Puberty attainment and reproductive performance of yearling Bos indicus-influenced heifers after two sequential treatments with progesterone.

Number of pubertal heifers at time of breeding season initiation is a primary determinant to pregnancy success during the breeding season. It was hypothesized that pre-breeding progesterone (P4) supplementation (induction) would increase the number of heifers pubertal at the time of imposing estrous synchronization treatment regimens and P/AI. Yearling, Bos indicus-influenced (n = 577) or Bos indicus (n = 174) heifers were or were not treated with P4 (CIDR and Non-CIDR, respectively) for 10 d starting on D-23 (D0 = TAI). Presence of a CL on D-33 or D-23 was considered to indicate heifers were pubertal. On D-13, there was a PGF analogue administered. On D-9, there was treatment with GnRH analogue, 6d-CIDR and PGF. There were inseminations based on estrus (D-2 to D0) or TAI on D0 for non-estrous animals. There were 5.2 % and 62.9 % purebred and crossbred heifers pubertal, respectively. Proportion of prepubertal crossbred than purebred heifers with CL on D-3 was greater as a result of imposing the pubertal induction regimen (P < 0.05 and P> 0.10, respectively). Regardless of puberty status, proportion of heifers in estrus prior to AI in the CIDR group was similar to the heifers of the Non-CIDR group for crossbreds and purebreds. Similarly, P/AI of CIDR group was similar to the Non-CIDR group for crossbreds and purebreds. In summary, imposing the pubertal induction regimen hastened attainment of puberty in yearling crossbred, but not purebred heifers. Puberty induction did not affect estrous response, neither fertility after imposing an estrous synchronization treatment regimen.

Treatment merits of Latanoprost/Thymoquinone - Encapsulated liposome for glaucomatus rabbits.

Elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) is recognized as a risk factor for glaucoma development. Latanoprost (LAT) is a prostaglandin analog used to reduce the (IOP). Thymoquinone (TQ) is a major bioactive ingredient of Nigella sativa. The aim of this study was to develop novel liposomal drug carriers for ocular delivery of LAT, TQ and a mixture of them to investigate their IOP lowering efficacy upon subconjunctival injection in glaucoma-induced rabbit's eye. The aim of the present work extends also to study the effect of the different liposome formulations on the aqueous humor oxidative stress. Liposome samples were prepared using thin film hydration method. The physiochemical properties of the prepared drugs were characterized. The IOP was recorded for 70 rabbits using Schiotz-tonometer. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activities and total antioxidant activity of the aqueous humor were estimated. Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetric studies confirmed the interaction between the drug and the vesicles, which resulted in high drug encapsulation efficiency ≥88%. The size of the prepared liposomes was less than 10 µm which make them suitable in ophthalmic applications. The sustained effect was achieved by liposome samples of Lip (LAT) and Lip (LAT + TQ) which were able to reduce the IOP significantly up to 84 h. Morever, the treatment of glaucomatous rabbits with liposome formulations containing TQ in their preparation [Lip (TQ) and Lip (LAT + TQ)] greatly improved the ocular tissue-induced histopathological lesions. None of the prepared liposome formulations succeeded to improve the glaucoma-induced oxidative stress damage.

Effect of consecutive re-synchronization protocols on pregnancy rate in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers out of the breeding season.

