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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The effect of copolymer-1 (Cop-1)-activated T cells and microglia on RGCs protection in vitro was explored. METHODS: Cop-1-specific T cells (Tcop-1 group) were made by repeated Cop-1 stimulation of T cells, microglia (MG group) were isolated from the retinas of newborn rats, and then, they were cocultured (Tcop-1+MG group) for 48 h. RGCs were collected from the retinas of adult rats, purified, and then, the supernatants from different groups were added. After 72 h, TUNEL analysis was used to observe RGC apoptosis, and RT-PCR was used to test mRNA expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8. The levels of cytokines, including IGF-1, BDNF, TNF-α and IL-10, in the supernatants were examined by ELISA to explore the possible mechanisms of Tcop-1 and microglia interaction. RESULTS: After 72 h, the mean RGC apoptosis rate in the Tcop-1+MG group was the lowest (25.36%) among the groups. The mRNA expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 in the Tcop-1+MG group was significantly lower than that of the control groups (both P<0.05). The secretion of IL-10 and BDNF in the supernatant of the Tcop-1+MG group was higher than that of the control groups (both P<0.05) after culture for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. The secretion of IGF-1 in the Tcop-1+MG group also increased after 24 h and 48 h (P<0.05). The secretion of TNF-α in the Tcop-1+MG group showed an increase after 12 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The interaction of Tcop-1 with microglia could reduce RGC apoptosis. The related immune mechanisms were complicated. Upregulation of BDNF and IGF-1 and the balance of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) may be involved in this protective autoimmunity.
Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 04/2013; · 1.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: To examine the morphologic features of parapapillary atrophy by using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and color fundus photographs. METHODS: The clinical observational comparative study included 80 normal eyes of 46 subjects and 80 eyes of 46 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Both groups did not vary significantly in axial length (P=0.62) and refractive error (P=0.30). Color fundus photographs and horizontal cross-sectional B-scan images obtained by EDI-OCT were examined. On the EDI-OCT images, we measured a gamma zone defined as the region between the temporal disc margin to the beginning of Bruch's membrane, and a beta zone defined as Bruch's membrane without retinal pigment epithelium. RESULTS: Gamma zone (mean area: 1.13±2.04 mm2) was significantly associated with longer axial length (P<0.001; standardized coefficient beta: 0.48), longer vertical disc diameter (P<0.001; beta:0.43), older age (P=0.008; beta: 0.22), and absence of glaucoma (P=0.03; beta: -0.19). Beta zone (mean area: 0.85±0.60 mm2) was associated with longer axial length (P<0.001; beta: 0.39) and presence of glaucoma (P<0.001; beta: 0.48). CONCLUSION: In addition to associations with older age, increasing myopia and larger disc size, EDI-OCT defined gamma zone of parapapillary atrophy was associated with absence of glaucoma, while EDI-OCT defined beta zone was associated with the presence of glaucoma. Differentiation between both beta zone and gamma zone may clinically be useful.
Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 03/2013; · 3.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: To evaluate in vivo features of Schlemm's canal (SC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to investigate the relationship of SC size with intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma severity. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative study. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty Chinese patients with newly diagnosed POAG who had not undergone surgery and 50 normal Chinese subjects from a population-based, cross-sectional study in Shanghai. METHODS: All participants underwent SD-OCT. The diameter and area of SC were examined in the temporal and nasal sections and measured with customized software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, repeatability and reproducibility assessed with the coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), SC parameters and their correlation with IOP, and the mean deviation (MD) of the visual field were analyzed. RESULTS: The percentage of sections in which SC was observable was similar between eyes with POAG and normal eyes, and ranged from 78% to 86%. For intraobserver repeatability, the CV and ICC values were 7.9% and 0.97 for diameter, and 13.8% and 0.83 for area, respectively. For interobserver repeatability, the CV and ICC values were 13.6% and 0.89 for diameter, and 13.4% and 0.80 for area, respectively. Significant differences between the 2 groups were found for the average SC area (11332±2015 μm(2) vs. 13991±1357 μm(2); P<0.001), but not for the SC diameter (40.2±7.1 μm vs. 45.2±4.0 μm; P = 0.195). In addition, the mean IOP values correlated well only with the SC area (ρ = -0.674, P<0.001), not with the SC diameter (ρ = -0.103, P = 248). No significant correlations were found between the MD values and the SC parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with POAG have a decreased SC area compared with normal eyes. A correlation between the SC area and the IOP also was observed. However, the degree of glaucoma damage was not consistently associated with the SC area. Spectral-domain OCT could be used for investigating SC changes in patients with glaucoma. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Ophthalmology 01/2013; · 5.45 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: To determine the effect of travoprost 0.004% on Schlemm's canal (SC) in healthy human eyes using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT). METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers were recruited for a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, and paired comparison study. Right eyes of subjects were randomly assigned to receive either travoprost 0.004% or placebo; the contralateral eye received the other treatment. FD-OCT imaging of SC and measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) were carried out before and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 hours after eye drop instillation. Results: After instillation of travoprost eye drops, IOP gradually reduced, and the SC lumens expanded, while those values remained unchanged in placebo treated eyes. At 8 hours after the travoprost administration, the mean SC area increased 90.30% and 90.20%, respectively, in nasal and temporal quadrant of the treated eyes as compared to the placebo group. The SC area and IOP showed a similar pattern of changes at most time points examined. In travoprost-treated eyes, a statistically significant correlation between SC area and IOP is observed (r=-0.2817; p=0.0004). Measurements of the SC area showed sufficient repeatability and reproducibility. Conclusions: SC can be noninvasively imaged and quantitatively assessed in the living healthy human eye by FD-OCT. Travoprost treatment leads to SC lumen expansion accompanied by a drop of IOP in the healthy eye, likely as a result of the enhancement of pressure sensitive trabecular meshwork outflow induced by travoprost.
Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 01/2013; · 3.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained using Topocon non-contact tonometer (NCT), Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), and Corvis ST (CST), a newly developed tonometer with features of visualization and measurement of the corneal deformation response to an air pulse. A secondary objective was to assess the agreement among the devices. Methods: Fifty-nine participants with a mixture of glaucoma patients (36 cases with 36 eyes) and control volunteers (23 cases with 23 eyes) were enrolled. The IOP measurements were obtained with the CST, NCT, and GAT by two experienced clinicians. IOP values were compared. Intraobserver variability and interobserver variability were assessed by the coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient. Device agreement was calculated by Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Mean IOP for all examined eyes was 18.9 ± 5.8 mmHg for CST, 21.3 ± 6.8 mmHg for NCT, and 20.3 ± 5.7 mmHg for GAT. There was no statistically significant difference in IOP measurement among different tonometers except between the CST and NCT. Correlation analysis showed a high correlation between each pair of these three devices (All P<0.001). The CST displays the best intraobserver variability and interobserver variability. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias between CST and GAT, CST and NCT, and GAT and NCT of -1.3, -2.4, and -1.1 mmHg, with 95% limits of agreement of -6.2 to 3.5 mmHg, -10.1 to 5.2 mmHg, and -8.3 to 6.2 mmHg, respectively. Conclusions: The CST offers an alternative method for measuring IOP. The IOP measurements taken with each device may not be interchangeable.
Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 01/2013; · 3.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE:: To investigate the applicability of a newly developed corneal topographer in assessing tear film stability. METHODS:: This is a prospective, case-control study. Forty-four Chinese dry eye patients and 41 normal subjects were recruited. Noninvasive tear film break-up time (NI-BUT) was measured using a new method based on a corneal topographer equipped with modified scan software. The reliability of the measurements was determined. Then, the correlations between the NI-BUT and the traditional fluorescein tear film break-up time, Schirmer I test values, and inferior tear meniscus height measurements were determined. The receiver operating characteristic curve technique was used to evaluate the NI-BUT examination in the diagnosis of dry eye. RESULTS:: In total, a significant difference between the NI-BUT and the fluorescein tear film break-up time was found (3.2 ± 2.3 seconds vs. 5.2 ± 3.4 seconds; P < 0.001). The coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient values of NI-BUT were 12.8% and 0.93, respectively, for NI-BUT for intraobserver repeatability and 15.4% and 0.88, respectively for interobserver repeatability. The NI-BUT showed a good correlation with other dry eye examinations (all P < 0.05). In addition, the NI-BUT was significantly shorter in dry eye patients (2.0 ± 0.2 seconds) than in normal subjects (4.3 ± 0.3 seconds; P < 0.001). When the cutoff value was set at <2.65 seconds, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 84.1% and 75.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:: Measurements of NI-BUT obtained with the newly developed corneal topographer may provide a simple, noninvasive screening test for dry eyes with acceptable sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability.
