[Mechanism underlying spatial vision deficit of monocular amblyopia based on the theory of Magnocellular and Parvocellular (M-P) pathways].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the characteristics of spatial vision deficit and the degree of amblyopia in monocular amblyopes, and to analyze its mechanism with the theory of Magnocellular and Parvocellular pathways. METHODS: One hundred and eleven patients with monocular amblyopes aged 7-34 were included in this study. Distance best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logMAR units and contrast sensitivity function test were performed on both eyes in all patients with ETDRS digital visual chart and functional test system OPTECR 6500. The spatial vision of amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes was evaluated by the AULCSF, Smax, Frmax and cutSF derived from the curve of contrast sensitivity function. RESULTS: The degree of amblyopia was significantly correlated with the difference of AULCSF between the amblyopic and non-amblyopia eyes (r=-0.83, P<0.01). BCVA of amblyopic eyes was significantly correlated with AULCSF, CutSF, Smax, Frmax(r=-0.68, -0.80, -0.73, -0.56, respectively; P<0.01). In amblyopic eyes, significant difference in BCVA, AULCSF, Smax, Frmax and CutSF was seen among different amblyopic groups (P<0.01), which was defined by the degree of amblyopia. In non-amblyopic eyes,no significant difference in BCVA, AULCSF, Smax, Frmax and CutSF was noted among different amblyopic groups (P>0.05). In mild amblyopes, no significant difference in AULCSF and Frmax was found between the amblyopic eyes and non-amblyopic eyes (P>0.05), while Smax and CutSF were significantly different. However, in moderate and severe amblyopes, significant differences in BCVA, AULCSF, Smax, Frmax and CutSF was seen between the amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes (P<0.01). In amblyopic eyes, significant difference in contrast sensitivity was noted in all kinds of spatial frequencies among different amblyopic groups (P<0.01), and in non-amblyopic eyes, significant differences in contrast sensitivity was not seen in all kinds of spatial frequencies among different amblyopic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The AULCSF, CutSF, Smax and Frmax are accorded with visual acuity for evaluation of the spatial vision of amblyopia. As the severity of amblyopia increases, the overall function of spatial vision in amblyopic eyes gradually decreases, the resolution ability of high spatial frequency is gradually weaken, the peak of contrast detection function gradually descends, and the optimal spatial frequency for contrast detection offsets toward low level of spatial frequency. Mild monocular amblyopia produces spatial contrast sensitivity loss in high spatial vision, suggesting there may be decreased sensitivity of the Parvocellular pathway, and no significant anomalous processing of Magnocellular Pathway. Whereas, in moderate and severe amblyopes, a generalized loss of sensitivity is observed at each spatial frequency. This result shows that both Magnocellular and Parvocellular pathways are damaged in different degrees, especially in Parvocellular pathway.

[Clinical evaluation on the coaxial 1.8 mm microincision cataract surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To study and compare the outcomes of coaxial 1.8 mm microincision phacoemulsification with conventional coaxial 3 mm small-incision cataract surgery. METHODS: A randomized prospective study was conducted on 89 patients with age-related cataract: coaxial 1.8 mm microincision cataract surgery (MICS group) was performed in 45 cases (45 eyes), and coaxial 3 mm small-incision cataract surgery (SICS group) was performed in 44 cases (44 eyes). Statistical analysis was taken with the data of 40 cases (40 eyes) in the MICS group and 40 cases (40 eyes) in the SICS group. The average ultrasound power (AVE) and effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) were recorded during the operation. Visual acuity, endothelial cell density and cornea thickness were compared at intervals of 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after surgery. In addition, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was analyzed. Statistic analysis was taken by student's t test and chi square test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference on AVE and EPT (P > 0.05) between these two groups. One day after the surgery, the MICS group showed better uncorrected visual acuity (0.16 ± 0.14) as compared to the SICS group (0.23 ± 0.12). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences on best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density and cornea thickness between these two groups. One week, 1 month and 3 months after the surgery, SIA was (0.62 ± 0.28) D, (0.48 ± 0.28) D, (0.47 ± 0.25) D, (0.40 ± 0.24) D in the MICS group, and (1.27 ± 0.65) D, (1.18 ± 0.59) D, (1.02 ± 0.56) D, (0.79 ± 0.48) D in the SICS group, respectively. The differences between the MIC and SICS groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). SIA decreased significantly and became stable 1 week after surgery in MICS group, while the similar tendency appeared one month after the surgery in the SICS group. CONCLUSIONS: Coaxial 1.8 mm microincision cataract surgery could significantly reduce SIA and obtain more stable astigmatism status. This suggests that the coaxial MICS phacoemulsification surgery could get earlier visual rehabilitation postoperatively.

