Relationship Between Neutralizing Antibodies Against Adeno-Associated Virus in the Vitreous and Serum: Effects on Retinal Gene Therapy.

Purpose: We determine the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to adeno-associated virus (AAV) in the vitreous humor and serum of patients with vitreoretinal diseases and investigate the relationship between NAb titers in the vitreous humor and serum.

Methods: We analyzed NAbs to AAV serotypes 2, 5, 8, and 9 via in vitro neutralization in the vitreous humor and serum from 32 patients requiring vitrectomy for vitreoretinal diseases. The blood-retinal barrier (BRB) was evaluated for integrity based on preoperative examinations, with vitreous hemorrhage (VH) on funduscopy or dye leakage on fluorescein angiography observed indicating disruption.

Development of a Pde6b Gene Knockout Rat Model for Studies of Degenerative Retinal Diseases.

Purpose: To describe the phenotypes of a newly developed Pde6b-deficient rat model of retinal degeneration.

Methods: Pde6b knockout rats were produced by CRISPR-Cpf1 technology. Pde6b knockout rats were evaluated for ocular abnormalities by comparison with wild-type eyes.

In Vivo Fluorescence Retinal Imaging Following AAV2-Mediated Gene Delivery in the Rat Retina.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinal gene expression patterns by retinal imaging using a modified custom-built confocal laser-scanning microscope in experimental rats after intravitreal injection of recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2-green fluorescent protein [GFP]).

Methods: Ten 9-week-old Wistar rats were divided into two groups: experimental group (group 1) that received a rAAV2-GFP intravitreal injection and control group (group 2) that received a vehicle. After anesthesia using a Zoletil intraperitoneal injection, 8 μL rAAV2-GFP in group 1 or vehicle in group 2 was injected intravitreally using a 33-G Hamilton syringe.

Prenatal maternal distress affects atopic dermatitis in offspring mediated by oxidative stress.

Background: Recent evidence suggests that prenatal maternal distress increases the risk of allergic diseases in offspring. However, the effect of prenatal maternal depression and anxiety on atopic dermatitis (AD) risk remains poorly understood.

Objective: We investigated whether prenatal maternal distress is associated with AD risk in offspring and whether the mechanism is mediated by reactive oxygen species.