1: Ophthalmic Res. 2012 Jan 19;48(1):28-32 [Epub ahead of print] 

Molecular Genetic Analysis of Macular Corneal Dystrophy Patients from North
India.

Paliwal P, Sharma A, Tandon R, Sharma N, Titiyal JS, Sen S, Vajpayee RB.

Laboratory of Cyto-Molecular Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India
Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Purpose: To identify underlying genetic defects in the carbohydrate
sulfotransferase-6 (CHST6) gene in North Indian patients with macular corneal
dystrophy (MCD). Methods: 30 clinically diagnosed MCD patients from 21 families
and 50 healthy normal controls were recruited in the study. Detailed clinical
evaluation in the patients was undertaken followed by histopathology and
ultrastructural studies in corneal tissues. DNA from blood samples was amplified
for the CHST6 coding and upstream region followed by direct sequencing and in
silico analysis. Results: We identified pathogenic mutations in 17 patients from
11 families. Of these 4 were novel (p.Ser54Tyr, p.Gln58Arg, p.Leu59His and
p.Leu293Phe), 2 were previously reported (Arg93His and Glu274Lys) homozygous, 1
heterozygous stop codon (p.Trp123X) and 2 compound heterozygous (p.Arg93His +
p.Arg97Pro; p.Leu22Arg + p.Gln58X) mutations. A missense single-nucleotide
polymorphism was also identified in 11 patients. The novel mutations were
conserved as shown by in silico analysis. Thirteen patients did not show any
pathogenic CHST6 changes. Conclusions: This is the first report on molecular
analysis of MCD in North Indian patients. All cases could not be explained by
mutations in CHST6, suggesting that MCD may result from other changes in the
regulatory elements of CHST6 or from genetic heterogeneity. Copyright (c) 2012
S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22261655  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Ophthalmic Res. 2012 Jan 3;48(1):22-27 [Epub ahead of print] 

Serotonin (5-HT7) Receptor-Stimulated Activation of cAMP-PKA Pathway in Bovine
Corneal Epithelial and Endothelial Cells.

Grueb M, Rohrbach JM, Schlote T, Mielke J.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany.

Background: 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) is a major neurotransmitter,
and its receptors are found throughout the whole body. The 5-HT7 receptor
subtype was detected in human corneal epithelial and endothelial cells and found
to be functionally active in a corneal epithelial cell line. The aim of the
present study was to demonstrate that native bovine corneal epithelial and
endothelial cells express a functional 5-HT7 receptor positively coupled to
adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A (PKA) formation. Methods: 5-HT7 receptors
were studied using polyclonal antibodies. cAMP concentration after 5-HT7
receptor stimulation with 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT, a 5-HT7 agonist) was
tested by enzyme immunoassay, PKA activity was estimated by kinase consumption
of ATP. Results: Immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed the
presence of 5-HT7 receptors in corneal epithelial and endothelial cells.
Stimulation of corneal 5-HT7 receptors with 5-CT revealed a dose-dependent
increase in intracellular cAMP concentration in corneal epithelium (0.01-0.34
pmol/ml) and endothelium (0.01-0.19 pmol/ml) between 10(-10) and 10(-7) mg/ml
5-CT (p = 0.001) with maximal stimulation from 10(-7) to 10(-3) mg/ml 5-CT (0.30
+/- 0.03 and 0.18 +/- 0.01 pmol/ml, respectively). Incubation with 10(-6) mg/ml
SB269970 (a selective 5-HT7 antagonist) blocked 5-CT-induced cAMP increase in
corneal epithelial (0.03 pmol/ml) and endothelial cells (0.02 pmol/ml; p =
0.001). Stimulation of corneal 5-HT7 receptors with 5-CT revealed a
dose-dependent increase in PKA activity between 10(-10) and 10(-8) mg/ml 5-CT in
corneal epithelium and endothelium (<1 to >99%; p = 0.013 and p = 0.017,
respectively) with maximal stimulation from 10(-8) to 10(-4) mg/ml (>99%) 5-CT.
Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that native corneal epithelial and endothelial
cells express a functional 5-HT7 receptor positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase
and PKA formation. However, at the present time, the physiological role of 5-HT
receptors and the cAMP-PKA pathway in the cornea remains a matter of
speculation. Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22222787  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

3: Ophthalmic Res. 2012 Jan 3;48(1):12-21 [Epub ahead of print] 

Ultrastructure of the Anterior Lens Capsule and Epithelium in Cataracts
Associated with Uveitis.

