Comparison of Optical Coherence Angiography Measurements in Patients with Neovascular and Non-Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the differences of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) measurements between the patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and non-neovascular early AMD. Methods: This retrospectively designed study included patients with neovascular AMD (N-AMD group) and non-neovascular early AMD (NN-AMD group). The patients had a completed ocular examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, in decimal), intraocular pressure (IOP, mmHg), and OCTA measurements such as choroidal blood flow (au) and retinal vessel density (VD, %). Results: The N-AMD group (1.46±0.28 au) showed a lower mean choroidal flow measurement than the NN-AMD group (1.73±0.32 au), (p<0.001). The patients in the N-AMD group had reduced VD measurements in all superficial and deep retinal layers compared with the NN-AMD group. However, significant differences in VD measurements were observed only in total superficial parafovea and in the superior and inferior quadrants of superficial parafovea while comparing the N-AMD and NN-AMD groups (p<0.05 for all). Almost all deep retinal VD measurements (p<0.05 for them) were significantly different in the N-AMD group except the overall and foveal zones (p=0.144 and p=0.433, respectively). Conclusion: Retinal VD is reduced in patients with N-AMD when compared to NN-AMD. This outcome offered a retinal vessel contribution to AMD pathogenesis.

Changes in optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

PURPOSE: 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] sufficiency has critical biological importance for the human body. Although there are several studies on the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and macular structure, the data in this regard are limited. This study mainly aimed to investigate macular microvascular structure using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in 25(OH)D deficiency. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single-center, clinical study. METHODS: The study included 82 eyes of 82 patients with 25(OH)D deficiency (Group I) and 50 eyes of 50 healthy subjects (Group II). All participants underwent OCTA examinations. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel density (VD) measurements of the participants were statistically compared between the patients and healthy subjects. RESULTS: The mean 25(OH)D levels measured from the venous blood samples of the participants were 7.61 ± 3.27 ng/mL in Group I and 25.39 ± 4.16 ng/mL in Group II, and the difference between these values was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The FAZ measurement was significantly higher in Group I. The VDs of the SCP and DCP measurements were significantly higher in Group II. When the central macular thickness values of the participants were compared, Group II had a significantly higher value, but there was no significant difference in the central macular volume and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness analyses. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the FAZ area was significantly higher and the VDs of SCP and DCP were significantly lower in the patients with 25(OH)D deficiency. We found that 25(OH)D deficiency affected macular microvascular architecture.

Protection against experimental cisplatin-induced optic nerve toxicity using resveratrol: A rat model study.

AIM: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on oxidative stress and inflammation parameters and histological alterations in cisplatin-induced optic nerve damage in a mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-six albino Wistar male rats were divided into three groups as control, 5 mg/kg cisplatin-administered (Cis) and 5 mg/kg cisplatin + 25 mg/kg resveratrol-administered (Cis + Res) animals. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed with high-dose (50 mg/kg) thiopental sodium, and their optic nerves were dissected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) levels, and histopathological findings were assessed using the optic nerve tissues. RESULTS: In the Cis + Res group, the MDA, TOS, OSI, TNF-a and NFK-B levels were significantly lower and the tGSH and TAS levels were significantly higher compared with the Cis group (P = 0.001). In histological evaluations, there were dilated and congested blood vessels, destruction, oedema, degeneration, haemorrhage, and proliferating capillaries indicating the presence of inflammation and damage only in the Cis-administered group. However, in the Cis + Res group, the histological findings were very similar to the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol is a promising neuroprotective agent for cisplatin-induced optic nerve toxicity with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects on other optic nerve toxicities.

The effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on retina and optic disk vascular density.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to determine the alterations in the retina and peripapillary vascular density in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The patients were divided into two groups regarding their vitamin B12 levels as the low vitamin B12 group (< 200 pg/ml) and the normal vitamin B12 group (≥ 200 pg/ml). The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and the central macular thickness (CMT) were measured through an SD-OCT analysis. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of the macula, and the VD of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) for the optic disk were determined by OCT-A. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were in the low vitamin B12 group and 54 were in the normal group. The mean RNFLT measurements were significantly lower in the low vitamin B12 group (p = 0.001). The RPCP values in all quadrants were significantly lower in the patients with vitamin B12 deficiency (p = 0.001); moreover, there was a significant increase in the FAZ value with a decrease in both superficial (p = 0.001) and deep (p = 0.001) VDs. There was a significant positive correlation between the serum vitamin B12 levels and the RPCP values and superficial and deep VDs, while the FAZ value was negatively correlated with the vitamin B12 levels. CONCLUSION: Vitamin B12 deficiency has diverse effects on ocular structures and retinal vasculature. Decreased VDs and increased FAZ may be associated with severe ocular alterations in the long term, which should be further investigated.

Comparison of Six Methods of Central Corneal Thickness Measurement in Healthy Eyes.

OBJECTIVES: Several methods of measuring central corneal thickness (CCT) have been compared, however, the data are still limited and conflicting. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement of CCT measurements performed in healthy eyes using ultrasound pachymetry (USP), non-contact tono/pachymetry, specular microscopy, biometry, Scheimpflug-based corneal topography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: All of the participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. The CCT of all of the eyes included was measured using 6 different methods. The agreement between the methods was analyzed using the mean difference and Bland-Altman analysis based on a 95% limits of agreement. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients with a mean age of 40.96±14.52 years (range: 20-78 years) were included in the study. The mean CCT value was 552.10±35.65 µm, 550.40±35.55 µm, 554.67±35.49 µm, 545.39±34.21 µm, 546.25±35.49 µm, and 552.64±33.59 µm using USP, non-contact tono/pachymetry, non-contact specular microscopy, biometry, Scheimpflug-based corneal topography, and OCT, respectively. The bias values determined by Bland-Altman plots were -1.70, -2.56, 6.71, 5.85, and -0.53 for tono/pachymetry, specular microscopy, biometry, topography, and OCT, respectively. OCT demonstrated the lowest bias compared to USP. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.961 (range: 0.945-0.974) with a 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSION: All of the CCT measurements obtained using non-contact tono/pachymetry, non-contact specular microscopy, biometry, Scheimpflug-based corneal topography, and OCT were consistent with the USP measurements of healthy controls. Larger prospective studies to determine the interchangeability of different methods for CCT measurements in pathological conditions are warranted.

Can the CRP/albumin Ratio be Used as a New Indicator of Activation in Patients with Uveitis?

Purpose: To evaluate whether the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR) in patients with uveitis during an attack is a marker that can give information about the activity, severity and prognosis of the disease.Methods: This study included 35 patients with an uveitis attack and 35 healthy volunteers. The localization and severity of uveitis were recorded. Patients' complete blood count (CBC) during the attack, CRP, CAR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio(PLR) were recorded.Results: The mean age was 34.1 ± 12.5 years for the 35 uveitis cases and 30.1 ± 4.1 years for the healthy volunteers. CRP and CAR were significantly higher in uveitis patients (p = .015 and 0.011, respectively). While CRP and CAR were significantly higher in severe anterior uveitis than mild anterior uveitis (p = .036 and 0.022, respectively), only CAR was significantly higher in severe posterior and panuveitis than mild ones(p = .017).Conclusion: CAR may be an important parameter in determining the activation of the uveitis.

Serum Inflammation Biomarkers in Patients with Keratoconus.

Purpose: To evaluate inflammation-sensitive parameters, namely the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), eosinophil count, erythrocyte distribution width (RDW), and CRP/albumin ratio in patients with keratoconus (KC).Methods: Thirty-five patients with KC and 30 healthy people (control group) were included in the study. Complete blood count measurements were performed in all subjects, and NLR, PLR and the CRP/albumin ratio were calculated.Results: NLR was determined as 2.01 ± 0.53 in patients with KC and 1.97 ± 0.41 in the control group. PLR was 146.20 ± 23.32 in the KC group and 121.45 ± 31.75 in the healthy group. The CRP/albumin ratio was determined as 0.33 ± 0.09 in the KC group and 0.29 ± 0.11 in the healthy group.Conclusion: Although no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of NLR, CRP/albumin ratio and RDW levels, PLR was significantly higher in the KC group.

