Meta-Analysis: Characteristics of Retinal Vasculature in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Humans.

Background: The objective of this study is to determine optic nerve head vascular changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) by utilizing an optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) device. Methods: A detailed studies search was screened in the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception to August 2023. We reviewed and examined optic nerve head vascular density in eyes with OSAS and controls. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated to evaluate continuous outcomes. Review Manager version 5.4.1 was applied for analysing pooled data. Results: Six eligible studies were included in our meta-analysis. The radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) whole enface vessel density (VD) measured by OCTA in the mild-to-moderate and severe OSAS groups was significantly lower compared to the controls (MD = -0.96, P = 0.03; MD = -1.42, P = 0.001, respectively). For RPC peripapillary VD, eyes in mild-to-moderate OSAS showed a trending decrease compared to the controls (MD = -1.71, P = 0.05), and there was a remarkable difference between eyes with severe OSAS and the controls (MD = -3.08, P = 0.004). In addition, the RPC inside disc VD was decreased in severe OSAS eyes than in the controls (MD = -0.07, P = 0.94). Conclusions: Our results revealed that peripapillary vascular density was attenuated in patients with OSAS. Moreover, on the basis of these findings, we suggest that optic nerve head vascular density measured by OCTA may be used as a potential tool to diagnose and monitor the severity of patients with OSAS.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Retinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Modulating the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Glaucoma, as an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury disease, leading irreversible blindness through the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), mediated by various pathways. Resveratrol (Res) is a polyphenolic compound that exerts protective effects against I/R injury in many tissues. This article aimed to expound the underlying mechanisms through which Res protects RGCs and reduces visual dysfunction in vivo. An experimental glaucoma model was created using 6-8-week wild-type male C57BL/6J mice. Res was injected intraperitoneally for 5 days. The mice were then grouped according to the number of days after surgery and whether Res treatment was administered. We applied the Brn3a-labeled immunofluorescence staining and flash electroretinography (ERG) to assess the survival of RGCs and visual function. The expression of components of the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, the interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß), and vital indicators of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway at the protein and RNA levels were detected respectively. The survival of RGCs was reduced after surgery compared to controls, whereas Res application rescued RGCs and improved visual dysfunction. In conclusion, our results discovered that Res administration showed neuroprotective effects through inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and activation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Thus, we further elucidated the potential of Res in glaucoma therapy.

Ameliorative effect of resveratrol on acute ocular hypertension induced retinal injury through the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway.

Glaucoma is a kind of neurodegenerative disorder characterized by irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and permanent visual impairment. It is reported that resveratrol (RES) is a promising drug for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying its protective potential have not yet been fully elucidated. The present study sought to investigate whether resveratrol could protect RGCs and retinal function triggered by acute ocular hypertension injury through the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway. An experimental glaucoma model was generated in C57BL/6J mice. Resveratrol was intraperitoneally injected for 5 days. Sirtinol was injected intravitreally on the day of retinal AOH injury. RGC survival was determined using immunostaining. TUNEL staining was conducted to evaluate retinal cell apoptosis. ERG was used to evaluate visual function. The proteins Brn3a, SIRT1, NF-κB, IL-6, Bax, Bcl2, and Cleaved Caspase3 were determined using western blot. The expression and localisation of SIRT1 and NF-κB in the retina were detected by immunofluorescence. Our data indicated that resveratrol treatment significantly increased Brn3a-labelled RGCs and reduced RGC apoptosis caused by AOH injury. Resveratrol administration also remarkably decreased NF-κB, IL-6, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase3 proteins and increased SIRT1 and Bcl2 proteins. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment obviously inhibited the reduction in ERG caused by AOH injury. Importantly, simultaneous administration of resveratrol and sirtinol abrogated the protective effect of resveratrol, decreased NF-κB protein expression, and increased SIRT1 protein levels. These results suggest that resveratrol administration significantly mitigates retinal AOH-induced RGCs loss and retinal dysfunction, and that this neuroprotective effect is partially regulated through the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway.

