Quercetin Impairs the Growth of Uveal Melanoma Cells by Interfering with Glucose Uptake and Metabolism.

Monosomy 3 in uveal melanoma (UM) increases the risk of lethal metastases, mainly in the liver, which serves as the major site for the storage of excessive glucose and the metabolization of the dietary flavonoid quercetin. Although primary UMs with monosomy 3 exhibit a higher potential for basal glucose uptake, it remains unknown as to whether glycolytic capacity is altered in such tumors. Herein, we initially analyzed the expression of n = 151 genes involved in glycolysis and its interconnected branch, the "pentose phosphate pathway (PPP)", in the UM cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas Study and validated the differentially expressed genes in two independent cohorts. We also evaluated the effects of quercetin on the growth, survival, and glucose metabolism of the UM cell line 92.1. The rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme PFKP was overexpressed whereas the ZBTB20 gene (locus: 3q13.31) was downregulated in the patients with metastases in all cohorts. Quercetin was able to impair proliferation, viability, glucose uptake, glycolysis, ATP synthesis, and PPP rate-limiting enzyme activity while increasing oxidative stress. UMs with monosomy 3 display a stronger potential to utilize glucose for the generation of energy and biomass. Quercetin can prevent the growth of UM cells by interfering with glucose metabolism.

Impact of Nintedanib and Anti-Angiogenic Agents on Uveal Melanoma Cell Behavior.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct impact of the combined angiokinase inhibitor nintedanib as well as the anti-angiogenic agents ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept on the primary uveal melanoma (UM) cell line Mel270 and liver metastasis UM cell line OMM2.5. Methods: The metabolic activity, viability, and oxidative stress levels were analyzed by the Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT), LIVE/DEAD, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Expression of intracellular VEGF-A165 and VEGF receptor-2 was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The secretion of VEGF-A165 into the cell culture supernatants was evaluated by VEGF-A165 ELISA. Results: Nintedanib, at a concentration of 1 µg/mL, resulted in a median reduction of metabolic activity (for Mel270 of approximately 38% and for OMM2.5 of 46% compared to the untreated control) without exerting toxicity in either cell line, whereas the other 3 substances did not result in any changes (which also means that none of the 4 substances led to an increased cell death). Moreover, nintedanib (1 µg/mL) induced oxidative stress in the Mel270 by approximately 1.2 to 1.5-fold compared to the untreated control, but not the OMM2.5 cells. Conclusions: Nintedanib could suppress the growth of UM cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The metastatic UM cell line OMM2.5 was not sensitive to the pro-oxidant activity of nintedanib. This study was the first to investigate nintedanib in the context of UM. We propose further investigation of this substance to elucidate its effects on this tumor entity with the hope of identifying advantageous therapeutic options for future adjuvant tumor therapies.

Comparison of Automated Thresholding Algorithms in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Image Analysis.

(1) Background: Calculation of vessel density in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images with thresholding algorithms varies in clinical routine. The ability to discriminate healthy from diseased eyes based on perfusion of the posterior pole is critical and may depend on the algorithm applied. This study assessed comparability, reliability, and ability in the discrimination of commonly used automated thresholding algorithms. (2) Methods: Vessel density in full retina and choriocapillaris slabs were calculated with five previously published automated thresholding algorithms (Default, Huang, ISODATA, Mean, and Otsu) for healthy and diseased eyes. The algorithms were investigated with LD-F2-analysis for intra-algorithm reliability, agreement, and the ability to discriminate between physiological and pathological conditions. (3) Results: LD-F2-analyses revealed significant differences in estimated vessel densities for the algorithms (p < 0.001). For full retina and choriocapillaris slabs, intra-algorithm values range from excellent to poor, depending on the applied algorithm; the inter-algorithm agreement was low. Discrimination was good for the full retina slabs, but poor when applied to the choriocapillaris slabs. The Mean algorithm demonstrated an overall good performance. (4) Conclusions: Automated threshold algorithms are not interchangeable. The ability for discrimination depends on the analyzed layer. Concerning the full retina slab, all of the five evaluated automated algorithms had an overall good ability for discrimination. When analyzing the choriocapillaris, it might be useful to consider another algorithm.