Stunf S, Hvala A, Vidovic Valentincic N, Kraut A, Hawlina M.

Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Aims: To study the ultrastructure of the anterior lens capsule and epithelium,
and capsular thickness in uveitic cataracts. Methods: Capsulorhexis samples from
20 uveitic cataracts were compared to 20 nuclear cataracts using the semi- and
ultra-thin techniques. Results: Extensive epithelial and capsular-epithelial
border changes and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in some fibrotic capsules
were found only in the uveitic group. All these changes were observed
predominately in white uveitic cataracts. Mild and moderate ultrastructural
changes were seen in both groups. Surface deposition of amorphous material was
also found only in uveitic cataracts. Capsular thickness was not different
between the two groups. Conclusions: Uveitic capsules showed more extensive and
different ultrastructural changes that probably occurred because of inflammation
in the eye and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These changes might be an
additional reason for altered behavior of the lens capsule at capsulorhexis.
Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22222715  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 28;48(1):6-11 [Epub ahead of print] 

Retinal Micropseudocysts in Diabetic Retinopathy: Prospective Functional and
Anatomic Evaluation.

Forte R, Cennamo G, Finelli ML, Bonavolonta P, Greco GM, de Crecchio G.

Eye Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence, progression and functional predictive value of
retinal micropseudocysts (MPCs) in diabetic patients. Methods: Prospective
controlled observational study. From among all the type 2 diabetic patients
evaluated during a period of 5 months between September 2009 and January 2010,
we enrolled all patients with retinal MPCs at spectral-domain scanning laser
ophthalmoscope/optical coherence tomography (SD-SLO/OCT) not previously treated
for diabetic retinopathy. Forty diabetic patients without MPCs served as the
control group. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness
(CRT), macular sensitivity and stability of fixation at SD-SLO/OCT
microperimetry were measured monthly for 12 months. Results: 22/156 patients
with type 2 diabetes (14.1%, 32 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. The 95%
confidence interval for the prevalence estimate of MPCs was 12.3-16.6%. Mean
BCVA, CRT and central retinal sensitivity at baseline were 77.53 +/- 2.2 Early
Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, 242.31 +/- 31.0 mum and 15.95 +/-
0.61 dB, respectively. Fixation was stable in all cases. Compared to the control
group, eyes with MPCs had similar BCVA but greater CRT (p = 0.01) and reduced
macular sensitivity (p = 0.001) at baseline and at each follow-up visit. Over
time, CRT remained stable in eyes with MPCs, whereas macular sensitivity
progressively decreased. Conclusion: MPCs in diabetic retinopathy are
associated, temporally or causally, with a progressive reduction of macular
sensitivity despite a stable BCVA, CRT and fixation. Copyright (c) 2011 S.
Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22205346  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 28;48(1):1-5 [Epub ahead of print] 

Discrimination of Healthy and Glaucomatous Eyes Based on the Ocular Pulse
Amplitude: A Diagnostic Case-Control Study.

Robert YC, Wild A, Kessels AG, Backes WH, Zollinger A, Bachmann LM.

Eye Department, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.