Analysis of retinal microvasculature features in amblyopic eyes: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate retinal vessel density (VD) in amblyopic patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for published articles comparing retinal microvasculature characteristics in patients with amblyopia and controls. Continuous variable outcomes were assessed using the mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval. Review Manager Version 5.30 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen qualified articles were pooled in this meta-analysis. Compared with controls, the foveal whole enface VD of superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of patients as measured by 3×3-mm scans were significantly lower in amblyopia eyes (MD: -1.37, P = 0.0003; MD: 1.70, P < 0.00001, respectively). Similarly, in the 6×6-mm scans, foveal whole enface VD of the SCP and DCP were remarkably lower in amblyopia eyes than in controls (MD: -2.24, P = 0.03; MD: -5.08, P = 0.04, respectively). The parafoveal VD of SCP in 3×3-mm scans (MD: -1.96, P < 0.00001) was also lower in amblyopic patients than in controls. Similarly, in 6×6-mm scans, amblyopia eyes showed a significant decrease, and a trending decrease in the parafoveal VD of the SCP (MD: -3.85, P = 0.007) and DCP (MD: -3.03, P = 0.10), respectively. For whole radial peripapillary capillary (RPC), VD was significantly reduced in amblyopic patients compared to controls (MD = -0.83, P < 0.00001). In addition, the deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was larger in amblyopic eyes than in the controls (MD = 0.55, P= 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that whole foveal and parafoveal VD and RPC whole VD were reduced in patients with amblyopia. Moreover, our results reveal that the FAZ is larger in amblyopic patients. Consequently, OCTA may have the potential for diagnosing and monitoring patients with amblyopia.

Inhibition of p66Shc attenuates retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced damage by activating the akt pathway.

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death is the direct cause of several optic neuropathies. Several studies have reported that the loss of p66Shc ameliorates neuronal injury and vascular abnormalities in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, whether p66Shc is involved in the loss of RGC remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the function of p66Shc due to retinal ischemia in mice. The retinal I/R model was constructed after an intravitreal injection of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV-EGFP or rAAV-p66Shc-EGFP) for 4 weeks. The expression of p66Shc was detected by western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. The survival of RGCs was determined using immunofluorescence staining. Retinal function was analyzed based on electroretinogram (ERG) findings. Retinal cell apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. The protein expressions of Akt, phospho-Akt, Bax, and PARP were analyzed by western blotting. After rAAVs were successfully transfected, enhanced green fluorescent protein was expressed in all retinal cell layers, and the level of p66Shc after I/R injury was successfully reduced. We found that inhibition of p66Shc expression remarkably decreased the death of RGCs and prevented the loss of ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes caused by retinal ischemia. Mechanistically, downregulation of p66Shc resulted in reduced Bax, whereas increased phospho-Akt and PARP. Taken together, our study revealed that p66Shc acts through the Akt pathway to protect RGCs from retinal I/R injury-induced apoptosis and retinal dysfunction, making p66Shc a possible therapeutic target for glaucoma treatment.

Retinal microvasculature features in patients with Behcet's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to analyze retinal microvasculature features in eyes with Behçet's disease (BD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were comprehensively searched for published studies comparing retinal microvasculature characteristics between eyes with BD and controls. Continuous variables were calculated using the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Review Manager software (version 5.30) was used to conduct statistical analysis. A total of 13 eligible studies involving 599 eyes with BD and 622 control eyes were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that the macular whole enface superficial and deep vessel density (VD) values measured by OCTA were significantly lower in eyes with BD than in control eyes (superficial VD: MD = - 3.05, P < 0.00001; deep VD: MD = - 4.05, P = 0.0004). The foveal superficial and deep VD values were also significantly lower in the BD group than in the control group (superficial VD: MD = - 1.50, P = 0.009; deep VD: MD = - 4.25, - = 0.03). Similarly, the analysis revealed a significant reduction in the parafoveal superficial and deep VD in eyes with BD than in control eyes (superficial VD: MD = - 3.68, P < 0.00001; deep VD: MD = - 4.95, P = 0.0007). In addition, the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (FAZs) were significantly larger in patients with BD than in controls (superficial FAZ: MD = 0.06, P = 0.02; deep FAZ: MD = 0.12, P = 0.03). The present meta-analysis found that macular whole enface VD, foveal VD, and parafoveal VD were lower in eyes with BD, and the FAZ was larger in patients with BD. The findings suggest that OCTA can assist clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring the status of patients with BD.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Retinal Microvascular Features in Alzheimer's Disease.

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate retinal microvascular features in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for published articles comparing retinal microvascular characteristics in subjects with AD and controls. The mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess continuous variables. Review Manager Version (RevMan) 5.30, was employed to analyze the data. Results: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis revealed that the macular whole enface superficial and deep vessel density (VD) values measured by OCTA were significantly lower in patients with AD than in controls (MD = -1.10, P < 0.0001; MD = -1.61, P = 0.0001, respectively). The value measured by OCTA for parafoveal superficial VD in patients with AD was also remarkably lower than that in the control group (MD = -1.42, P = 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the value for parafoveal deep VD (MD = -3.67, P = 0.19), compared to the controls. In addition, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was larger in patients with AD than in the control group (MD = 0.08, P = 0.07), although it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis indicated that the macular whole enface and parafoveal vessel densities were reduced in patients with AD. Moreover, our pooled data revealed that FAZ is larger in patients with AD. Consequently, OCTA may be utilized as a diagnostic tool to identify and monitor patients with AD.