Cornea 11/2012; · 1.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between the position of the central retinal vessel trunk (CRVT) in the optic nerve head and the pattern of remaining visual field and thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) in end-stage glaucoma. METHODS: The clinical observational study included patients with end-stage glaucoma with a remaining central visual field island (CI-group) or temporal visual field remnant (TI-group). The position of the CRVT exit on the lamina cribrosa was evaluated on optic disc photographs. The RNFL thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The study included 21 glaucoma patients with a remaining central visual field island and 22 glaucoma patients with a temporal visual field remnant. Both groups did not differ significantly in age, gender, refractive error, central corneal thickness, axial length and mean RNFL thickness. RNFL in the temporal region (48.1±5.5 μm vs 37.2±7.9 μm; p<0.001) was significantly thicker, and RNFL in the nasal region (41.6±8.3 μm vs 48.0±7.8 μm; p=0.01) was significantly thinner in the CI-group than TI-group. The CRVT was located in the temporal disc part significantly more often in the CI-group than in the TI-group (6/21 vs 0/22; p=0.009). The distance from the CRVT to the temporal disc border expressed as percentage of total disc diameter was significantly smaller in the CI-group than in the TI-group (0.55±0.07 vs 0.79±0.08; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of perimetric loss was associated with the CRVT position: eyes with a central visual field island tended to have the CRVT in the temporal optic disc region.
The British journal of ophthalmology 11/2012; · 2.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Pathological myopia is a refractive error that can result in legal blindness and is prevalent in China. A number of genomic loci have been associated with pathological myopia, but only a few have been validated. This study further evaluated the association of polymorphisms in the CTNND2 gene and the 11q24.1 genomic region with pathological myopia. Both regions had previously been implicated in carrying susceptibility genes for this eye disorder. Genotypic and association analyses were performed on 24 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CTNND2 and 11q21.1 genomic regions of 321 subjects with pathological myopia and 310 control subjects with normal vision using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Allele and genotype frequency analyses found that the distribution of variants of the SNP rs1479617 located in the CTNND2 gene significantly differed between the pathological myopia and control groups. Haplotype linkage analysis identified 2 genomic blocks in 11q24.1 that were independently associated with pathological myopia. Specific polymorphisms in the CTNND2 gene and 11q24.1 genomic region were found to be significantly associated with pathological myopia in this Chinese population, further supporting the idea that these genomic regions carry susceptibility loci for this disease.
Ophthalmologica 06/2012; 228(2):123-9. · 1.42 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Little has been known regarding the relationship between ocular chemical injury and victims' medical expenditure, income loss and socio-economic status changes. So we conduct this retrospective cross-sectional study in patients with ocular chemical burns in East China.
Fifty-six patients were enrolled and required to complete a self-report questionnaire consisting of the following contents: entire expenditure on medical treatment; the victims' personal and household per capita income, and income loss caused by the injury; and the changes of socioeconomic status as well.
The median expense of medical treatment was CNY 40,000 (approximately US$5,900). The medical expenditure rose significantly with increased injury severity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased frequency of surgery. More than half victims (51.8 %, 29/56) paid all or the majority of medical expense by themselves. The expense of only 5 victims was mainly paid by medical insurance, accounting for less than ten percent (8.9 %, 5/56). The victims' personal and household per capita income both decreased significantly after the injury, with the median reduction being CNY 24,000 and CNY 7,800 (approximately US$3600 and US$1200) per year respectively. The reduction amplitude of personal and household per capita income rose with increased injury severity and prolonged time of care required. The injury caused emotional depression or anxiety in 76.8 % (43/56) victims, and the relationship with their relatives got worse in 51.9 % (29/56) patients. Moreover, only 21.4 % (12/56) patients felt that the whole society gave them care and concern after the injury, whereas 46.4 % (26/56) and 28.6 % (16/56) felt indifference or discrimination from society as a whole (X2 = 16.916, P = 0.028).