Evaluation of the Optic Disc and Macula in Healthy Children Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Objectives: To perform the measurements of the optic disc and macula in healthy children using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in order to determine the normative data values and compare these by age, gender, spherical equivalent (SE), and axial length (AL). Materials and Methods: A total of 146 eyes belonging to 146 healthy children (74 girls, 72 boys) aged 6 to 16 years were included in this prospective study. Refraction and biometry measurements were performed. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), central macular volume, and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after dilatation. Using the OCTA device, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vascular density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of the macula, and the VD of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) of the optic disc were recorded. Results: The mean age of the study group was 11.27±3 years, the mean AL was 23.39±1.18 mm and the mean SE was -1.31±1.61 diopters. The mean FAZ area was 0.3±0.09 mm2, the mean SCP-VD was 43.88±3.4%, the mean DCP-VD was 39.6±3.55%, and the mean RPCP-VD was 52.47±3.42%. When the relationship between the OCTA measurements and the SE and AL values were analyzed, there was no statistical significance (p>0.05). When age and OCTA measurements were compared, only DCP-VD values were found to significantly decrease with increasing age (p=0.015). There was no significant difference in OCTA measurements based on gender (p>0.05). Similarly, no statistical age-based differences were observed in RNFLT, CMV and CMT values (p>0.05). Conclusion: With its short procedure time and no dye requirement, OCTA can be safely used in the evaluation of the optic disc and macular perfusion in children. Determination of normative values in children will be useful in detecting pathologic changes in tissue in patients with retinal diseases.

The findings of corneal specular microscopy in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the morphological characteristics of corneal endothelial cells in type 2 diabetic patients and age-matched healthy subjects by specular microscopy. We also aimed to determine the association of corneal morphological features with the general characteristics and laboratory data of diabetic patients, including disease duration, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and urine albumin creatinine ratio. METHODS: A total of 195 diabetic patients and 100 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. Corneal endothelial measurements were performed using a noncontact specular microscopy. Laboratory data including serum fasting glucose, haemoglobin A1c levels, creatinine levels, and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were recorded. Diabetic patients were further subdivided into 3 groups according to the presence and stage of diabetic retinopathy. Specular microscopy findings and central corneal thickness of all patients were compared. RESULTS: The ECD and hexagonal cell ratio were significantly lower, while the average cell size, CV%, and central corneal thickness were determined to be significantly higher in diabetic patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.001). With the presence and advancement of diabetic retinopathy, the ECD and hexagonal cell ratio decreased, while the average cell size, CV%, and central corneal thickness increased. When correlation analysis was performed between corneal morphological features and laboratory data of diabetic patients, ECD showed a significant negative correlation with diabetes duration (p = 0.028). HbA1c levels, urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (p = 0.041), average cell size and CV showed a positive correlation with these parameters. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, keratopathy is an important complication of type 2 diabetes. With an increase in the stage of diabetic retinopathy, alterations in corneal findings also increased. In that respect, we can suggest that keratopathy should be evaluated more cautiously in diabetic patients.

Alterations in Parafoveal and Optic Disc Vessel Densities in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on ocular parameters and determine the alterations in macular vasculature by optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) in patients with different stages of OSAS. METHODS: All the participants underwent a full ophthalmological examination. Using the macular OCT-A scans, the retinal peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and superficial and deep vessel densities were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients (154 eyes) with OSAS and 27 control cases (54 eyes) were included in this prospective study. Of the OSAS patients, 27 had mild, 24 had moderate, and 26 had severe disease. The intraocular pressure (IOP) values were significantly higher in the severe OSAS group than the control cases (p = 0.001). The average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the RNFL thickness of the temporal and inferior quadrants were significantly lower in the severe OSAS group compared with the control cases (p = 0.001). The average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the RNFL thickness of the temporal and inferior quadrants were significantly lower in the severe OSAS group compared with the control cases (p = 0.001). The average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the RNFL thickness of the temporal and inferior quadrants were significantly lower in the severe OSAS group compared with the control cases (. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased vascular structures and increased FAZ may also be associated with the disease severity in OSAS and may be the main pathophysiological mechanisms in ocular alterations, which should be investigated in further studies.