Characteristics Associated With Refractory Course, Blindness, and Treatment Strategy-Related Outcomes in Patients With Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid.

Importance: Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare and heterogeneous subepithelial autoimmune bullous disease with predominant mucosal involvement. Characteristics associated with the disease course and complications are yet to be delineated. Objectives: To evaluate characteristics associated with refractory disease course and blindness among patients with MMP and to estimate the association of different treatment strategies with the prognostic outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients diagnosed with MMP and followed up for more than 1 year from 2007 to 2020 in 2 tertiary referral centers. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: Characteristics associated with refractory disease course and blindness were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression model. Results: The study encompassed 121 patients with MMP (mean [SD] age, 66.0 [14.0] years; 78 (64.5%) were women), of whom 56 (46.3%) followed a refractory course and 13 (10.7%) developed blindness. Anti-LAD-1 IgA (odds ratio [OR], 3.42; 95% CI, 1.11-10.52; P = .03) and anti-dermal-epidermal/epithelial junction (DEJ) IgG (by indirect immunofluorescence on human salt-split skin; OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.26-6.78; P = .01) were significantly associated with refractory course. Development of blindness was associated with older age (≥68 years; OR, 6.38; 95% CI, 1.35-30.16; P = .009), initial presentation with bilateral ocular involvement (OR, 7.92; 95% CI, 2.04-30.68; P = .001), and scarring ocular lesions (OR, 5.11; 95% CI, 1.47-17.79; P = .006). However, 4 (30.8%) and 2 (15.4%) of those experiencing blindness had no ocular scarring lesions and unilateral ocular involvement at the onset of their disease, respectively. Patients progressing to blindness were more likely to be treated by 3 or more immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory drugs (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.17-14.14; P = .02) and by cyclophosphamide (OR, 7.64; 95% CI, 2.24-26.09; P < .001). Patients developing blindness and refractory course were more frequently managed by intravenous immunoglobulin (OR, 7.64; 95% CI, 2.24-26.09; P < .001 and OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.42-8.45; P = .005, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance: Findings of this cohort study support that patients with MMP with anti-LAD-1 IgA and anti-DEJ IgG reactivity should be carefully monitored. While initial bilateral ocular disease and scarring ocular lesions were associated with blindness, patients initially presenting with unilateral and nonscarring ocular disease may still develop severe vision impairment.

Islet Co-Expression of CD133 and ABCB5 in Human Retinoblastoma Specimens.

BACKGROUND: The role of CD133 und ABCB5 is discussed in treatment resistance in several types of cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether CD133+/ABCB5+ colocalization differs in untreated, in beam radiation treated, and in chemotherapy treated retinoblastoma specimens. Additionally, CD133, ABCB5, sphingosine kinase 1, and sphingosine kinase 2 gene expression was analyzed in WERI-RB1 (WERI RB1) and etoposide-resistant WERI RB1 subclones (WERI ETOR). METHODS: Active human untreated retinoblastoma specimens (n = 12), active human retinoblastoma specimens pretreated with beam radiation before enucleation (n = 8), and active human retinoblastoma specimens pretreated with chemotherapy before enucleation (n = 7) were investigated for localization and expression of CD133 and ABCB5 by immunohistochemistry. Only specimens with IIRC D, but not E, were included in this study. Furthermore, WERI RB1 and WERI ETOR cell lines were analyzed for CD133, ABCB5, sphingosine kinase 1, and sphingosine kinase 2 by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the same amount of CD133+/ABCB5+ colocalization islets in untreated and treated human retinoblastoma specimens. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed a statistically significant upregulation of CD133 in WERI ETOR (p = 0.002). No ABCB5 expression was detected in WERI RB1 and WERI ETOR. On the other hand, SPHK1 (p = 0.0027) and SPHK2 (p = 0.017) showed significant downregulation in WERI ETOR compared to WERI RB1. CONCLUSIONS: CD133+/ABCB5+ co-localization islets were noted in untreated and treated human retinoblastoma specimens. Therefore, we assume that CD133+/ABCB5+ islets might play a role in retinoblastoma genesis, but not in retinoblastoma treatment resistance.