The medical expense was a huge economic burden to most victims of ocular chemical burns, and personal and household per capita income of the victims decreased significantly after injury, both of which had a close relationship with the injury severity. Formal legislation was urgently needed to compel the employer to purchase injury or medical insurance and provide more compulsory protection to the population working in high risk occupations. In addition, psychological counseling and instruction shouldn't be neglected in the aid and treatment of victims.
BMC Public Health 06/2012; 12:409. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the morphological changes in the cornea by in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) in a large case series with silicone oil endotamponade after vitreoretinal surgery and to explore the value of LSCM in the early detection of silicone keratopathy (SK).
Ninety-nine patients (99 eyes) with silicone oil endotamponade after vitreoretinal surgery were included in the current study. Slit-lamp examination and measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) were performed first. Then the central corneas of the subjects' eyes were examined by in vivo LSCM. The analysis of images of each corneal layer was performed and the endothelial cellular density (ECD), endothelial cellular area (ECA), coefficient of variation of cell size (CoV), and percentage of hexagonal cells (PHC) were measured. Moreover, the total size of stromal deposits was measured, and the correlation between the size of deposits and the parameters of endothelial cells was analyzed.
Clinically recognizable abnormalities involving the cornea were identified in only 12 eyes (12.1%) under slit-lamp biomicroscopy, whereas in vivo LSCM revealed morphological abnormalities in 40 eyes (40.4%). The manifestations of endothelial lesions varied from decreased cellular density, increased polymegathism and pleomorphism to hyperreflective silicone oil membrane or droplets adhering to the endothelium. Moreover, hyperreflective deposits with various shapes could be identified in both posterior and anterior stroma, along with the infiltration of Langerhans cells beneath the epithelium. The average ECD and PHC of eyes with corneal abnormalities were significantly lower than those of normal corneas, whereas the average ECA and CoV were significantly larger (all Ps < 0.001). The patients with corneal abnormalities were significantly older than those others (P = 0.003). The rate of pseudophakic and aphakic eyes having corneal abnormalities was significantly higher than that of phakic eyes (P = 0.045). Interestingly, the total size of stromal deposits had a significant negative correlation with ECD and PHC but a significant positive correlation with ECA and CoV (all Ps < 0.001). Further correlation analysis performed in groups divided according to the lens status showed similar results and even stronger correlations in aphakic and pseudophakic eyes, whereas no statistically significant correlations were found in phakic eyes.
In vivo LSCM was a useful tool in the early detection of corneal abnormalities caused by silicone oil injection, including varying corneal endothelium lesions and stromal abnormalities. Pseudophakic or aphakic eyes, as well as those of older patients, should receive more attention because they are more inclined to develop silicone keratopathy.
Cornea 04/2012; 31(8):876-82. · 1.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Major-histocompatibility-complex class I-related chain A (MICA) antigens are the ligands of NKG2D, which is an activating or coactivating receptor expressed on human NK cells and CD8+T cells. We sought to determine whether MICA expression in human corneal epithelium (HCE) could affect the cytotoxicity mediated by NK cells or CD8+T cells.
Cell cultures of HCE were harvested from human donor eyes. Flow cytometric analysis and ELISA was performed to determine the levels of MICA expression on HCE. Then, HCE was transfected with a lentivirus vector expressing MICA and GFP. Flow cytometric analysis, RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA were performed to check the levels of MICA expression. For cytotoxicity testing, allogeneic NK cells and CD8+T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers by magnetic cell sorting. The cytolytic activity of NK cells and CD8+T cells was assessed against MICA-transfected HCE (NK cells: E:T ratio = 3:1; CD8+T cells: E:T ratio = 10:1) using the nonradioactive cytotoxicity detection kit lactate deshydrogenase.
