Modeling aging and retinal degeneration with mitochondrial DNA mutation burden.

Somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation accumulation has been observed in individuals with retinal degenerative disorders. To study the effects of aging and mtDNA mutation accumulation in the retina, a polymerase gamma (POLG) exonuclease-deficient model, the Polg mutator mice (D257A), was used. POLG is an enzyme responsible for regulating mtDNA replication and repair.

Extracellular vesicle biomarkers in ocular fluids associated with ophthalmic diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released as highly stable lipid bilayer particles carrying proteins, lipids, glycans and miRNAs. The contents of EVs vary based on the cellular origin, biogenesis route and the functional state of the cell suggesting certain diseased conditions. A growing body of evidence show that EVs carry important molecules implicated in the development and progression of ophthalmic diseases.

Topical Losartan Inhibition of Myofibroblast Generation in Rabbit Corneas With Acute Incisions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to study whether deep central corneal incisions close during topical losartan treatment and the effect of topical losartan on myofibroblast generation after incisions in rabbit corneas.

Methods: Rabbits (12) had a 0.35-mm deep radial incision from the center of the cornea into the limbus in 1 eye that was approximated with a single 10-0 nylon suture 1 mm inside the limbus.

Modeling aging and retinal degeneration with mitochondrial DNA mutation burden.

Somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation accumulation has been observed in individuals with retinal degenerative disorders. To study the effects of aging and mtDNA mutation accumulation in the retina, a Polymerase gamma (POLG) deficiency model, the POLG mutator mice (PolgD257A), was used. POLG is an enzyme responsible for regulating mtDNA replication and repair.

Topical Losartan Decreases Myofibroblast Generation But Not Corneal Opacity After Surface Blast-Simulating Irregular PTK in Rabbits.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical losartan after blast injury-simulating irregular phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in rabbits.

Methods: Twelve NZW rabbits underwent 100 pulse 6.5 mm diameter PTK over a metal screen to generate severe surface irregularity and inhibit epithelial basement membrane regeneration.