Resveratrol attenuates retinal ganglion cell loss in a mouse model of retinal ischemia reperfusion injury via multiple pathways.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenol that has been shown to protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following retinal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the molecular mechanisms of resveratrol function are yet to be fully elucidated. Thus, this study explored the potential mechanisms of resveratrol in vivo. METHODS: A retinal ischemia reperfusion injury model was established in adult male C57BL/6 J mice. Intraperitoneal injection of resveratrol was administered continuously for 5 days. RGC survival was determined by immunofluorescence staining with Brn3a. Flash electroretinography (ERG) was conducted to assess visual function. Proteins of HIF-1a, VEGF, p38, p53, PI3K, Akt, Bax, Bcl2, and Cleaved Caspase3 were detected using Western blot. RESULTS: RES administration significantly ameliorated retinal thickness damage and increased Brn3a stained RGCs 7 days after I/R injury. We also found that administration of RES remarkably inhibited the upregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis-related protein Bax and Cleaved Caspase3, as well as increased the expression of Bcl2. Furthermore, RES administration significantly suppressed the I/R injury-induced upregulation of the HIF-1a/VEGF and p38/p53 pathways, while activating the I/R injury-induced downregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Moreover, RES administration remarkably improved retinal function after I/R injury-induced functional impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that resveratrol can mitigate retinal ischemic injury induced RGC loss and retinal function impairment by inhibiting the HIF-1a/VEGF and p38/p53 pathways while activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, our results further reinforce that resveratrol has potential for treating glaucoma.

Microcatheter-Assisted Circumferential Trabeculotomy versus Conventional Trabeculotomy for the Treatment of Childhood Glaucoma: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy (Group 1) with that of conventional trabeculotomy (Group 2) for the treatment of childhood glaucoma. METHODS: Published studies were systematically searched via the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous variables. Mean ± the standard deviation, mean difference, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for continuous variables. Heterogeneity was assessed. Random effects modeling and RevMan version 5.30 were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Five eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Mean postoperative intraocular pressures were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 at 3 months (P = 0.03), 6 months (P = 0.03), and 12 months (P = 0.007) postoperatively. The complete success rates were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 at 3 months (P = 0.008), 6 months (P = 0.01), and 12 months (P = 0.004) postoperatively, as were the respective qualified success rates (P = 0.04, P = 0.0007, and P = 0.001). The pooled estimate indicated lower antiglaucoma medication use in Group 1, especially at 1 month postoperatively (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy resulted in excellent intraocular pressure control, higher success rates, and the utilization of less medication than conventional trabeculotomy for childhood glaucoma. Therefore, microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy may be recommended as the initial procedure for the treatment of childhood glaucoma.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Assessment of the Peripapillary Vessel Density and Structure in Patients with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis is aimed at assessing the peripapillary vessel density (VD) and structural outcomes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for literature comparing VD and structural outcomes in patients with NAION and controls was performed. Mean differences (MDs) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for continuous estimates. Review Manager (V5.30) was used for analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen published studies met the requirement. The radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) whole enface VD measured by OCTA was significantly lower in patients with NAION compared to that of the controls (MD = -10.51, P < 0.00001). The RPC inside disc VD was significantly decreased in the NAION group than that in the control group (MD = -8.47, P < 0.00001). For RPC peripapillary VD, there was a statistically significant difference between patients with NAION and the controls (MD = -12.48, P < 0.00001). The peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (p-RNFL) thickness was significantly lower in patients with NAION in comparison to the controls (MD = -22.18, P = 0.004). The ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in the macular zone of NAION patients was remarkably reduced compared to that in the controls (MD = -17.18, P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that the peripapillary VD and RNFL thickness were attenuated, and the macular GCC thickness was reduced in patients with NAION. OCTA, in the future, may facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with NAION.

