Topic Review
Application of Silver in Medicine and Pharmacy
In the context of the growing resistance of microorganisms to available, widely used antibiotics, silver plays a key role. There is only one known case of bacterial resistance to silver—the Pseudomonas stutzeri strain, which naturally occurs in silver mines. The development of research in the field of coordination chemistry offers great opportunities in the design of new substances in which silver ions can be incorporated. 
  • 1.2K
  • 06 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Eye Involvement in Wilson’s Disease
Wilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder due to a mutation of the ATP7B gene, resulting in impaired hepatic copper excretion and accumulation in various tissues. Ocular findings are one of the hallmarks of the disease. Many ophthalmological manifestations have been described and new techniques are currently available to improve their diagnosis and to follow their evolution. The most common ocular findings seen in WD patients are Kayser–Fleischer ring (KFR) and sunflower cataracts. Other ocular manifestations may involve retinal tissue, visual systems and eye mobility. Diagnosis and follow-up under decoppering treatment of these ocular findings are generally easily performed with slit-lamp examination (SLE). However, new techniques are available for the precocious detection of ocular findings due to WD and may be of great value for non-experimented ophthalmologists and non-ophthalmologists practitioners. 
  • 1.2K
  • 18 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common irreversible sight-threatening disease characterized by progressive degeneration of the central retina, preferentially involving the retinal photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the Bruch’s membrane (BM), or the choroidal microcirculation in the macular region.
  • 1.2K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Drug Delivery to Posterior Segment of Eye
The posterior segment of the eye comprises the back two-thirds of the eye, including the vitreous humor, the retina, the choroid and the optic nerve. Posterior Segment Eye Diseases (PSEDs) are then defined as the disorders that affect these tissues with the common main outcome of varying degrees of visual impartment and blindness. The most prevalent diseases are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). This specialized organ is composed of various static and dynamic barriers that restrict drug delivery into the target site of action. Despite numerous efforts, effective intraocular drug delivery remains unresolved and, therefore, it is highly desirable to improve the current treatments of diseases affecting the posterior cavity. 
  • 1.2K
  • 06 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Corneal Infection Models: Bacterial Keratitis
Corneal infection models are tools which can be used to study host-pathogen interactions at the corneal surface. They are highly valuable in the study of bacterial keratitis, a potentially sight-threatening eye infection, localised to the cornea. During bacterial keratitis, bacteria colonise the cornea as biofilm populations which demonstrate an increased resistance to antibiotics and the host immune response. Therefore the presence or absence of biofilm is an important consideration in model development. Corneal infection models include: in vitro models (which use cell culture techniques to generate 3D corneal constructs), ex vivo models (which use whole, excised corneas) and in vivo models (which use live animals).
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Chitosan and its Derivatives
Chitosan (CS) is a hemi-synthetic cationic linear polysaccharide produced by the deacetylation of chitin. CS is non-toxic, highly biocompatible, and biodegradable, and it has a low immunogenicity. Additionally, CS has inherent antibacterial properties and a mucoadhesive character and can disrupt epithelial tight junctions, thus acting as a permeability enhancer. As such, CS and its derivatives are well-suited for the challenging field of ocular drug delivery. In the present review article, we will discuss the properties of CS that contribute to its successful application in ocular delivery before reviewing the latest advances in the use of CS for the development of novel ophthalmic delivery systems. Colloidal nanocarriers (nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes) will be presented, followed by CS gels and lenses and ocular inserts. Finally, instances of CS coatings, aiming at conferring mucoadhesiveness to other matrixes, will be presented.
  • 1.1K
  • 31 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Nutrients for Eye-Related Diseases
The risk of macular degeneration can be reduced through the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, supplements, and nutraceutical formulas. This study focuses on the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been reported for reducing the risk of macular degeneration and other eye-related diseases. Antioxidants including anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins have been shown to reduce the risk of eye-related diseases. Anthocyanins extracted from berries are powerful antioxidants. Cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin are anthocyanin aglycones detected in berries, currants, and other colored fruits and vegetables. β-Carotene, as well as xanthophyll lutein and zeaxanthin, have been reported to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Flavonoids from plants help in the prevention of eye-related diseases through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. A combination of these antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals possess a synergistic effect on the prevention or risk reduction of macular degeneration. Formulas have been developed as dietary supplements to cater to the high demand from consumers and patients with eye problems. 
  • 1.1K
  • 15 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Beneficial Effect of MOTS-c on Age-Related Retinal Diseases
Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) is the most unearthed peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). It is an important regulator of the nuclear genome during times of stress because it promotes an adaptive stress response to maintain cellular homeostasis. Identifying MOTS-c specific binding partners may aid in deciphering the complex web of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded signals. Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction have been linked to aging and the accelerated cell death associated with many types of retinal degenerations. Furthermore, research on MOTS-c ability to revive oxidatively stressed RPE cells has revealed a significant protective role for the molecule. Evidence suggests that senescent cells play a role in the development of age-related retinal disorders. 
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Femtosecond-Laser Assisted Surgery of Eye
Fs-laser technology is unique because it allows cutting tissue at very high precision inside the eye. Fs lasers are mainly used for surgery of the human cornea and lens. New areas of application in ophthalmology are on the horizon. The latest improvement is the high pulse frequency, low-energy concept; by enlarging the numerical aperture of the focusing optics, the pulse energy threshold for optical breakdown decreases, and cutting with practically no side effects is enabled.