[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.

Dystrophia canthorum in Waardenburg syndrome with a novel MITF mutation.

AIM: To reveal a novel MITF gene mutation in Waardenburg syndrome (WS), which is an autosomal dominant inherited neurogenic disorder that consists of various degrees of sensorineural deafness and pigmentary abnormalities in the eyes, hair and skin. METHODS: The genetic analysis of the Chinese family was conducted by whole-exome sequencing, then the results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: WS is classified into type I to IV, which are identified by the W index, clinical characteristics and additional features. The MITF gene mostly accounts for WS type II. In this study, a de novo heterozygous mutation in the MITF gene, c.638A>G in exon 7, was identified in the patient diagnosed with WS type I features, as the W index was 2.17 (over 2.10), with dystrophia canthorum, congenital bilateral profound hearing loss, bilateral heterochromia irides, premature greying of the hair, and excessive freckling on the face at birth. She also underwent refractive errors and esotropia, reduced pigmentation of the choroid and visible choroid vessels. The mutation was not found in previous studies or mutation databases. CONCLUSION: The novel mutation in the MITF gene, which altered the protein in amino acids 213 from the glutamic acid to glycine, is the genetic pathological cause for WS features in the patient. Those characteristics of this family revealed a novel genetic heterogeneity of MITF in WS, which expanded the database of MITF mutations and offered a possible in correcting the W index value of WS in distinct ethnicities. Moreover, ocular symptoms should be emphasized in all types of WS patients.

Association of IGF1R polymorphisms (rs1546713) with susceptibility to age-related cataract in a Han Chinese population.

AIM: To explore the susceptible association between the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and age-related cataract (ARC), and investigate the underlying mechanisms in human lens epithelium (HLE) cells. METHODS: Totally 1190 unrelated participants, comprising 690 ARC patients and 500 healthy individuals in Han Chinese population were recruited and genotyped for target SNP. The χ 2-test was used to detect genotypic distribution between the patient and control groups and the logistic regression was performed to adjust the age and gender. Meanwhile, different biological experimental methods, such as cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and Western blot, were used to detect cell viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis in HLE cells or IGF1R knockdown HLE cells. RESULTS: The rs1546713 in IGF1R gene was identified (P=0.046, OR: 1.606, 95%CI: 1.245-2.071), which shown a significant relevance with ARC risk under the dominant model. The results demonstrated that IGF1R knockdown inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrested at S phase and promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, the cell cycle blocked at S phase was linked with the alterations of cyclin A, cyclin B, cyclin E and P21. The pro-apoptosis function of IGF1R may related with stimulating the activation of Caspase-3 and altering the expression levels of apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3. CONCLUSION: This study first report that IGF1R polymorphisms may affect susceptibility to ARCs in Han Chinese population and provide new clues to understand the pathogenic mechanism of ARCs. Notably, IGF1R is likely a potential target for ARC prevention and treatment.

Protective effect of magnolol against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human lens epithelial cells.

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the progression of cataract. We aimed to investigate the protective effect of magnolol, a compound extracted from the Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis, against oxidative stress in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells as well as the possible molecular mechanism involved. In this study, magnolol was observed to protect against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in HLE B-3 cells. Magnolol inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta psi m) and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria caused by H2O2 into cytosol in HLE B-3 cells. Magnolol also inhibited H2O2-induced expressions of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and reduction of Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Moreover, magnolol attenuated the deactivation of ERK/MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase) and the enhanced activation of p38, JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) induced by H2O2. Magnolol could be useful in protecting against oxidative stress in HLE cells, suggesting a potential protective effect against cataractogenesis effect against cataractogenesis.