Surface expression of MICA on corneal epithelium was identified at a low level. A cell line of stable human MICA-transfected corneal epithelium was successfully established. Heightened expression of MICA on HCE was found to promote the cytotoxicity mediated by NK cells or CD8+T cells, which could be blocked by an anti-MICA antibody.
MICA molecules may contribute to cytotoxic responses mediated by activated immune effector cells in corneal epithelium immunity.
BMC Ophthalmology 04/2012; 12:6. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Purpose. To evaluate and compare the glaucoma discrimination ability of macula, macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC), and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (ppNFL) thickness in Chinese patients using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT). Methods. A total of 64 normal subjects (N), 47 glaucoma suspects (GS), and 48 glaucoma patients (G) were enrolled in the study. The thickness of mGCC, ppNFL, and total macula were measured using RTVue-100 FD-OCT (software version: 4.0.7.5; Optovue). The GCC and ONH protocols were used for obtaining images in all subjects. For each binocular subject, one eye was chosen randomly for analysis. Results. The average thicknesses of macular, mGCC, and ppNFL in normal eyes were significantly different from those in GS or G eyes (p<0.001). The mGCC thickness correlated well with ppNFL thickness (correlation coefficients for N, GS, and G eyes are 0.397 [p=0.001], 0.822 [p<0.0001], and 0.865 [p<0.0001]). Areas under receiver operating characteristic curve of macular, mGCC, and ppNFL thickness are 0.940 (p<0.0001), 0.998 (p<0.0001), and 0.977 (p<0.0001), discriminating G from N eyes. There was no significant difference comparing the discriminating powers of NFL, GCC, and macular thickness. Conclusions. The mGCC measurements provide another measurement of neural loss in glaucoma, and may serve as a promising parameter for ppNFL thickness in the clinical assessment of glaucoma. For glaucomatous eyes, mGCC and ppNFL thicknesses performed better discriminating abilities compared with macular thickness.
European journal of ophthalmology 03/2012; 22(6):972-979. · 0.96 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays an important role in promoting the healing of corneal wounds. However, the molecular mechanism by which NGF functions is unknown. We investigated the possible effects of NGF on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) pathways and cell growth in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs).
We examined the effect of NGF on cell cycle and proliferation in HCECs by flow cytometry and cell proliferation assay, respectively. The levels of D-type cyclins in NGF-treated HCECs were determined by western blot. The tyrosine kinase A (TrkA), PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk pathways were then checked in cells stimulated with NGF for different time periods or cells undergoing a dose-dependent treatment. Furthermore, HCECs were treated with pathway inhibitors, LY294002 or PD98059, to confirm NGF-induced activations.
We found that NGF had a positive effect on the growth of HCECs, and D-type cyclins, and it was correlated with the percentage of the G(1) to S progression. We also observed a time-dependent and dose-dependent effect of NGF on the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk pathways. Furthermore, NGF affected cell cycle progression of HCECs by regulating cyclin D through Akt and Erk activation upon treatment with the pathway inhibitors, LY294002 for Akt or PD98059 for Erk pathways.
NGF stimulation could promote cell proliferation and cell cycle progression of HCECs by activation of cyclin D via the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk signaling pathways.
