Prolidase activity in aqueous and serum samples of cataract cases with Pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) represents an age-related systemic disease that is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix material in ocular tissues and visceral organs. Abnormal matrix remodeling is thought to be one of the important factors in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Prolidase represents an enzyme, which takes a significant part in collagen biosynthesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. The purpose of the current research was to assess the prolidase enzyme activity in the aqueous and serum samples of subjects with PEX. The study population consisted of 66 subjects, involving 33 subjects with age-related cataract among patients with PEX and 33 subjects with age-related cataract without PEX. The prolidase activity measurement was performed using the modified Chinard's method. Significantly increased aqueous prolidase activity was detected in the group with PEX (p < 0.01). Despite about a three times higher increase in the serum prolidase activity of the group with PEX in comparison with the control group, the two groups did not differ statistically significantly (p > 0.05). The high prolidase enzyme activity in the aqueous samples of subjects with PEX suggests that the collagen cycle and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix are accelerated. These results can be a guide for understanding the formation mechanisms of PEX.

Comparison of the Safety and Efficacy of Loteprednol Etabonate 0.5%/Tobramycin 0.3% with Dexamethasone 0.1%/Tobramycin 0.3% Following Strabismus Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety of 0.5% loteprednol etabonate/0.3% tobramycin (LE/T) and 0.1% dexamethasone/0.3% tobramycin (DM/T) ophthalmic suspensions following strabismus surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 40 patients who were treated with either LE/T or DM/T following strabismus surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The recorded signs and symptoms of inflammation and intraocular pressure of the patients at 1 day, 1 week, and 3 weeks after the surgery were evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: In both groups, reduced inflammation was noted during the follow-up visits. There was no statistically significant difference between the LE/T and DM/T groups with regard to the postoperative scores or measurements, including discomfort, chemosis, secretion, conjunctival hyperemia, and conjunctival gap size (p>0.05), during the follow-up visits. Allergic reactions to the medications were not reported in any patient. Intraocular pressures were within normal limits in both groups. CONCLUSION: LE/T was found to be as effective as DM/T in reducing inflammation after strabismus surgery. LE/T, as a new-generation steroid combination product, could be used as a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of inflammation following strabismus surgery.

A case of an extensive dentigerous cyst in the maxillary sinus leading to epiphora and nasal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The dentigerous cyst is defined as a cyst that originates by the separation of the follicle from around the crown of an unerupted tooth. The clinical examination reveals a missing tooth or teeth and possibly a hard swelling, sometimes resulting in facial asymmetry and possible pathologic fracture. A large maxillary cyst involves the whole sinus and can transmit pressure to the walls of the sinus and, consequently, cause ophthalmologic and nasal symptoms to develop. OBJECTIVES: To report the case of an extensive dentigerous cyst with swelling of the right cheek, accompanied by unilateral nasal obstruction and epiphora. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old man presented with swelling of the right cheek, right-sided nasal obstruction, and watering of the right eye. Panoramic radiography revealed a relatively large and well-defined radiolucency enveloping an unerupted maxillary canine tooth. Computed tomography scan showed a cystic lesion measuring 5.2 cm horizontally, 4.3 cm vertically, and 4 cm sagittally, with expansion and erosion of the anterosinus cortical bone. The mass was seen to extend into the right half of the nasal cavity up to the right ethmoid air cells, and was in contact with the base of the skull. The bony margins of the right maxillary antrum were thinned out, the osteomeatal complex was pushed medially-superiorly, and the pterygoid plates were intact. Excision of the dentigerous cyst of the right maxilla was performed using the Caldwell-Luc approach under general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: A dentigerous cyst arising from an unerupted tooth should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasal obstruction, watering or epiphora of the eye, and fistula of the gingivobuccal sulcus.

Epithelial healing in experimental corneal alkali wounds with nondiluted autologous serum eye drops.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the topical application of nondiluted autologous serum on epithelial healing as an adjuvant therapy in rabbit corneal alkali wounds. METHODS: Central corneal alkali wounds were produced on the right eye of 16 rabbits, by a 60-second application of a 6-mm round filter paper soaked in 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH). One group of rabbits (n=8) was treated with non-diluted autologous serum, the other control group (n=8) was treated with physiologic saline, topically 4 times a day. The epithelial healing of the wounds was followed on a slit lamp with and without fluorescein staining daily for 1 week. On day 7, both corneas of each rabbit were excised and assessed histopathologically. RESULTS: A significant increase in the epithelial healing rate was observed in the autologous serum-treated corneas compared with the controls. Epithelial hyperplasia was noticed in specimens with thickened surface cells with multilayers, revealing disorganization in both groups. The autologous serum-treated epithelium showed a relatively well-organized appearance. CONCLUSION: Nondiluted autologous serum eye drops could be used as an adjuvant therapy for promoting the epithelial healing process during the repair stage of corneal alkali wounds.