Research progress on the mechanism of subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation in central serous chorioretinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC)is a common macular degeneration that primarily affects young patients. While the disease may resolve on its own to some extent, delayed or inadequate treatment can result in recurrence and progression to chronic CSC. This can lead to complications such as retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)atrophy and choroidal neovascularization, ultimately causing irreversible damage to central vision. Subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation(SMLP)is a type of laser therapy that differs from traditional lasers in that it does not cause damage or thermal injury to RPE cells and photoreceptors. SMLP has become widely used in clinical treatment of CSC due to its effectiveness, safety, and reproducibility, particularly in cases where verteporfin is not available in photodynamic therapy(PDT). The purpose of this review is to explain the mechanism of SMLP in CSC and summarize the effector cells, cytokines, and mechanisms of action involved in its treatment. This will provide a theoretical basis for promoting and rationalizing the use of SMLP in clinical practice.

Research progress of microRNA in choroidal neovascularization signaling pathway / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Choroidal neovascularization(CNV)is the ultimate pathological manifestation of various ocular diseases. Its pathogenesis is extremely complex and involves multiple cells, cytokines, and signaling pathways. MicroRNA(miRNA), as a kind of small biological molecules, is a non-coding RNA composed of 22 nucleotides that regulates gene expression by degrading or inhibiting mRNA translation of target genes. Having been increasingly studied and their involvement in the development of various diseases through miRNA-mediated signaling pathways have been revealed. In the field of ophthalmology, miRNA target specific protein genes through various signaling pathways to promote or inhibit CNV. Therefore, revealing the role and mechanism of miRNA in the pathogenesis of CNV is an important direction of future research on the pathogenesis of CNV. This article aims to review on phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase- protein kinase B(PI3K-Akt), transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β), nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), Notch and Wnt signaling pathways in miRNA regulation of CNV, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of CNV and targeted therapy for CNV.

Choroidal lesions in varicella zoster virus uveitis

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal lesions with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD?OCT) scan in varicella zoster virus (VZV) uveitis. Methods: VZV?uveitis cases which underwent OCT scan for choroidal lesions were studied. SD?OCT scan passing through these lesions was studied in detail. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) during active and resolved stages was studied. Angiogaphic features were studied where available. Results: Thirteen out of 15 cases had same?sided herpes zoster ophthalmicus skin rashes. All except three patients had old or active kerato?uveitis. All eyes demonstrated clear vitreous and a single or multiple hypopigmented orangish?yellow choroidal lesions. The number of lesions remained unchanged during the follow?up on clinical examination. SD?OCT over lesions (n = 11) showed choroidal thinning (n = 5), hyporeflective choroidal elevation during active inflammation (n = 3), transmission effects (n = 4), and ellipsoid zone disruption (n = 7). The mean change in SFCT (n = 9) after resolution of the inflammation was 26.3 ?m (range: 3–90 ?m). Fundus fluorescein angiography showed iso?fluorescence over lesions in all (n = 5), but indocyanine green angiography (n = 3) showed hypofluorescence at lesions. Mean follow?up was 1.38 years (range: 3 months–7 years). De?novo appearance of choroidal lesion during the first relapse of VZV?uveitis was captured in one case. Conclusion: VZV?uveitis can cause focal or multifocal hypopigmented choroidal lesions with thickening or scarring of choroidal tissue, depending on the disease activity.

Establishment of patient-derived xenografts of retinoblastoma and choroidal melanoma on the avian chorioallantoic membrane

Purpose: To develop a viable in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to study the growth and invasion of patient?derived retinoblastoma (RB) and choroidal melanoma (CM) xenografts (PDXs). The study utilizes primary tumor samples instead of cancer cell lines, which provides a more authentic representation of tumors due to conserved morphology and heterogeneity. Methods: Fertilized chicken eggs were procured, windowed, and their CAM layers were dropped. On embryonic development day (EDD) 10, freshly cut patient?derived CM and RB tumors were implanted on the CAM layer and the setup was incubated for 7 days. The tumor?embedded CAM layer was harvested on EDD 17, and the extracted tumor samples were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the extent of tumor invasion. Results: Significant changes in the vascularity around the RB and CM PDXs were observed, indicating an angiogenic environment. The cross?sectional histological view of the tumor implant site revealed the invasion of both the tumors into the CAM mesoderm. Invasion of CM into CAM mesoderm was visualized in the form of pigmented nodules, and that of RB was indicated by synaptophysin and Ki?67 positivity in Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Conclusion: The CAM xenograft model was successfully able to support the growth of CM and RB PDXs and their invasion in CAM, thus presenting as a feasible alternative to mammalian models for studying tumorigenicity and invasiveness of ocular tumors. Moreover, this model can further be utilized to develop personalized medicine by inoculating patient?specific tumors for preclinical drug screening.