The combined effect of six consecutive timed artificial inseminations (TAIs) on pregnancy rates, following two different synchronization protocols on buffalo heifers, over a period of seven months typically characterized by low breeding performances, were investigated in this study. A total of 2189 TAIs were performed on 1463 buffalo heifers within a large buffalo farm in the south of Italy. Individual animals were allowed to undergo synchronization protocol (either a slightly modified Ovsynch or Progesterone treatment) and TAI until establishment of pregnancy or else for not more than six consecutive times. Semen of seven proven bulls was used throughout the study, which was carried out from March to September of the same year. Therefore, other than the effect given by consecutive TAIs over time, a monthly and a seasonal effect could also be tested, once the entire period was split into a Low Breeding Season (LBS) from March to June, and a Transition to Breeding Season (TBS) from July to September. From the data recorded in this study and the statistical analysis performed, it can be stated that the two protocols for the synchronization of ovulation were similar in efficiency in determining pregnancies with an overall fertility rate of 89.4% when the comparison was run both on a monthly basis or when months were grouped into two different seasons. In addition, an average of 1.83 AI/pregnancy was reported, slightly higher for the Ovsynch when compared to the Progesterone protocol: 1.91 vs 1.70, respectively. Finally, when considering the number of progressive synchronization treatments implemented over time as covariate, neither Ovsynch nor Progesterone treatment significantly affected pregnancy rates following the first of the six synchronization sessions. However, repeating the synchronization procedure, the progesterone based protocol resulted in significantly higher probability of success in terms of established pregnancies during the second and third re-synchronization sessions.

Effects of pre-surgical administration of prostaglandin analogs on the outcome of trabeculectomy.

For primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), laser treatment or surgery is used when the target intraocular pressure (IOP) cannot be achieved by pharmacological agents, such as prostaglandin (PG) analogs; these drugs also have varied effects. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 74 POAG patients (74 eyes) whose IOP was inadequately controlled by PG analogs (bimatoprost [13 eyes], latanoprost [34 eyes], tafluprost [11 eyes], and travoprost [16 eyes]) and underwent primary trabeculectomy. The proportion of patients with no recurrent IOP elevation within 24 months post-trabeculectomy was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in the bimatoprost group (31.3%) than in the latanoprost (83.2%), tafluprost (45.5%), or travoprost groups (65.6%). Deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus (DUES) was observed before trabeculectomy in 18 of 74 eyes (24.3%) treated with bimatoprost (9 eyes; 50.0%), latanoprost (3 eyes; 16.7%), tafluprost (1 eye; 5.5%) and travoprost (5 eyes; 27.8%). The proportion of patients with no recurrent IOP elevation up to 24 months post-trabeculectomy was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in the DUES(+) group (34.7%) than in the DUES(-) group (74.3%). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, with no recurrent IOP elevation used as dependent variable, and bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost, tafluprost, ß-blocker, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, brimonidine, gender, age, preoperative IOP, mean deviation, duration of PG analog use before surgery, and the number of ophthalmic solutions used as independent variables, identified only bimatoprost as a significant independent factor (P = 0.0368). Thus, the outcome of trabeculectomy varied depending on the PG analog used preoperatively, and bimatoprost use was associated with a high risk of recurrent IOP elevation up to 2 years post-trabeculectomy. This may indicate that the incidence of DUES differed with the PG analog used. Patients with glaucoma who are treated with bimatoprost should be monitored for DUES, and when these patients undergo trabeculectomy, the postoperative course of IOP should be followed carefully.

Long interval prostaglandin as an alternative to progesterone-eCG based protocols for timed AI in sheep.

To compare the reproductive performance after TAI in ewes synchronized with mid (12 or 13) or long (14-16 d) interval prostaglandin (PG) or progesterone plus eCG (P4-eCG) based protocols, 440 multiparous Corriedale ewes were synchronized with two PG injections administered 12-16 d apart (PG12, PG13, PG14, PG15 and PG16 respectively), or P4-eCG (MAP sponges 14 d and eCG). Cervical TAI (Day 0) was performed with fresh semen. It was evaluated the ovulated ewes (OE, %) and the ovulation rate (OR) on Day 8 by trans-rectal ultrasonography, the rate of non-return to service between Days 13 and 21 by painted rams, and the pregnancy rate, prolificacy and fecundity on Day 60 by trans-abdominal ultrasonography. No significant differences were found in OE among groups (P>0.05), but P4-eCG achieved higher OR (P<0.05) compared to PG protocols, without differences among them (P>0.05). Similar NRR-21, pregnancy and fecundity were observed among PG15 (64.3, 62.9 and 84.3), PG16 (59.7, 59.7 and 77.8) and P4-eCG (70.3, 66.2 and 95.9), but higher compared to PG12 (42.5, 39.7 and 52.1) and PG13 group (44.0, 40.0 and 48.0, respectively; P<0.05). PG14 achieved intermediate results compared to other groups. No differences were found in prolificacy among groups (P>0.05), except PG13 that was lower compared to P4-eCG (P<0.05). In conclusion, long interval between PG injections (15 or 16 d) determined better reproductive outcome that mid interval (12 or 13 d), equating the P4-eCG based protocol after cervical TAI with fresh semen during the breeding season in sheep.

