Effectivity and safety of trifocal intraocular lenses and capsular tension rings implantation for cataract patients with axial high myopia.

AIM: To assess effectivity and safety of trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and capsular tension rings in treating cataract patients with axial high myopia. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Totally 98 eyes (74 patients) who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with trifocal IOLs were enrolled in the study and followed up for 2y after surgery: 46 eyes (33 patients) with capsular tension ring implantation in the long axial lengths (AL) group (260.05). The dysfunctional lens index and total modulation transfer function (MTF) average height were similar between the two groups. The postoperative internal coma aberrations in the axial high myopia eyes were significantly higher than that in the normal AL group (P<0.05). The total satisfaction score in the long AL group (91.32±2.76) was slightly higher than that in the normal AL group (90.36±3.47), but there was no difference (P=0.136). A statistically negative correlation was found between corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and dysfunctional lens index (r=-0.382, P=0.009), and between CDVA and the total MTF average height (r=-0.374, P=0.01). But there was no significant correlation between CDVA and total satisfaction score (r=0.059, P=0.696). Postoperative complications mainly presented as posterior capsular opacity (PCO), retinal detachment and cystoid macular edema. There was no difference in the incidence of fundus disease (6.5% vs 3.8%, P=0.663) or PCO (17.4% vs 7.7%, P=0.217) between the two groups at two years. CONCLUSION: The utilization of trifocal IOL and capsular tension ring implantation is beneficial for cataract patients with axial high myopia undergoing FLACS. This approach not only ensures excellent subjective feelings and objective visual quality, but also does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.

Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of eicosane on glutamate and NMDA-induced retinal ganglion cell injury.

AIM: To investigate the protective effects, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of eicosane on glutamate-induced cell damage and on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury in a mouse model of glaucoma. METHODS: The protective effects of eicosane on the rat R28 retinal precursor cell line were assessed using cell counting kit-8 assays and Hoechst-propidium iodide staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the fluorescent probe 2'-7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and flow cytometry. The protective role of eicosane on NMDA-induced RGC injury in a mouse glaucoma model was determined by immunostaining of frozen sections of retina. The effects of eicosane on the metabolome of the retina in mice with NMDA-induced RGC damage were evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and untargeted metabolomics analyses. RESULTS: Eicosane treatment significantly attenuated glutamate-induced damage to R28 cells in vitro. Eicosane also protected RGCs against NMDA-induced injury in a mouse glaucoma model. Untargeted metabolomics analyses showed that eicosane increased multiple metabolites, including L-arginine and L-carnitine, in the retina. CONCLUSION: Eicosane has protective effects, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory properties in an in vitro model of glutamate-induced cell damage and in an in vivo model of NMDA-induced RGC injury in mouse glaucoma through modulation of L-arginine and/or L-carnitine metabolism.

Effect of nano-selenium loaded with lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the proliferation of lens epithelial cells after UVB damage in vitro.

AIM: To investigate the effect of nano-selenium loaded with different concentrations of lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP-SeNPs) on the proliferation of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) from UV irradiation. METHODS: LBP-SeNPs were prepared and their particle size was detected. HLECs (SRA01/04) were irradiated with UVB for different time (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60min) to construct a damaged model, the survival rate of cells was determined by methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The 4',6-Diamidine-2'-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining was used to observe the status of cell nucleus and drug entering cytoplasm through cell membrane in SRA01/04 cells after adding LBP-SENPS loaded with coumarin fluorescence agent 24h under fluorescence microscope. SRA01/04 normal and UVB-damaged cells were treated with different amounts of LBP-SeNPs at different concentrations, cells proliferation were observed. RESULTS: The particle size of LBP-SeNPs was stable in the range of 150-200 nm. The survival rate changes with time after UVB irradiation were statistically significant. The 10min of UVB exposure as the time was chosen to construct the cell damage model. With DAPI staining, LBP-SeNPs were observed to enter the cytoplasm through the cell membrane under fluorescence inverted microscope. Cytotoxicity of SRA01/04 at different concentrations of LBP-SeNPs were measured. Cell survival rate was statistically different compared with the control group. The higher the loading concentration of LBP in nano-Se drugs was, the higher the cell proliferation rate was (P<0.05). The lower the concentration of LBP-SeNPs, the higher the cell proliferation rate, showing a negative growth trend (P<0.05). The group with the highest average cell proliferation rate was 0.5 µmol/L 2.0 mg/mL LBP-SeNPs (128.80%). When the 2.0 mg/mL LBP-SeNPs group was selected for cell photography, the cell density was higher at 0.5 µmol/L. With the increase of concentration, SRA01/04 cells appeared more cytoplasm dehydration, cell shrinkage and apoptotic bodies, and cell density decreased. CONCLUSION: LBP-SeNPs has moderate particle size and good stability. LBP-SeNPs can protect HLECs (SRA01/04) from UVB-induced damage, and the cell proliferation rate is further increased with increasing the amount of loaded LBP and decreasing nano-selenium concentration.