Alterations in optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with high myopia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the macular changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A) in eyes with high myopia. Determining the alterations in vascular structures can provide a clearer understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease and help define new treatment options and preventive measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two patients with high myopia (axial length ≥ 26 mm) and 70 control cases without any known systemic or ocular diseases were enrolled in this prospective study. One eye of each patient was included in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) macula map values were lower in myopia compared with the controls. Both superior and inferior ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses were significantly thinner in the high myopia compared with the controls (p < 0.001). Regarding the OCT-A findings, although superficial or deep foveal avascular zones (FAZ) did not significantly differ between the two groups, the density values of superficial and deep microvessels were significantly lower in the high myopia group compared with the control cases. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high myopia, with an increase in the axial length and a decrease in RNFL and GCC thicknesses, the vascular densities of the superficial and deep retina were reduced in the macular region.

The Relation of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio with High Axial Myopia.

Purpose: To investigate the relation between high axial myopia and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values.Methods: Seventy-nine cases were enrolled, 50 myopic and 29 emmetropic. All participants were assigned into three groups: Group I (high myopia with no retinal involvement), Group II (high myopia with retinal involvement) and Group III (control). NLR and PLR values calculated from blood tests were compared among the groups.Results: Mean NLR levels were 2.23 ± 0.78 in Group I, 2.36 ± 1.06 in Group II, and 1.57 ± 0.33 in Group III. Mean PLR levels were 114.62 ± 23.21 in Group I, 145.16 ± 52.36 in Group II, and 91.42 ± 18.73 in Group III. NLR and PLR values in the high myopia groups were significantly higher than in the control group.Conclusion: NLR and PLR values in cases with high axial myopia were higher than in the emmetropic group. Higher inflammation in the degenerative myopic group in particular may be related to pathological chorioretinal changes.

Serum SCUBE-1 levels in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Signal peptide-CUB-Epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) is a protein expressed on the cell surface of endothelial cells and platelets. We aimed to determine the alterations in SCUBE-1 levels in patients at different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were grouped into 4 regarding the presence and stage of diabetic retinopathy as follows: control group (n 32), patients without DR (n 39), patients with background DR (n 42) and patients with proliferative DR (n 55). Age, gender, duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose levels, serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), SCUBE-1 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the patients were recorded. Central macular thickness and central macular volume were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS: Totally 136 patients with diabetes mellitus and 32 control cases were included in the study. There is a significant increase in SCUBE-1 and MDA levels with an advance in DR. In correlation analysis, there was only a significant correlation present between serum SCUBE-1 and MDA levels (p 0.001) but not with other parameters. CONCLUSION: For the first time in literature, we determined a significant increase in SCUBE-1 levels in patients with DR. Moreover, with an advance in DR, SCUBE-1 levels were also increasing.

Effects of two different contact lenses on ocular physiological parameters and tear function tests / Efeitos de duas lentes de contacto diferentes nos parâmetros fisiológicos oculares e nos testes de função lacrimal