Molecular vision 01/2012; 18:758-64. · 2.20 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to quantify the topographic distribution of bulbar conjunctival microlymphatic vessels in the monkey. Sixteen eyes from 8 rhesus monkeys were used. Full thickness pieces of globe wall were excised from each quadrant. Cryosections were stained for 5'-nucleotidase, an enzyme histochemical staining for lymphatic vessels, or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3, an immunohistochemical marker for the identification of lymphatic endothelial cells, and then counterstained by hematoxylin. The remaining bulbar conjunctiva was dissected and flat mounted. The tissue was then processed with 5'-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme histochemical stain with higher activity in blood vessels. Microscope images were further analysed by image processing. The density of lymphatics, diameter of lymphatic vessels, and the size of the drainage zone of each blind end of the initial lymphatics were studied. Conjunctival lymphatics consisted of initial lymphatics and pre-collectors. The initial lymphatics with blind ends were predominately distributed just under the epithelium. The density of these lymphatics (∼50%) and the drainage zone area (∼0.81 mm(2)) was similar in each quadrant, with no difference in the limbus and fornix regions. The average diameter of lymphatic vessels in each quadrant ranged from 82 to 111 μm, and was greater in the superior and nasal regions. Larger calibre pre-collectors with valve-like structures were mostly located sub Tenon's membrane and predominantly located in the region mid-way between the limbus and fornix. There was a marked depth difference in initial lymphatic distribution, with the initial lymphatics mostly confined to the region between Tenon's membrane and the conjunctival epithelium. Detailed knowledge of the topographic distribution of conjunctival lymphatics have significant relevance to a better understanding of immunology, drug delivery, glaucoma filtration surgery, and tumour metastasis in the conjunctiva.
Experimental Eye Research 11/2011; 94(1):90-7. · 3.26 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on rabbit tear secretion and compare the difference in tear protein expression caused by acupuncture.
Ten male New Zealand White rabbits were enrolled in this study. The following acupoints around the left eye, Extra 1 (Taiyang), BL 2 (Zanzhu) and SJ 23 (Sizhukong), were selected for acupuncture therapy. Each rabbit received 10 acupuncture sessions of 30 min, three times per week. A quantity of 50 μl rabbit tear was collected at the pre- and post-acupuncture stage in every subject, respectively. Total protein content analysis, one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and quantitative proteomics analysis (iTRAQ) were performed and the results were compared.
Generally, the tear protein expression after acupuncture was different from that before acupuncture though to some extent they were similar. The time spent collecting rabbit tear after acupuncture was shorter than that before acupuncture. The total protein content in rabbit tear pre- and post-acupuncture was 7.12 μg/μl versus 11.28 μg/μl, respectively. One-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that tear proteins collected before acupuncture were substantially different than post-acupuncture proteins. In total, twenty-eight tear proteins were identified by iTRAQ. Associated with acupuncture were six up-regulated proteins (tear lipocalin, α-1-antiproteinase, histidine-rich glycoprotein, hemopexin, Vitamin D-binding protein, α-2-HS-glycoprotein) and five down-regulated proteins (Annexin A1, serum amyloid A-3 protein, Helicase-like transcription factor, 15 kDa protein A, protein S100-A9).
The rabbit tear protein expression difference caused by acupuncture indicates that acupuncture not only stimulates lacrimal gland secretion function but also induces the quantitative change of some proteins in rabbit tear, which may support a positive effect of acupuncture in the treatment of dry eye.
Current eye research 10/2011; 36(10):886-94. · 1.51 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To identify the likelihood of family history as a risk factor for the presence and severity of primary angle closure (PAC) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Chinese population.
All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and undergo a comprehensive eye examination. Past history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperopia, high myopia, and family history of glaucoma were recorded. For those patients with a family history of glaucoma, the relationship between the patient and the affected relatives has been specified.
A total of 332 PAC patients, 228 POAG patients and 193 controls were included. Of the 332 PAC patients, 83 (25.00%) had glaucoma family history. Characteristic-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of family history for PAC was 4.82 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.08-11.19] and for severity of PAC was 1.61 (95% CI: 1.05-2.49). Among first-relatives only parents account for the family history rate of PAC [OR 8.76 (95% CI: 2.00-38.32)]. Of the 228 POAG patients, 49 (21.49%) had a family history of glaucoma. Odds ratio for POAG was 8.38 (95% CI: 3.33-21.07) and for severity of POAG was 1.81 (95% CI: 1.05-3.14). Unlike patients with PAC, only siblings and offspring account for the family history rate of POAG [OR 8.99 (95% CI: 2.38-33.99) and OR 19.23 (95% CI: 1.53-241.24) respectively].
Our study showed that a family history of glaucoma is associated with the presence and severity of PAC and POAG. This supports the finding that screening first-degree relatives will be an effective way to detect glaucoma in a population.