[Digital teaching 2020: Online teaching receives a better assessment than face-to-face teaching]. / Digitale Lehre 2020: Online-Unterricht erhält bessere Bewertung als Präsenzunterricht.

BACKGROUND: Due to the corona pandemic, face-to-face teaching was no longer permitted in the summer semester 2020 and online alternatives were quickly found. OBJECTIVE: In our article, we illustrate the switch from face-to-face to online teaching in ophthalmology at the University of Lübeck and compare online teaching with face-to-face teaching. METHODS: The central teaching evaluation takes place every semester with a standardized questionnaire. Based on the evaluation of these questions, a direct comparison of the attendance semester of the winter semester 2019/2020 with the online semester of the summer semester 2020 was carried out. RESULTS: The structure (p = 0.003), the organization (p = 0.001), the resources made available (p = 0.034), the attendance of the lectures (p < 0.001) and further dates (p = 0.041), the increase in interest (p = 0.039) and learning (p = 0.001) were rated better in the online semester than in the face-to-face semester. Overall, the digital summer semester 2020 (p < 0.01) received a significantly better overall grade than the face-to-face semester in winter 2019/2020. CONCLUSION: The structure of our courses has also been proven online. The theoretical content could be excellently mediated; however, practical exercises are not possible online. For the learning of practical skills, face-to-face instruction is still necessary.

A Narrative Review - Therapy Options and Therapy Failure in Retinoblastoma.

Retinoblastoma (RB) management has evolved over the last three decades. Goals of modern RB treatment are first to protect life and prevent metastatic disease, then preservation of the globe and useful vision. With modern treatment protocols and early disease detection success rates can reach up to 100% of disease-free-globe and eye preservation. Treatment of advanced cases remains complex, requiring aggressive chemotherapy or/and external beam radiation. Treatment protocols are extremely diverse and dependent on local resources thus success rates are variable. Here we review narratively current treatment protocols and failure rates based on a PubMed search using keywords of retinoblastoma, retinoblastoma seed, retinoblastoma treatment, enucleation.

CXCR4, CXCR5 and CD44 May Be Involved in Homing of Lymphoma Cells into the Eye in a Patient Derived Xenograft Homing Mouse Model for Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma.

Background: Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), a rare malignancy of the eye, is strongly related to primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). We hypothesized that lymphoma cells disseminate to the CNS and eye tissue via distinct homing receptors. The objective of this study was to test expression of CXCR4, CXCR5, CXCR7 and CD44 homing receptors on CD20 positive B-lymphoma cells on enucleated eyes using a PCNSL xenograft mouse model. Methods: We used indirect immunofluorescence double staining for CD20/CXCR4, CD20/CXCR5, CD20/CXCR7 and CD20/CD44 on enucleated eyes of a PCNSL xenograft mouse model with PVRL phenotype (PCNSL group) in comparison to a secondary CNS lymphoma xenograft mouse model (SCNSL group). Lymphoma infiltration was evaluated with an immunoreactive score (IRS). Results: 11/13 paired eyes of the PCNSL but none of the SCNSL group were infiltrated by CD20-positive cells. Particularly the choroid and to a lesser extent the retina of the PCNSL group were infiltrated by CD20+/CXCR4+, CD20+/CXCR5+, few CD20+/CD44+ but no CD20+/CXCR7+ cells. Expression of CXCR4 (p = 0.0205), CXCR5 (p = 0.0004) and CD44 (p < 0.0001) was significantly increased in the PCNSL compared to the SCNSL group. Conclusions: CD20+ PCNSL lymphoma cells infiltrating the eye co-express distinct homing receptors such as CXCR4 and CXCR5 in a PVRL homing mouse model. These receptors may be involved in PVRL homing into the eye.

Vascular Choroidal Alterations in Uncomplicated Third-Trimester Pregnancy.

