Baicalein reduces inflammatory process in a rodent model of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: This study was designed to elucidate the role of inflammatory process in diabetic retinopathy and to investigate the effect of baicalein treatment on diabetic rat.

Methods: Retinal microglial cells were identified with CD11b antibody, and retinal Müller cells were identified with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The gene expression of interleukin (IL)-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-1beta was examined by quantitative real-time PCR.

[Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins in light-induced retinal degeneration].

Objective: To investigate the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins in photoreceptor apoptosis in light-induced retinal degeneration.

Methods: Exposure to excessive levels of light induced photoreceptor apoptosis and had been previously used as a model for the study of retinal degeneration. Photoreceptor apoptosis was detected by terminal dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL).

[Spherical aberration, contrast sensitivity and color discrimination after cataract surgery with the aspherical intraocular lens].

Objective: To determine whether implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) with a modified prolate anterior surface results in reduced spherical aberration and improved contrast sensitivity after cataract surgery.

Methods: Consecutively 72 eyes were selected from 53 senile cataract patients who had received phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in Peking University Eye Center. Each was randomly assigned to receive Tecnis Z9001 IOL or Sensar AR40e (both made by AMO).

Activation of nuclear factor-kappaB during retinal degeneration in rd mice.

Purpose: Transcription factors of the nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-kappaB) family have been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of gene expression in the chronic neurodegenerative disorders. The aims of the current study were to investigate the alteration of NF-kappaB activity during retinal degeneration in rd mice and further explore its role in photoreceptor apoptosis.

Methods: Activation of NF-kappaB and its nuclear translocation in the retina of rd mice at postnatal days (P) 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 28 were studied by immunohistochemical analysis using NF-kappaB P65 antibody.

Autologous transplantation of RPE with partial-thickness choroid after mechanical debridement of Bruch membrane in the rabbit.

Purpose: An improved translocation technique for autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation is presented. The graft consists of a sheet of a partial-thickness choroid with RPE attached.

Methods: Twenty-seven pigmented rabbits were used in this study.

[Pathological study of retinal excitotoxicity following subretinal injection of NMDA].

Objective: To study neuronal excitotoxicity induced by subretinal injection of glutamate analogues.

Methods: We injected 30 mmol/L N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in 10 microl of DMEM/F12 into subretinal blebs in 24 one-month-old rabbits that were killed 0.5, 1, 2 or 7 days after injection.

[Role of interleukin 2 on apoptosis of lens epithelium cells in intraocular non-infective inflammation induced by iron].

Objective: To observe the role of Interleukin 2 (IL-2) on the apoptosis of lens epithelium cells during the intraocular non-infective inflammation induced by iron.

Methods: Rabbits were divided into 3 groups randomly: the experimental group (injection of iron powder into the lens), the experimental control group [injection of iron and soluble IL-2 receptors (SIL-2R)] and the control group. The inflammation reaction in the anterior chamber was observed under the slitlamp biomicroscope and the level of IL-2 in the aqueous humor was assayed 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the injection.

[Analysis of mutation in KRT12 gene in a Chinese family with Meesmann's corneal dystrophy].

Objective: To investigate the mutation of KRT12 gene in a large Chinese family with Meesmann's corneal dystrophy by molecular genetic study and linkage analysis.

Methods: Mode of inheritance was determined in a family with Meesmann's corneal dystrophy provided by Xingtai Eye Hospital. The blood samples were obtained from members of this family, including both affected and unaffected members.

Daily cost of glaucoma medications in China.

Purpose: To determine and compare the daily cost of various glaucoma medications in China.

Materials And Methods: The majority of glaucoma medications commercially available in China were included in this research. The total number of drops in 1 bottle of each medication was counted drop by drop.

A possible mechanism of microglia-photoreceptor crosstalk.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between photoreceptor apoptosis and retinal microglial activation.

Methods: A murine photoreceptor cell line (661W cells) was exposed to LPS-treated microglial cell conditioned medium (MGCM), and cell viability was assessed by terminal dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In addition, microglia were exposed to culture media from light-damaged 661W photoreceptor cells (PRCM), and microglial activation was assessed morphologically by phase contrast microscopy.

Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in degenerating photoreceptors of the rd1 mouse.

Purpose: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). This study was designed to elucidate the role of ER stress in photoreceptor apoptosis in the rd1 mouse.

Methods: Photoreceptor apoptosis in the rd1 mouse was detected by terminal dUTP transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL).

[Comparison of laser in situ keratomileusis and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for myopia more than -10.00 diopters].

Objective: To compare the visual and refractive outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) in the treatment of severe myopia.

Methods: LASEK and LASIK were respectively performed on 165 eyes of 100 patients with super high myopia by using the Allegretto Wavelight-Wave 1,007 excimer laser, of which 10(6) eyes (62 patients) were treated with LASEK and 59 eyes (38 patients) with LASIK. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), remaining refractive error, corneal haze and complications were followed up in both groups for 12 months.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress is activated in light-induced retinal degeneration.

