Vitreoretinal Lymphoma Masquerading as Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

The following is a case of vitreoretinal lymphoma masquerading as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). A 74-year-old man presented with blurred vision in the left eye with unilateral subretinal fluid in the setting of exogenous corticosteroid use, which was diagnosed as CSCR and resolved with corticosteroid cessation. He later experienced a similar self-limited episode in the right eye. Subsequently, he developed bilateral vitritis with yellow-white subretinal pigment epithelial infiltrates. Vitreous biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma. Vitreoretinal lymphoma can masquerade as a number of ocular pathologies, including CSCR. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Carbon monoxide and its role in human physiology: A brief historical perspective.

Carbon monoxide is a molecule with notoriety in modern culture and extensive documentation regarding its toxic physiological effects, long predating its formal discovery in the 18th century. Upon its discovery as a molecule in 1772, subsequent investigations into its properties have provided mechanisms describing its toxicity and insights into its function as an endogenously produced molecule and as a therapeutic agent. This brief review aims to provide a historical perspective on this molecule and recognize research regarding its physiological functions and therapeutic applications, often overshadowed by its reputation as a lethal substance. Historicizing science is an acknowledgment of the pioneers and helps us better conceptualize the issues.

Molecular targets of statins and their potential side effects: Not all the glitter is gold.

Statins are a class of drugs widely used worldwide to manage hypercholesterolemia and the prevention of secondary heart attacks. Currently, available statins vary in terms of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Although the primary target of statins is the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR), the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, statins exhibit many pleiotropic effects downstream of the mevalonate pathway. These pleiotropic effects include the ability to reduce myocardial fibrosis, pathologic cardiac disease states, hypertension, promote bone differentiation, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms. Although these pleiotropic effects of statins may be a cause for enthusiasm, there are many adverse effects that, for the most part, are unappreciated and need to be highlighted. These adverse effects include myopathy, new-onset type 2 diabetes, renal and hepatic dysfunction. Although these adverse effects may be relatively uncommon, considering the number of people worldwide who use statins daily, the actual number of people affected becomes quite large. Also, co-administration of statins with several other medications, herbal agents, and foods, which interact through common enzymatic pathways, can have untoward clinical consequences. In this review, we address these concerns.

Lipoproteins and cancer: The role of HDL-C, LDL-C, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Cholesterol is an amphipathic sterol molecule that is vital for maintaining normal physiological homeostasis. It is a relatively complicated molecule with 27 carbons whose synthesis starts with 2-carbon units. This in itself signifies the importance of this molecule. Cholesterol serves as a precursor for vitamin D, bile acids, and hormones, including estrogens, androgens, progestogens, and corticosteroids. Although essential, high cholesterol levels are associated with cardiovascular and kidney diseases and cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Although there are some contrary reports, current literature suggests a positive association between serum cholesterol levels and the risk and extent of cancer development. In this review, we first present a brief overview of cholesterol biosynthesis and its transport, then elucidate the role of cholesterol in the progression of some cancers. Suggested mechanisms for cholesterol-mediated cancer progression are plentiful and include the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways and the induction of oxidative stress, among others. The specific roles of the lipoprotein molecules, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in this pathogenesis, are also reviewed. Finally, we hone on the potential role of some cholesterol-lowering medications in cancer.