(1) Purpose: To evaluate the anatomy and perfusion of choroidal substructures in third-trimester pregnant women using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, women in their third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy and non-pregnant age-matched women were recruited. Participants underwent enhanced depth imaging (EDI) OCT and OCTA. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), as well as choroidal sublayer perfusion, were compared between groups. (3) Results: In total, 26 eyes of 26 pregnant and 26 eyes of 26 non-pregnant women were included. The median age in both groups was 29 years. The median SFCT was 332 (211-469) µm in the pregnant group and 371.5 (224-466) µm in the non-pregnant cohort (p = 0.018). The median choriocapillaris perfusion (CCP) was significantly lower in the pregnant group (46% vs. 48%, p = 0.039). Moreover, Haller's layer perfusion correlated significantly with mean arterial pressure in non-pregnant women (CC = 0.430, p = 0.028) but not in pregnant ones (CC = 0.054, p = 0.792). (4) Conclusions: SFCT was found to be thinner and CCP was lower in third-trimester pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and consecutive impacts on autoregulation of small choroidal vessels might play an important role. Therefore, altered choroidal measurements during third-trimester pregnancy should be carefully evaluated as, to some extent, it could be a normal physiological change.

[Clinical aspects and care of radiogenic treatment side effects on the eye]. / Klinik und Versorgung von radiogenen Behandlungsnebenwirkungen am Auge.

Malignant tumors of the eye can be successfully treated with radiotherapy, which, however, can lead to radiogenic side effects in the surrounding healthy tissues. A  distinction can be made between two forms of irradiation, external radiotherapy (teletherapy) and brachytherapy with a radiation source close to the tumor. The radiation dose is important for the occurrence of side effects. Acute damage usually results from inflammatory processes initiated at the cellular level. In contrast, late side effects are rather due to the reaction of the tissue with repair and remodeling processes . Acute side effects often resolve completely, especially under corresponding treatment, whereas late side effects tend to be irreversible. The aim of this article is to present risk factors as well as the clinical signs of periocular and ocular radiogenic side effects for the relevant tissue structures of the eye in a narrative review to facilitate ophthalmologic follow-up and, if necessary, treatment measures for these patients during everyday practice.

Impact of Silicone Oil Removal on Macular Perfusion.

(1) Background: Silicone oil (SO) can be used as an endotamponade during vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachment. There is emerging evidence that SO filling of the vitreous cavity and its removal may impact macular perfusion. So far, studies have not focused on choroidal sublayer perfusion, yet. (2) Methods: Optical coherence tomography angiography was applied in 19 patients with SO endotamponade before and four weeks after removal of SO. (3) Results: Perfusion of choriocapillaris increased significantly after SO removal, while perfusion of Haller's and Sattler's layer decreased significantly. (4) Conclusions: Removal of SO impacts choroidal perfusion and leads to a perfusion shift within choroidal sublayers. This study underlines that it is worth to conduct larger prospective studies that evaluate the choroidal perfusion and its functional implications in more detail.

Case Report: GNAQ- and SF3B1 Mutations in an Aggressive Case of Relapsing Uveal Ring Melanoma.

The molecular mechanisms for uveal ring melanoma are still unclear until today. In this case report, we describe a patient with a malignant uveal melanoma with exudative retinal detachment that had been treated with plaque brachytherapy, resulting in successful tumor regression. After 1 year, a ring-shaped recurrence with extraocular extension appeared, and the eye required enucleation. Histological and molecular genetic analyses revealed an epithelioid-cell-type melanoma with complete circumferential involvement of the ciliary body and, so far, unreported GNAQ and SF3B1 mutations in ring melanoma. Therefore, this report gives new genetic background information on this ocular tumor usually leading to enucleation.

Protein Profiling of WERI-RB1 and Etoposide-Resistant WERI-ETOR Reveals New Insights into Topoisomerase Inhibitor Resistance in Retinoblastoma.

