Iron death is an alternative to normal cell death and is regulated by a variety of cellular metabolic pathways. Iron death has become a hot topic of research because it can cause damage to various organs and degenerative diseases in the body. Metabolism, signalling pathways, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and immune cells can all affect the occurrence of iron death, and the blood-retina destruction induced by iron death plays an important role in autoimmune uveitis. Exploring the components of the blood-retina regulatory mechanism of iron death in autoimmune uveitis can lead to the search for targeted drug targets, which can provide a new research idea for the subsequent study of the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune uveitis.
Accurate collection and preservation of vitreous and retina-related tissue specimens is the basis for clinical diagnosis and rigorous basic research. The clinical uses of vitreous specimens include microbial culture, cytological detection, detection of degenerative diseases, PCR analysis, and cytological detection of cell morphology. The experimental research uses include DNA gene analysis, protein quantitative analysis, metabolite examination, RNA content quantitative analysis, cytokine determination and so on. Retinal specimens collecting was mainly used for PCR analysis of retinal proliferative membrane, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence examination, microvascular density evaluation, cell isolation and culture, etc. Understanding the collection of vitreoretinal surgical specimens and the application of relevant detection techniques and materials can provide a more comprehensive idea for the diagnosis of vitreoretinal diseases and a broader reference for the related basic research.
ObjectiveTo observe the incidence and risk factors of microcystic macular edema (MME) in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) preoperatively and postoperatively. MethodsA retrospective case series study. From January 2017 to May 2021, 72 eyes of 72 patients with IMEM in Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou were included. There were 18 male and 54 female. Average age was 64.8±7.8 years. Eyes were all monocular. All patients received the examination of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) by standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, which was represented logarithmic of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). Optical coherence tomography was used to measure central macular thickness (CMT). MME was defined as small, vertically bounded cystic space located outside the fovea in the inner layer of the retina. According to the presence or absence of MME before surgery, the affected eyes were divided into two groups: non-MME group (35 eyes) and MME group (37 eyes). The difference of logMAR BCVA and CMT was statistically significant between Group A and B (t=3.117, 2.589; P=0.003, 0.012). All patients with IMEM were treated with 23G three-channels pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with epiretinal membrane and inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. The two groups were further divided into four groups according to whether there was MME in the postoperative follow-up time. The group A1 was without MME before and after surgery, group A2 was without MME before surgery and with MME after surgery. The MME group was subdivided into the group with MME before surgery and without MME after surgery (group B1) and the group with MME before and after surgery (group B2). The mean follow-up time was 8.8±7.7 months. The same equipment and methods were used to exam the patients during the follow-up. Paired t test was used to compare the changes of MME, BCVA and CMT before and after surgery. The differences of CMT and BCVA among groups before and after surgery were compared by independent sample t test and one-way ANOVA. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of MME before and after surgery, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative BCVA. ResultsThere were 35 eyes in the non-MME group, 18 eyes (51.43%, 18/35) in the A1 group and 17 eyes (48.57%, 17/35) in the A2 group, respectively. There were 37 eyes in MME group, 6 eyes (16.22%, 6/37) in group B1 and 31 eyes (83.78%, 31/37) in group B2, respectively. At last follow-up, the logMAR BCVA was 0.10±0.12, 0.25±0.17, 0.09±0.11, 0.30±0.26 in group A1, A2, B1, and B2, respectively. Compared with the logMAR BCVA before surgery, the differences were statistically significant (t=3.779, 4.253, 7.869, 6.668; P＜0.01). There was significant difference in logMAR BCVA among the four groups (F=4.460, P＜0.01). There was a significant difference in logMAR BCVA between group A1 and group A2 (t=－2.930, P=0.006). There was no significant difference between group B1 and group B2 (t=－1.921, P=0.063). The CMT of group A1, A2, B1 and B2 were 371.83±73.24, 431.24±83.13, 407.00±28.07 and 425.19±70.97 μm, respectively. Compared with those before operation, the differences were statistically significant (t=5.197, 2.465, 3.055, 6.078; P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in CMT among the four groups (F=2.597, P=0.059). Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-operation MME was correlated with pre-operation IMEM stage (β=1.494, P=0.004). New MME after surgery was correlated with age (β=0.153, P=0.013). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that postoperative visual acuity was significantly correlated with CMT before surgery and MME after surgery (β=0.001, 0.134; P=0.015, 0.019). ConclusionsPPV combined with epiretinal membrane and ILM peeling surgery for IMEM can improve visual acuity and decrease CMT. MME regress or regenerate after surgery. Age is an independent predictor of the risk of newly formed MME after surgery.
Vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and vitreous tamponade is a conventional method for treating macular hole (MH), but the visual acuity and MH closure rate remains to be further improved. After removal of posterior vitreous cortex, the ILM is grasped with an ILM forceps and peeled off in a circular fashion for approximately 1 disc diameters around the MH. During the circumferential peeling, the ILM is not removed completely from the retina but is left attached to the edges of the MH. The ILM was then massaged gently over the MH from all sides until the ILM became inverted and then peel all other ILM within vascular arcades. Inverted ILM flap technique is one of the important improvement methods in MH vitrectomy, especially for MH with large diameter and unhealed MH after ILM peeling. Compared with conventional vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling, inverted ILM flap technique can enhance MH closure and improve visual acuity. Due to lack of large sample observation in clinical trials of inverted ILM flap technique, we still need more cases and longer follow-up of this technology to more accurately evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this technique.
RCBTB1 gene associated hereditary retinopathy is an extremely rare inherited retinal disease (IRD) discovered recently. The mutation of RCBTB1 gene can lead to a variety of IRD clinical phenotypes, such as early retinitis pigmentosa and delayed chorioretinal atrophy. The hereditary mode of RCBTB1 gene associated retinopathy is autosomal recessive. RCBTB1 gene plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial function and anti-oxidative stress defense mechanism of retinal pigment epithelium cells. In the future, it is necessary to further determine whether there is a genotypic and phenotypic correlation in the age of onset of RCBTB1 gene associated retinopathy or multi-organ involvement, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of adeno-associated virus-mediated RCBTB1 gene replacement therapy in animal models, to explore the feasibility of gene replacement therapy and stem cell therapy.
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of subretinal injection of Aflibercept for the treatment of refractory or recurrent polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). MethodsA prospective clinical research. From January to June 2022, 18 patients of 18 eyes with PCV diagnosed in The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University were included in the study. All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The BCVA examination was performed using the international standard visual acuity chart, which was converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity during statistics. The large choroidal vessel thickness (LVCT), central retinal thickness (CRT), sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED) height were measured by enhanced depth imaging technique of OCT. The choroidal vascular index (CVI) was calculated. There were 18 patients of 18 eyes, 11 males of 11 eyes and 7 females of 7 eyes. The age was (64.22±3.86) years old. The disease duration was (5.22±1.80) years. The patient had received intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs for (7.72±1.36) times. The logMAR BCVA of the affected eyes was 1.28±0.25. The SFCT, CRT, LVCT, PED height were (436.56±9.80), (432.44±44.29), (283.78±27.10), (342.44±50.18) μm, respectively, and CVI was 0.65±0.01. All eyes were treated with a single subretinal injection of 40 mg/ml Aflibercept 0.05 ml (including Aflibercept 2.0 mg). According to the results of OCT and BCVA after treatment, the lesions were divided into active type and static type. The active lesions were treated with intravitreal injection of Aflibercept at the same dose as before. Quiescent lesions were followed up. Examinations were performed 1-3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment using the same equipment and methods before treatment. The BCVA, LVCT, CRT, SFCT, PED height, CVI, interretinal or subretinal fluid, lesion regression rate, injection times, and complications during and after treatment were observed. The BCVA, SFCT, CRT, LVCT, PED height and CVI before and after treatment were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. ResultsEighteen eyes received subretinal and/or intravitreal injection of Aflibercept (1.61±0.85) times (1-4 times). At the last follow-up, the polypoid lesions regressed in 4 eyes and PED disappeared in 1 eye. Compared with before treatment, BCVA (F=50.298) gradually increased, CRT (F=25.220), PED height (F=144.16), SFCT (F=69.77), LVCT (F=136.69), CVI (F=72.70) gradually decreased after treatment. The differences were statistically significant (P＜0.001). Macular hole occurred in 1 eye after treatment, and the hole closed spontaneously 3 months after treatment. No serious complications such as retinal tear, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis and vitreous hemorrhage occurred during and after treatment. ConclusionSubretinal injection of Aflibercept is safe and effective in the treatment of refractory PCV.