By measuring the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), the dynamic contour tonometer
(DCT) assesses intraocular pressure (IOP). Hypothesizing that OPA is
characteristic for the IOP when considered with the systemic arterial blood
pressure, we assumed the ratio of ocular and arterial pulsation amplitudes is
larger in glaucoma patients. Bi-ocular DCT-OPA assessment was synchronized with
arterial pulsations using Finapres(R) technology, thereby enabling blood
pressure determination for each corresponding IOP value every 0.01 s for 12 s.
Based on measurements and calculations in 10 healthy subjects and 11 glaucoma
patients, we conclude that the ratio of the OPA and blood pressure variances is
a strong glaucoma diagnostic indicator, thereby justifying further
investigation. Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22205259  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

6: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 22;47(4):220-224 [Epub ahead of print] 

Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Characteristics of Macular
Contusion Trauma.

Yu W, Zheng L, Zhang Z, Dai R, Dong F.

Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese
Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.

Purpose: To describe the characteristics of macular lesions after eye trauma
using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: We
retrospectively reviewed and described 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D)
spectral-domain OCT characteristics of 24 consecutive eyes of 24 cases that were
identified with macular lesions after eye trauma. Results: Spectral-domain OCT
clearly demonstrated a variety of lesions: hemorrhage, epiretinal membrane
formation, macular hole, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) rupture combined with
choroidal neovascularization formation, photoreceptor inner/outer surface
changes, RPE detachment, scar formation with e.g. diffuse macular edema, macular
distortion or macular atrophy. Main lesions were located in the fovea area in 11
eyes (45.8%), the parafovea in 3 eyes (12.5%) and the whole macular area in 10
eyes (41.7%). Conclusion: Spectral-domain OCT is a useful investigation
providing refined and credible 2D/3D images, precisely locating macular lesions
after contusion trauma. Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22189750  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

7: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 22;47(4):214-219 [Epub ahead of print] 

Sampling Aqueous Humor: Anterior Segment Anatomy, Anesthetic and Surgical
Technique, and Rates of Yield.

Bertelmann T, Kicova N, Kohlberger L, Spychalska M, Strodthoff S, Irle S, Mennel
S.

Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.

Purpose: To evaluate anterior segment anatomy and anesthetic and surgical
techniques with respect to the amount of aqueous humor (AH) that can be sampled
out of the anterior chamber (AC) at the beginning of standard cataract removal
procedures (phacoemulsification). Methods: In a prospective survey, volumes of
sampled AH from 123 eyes (110 patients) were analyzed in regard to AC anatomy
(anterior chamber depth, ACD) and different anesthetic techniques (local and
general anesthesia). Results: 107 eyes (87%) were included into our analysis,
and 16 eyes (13%) had to be excluded due to failure of AH collection. We found a
significant positive association between ACD and obtained AH volume (p = 0.007).
In general anesthesia, a strong trend to acquire more AH in comparison to local
anesthesia was apparent, but statistical significance failed (p = 0.167).
Different anesthetic techniques seem to have no significant influence on ACD (p
= 0.169). No training curve for the individual surgeon was obtained. No
complications were observed. Conclusion: When AH sampling is performed in eyes
with a deep AC and when the procedure is performed under general anesthesia,
more AH can be aspirated. Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22189688  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

8: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 16;47(4):202-207 [Epub ahead of print] 

Does Neuronal Damage Precede Vascular Damage in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus and Having No Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy?

Verma A, Raman R, Vaitheeswaran K, Pal SS, Laxmi G, Gupta M, Shekar SC, Sharma
T.

Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services,Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India.