LncRNA MIR4435-2HG mediates cisplatin resistance in HCT116 cells by regulating Nrf2 and HO-1.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin resistance is still a serious problem in the clinic. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In our study, we investigated cisplatin resistance by using the cisplatin-resistant cell line HCT116R. METHODS: The HCT116 cell line, a colon cancer cell line, was purchased. Cell viability was determined using CCK-8 Assay Kit. The gene expression levels of MIR4435-2HG, Nrf2, and HO-1, and caspase activity were determined using qRT-PCR and Caspase 3 Assay Kit, respectively. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the levels of the lncRNA MIR4435-2HG were dramatically increased in the cisplatin-resistant cell line HCT116R. Knockdown of MIR4435-2HG in HCT116R cells significantly restored the sensitivity to cisplatin, inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA levels, as critical molecules in the oxidative stress pathway, were inhibited by siRNAs targeting MIR4435-2HG, suggesting that MIR4435-2HG-mediated cisplatin resistance occurs through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the lncRNA MIR4435-2HG is a main factor driving the cisplatin resistance of HCT116 cells.

Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique versus Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Vitrectomy in Highly Myopic Eyes with Macular Hole-Induced Retinal Detachment: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare morphological and functional outcomes between vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique and vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling in highly myopic eyes with macular hole- (MH-) induced retinal detachment (MHRD). METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were comprehensively searched from inception to November 10, 2019, for published studies comparing the two techniques for the treatment of MHRD. The outcomes in the collected articles included the postoperative MH closure rate, retinal reattachment rate, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Review Manager (version 5.3) was used for analyses. RESULTS: In total, seven retrospective studies comparing the inverted ILM flap technique with ILM peeling for the treatment of MHRD were included. The MH closure rate was significantly higher in the inverted ILM flap group than in the ILM peeling group at 6 and 12 months after initial surgery (OR = 15.39; 95% CI: 6.68 to 35.43;P < 0.00001 and OR = 12.58, 95% CI: 3.51 to 45.08; P=0.0001), while the retinal reattachment rate was similar in both groups at 6 months after initial surgery (OR = 2.40; 95% CI: 0.89 to 6.50; P=0.08). Besides, the postoperative BCVA was significantly better in the inverted ILM flap group than in the ILM peeling group at 12 months after initial surgery (MD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.18; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the MH closure rate and postoperative BCVA may be better with the inverted ILM flap technique than with ILM peeling for myopic MHRD, while the postoperative retinal reattachment rate appears to be similar with both techniques. Therefore, in the future, vitrectomy with the inverted ILM flap technique should be preferred over standard ILM peeling technique for the treatment of MHRD in highly myopic eyes.

Resveratrol protects retinal ganglion cells against ischemia induced damage by increasing Opa1 expression.

Loss of idiopathic retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leads to irreversible vision defects and is considered the primary characteristic of glaucoma. However, effective treatment strategies in terms of RGC neuroprotection remain elusive. In the present study, the protective effects of resveratrol on RGC apoptosis, and the mechanisms underlying its effects were investigated, with a particular emphasis on the function of optic atrophy 1 (Opa1). In an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model, the notable thinning of the retina, significant apoptosis of RGCs, reduction in Opa1 expression and long Opa1 isoform to short Opa1 isoform ratios (L­Opa1/S­Opa1 ratio) were observed, all of which were reversed by resveratrol administration. Serum deprivation resulted in reductions in R28 cell viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Opa1 expression and induced apoptosis, which were also partially reversed by resveratrol treatment. To conclude, results from the present study suggest that resveratrol treatment significantly reduced retinal damage and RGC apoptosis in I/R injury and serum deprivation models. In addition, resveratrol reversed the downregulated expression of Opa1 and reduced SOD activity. Mechanistically, resveratrol influenced mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the L­Opa1/S­Opa1 ratio. Therefore, these observations suggest that resveratrol may exhibit potential as a therapeutic agent for RGC damage in the future.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Assessed Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature Features in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the retinal and choroidal microvasculature features using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: This study was a meta-analysis of relevant published studies that were included after a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess continuous variable outcomes. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the chi-squared test based on the values of P and I 2. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The vessel density values measured in the superficial and deep foveal zones of RP patients using OCTA were significantly lower than the recorded values in the control groups (MD = -3.58, P=0.04; MD = -4.93, P=0.02, respectively). The superficial and deep parafoveal vessel density values measured with OCTA were also significantly lower in RP patients than in control groups (MD = -9.09, P < 0.00001; MD = -10.74, P < 0.00001, respectively); for choriocapillaris vessel density, there was no statistically significant difference between RP patients and controls (MD = -1.33, P=0.09). The deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was significantly larger in RP patients than in controls (MD = 0.15, P=0.01), whereas there was no significant difference in the superficial foveal avascular zones in the two groups (MD = 0.08, P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that retinal and choroidal vessels were attenuated in RP patients. Additionally, we revealed that the FAZ was larger in RP patients, especially the deep FAZ. OCTA may become a useful modality in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with RP.

