The possibility of angiogenesis inhibition in cutaneous melanoma by bevacizumab-loaded lipid-chitosan nanoparticles.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is fastest-growing cancer in white populations with a large majority of dermal cancer death. The activity of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) results in the signaling of a variety of downstream intracellular pathways that ultimately leads to cell activation, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. VEGF inhibitors such as bevacizumab are widely used in chemotherapy with systemic administration, which in many cases is associated with a variety of side effects. Here, we designed and synthesized a lipid-polymer nanoparticle for local administration of bevacizumab. Drug release, dermal absorption, and the effects of synthesized nanoparticles containing bevacizumab on cell proliferation and in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis were investigated. Encapsulating bevacizumab in the synthesized nanoparticles resulted in a significant increase in its dermal absorption compared to free bevacizumab. Also, the suppressor effects of bevacizumab encapsulated in the synthesized nanoparticle on cell proliferation and angiogenesis were significantly more than those of free bevacizumab. Our findings indicate the remarkable effects of lipid-polymer nanoparticles in dermal absorption and in maintaining bevacizumab bioactivity, suggesting therapeutic benefits of local bevacizumab administration for angiogenesis-related disorders such as cutaneous melanoma. Chitosan nanoparticles containing bevacizumab antibody were synthesized by ion exchange method, and finally, these nanoparticles were coated with lipid (Lip-Chi-Bev NPs). In this study, the effect of synthesized nanoparticles on dermal absorption of bevacizumab was evaluated and its potential in inhibiting angiogenesis was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo models.

Indications for penetrating keratoplasty in Iranian patients.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of penetration into keratoplasty (PK) related to corneal disease is responsible for corneal blindness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the indications and visual outcome of PK in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Kermanshah from March 2017 to March 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were reviewed from the medical records of 115 PK done in the Department of Ophthalmology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Kermanshah, from March 2017 to March 2019. Data analysis done using paired Student's t-test for hypothesis testing of grouped values of preoperative and the last follow-up best-corrected visual acuity in cases of optical and therapeutic grafts. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In this study, the data of 115 eyes of 108 patients were reviewed. The most common indication for keratoplasty was corneal scarring including adherent leucoma, 34 (29.56%). Therapeutic keratoplasty was done for 26 patients. One case of tectonic graft was included in therapeutic keratoplasty group for analysis. There was statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) in best-corrected visual acuity improvement from 1.36 logMAR + 0.024 (standard deviation [SD]) preoperatively to 0.357 logMAR + 0.42 (SD) postoperatively and 1.4 logMAR + 0.000 (SD) preoperatively to 0.15 logMAR + 0.55 (SD) postoperatively for optical and therapeutic grafts, respectively. CONCLUSION: Active or treated infectious keratitis was one of the most important indications for keratoplasty. Symptoms of poor prognosis were more pronounced in this part of the country. Patients' vision after corneal transplantation was encouraging, especially in cases of optical keratoplasty.

Is Ocular Toxicity Expected in Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine Prescription as a Therapeutic or Prophylactic Option in COVID-19?

BACKGROUND: On 11th March 2020, WHO announced novel coronavirus infectious (COVID-19) as a pandemic. New Coronavirus Pneumonia (NCP) that emerge on 31st December 2019 from China and quickly became a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). In the absence of evidence-based proven prophylactic or therapeutic options, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (CQ/HCQ) patented as first line choice in COVID- 19 treatment, which raised concerns about drug poisoning, especially ocular toxicity. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the possibility of ocular toxicity and the need for ophthalmic counseling to prescribing this therapeutic protocol. METHODS: All the articles that were most relevant to the COVID-19 therapeutic or prophylactic options and CQ derivative ocular toxicity, were founded by a literature search and were thoroughly reviewed. RESULTS: Anecdotal recent reports introduce CQ/HCQ as an effective therapeutic or prophylactic choice for COVID-19. Because of the short time prescribe and the insignificant cumulative dose of the drug on the one hand and a higher risk of cross-infection during an ophthalmic examination, on the other hand, an ophthalmologic consult is not recommended except in highrisk patients for retinal toxicity. CONCLUSION: This study recommended ophthalmic evaluation before CQ/HCQ prescription for treatment or prophylaxis of COVID-19 only in preexisting maculopathy.

Superpulsed CO 2 Laser with Intraoperative Pathologic Assessment for Treatment of Periorbital Basal Cell Carcinoma Involving Eyelash Line.

Background. Periorbital basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is considered a high risk case because it is associated with high rate of recurrence and complication. Superpulsed CO2 laser with intraoperative pathologic assessment could be an alternative and appropriate treatment for periocular lesions where Mohs micrographic surgery is not available. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of superpulsed CO2 laser therapy with intraoperative pathologic assessment on periocular BCC involving eyelash line. Method. This follow-up study was performed on 20 patients with a total of 21 BCC lesions that were pathologically documented. Firstly, debulkation of tumoral mass was done by curettage. Then, irradiation and intraoperative pathologic evaluation were done by concurrent CO2 laser. The patients were followed up for a period of 36 months. Results. Out of 21 lesions, the nodular type accounted for 15 (71.4%) lesions, and 12 (57.1%) lesions were seen in the lower lid as the most common clinical type and site involvement. Twenty BCC lesions (95.2%) were treated after one session. Damage to eyelash was seen in 2 (10%) patients, but ectropion and other complications were not seen in any patient. Conclusion. Treatment with superpulsed CO2 laser and intraoperative pathologic evaluation for periorbital BCC lesions much close to conjunctiva could be an effective method with minimal complications without major danger of recurrence. This modality can be used with care in the inner canthus and high risk pathologic lesions.