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Ocular Cystinosis
Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disease that affects about 1 in 100,000–200,000 people among the general population, characterized by high levels of cystine within the lysosomes in cells of certain types of tissues. The accumulation of this substance is caused by mutations in the CTNS gene which codes for cystinosin, the carrier that transports cystine out of the lysosome. The presence of cystine crystals in different tissues leads to the progressive impairment and dysfunction of multiple organs, such as kidneys, pancreas, brain, thyroid and eyes.
  • 1.1K
  • 16 Dec 2020
Topic Review
TLR4 and alpha-MSH in allergy
Ocular allergic diseases are frequently seen in ophthalmological clinical practice. Immunological damage is mediated by a local Th2 inflammatory microenvironment, accompanied by changes in circulating cell subsets, with more effector cells and fewer T regulatory cells (Tregs). This study aimed to evaluate the involvement of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and a-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in the immune regulation associated with perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). We performed an Ag-specific stimulation during 72 h of culturing with or without LPS or α-MSH in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), analyzing the cell subsets and cytokines induced by the stimuli. We also determined α-MSH in tear samples from healthy donors (HD) or PAC patients. Our findings demonstrate an immunological dysregulation characterized by an increased frequency of CD4+TLR4+ in the PBMC of patients with PAC, compared to HD. Most of these CD4+TLR4+ cells were also CD25+, and when α-MSH was added to the culture, the percentage of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ increased significantly, while the percentage of CD69+ cells and cytokines IL-4 and IL-6 were significantly decreased. In tears, we found an increased concentration of α-MSH in PAC patients, compared with HD. These findings indicate a novel mechanism involved in controlling ocular allergic diseases, in which α-MSH diminishes the concentration of IL-6 and IL-4, restoring the frequency of Tregs and down-regulating CD4 activation. Moreover, we demonstrate the involvement of CD4+TLR4+ cells, as an effector cell subset, in ocular allergy.
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition, which usually causes discomfort, but it can also be an origin of ocular pain and visual disturbances. Ocular surface inflammation is thought to be the main factor in the pathogenesis of DED. It has many overlapping causes, such as ocular surgery, environmental triggers, medication use and systemic diseases. Ophthalmic surgery may induce or worsen existing DED symptoms usually for a short-term period .
  • 1.1K
  • 05 May 2021
Topic Review
Antioxidant Defenses in the Eye
This review describes the main antioxidant systems of the human eye, with particular emphasis in those expressed in the natural barriers of antioxidant protection, i.e., the ocular surface, the lens, the retina and its retinal pigment epithelium. In addition to superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, peroxiredoxins and selenoproteins, inter alia, metallothioneins (MTs) are considered antioxidant proteins of growing interest with further cell-mediated functions. The state of the art of MTs, including the isoforms classification, the main functions described to date and the zinc-MT redox cycle as antioxidant defense system are comprehensively described.
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Corneal Anatomy and Physiology
The cornea, known as the window of the eye, is optically transparent, including a special structure that is avascular anatomically. This dome-shaped and specialized tissue is located in the anterior part of the eye. Two major roles of the cornea are protecting the eye from harsh environments, and transmitting over 80% of light to inner portions. 
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Anterior-Segment Optical-Coherence Tomography
Anterior-segment optical-coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is used to assess the iridocorneal angle and its alterations. The introduction of AS-OCT has led to improved assessments of the anatomy of the iridocorneal-angle and diagnoses of several mechanisms of angle closure which often result in raised intraocular pressure (IOP). Continuous advancements in AS-OCT technology and software, along with an extensive research in the field, have resulted in a wide range of possible parameters that may be used to diagnose and follow up on patients with this spectrum of diseases. However, the clinical relevance of such variables needs to be explored thoroughly.
  • 1.1K
  • 14 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Subretinal Injection Techniques for Retinal Disease
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) affect an estimated 1 in every 2000 people, this corresponding to nearly 2 million cases worldwide. Currently, 270 genes have been associated with IRDs, most of them altering the function of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Gene therapy has been proposed as a potential tool for improving visual function in these patients.
  • 1.1K
  • 25 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes in Corneal Diseases
The corneal functions (transparency, refractivity and mechanical strength) deteriorate in many corneal diseases but can be restored after corneal transplantation (penetrating and lamellar keratoplasties). Various studies have shown the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into various corneal cell types. With the unique properties of immunomodulation, anti-angiogenesis and anti-inflammation, they offer the advantages in corneal reconstruction. These effects are widely mediated by MSC differentiation and paracrine signaling via exosomes. Besides the cell-free nature of exosomes in circumventing the problems of cell-fate control and tumorigenesis, the vesicle content can be genetically modified for optimal therapeutic affinity. 
  • 1.0K
  • 20 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Findings
The main OCT biomarkers related to progression to advanced AMD include drusen volume, hyperreflective foci (HRF), reticular pseudodrusen or subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD), incomplete retinal pigment epithelial and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA), hyper-transmission defects, and OCT-reflective drusen substructures (ODS).
  • 1.0K
  • 07 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Ly6c as New Marker of Mouse Blood Vessels
During our research we have observed that Ly6c, which is traditionally only used as a classic and non-classical monocyte / macrophage differentiating antigen, can be used as a new specific marker of the mouse vasculature and to assess qualitatively and quantitatively vascular changes in health and disease. Researchers believe that this innovative application of Ly6c immunodetection, which has shown three advantages (brighter signal, homogeneous staining and greater selectivity) compared to traditional vessel markers such as IB4 isolectin, will be of high interest to researchers in this field.
  • 1.0K
  • 28 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an ocular vascular disease affecting premature infants, characterized by pathological retinal neovascularization (RNV), dilated and tortuous retinal blood vessels, and retinal or vitreous hemorrhages that may lead to retinal detachment, vision impairment and blindness.
  • 1.0K
  • 22 Sep 2021
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