Minocycline alleviates abnormal microglial phagocytosis of synapses in a mouse model of depression.

BACKGROUND: As antidepressants commonly used in the clinic have proved to be problematic, it is urgent to gain an updated understanding of the pathogenesis of depression and find potential therapeutic targets. Since both functional brain imaging studies and autopsy reports indicated that there is indeed a loss of synapses in depressed patients, it is necessary to explore the mechanism of this process. METHODS: We firstly investigated the effect of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), a mouse model of depression, on behaviors, synapses, microglia, and microglial phagocytosis of synapses in mice. Then, as it is unclear whether microglial phagocytosis leads to synaptic loss, or synaptic loss induces the microglial clearance in CSDS mice, we used minocycline, a microglial activation inhibitor, to inhibit the microglial phagocytosis of synapses and study its effect on synapses and behaviors in CSDS mice. RESULTS: Our results showed that the expression levels of PSD-95 in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of CSDS mice were significantly reduced, while the microglia were significantly activated and the Iba1+CD68+ cell (phagocytic microglia) density was increased. We co-labeled the synaptic protein PSD-95 with the microglia marker Iba1 and found that the microglia in the hippocampal DG of CSDS mice contained significantly more PSD-95 engulfed puncta, which revealed that microglia in CSDS mice abnormally phagocytized synapses. Moreover, our results indicated that minocycline treatment dampened microglial activation, decreased the phagocytic microglia density, reduced abnormal microglial phagocytosis of synapses, reversed synaptic loss, and alleviated behavioral impairment in CSDS mice. CONCLUSIONS: Under depressive pathological conditions, the activated microglia may abnormally engulf neuronal synapses causing synaptic loss and behavioral impairments. Thus, microglial phagocytosis may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of depression.

Electroacupuncture may alleviate behavioral defects via modulation of gut microbiota in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease involving non-motor symptoms, of which gastrointestinal disorders are the most common. In light of recent results, intestinal dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of PD. Electroacupuncture (EA) has shown potential effects, although the underlying mechanism remains mostly unknown. We speculated that EA could relieve the behavioral defects of PD, and that this effect would be associated with modulation of the gut microbiota. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, PD + MA (manual acupuncture), and PD + EA. MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) was used to establish the mouse model of PD. Rotarod performance tests, open field tests, and pole tests were carried out to assess motor deficiencies. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine the survival of dopaminergic neurons. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was applied to investigate the alterations of the gut microbiome. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to characterize the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: We found that EA was able to alleviate the behavioral defects in the rotarod performance test and pole test, and partially rescue the significant loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) chemically induced by MPTP in mice. Moreover, the PD + MA mice showed a tendency toward decreased intestinal microbial alpha diversity, while EA significantly reversed it. The abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae was significantly increased in PD + MA mice, and the alteration was also reversed by EA. In addition, the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were substantially increased in the SN of PD + MA mice, an effect that was reversed by EA. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EA may alleviate behavioral defects via modulation of gut microbiota and suppression of inflammation in the SN of mice with PD, which provides new insights into the pathogenesis of PD and its treatment.

Comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of fluorometholone 0.1% combined with levofloxacin 0.5% and tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops after cataract surgery.

AIM: To compare the combination of fluorometholone 0.1% and levofloxacin 0.5% to tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops in controlling inflammation and preventing infection after phacoemulsification with an intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: Sixty eyes from 60 patients undergoing cataract phacoemulsification were randomized into two groups; half of the patients were treated with fluorometholone (6 times/d) combined with levofloxacin (4 times/d), while the other half were treated with tobramycin/dexamethasone (4 times/d) eye drops for one week. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, aqueous flare, corneal thickness, and signs and symptoms were recorded before the operation and 1wk following treatments. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in corneal thickness (P≥0.629), aqueous flare (P≥0.398), and signs and symptoms scores (P≥0.350) at each time point. Ocular hypertension was only observed in two eyes in the tobramycin/dexamethasone group. CONCLUSION: Fluorometholone combined with levofloxacin treatment shows comparable efficacy but without the tendency to increase intraocular pressure; thus, it might be a better regimen for postoperative use.

Myopic Macular Retinoschisis in Teenagers: Clinical Characteristics and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings.

