Atropine Group Research Articles

Effects of atropine on choroidal thickness in myopic children: a meta-analysis.

Atropine is an effective medicine for myopia prevention and control. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of atropine on choroidal thickness (ChT) in children with myopia. Between its inception and 1 June 2023, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were all searched, and only English literature was included. The choroidal thickness was the primary study outcome. Axial length, standardized equivalent refraction were examined as secondary outcomes. STATA 12.0 was used for data extraction and analysis. A total of 307 eyes were involved in this study to evaluate the effect of atropine on ChT, axial length (AL) and standardized equivalent refraction (SER) in myopic children. Choroidal thickening was significantly higher in the atropine group than in the control group at 1month (WMD, 6.87mm, 95% CI, 0.04 to 13.10, P = 0.049), whereas it was significantly higher in the atropine group than in the control group at months 6 (WMD, 10.37mm, 95% CI, -3.21 to 23.95, P = 0.135), 12 (WMD, 15.10mm, 95% CI, -5.08 to 35.27, P = 0.143) and at final follow-up (WMD, 11.52mm, 95% CI, -3.26 to 26.31, P = 0.127), the differences were not statistically significant. At months 1 (WMD, -0.03mm, 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.01, P = 0.003), 6 (WMD, -0.07mm, 95% CI, -0.01 to -0.03, P = 0.000), 12 (WMD, -0.13mm, 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.11, P = 0.843), and at final follow-up (WMD, -0.08mm, 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.01, P = 0.127), atropine treatment was able to delay the axial elongation. At 1-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in the effect of atropine on SER in myopic children compared with the control group (WMD, 0.01D, 95% CI, -0.07 to 26.31, P = 0.127), whereas it was able to control the progression of refractive status at final follow-up (WMD, 11.52mm, 95% CI, -3.26 to 26.31, P = 0.127). Limited evidence suggests that 0.01% atropine causes choroidal thickening in myopic children at 1month of treatment. In the short term, choroidal thickness may be a predictor of the effectiveness of atropine in controlling myopia in children. 0.01% atropine is effective in controlling myopic progression in terms of SER and AL. http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier, CRD42022381195.

Efficacy of Combining Highly Aspherical Lenslets Spectacles With 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops in Myopia Control

To explore the difference in myopia control efficacy between spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL) combined with 0.01% atropine eye drops and spectacle lenses with HAL alone or single vision spectacle lenses (SVL) in children and adolescents. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with a total of 105 myopic children aged 6-15 years. According to the specific myopia correction and control methods of each subject, they were evenly divided into the HAL+0.01% atropine (HAL+AT) group, the HAL group, and the SVL group, with 35 subjects in each group. Relevant data, such as cycloplegic refraction and axial length (AL) at baseline and 12 months after wearing spectacles, were retrieved. One-way analysis of variance, or the Kruskal-Wallis test, was used to analyze the changes in AL and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) after wearing spectacles for 12 months in comparison to those at baseline in the three groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline parameters and duration of wearing spectacles among the three groups (P>0.05). After wearing spectacles for 12 months, the changes in SER were －0.13 (－0.25, 0.00) D, －0.25 (－0.63, －0.25) D, and －0.63 (－1.00, －0.25) D in the HAL+AT group, HAL group, and SVL group, respectively; AL elongation in the three groups was (0.09±0.11) mm, (0.19±0.16) mm, and (0.34±0.16) mm, respectively. The HAL+AT group exhibited slower SER changes (P HAL+AT vs. HAL=0.001, P HAL+AT vs. SVL=0.002) and AL elongation (P HAL+AT vs. HAL=0.009, P HAL+AT vs. SVL=0.001) than those of the HAL and the SVL groups. Compared with those of the SVL group, myopia progression was reduced by 79.4% and AL elongation was slowed down by 73.5% in the HAL+AT group, while in the HAL group, myopia progression and AL elongation were reduced by 60.3% and 44.1%, respectively. According to stratified analysis based on age and myopia progression rate, among younger children aged 6 to 8 years and older children aged 9 to 15 years, the HAL+AT group had a significantly lower proportion of subjects experiencing fast AL elongation (AL>0.36 mm/year) and a significantly higher proportion of subjects experiencing slow AL elongation (AL≤0.18 mm/year) compared to the SVL group (P<0.017). The combination intervention of spectacle lenses with HAL and 0.01% atropine eye drops is effective in controlling myopia progression in children and adolescents, with better myopia control effect achieved using this combination intervention in myopic children of all ages.

Choroidal Changes During and After Discontinuing Long-Term 0.01% Atropine Treatment for Myopia Control.

