Evaluation of Rho kinase inhibitor effects on neuroprotection and neuroinflammation in an ex-vivo retinal explant model.

Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, affecting retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. By 2040, it is likely to affect 110 million people. Neuroinflammation, specifically through the release of proinflammatory cytokines by M1 microglial cells, plays a crucial role in glaucoma progression.

Synthetic Heparan Sulfate Mimetic Polymer Enhances Corneal Nerve Regeneration and Wound Healing after Experimental Laser Ablation Injury in Mice.

(1) Background: Abnormal corneal wound healing compromises visual acuity and can lead to neuropathic pain. Conventional treatments usually fail to restore the injured corneal tissue. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a synthetic heparan sulfate mimetic polymer (HSmP) in a mouse model of corneal wound healing.

Resvega, a Nutraceutical Preparation, Affects NFκB Pathway and Prolongs the Anti-VEGF Effect of Bevacizumab in Undifferentiated ARPE-19 Retina Cells.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an irreversible chronic degenerative pathology that affects the retina. Despite therapeutic advances thanks to the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, resistance mechanisms have been found to accentuate the visual deficit. In the present study, we explored whether a nutraceutical formulation composed of omega-3 fatty acids and resveratrol, called Resvega, was able to disrupt VEGF-A secretion in human ARPE-19 retina cells.

Evaluation of neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells in an ex vivo retinal explant model.

Background: Glaucoma is a blinding degenerative neuropathy in which the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) causes progressive loss of visual field and eventually vision. Neuroinflammation appears to be a key event in the progression and spread of this disease. Thus, microglial immunomodulation represents a promising therapeutic approach in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might play a crucial role.

RESVEGA, a Nutraceutical Omega-3/Resveratrol Supplementation, Reduces Angiogenesis in a Preclinical Mouse Model of Choroidal Neovascularization.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that is characterized by damage to the central part of the retina, the macula, and that affects millions of people worldwide. At an advanced stage, a blind spot grows in the center of vision, severely handicapping patients with this degenerative condition. Despite therapeutic advances thanks to the use of anti-VEGF, many resistance mechanisms have been found to accentuate the visual deficit.

VEGF-R2/Caveolin-1 Pathway of Undifferentiated ARPE-19 Retina Cells: A Potential Target as Anti-VEGF-A Therapy in Wet AMD by Resvega, an Omega-3/Polyphenol Combination.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of deterioration in vision in adults aged 55 and older. In spite of therapies, the progression of the disease is often observed without reverse vision quality. In the present study, we explored whether, in undifferentiated ARPE-19 retinal cells, a disruption of the VEGF receptors (VEGF-R)/caveolin-1 (Cav-1)/protein kinases pathway could be a target for counteracting VEGF secretion.

The Healing of Oxidative Injuries with Trehalose in UVB-Irradiated Rabbit Corneas.

Our previous research revealed that trehalose, a nonreducing disaccharide of glucose and an important stress responsive factor, proved to have anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and particularly antioxidant properties in UVB-irradiated corneas. Trehalose reduced oxidative stress in corneas induced by UVB irradiation, by means of a decrease in the antioxidant/prooxidant imbalance in the corneal epithelium. In this study, we demonstrate that trehalose of 3% or 6% concentration in eye drops directly decreases oxidative stress in UVB-irradiated corneas, by removing the excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Ocular tolerance in rabbits after intracameral administration of a fixed combination of tropicamide, phenylephrine, and lidocaine with and without rinsing.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single intracameral administration of a combined mydriatic (tropicamide and phenylephrine) and anesthetic (lidocaine) formulation (Mydrane) with or without rinsing.

Setting: Iris Pharma, La Gaude, France.

Design: Experimental study.

Nutraceutical with Resveratrol and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Induces Autophagy in ARPE-19 Cells.

Impaired autophagic and proteasomal cleansing have been documented in aged retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Omega-3 fatty acids and resveratrol have many positive homeostatic effects in RPE cells. In this work, ARPE-19 cells were treated with 288 ng of Resvega, containing 30 mg of trans resveratrol and 665 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, among other nutrients, with proteasome inhibitor MG-132 or autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 up to 48 h.

The healing of alkali-injured cornea is stimulated by a novel matrix regenerating agent (RGTA, CACICOL20): a biopolymer mimicking heparan sulfates reducing proteolytic, oxidative and nitrosative damage.

The efficacy of a chemically modified dextran - heparan sulfate mimicking regenerating agent (RGTA) on the healing of the rabbit cornea injured with alkali was examined. The eyes were injured with 0.15 N NaOH applied on the cornea or with 1.

Plasma levels and systemic safety of 0.1% unpreserved timolol maleate gel, 0.5% timolol aqueous solution and 0.5% timolol maleate gel.

Purpose: To compare systemic absorption of three formulations of timolol eye drops: 0.1% timolol maleate gel, 0.5% timolol aqueous solution, and 0.

Elimination of active trachoma after two topical mass treatments with azithromycin 1.5% eye drops.

Background: Following an epidemiological study carried out in 2006 showing a high prevalence of blinding trachoma in the Far North Region of Cameroon, a trachoma elimination programme using the SAFE strategy was initiated: three yearly trachoma mass treatments were to be performed.

Methodology/principal Findings: The entire district population (120,000 persons) was treated with azithromycin 1.5% eye drops in February 2008 and January 2009.

[Evaluation of NAAGA efficacy in dry eye syndrome].

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Naabak((R)) eyedrops in reducing inflammation in dry eye syndrome.

Patients And Methods: This pilot, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel study was carried out in adult patients suffering from moderate dry eye syndrome. Patients were treated for three months with preservative-free NAAGA (Naabak((R))) or with sodium chloride 0.