The physical properties of generic latanoprost ophthalmic solutions are not identical.

PURPOSE: To compare various characteristics of Xalatan® and five generic latanoprost ophthalmic solutions. METHODS: Drop size, volume, pH values, buffer capacity, viscosity, hardness of bottles and costs were determined. Drop sizes were measured in triplicates by micropipettes, and the number of drops counted in three separate bottles of each generic product was determined. pH values were measured in triplicates by a calibrated pH meter. Buffer capacity was exploited by titrating known quantities of strong base into 2.5 ml of each brand and interpolated to neutral pH. Kinematic viscosity was determined by linear regression of timed gravity flow from a vertical syringe through a 21-G cannula. The hardness of the bottles was evaluated by gradually increasing tension on a hook placed around each bottle until a drop was expelled reading the tension on an attached spring scale. RESULTS: Drop sizes and the number of drops in the bottles varied significantly between the generic drugs. The control value of pH in the brand version (Xalatan® ) was markedly lower compared to the generic latanoprost products. Titration of Xalatan® to neutrality required substantially more NaOH compared to the generic latanoprost products. Finally, the viscosity revealed a significant variability between brands. Remarkable differences were found in bottle shapes, bottle hardness and costs of the latanoprost generics. CONCLUSION: Generic latanoprost eye drops should not be considered identical to the original brand version as regards to drop size, volumes, pH values, buffer capacity, viscosity, hardness of bottles and costs. It is likely that these issues affect compliance and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect. Therefore, re-evaluation of the requirements for introducing generic eye drops seems reasonable.

Effect of prophylactic topical hypotensive medications in reducing the incidence of postoperative ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether topical hypotensive medications prevent postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) after phacoemulsification. ANIMALS STUDIED: 52 client-owned dogs (88 eyes). PROCEDURES: Diabetic and nondiabetic dogs having undergone phacoemulsification were included in this retrospective study. The control group received no ocular hypotensive medications. The treatment groups received latanoprost, dorzolamide, or dorzolamide/timolol, beginning immediately after surgery, for 2-week duration. IOPs were obtained at initial examination followed by 4 h, 24 h, 7 days, and 14 days postoperatively. POH was defined as an IOP above 20 mmHg (POH20) or 25 mmHg (POH25). RESULTS: POH20 occurred in 33 of 87 eyes (37.93%), including 11 of 21 eyes (52.38%) in the control group, three of 23 eyes (13.04%) in the latanoprost group, eight of 15 eyes (53.33%) in the dorzolamide group, and 11 of 28 eyes (39.29%) in the dorzolamide/timolol group. Active treatment groups were compared to the control group, and the overall group effect was not significant (P = 0.11). POH25 occurred in 22 of 86 eyes (25.58%), including seven of 21 eyes (33.33%) in the control group, two of 23 eyes (8.70%) in the latanoprost group, five of 15 eyes (33.33%) in the dorzolamide group, and eight of 27 eyes (29.63%) in the dorzolamide/timolol group. Active treatment groups were compared to the control group, and the overall group effect was not significant (P = 0.31). Intraoperative use of intracameral tissue plasminogen activator significantly decreased the chances of POH25 (P = 0.0063). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The latanoprost group had a substantially lower percentage of POH 20 and POH25 compared to the control and other active treatment groups, although statistical significance was not achieved. Intraoperative intracameral tissue plasminogen activator decreased the incidence of POH25.