Chemotherapy resistance is one of the reasons for eye loss in patients with retinoblastoma (RB). RB chemotherapy resistance has been studied in different cell culture models, such as WERI-RB1. In addition, chemotherapy-resistant RB subclones, such as the etoposide-resistant WERI-ETOR cell line have been established to improve the understanding of chemotherapy resistance in RB. The objective of this study was to characterize cell line models of an etoposide-sensitive WERI-RB1 and its etoposide-resistant subclone, WERI-ETOR, by proteomic analysis. Subsequently, quantitative proteomics data served for correlation analysis with known drug perturbation profiles. Methodically, WERI-RB1 and WERI-ETOR were cultured, and prepared for quantitative mass spectrometry (MS). This was carried out in a data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode. The raw SWATH (sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra) files were processed using neural networks in a library-free mode along with machine-learning algorithms. Pathway-enrichment analysis was performed using the REACTOME-pathway resource, and correlated to the molecular signature database (MSigDB) hallmark gene set collections for functional annotation. Furthermore, a drug-connectivity analysis using the L1000 database was carried out to associate the mechanism of action (MOA) for different anticancer reagents to WERI-RB1/WERI-ETOR signatures. A total of 4756 proteins were identified across all samples, showing a distinct clustering between the groups. Of these proteins, 64 were significantly altered (q < 0.05 & log2FC |>2|, 22 higher in WERI-ETOR). Pathway analysis revealed the "retinoid metabolism and transport" pathway as an enriched metabolic pathway in WERI-ETOR cells, while the "sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis" pathway was identified in the WERI-RB1 cell line. In addition, this study revealed similar protein signatures of topoisomerase inhibitors in WERI-ETOR cells as well as ATPase inhibitors, acetylcholine receptor antagonists, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors in the WERI-RB1 cell line. In this study, WERI-RB1 and WERI-ETOR were analyzed as a cell line model for chemotherapy resistance in RB using data-independent MS. Analysis of the global proteome identified activation of "sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis" in WERI-RB1, and revealed future potential treatment options for etoposide resistance in RB.

The impact of motion artifacts on quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography analysis in Parkinson's disease.

We have previously shown that OCTA imaging in PD patients can be challenging. Our data suggest that retinal perfusion is reduced in both plexuses in PD, which may serve as a noninvasive biomarker in the future. Yet, control of motion artifacts in OCTA measurements is critical in this motor-impaired cohort.

[Benign Tumors of the Eyelid]. / Benigne Lidtumoren.

Benign tumors of the eyelids are manifold. They can severely impair the anatomical unit of upper and lower eyelid, which basically serves to protect the eyeball. Furthermore, they can induce reduction of visual acuity or cause a subjectively more or less strong aesthetic disturbance of appearance. Patients may visit the ophthalmologist by themselves or referred by a dermatologist or a general practitioner. Therefore, knowledge of the clinical signs and symptoms of benign tumors are mandatory to discriminate against malign tumors or to identify possible associated disease. In this article, the incidence, clinic, risk factors, symptomatology, histopathologic features, and probabilities of malignant transformation and recurrence of the most common benign eyelid tumors are presented. Objective of this article is to illustrate when to do further work-up to rule out systemic disease and when to do biopsy to rule out malignancy. Finally, the publication is giving an outlook on the use of artificial intelligence to diagnose lid tumors in the future.

Specific Autoantibodies in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Evaluation of Morphological and Functional Progression over Five Years.

(1) Background: Altered levels of autoantibodies (aab) and their networks have been identified as biomarkers for various diseases. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause for central vision loss worldwide with highly variable inter- and intraindividual disease courses. Certain aab networks could help in daily routine to identify patients with a high disease activity who need to be visited and treated more regularly. (2) Methods: We analyzed levels of aab against Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1-receptor), Protease-activated receptors (PAR1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -A, VEGF-B, and VEGF-receptor 2 in sera of 164 nAMD patients. In a follow-up period of five years, we evaluated changes in functional and morphological characteristics. Using correlation analyses, multiple regression models, and receiver operator characteristics, we assessed whether the five aab have a clinical significance as biomarkers that correspond to the clinical properties. (3) Results: Neither the analyzed aab individually nor taken together as a network showed statistically significant results that would allow us to draw conclusions on the clinical five-year course in nAMD patients. (4) Conclusions: The five aab that we analyzed do not correspond to the clinical five-year course of nAMD patients. However, larger, prospective studies should reevaluate different and more aab to gain deeper insights.