Differential Analysis of Macular Structure and Microcirculation in Both Eyes of Patients With Myopic Anisometropia / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To compare the macular structure and microcirculation in both eyes of the patients with myopic anisometropia.Methods Optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)was employed to scan the macular areas in both eyes of 44 patients with myopic anisometropia.The patients were assigned into high and low groups based on the refractive diopter,and the parameters such as retinal thickness,choroidal thickness,vascular density,and perfusion density in the macular areas of both eyes were compared between the two groups.Results Other macular areas except the central and external nasal areas and the choroid of the fovea in the high group were thinner than those in the low group(all P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in retinal vascular density or perfusion density in different areas between the two groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion In the patients with myopic anisometropia,most areas of the retina in the case of high myopia is thinner than that in the case of low myopia,while there is no difference in retinal vascular density or perfusion density in both eyes.

Effects of low-energy red light on choroidal thickness and spherical equivalent and axial length in myopic children / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To systematically evaluate the effects of low-energy red light on choroidal thickness(ChT), spherical equivalent(SE), and axial length(AL)in myopic children.METHODS: A total of 8 databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Database, VIP Database and China Biomedical Literature Database, were electronically retrieved to collect the clinical randomized controlled trial(RCT)of low-energy red light in myopia, with red light intervention as an experimental group and glasses as a control group. The retrieval time limit is from the establishment of the database to January 2023. According to the recommendation of the Cochrane Handbook, literature quality and risk of bias were evaluated. Revman5.4 software was used for Meta-analysis.RESULTS: Totally 8 RCT about red-light treatment with myopia were included. The sample size for ChT analysis contained 407 eyes in the red-light group and 425 eyes in the control group; SE analysis included 490 eyes in the red-light group and 518 eyes in the control group; sample size for AL analysis were 518 eyes in the red-light group and 539 eyes in the control group. The differences in ChT, SE and AL between the groups were statistically significant(ChT: WMD=37.81, 95%CI: 21.55～54.07, P&#x003C;0.001; SE: WMD=0.58, 95%CI: 0.46～0.71, P&#x003C;0.001; AL: WMD=-0.31, 95%CI: -0.39～-0.24, P&#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSION: Specific red light can promote the increase of ChT while inhibit SE and AL. However, its long-term efficacy and side effects remain unclear. The above conclusions need to be further clarified by more RCT with large samples.

Evaluation of macular microvasculature alterations in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy after vitrectomy by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the changes in retinal and choroidal blood flow after pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)for proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 35 patients(35 eyes)who were diagnosed as monocular PDR and received 23GPPV in ophthalmology department of the Second People's Hospital of Hefei between September 2020 and July 2022. All eyes underwent swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography(SS-OCTA)examination. Retinal and choroidal vascular parameters within 3mm×3mm of macular zone were measured by built-in analyzer, and its correlation with postoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)was analyzed.RESULTS: The follow-up was 1～22(average 9.72±6.67)mo. At the last follow-up, flow area(FA)of intermediate capillary plexus(ICP)layer in paranasal foveal region was significantly reduced in PPV eyes(0.31±0.06mm2)compared with contralateral eyes(0.38±0.05mm2), and FA of deep capillary plexus(DCP)in temporal foveal region was significantly lower in PPV eyes(0.19±0.08mm2)than contralateral eyes(0.27±0.07mm2; all P&#x003C;0.05). Choroidal vascularity index(CVI)were lower in PPV eyes than contralateral eyes in parafoveal subregions except temporal region(P&#x003C;0.05). After PPV, BCVA had a certain correlation with the density and FA of middle and deep retinal vessels.CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with severe PDR may be prone to having a decrease in the DCP and parafoveal choroidal perfusion in the parafoveal regions after PPV than contralateral eyes.