[Computer construction and analysis of protein models of mutant fibrillin-1 gene in Marfan's syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: Fibrillin-1, the major constituent of extracellular microfibrils, plays an important role in the molecular pathogenesis of Marfan syndrome (MFS, #54700). The aim of this study was to analyze protein models of the mutation of the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene on Arg545Cys and Arg1530Cys which have been reported to cause predominant ectopia lentis in Chinese patients. METHODS: We constructed and analyzed the protein models of the mutant FBN1 gene on Arg545Cys and Arg1530Cys. Fibrillin-1 protein structures were predicted by SWISS-MODEL. Models were viewed in Swiss-Pdb Viewer. RESULTS: Computer construction and analysis of protein models of the mutant FBN1 gene revealed that the mutant Arg545Cys FBN1 protein had various changes on protein's secondary structure with an absence of a helix, decreased hydrogen bond distance, different protein surface solvent-accessibility and decreased negative electrostatic potential. The mutant Arg1530Cys FBN1 showed lost of hydrogen bonds, different protein surface solvent-accessibility and increased negative electrostatic potential. CONCLUSIONS: Protein models of the mutant FBN1 gene shows significant alterations on the protein's secondary structure based on computer construction and analysis technology. This study provides further evidence for the important effect of the mutant FBN1 on the pathogenesis of human ectopia lentis.

The impact of GJA3 SNPs on susceptibility to age-related cataract.

AIM: To determine the association of gap junction protein alpha 3 (GJA3) gene tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to age-related cataract (ARC). METHODS: In total, 486 ARC patients were matched with 500 healthy controls. All the participants underwent complete ophthalmic examinations. Haplotype-tagging SNPs of GJA3 gene were selected from the HapMap Beijing Han Chinese population. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood leukocytes of all the subjects. Under three different genetic models: dominant, recessive, and additive, the association between SNPs and ARC was examined. After adjusting for age and sex, the genetic effects of the GJA3 SNPs were evaluated with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Four tag GJA3 SNPs (rs6490519, rs9506430, rs9509053, and rs9552089) were included in the present study. None of the SNPs showed a significant relationship with an altered risk of total ARC under the dominant, recessive, or additive models. In the subgroup analysis, rs9506430 had a significant effect on the formation of a posterior subcapsular cataract (P=0.002, OR: 0.227, 95%CI: 0.088-0.590) under the recessive model. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that GJA3 variants may influence the development of posterior subcapsular cataracts. Further studies need to be designed to confirm this possibility.

Involvement of PI3K/Akt pathway in TGF-beta2-mediated epithelial mesenchymal transition in human lens epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of postoperative remnants of lens epithelial cells (LECs) can lead to posterior capsule opacification. This study was designed to determine the effect of signaling pathways that contribute to TGF-beta2-mediated EMT in human lens epithelial B-3 cells (HLEB-3 cells). METHODS: The HLEB-3 cells were cultured and stimulated with TGF-beta2 at different concentrations for an indicated time. The effect of TGF-beta2 on cell cycle distribution was measured by flow cytometry. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze changes in connexin 43, fibronectin, desmin and integrin beta(1) protein expression associated with EMT in HLEB-3 cells. Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways was also detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The cell cycle progression of HLEB-3 cells was limited, and the cells underwent morphological alteration after treatment with TGF-beta2. Stimulation of HLEB-3 cells with TGF-beta(2) suppressed connexin 43 protein expression, increased fibronectin, desmin and integrin beta1 protein expression. TGF-beta2 activated PI3K/Akt in a time-dependent manner, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 MAPK. The activation of PI3K/Akt was necessary for the TGF-beta(2)-stimulated downregulation of connexin 43, which in turn was necessary for TGF-beta2-induced EMT in HLEB-3 cells. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta(2) is a potent growth factor for LEC EMT. TGF-beta(2)-induced EMT in LECs is mediated by the downregulation of connexin 43, which is regulated through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

[Clinical evaluation on the bimanual microincision cataract surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of bimanual microincision phacoemulsification with conventional small incision cataract surgery. METHODS: A randomized prospective study of 280 consecutive cases (280 eyes) was conducted. All patients were randomly assigned to receive bimanual microincision cataract surgery (MICS group) or small incision cataract surgery (SICS group). The PHACO time (PT) and the average power (AP) were recorded, then absolute PHACO time (APT = PT x AP) was calculated. The differences in PT, AP, APT and BCVA between these two groups were compared. Visual acuity, anterior chamber flare value, thickened pachymetry and endothelial cells loss were recorded 1 day and 3 months after surgery. In addition, surgically induced astigmatism was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean PT, AP and APT of MICS group were significantly lower than those in the SICS group (0.76 +/- 0.36) min versus (0.87 +/- 0.49) min, 10.93% +/- 4.78% versus 16.09% +/- 7.38% and (8.99 +/- 7.23) min versus (15.27 + 12.10) min, respectively (P < 0.01). At 3 months, the vertical astigmatic changes of MICS group was statistically lower than that of the SICS group [(0.37 - 0.32) D versus (1.28 +/- 0.77) D, P = 0.000]. There were no significant differences in the visual acuity, anterior chamber flare value, endothelial cells loss and the thickened pachymetry at 1 day and 3 months after surgery between these two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bimanual microincision cataract surgery could significantly reduce PHACO power, enhance energy efficiency and reduce surgically induced astigmatism. However, MICS does not reduce surgical trauma and postoperative inflammation as compared to conventional SICS.

Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells is inhibited by parthenolide.

AIM: To explore the effect of parthenolide on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells. METHODS: The morphology and number of apoptotic HLE cells were assessed using light microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell viability was tested by MTS assay. In addition, the expression of related proteins was measured by Western blot assay. RESULTS: Apoptosis of HLE cells was induced by 200 µmol/L H2O2, and the viability of these cells was similar to the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), as examined by MTS assay. In addition, cells were treated with either different concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 µmol/L) of parthenolide along with 200 µmol/L H2O2 or only 50 µmol/L parthenolide or 200 µmol/L H2O2 for 24h. Following treatment with higher concentrations of parthenolide (50 µmol/L), fewer HLE cells underwent H2O2-induced apoptosis, and cell viability was increased. Further, Western blot assay showed that the parthenolide treatment reduced the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9, which are considered core apoptotic proteins, and decreased the levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), ERK1/2 [a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family], and Akt proteins in HLE cells. CONCLUSION: Parthenolide may suppress H2O2-induced apoptosis in HLE cells by interfering with NF-κB, MAPKs, and Akt signaling.

[Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MPCD) down regulate caveolin expression in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs)].

Oxidative stimulation induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on human epithelial cells (HLECs) was performed to observe the effects on cell viability, caveolin expression, and cholesterol depletion in HLECs caused by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) was also studied. SRA01/04 HLECs were exposed to H2O2 or MbetaCD of various concentrations and durations. We used a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to measure the effect of H2O2 on the viability of SRA01/04 HLECs. The distributions of caveolins after oxidative stimulation were probed by fluorescence microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Immunoblotting was performed to analyze alterations of caveolins expression. We observed that the viability of SRA01/04 HLECs under 0.1 mM H2O2 for 10 min or longer was significantly reduced (*p < 0.05, F = 11.63). Laser scanning microscopy showed immunofluorescent caveolins in SRA01/04 HLECs under 0.1 mM H2O2 for 10 min or longer, caveolins were largely confined to intracellular domains. Western blots showed both membrane and total caveolin protein (22 kDa) levels in SRA01/04 HLECs treated with 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1.0 mM H2O2 for 30 min were significantly reduced, compared with the untreated (*p < 0.05, F = 6.149, or *p < 0.05, F = 14.489 respectively). In addition, the membrane and total caveolin protein level after treated with 0.1 mM (*p < 0.05, F = 6.843, or *p < 0.05, F = 7.944 respectively) H2O2 for different durations also down regulated. Fluorescence microscopy also showed that phosphorylated caveolin-1 was distributed near the focal adhesions of the cells. This study concludes that the responses of HLECs to oxidative stress may include down regulation of caveolin and phosphorylation of caveolin-1 on Tyr14, and that MbetaCD also down regulates caveolin while depleting cholesterol in HLECs.

[Experimental study on the effects of hydrogen peroxide on caveolin in human lens epithelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression and distribution of caveolin and phosphorylated caveolin-1 in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) under H(2)O(2) treatment. METHODS: HLECs (SRA01/04) were exposed to different concentrations of H(2)O(2) for different periods of time. The distribution of caveolin and phosphorylated caveolin-1 in H(2)O(2) treated cells was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Western blot was conducted to analyze the protein expression alterations of caveolin and caveolin-1 phosphorylation. RESULTS: HLECs contained abundant caveolin. Immunofluorescence image of caveolin in cytoplasm increased significantly in H(2)O(2) treated cells. One hour after H(2)O(2) treatment, the cells membranes began to break, whereas the immunofluorescence image of caveolin could still be observed. Caveolin-1 was phosphorylated on tyrosine 14 in HLECs after stimulation with H(2)O(2). Western blot analysis revealed that caveolin protein level was down regulated under H(2)O(2) stress. CONCLUSIONS: The caveolin is redistributed and the caveolae is destroyed in HLECs when stimulated by H(2)O(2). And the caveolin expression also down regulated by H(2)O(2) stimulation. Caveolae and caveolin are likely to play an important role in the HLECs.

[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.

