VEGF rescues cigarette smoking-induced human RPE cell death by increasing autophagic flux: implications of the role of autophagy in advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: Cigarette smoking (CS) is the most consistent risk factor for advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To verify the molecular basis for CS-induced RPE alterations, RPE cell survival levels after being exposed to CS in relation with VEGF expression and autophagic flux were evaluated.

Methods: Cigarette smoking extract (CSE) was added to ARPE-19 cells and hydrogen peroxide (HP) was used as a pure oxidant control.

In vivo detection of acute ischemic damages in retinal arterial occlusion with optical coherence tomography: a "prominent middle limiting membrane sign".

Purpose: To describe characteristic findings of acute retinal ischemic damage in optical coherence tomography.

Methods: Eighteen cases of acute retinal arterial occlusion with available fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and/or fluorescein angiography in the early phase (<1 month) with more than 2 months follow-up were reviewed. A site-to-site analysis between optical coherence tomography morphology and correlating fundus images were done on each visit.

New insights into the pathoanatomy of diabetic macular edema: angiographic patterns and optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: To describe the pathoanatomy of diabetic macular edema in optical coherence tomography and its correlation with fluorescein angiography patterns.

Methods: Sixty eyes of 56 patients were analyzed. Diabetic macular edema was classified into typical focal leakage (from microaneurysm), typical diffuse leakage (the capillary plexus), or combined/questionable leakage using fluorescein angiography and retinal thickness profiles.

Vascular endothelial growth factor as an autocrine survival factor for retinal pigment epithelial cells under oxidative stress via the VEGF-R2/PI3K/Akt.

Purpose: Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is strongly induced by oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and VEGF-A is a survival factor for various cell types. This study was conducted to determine whether the autocrine VEGF signaling pathway in RPE cells is involved in the mechanism of adaptive response to oxidative stress.

Methods: ARPE-19 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide, and cell death was measured by flow cytometry with annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate.

Foveal ganglion cell layer damage in ischemic diabetic maculopathy: correlation of optical coherence tomographic and anatomic changes.

Purpose: To describe the morphologic features of ischemic diabetic maculopathy by high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) and their correlation with the damaged foveal avascular zone (FAZ) on fluorescein angiography (FA).

Design: Observational case series.

Participants: One hundred twenty-four eyes of 63 patients with diabetic retinopathy and acceptable FA and OCT images were studied.

Surgical technique for suture fixation of a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens in the absence of capsule support.

We present a new intraocular lens (IOL) fixation technique that reduces the presence of intraocular knots and eliminates the need for scleral flaps while attaining excellent central positioning of the IOL. It also provides rapid visual rehabilitation from the insertion of a foldable IOL through a small corneal incision. This single-loop suture technique is an easy, convenient, and practical procedure, with minimum complications in the treatment of aphakia and the management of cataract surgery in eyes without capsular support.

A case of inadvertent anterior chamber and corneal stromal injection with antibiotics during cataract operation.

Purpose: To report a case of inadvertent anterior chamber and cornea stromal injection with high dose antibiotics and steroids during cataract operation.

Methods: During cataract operation on a 78 year-old female patient, high dose gentamicin (20 mg/0.5 ml) and dexamethasone (2 mg/0.

Problems associated with the 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system during and after surgery.

Objective: To report the initial experiences with the 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) system, including intraoperative and postoperative problems.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and surgical videotapes of 50 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy performed by one surgeon using the TSV system.

Results: Intraoperatively, we encountered such problems as difficulty in inserting the microcannula, which led to deformity, instability of the microcannula, self-disconnection of the infusion tip and resultant lens damage, and conversion to 20-gauge conventional vitrectomy.