Unlabelled: Alpha-2-macroglobulin (-MG) is a multifunctional protein involved in neurodegeneration, inflammation and neovascularization, which are key processes in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). AMD and PDR are two of the main causes of vision loss and blindness, are difficult to treat, and are generally diagnosed at the stage of irreversible changes.
Purpose: This study estimates the activity of -MG in the blood serum and tears of patients with AMD and PDR in order to reveal the relation of its levels with the intensity of the pathological process in the retina.
Nanocarriers provide a number of undeniable advantages that could improve the bioavailability of active agents for human, animal, and plant cells. In this study, we compared hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) consisting of a calcium phosphate core coated with chitosan with unmixed calcium phosphate (CaP) and chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) as carriers of a model substrate, enalaprilat. This tripeptide analog is an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme and was chosen by its ability to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by pathological retinal vascularization with a progressive and variable course. The mechanisms of disease progression remain unclear. One substance that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of retinal vascular diseases is endothelin (ET).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCompounds with a 2-oxindole scaffold play an important role in organic synthesis and especially in the synthesis of bioactive organic compounds, therefore, the development of new methods for modifying this scaffold is a very interesting and urgent task. In the framework of this study, we have created a rational approach to the synthesis of 5-amino-substituted derivatives of 2-oxindole. The approach is characterized by good total yield and a small number of steps.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn a rat model of experimental retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), the safety of enalaprilat and its effect on the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-II (AT-II) in the vitreous body and retina were investigated. The study was performed on 136 newborn Wistar rat pups divided into 2 groups: group A - experimental (animals with ROP, n=64) and group B - control (n=72). Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups: A0 and B0 (n=32 and n=36, respectively) - animals that did not receive injections of enalaprilat, and A1 and B1 (n=32 and n=36, respectively) - animals treated with daily intraperitoneal (i.
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