Evaluation of physical properties and dose equivalency of generic versus branded latanoprost formulations.

The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the pharmaceutical characteristics of various marketed generic formulations of prostaglandin analogue latanoprost in the Indian market. Three generics of latanoprost and one branded (Xalatan) formulation (five vials each) were obtained from authorized agents from the respective commercial sourcing having the same batch number. These formulations were coded, and the labels were removed. At a standardized room temperature of 25 °C, the concentration, osmolarity, drop size, pH, and total drops per vial were determined for Xalatan and all the generics of latanoprost. The concentration of various brands varied between 50.49 ± 0.36 and 58.90 ± 0.52 µg/ml as compared to the standard labeled concentration of 50 µg/ml on the latanoprost vials. The concentration of drugs in individual drop varied from 1.30 ± 0.05 to 1.78 ± 0.04 µg/drop. The volume of drug formulation per bottle varied from 2.4 ± 0.12 to 2.6 ± 0.09 ml/bottle. The number of drops per bottle varied from minimum of 88.60 ± 0.10 drops to maximum of 102.0 ± 4.3 drops across all the formulations, while the drop size varied from 25.72 ± 2.70 to 29.97 ± 1.38 µl. The osmolarity of 2/4 drugs was within 300 mOs M (±10 %). The specific gravity varied between 0.98 ± 0.01 and 1.007 ± 0.01, while pH was between 7.05 ± 0.004 and 7.13 ± 0.005. Two of the generic brands were outside the United States pharmacopoeia limits (±10%) for ophthalmic formulation, with concentration exceeding the limits by 3 % (p = 0.151) and 8 % (p = 0.008), respectively. This pilot study highlights that there are significant variations in the drug concentrations and physical properties of generic latanoprost formulations. Although none of the brands had concentrations below the recommended level, two of the brands had concentrations exceeding the limits by 3 and 8 %, respectively.

Relationship between the ovarian follicular response at the start of an Ovsynch-TAI program and pregnancy outcome in the Mediterranean river buffalo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the ovarian follicular response at the start of the OVsynch-fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) program and pregnancy outcome in the Mediterranean river buffalo. The study involved 116 pluriparous buffaloes at 118 ± 65 days in milk maintained under commercial conditions on a buffalo dairy enterprise in southern Italy. Synchronization of the stage of the estrous cycle in the Ovsynch-TAI program involves an injection of GnRH on Day 0 (GnRH1), PGF2α on Day 7, and GnRH on Day 9 (GnRH2). Timed artificial insemination is carried out on Day 10. Ovarian ultrasound examinations were undertaken on days 0, 2, 7, 9, 10, and 11 to record total follicles, the dimensions of follicles greater than 0.75 cm, dimensions of the corpus luteum (CL), and the occurrence of ovulation. Blood concentrations of P4 were measured on days 0 and 10 and 10 days after TAI. Pregnancy status was determined on days 27 and 45 after TAI to calculate late embryonic mortality. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and multiple logistic regression. A total of 70 of 116 (60.4%) buffaloes showed ovulation after GnRH1. Buffaloes that ovulated after GnRH1 had a smaller (P < 0.05) area of the ovulatory follicle on Day 0 compared with buffaloes that did not ovulate (1.08 ± 0.1 and 1.29 ± 0.1 cm2, respectively). The former buffaloes also had a larger (P < 0.05) CL area (1.81 ± 0.1 and 1.51 ± 0.1 cm2, respectively) and greater (P < 0.05) blood concentrations of P4 (1.84 ± 0.2 and 1.34 ± 0.2 ng/mL, respectively) on Day 0. A larger (P < 0.05) proportion of buffaloes that ovulated after GnRH1 showed regression of the CL after the injection of PGF2α on Day 7 compared with buffaloes that did not ovulate (68 of 69 [98.6%] and 27 of 32 [84.4%], respectively). Buffaloes that ovulated after GnRH1 also had a greater (P < 0.05) ovulation rate after GnRH2 than buffaloes that did not ovulate (65 of 70 [92.8%] and 37 of 46 [80.4%], respectively). Buffaloes that ovulated after GnRH1 had a higher (P < 0.01) pregnancy rate than buffaloes that did not ovulate, both at Day 27 (53 of 70 [75.7%] and 14 of 46 [30.4%], respectively) and Day 45 (46 of 70 [65.7%] and 10 of 46 [21.7%], respectively). The incidence of late embryonic mortality tended to be less for buffaloes that ovulated after GnRH1 than buffaloes that did not ovulate (7 of 53 [13.2%] and 4 of 14 [28.6%], respectively). The present findings have demonstrated a strong direct relationship between the ovarian follicular response at the start of an OVsynch-TAI program and pregnancy outcome in the Mediterranean river buffalo.