Comparison of dexamethasone intravitreal implant with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in the treatment of macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for published studies comparing DEX with anti-VEGF for the treatment of ME caused by BRVO. Outcomes of the selected studies included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and adverse events. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Six trials comparing the efficacy and safety of DEX with anti-VEGF were included in this meta-analysis. At 1 month, DEX achieved a mean BCVA superior to that achieved by anti-VEGF (MD = -0.11, P < .0001), in addition to a superior mean BCVA change (MD = -0.35, P < .00001). At 3 months, the mean BCVA showed a significant difference (MD = -0.06, P = .03) between DEX and anti-VEGF treatment, while the mean BCVA change was similar to that with anti-VEGF treatment (MD = -0.06, P = .11). However, neither mean BCVA nor mean BCVA change showed a significant difference between DEX and anti-VEGF treatment at 6 months (MD = 0.08, P = .06; MD = 0.06, P = .43, respectively). Mean CMT and mean CMT change were significantly lower in the DEX group than in the anti-VEGF group at 1 month (MD = -53.63 µm, P < .00001; MD = -60.1 µm, P = .005, respectively). However, at 3 months, mean CMT and mean CMT change were similar between DEX and anti-VEGF treatment (MD = 17.4 µ, P = .74; MD = 18.01 µm, P = .72, respectively). Although mean CMT in the anti-VEGF group was not significantly lower than that in the DEX group at 6 months (MD = 55.53, P = .07), the mean CMT change from baseline achieved by the anti-VEGF treatment was significantly superior to that obtained with DEX (MD = 75.53, P = .0002). Concerning adverse events, no statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of cataract (OR = 4.25, P = .07), but the use of DEX led to a higher risk of intraocular pressure elevation compared with anti-VEGF treatment (OR = 12.04, P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that visual acuity recovery and CMT were better in the DEX group than in the anti-VEGF group after 1 and 3 months, although the difference in CMT at 3 months was not significant. However, there were no significant differences in terms of visual acuity and CMT between the two groups after 6 months of follow-up. Therefore, DEX may be recommended as the first treatment option in ME associated with BRVO.

MicroRNA-296 mediated corneal neovascularization in an animal model of corneal burns after alkali exposures.

Alkali burns of the cornea may lead to permanent visual impairment or complete blindness. In the current study, the role of microRNA 296 (miR-296) was explored in mouse corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burns. An alkali burn model in Balb/c mice was developed to study chemical corneal injuries. The expression of the miR-296 gene was measured by reverse-transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) protein expression was measured by western blot analysis. Possible impacted pathways were analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. miR-296 gene expression was examined following chemical corneal injury and it was demonstrated that different topical eye medications decreased miR-296 gene expression. miR-296 may participate in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways to influence corneal inflammatory responses. It was also revealed that FGF23 was expressed following chemical corneal injury and that different treatments with topical eye drops decreased its expression. miR-296 is a novel molecular modulator for alkali burns in the mouse cornea.

Expression of Sirtuins in the Retinal Neurons of Mice, Rats, and Humans.

Sirtuins are a class of histone deacetylases (HDACs) that have been shown to regulate a range of pathophysiological processes such as cellular aging, inflammation, metabolism, and cell proliferation. There are seven mammalian Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) that play important roles in stress response, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the location and function of Sirtuins in neurons are not well defined. This study assessed the retinal expression of Sirtuins in mice, rats, and humans and measured the expression of Sirtuins in aged and injured retinas. Expression of all 7 Sirtuins was confirmed by Western blot and Real-Time PCR analysis in all three species. SIRT1 is highly expressed in mouse, rat, and human retinas, whereas SIRT2-7 expression was relatively lower in human retinas. Immunofluorescence was also used to examine the expression and localization of Sirtuins in rat retinal neurons. Importantly, we demonstrate a marked reduction of SIRT1 expression in aged retinal neurons as well as retinas injured by acute ischemia-reperfusion. On the other hand, none of the other Sirtuins exhibit any significant age-related changes in expression except for SIRT5, which was significantly higher in the retinas of adults compared to both young and aged rats. Our work presents the first composite analysis of Sirtuins in the retinal neurons of mice, rats, and humans, and suggests that increasing the expression and activity of SIRT1 may be beneficial for the treatment of glaucoma and other age-related eye dysfunction.