Aim: To investigate the occurrence of neuronal damage, as the earliest change
occurring, before the clinical evidence of diabetic retinopathy. Methods: 70
eyes of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and with no evidence of diabetic
retinopathy (cases) and 40 eyes of subjects with no diabetes mellitus (controls)
were studied using spectral-domain OCT and microperimetry. The influence of age
and gender on the outcome measures was also analyzed. Results: Age- and
gender-matched subjects showed a decreased mean retinal nerve fiber layer
thickness in cases when compared to the controls (27 vs. 33 mum; p = 0.018).
Among the cases, subjects between 40 and 45 years of age showed a reduced mean
central foveal thickness (175.1 vs. 198.1 mum; p = 0.05), mean retinal thickness
in the central 6-mm fundus (260.5 vs. 275.3 mum; p = 0.006) and mean retinal
nerve fiber layer thickness (29 vs. 39 mum; p = 0.036) when compared to the
controls. However, no differences were noted in the microperimetry outcomes in
cases when compared to the controls. The duration of diabetes and the glycemic
control did not show any significant changes on the outcome measures in cases,
except for a significantly lower mean retinal sensitivity in diabetics with
glycosylated hemoglobin values <7% as compared to those with glycosylated
hemoglobin >/=7% (14.1 +/- 2.9 vs. 15.4 +/- 1.7 dB; p = 0.027). Conclusion: The
results suggest that there is some evidence of early neuronal damage
particularly on spectral-domain OCT, before the clinical evidence of diabetic
retinopathy, in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Copyright (c) 2011 S.
Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22179629  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

9: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 16;47(4):208-213 [Epub ahead of print] 

Risk Factors Associated with Progression in Exfoliative Glaucoma Patients.

Hollo G, Quaranta L, Cvenkel B, Astakhov YS, Teus MA, Kothy P, Miglior S, Riva
I, Akopov EL, Gros J, Stewart JA, Kristoffersen MS, Nelson LA, Stewart WC.

Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.

Purpose: To evaluate exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) patients over 5 years,
determining risk factors associated with progression or non-progression of
glaucoma. Methods: A retrospective, observational study. Patients were chosen
from consecutive charts and data collected from each available visit included in
the follow-up period. Data were abstracted for non-progressed XFG patients for 5
years and for progressed patients until glaucoma worsened. Progression was
determined from patient records and by disc photographs. Results: There were 71
(53%) progressed and 63 (47%) non-progressed XFG patients.Baseline parameters
demonstrated worse visual field damage (p = 0.014) and more prescribed medicines
(p = 0.03) in progressed patients. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) for
progressed patients was 18.7 +/- 4.3 and 17.3 +/- 3.4 mm Hg for non-progressed
patients (p = 0.047). The mean IOP that best separated the groups was 17 mm Hg
with 60% staying non-progressed at or below this level and 30% above this level.
At the last visit, progressed patients had more medicines prescribed (1.7) than
non-progressed patients (1.3, p = 0.005). A multivariate regression analysis
showed higher mean, peak and variance of IOP, number of glaucoma medications at
the final visit and presence of a disc hemorrhage (n = 5) as independent risk
factors for progression (p PMID: 22178774  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

10: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 8;47(4):195-201 [Epub ahead of print] 

Altered MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Retinas with Diabetic Retinopathy.

Wu JH, Gao Y, Ren AJ, Zhao SH, Zhong M, Peng YJ, Shen W, Jing M, Liu L.

Department of Ophthalmology at Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were studied in order to
identify abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in diabetic retinopathy
(DR) and to ascertain miRNAs associated with DR. Histopathologically, we
observed characteristic features of DR in rats at 10 weeks after STZ injection.
Investigation of miRNA expression profiles in the retinas of control and
diabetic rats using miRNA microarrays revealed that many miRNAs were abnormally
expressed in DR. On the basis of their fold changes and probability values, a
total of 37 miRNAs were selected for further validation by real-time PCR
analysis. The results showed that 11 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 6
miRNAs were notably downregulated in DR. Furthermore, these changes in retinal
miRNA expression levels paralleled the course of DR. Levels of miR-182, miR-96,
miR-183, miR-211, miR-204, and miR-124 were significantly increased during the
progress of DR, whereas miR-10b, miR-10a, miR-219-2-3p, miR-144, miR-338, and
miR-199a-3p were significantly decreased. Our data indicate that the aberrant
miRNA expression profiles in DR are associated with the development of DR.
Modulation of retinal miRNA expression levels may provide a potential
therapeutic strategy for DRs. Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22156553  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

11: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 7;47(4):189-194 [Epub ahead of print] 

Diabetes Mellitus Affects Biomechanical Properties of the Optic Nerve Head in
the Rat.

