miR-145, miR-92a and miR-375 Show Differential Expression in Serum from Patients with Diabetic Retinopathies.

Diabetic retinopathies are important disabling conditions. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression and diseases can change their expression. Our aim was to analyze the expression of miRNAs in serum and vitreous samples from patients with diabetic retinopathies. The following groups and number of individuals were included: proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (n = 16), diabetic macular edema (DME) (n = 17), and idiopathic epiretinal membrane (IEM) as non-diabetic controls (n = 23). The initial miRNA expression was explored using TaqMan low-density arrays (TLDAs) with subsequent validation through a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Target genes were identified through bioinformatic tools for enrichment analysis. The TLDAs revealed the following miRNAs with differential expression in terms of PDR vs. IEM: miR-320a-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-375-3p in the serum, with miR-541-5p and miR-223-5p in the vitreous samples. DME vs IEM: miR-486-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-197-3p, and miR-125b-5p in the serum, and miR-212-3p in vitreous samples. PDR vs. DME: miR-486-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-328-3p, miR-660-5p, and miR-145 in the serum and none in the vitreous samples. Validation was confirmed only for miR-145, miR-92a, and miR-375 in the serum. The relevant enriched pathways for these three validated miRNAs, miR-145, miR-92a, and miR-375 were the vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor, focal adhesion, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Our results support the involvement of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathies and reinforce their potential as biomarkers or therapeutic resources.

Survey of Intravitreal Injection Techniques Among Retina Specialists in Mexico.

PURPOSE: To report technique preferences for intravitreal injections among retina specialists in Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey. Ophthalmologists with a two-year retina training, active members of the Mexican Retina Association, were contacted through email to answer a survey consisting of 37 items regarding their IVI application technique. RESULTS: A total of 133 retina specialists participated, with a response rate of 78%. Forty-five percent applied the intravitreal injections in an operating room designated for the procedure. Sixty-three percent reported never injecting both eyes on the same day. Ninety-six percent wore a face mask during the procedure and 91% wore gloves. Eighty-two percent used a lid speculum. Tetracaine drops were the anesthetic method employed by 97% of participants. All participants utilized povidone-iodine for antisepsis. Eighty percent measured the puncture site with a caliper. Superotemporal quadrant was the one chosen to place the injection by 63% of participants. Fifty-nine percent indicated post-injection antibiotic drops for several days. Post-injection counting fingers visual acuity was verified by 53% of the participants. Fifty-six percent of the participants placed an eye-patch after the procedure. CONCLUSION: There are different practices regarding the application of intravitreal injections among retina specialists in Mexico. Performing this type of survey periodically could show changes in preferences, as new evidence is incorporated into clinical practice.

Efecto de la vibración mecánica sobre los niveles de oxígeno transcutáneo medidos en el pie de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Effect of mechanical vibration on transcutaneous oxygen levels in the feet of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las afecciones del pie en pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM) generan morbilidad y discapacidad. La vibración mecánica favorece la perfusión sanguínea en la extremidad inferior, facilitando el aporte de nutrimentos y oxígeno. Valores de oximetría transcutánea (TcPO2) > 40 mmHg se asocian al buen pronóstico de resolución de úlceras en el pie. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido determinar si un programa de terapia vibratoria favorece parámetros de interés relacionados con complicaciones asociadas al síndrome del pie diabético. Pacientes y métodos: Cincuenta y cuatro pacientes con DM participaron en un programa de ejercicios sobre plataforma de vibración (12 semanas). Se determinó el control glucémico (HbA1c), la sensibilidad y la TcPO2 del pie. Se realizaron valoraciones al inicio y después del programa. Resultados: No se observaron cambios significativos en la HbA1c (p = 0,442) ni en la sensibilidad (p = 0,07). La TcPO2 registró un incremento medio significativo de 7 mmHg (p < 0,0001; tamaño del efecto: d = 0,53). Conclusiones: La vibración mecánica puede favorecer el incremento de la TcPO2, lo que podría ser útil para la prevención o tratamiento de complicaciones asociadas a una perfusión sanguínea alterada en el pie diabético (AU)

Background and objective: Foot conditions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are major causes of morbidity and disability. Whole body vibration may promote blood circulation in the lower limbs, hence facilitating perfusion and promoting the supply of nutrients and oxygen to comprised tissues. Transcutaneous oxygen levels (TcPO2) > 40 mmHg in cases of diabetic foot syndrome are associated with a good prognosis in the resolution of ulcers. The objective of this study was to determine whether whole body vibration favors some parameters of interest related to complications associated with the diabetic foot syndrome. Patients and methods: Fifty-four patients with DM were included in a 12-week exercise program based on whole body vibration. Glycemic control was determined on the basis of the patients’ levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); sensitivity and TcPO2 levels of each foot were also recorded. Assessments were performed prior to initiating the whole body vibration program and at the end of it. Results: No significant changes were observed in the patients’ HbA1c (P = .442) levels or sensitivity (P = .07). A significant 7 mmHg increase (P < .0001; effect size: d = 0.53) was observed in the concentration of TcPO2. Conclusions: Whole body vibration may increase TcPO2 levels with useful implications for the prevention or management of complications associated with restricted blood perfusion in the diabetic foot syndrome (AU)

