Chosen Vascular Risk Markers in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: An Age-Related Disorder.

PURPOSE: To evaluate lipids and C-reactive protein serum levels in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in the Polish population. METHODS: 96 patients were studied with PEX and 79 control subjects. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and CRP serum levels, and TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C indexes were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in concentration of lipids and values of TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C between PEX and control groups. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was not increased in patients with PEX. CONCLUSIONS: Our results cast doubt on the opinion on the possible PEX and vascular diseases relation. Further studies on this subject are mandatory.

[Prevention of posterior capsule opacification in experimental studies]. / Profilaktyka zmetnienia torebki tylnej soczewki w badaniach doswiadczalnych.

The pharmaceuticals inhibiting proliferation of epithelium cells or causing their death were tested in experimental studies on PCO prevention. The following antymetabolites were tested: 5-fluorouracil, dounomycin, methotrexat and colchicine, epithelial antibodies against epithelial cells, toxins, hyperosmolar agents and heparin, indomethacine and lignocaine. Moreover, gene therapy with the use of apoptose genes was applied. None of the attempts to prevent PCO was useful for effective and safe clinical treatment.

[Lens platform]. / Platforma soczewkowa.

The lens platform defines lens structure and lens material. Evolution of lens comprises change in their shape, angulation of haptens and transition of three-piece lens into one-piece lens. The lens fall into two categories: rigid (PMMA) and soft (siliconic, acrylic, colameric). The main lens maaterials are polymers (hydrophilic and hydrophobic). The lens platform has an effect on biocompatibility, bioadhesion, stability of lens in capsule, degree of PCO evolution and sensitiveness to laser damages.

[Pathogenesis of posterior capsule opacification in pseudophakia]. / Patogeneza zmetnienia torebki tylnej soczewki w pseudofakii.

The lens epithelial cells of A and E type are involved in pathogenesis of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). They undergo metaplasia into microfibroblasts, then migrate towards posterior capsule where they proliferate and form opacification. These processes are stimulated by cytokines and interleukines. The extracellular matrix which constitutes a scaffold for migration and attachment of epithelial cells plays an important role in PCO formation. Integrines intercede in this process.

[Posterior capsule opacification in pseudophakic eyes--etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, possibilities of prevention and therapy]. / Zmetnienie torebki tylnej soczewki w oczach pseudofakijnych--etiopatogeneza, obraz kliniczny, profilaktyka i leczenie.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a late complication after the cataract surgery, currently occurring most often. The epithelial cells which migrate to the surface of the posterior capsule participate in the mechanism of PCO formation. Clinical opacification of the posterior capsule appears as the foggy form, creasing, pearl mass and fibrosis. PCO can be cured by laser or surgical capsulotomy. The factors influencing a size and intensity of PCO are as follows: age of patient, other diseases, method of surgery and type of the implanted artificial intraocular lens. Prevention against PCO during surgery should include accurate hydrodissection, removing of cortical mass, polishing of the capsule and intracapsular fixation of the lens. It is necessary to carry out further studies on possibilities of PCO prevention.