The role of environment in the pathogenesis of keratoconus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study was conducted to demonstrate the importance of the environment in keratoconus (KC) genesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Genetic-related connective tissue disorders demonstrate the inconsistency of theories regarding KC pathogenesis since no corneal steepening was observed in the majority of these patients. Despite recent advances and decades of research into the genetics of KC, the identification of disease-causing KC genes has been frustrating. Variants found based on genome-wide and next-generation sequencing only seem to account for a small number of cases or play a limited role in KC pathogenesis. SUMMARY: The literature shows that mechanical manipulation may be the common underlying factor or the indispensable act precipitating the cascade of events leading to permanent corneal deformation. Hence, ophthalmologists have the opportunity to increase patient awareness about eye manipulation repercussions and treatment for ocular surface disorders. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COOP/A42.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects on tissue lesions in acute pancreatitis. Experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on tissue lesions in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis induced by pancreatic duct ligation. ANIMALS: Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were randomized into two groups (n=24): control group and hyperbaric oxygen therapy group. INTERVENTION: The second group was treated with a two-hour daily session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 2.5 ATA started 6 hours after pancreatic duct ligation. SETTING: The two groups were divided into 3 subgroups of 8 rats each undergoing euthanasia on days 1, 3, and 7 after the acute pancreatitis induction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The pancreas was evaluated according to the following histopathologic criteria: edema, hemorrhage, acinar necrosis and leukocyte infiltration. RESULTS: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was efficient in significantly reducing acinar necrosis on the first day (P=0.049) and the foci of hemorrhage on the seventh day (P=0.050). The edema and leukocyte infiltration did not show the expected reduction. CONCLUSION: The utilization of a daily session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 2.5 ATA is efficient in reducing the hemorrhage and acinar necrosis but is not sufficient to reduce edema and leukocyte infiltration.