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of two types of contact lenses made of two different types of silicone hydrogel material on ocular physiological parameters and tear function tests. Methods: The contact lenses with the appropriate diopters were supplied to the volunteering patients. The patients were evaluated before wearing the contact lenses (visit0:V0), at the first month(visit1:V1) and at the thirth month(visit2:V2) following their wear. At all visits a detailed biomicroscopic examination was done, ocular physiological variables were collected, the tear function tests were performed and the tear meniscus area (TMA) was visualized and measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Results: The results of Schirmer 1 test were 12.07 ± 1.51 [9-16] mm for the right eyes (samfilcon A group) and 12.09 ± 1.5 [9-16] mm for the left eyes (senofilcon A group) at V0. (p=0.950) At V2, the mean Schirmer 1 test results were 11.92±1.34 [9-15] mm in the samfilcon A group and 12.2±1.41 [9-16] mm in the senofilcon A group (p=0.239). The mean TMA dimensions in the AS-OCT images were 338.42±47.1 [241-401] microns in the samfilcon A group and 338.42±47.1 [241-401]microns in the senofilcon A group at V0. (p>0.05). At V2, the mean TMA dimensions were 337.2±45.53 [241-402] microns in thesamfilcon A group and 340.31±48.22 [240-411] microns in the senofilcon A group (p=0.728). Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that contact lenses containing samfilcon A and senofilcon A silicone hydrogel material do not cause meaningful ocular surface problems.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de dois tipos de lentes de contacto feitas de dois tipos diferentes de material de hidrogel de silicone nos parâmetros fisiológicos oculares e testes de função lacrimal. Métodos: As lentes de contacto com as dioptrias apropriadas foram fornecidas aos pacientes voluntários. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes do uso das lentes de contacto (visita0: V0), no primeiro mês (visita1: V1) e no terceiro mês (visita2: V2), após o uso destas. Em todas as visitas, foi realizado um exame biomicroscópico detalhado, as variáveis fisiológicas oculares foram recolhidas, os testes de função lacrimal foram realizados e a área do menisco lacrimal (TMA) foi visualizada e medida com tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior (AS-OCT). Resultados: Os resultados do teste de Schirmer 1 foram 12,07 ± 1,51 [9-16] mm para os olhos direitos (grupo samfilcon A) e 12,09 ± 1,5 [9-16] mm para os olhos esquerdos (grupo senofilcon A) em V0. (p = 0,950) Em V2, os resultados médios do teste de Schirmer 1 foram 11,92 ± 1,34 [9-15] mm no grupo samfilcon A e 12,2 ± 1,41 [9-16] mm no grupo senofilcon A (p = 0,239). As dimensões médias do TMA nas imagens AS-OCT foram 338,42 ± 47,1 [241-401] mícrons no grupo samfilcon A e 338,42 ± 47,1 [241-401] mícrons no grupo senofilcon A em V0. (p> 0,05).> Em V2, as dimensões médias do TMA foram 337,2 ± 45,53 [241-402] mícrons no grupo samfilcon A e 340,31 ± 48,22 [240-411] mícrons no grupo senofilcon A (p = 0,728). Conclusões: O nosso estudo demonstrou que as lentes de contacto que contêm material de hidrogel de silicone de samfilcon A e senofilcon A não causam problemas significativos na superfície ocular.

The effects of thiamine pyrophosphate on ethanol induced optic nerve damage.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the protective effects of thiamine pyrophosphate on ethanol induced optic neuropathy in an experimental model. METHODS: The rats were assigned into 4 groups, with 6 rats in each group as follows: healthy controls (HC group), only ethanol administered group (EtOH group), ethanol + thiamine pyrophosphate (20 mg/kg) administered group (TEt-20 group), and only thiamine pyrophosphate (20 mg/kg) (TPG group) administered group. To the rats in TEt-20 and TPG groups, 20 mg/kg thiamine pyrophosphate was administered via intraperitoneal route. To the rats in HC and EtOH groups, the same volume (0.5 ml) of distilled water as solvent was applied in the same manner. To the rats in TEt-20 and EtOH groups, one hour after application of thiamine pyrophosphate or distilled water, 32% ethanol with a dose of 5 g/kg was administered via oral gavage. This procedure was repeated once a day for 6 weeks. From the blood samples and tissues obtained from the rats, Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were studied. Histopathological evaluations were performed to the optic nerve tissue. RESULTS: Serum and tissue IL-1ß, TNF-α and MDA levels were the highest in EtOH group which were significantly lower in thiamine pyrophosphate administered group (TEt-20 group) (p: 0.001). Serum and tissue reduced GSH levels were the lowest in EtOH group which were also significantly higher in TEt-20 group (p:0.001). In histopathological evaluations, in EtOH group there was obvious destruction and edema with hemorrhage and dilated blood vessels which were not present in any other groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was an apparent destruction in ethanol administered group in histopathological analyses with an augmented level of oxidative stress markers and all those alterations were prevented with concomitant thiamine pyrophosphate administration. These protective effects of thiamine pyrophosphate are extremely important in chronic ethanol consumption. Clinical studies are warranted to define the exact role of thiamine pyrophosphate in prevention of ethanol induced optic neuropathy.

Normative Data Assessment of Vessel Density and Foveal Avascular Zone Metrics Using AngioScan Software.