Terai N, Spoerl E, Haustein M, Hornykewycz K, Haentzschel J, Pillunat LE.

Department of Ophthalmology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Dresden,
Germany.

Background: To investigate the effect of diabetes on the biomechanical behavior
of the optic nerve head (ONH) and the peripapillary sclera (ppSc) in
streptozocine-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in
20 Wistar rats using streptozocine. Twenty-five nondiabetic rats served as
controls. Eyes were enucleated after 12 weeks and 2 strips of one eye were
prepared containing ONH or ppSc. The stress-strain relation was measured in the
stress range of 0.05-10 MPa using a biomaterial tester. Results: At 5% strain
the stress of the ONH in diabetic rats was 897 +/- 295 kPa and in the control
group it was 671 +/- 246 kPa; there was a significant difference between both
groups (p = 0.011). The stress of the diabetic ppSc (574 +/- 185 kPa) increased
compared to that of the nondiabetic ppSc (477 +/- 171 kPa), but this did not
reach statistical significance (p = 0.174). The calculated tangent modulus at 5%
strain was 11.79 MPa in the diabetic ONH and 8.77 MPa in the nondiabetic ONH;
there was a significant difference between both groups (p = 0.006). The
calculated tangent modulus at 5% strain was 7.17 MPa in the diabetic ppSc and
6.12 MPa in the nondiabetic ppSc, without a statistically significant difference
(p = 0.09). Conclusion: In contrast to the ppSc, the ONH of diabetic rats showed
a significant increase in stiffness compared to nondiabetic rats, which might be
explained by nonenzymatic collagen cross-linking mediated by advanced glycation
end products due to high blood glucose levels in diabetes. Further studies are
needed to investigate if these biomechanical changes represent a detrimental
risk factor for intraocular pressure regulation in diabetic glaucoma patients.
Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22156545  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

12: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Dec 9;47(3):122-127 [Epub ahead of print] 

Hydrogen Saline Treatment Attenuates Hyperoxia-Induced Retinopathy by Inhibition
of Oxidative Stress and Reduction of VEGF Expression.

Huang L, Zhao S, Zhang JH, Sun X.

Department of Ophthalmology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, PR China.

Objective: Retinal neovascularization or retinopathy is a proliferative disorder
of the retinal capillaries and is the primary cause of blindness. Some studies
have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in hyperoxia-induced
retinal neovascularization. Previous reports have indicated that hydrogen has a
therapeutic, antioxidant activity by selectively reducing hydroxyl radicals.
This study examined the therapeutic effect of hydrogen saline on retinopathy in
an established mouse model of hyperoxia-induced retinopathy. Methods: Mouse pups
were exposed to 75% O(2) from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12. Hydrogen saline was
administered by intraperitoneal injection (5 ml/kg) daily for 5 days. On P17,
the pups were decapitated, and retinal neovascularization was assessed using
fluorescence imaging and histopathological examination. Vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) expression was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain
reaction and fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Oxidative stress was quantified
based on the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Results: Hydrogen saline decreased
retinal neovascularization, reduced the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF, and
suppressed the MDA levels. Conclusions: Hydrogen saline may be a potential
treatment for hyperoxia-induced retinopathy that acts via the inhibition of
oxidative stress and the reduction of VEGF expression. Copyright (c) 2011 S.
Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22156508  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

13: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Nov 26;47(4):171-188 [Epub ahead of print] 

Epidemiology of Major Eye Diseases Leading to Blindness in Europe: A Literature
Review.

Prokofyeva E, Zrenner E.

Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of
Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany.

