrease the number of patients requiring additional treatment that could cause potential damage to the retina and optic nerve.

The Effect of Prophylactic IOP-Lowering Medication after Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implantation

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of prophylactic intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 39 eyes undergoing intravitreal dexamethasone implantation for macular edema. Eyes were divided into two groups, those which had used prophylactic IOP-lowering medication and those which had not. IOP was measured preoperatively, at one week, and monthly until six months post-injection in each group. RESULTS: The mean pre-injection IOP for the group that had not used prophylactic IOP-lowering medication and the group that had was 13.95 +/- 3.32 mm Hg and 13.56 +/- 3.71 mm Hg, the mean post-injection IOP at two months was 15.81 +/- 3.75 mm Hg and 12.56 +/- 5.02 mm Hg, and that at six months was 12.90 +/- 2.95 mm Hg and 11.44 +/- 3.59 mm Hg, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant at one week, one month, two months, and three months (p = 0.001, 0.002, 0.011, 0.035, respectively). A greater than 22 mm Hg increase in IOP was seen in four eyes (19.05%) in the group that had not used IOP-lowering medication and in one eye (5.56%) in the group that had. A greater than 5 mm Hg increase in IOP from baseline was seen in eight eyes (38.10%) in the group that had not used IOP-lowering medication and in one eye (5.56%) in the group that had. CONCLUSIONS: After intravitreal dexamethasone implantation, prophylactic IOP-lowering medication will significantly prevent IOP increase and decrease the number of patients requiring additional treatment that could cause potential damage to the retina and optic nerve.

Effects of Macular Ischemia and Early Treatment on Visual Outcome in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of macular ischemia and early treatment on the visual outcomes of patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed the records of 42 patients who were treated with an intravitreal bevacizumab injection for BRVO, repeated 3 times at 6-week intervals and were whose data available for a follow-up period of at least 4 years. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) results before treatment and at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after the 3 serial injections, were measured. We assessed macular ischemia, time to the first treatment, and the relationship of these with BCVA. RESULTS: Mean BCVA (log MAR) was significantly improved from 0.67 +/- 0.43 at baseline to 0.30 +/- 0.30 at 48 months (p 6 weeks) treatment groups in BCVA and mean change in BCVA after 48 months. There was statistically significant (p 6 weeks) treatment groups with macular ischemia in BCVA after 48 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with BRVO, a significant visual improvement was maintained after intravitreal bevacizumab injections, despite the presence of macular ischemia. Early treatment (within 6 weeks) is more effective for maintaining and improving visual acuity. Similar results in the macular ischemia group confirmed the importance of early treatment.

A Case of Diagnosed Renal Cell Carcinoma with Orbital Metastasis Presenting with Proptosis

PURPOSE: To report a very rare case of lacrimal gland metastasis of renal cell carcinoma presenting with proptosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old man visited our clinic with a 3-month history of proptosis in the right eye. Corrected visual acuity was 0.8 in the right eye and 0.9 in the left eye and 11 mm proptosis of the right eye was observed. There were no specific findings except cataracts in both eyes. Orbital computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a solid lacrimal gland mass which was 24 x 36 x 29 mm in size and showed irregular enhancement. The CT scan also showed bone destruction around the orbital lateral wall and infiltration to the lateral rectus muscle. A metastatic tumor was suspected, thus a chest CT and abdominal CT were performed. The CT scan showed a large exophytic hypervascular mass with heterogeneous enhancement. The mass size was confirmed by the abdominal CT and malignant tumors were suspected. Regarding the left renal mass, a urology surgeon performed nephrectomy and adrenalectomy and regarding the lacrimal gland mass we performed an incisional biopsy via lid crease incision. Both masses were diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma based on the pathophysiologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal gland metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is very rare and extensive systemic evaluation for metastatic malignancy should be performed. In the present study, the authors report of a primary tumor found by chest CT a review of the literature.

A Case of Diagnosed Renal Cell Carcinoma with Orbital Metastasis Presenting with Proptosis

PURPOSE: To report a very rare case of lacrimal gland metastasis of renal cell carcinoma presenting with proptosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old man visited our clinic with a 3-month history of proptosis in the right eye. Corrected visual acuity was 0.8 in the right eye and 0.9 in the left eye and 11 mm proptosis of the right eye was observed. There were no specific findings except cataracts in both eyes. Orbital computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a solid lacrimal gland mass which was 24 x 36 x 29 mm in size and showed irregular enhancement. The CT scan also showed bone destruction around the orbital lateral wall and infiltration to the lateral rectus muscle. A metastatic tumor was suspected, thus a chest CT and abdominal CT were performed. The CT scan showed a large exophytic hypervascular mass with heterogeneous enhancement. The mass size was confirmed by the abdominal CT and malignant tumors were suspected. Regarding the left renal mass, a urology surgeon performed nephrectomy and adrenalectomy and regarding the lacrimal gland mass we performed an incisional biopsy via lid crease incision. Both masses were diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma based on the pathophysiologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal gland metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is very rare and extensive systemic evaluation for metastatic malignancy should be performed. In the present study, the authors report of a primary tumor found by chest CT a review of the literature.

A Case of Unilateral Mydriasis from Exposure to Angel's Trumpet

PURPOSE: To report a case of unilateral mydriasis after accidental exposure to an Angel's trumpet leaf. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old woman visited the Eye Department complaining of blurred vision and difficulty in light adaptation in the left eye of 1-week duration. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and other ophthalmological findings were considered normal except for dilation of the left pupil and a decrease in light reflex. The patient was initially unaware of any cause of her eye problems, but when asked specifically, the patient remembered an Angel's trumpet leaf brushing against her left eye when she carried the plants. There were no other previous medical or drug histories, thus the Angel's trumpet was considered as the cause for the unilateral mydriasis. The patient's progress was followed for a week, her symptoms improved and the pupil size and reflex returned to normal. CONCLUSIONS: The cultivation of Angel's trumpet has become increasingly popular in Korea in recent years. The present case emphasizes the importance of an accurate and detailed history regarding specific contact history with plants like Angel's trumpet in otherwise healthy patients affected by unilateral mydriasis.