Purpose: To establish a normative database for macular and peripapillary vessel densities (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics in healthy subjects with the new version of AngioScan software of RS-3000 Advance (Nidek Co, Ltd) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) device.Methods: The study design was prospective and cross-sectional. VDs of the SCP, deep capillary plexus (DCP), retinal peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) and FAZ area, perimeter and circularity index (CI) along with the structural OCT measurements were scanned by using the Nidek's RS-3000 Advance OCT-A device in healthy subjects. The new version of the AngioScan software was used for analytics. The relations between the OCT-A parameters with age, gender and OCT parameters were analyzed.Results: A total of 128 right eyes of 128 subjects (50% female) were included in this study. We divided subjects into 3 groups in accordance with age; 19-39 years to Group 1, 40-59 years to Group 2, >60 y. to Group 3. The mean SCP and DCP VDs were 41.25 ± 2.51% and 36.01 ± 5.07% respectively (P < .001). The DCP VD was significantly different between groups (P = .001). The mean FAZ area, perimeter and CI were 0.33 ± 0.12 mm2, 2.68 ± 0.6 mm and 0.47 ± 0.09 respectively. Only FAZ CI significantly differed between groups (P = .003). The FAZ area was significantly greater in female subjects than males (P = .025). The SCP and DCP VDs were inversely correlated with FAZ area and perimeter (P < .05).Conclusion: Our study provided for the first time the normative data of the recently updated AngioScan software of Nidek. Additional studies are needed to define pathological vascular changes in ocular and systemic diseases with this new software.

Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis and Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin Levels in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Aim: Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy causing progressive impairment of visual functions. We aimed to assess the alterations in thiol-disulfide homeostasis and serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels, which are the determinants of antioxidant status, in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Material and Method: A total of 140 eyes from 70 patients with POAG and 174 eyes of 87 healthy, control cases were included in the study. All study participants underwent a complete ophthalmic evaluation. Alterations in serum thiol-disulfide homeostasis and IMA levels were measured in all participants. Results: IMA levels were significantly higher in glaucoma group (p:0.001). Native thiol, Total thiol and Native/Total thiol ratio were significantly decreased while Disulfide, Disulfide/Native thiol, and Disulfide/Total thiol ratios were significantly higher in glaucoma group (p:0.001). There was no significant difference regarding central corneal thickness (CCT), iridocorneal angle, albumin, IMA and adjusted IMA levels in patients with different stages of glaucoma. In correlation analysis, there was a negative correlation between Native thiol, Total thiol and Native/Total thiol ratio and disease period, number of daily drops required and stage of the disease in glaucoma patients. There was also a positive correlation between Disulfide, Disulfide/Native thiol and Disulfide/Total thiol levels and the disease activity. Conclusion: In patients with POAG, thiol-disulfide homeostasis is disturbed in the favor of pro-oxidant molecules and IMA levels are increased, indicating the presence of augmented oxidative stress. In that aspect, systemic and local anti-oxidant treatments may be new targets in glaucoma treatment. Larger, prospective studies about the role of anti-oxidants in prevention and treatment of POAG are warranted.

Correlation of the aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and levels of IL-6 and VEGF with diabetic retinopathy status / Correlação entre níveis de humor aquoso da capacidade antioxidante total, estado oxidante total, IL-6, VEGF e status da retinopatia diabética

ABSTRACT Purpose: We aimed to compare the aqueous humor total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, and levels of interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor between patients with diabetic retinopathy and controls and to correlate these levels with the DR status. Methods: Patients who underwent cataract surgery were enrolled. The first group (control group) comprised patients without diabetes; the second group comprised diabetic patients without retinopathy; the third group comprised patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy; and the fourth group comprised patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. All patients underwent full ophthalmologic examination before cataract surgery. Prior to surgery, samples of aqueous humor sampling were obtained and stored at -80 °C. Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and levels interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor were investigated in these samples and correlated with diabetic retinopathy status. Results: This study analyzed 86 pairs of eyes of 86 patients. All groups were statistically similar in age and sex, but the total antioxidant capacity was lowest in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, the total oxidant status and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 were found to slightly increase according to the retinopathy status. Conclusion: Oxidative stress, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the aqueous humor seem to play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, especially in the proliferative type.