Few studies have explored choroidal changes after cessation of myopia control. This study evaluated the choroidal thickness (ChT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) during and after discontinuing long-term low-concentration atropine eye drops use for myopia control. Children with progressive myopia (6-16years; n = 153) were randomized to receive 0.01% atropine eye drops or a placebo (2:1 ratio) instilled daily over 2years, followed by a 1-year washout (no eye drop use). Optical coherence tomography imaging of the choroid was conducted at the baseline, 2-year (end of treatment phase), and 3-year (end of washout phase) visits. The main outcome measure was the subfoveal ChT. Secondary measures include the CVI. During the treatment phase, the subfoveal choroids in both treatment and control groups thickened by 12-14 µm (group difference P = 0.56). During the washout phase, the subfoveal choroids in the placebo group continued to thicken by 6.6 µm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7 to 11.6), but those in the atropine group did not change (estimate = -0.04 µm; 95% CI = -3.2 to 3.1). Participants with good axial eye growth control had greater choroidal thickening than the fast-progressors during the treatment phase regardless of the treatment group (P < 0.001), but choroidal thickening in the atropine group's fast-progressors was not sustained after stopping eye drops. CVI decreased in both groups during the treatment phase, but increased in the placebo group after treatment cessation. On average, compared to placebo, 0.01% atropine eye drop treatment did not cause a differential rate of change in ChT during treatment, but abrupt cessation of long-term 0.01% atropine eye drops may disrupt normal choroidal thickening in children.

0.01% Atropine Eye Drops in Children With Myopia and Intermittent Exotropia

Exotropia and myopia are commonly coexistent. However, evidence is limited regarding atropine interventions for myopia control in children with myopia and intermittent exotropia (IXT). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.01% atropine eye drops on myopia progression, exotropia conditions, and binocular vision in individuals with myopia and IXT. This placebo-controlled, double-masked, randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2020 to September 2023. Children aged 6 to 12 years with basic-type IXT and myopia of -0.50 to -6.00 diopters (D) after cycloplegic refraction in both eyes were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to 0.01% atropine or placebo eye drops administered in both eyes once at night for 12 months. The primary outcome was change in cycloplegic spherical equivalent from baseline at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included change in axial length (AL), accommodative amplitude (AA), exotropia conditions, and binocular vision at 1 year. Among 323 screened participants, 300 children (mean [SD] age, 9.1 [1.6] years; 152 male [50.7%]) were included in this study. A total of 200 children (66.7%) were in the atropine group, and 100 (33.3%) were in the placebo group. At 1 year, the 0.01% atropine group had slower spherical equivalent progression (-0.51 D vs -0.75 D; difference = 0.24 D; 95% CI, 0.11-0.37 D; P < .001) and AL elongation (0.31 mm vs 0.42 mm; difference = -0.11 mm; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.06 mm; P < .001) than the placebo group. The mean AA change was -3.06 D vs 0.12 D (difference = -3.18 D; 95% CI, -3.92 to -2.44 D; P < .001) in the atropine and placebo groups, respectively. The 0.01% atropine group had a decrease in near magnitude of exodeviation whereas the placebo group had an increase (-1.25 prism diopters [PD] vs 0.74 PD; difference = -1.99 PD; 95% CI, -3.79 to -0.19 PD; P = .03). In the atropine vs placebo group, respectively, the incidence of study drug-related photophobia was 6.0% (12 of 200 participants) vs 8.0% (8 of 100 participants; difference = -2.0%; 95% CI, -9.4% to 3.7%; P = .51) and for blurred near vision was 6.0% (12 of 200 participants) vs 7.0% (7 of 100 participants) (difference = -1.0%; 95% CI, -8.2% to 4.5%; P = .74). The findings of this randomized clinical trial support use of 0.01% atropine eye drops, although compromising AA to some extent, for slowing myopia progression without interfering with exotropia conditions or binocular vision in children with myopia and IXT. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000039827.

Right vagotomy alters heart rate variability temporarily and increases total choline levels in rats

Abstract Objectives The variability in the time intervals between heartbeats, known as heart rate variability (HRV), serves as a reflection of the intricate interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural systems. While the potential asymmetric effects of the left and right branches of the vagus nerve remain uncertain, this study aims to investigate the impact of unilateral, bilateral, and atropine interventions on HRV parameters and choline levels within cardiac tissue. Methods 40 male adult Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to the five groups (each n=8): sham-operated, atropine, right vagotomy, left vagotomy, and bilateral vagotomy. Heart rate variability (HRV) analyses were conducted, and the levels of total choline/acetylcholine in heart tissues were quantified. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the results. Results The bilateral vagotomy and atropine groups exhibited higher heart rates and high frequency power (HF), along with reduced low frequency power (LF). Total power (TP) remained relatively unchanged. In the bilateral vagotomy group, DFAα1 was significantly elevated while DFAα2 was reduced significantly. SD1 and SampEn were significantly lower in both the bilateral vagotomy and atropine groups. Notably, the right vagotomy group displayed significant changes primarily in the 15th minute, particularly in time-domain parameters, HF, TP, and SD1, with a significant increase observed in total choline levels. Conclusions Our results revealed that asymmetrical vagal innervation induces distinct effects on heart rate variability parameters and total choline/acetylcholine levels in heart tissues. Our findings suggest that compensatory hemodynamic recovery, possibly driven by contralateral vagal overactivity, may contribute to these observed results.