Update on the management of fungal keratitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to introduce the recent advance on the studies of fungal keratitis published over past 5 years. METHODS: We performed literature review of articles published on PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI and Web of Science relevant to the diagnosis, pathogenesis and novel treatment of fungal keratitis. RESULTS: Excessive inflammation can lead to stromal damage and corneal opacification, hence the research on immune mechanism provides many potential therapeutic targets for fungal keratitis. Many researchers discussed the importance of earlier definitive diagnosis and were trying to find rapid and accurate diagnostic methods of pathogens. Develop new drug delivery systems and new routes of administration with better corneal penetration, prolonged ocular residence time, and better mucoadhesive properties is also one of the research hotspots. Additionally, many novel therapeutic agents and methods have been gradually applied in clinical ophthalmology. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of fungal keratitis are still a challenge for ophthalmologist, and many researches provide new methods to conquer these problems.

Protective effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on retinal ganglion cells in mice with acute ocular hypertension.

AIM: To observe the protective effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) injury in mice with acute ocular hypertension (AOH). METHODS: Fifty-six adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, AOH group, hucMSCs group, normal saline (NS) group. Left eye of mice was induced by 90 mm Hg intraocular pressure for 1h to establish AOH model. hucMSCs 1×105/µL, 1 µL or NS 1 µL was injected into the vitreous body the next day. CM-Dil fluorescent dye was used to label the 3rd generation of hucMSCs, for tracing the cells in the vitreous cavity of mice. Seven days after the model established, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the thickness of the inner retina layer in four groups. Numbers and loss rate of RGCs were evaluated by counting Brn-3a positive cells stained by immunofluorescencein. RESULTS: On the 7th day after AOH established, labeled hucMSCs were found in the vitreous cavity. HE staining showed that the thickness of retinal inner layer in AOH group was significantly lower than that in normal group and hucMSCs group (P<0.05), same as that in NS group (P>0.05). Compared with AOH group, the RGCs in normal group was significantly higher; RGCs number increased in hucMSCs group and the loss rate was lower (P<0.05). Injection of NS had no protective effect on RGCs. CONCLUSION: In AOH mouse model, vitreous injection of hucMSCs have shown a protection for RGCs.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides protects retinal ganglion cells against oxidative stress injury.

The accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species can exacerbate any injury of retinal tissue because free radicals can trigger lipid peroxidation, protein damage and DNA fragmentation. Increased oxidative stress is associated with the common pathological process of many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and ischemic optic neuropathy. Many studies have demonstrated that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) protects against oxidative injury in numerous cells and tissues. For the model of hypoxia we used cultured retinal ganglion cells and induced hypoxia by incubating with 200 µM cobalt chloride (CoCl2) for 24 hours. To investigate the protective effect of LBP and its mechanism of action against oxidative stress injury, the retinal tissue was pretreated with 0.5 mg/mL LBP for 24 hours. The results of flow cytometric analysis showed LBP could effectively reduce the CoCl2-induced retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species and the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings suggested that LBP could protect retinal ganglion cells from CoCl2-induced apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species.

Biocompatible ruthenium polypyridyl complexes as efficient radiosensitizers.

A biocompatible ruthenium polypyridyl complex has been rationally designed and synthesized, which self-assembles into nanoparticles in aqueous solution to enhance the water solubility and biocompatibility. When activated by X-rays, the nanostructure synergistically triggers ROS overproduction in cancer cells to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and cell cycle arrest, thus realizing simultaneous chemo-radiotherapy.