To investigate the morphological characteristics of myopic macular retinoschisis (MRS) in teenagers with high myopia, six male (9 eyes) and 3 female (4 eyes) teenagers with typical MRS identified from chart review were evaluated. All cases underwent complete ophthalmic examinations including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), indirect ophthalmoscopy, colour fundus photography, B-type ultrasonography, axial length measurement, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The average age was 17.8 ± 1.5 years, average refractive error was -17.04 ± 3.04D, average BCVA was 0.43 ± 0.61, and average axial length was 30.42 ± 1.71 mm. Myopic macular degenerative changes (MDC) by colour fundus photographs revealed Ohno-Matsui Category 1 in 4 eyes, and Category 2 in 9 eyes. Posterior staphyloma was found in 9 eyes. SD-OCT showed outer MRS in all 13 eyes, internal limiting membrane detachment in 7 eyes, vascular microfolds in 2 eyes, and inner MRS in 1 eye. No premacular structures such as macular epiretinal membrane or partially detached posterior hyaloids were found. Our results showed that MRS rarely occurred in highly myopic teenagers, and was not accompanied by premacular structures, severe MDC, or even obvious posterior staphyloma. This finding indicates that posterior scleral expansion is probably the main cause of MRS.

Bromfenac sodium 0.1%, fluorometholone 0.1% and dexamethasone 0.1% for control of ocular inflammation and prevention of cystoid macular edema after phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To compare bromfenac sodium 0.1%, fluorometholone 0.1% and dexamethasone 0.1% for the control of postoperative inflammation and prevention of cystoid macular edema (CME) after phacoemulsification. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive bromfenac sodium 0.1% for 1 month (OBS1) or 2 months (OBS2), or fluorometholone 0.1% for 1 month (OFM) or dexamethasone 0.1% for 1 month (ODM). Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density, photon count value and retinal foveal thickness were measured. RESULTS: Mean photon count values were lower in the OBS1 and OBS2 groups compared with the ODM group during the first week. Bromfenac sodium cleared the ocular inflammation more rapidly than fluorometholone and dexamethasone. The foveal thickness was thinner in the second month and the incidence of CME was lower in the OBS1 and OBS2 groups compared with the OFM and ODM groups. CONCLUSION: Bromfenac sodium was more effective and safer than fluorometholone and dexamethasone as an anti-inflammatory, decreasing macular thickness and preventing CME in age-related cataract patients after cataract surgery.

[Study of clinical application of aberration-free aspheric intraocular lens].

OBJECTIVE: To compare spherical aberration, visual quality and apparent accommodation between pseudophakic patients with an aberration-free aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) and patients with a spherical IOL. METHODS: A prospective study of 130 consecutive cases (132 eyes) was conducted. All cataract patients underwent phacoemulsification were randomized to receive an aberration-free aspheric IOL (Akreos AO, Bausch & Lomb) or a spherical IOL (KS-1, Cannon Staar). Spherical aberration of total eye, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), near visual acuity (NVA), contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity and apparent accommodation were measured. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and independent t-test. RESULTS: The mean spherical aberration in eyes with a Tecnis IOL [(0.141 +/- 0.070) microm] was significantly lower than that of eyes with a spherical IOL [(0.210 +/- 0.108) microm; t = 4.365, P = 0.000]. In addition, Akreos AO IOL provided a better contrast sensitivity at 2.5 degrees visual angle (30.62 +/- 12.50 vs. 25.92 +/- 7.36; t = 2.606, P = 0.010), and improved glare sensitivity at 4.0 degrees (31.25 +/- 8.65 vs. 26.70 +/- 7.98; t = 3.116, P = 0.002), 2.5 degrees (26.35 +/- 8.72 vs. 22.43 +/- 7.35; t = 2.772, P = 0.006) and 1.6 degrees (12.35 +/- 4.01 vs. 9.82 +/- 4.12; t = 3.553, P = 0.001) visual angles. The difference of BCVA, NVA and apparent accommodation between these two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrated that an aberration-free aspheric IOL, Akreos AO, may reduce the spherical aberration and improve visual performance of pseudophakic eyes and without negative influence on apparent accommodation as compare to conventional spherical IOL.

[Clinical comparison study of aspheric and spherical intraocular lenses].

OBJECTIVE: To compare spherical aberration and visual quality in pseudophakic patients with a modified prolate aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) with patients with a spherical IOL. METHODS: A prospective study of 169 consecutive cases (169 eyes) was conducted. All cataract patients underwent phacoemulsification were randomized to receive an aspheric IOL or a spherical IOL. The following investigations were performed to assess the spherical aberrations of total eye and cornea, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), near visual acuity (NVA), contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity and apparent accommodation. RESULTS: The mean spherical aberration in eyes with a Tecnis IOL [(0.024 +/- 0.076) microm] was significantly lower than that of eyes with a spherical IOL [(0.217 +/- 0.137) microm, P = 0.000]. In addition, Tecnis IOL provided improved contrast sensitivity at 4.0 degrees (39.18 +/- 11.94 versus 33.28 +/- 11.84, P = 0.009) and 2.5 degrees (28.30 +/- 12.07 versus 24.50 +/- 8.20, P = 0.033) visual angles, and improved glare sensitivity at 6.3 degrees (30.90 +/- 9.21 versus 27.08 +/- 8.24, P = 0.022), 4.0 degrees (27.09 +/- 8.45 versus 23.30 +/- 6.24, P = 0.008), 2.5 degrees (19.20 +/- 8.71 versus 15.53 +/- 4.37, P = 0.005) and 1.6 degrees (12.08 +/- 4.44 versus 10.04 +/- 4.20, P = 0.014) visual angles. The difference of BCVA, NVA and apparent accommodation between these two groups was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The present clinical results demonstrated that an aspheric IOL may reduce the spherical aberration and improve visual performance of pseudophakic eyes as compare to conventional spherical IOL.

