With the continuous advancement of technology, the field of retinal surgery is poised to witness an increasing array of innovations and breakthroughs. The innovation in retinal surgery plays a pivotal role in enhancing the success rate of operations, reducing the risk of complications, and improving patient prognosis and quality of life. This encompasses innovations in vitrectomy systems, the novel application of vitrectomy in treating other ocular diseases, advancements in retinal surgical techniques, technological and conceptual innovations, as well as multidisciplinary collaboration, all of which contribute to the ongoing development in the treatment of retinal diseases. Therefore, innovations in retinal surgery should receive significant attention from ophthalmologists specializing in retinal diseases with the best service to patients.
Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a hereditary retinal vascular dysplasia. So far, 6 genes have been found to be associated with FEVR: Wnt receptor Frizzled Protein 4, Norrie's disease, co-receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5, tetraspanin 12, zinc finger protein 408, and kinesin family members 11 genes. Its clinical manifestations, pathological processes and genetic patterns are diverse, and it shows the relationship between gene polymorphism and clinical manifestation diversity. It is characterized by different symptoms between the same individual, the same family, and the same gene mutation; different clinical stages and gene mutation types of parents or unilateral genetic children; different clinical characteristics and gene mutation patterns of full-term and premature infant; combined with other eye disease and systemic diseases; double gene mutations and single gene mutations have different clinical manifestations and gene mutation characteristics. A comprehensive understanding of the different clinical manifestations and diverse genetics of FEVR can provide better guidance for the treatment of FEVR.
ObjectiveTo observe and analyze the genotype and clinical phenotype in 34 families of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy associated with (FEVR) gene variation.MethodsCohort study. Thirty-four FEVR families, in which the patients and both of their parents were all found to have FEVR-related gene mutations (proband 34 cases, 67 eyes; parents 68 cases, 136 eyes), were included in the study. These patients were identifIed from 722 FEVR patients through genetic screening, which diagnosed in Department of Ophtalmology of Xinhua Hospital and Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018. The probands and their parents underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination appropriate to their age, including BCVA, intraocular pressure, axial length, slit lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, FFA or color fundus photography or wide field color fundus photography. According to the severity of the disease, the clinical manifestations were divided into severe phenotype and mild phenotype. Thirty-four normal healthy people over 40 years old were included as the control group. The peripheral blood samples of FEVR family members and control group members were collected, and the genes known to be involved in FEVR, such as FZD4, LRP5, NDP, TSPAN12, ZNF408 and KIF11, were analyzed by next generation sequencing molecular genetics. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS. The counting data was expressed in numbers or rates, and tested by Kruskal-Wallis test and χ2 test to find out the existence of significant difference.ResultsIn 67 eyes of the 34 probands, 48 eyes (71.64%) were classified into severe phenotype and 19 eyes (28.36%) were mild phenotype. In 136 eyes of 68 parents of the proband patients, 76 eyes (55.88%) were normal, 60 eyes (44.12%) were classified into mild phenotype, and no severe phenotype was found. A total of 65 variants of FEVR-related genes were detected in the 34 probands, of which LRP5 mutation was the most common (64.61%), followed by FZD4 (12.31%), NDP (10.77%), TSPAN12 (6.15%), ZNF408 (4.62%) and KIF11 (1.54%). Missense mutations were the most common variant in FEVR-related genes. However, the results of correlation analysis indicated that there was no significant correlation between the type of mutation and the severity of clinical phenotype (H=1.775, P=0.620). Among the 65 mutation types, 21 types have been previously identified and 44 were novel in this study. Thirty-nine eyes of 20 cases had only one single pathogenic mutation gene but with multiple mutation sites, 26 eyes of 13 cases carried 2 relevant pathogenic mutation genes, and 2 eyes in one case had 3 pathogenic mutation genes. The mutation frequencies of LRP5, NDP, ZNF408, FZD4, TSPAN12 and KIF11 genes in probands were significantly higher than those in control group, and the difference was statistically significant. The total mutation frequencies of LRP5, NDP, ZNF408, FZD4, TSPAN12 and KIF11 genes in proband group were significantly higher than those in control group (χ2=64.702, P＜0.001).ConclusionsIn the FEVR families, the most frequent mutations were those in LRP5, followed by FZD4, NDP, TSPAN12,ZNF408 and KIF11. Missense mutation is the most common type of FEVR-related gene mutation, but there is no significant correlation between the clinical phenotype and gene variation type. Most of the probands were with severe clinical phenotype, while most of the parents with FEVR pathogenic gene mutation showed normal or mild manifestations.