Ophthalmic epidemiology 10/2011; 18(5):226-32. · 1.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) has been widely used to evaluate the alterations caused by ocular surface diseases at a cellular level in the living eye. In this review, we focus on its use in the diagnosis of pterygium, meibomian gland (MG) disease, and chemical burns. Histopathologic changes occurring in pterygium can be examined in situ using in vivo LSCM. Alterations at the junction of the pterygium and the cornea, which cannot be observed in excised tissue samples, can be observed. MGs play an important role in maintaining the health of the ocular surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common ocular surface diseases. The use of in vivo LSCM helps in the diagnosis of MGD and provides a way to examine the microstructure of MG acinar units and measure their size. In vivo LSCM also provides a new perspective in understanding the contribution of the MG to the health of the ocular surface. Chemical burns are one of the most common ocular injuries, and in vivo LSCM can provide images of the goblet cells on the corneal surface. This is a hallmark of limbal stem cell deficiency. The application of in vivo LSCM to assessing chemical burns requires extension, allowing for evaluation of the limbus structure and ocular surface changes after reconstructive ocular surgery.
Cornea 10/2011; 30 Suppl 1:S25-8. · 1.73 Impact Factor
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Ophthalmology 07/2011; 118(7):1486-7. · 5.45 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the responses of lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) astrocytes to experimental glaucoma in monkeys.
Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).
Unilateral chronic elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in six rhesus monkeys by laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. Four normal monkeys were used as controls. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100β and parvalbumin was used to specifically label astrocytes and neurons in the LGN. The relative immunointensity (RI) of GFAP was defined as the ratio of intensity between each region of interest to a reference field and compared between the experimental and control groups as a function of percentage optic nerve fiber loss. Ultrastructural changes of LGN astrocytes were examined by transmission electron microscopy.
An increase in GFAP and S100β immunoreactivity was observed in the LGN layers receiving projections from the experimental glaucoma eyes. Quantitative analysis revealed that the RI of GFAP in both the magnocellular and parvocellular layers connected to the glaucomatous eyes increased in a linear fashion with increasing optic nerve fiber loss. Compared to controls, the RI of GFAP was also moderately elevated in LGN layers connected to the fellow nonglaucomatous eyes. Ultrastructurally, accumulation of glial filaments that occurred throughout the perikaryon and extended into the process in reactive astrocytes was observed in LGN layers of glaucomatous monkeys.
Reactive astrogliosis occurs in the magnocellular and parvocellular LGN layers of monkeys with unilateral glaucoma. Astrocytes may play an important role in the regulation of LGN microenvironment in glaucoma.
Veterinary Ophthalmology 04/2011; 15(1):23-30. · 0.75 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To investigate the age-related changes in human palpebral conjunctiva and meibomian glands by in vivo confocal microscopy.
Forty-nine healthy volunteers (20 men and 29 women; mean age, 43.4 ± 22.7 years; range, 9-85 years) were recruited from the community. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to observe and measure the upper palpebral conjunctiva and meibomian glands. Customized software was used to analyze the images. The quantitative parameters included the mean densities of goblet cells, conjunctival basal epithelium, Langerhans cells, and meibomian glandular acinar units.
Mean densities of goblet cells, conjunctival basal epithelium, Langerhans cells, and meibomian glandular acinar units were 1050 ± 495 cells per square millimeter, 2979 ± 510 cells per square millimeter, 32 ± 16 cells per square millimeter, and 71 ± 27 glands per square millimeter in total subjects, respectively. No statistically significant difference in these 4 parameters was observed between the male and female subjects. Significant negative correlations were noted between age and goblet cell density (r = -0.646; P < 0.0001) and meibomian glandular acinar unit density (r = -0.585; P < 0.0001). However, no significant correlation was detected between the densities of conjunctival basal epithelium or Langerhans cell density and age.
Age-related changes under laser scanning confocal microscopy included decreased densities of goblet cells in human palpebral conjunctiva and the acinar units in meibomian glands.
Cornea 03/2011; 30(9):1007-12. · 1.73 Impact Factor