Latanoprost and Dorzolamide for the Treatment of Pediatric Glaucoma: The Glaucoma Italian Pediatric Study (Gipsy), Design and Baseline Characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the efficacy of a treatment strategy with latanoprost and dorzolamide in primary pediatric glaucoma patients partially responsive to surgery. METHODS: Single arm, prospective, interventional multicenter study. Primary pediatric glaucoma patients younger than 13 years after a single surgical procedure with IOP between 22 and 26 mmHg were considered eligible. At baseline, patients were allocated to latanoprost monotherapy once daily. Depending on intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction at first visit, the patients were allocated to one of three groups: continuation of latanoprost monotherapy, addition of dorzolamide twice daily, or switch to dorzolamide three times daily. The same approach for allocation in medication groups was used in all subsequent visits. Patients in the dorzolamide monotherapy group with IOP reduction <20% from baseline were considered non-responders and withdrawn. Study treatment and patient follow-up will continue for 3 years or until treatment failure. The primary endpoint is the percentage of responders. Secondary endpoints are time to treatment failure and frequency of adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients (69 eyes) were enrolled. The mean age was 4.0 ± 3.8 years, the female/male ratio was 1/1.7, and the majority of patients were Caucasian. Eighty percent of patients had bilateral glaucoma. Goniotomy was the most frequently performed surgery (38.6%), followed by trabeculotomy (22.8%), trabeculectomy (21.1%), and trabeculectomy plus trabeculotomy (17.5%). The baseline IOP was 23.6 ± 1.5 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The study population is representative of patients frequently encountered after the first surgery for primary pediatric glaucoma. The study will produce evidence on the medium-term efficacy of a defined pharmacological approach.

Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors on Intraocular Pressure in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the effect of a slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, GYY 4137, on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive rabbits. Furthermore, we compared the IOP-lowering action of GYY 4137 with those elicited by other H2S-producing compounds, l-cysteine and ACS67 (a hybrid compound of latanoprost with an H2S-releasing moiety). METHODS: IOP was measured in New Zealand normotensive male albino rabbits using a pneumatonometer (model 30 classic; Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Depew, NY). At 0 h, 50 µL of test compounds were applied topically to 1 eye of each animal, while the contralateral eye received the same quantity of vehicle (saline). IOP was measured hourly until baseline IOP readings were attained and animal eyes monitored for potential side effects (i.e., tearing, hyperemia). RESULTS: GYY 4137 (0.1%-2%) produced a dose-dependent decrease in IOP reaching a maximum of 27.8% ± 3.14% (n = 5) after 6 h. Interestingly, a significant contralateral effect was observed in vehicle-treated controls eyes at all doses tested. l-cysteine (5%) and ACS67 (0.005%) also elicited a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in IOP that achieved a maximum of 28.84% ± 1.53% (n = 5) and 23.27% ± 0.51% (n = 5), respectively, after 3 h. All 3 H2S-producing compounds also caused a significant contralateral effect in vehicle-treated control eyes. CONCLUSION: We conclude that GYY 4137 and other H2S-producing donors can reduce IOP in normotensive rabbits. However, the profile of IOP-lowering action of GYY 4137 was different from the other H2S donors affirming its ability to act as a slow-releasing gas donor.