Methyltransferase-like 3-mediated N6-methyladenosine methylation modification regulates the biological activity of vascular endothelial cells via the Notch pathway / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3(METTL3)-mediated N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification in regulating biological activity of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)cultured in vitro were divided into the following groups: control group(normal culture), low density lipoprotein(LDL)group, fluorescence-labelled LDL(Dil-LDL)group, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL oxidized LDL(ox-LDL)groups, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL fluorescence-labelled ox-LDL(Dil-ox-LDL)groups, DMSO group, STM2457(METTL3 inhibitor)group, DAPT group; and monkey retina-choroidal endothelial cells(RF/6A)cultured in vitro were divided into control group, DMSO group, 12.5 μg/mL ox-LDL group, and DAPT group. Endocytosed lipoprotein level was examined through fluorescence microscopy. RNA m6A methylation level was detected through a dot blot assay. Protein and RNA levels of METTL3 or angiogenesis-related markers were measured through Western blot assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively. METTL3 expression and localization were investigated through immunofluorescence. Cell migratory and tube formation capacities were assessed through transwell migration and tube formation assays, respectively.RESULTS: Endocytosed lipoprotein levels in HUVECs exposed to Dil-LDL, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL Dil-ox-LDL groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL ox-LDL groups significantly increased m6A methylation(all P&#x003C;0.05), METTL3 protein expression(all P&#x003C;0.01), and cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P&#x003C;0.01). METTL3 mRNA level was significantly unregulated in the 12.5μg/mL ox-LDL group(P&#x003C;0.05). In comparison to the DMSO group, the addition of STM2457 caused significant decrease in m6A methylation level(P&#x003C;0.05), expression of VEGF and other angiogenesis-related markers(all P&#x003C;0.05), cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P&#x003C;0.01)and the expression of NICD(P&#x003C;0.05). However, there were no significant differences in METTL3 protein and mRNA levels(all P&#x003E;0.05). The expression of VEGF and NICD(all P&#x003C;0.05), as well as the ability of cell migration and angiogenesis of RF/6A, was all significantly decreased in the DAPT group compared to the DMSO group(all P&#x003C;0.01).CONCLUSION: METTL3-mediated m6A methylation modification promotes angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells via the Notch signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.

Research progress on the correlation between choroidal blood flow perfusion and myopia in children / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Myopia is the most common type of refractive error. At present, the characteristics of the low age and rapid growth of myopia in our country are obvious, and the myopia of adolescents and children has become a public health problem of concern to the whole society. Visual experience guides the development of children's refractive state and emmetropization. The occurrence and development of myopia is accompanied by changes in the structure of the eyeball, and the choroid has a thinning trend. The thickness change of the choroid may be determined by blood flow perfusion. Decreased choroidal blood flow perfusion may lead to scleral ischemia and hypoxia, and hypoxia induces scleral matrix remodeling and axial length growth. This article reviews the relationship between choroidal blood flow and myopia, and suggests the significance of paying attention to choroidal changes in the prevention and control of myopia.

Research progress on the application of deep learning in choroidal segmentation / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

In recent years, ophthalmology, as one of the medical fields highly dependent on auxiliary imaging, has been at the forefront of the application of deep learning algorithm. The morphological changes of the choroid are closely related to the occurrence, development, treatment and prognosis of fundus diseases. The rapid development of optical coherence tomography has greatly promoted the accurate analysis of choroidal morphology and structure. Choroidal segmentation and related analysis are crucial for determining the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of eye diseases. However, currently, choroidal mainly relies on tedious, time-consuming, and low-reproducibility manual segmentation. To overcome these difficulties, deep learning methods for choroidal segmentation have been developed in recent years, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of choroidal segmentation. The purpose of this paper is to review the features of choroidal thickness in different eye diseases, explore the latest applications and advantages of deep learning models in measuring choroidal thickness, and focus on the challenges faced by deep learning models.

