Expression of Stat3 and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase in cornea keratocytes as factor of ocular immune privilege.

Purpose: Ocular immune privilege is a multifactorial phenomenon evolutionally selected to prevent immunogenic inflammation from disrupting the visual axis and causing blindness. Here, we investigated the role of signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat3) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in ocular immune privilege in corneal stromal cells.

Methods: Human keratocytes were isolated and cultured in vitro, and Stat3 and IDO expression on keratocytes was investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Effect of lipoic acid on expression of angiogenic factors in diabetic rat retina.

Background: This study evaluated the effect of a lipoic acid on reactive oxygen species formation and the simultaneous changes of several angiogenic factors in an experimental diabetic rat retina.

Methods: Diabetes was induced chemically by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats. After inducing diabetes, lipoic acid (10 mg/kg) was administered to 10 rats orally.

Antibacterial properties of artificial eyes containing nano-sized particle silver.

Background: The long-term use of an artificial eyes can lead to complications. Persistent physical stimulation and foreign body contact cause secondary infections. Secondary infection is an important complication after the placement of a artificial eyes and may be difficult to control without removing the artificial eyes.

Simvastatin suppresses expression of angiogenic factors in the retinas of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Background: Angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin, and angiopoietin play important roles in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. Increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also known to associated with diabetic retinopathy and VEGF expression. This study evaluated the effect of a simvastatin on ROS generation and the changes in various angiogenic factors in the retinas of diabetic rats.

Effect of stem cells and fibrin concentration on the vascularization of the Medpor orbital implant.

Background: To determine the effect of adipose-derived adult stem cells (ADASCs) and optimal concentration of fibrin on fibrovascular ingrowth into porous polyethylene orbital implants (Medpor).

Methods: Medpor sheet treated with O.25% fibrin only and ADASCs in mixtures containing fibrin (0.

Ophthalmologic findings of Boucher-Neuhäuser syndrome.

To report a case of Boucher-Neuhäuser syndrome, which is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of spinocerebellar ataxia, chorioretinal dystrophy, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. An 18-year-old man was seen for visual problems, which had been diagnosed as retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 12 years. His puberty was delayed.