Timed artificial insemination in blocks: A new alternative to improve fertility in lactating beef cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether changing the interval from CIDR removal to timed artificial insemination (TAI) according to the diameter of the preovulatory follicle (POF) would improve pregnancy per AI in cows. In Study 1, a retrospective analysis of TAI experiments (n=96 cows) was performed to characterize the time of ovulation according to the diameter of the dominant follicle. It was observed that cows with a larger POF had ovulations earlier than cows with smaller POF, according to the equation: y=0.72x(2)-26.74x+264.54 (R(2)=0.63; P<0.001). In Study 2, lactating Nelore cows (n=412) were subjected to an EB-CIDR based TAI protocol. On the morning of Day 10 (time of TAI), cows were randomized into Control (n=209) and Block (n=203) groups; (1) Cows in the Control Group were TAI 48 h after CIDR removal (08:00 am on Day 10), and; (2) Cows in the block group were inseminated once at one of the following time points, according to the diameter of the POF on Day 10: B0 (POF≥15mm, TAI 0 h after convetional TAI), B1 (POF 13-14.9 mm, TAI 6h later), B2 (POF 10.1-12.9 mm, TAI 24h later) and B3 (POF≤10mm, TAI 30 h later). The cows of the Block Group had greater pregnancy rates per AI than the Control Group (129/203, 63.5% when compared with 102/209, 48.8%, respectively; P<0.01). In conclusion, results of the present study demonstrate that adjusting the timing of TAI according to the diameter of the POF can be an effective practice for improving fertility of cows in TAI protocols.

Late postoperative choroidal detachment following an uneventful cataract surgery in a patient on topical latanoprost.

Topical latanoprost is a most effective and commonly used antiglaucoma medication. Use of prostaglandin analogues (PGA) in the early postoperative period is controversial due to its proinflammatory properties. We report a case of a 64-year-old man with primary open angle glaucoma, post-trabeculectomy 17 years prior, with good intraocular pressure (IOP) control on topical levobunolol 0.5% and latanoprost 0.005%. He underwent a clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery in his left eye and the PGA was stopped. He had an uneventful postoperative course and was prescribed eyeglasses at 4-week follow-up. Two weeks later, he presented to the emergency department with decreased vision in the left eye, flat anterior chamber, IOP of 00 mm Hg and 360° choroidal detachment. The continued use of topical latanoprost in the operated eye was implicated as the cause. This case illustrates the serious vision-threatening side effect of PGA when used in the early postoperative period.

Development of a novel injectable drug delivery system for subconjunctival glaucoma treatment.

In this study we present the development of an injectable polymeric drug delivery system for subconjunctival treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. The system consists of hyaluronic acid sodium salt (HA), which is commonly used in ophthalmology in anterior segment surgery, and an isocyanate-functionalized 1,2-ethylene glycol bis(dilactic acid) (ELA-NCO). The polymer mixtures with different ratios of HA to ELA-NCO (1/1, 1/4, and 1/10 (v/v)) were investigated for biocompatibility, degradation behavior and applicability as a sustained release system. For the latter, the lipophilic latanoprost ester pro-drug (LA) was incorporated into the HA/ELA-NCO system. In vitro, a sustained LA release over a period of about 60days was achieved. In cell culture experiments, the HA/ELA-NCO (1/1, (v/v)) system was proven to be biocompatible for human and rabbit Tenon's fibroblasts. Examination of in vitro degradation behavior revealed a total mass loss of more than 60% during the observation period of 26weeks. In vivo, LA was continuously released for 152days into rabbit aqueous humor and serum. Histological investigations revealed a marked leuko-lymphocytic infiltration soon after subconjunctival injection. Thereafter, the initial tissue reaction declined concomitantly with a continuous degradation of the polymer, which was completed after 10months. Our study demonstrates the suitability of the polymer resulting from the reaction of HA with ELA-NCO as an injectable local drug delivery system for glaucoma therapy, combining biocompatibility and biodegradability with prolonged drug release.