Chinese Guideline on the Management of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (2022) / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Background In mainland China, patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) have approximately an 40% prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This disease leads to recurrent retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), extensive subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages, and severe vision loss. China has introduced various treatment modalities in the past years and gained comprehensive experience in treating PCV.Methods A total of 14 retinal specialists nationwide with expertise in PCV were empaneled to prioritize six questions and address their corresponding outcomes, regarding opinions on inactive PCV, choices of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) monotherapy or combined therapy, patients with persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) or intraretinal fluid (IRF) after loading dose anti-VEGF, and patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage. An evidence synthesis team conducted systematic reviews, which informed the recommendations that address these questions. This guideline used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations. Results The panel proposed the following six conditional recommendations regarding treatment choices. (1) For patients with inactive PCV, we suggest observation over treatment. (2) For treatment-na?ve PCV patients, we suggest either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combined anti-VEGF and PDT rather than PDT monotherapy. (3) For patients with PCV who plan to initiate combined anti-VEGF and PDT treatment, we suggest later/rescue PDT over initiate PDT. (4) For PCV patients who plan to initiate anti-VEGF monotherapy, we suggest the treat and extend (T&E) regimen rather than the pro re nata (PRN) regimen following three monthly loading doses. (5) For patients with persistent SRF or IRF on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after three monthly anti-VEGF treatments, we suggest proceeding with anti-VEGF treatment rather than observation. (6) For PCV patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage (equal to or more than four optic disc areas) involving the central macula, we suggest surgery (vitrectomy in combination with tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) intraocular injection and gas tamponade) rather than anti-VEGF monotherapy. Conclusions Six evidence-based recommendations support optimal care for PCV patients' management.

Correlation analysis of vision and changes of macular structure and microcirculation in myopic maculopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To observe the changes of macular morphology and microcirculation in myopic maculopathy(MM), and investigate theirs correlation and effects on vision.METHODS: Case-control study. A total of 165 patients(189 eyes)with high myopia and 154 healthy volunteers(154 eyes)from October 2016 to December 2018 were selected. According to the classification of Meta-analysis for pathologic myopia(META-PM), participants were divided into M0 group(category 0, 41 eyes), M1 group(category 1, 53 eyes), M2 group(category 2 and 3, 52 eyes), and myopic choroidal neovascularization(mCNV)group(43 eyes). All participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)examination. Morphological and microcirculation parameters of retina at different layers were compared between groups. Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between morphological and microcirculation parameters. Correlations between vision and other parameters were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis.RESULTS:Foveal full retinal thickness(FRT)and outer retinal thickness(ORT)were all lower in M0, M1 and M2 groups than those of control group(all P&#x003C;0.01). Foveal superficial capillary plexus vessel density(SVD)and deep capillary plexus vessel density(DVD)were all lower in M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P&#x003C;0.01). Parafoveal FRT and ORT were all lower in M0, M1, M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P&#x003C;0.01). Parafoveal inner retinal thickness(IRT), SVD and DVD were all lower in M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P&#x003C;0.01). Subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT)and choroid capillaries vessel density(CVD)were all lower in M0, M1, M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P&#x003C;0.01). Foveal vessel density of retina and choroid were positively correlated with its thickness in patients with MM without CNV(all P&#x003C;0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that axial length(AL), diffuse or patchy chorioretinal atrophy were influencing foctors of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA; all P&#x003C;0.01).CONCLUSION:Retinal morphological changes precede microcirculation changes in MM. Most of all, ORT changes precede IRT changes. Foveal vessel density of retina and choroid were positively correlated with its thickness. The main influencing factors of BCVA were AL and types of MM.

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.