Effect of mechanical vibration on transcutaneous oxygen levels in the feet of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. / Efecto de la vibración mecánica sobre los niveles de oxígeno transcutáneo medidos en el pie de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Foot conditions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are major causes of morbidity and disability. Whole body vibration may promote blood circulation in the lower limbs, hence facilitating perfusion and promoting the supply of nutrients and oxygen to comprised tissues. Transcutaneous oxygen levels (TcPO2)>40mmHg in cases of diabetic foot syndrome are associated with a good prognosis in the resolution of ulcers. The objective of this study was to determine whether whole body vibration favors some parameters of interest related to complications associated with the diabetic foot syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with DM were included in a 12-week exercise program based on whole body vibration. Glycemic control was determined on the basis of the patients' levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); sensitivity and TcPO2 levels of each foot were also recorded. Assessments were performed prior to initiating the whole body vibration program and at the end of it. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in the patients' HbA1c (P=.442) levels or sensitivity (P=.07). A significant 7mmHg increase (P<.0001; effect size: d=0.53) was observed in the concentration of TcPO2. CONCLUSIONS: Whole body vibration may increase TcPO2 levels with useful implications for the prevention or management of complications associated with restricted blood perfusion in the diabetic foot syndrome.

The Effect of Altitude on Intraocular Pressure in Vitrectomized Eyes with Sulfur Hexafluoride Tamponade by the Friedenwald Method: Rabbit Animal Model.

The aim of this study is to assess the change in intraocular pressure after a road trip, in eyes with different levels of filling with gas tamponade. Five rabbit eyes were subject to pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade (filling percentage: 25%, 50%, and 100% of nonexpansile SF6, 100% saline solution, and 100% room air). A sixth eye was injected with 0.35 cc of undiluted SF6 without vitrectomy. Guided by global positioning system, they were driven to the highest point of the highway connecting Mexico City with Puebla city and back, stopping every 300 m to assess intraocular pressure. The rabbit's scleral rigidity and estimation for human eyes were done by using the Friedenwald nomogram. Maximum altitude was 3209 m (Δ949 m). There were significant differences in intraocular pressure on the rabbit eyes filled with SF6 at 100%, 50%, 25%, and 100% room air. Per every 100 m of altitude rise, the intraocular pressure increased by 1.53, 1.0046, 0.971, and 0.97 mmHg, respectively. Using the human Friedenwald rigidity coefficient, the human eye estimate for intraocular pressure change was 2.1, 1.8, 1.4, and 1.1 mmHg per every 100 m of attitude rise. Altitude changes have a significant impact on intraocular pressure. The final effect depends on the percentage of vitreous cavity fill and scleral rigidity.

Short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in pathologic myopia.

PURPOSE: To determine short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in pathologic myopia. METHODS: In this prospective interventional case series, patients were treated with 2.5 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab and followed for 3 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) were recorded. Indications for retreatment were active leaking CNV shown by FA and presence of subretinal fluid by OCT in combination with visual disturbances. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included, with a mean age of 53.86 +/- 16.26 years (range 29-85). Mean spherical equivalent was -13.87 +/- 3.68 diopters (-7.25 to -20.50). Minimum follow-up was 3 months. There were no adverse events. The mean initial visual acuity was 20/200 improving to 20/100 at 2 weeks, 20/80 at 4 weeks, and 20/60 at 8 and 12 weeks (P=0.007; P=0.001; P=0.005; P=0.001, respectively). Initial foveal thickness improved from 385.43 microm +/- 125.83 microm to 257.64 +/- 76.6 microm and 194.54 +/- 54.35 microm after the first and third month, respectively (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Initial treatment results of patients with CNV due to pathologic myopia did not reveal any short-term safety concerns. Intravitreal bevacizumab resulted in a significant decrease in foveal thickness and improvement in visual acuity. These favorable initial results support further larger and long-term studies.

Primary intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for diabetic macular edema: results from the Pan-American Collaborative Retina Study Group at 6-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report the 6-month anatomic and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) response after primary intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN: Interventional retrospective multicenter study at 6 centers from 6 countries of patients with DME. PARTICIPANTS: We reviewed the clinical records of 88 consecutive patients (110 eyes) with DME. Seventy-eight eyes of 64 consecutive patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and mean age of 59.7+/-9.3 years were included in this analysis. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated with at least one intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg of bevacizumab and underwent Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) BCVA testing, ophthalmoscopic examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline and follow-up visits. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare mean values. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in BCVA, OCT, and FA. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 6.31+/-0.81 months (range, 6-9). Sixteen (20.5%) eyes needed a second injection at a mean of 13.8 weeks (range, 4-28), and 6 eyes needed a third injection (7.7%) at a mean of 11.5 weeks (range, 5-20). The mean baseline BCVA was 0.87 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), and the final mean BCVA was 0.6, a difference that was statistically significant (P<0.0001). Final BCVA analysis by subgroups demonstrated that 32 (41.1%) eyes remained stable, 43 (55.1%) improved > or =2 ETDRS lines of BCVA, and 3 (3.8%) decreased > or =2 ETDRS lines of BCVA. Mean central macular thickness at baseline by OCT was 387.0+/-182.8 mum and decreased to a mean of 275.7+/-108.3 at end of follow-up (P<0.0001). No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Primary intravitreal bevacizumab at doses of 1.25 to 2.5 mg seem to provide stability or improvement in VA, OCT, and FA in DME at 6 months. Follow-up is still short to make any specific treatment recommendations; however, the results appear promising. Evaluation in a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial with longer follow-up is needed.