The association of lumican polymorphisms and high myopia in a Southern Chinese population.

AIM: To investigate the correlation between lumican (LUM) gene and high myopia in a Southern Chinese population. METHODS: The study comprised of 95 high myopia patients with a spherical equivalent ≤-6.5 diopters (D). The control group recruited 95 individuals with a spherical equivalent ranging from -0.5 D to +0.5 D. Direct sequencing was used to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of LUM gene in coding region. Genotype distributions were tested for Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium. Genotypic and allelic frequencies were analyzed through Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: We identified 3 SNPs of the LUM gene: LUM c.32 (rs577456426), LUM c.507 (rs17853500) and LUM c.849 (rs181915277). Among the three SNPs, the genotype and allele frequencies of rs17853500 showed a significant difference between patients and control subjects (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in rs181915277 and rs577456426 between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: LUM c.507 polymorphism may be a risk factor for the pathogenesis of high myopia in the Southern Chinese population.

Construction of adenovirus vectors encoding the lumican gene by gateway recombinant cloning technology.

AIM: To construct adenovirus vectors of lumican gene by gateway recombinant cloning technology to further understand the role of lumican gene in myopia. METHODS: Gateway recombinant cloning technology was used to construct adenovirus vectors. The wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) forms of the lumican gene were synthesized and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The lumican cDNA fragments were purified and ligated into the adenovirus shuttle vector pDown-multiple cloning site (MCS)-/internal ribozyme entry site (IRES)/enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Then the desired DNA fragments were integrated into the destination vector pAV.Des1d yielding the final expression constructs pAV.Ex1d-cytomegalovirus (CMV)>wt-lumican/IRES/EGFP and pAV.Ex1d-CMV>mut-lumican/IRES /EGFP, respectively. RESULTS: The adenovirus plasmids pAV.Ex1d-CMV>wt-lumican/IRES/EGFP and pAV.Ex1d-CMV>mut-lumican/IRES/EGFP were successfully constructed by gateway recombinant cloning technology. Positive clones identified by PCR and sequencing were selected and packaged into recombinant adenovirus in HEK293 cells. CONCLUSION: We construct adenovirus vectors containing the lumican gene by gateway recombinant cloning technology, which provides a basis for investigating the role of lumican gene in the pathogenesis of high myopia.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides protected human retinal pigment epithelial cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

AIM: To investigate the protective effect and its mechanism of lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: ARPE-19 cells, a human retinal pigment epithelial cell lines, were exposed to different concentrations of H2O2 for 24h, then cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to get the properly concentration of H2O2 which can induce half apoptosis of APRE-19. With different concentrations of LBP pretreatment, the ARPE-19 cells were then exposed to appropriate concentration of H2O2, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometric analysis. Expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were measured by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. RSULTS: LBP significantly reduced the H2O2-induced ARPE-19 cells' apoptosis. LBP inhibited the H2O2-induced down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax. CONCLUSION: LBP could protect ARPE-19 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis. The Bcl-2 family had relationship with the protective effects of LBP.

The association of LOXL1 polymorphisms with exfoliation syndrome/glaucoma: Meta-analysis.

AIM: To investigate the association of lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with exfoliation syndrome (XFS)/exfoliation glaucoma (XFG). METHODS: Published manuscripts from PubMed and EMBASE were identified until May 2014. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for LOXL1 (rs1048661, rs2165241 and rs3825942) polymorphisms and the risk of XFS/XFG were estimated using random- or fixed- effect model. RESULTS: The three LOXL1 polymorphisms (rs1048661, rs3825942, and rs2165241) were associated with an increased risk for XFS/XFG among Caucasians, with OR 2.19(1.96-2.45), 8.8 (6.05-12.79) and 3.41 (3.11-3.73), respectively. On the contrast, the rs1048661 and rs2165241, but not rs3825942 polymorphism, have a potential protective effect on XFS/XFG in Asians, with OR 0.06 (0.02-0.18), 0.15 (0.09-0.25), respectively. CONCLUSION: There is strong evidence that LOXL1 polymorphisms are associated with XFS/XFG risk. The strength of risk might be ethnicity-dependent.