The main treatment methods of macular edema (ME) are intravitreal injection of anti-vacular endothelial growth factor drugs, corticosteroids, retinal laser photocoagulation and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). However, recurrent ME, epiretinal membrane formation and drug resistance have occurred to a part of patients, which is called refractory ME (RME). PPV with internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) has the potential of treating and relieving RME. PPV combined with ILMP can treat and relieve RME by removing the posterior vitreous cortex, or removing the epiretinal membrane or internal limiting membrane at the same time during surgery to relieve the traction between the vitreous body and the retina. However, due to the complex pathogenesis of ME, the therapeutic effects of PPV combined with ILMP on ME caused by different etiologies still need clinical studies to explore the best surgical methods for ME caused by different etiologies.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of the inner-retinal irregularity index (IRII) of eyes with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) before and after surgery and its correlation with visual function.Methodsretrospective series of studies. From March 2017 to May 2018, 46 IMEM patients (46 eyes) diagnosed in the Department of Ophthalmology of Central Theater Command General Hospital were included in the study. BCVA, visual deformation degree (M), OCT inspection with swept source were all performed. The BCVA examination was carried out using the international standard visual acuity chart, which was converted into logMAR visual acuity for record. The average IRII was 1.255±0.048, the average logMAR BCVA was 0.63±0.21, the average M value was 0.68±0.38, the average of central macular thickness (CMT) was 353.57±73.92 μm, the average inner retinal layer thickness (IRT) was 181.50±40.91 μm. The complete and incomplete ellipsoid zone (EZ) were 17 and 29 eyes, respectively. All eyes underwent a 25G three-incision closed vitrectomy through the flat part of the ciliary body, and the epiretinal membrane and inner limiting membrane were removed at the same time. The changes of IRII, M value, BCVA, CMT, IRT and EZ were observed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and the correlation were analyzed between IRII and M value and BCVA before and after surgery. Single-factor repeated measurement data analysis of variance was used for the comparison of BCVA, M value, CMT, and IRT before and after surgery. Spearman rank correlation analysis were adopted for the correlation analysis between IRII and BCVA, M value, CMT, IRT and EZ integrity before and after surgery.ResultsTwelve months after surgery, the average IRII and logMAR BCVA were 1.175±0.032 and 0.47±0.16, respectively. Compared with those before surgery, they were significantly improved, and the difference was statistically significant (F=22.273, 5.453; P＜0.001, ＜0.001). The average M value (F=20.109), CMT (F=14.273), IRN (F=13.665) were significantly lower than those before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.001, 0.001, ＜0.001). The integrity of EZ was significantly improved compared with that before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=12.715, P＜0.001). The results of correlation analysis showed that preoperative IRII was positively correlated with preoperative M value and CMT (r=0.951, 0.701; P＜0.001, ＜0.001). It was positively correlated with postoperative M value, logMAR BCVA, CMT and EZ integrity (r=0.650, 0.369, 0.720, 0.293; P＜0.001, ＜0.001, P=0.048). It was not correlated with preoperative logMAR BCVA and EZ integrity (r=0.283, 0.001; P=0.056, 0.996).ConclusionThe IRII of IMEM eyes before surgery is significantly correlated with the BCVA and M values after surgery.
Objective To investigate the changes of cellular configuration and polarized characteristic of visual pigment during the development of rod cells of neonatal calf in vitro. Methods Retinal cells of neonatal calf were dissociated and cultivated for 10, 20, 30 and 40 days in vitro were used for immunocytochemical analysis. Retinal rod cells were identified by rho4D2 antibody. The configuration of positive cells and rhodopsin molecular distribution were analysed at different cultivated time. The immuno-reactivity of positive cells was measured by image analysis system. Results The rho4D2 immuno-reactive cells included small round cells without protuberance and the cells with protuberance at the peak. At the 10th day after cultivation, the visual pigment immunoreaction was suffusive in the whole cell membrane and apical process; while at the 30th and 40th day, it gathered at the membrane of apical process or one pole of the cells. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the immunoreactive intensity of positive cells at the 20th day after cultivation was ber than that at the 10th day; while there was no significant difference among the immunoreactive intensity at the 20th, 30th, and 40th day. Conclusions Rod cells at the 30th and 40th day after cultivation have the polarized characterization and visual pigment molecular distribution with high level of expressive ability of protein, which are mature neurons. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005, 21: 394-396)
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between genotype and phenotype in children with CRB1 mutated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early onset retinal dystrophy (EOSRD).MethodsA retrospective clinical study. From January 2013 to December 2019, 10 children with CRB1 mutated LCA/EOSRD were enrolled in the study. The patients were identified as CRB1 mutation by the second generation targeted capture sequencing, Sanger sequencing and the family segregation analysis. All children underwent electroretinogram (ERG) and fundus examination. At the same time, 6 cases were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT); 1 case was examined by fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA), 7 cases were examined by wide-angle laser scanning ophthalmoscope (UWF SLO).ResultsThere were 6 cases of LCA and 4 cases of EOSRD in 10 patients with CRB1 gene mutations. The average age of first visit was 3.61 years old. The light and dark wave of ERG was flat in 6 cases, and decreased in 4 cases. A total of 19 pathogenic mutations were detected. There were 1 homozygous mutation and 9 compound heterozygous mutations. There were 4, 2 and 1 cases of “copper-coin” like, “salt and pepper” like and “osteocyte” like pigment changes in retina, 1 case of “crystalline pigment” change and 2 cases of macular pigment scar. In 7 cases of UWF SLO examination, different degrees of para-arteriolar pigment epithelium retention (PPRPE) were found in the middle and peripheral fundus. In 6 cases examined by OCT, the outer layer of retina atrophied and the band of ellipsoid disappeared. Symmetrical cystoid macular edema, splitting cystoid macular degeneration and adhesion of epi-macular membrane to optic disc and macular area were found in 1 case, respectively, the retinal structure was rough and thickened, and the fovea became thinner in 3 cases. In FFA examination, 1 case showed uveitis-like changes with late optic disc fluorescein staining, macular fluorescence accumulation, strong fluorescence diffusing along the blood vessels in each quadrant, peripheral PPRPE of “frost-branch” like strong fluorescence.ConclusionThe relationship between genotype and phenotype of CRB1 mutation is complex, and PPRPE is a common characteristic change.