RESUMO Objetivo: Procurou-se comparar o humor aquoso estado oxidante total, a capacidade antioxidante total, e os níveis de interleucina-6 e do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular entre pacientes com retinopatia diabética e em indivíduos controles, e correlacionar esses níveis com o status da retinopatia diabética. Métodos: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata foram incluídos. O primeiro grupo (grupo controle) foi composto por pacientes sem diabetes; o segundo grupo inclui pacientes dia béticos sem retinopatia; o terceiro grupo inclui pacientes com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa; e o quarto grupo inclui pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo antes da cirurgia de catarata. Antes da cirurgia, amostras de humor aquoso foram obtidas e armazenadas a -80oC. A capacidade antioxidante total, o estado oxidante total e os níveis de interleucina-6 e fator de crescimento endotelial vascular foram investigados nessas amostras e correlacionados com o status da retinopatia diabética. Resultados: Este estudo analisou 86 pares de olhos de 86 pacientes. Todos os grupos foram estatisticamente semelhantes em idade e sexo, mas a capacidade antioxidante total foi menor em pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa. Além disso, o estado oxidante total e os níveis de fator de crescimento endotelial vascular e interleucina-6 estavam ligeiramente aumentados de acordo com o status da retinopatia. Conclusão: O estresse oxidativo, a interleucina-6 e o fator de crescimento endotelial vascular no humor aquoso parecem desempenhar papel importante na patogênese da retinopatia diabética, especialmente no tipo proliferativo.

Correlation of the aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and levels of IL-6 and VEGF with diabetic retinopathy status.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the aqueous humor total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, and levels of interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor between patients with diabetic retinopathy and controls and to correlate these levels with the DR status. METHODS: Patients who underwent cataract surgery were enrolled. The first group (control group) comprised patients without diabetes; the second group comprised diabetic patients without retinopathy; the third group comprised patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy; and the fourth group comprised patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. All patients underwent full ophthalmologic examination before cataract surgery. Prior to surgery, samples of aqueous humor sampling were obtained and stored at -80 °C. Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and levels interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor were investigated in these samples and correlated with diabetic retinopathy status. RESULTS: This study analyzed 86 pairs of eyes of 86 patients. All groups were statistically similar in age and sex, but the total antioxidant capacity was lowest in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, the total oxidant status and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 were found to slightly increase according to the retinopathy status. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the aqueous humor seem to play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, especially in the proliferative type.

The effects of lycopene on alloxan induced diabetic optic neuropathy.

AIM: To determine the effects of lycopene treatment in prevention of diabetes associated inflammatory response and oxidative stress in an experimental model. With this aim we investigated the levels of oxidative stress markers including Malondialdehyde (MDA), and total oxidative status (TOS)together with inflammatory markers including nuclear factor- kappa B (NFKB) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and antioxidants including total glutathione (TGSH), total oxidative status (TOS) and total anti-oxidative status (TAS) levels on eye tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Totally 18 albino Wistar male rats (250-280 grams) assigned into three groups, with six rats in each group as follows: healthy group (HG), control group (CG), and lycopene group (LG). The diabetes was induced with alloxan administration in rats of CG and LG. Lycopene (4 mg/kg) was administered to the rats in LG once a day for 3 months. At the end of this period, the animals were sacrificed and their eyes were enucleated for histopathological evaluations. From the tissues, MDA, GSH, TOS, TAS, TNF-α and NF-κB levels were analyzed. RESULTS: MDA, TOS, OSI, NFKB and TNF-α levels were significantly higher, while TGSH and TAS levels were significantly lower in CG compared with HG (p < 0.001). On the other hand in LG; MDA, TOS, OSI, NFKB and TNF-α levels were significantly lower, while TGSH and TAS levels were significantly higher compared with CG (p < 0.001). Regarding histopathological findings, although there was severe damage on optic nerve of rats in CG; there was only a slight damage in lycopene administered group. CONCLUSION: For the first time in literature we determined that, lycopene was significantly effective in prevention of augmented inflammation and oxidative stress on eye tissue associated with diabetes, as well as the tissue damage on optic nerve. However, studies investigating the long-term clinical effects of lycopene on diabetic individuals are warranted.