The objective of this work was to study the epidemiology of major eye diseases
leading to blindness in Europe through a systematic literature review. The
literature search was performed using the Medline database (PubMed), with MeSH
and free text search terms. Inclusion criteria for the studies were: (a)
performed on a healthy population of Caucasian origin aged between 50 and 75
years; (b) diagnosed by ophthalmological examination in accordance with the
International Classification of Diseases 10; (c) contained a detailed
description of the sampling and diagnostic procedures and data resources; (d)
sample size >500, and (e) published between 1990 and 2008. The results of 57
studies on the prevalence and incidence of age-related macular degeneration,
diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are reported, providing an up-to-date and
comprehensive overview of these diseases in Europe from an epidemiological
perspective. Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22123077  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

14: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Nov 26;47(3):163-169 [Epub ahead of print] 

Suppression of Retinal Neovascularization by Lentivirus-Mediated Netrin-1 Small
Hairpin RNA.

Xu H, Liu J, Xiong S, Le YZ, Xia X.

Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,
Changsha, China.

Objectives: The function of netrin-1 in pathological angiogenesis and its role
in retinal neovascularization were investigated in the retinas of oxygen-induced
retinopathy (OIR) mice by inhibition of netrin-1. Methods: Expression of
netrin-1 mRNA and protein in the retinas of OIR mice was analyzed by
quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Inhibition of retinal neovascularization
was achieved by lentivirus-mediated netrin-1 small hairpin RNA (shRNA)
infection. Retinal neovascularization was examined by fluorescein angiography
and quantification of preretinal neovascular nuclei in retinal sections.
Results: Both mRNA and protein expression of netrin-1 were significantly
upregulated in postnatal day 17 OIR mouse retinas. Treatment of OIR mice with
specific lentivirus-mediated netrin-1 shRNA dramatically reduced neovascular
outgrowth into the inner limiting membrane. Neovascular tufts and nonperfused
areas were also reduced. Conclusions: High expression of netrin-1 was detected
in the retina under ischemic conditions and played a significant role in
pathological retinal angiogenesis. Therefore, netrin-1 represents a potential
therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and
other ocular neovascular diseases. Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22122983  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

15: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Nov 25;47(1):I [Epub ahead of print] 

Editorial.

Corcostegui B, Pelayes D, Pleyer U.

No abstract available. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22122976  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

16: Ophthalmic Res. 2011 Nov 24;47(3):157-162 [Epub ahead of print] 

Effect of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment on the
Retinal Gene Expression in Acute Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Drechsler F, Koferl P, Hollborn M, Wiedemann P, Bringmann A, Kohen L, Rehak M.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.

Purpose: To determine the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab and anti-vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies on the gene expression in the neural
retina in a rat model of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: The
CRVO was induced by laser photocoagulation of all retinal veins. The animals
were divided into 3 groups (in each, n = 16): group CRVO only without any
further treatment, group CRVO with bevacizumab, and group CRVO with anti-VEGF
antibodies. The intravitreal injection of bevacizumab or anti-VEGF antibodies
was performed 15 min after CRVO induction. The left eyes in all animals served
as untreated controls. The expression of factors which influence the development
of vascular edema (VEGF-A, pigment epithelium-derived factor, PEDF), of channels
implicated in retinal osmohomeostasis (Kir4.1, AQP4, AQP1) and of the
proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 was determined by
using real-time RT-PCR after 1 and 3 days of CRVO. Results: CRVO induced a rapid
transient upregulation of Vegfa after 1 day, and a delayed upregulation of Pedf
after 3 days of CRVO. The expression levels of Kir4.1, Aqp4 and Aqp1 were
strongly decreased, and the levels of Il1beta and Il6 were strikingly increased
after CRVO. Intravitreal bevacizumab and anti-VEGF antibodies fully prevented
the upregulation of Vegfa after 1 day, and the upregulation of Pedf after 3 days
of CRVO, and decreased the upregulation of Il1beta after 1 day of CRVO.
Anti-VEGF treatment had no effect on the expression levels of Kir4.1, Aqp4,
Aqp1, and Il6. Conclusions: It is suggested that the inhibitory effect on the
upregulation of Vegfa and Il1beta contributes to the edema-resolving effect of
anti-VEGF treatment. Copyright (c) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22116547  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]