According to different experimental methods of induced diabetic retinopathy (DR) and different characteristics of the observed retinopathy, DR animal models can be divided into drug or dietary-induced models, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) models, spontaneous inheritance models, and transgenic models. At present, induced model is one of the most commonly used animal model for DR study, which has the advantages of short modeling cycle, low cost, simple experimental operation and good repeatability. However, the drugs have certain side effects on various organs of animals and the risk of animal death is higher. OIR model has good repeatability, good stability and relatively low cost. However, due to the lack of metabolic changes of hyperglycemia in OIR mice, this model cannot accurately reflect the effects of metabolism on retina under hyperglycemia. The pathological changes of the spontaneous model are relatively stable, however, the application of this model is limited because the genetic homogeneity of diabetes differs from that of human and the cost is high. Transgenic model has definite etiology, however, its application is limited owing to the high cost and the high requirements of technology, operation and equipment. Therefore, researchers should comprehensively consider characteristics and limitations of different models while choosing suitable DR model based on research objectives, observation indicators, experimental conditions, and funds. In addition, animal models that can more accurately simulate DR need to be developed to provide more effective tools for studying the mechanism of DR and developing feasible prevention and treatment approaches.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of cathepsin L (CTSL) inhibitor on apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and mitochondrial oxidative stress. MethodsRPE cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) group, and H2O2+CTSL inhibitor group. The cells of H2O2 group and H2O2+CTSL inhibitor group were incubated in the medium containing 400 μmol/L H2O2 for 24 hours and 10 μmol/L CTSL inhibitor was added in H2O2+CTSL inhibitor group at the same time. The cells of normal group were routinely cultured cells. The follow-up experiment was carried out 24 hours after modeling. The rate of apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of CTSL was detected by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and real time-polymerase chain reaction. The level of mitochondrial super oxide was detected by MitoSOX fluorescent probe, and the mitochondrial structure was observed after MitoTracker staining, the average area, form factors, and branch of mitochondria were quantitatively analyzed. The two groups were compared using two-tailed Student t test, while numerous groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. ResultsCompared with control group, the rate of apoptosis in H2O2 group was significantly higher (t=3.307, P=0.029 7), the expression level of CTSL was significantly increased (t=19.950, 6.916, 14.220; P＜0.05). Compared with H2O2 group, the expression level of CTSL, the rate of apoptosis and the mitochondrial ROS level in H2O2+CTSL inhibitor group were significantly lower (t=11.940, 4.718, 16.680; P＜0.05). The mitochondria of H2O2+CTSL inhibitor group were elongated, oval-shaped or rod-shaped, while the mitochondria of H2O2 group lost their continuous contour shape and complete structure. The differences of the average area, form factors, and brach of mitochondria among 4 groups were statistically significant (F=251.700, 34.010, 60.500; P＜0.000 1). ConclusionsH2O2 can significantly induce apoptosis in RPE cells and increase CTSL expression. CTSL inhibitor can inhibit the H2O2-induced apoptosis of RPE cells, lower the mitochondrial super oxide level, and successfully repair the mitochondrial structure.
ObjectiveTo analyze the risk factors of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).MethodsA retrospective study. From January 2017 to December 2018, 340 PDR patients (340 eyes) with vitreous hemorrhage (VH) who were first treated with PPV in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital were included in the study. Among them, 185 were male and 155 were female, with an average age of 55.79±10.82 years. The duration of diabetes was 13.01±7.70 years, the fasting blood glucose was 7.55±2.15 mmol/L. Nineteen patients combined coronary heart disease, and 20 patients combined cerebral infarction. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), non-contact fundus examination, and fundus color photographs. BCVA was measured using an international standard Snellen visual acuity chart, and the values were converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) scores for data analysis. The baseline logMAR BCVA was 2.04±0.73, The baseline IOP was 15.45±2.93 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). The duration of VH was 2.98±1.46 months, ranged from 3 weeks to 6 months. Three hundred and forty eyes included 93 eyes of PDR Ⅳ stage (27.35%), 107 eyes of Ⅴ stage (31.47%), and 116 eyes of Ⅵ stage (34.12%), combined tractional retinal detachment (TRD) 83 eyes. All patients underwent 25G standard three channel vitrectomy through the pars plana of the ciliary body. Preoperative anti-VEGF injection was performed in 57 eyes, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in 234 eyes, combined phacoemulsification cataract surgery in 262 eyes and 141 eyes intravitreal anti-VEGF injection at the end of surgery. The patients were followed up for at least 12 months, with an average follow-up time of 10.80±5.79 months. NVG was defined as the presence of neovascularization in the anterior chamber angle or iris with an IOP higher than 21 mmHg after vitrectomy. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox univariate and multivariate regression were used to analyze the relationship between baseline factors, ocular factors, surgical factors and the occurrence of NVG after surgery.ResultsAmong 340 eyes, 66 eyes (19.41%) developed NVG after vitrectomy during 12 months of observation, NVG occurred from 6 to 335 days after surgery, and the mean period between vitrectomy and developing NVG was 98.00±5.79 days. The incidence of NVG was 11.50%, 15.29% and 20.75%, respectively in the 3rd, 6th and 12th month after PPV. The result of univariate analysis with the Cox regression analysis showed that the development of NVG at 12 months after surgery and age, combined coronary heart disease or cerebral infarction, combined with cataract phacoemulsification, ILM peeling, preoperative anti-VEGF injection had effect on postoperative NVG (P＜0.05). Ocular factors such as PDR staging, combined TRD, preoperative logMAR BCVA, preoperative intraocular pressure, etc. had no effect on the occurrence of NVG after surgery (P＞0.05). Combined cataract phacoemulsification surgery, internal limiting membrane peeling, surgical factors such as intracavity injection of anti-VEGF drugs 3 days before surgery, had an impact on the occurrence of NVG after surgery (P＜0.05). The meaningful variables of the Cox univariate analysis were incorporated into the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model for analysis, and the influencing factors of NVG after surgery were gradually regressed. The results showed that age, coronary heart disease or cerebral infarction, combined with phacoemulsification of cataract, and internal limiting membrane removal during surgery were independent risk predictors of NVG after surgery (P＜0.05).ConclusionsYounger, coronary heart disease or cerebral infarction, combined with cataract phacoemulsification are the risk factors of NVG in PDR patients after PPV. The removal of internal limiting membrane can reduce the incidence of NVG.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by severe itching and recurrent eczema-like lesions. With the increase in the global incidence of AD, the incidence of ocular complications in patients also increases. Retinal detachment (RD) seriously affects the vision of patients, and is more common in young and middle-aged people, often involving both eyes with poor prognosis. What’s more, there are many similarities between RD associated with AD and traumatic RD, such as peripheral retinal breaks, giant retinal tears and retinal dialysis. Regarding the mechanism of AD complicated with RD, the trauma theory is widely accepted. Scholars have also reported on the theory of anterior eye developmental abnormalities, inflammation-traction theory, and ectodermal origin theory. On AD complicated with RD, regardless of scleral buckling surgery or vitrectomy surgery, the rate of first retinal reattachment is low with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy or chronic uveolar inflammation after surgery, which cause traction on the ciliary body and the retina separation appearance again or new cracks appearance. Combination of behavioral therapy, drug therapy and psychotherapy can effectively reduce the occurrence of RD; prevention of eye rubbing, reduction of traumatic exercise, rational use of glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants under the guidance of dermatologists are effective ways for AD patients to prevent RD occurrence. Regular eye examinations can help patients find RD as soon as possible so that they can be treated in time.
The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is complicated and has not yet been fully elucidated. To explore the pathogenesis of DR and the mechanism of drug action, proteomics through quantitative analysis techniques is very useful. It can analyzes differentially expressed proteins in the retina, vitreous fluid, aqueous humor, tears, and blood of DR patients and diabetic rats, and analyzes differentially expressed proteins after drug intervention. This paper is a review of the progress in proteomic research of DR in recent years.
Neurovascular unit (NVU) refers to a functional complex of neural cells and vasculature, which plays an important role in maintaining retinal homeostasis and matching metabolic demands. In physiological situation, retinal NVU mainly exerts two effects: (1) maintaining blood-retinal barrier for retinal homeostasis maintenance; (2) regulating local blood flow to meet metabolic and functional demands of the retina. The pathological changes in retinal diseases are reflected in each functional part of retinal NVU, including cell-cell connections, signal pathways, metabolic activities and cellular functions. However, the main pattern and manifestation of NVU impairment differs among retinal diseases due to different etiologies. At present, understanding on retinal NVU is still insufficient, and its clinical application is even more limited. Further application in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases is an important direction for future research on NVU.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy that affects visual function, which is characterized by intractability and recurrent attacks. Currently, the clinical routine treatments for DME mainly include intravitreal injection, grid laser photocoagulation in the macular area, subthreshold micropulse laser, periocular corticosteroid injection, and vitrectomy. Although conventional treatments are effective for some patients, persistent, refractory, and recurrent DME remains a clinical challenge that needs to be urgently addressed. In recent years, clinical studies have found that certain combination therapies are superior to monotherapy, which can not only restore the anatomical structure of the macular area and effectively reduce macular edema but also improve visual function to some extent while reducing the number of treatments and the overall cost. This makes up for the shortcomings of single treatment modalities and is highly anticipated in the clinical setting. However, the application of combination therapy in clinical practice is relatively short, and its safety and long-term effectiveness need further exploration. Currently, new drugs, new formulations, and new therapeutic targets are still under research and development to address different mechanisms of DME occurrence and development, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents designed to anchor repetitive sequence proteins with stronger inhibition of vascular leakage, multiple growth factor inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, and stem cell therapy. With the continuous improvement of the combination application of existing drugs and treatments and the development of new drugs and treatment technologies, personalized treatment for DME will become possible.