Observation of vortex venous anastomosis in central serous chorioretinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the anastomotic status of the vortex veins in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).Methods:A cross-sectional study of clinical practice. From July 2021 to July 2022, 50 cases (50 eyes) of monocular CSC patients diagnosed through ophthalmic examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included in the study. Among them, there were 37 males (74.0%, 37/50) and 13 females (26.0%, 13/50), with the mean age of (44.30±9.59) years old. The course of disease from the onset of symptoms to the time of treatment was less than 3 months. The affected eye and contralateral eye of CSC patients were divided into the affected eye group and contralateral eye group, respectively. Fifty healthy volunteers of the same age and gender were selected as the normal control group with 50 eyes. The macular area scanning source optical coherence tomography (OCT) vascular imaging examination was performed with Visual Microimaging (Henan) Technology Co., Ltd. VG200D. Horizontal watershed vortex veins anastomosis rate and asymmetric vortex-venous dilation rate were observed by en face OCT. The device comes with software to calculate the central foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), mean choroidal thickness (MCT), and choroidal vascular index (CVI). One-way analysis of variance and χ2 test were used to compare the three groups. When variances were unequal between groups, nonparametric tests were performed. Results:The SFCT values of the affected eye group, contralateral eye group, and normal control group were (567.12±129.02), (513.26±133.17), (327.64±97.40) μm, respectively; MCT were (407.38±97.54), (388.24±94.13), (275.46±60.55) μm, respectively; CVI were 0.34±0.05, 0.32±0.04, and 0.27±0.04, respectively; anastomosis rates of vortex veins were 98% (49/50), 78% (39/50), and 40% (20/50), respectively; asymmetric dilation rates of vortex veins were 96% (48/50), 88% (44/50), and 48% (24/50), respectively. The differences of SFCT ( F=53.974), MCT ( Z=51.415), CVI ( F=28.082), vortex vein anastomosis rate ( χ2=43.056), asymmetric dilation rate of vortex veins ( χ2=37.728) among three groups were statistically significant ( P<0.001). Compared with the contralateral eye group, the SFCT, MCT, CVI, vortex vein anastomosis rate, and vortex vein asymmetric dilation rate in the affected eye group were significantly higher than those in the contralateral eye group. Among them, the differences of SFCT ( t=2.054), CVI ( t=2.211), and vortex vein anastomosis rate ( χ2=9.470) were statistically significant ( P<0.05); the differences of MCT ( Z=7.490), asymmetric dilation rate of vortex veins ( χ2=2.714) were not statistically significant ( P=1.000, 0.140). Conclusions:SFCT, MCT, and CVI in the affected and contralateral eyes of monocular CSC patients significantly increase. The anastomotic rate and asymmetric dilation rate of the vortex vein in the opposite eye were lower than those in the affected eye.

Alterations of choroidal vasculature after submacular fluid absorption in central serous chorioretinopathy using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To analyze the associations between the choroidal vasculature and submacular fluid (SMF) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).Methods:A retrospective study. A total of 29 CSC patients (31 eyes) with complete records who visited the Department of Ophthalmology in Peking University People's Hospital from August 1, 2021 to March 1, 2023 were included in this study. The patients were divided into complete absorption and incomplete absorption groups according to the status of SMF in the last visit. All the patients underwent ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF SS-OCTA) with a scanning range of 24 mm × 20 mm. The UWF SS-OCTA images were automatically analyzed in 9 regions (superotemporal, superior, superonasal, temporal, central, nasal, inferotemporal, inferior, and inferonasal). Alterations of choroidal vasculature in the nine subfields after SMF absorption were described, including choroidal thickness (CT), flow density of choriocapillaris layer, vessel density of large choroidal vessel layer, three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (CVI), the mean choroidal vessel volume (mCVV), and the mean choroidal stroma volume (mCSV). The relevant factors affecting the complete absorption of SMF were additionally evaluated.Results:At baseline, CT ( Z=2.859, P=0.004), mCVV ( t=2.514, P=0.018), and mCSV ( Z=2.958, P=0.003) in the superotemporal region of the affected eyes in the incomplete absorption group were significantly higher than those in the complete absorption group. Compared with baseline, at the last visit, the proportion of asymmetric vortex veins in the complete absorption group was significantly decreased ( χ2=6.000, P=0.014), CVI in the superotemporal, superonasal, temporal, central, nasal, inferotemporal, and inferonasal regions ( t=-4.125, t=-3.247, Z=-3.213, t=-2.994, t=-3.417, t=-3.733, t=-3.795; P=0.001, 0.006, 0.001, 0.010, 0.005, 0.003, 0.002), the mCVV of 9 regions ( t=-2.959, t=-2.537, t=-2.235, t=-3.260, t=-3.022, t=-2.796, t=-2.747, Z=-2.107, t=-2.935; P=0.011, 0.025, 0.044, 0.006, 0.010, 0.015, 0.017, 0.035, 0.012) were significantly decreased. Compared to the complete absorption group, the choroidal blood flow changes in the non-complete absorption group were more limited, and CT in the upper region increased significantly at the last follow-up ( t=2.272, P=0.037). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline CT in the superotemporal region may be an independent risk factor affecting the complete absorption of SMF (odds ratio=0.981, 95% confidential interval 0.965-0.997, P=0.021). Conclusions:In the process of SMF absorption in CSC, significant reductions of choroidal blood flow were found in the large choroidal vessel layer, and there may be a locally compensatory increase in CT. In addition, baseline CT in superotemporal region is an independent risk factor affecting SMF absorption.