Choosing preclinical study models of diabetic retinopathy: key problems for consideration.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus in the eye. Although the clinical treatment for DR has already developed to a relative high level, there are still many urgent problems that need to be investigated in clinical and basic science. Currently, many in vivo animal models and in vitro culture systems have been applied to solve these problems. Many approaches have also been used to establish different DR models. However, till now, there has not been a single study model that can clearly and exactly mimic the developmental process of the human DR. Choosing the suitable model is important, not only for achieving our research goals smoothly, but also, to better match with different experimental proposals in the study. In this review, key problems for consideration in choosing study models of DR are discussed. These problems relate to clinical relevance, different approaches for establishing models, and choice of different species of animals as well as of the specific in vitro culture systems. Attending to these considerations will deepen the understanding on current study models and optimize the experimental design for the final goal of preventing DR.

Comparison of trabeculectomy and trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation in the same patient with bilateral glaucoma.

AIM: To observe effects of trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in controlling postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma. METHODS: This study included adult patients with requiring bilateral glaucoma surgery. Each patient underwent trabeculectomy (Non-AMT group) in one eye and with AMT (AMT group) in the other eye according to randomized principle. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP)<21mmHg without any anti-glaucoma medications at 24 months follow-up. The two groups were compared in terms of IOP, complications and success rate. RESULTS: Thirty-four eyes of 17 patients were investigated in this study. There was no statistically signifcant difference in pre-operative IOP between the two groups. The mean IOP was lower in AMT group compared with Non-AMT group on follow up months 12, 18, and 24.Postoperative complications were more frequent in Non-AMT group (35.3%, 6/17) compared with AMT group (5.9%, 1/17). The success rate of surgery was 88.2% (15/17) in Non-AMT group and 100% (17/17) in AMT group. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy with AMT is an effective procedure to reduce IOP and complications, thereby improving surgical success rates.

Research advances on the usage of traditional Chinese medicine for neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons is the main pathogenesis of glaucoma. The cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but the neurodegeneration of glaucoma involves many mechanisms such as oxidative stress, glutamate toxicity and ischemia/reperfusion insult. In order to target these mechanisms, multiple neuroprotective interventions have been investigated to prevent the death of RGCs. Of note are some tonic herbs from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacopeia that have shown neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. TCM differs from Western medicine in that TCM exhibits complicated bioactive components, triggering many signaling pathways and extensive actions on vital organs. Modern scientific approaches have demonstrated some of their underlying mechanisms. In this review, we used Lycium barbarum and Ginkgo biloba as examples to elaborate the characteristics of TCM and their potential applications in neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Construction of eukaryotic plasmid expressing human TGFBI and its influence on human corneal epithelial cells.

AIM: To detect the expression of transforming growth factor beta-induced gene (TGFBI) protein in human corneal tissue and overexpress it in the human corneal epithelial cells in order to discuss the function of TGFBI in the pathogenesis of corneal dystrophy. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of TGFBI in the human cornea tissue. TGFBI cDNA was obtained by reverse transcription-PCR from human corneal total RNA extracted from cornea transplant donor and cloned into pCMV-N-HA vector. The recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI plasmid transfected human corneal epithelial cells. Forty-eight hours later, mRNA and proteins were harvested from cells for real-time PCR analysis and western blot assay respectively. RESULTS: IHC indicated TGFBI mainly exist below the human corneal epithelium layer. Transfection of recombinant pCMV-N-HA-TGFBI into human corneal epithelial cells resulted in effective expression of TGFBI, as shown by increased mRNA level detected by real-time PCR as well as increased protein level detected by Western blot. Meanwhile the result of real-time PCR and Western blot shown the expression of MMP1, MMP3 (matrix metalloproteinases MMP) increased while the expressin of TIMP1 (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases TIMP) decreased. CONCLUSION: TGFBI mainly exists below the corneal epithelial layer, recombinant eukaryotic expression vector harboring human TGFBI cDNA was obtained and efficiently overexpressed in human corneal epithelial cells. Meanwhile the TGFBI overexpression in human corneal epithelial cells result in MMP1, MMP3 increasing and TIMP1 decreasing. The result might be helpful for studying the function and role of TGFBI in pathogenesis of corneal dystrophy.