[ProVens® in the Therapy of Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension]. / ProVens® v lécbe glaukomu a ocní hypertenze.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the ProVens® dietary supplement administration on intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients included in the trial were given the ProVens® dietary supplement once daily. One ProVens® tablet contains: 50 mg of maritime pine bark extract, 100 mg of green tea extract, and 3 mg of blueberry extract. The main ProVens® components are proanthocyanins from the bark of the maritime pine tree Pinus pinaster, polyphenols from green tea, and anthocyanins from blueberries. The total number of patients included in the trial was 46. Out of these, 35 patients were monitored for asymptomatic ocular hypertension and 11 patients for open-angle glaucoma treated with prostaglandin analogs. Intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometry in the beginning of the trial, after one month, and after three months of their inclusion in the trial, always at the same time of the day. RESULTS: In the group of patients with ocular hypertension, there was a statistically significant reduction in the intraocular pressure from the baseline values of 24.2 ± 2.1 mm Hg to 20.9 ± 2.5 mm Hg within the period of three months (p < 0.0001). In the group of patients with open-angle glaucoma, there was a statistically significant reduction of the intraocular pressure from the baseline values of 18.4 ± 3.2 mm Hg to 17.0 ± 3.1 mm Hg within the period of three months since the beginning of administration of the product (p = 0.022). When comparing both groups, we observed a significantly higher reduction in intraocular pressure (p = 0.0001) in the group of patients with ocular hypertension. In the whole group, no adverse effects were reported during the intake of this dietary supplement. CONCLUSION: Intake of the ProVens® dietary supplement containing proanthocyanins from the bark of the maritime pine tree Pinus pinaster together with a mixture of herbal antioxidants appears to be one of the methods of how to improve the control of intraocular pressure, particularly in patients with ocular hypertension. KEY WORDS: glaucoma, ocular hypertension, ProVens®, proanthocyanins, antioxidants, maritime pine bark extract.

Evaluation of palpebral fissure and orbital volume after bimatoprost 0.03% orbital injections. Experimental study in rats / Avaliação da fenda palpebral e do volume orbitário após aplicações orbitárias de bimatoprost 0.03%. Estudo experimental em ratos

Objective: To evaluate in experimental animals the changes of the palpebral fissure and the orbital volume after orbital injection of bimatoprost 0.03%. Methods: Two main groups of Wistar rats were analyzed, one after orbital injection of bimatoprost 0.03% and another, a control group, after orbital injection of saline solution. The calculation of the palpebral fissure was done on images by means of computer processing, using the program Image J. After taking photographs, the animals were submitted to bilateral orbital exenteration and the volume was calculated in all the animals by the water displacement method (Archimedes’ Principle). Results: While comparing the measurements of the palpebral fissure and the orbital volume among animals given an injection with bimatoprost 0.03% and the control group it was found that there were no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: In this study there were no statistically significant differences in the measurement of the vertical palpebral fissure and the orbital volume among animals given the orbital injection of bimatoprost 0.03% and the animals of the control group. .