Changes of choroidal biomarkers in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To quantitatively evaluate the changes of choroidal biomarkers in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and preliminarily explore its pathogenesis.Methods:Clinical cross-sectional study. From July 2021 to December 2022, 74 eyes of 65 patients with CSC (CSC group) confirmed by ophthalmic examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included in the study. Among them, 46 patients (51 eyes) were male, 19 patients (23 eyes) were female. The duration from the onset of symptoms to the time of treatment was less than or equal to 3 months. A control group consisted of 40 healthy volunteers (74 eyes) matched in age and gender. Among them, 26 patients (50 eyes) were male, and 14 patients (24 eyes) were female. Using VG200D from Microimaging (Henan) Technology Co., Ltd., macular scanning source light coherence tomography angiography was performed, with scanning range 6 mm × 6 mm. According to the division of the diabetes retinopathy treatment research group, the choroid within 6 mm of the macular fovea was divided into three concentric circles centered on the macular fovea, namely, the central area with a diameter of 1 mm, the macular area with a diameter of 1-3 mm, and the surrounding area of the fovea with a diameter of 3-6 mm. The device comes with software to record the three-dimensional choroidal vascular index (CVI), choroidal vascular volume (CVV), perfusion area of the choroidal capillary layer (CFA), choroidal thickness (CT), and three-dimensional CVI, CVV, and CT in the upper, temporal, lower, and subnasal quadrants within 6 mm of the fovea. Quantitative data between the two groups were compared using an independent sample t-test. Qualitative data comparison line χ2 inspection. The value of receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis in predicting the occurrence of CSC, including CVI, CVV, CFA, and CT. Results:Compared with the control group, the CVI ( t=3.133, 4.814), CVV ( t=7.504, 9.248), and CT ( t=10.557, 10.760) in the central and macular regions of the affected eyes in the CSC group significantly increased, while the CFA ( t=-8.206, -5.065) significantly decreased, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05); CVI ( t=7.129), CVV ( t=10.020), and CT ( t=10.488) significantly increased within 6 mm of the central fovea, while CFA ( t=-2.548) significantly decreased, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). The CVI ( t=4.980, 4.201, 4.716, 8.491), CVV ( t=9.014, 7.156, 7.719, 10.730), and CT ( t=10.077, 8.700, 8.960, 11.704) in the upper, temporal, lower, and lower nasal quadrants within 6 mm of the central fovea were significantly increased, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). In the CSC group, the maximum CVI and CVV were (0.39±0.10)% and (1.09±0.42) mm 3, respectively, on the nasal side of the affected eye. Upper CT was (476.02±100.89) μm. The nasal side CVI, CVV, and CT have the largest changes. The ROC curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve of CT, CVV, and CVI within 6 mm of the central region, macular region, and fovea was over than 0.5. Subcentral CT was the most specific for the diagnosis of CSC. Conclusion:Choroidal biomarkers CVI, CVV, and CT in CSC patients increase, while CFA decreases. Central CT is the most specific for the diagnosis of CSC.

The efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide peribulbar injection combined with vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide peribulbar injection combined with vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment (RRD-CD).Methods:This study was a retrospective case series study. Nineteen cases (19 eyes) with RRD-CD who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy at the Dalian No.3 People′s Hospital were analyzed. All the cases received 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide peribulbar injection within 3 to 7 days before surgery. The severity of patient′s uveitis was assessed before and after peribulbar injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intra ocular pressure (IOP) before and after surgery, the area of retinal detachment, the rate of retinal reattachment, the rate of recurrent retinal detachment and surgical complications were analyzed. Patients′ blood pressure and blood glucose levels were also monitored.Results:19 patients were followed up for (13.1±1.5)months. The severity of uveitis reduced to different extents compared with preoperative condition. The IOP was (8.73±3.38)mmHg before injection and (10.95±2.46)mmHg after injection, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-7.571, P=0.027). The choroid detachment range was 4-12(9.37±2.69)sites before injection, and 0-11(4.63±4.10)sites after injection, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-3.834, P=0.001). Compared with the preoperative results, the BCVA increased in 12 patients, unchanged in 5 cases and decreased in 2 cases. In the final follow-up of 18 patients with retinal reattachment, 17 eyes underwent a single operation, 2 eyes had recurrent retinal detachment, and 1 eye had retinal reattachment after a second operation. There were no significant difference in blood glucose and blood pressure before and after injection (all P>0.05). There were no other complications besides temporarily elevated IOP and cataract. Conclusions:Vitrectomy combined with triamcinolone acetonide peribulbar injection is effective and safe for patients with RRD-CD.