New mucosal flap modification for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in Asians.

AIM: To describe a simple modification of fashioning the mucosal flap for endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EES-DCR) in Asians and investigate its efficacy. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with unilateral primary chronic dacryocystitis (PCD) were randomized into two groups: the new shaped nasal mucosal flap group (group A) and the removed nasal mucosal flap group (group B). All patients underwent standard EES-DCR. Patients in group A were performed a new shaped nasal mucosal flap covering the bared bone around the opened sac and those in group B was removed the nasal mucosal flap uncovering the bared bone. Patients were followed up for one year. The occurrence of granulation tissue, the proliferation of scar tissue and success rate of EES-DCR was compared. RESULTS: In the present study, complete postoperative data were acquired from 54 patients in group A and from 57 patients in group B. During process of review, the occurrence of granulation tissue was at the ostium margins account for 15% (8/54) in group A and 39% (22/57) in group B (P<0.05). At the one-year review, scar tissue was present in 5 patients in group A compared with 18 in group B (P<0.05). The success rate of EES-DCR was 98% (53/54) in group A and 84% (48/57) in group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The simple modification of fashioning nasal mucosal flap can effectively cover the bared bone around the opened sac and reduce formation of granulation tissue, lessen the risk of scar tissue formation and closure of ostium, thus improve the success rate of EES-DCR in Asians.

Comparison of fibrin glue versus suture for conjunctival autografting in pterygium surgery: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery with conjunctival autografting. DESIGN: The use of fibrin glue has been introduced in the treatment of pterygium. However, its role versus traditional suturing is still a matter of debate. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety and clinical efficacy of fibrin glue with suture for conjunctival autograft attachment in pterygium surgery. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 342 participants with 366 eyes in 7 studies were analyzed. METHODS: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The methodological quality of all the included trials was assessed with the Jadad score. The meta-analysis was performed with the fixed-effects model for complication rate and recurrence rate, and random-effects model for operating time. RESULTS: Fibrin glue was associated with a significantly decreased operating time (weighted mean difference -17.61 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI], -26.03 to -9.18, P<0.0001) and was more effective in reducing the recurrence rate (Peto odds ratio [OR] 0.33, 95% CI, 0.15-0.71, P = 0.004) compared with suture. There were no significant differences in the complication rate (Peto OR 1.82, 95% CI, 0.63-5.27, P = 0.27) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis supports the superiority of fibrin glue to suture in pterygium surgery with conjunctival autografting in that the use of fibrin glue can significantly reduce the recurrence rate without increasing the risk of complications. Ophthalmologists should consider the use of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

[The clinical therapic efficiency of anethol trithione on dry eye].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate anethol trithione therapic efficiency on dry eye. METHODS: It was a prospective random double-blind controlled study. Eighty cases diagnosed dry eye in Ocular Surface Out-patient Clinic of Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center from 2006 to 2008 were divided into two groups: anethol trithione group and control group, 40 cases in each group. Every group was then divided into two subgroups: weak dry eye subgroup,middle and severe dry eye subgroup. All groups had been added with 0.05% refresh drops. All patients had been detected and evaluated by subjective symptoms of dry eye, visual acuity, corneal fluorescent staining (F1), break-up time (BUT) and Schirmer I test (SIT) at pretherapy and 3, 7, 28 d of post-therapy. All groups had been compared and analyzed by F test and sample mean difference (SMD) or median difference (MD) comparison between pre-therapy and post-therapy. RESULTS: Except of tear and red eye,the other subjective symptoms of dry eye, Fl, BUT and SIT of weak dry eye subgroup of both groups had been improved at 7 d after therapy. Only those of middle and severe dry eye subgroup of anethol trithione group had been improved at 7 d after therapy compared with those of pretherapy: SMD = 0.96 (visual tiredness), 1.26 (dry and unsmooth sensation), 0.82 (foreign body sensation), 1.28 (burning sensation), 1.05 ( photophobia), 1.48 (pain); MD = 0.30 (visual acuity), 4.00 (Fl), 5.00 (BUT), 5.00 (SIT) [F = 15.30 (visual tiredness), 15.68 (dry and unsmooth sensation), 13.56 (foreign body sensation), 20.91 (burning sensation), 18.90 (photophobia), 27.22 (pain), 10.54 (visual acuity),188.21 (F1), 261.76 (BUT), 269.05 (SIT); P < 0.05]. Those of middle and severe dry eye subgroup of control group hadn't significantly been improved at 28 d after therapy: SMD = 0.10 (visual tiredness), 0.16 (dry and unsmooth sensation), 0.09 (foreign body sensation), 0.38 (burning sensation), 0.24 (photophobia), 0.36 (pain), 0.23 (red eye); MD = 0.10 (visual acuity), 0.50 (Fl), 0.50 (BUT), 0.50 (SIT) [F = 1.76 (visual tiredness), 1.61 (dry and unsmooth sensation), 1.02 (foreign body sensation), 2.39 (burning sensation), 2.42 (photophobia), 2.73 (pain), 2.55 (red eye), 1.46 (visual acuity), 2.35 (Fl), 2.90 (BUT), 2.76 (SIT); P > 0.05]. SIT of anethol trithione group had been improved more significantly after therapy (F = 13.77, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anethol trithione could significantly improve middle and severe dry eye patients' symptoms and signs whose lacrimal gland function survival and it has clinical application value.