[Expression of heat shock protein 70 and heat shock protein 27 in lens epithelial cells induced by contusion and thermotolerance in rat model].

OBJECTIVE: To study the dynamic expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and HSP27 in lens epithelial cells (LECs) in contused eyes of rat model and to detect the dynamic change of the expression of HSP70 and HSP27 after thermotolerance. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into two groups: contusion group and thermotolerance group. Contusion eyes were induced by dropping a steel ball of 20 g from the height of 20 cm for 100 times. Thermotolerance was induced by raising the core body temperature of rat to 40.5-41.5 degrees C for 8 min, 2-3 h before eyes contusion. HSP70 and HSP27 expression in the LEC were measured using one-tube RT-PCR. RESULTS: Contusion of eyes resulted in increase of HSP70 expression. Expression of HSP70 increased to 4.59 +/- 0.12 at 1 h after contusion, reached the highest level of 7.72 +/- 0.27 at 3 h after contusion, and reduced to the normal level of 1.32 +/- 0.14 at 24 h after contusion. Preconditioning hyperthermia resulted in significantly increase of HSP70 expression. There was no significant change of HSP27 expression in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression of HSP70 in LECs of contused eyes possibly protects the proteins of lens against degeneration. Thermal preconditioning might suppress lens injury induced by contusion via increasing the expression of HSP70.

Comparison of outcomes between overlapping-spot and single-spot photodynamic therapy for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with overlapping multiple spots and single spot for treating circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (22 eyes) with symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma received PDT treatment. Fourteen patients received overlapping spots (two to three spots) PDT, whereas eight patients received single-spot PDT. Laser was used at 50J/cm(2) for 83s in the overlapping-spot group and 50J/cm(2) for 166s in the single-spot group. Clinical examination, funduscopy, fluorescein angiography, and ultrasonography were performed at baseline and after treatment. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 28.5±8.0 months in the overlapping-spot group and 27.0±5.0 months in the single-spot group. Nine patients (64.2%) had their vision improved over two lines on the Snellen chart, and five patients showed stable visual acuity in the overlapping-spot group. The mean thickness of tumor decreased from 2.7±0.8mm to 1.2±0.9mm, and the mean greatest tumor linear dimension decreased from 7.4±1.5mm to 4.5±3.5mm after treatment. In the single-spot group, two patients (25%) had their vision improved over two lines on the Snellen chart, and six patients had unchanged stable vision. The mean tumor thickness in this group decreased from 2.5±0.7mm to 1.4±1.0mm, and the mean greatest tumor linear dimension decreased from 7.2±1.3mm to 4.7±3.6mm. No significant differences in visual improvement and tumor regression were found between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Overlapping-spot PDT under appropriate treatment parameters and strategies is as effective and safe as single-spot PDT for treating symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. Improved or stabilized visual acuity was achieved as a result of tumor regression.

Ocular findings in syndromic gingival fibromatosis: a case study and electronic microscopic investigation of lens.

We report a case of syndromic gingival fibromatosis with notable ocular lesions, bilateral congenital cataracts, esotropia, and high myopia of a 21-year-old male patient from China. The patient was diagnosed with gingival fibromatosis based on his massive gingival overgrowth and histological findings that were consistent with gingival fibromatosis through a gingival biopsy. Lens opacity features were presented and phacoemulsificaion with intraocular lens(IOL) implantation was performed to manage the cataracts in both eyes. Transmission electronic microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructure of the removed lens tissue. We also review the literature on gingival fibromatosis and briefly summarize the ocular manifestations of this rare disease.

Novel mutation c.980_983delATTA compound with c.986C>A mutation of the FRMD7 gene in a Chinese family with X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus.

OBJECTIVE: To screen mutations in FERM domain-containing protein 7 (FRMD7) gene in two Chinese families with X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus (XLICN). METHODS: Common ophthalmic data and peripheral blood of two Chinese XLICN families (families A and B) were collected after informed consent. Genomic DNA was prepared from the peripheral blood of members of the two families and from 100 normal controls. Mutations in the FRMD7 gene were determined by directly sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. RESULTS: We identified a novel mutation c.980_983delATTA compound with c.986C>A mutation in the 11th exon of FRMD7 in family B, and a previously reported splicing mutation c.781C>G (p.R261G) [corrected] in family A. The mutations were detected in patients and female carriers, while they were absent in other relatives or in the 100 normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results expand the spectrum of FRMD7 mutations in association with XLICN, and further confirm that the mutations of FRMD7 are the underlying molecular mechanism for XLICN.