Objetivo: Avaliar em modelos experimentais as alterações da fenda palpebral e do volume orbitário após aplicação orbitária de bimatoprost 0,03%. Métodos: Dois principais grupos compostos por ratos Wistar foram analisados, sendo comparados os animais submetidos à injeção orbitária de bimatoprost 0.03% com os submetidos à injeção orbitária de solução salina. O cálculo da fenda palpebral vertical foi obtido através de imagem computadorizada utilizando-se o programa Image J. Após serem fotografados os animais foram submetidos à exenteração bilateral e o volume orbitário foi calculado pelo método de deslocamento da coluna de água (Princípio de Archimedes). Resultados: Quando foram comparadas as medidas da fenda palpebral vertical e do volume orbitário entre os animais submetidos a injeção de bimatoprost 0.03% e o grupo controle não foi obsevada diferença estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: Neste estudo não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nas medidas da fenda palpebral vertical e no volume orbitário entre os animais submetidos à injeção orbitária de bimatoprost 0.03% e o grupo controle. .

A temperature-induced and shear-reversible assembly of latanoprost-loaded amphiphilic chitosan colloids: characterization and in vivo glaucoma treatment.

Hydrogels composed of assembled colloids is a material class that is currently receiving much interest and shows great promise for use in biomedical applications. This emerging material class presents unique properties derived from the combination of nanosized domains in the form of colloidal particles with a continuous gel network and an interspersed liquid phase. Here we developed an amphiphilic chitosan-based, thermogelling, shear-reversible colloidal gel system for improved glaucoma treatment and addressed how preparation procedures and loading with the anti-glaucoma drug latanoprost and commonly used preservative benzalkonium chloride influenced the mechanical properties of and drug release from the colloidal gels. The results highlight that incorporated substances and preparation procedures have effects both on mechanical properties and drug release, but that the release of drug loaded in the colloidal carriers is mainly limited by transport out of the carriers, rather than by diffusion within the gel. The developed colloidal chitosan based gels hold outstanding biomedical potential, as confirmed by the ease of preparation and administration, low cytotoxicity in MTT assay, excellent biocompatibility and lowering of intraocular pressure for 40 days in a rabbit glaucoma model. The findings clearly justify further investigations towards clinical use in the treatment of glaucoma. Furthermore, the use of this shear-reversible colloidal gel could easily be extended to localized treatment of a number of critical conditions, from chronic disorders to cancer, potentially resulting in a number of new therapeutics with improved clinical performance.

Efficacy of prophylactic antiglaucoma and anti-inflammatory medications in canine primary angle-closure glaucoma: a multicenter retrospective study (2004-2012).

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term efficacy of antiglaucoma medications with or without combined topical anti-inflammatory treatment in preventing increased intraocular pressure and clinical signs of glaucoma in eyes considered at risk of the development of the disease. METHODS: Retrospective analysis identified 88 canine patients presenting with unilateral acute congestive primary angle-closure glaucoma (IOP > 25 mm Hg) and gonioscopic findings of pectinate ligament dysplasia and/or narrow or closed iridocorneal angle in the contralateral nonglaucomatous eye. Patients with histopathologic confirmation of pectinate ligament dysplasia or angle closure in the initial glaucomatous eye receiving prophylactic medical therapy in the contralateral eye were included. Time to medical failure for each antiglaucoma medication and efficacy of the combination therapy were evaluated. RESULTS: The most commonly affected pure-breds were the American Cocker Spaniel (20.4%) and Basset Hound (11.36%). The patients receiving demecarium bromide 0.125% had the longest estimated median time to medical failure at 330.0 days, followed by latanoprost 0.005%, dorzolamide hydrochloride 2.0%, and demecarium bromide 0.25% at 284.0 days, 272.5 days, and 143.0 days, respectively. The estimated median time to medical failure for patients receiving topical antiglaucoma and anti-inflammatory medication was 324.0 days versus 195.0 days in patients receiving antiglaucoma medication alone. Survival analysis showed no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: None of the four antiglaucoma medications evaluated statistically delayed medical failure when compared to each other. Although significance was not achieved, our data suggest that adjunctive use of topical anti-inflammatory medications may be beneficial in these cases.