Importin 13 serves as a potential marker for corneal epithelial progenitor cells.

Importin13 (IPO13), the newest member of importin-beta family discovered recently, is a unique nucleus-cytoplasm bidirectional transport receptor protein. In this study, IPO13 expression in human corneal tissue, limbal epithelial primary explant and clonal culture was evaluated by immunostaining and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reasgon. IPO13 function was evaluated in the corneal epithelial culture treated with IPO13 inhibitor, or fetal bovine serum (FBS)-containing Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) medium by colony-forming efficiency, clone growth capacity, MTT, immunostaining, and Western blotting assay. IPO13 protein was expressed mainly in nuclei of limbal epithelial basal cells, but not in the other cell layers of limbus and full thickness of corneal epithelia. IPO13 was expressed in the majority of epithelial cells in early-stage clones and in the margin of late-stage clones. IPO13 was positively expressed in mouse TKE2 progenitor cells cultured in keratinocyte serum-free defined medium, while it became negative in FBS-containing DMEM, which promoted TKE2 cell differentiation. In the presence of IPO13 inhibitor, IPO13 expression and the proliferative capacity decreased in human limbal epithelial clones and mouse TKE2 cells, which were accompanied with the cell differentiation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate for the first time that IPO13 is uniquely expressed by human limbal basal epithelial cells, and plays an important role in maintaining the phenotype, high proliferative potential, and less differentiation of corneal epithelial progenitor cells, suggesting that IPO13 could serve as a novel potential marker for corneal epithelial progenitor cells.

[Hyperoxia-induced retinal peroxidative injury in immature rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of retinal injury induced by hyperoxia. METHODS: Sixty immature Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats born at a gestational age of 21 days, were randomly exposed to room air (air group, n=30) or 95% oxygen (hyperoxia group, n=30) immediately after birth. Plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) levels were determined by ELISA. The ultrastructures of the retina were observed under a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The plasma 8-iso-PGF2alpha contents of the air group were 19.09 +/-5.57, 18.24+/-5.91 and 17.00 +/- 5.58 pg/mL on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after birth, respectively (F=1.024, P> 0.05). The plasma 8-iso-PGF2 contents in the hyperoxia group on the 3rd (28.33 +/- 5.59 pg/mL), the 7th day (51.20 +/- 15.01 pg/mL) and 14th day (84.54 +/- 14.85 pg/mL) after birth were significantly higher than those of the air group (t=2.863, P< 0.05; t=5.073, P< 0.01; t=11.006, P< 0.01). Moreover, the plasma 8-iso-PGF2 contents in the hyperoxia group increased with the prolonged hyperoxia exposure (F=150.7, P < 0.01). The ultrastructures of retina in the air group were normal. Hyperoxia exposure resulted in abnormalities of the ultrastructures of retina, manifesting as the membrane discs rarefied, twisted and disrupted and mitochondrial swelling. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress can results in retinal injury in immature rats. An increased plasma level of 8-iso-PGF2alpha is related to the injury degree of retina.