Water-soluble phenylpropanoid constituents from aerial roots of Ficus microcarpa.

New water-soluble phenylpropanoid constituents, ficuscarpanoside A, guaiacylglycerol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and erythro-guaiacylglycerol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, along with known guaiacylglycerol, erythro-guaiacylglycerol, 4-methoxy guaiacylglycerol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl) propan-1,2-diol, have been isolated from the aerial roots of Ficus microcarpa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments.

[Comparison of wavefront aberrations in pseudophakia with three types of intraocular lenses implantation].

OBJECTIVE: We compared wavefront aberration in pseudophakic eyes with 3 types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) implantation in order to obtain an objective evaluation of the optical quality of these pseudophakic eyes. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 76 cataract patients (80 eyes) who had phacoemulsification surgery. The intraocular lenses of AcrySof MA30BM, Hydroview H60M, and Canon Staar, KS-1 were implanted in the patients at the numbers of 26, 27 and 27 eyes in each group respectively. Three months after cataract surgery, aberrations in the eyes were measured in un-dilated pupil using a Hartmann-Shack-type aberrometer (Asclepion-Meditec). The same measurements were done in 26 normal phakic eyes in age-matched persons. Individual Zernike polynomials, coma-like aberration, spherical aberration, the RMS value of total aberrations and total high order aberrations in the each group were compared. RESULTS: The total high order aberrations (the RMS value of 3rd and 4th aberrations) in AcrySof group was higher than Canon Staar group (P = 0.011), and the Z (3, 1) Zernike coefficient in AcrySof group was significant difference compared with Hydroview group (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: No significant differences in higher-order aberrations among eyes are demonstrated after implantation with 3 types IOLs in un-dilated pupil. The results suggest that there is no difference in the retinal image of pseudophakic eyes with 3 types of IOLs in regular condition.

[Combined surgery for cataract and glaucoma: phacoemulsification, foldable intraocular lens implantation and viscocanalostomy].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of phacoemulsification-intraocular lens (IOL) implantation combined with viscocanalostomy (P-C group), compared with that of phacoemulsification-IOL implantation combined with trabeculectomy (P-T group). METHODS: Combined phacoemulsification with corneal incision, foldable intraocular lens implantation and viscocanalostomy was performed in 21 eyes of 19 cataract patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. All patients were followed up for 3 - 6 months. RESULT: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly lower in both P-C group and P-T group (P=0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups. Visual outcome was similar in both groups. Complications of P-C group included Descemet's membrane puncture in 2 eyes, Schlemm's tube puncture in 2 eyes and IOP spikes in 3 eyes (at 24 hours postoperatively). The P-C group experienced significantly less inflammation than the P-T group. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification-IOL implantation combined with viscocanalostomy is a safe and effective surgery, with lower complicatin rate and easier ambulatory care.

[Clinical research of the implantation of phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens for high myopia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the implantation of phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) for high myopia. METHODS: A consecutive group of 73 eyes in 41 patients with -7.00 to -30.00 diopters (D) of myopia were implanted. RESULTS: All of 73 eyes were implanted successfully and have been followed-up for 3 m (months). The uncorrected visual acuity was from FC/33 cm to 0.2 pre-operatively and 0.1 to 1.0 3 m post-operatively. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was from 0.05 to 1.0 pre-operatively and 0.1 to 1.0 3 m post-operatively. The post-operative BCVA of every eye was not worse than the pre-operative one. The refractive diopters were from -7.00 to -30.00 D pre-operatively and -6.00 to +2.50 D 3 m post-operatively. There were no significant differences between pre- and 3 m post-operative mean corneal astigmatism (t = 1.751, P = 0.082) and mean intraocular pressure (IOP) (t = 1.181, P = 0.240), respectively. The mean counts of endothelial cells was (2 680 +/- 538)/mm(2) pre-operatively and (2 514 +/- 420)/mm(2) 3 m post-operatively. There was no significant difference (t = 1.182, P = 0.242) though it decreased 6.19%. No severe complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of phakic anterior chamber IOL for high myopia is predictable, reversible and controllable with simple manipulation. No severe complication occurred in 3 m post-operatively, and long-time follow-up is still required.