Efficacy of conbercept in the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy based on EDI-OCT and OCTA / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To evaluate the changes of retinal thickness, choroid thickness and choroid vascular polypoid lesions (polyps) before and after the treatment of conbercept in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with conbercept based on enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA).Methods:Twenty patients with PCV admitted to the ophthalmology department of the Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2019 to December 2020 (who had not received intravitreous injection before) were selected and given intravitreous injection of conbercept with 3+ pro re nata (PRN) treatment. The changes of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), peripapillary choroid thickness (PCT), polyps height, and maximum cross-sectional area of polyps were observed before and after treatment.Results:There were significant difference in the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CMT, SFCT, PCT, polyps height and maximum polyps cross-sectional area before and after treatment in 20 patients (all P<0.05). BCVA was significantly improved at 1 week and 1 month after treatment (all P<0.05), and still improved at 6 months after treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant compared with 3 months after treatment ( P>0.05), and slightly fluctuated at 6 to 12 months after treatment, but basically stable. CMT, SFCT and PCT decreased significantly after 3 months of treatment, and were basically stable from 6 to 12 months after treatment. One month after treatment, polyps height was (251.30±57.49)μm, with a decrease of 11.3 μm; the polyps height decreased at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). The maximum cross-sectional area of polyps at 3 and 12 months after treatment was (2.10±0.44)μm 2 and (1.98±0.44)μm 2, respectively, with a certain degree of decrease, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Intraocular injection of conbercept can effectively reduce CMT, SFCT, PCT, polyps height, maximum cross-sectional area of polyps and increase BCVA in PCV patients 3 months after treatment. EDI-OCT and OCTA were used to quantitatively detect the changes of PCV indexes and observe the curative effect and prognosis.

Application and problems of optical coherence tomography in clinical diagnosis and treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy / 中国医师杂志

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a fundus disease that can cause severe visual impairment. At present, the gold standard for the diagnosis of PCV is indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Due to its invasiveness and inconvenience in clinical application, researchers are exploring the use of non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) in clinical diagnosis and follow-up of PCV, and non-invasive diagnostic criteria based on OCT are gradually emerging. However, in the clinical application of this technology, there are still some problems, such as poor imaging effect, unclear diagnosis, over-reliance on OCT technology, complex follow-up situations and so on. This paper intends to review the current situation, new diagnostic criteria and related problems of OCT in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PCV, in order to provide reference for ophthalmologists.

The role of NLRP3/GATA-4/VEGF signal pathway in neovascular age-related macular degeneration / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the potential role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA-4)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signal pathway in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Methods:We applied the TRANSFAC Public database to search the human and mouse VEGF promoters and upstream transcription factors, analyzed the transcription factors that may influence the transcriptional activity of VEGF. The RAW264.7 cells were divided into control group and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated group (LPS group). Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and the mRNA levels of GATA-4 and VEGFA. Thus, we applied the specific small molecular NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 pretreated RAW264.7 cells (LPS+ MCC950 group), and detected the gene expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, interleukin 1β( IL-1β), GATA-4 and VEGFA.Results:There were multiple GATA transcription factor binding sites upstream of human and mouse VEGF promoters. Compared with the control group, mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, GATA-4 and VEGFA in LPS group were increased (all P<0.05). Compared with LPS group, mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, GATA-4 and VEGFA in LPS+ MCC950 group were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusions:NLRP3/GATA-4/VEGF signal pathway may play a significant role in the pathologic processes of nAMD.