Exposure to excessive levels of light induces photoreceptor apoptosis and has previously been used as a model for the study of retinal degeneration. During the light exposure, intracellular calcium levels increase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated, which have been shown to cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In the present study, we investigated the role of ER stress in light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis.

Sinomenine inhibits activation of rat retinal microglia induced by advanced glycation end products.

Diabetic retinopathy involves an inflammatory response in the retina characterized by an increase in inflammatory cytokines and activation of microglia. The degree of microglia activation may influence the extent of retina injury following an inflammatory stimulus. Cytokines, released by activated microglia, regulate the influx of inflammatory cells to the damaged area.

Role of NF-kappaB and MAPKs in light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis.

Purpose: To elucidate the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in light-induced apoptosis of photoreceptors in culture and to explore the potential inhibitory effect of minocycline and sulforaphane on apoptosis.

Methods: Apoptosis of 661W cells was induced by exposure to light and was detected by terminal dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL). The mRNA expression and protein production of 10 chemokines and noxious factors were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

[Morphologic characteristics and formation of adhesion complex of cultured rabbit limbal epithelium on amniotic membrane in vitro].

Objective: To investigate the morphologic characteristics and the formation of adhesion complex formation of cultured rabbit limbal epithelium on amniotic membrane in vitro.

Methods: The limbal explants (size: 2 mm x 2 mm) were taken from 15 rabbits and were treated with 1.2 U/ml dispase II at 37 degrees C in 5% CO(2) incubator for 20 min, then, cultured on amniotic membrane in vitro for 4 weeks.

Minocycline and sulforaphane inhibited lipopolysaccharide-mediated retinal microglial activation.

Purpose: To elucidate the inhibitory effect of minocycline and sulforaphane on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced retinal microglial activation and the mechanisms through which they exerted their inhibitory effects.

Methods: Primary retinal microglial cultures were exposed to LPS with or without minocycline and sulforaphane. The mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, MCP-3, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, eotaxin, regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) protein, and interleukin (IL)-10 were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.

Minocycline delayed photoreceptor death in rds mice through iNOS-dependent mechanism.

Purpose: To elucidate the role of activated microglia and nitric oxide (NO) in photoreceptor apoptosis in rds mice, and to investigate the effect of minocycline treatment on rds mice.

Methods: Photoreceptor apoptosis in rds mice was detected by terminal dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL). Retinal microglial cells were identified by CD11b antibody.

[Prognosis of traumatic eyes with no light perception undergone vitrectomy and analysis of risk factors].

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis of traumatic eyes with no light perception post vitrectomy, and to analyze the risk factors influencing the final results.

Methods: Five hundred and ninety nine mechanically injured eyes in 577 patients undergone vitrectomy were registered from 1999 - 2004. Thirty-eight eyes in this group showed no light perception in initial visual examination.

[Indocyanine green and fluorescein angiography study of glaucomatous peripapillary atrophy].

Objective: To investigate the incidence of glaucomatous peripapillary atrophy (PPA) and choroidal circulation of glaucomatous patients.

Methods: The subjects of glaucoma groups included 43 (43 eyes) glaucomatous patients including 16 (16 eyes) chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG), 27 (27 eyes) open-angle glaucoma. Control group included 33 (33 eyes) cases.

Regression-related factors before and after laser in situ keratomileusis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the refractive regression-related factors before and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and give a reasonable way to prevent it. The consecutive patients who underwent LASIK from January to June 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Thirteen eyes from 8 patients with myopic regression and 60 eyes from 42 patients with no myopic regression within 12 months of follow-up were enrolled.

[Studies on vision mediated behavioral changes of rat with photic injury].

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of visual function and photoreceptor cell loss, and to establish a visual function assessment system based on the observation of optokinetic behavior in rat with photic injury.

Methods: SD rats were exposed to (950 +/- 50) lux green light for 3 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours respectively after 24-hour dark adaptation. Then 24-hour dark recovery was followed by 48-hour observation before the eyes were enucleated.

[Clinical study of higher order wavefront aberrations with a Tscherning aberrometer].

Objective: To study the higher order aberrations of emmetropic and ametropic eyes with wavefront aberrometer.

Methods: Forty of cases 77 emmetropic and ametropic eyes were measured with an aberrometer based on Tscherning's principle with the pupils dilated. The Zernike coefficients and root mean square values of wavefront aberrations up to the 6th order were recorded and statistically analyzed.

[Clinical pathological study of the anterior lens capsule abnormalities in familial congenital aniridia with cataract].

Objective: To observe the pathological changes of the lens and anterior lens capsule of the patients with familial congenital aniridia, and discuss the histopathological etiology of the fragility of the anterior capsule and the significance of surgical project.

Methods: Anterior lens capsules and lens specimens were obtained from aniridic patients during cataract surgery. The intraoperative behavior of each capsule was noted, after which the specimens were submitted for histopathologic evaluation and electron microscope examination.

[The present situation and progress in the research of the mechanical eye injury in China].

The patients of eye injury of inpatients and outpatients in county and prefecture hospitals were reported in some proportion in the ophthalmologic literature. Eye injury was the leading cause among the blind eyes determined at the discharge from the hospitals. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of eye injury has been the priority for Chinese ophthalmologists.