Combination effect of optical defocus and low dose atropine in myopia control: Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Myopia, characterized by excessive axial elongation of the eyeball, increases risks of having sight-threatening diseases and impose a financial burden to healthcare system. Although myopic control interventions showed their effectiveness in slowing progression, the efficacy varies between individuals and does not completely halt progression. The study aims to investigate the efficacy of combining 0.01% atropine administered twice daily with optical defocus for myopia control in schoolchildren. This is a prospective, parallel-group, single-blinded, randomized, active-control trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06358755). Myopic schoolchildren with no previous myopic control interventions aged between 7 to 12 years will be recruited. They will be randomly allocated into two groups (n = 56 per group) after baseline measurement. Both groups will receive 0.01% atropine twice per day for 18 months (one drop in the morning and the other drop at night before bedtime). Defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses will be prescribed in atropine plus optical defocus (ATD) treatment group while single vision spectacle lenses will be given in atropine only (AT) group. Cycloplegic refraction and axial lengths will be monitored every 6 months over 18-month study period. The primary outcomes are changes in cycloplegic refraction and axial lengths relative to the baseline over the study period. The result will examine the combination effect of low dose atropine and myopic defocus on myopia control in a randomized controlled study. The findings will also explore the potential benefits of applying 0.01% atropine twice per day on myopic control and its potential side effects.

Myopia Control in Caucasian Children with 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops: 1-Year Follow-Up Study.

Background and Objectives: Myopia is the most widespread ocular disorder globally and its prevalence has been increasing over the past decades. Atropine eye drops stand out as the only pharmacological intervention used in clinical practice to control myopia progression. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops on myopia progression. Patients and Methods: Healthy children aged 6-12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) from -0.5 D to -5.0 D and astigmatism ≤1.5 D were included. Myopia progression was assessed by changes in SE and axial length (AL) over 1 year and SE changes 1 year before the study enrollment and during the 1-year follow-up. Adverse events were evaluated based on complaints reported by either parents or the children themselves during follow-up visits. Results: The analysis involved 55 patients in the 0.01% atropine eye drops group and 66 in the control group. After the 1-year follow-up, the change in SE was -0.50 (-2.25-0.50) D in the control group compared to -0.50 (-1.50-0.50) D in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.935); AL change was 0.31 (0.18) mm in the control group and 0.29 (0.18) mm in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.480). The change in SE was -0.68 (-2.0--0.25) D/year before the study and remained similar -0.50 (-2.25-0.25) D over the 1-year follow-up in the control group (p = 0.111); SE change was reduced from -1.01 (-2.0--0.25) D/year before the study to -0.50 (-1.5-0.5) D over the 1-year follow-up in the 0.01% atropine group (p < 0.001). In the 0.01% atropine group, ten (16.4%) children experienced mild adverse events, including blurred near vision, ocular discomfort, photophobia, dry eyes, and anisocoria. Conclusions: Compared to the control group, the administration of 0.01% atropine eye drops demonstrated no significant effect on changes in SE and AL over a 1-year follow-up. However, children in the 0.01% atropine group initially experienced higher myopia progression, which decreased with treatment over the course of 1 year. Future studies should explore the long-term effects, rebound effects, potential genetic associations, and efficacy of higher doses of atropine in managing myopia progression.

Low-dose atropine for high myopia: An observational cohort study

PurposeTo describe and compare the spherical equivalent progression of pediatric patients with high myopia undergoing treatment with 0.01 % atropine and those not receiving any myopia therapy. DesignRetrospective, descriptive cohort study MethodsIn this IRB-approved study, we analyzed the spherical equivalent (SE) progression in children 6–13 years old treated with 0.01 % atropine and those who were not treated for myopia, initial SE of ≤-6 D, astigmatism of ≤2 D, no syndromic conditions, and records of cycloplegic refraction measurements without missing more than one year. ResultsSeventy-five eyes were included, with 87 % belonging to Hispanic patients. The baseline SE (D) was -7.66 ± 1.40 in the atropine group and -7.90 ± 1.38 in the control group. Over three years, atropine-treated eyes demonstrated slower SE progression compared to controls (P = 0.002). Analysis of yearly progression rates (D/year) revealed notably slower progression in the atropine group during the second (P = 0.04) and third (P = 0.02) years. ConclusionOur findings suggest that low-dose atropine may be beneficial as a first-line treatment for high myopia due to its favorable safety profile and potential efficacy. Due to limited statistical power, findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Efficacy and safety of 0.01% atropine combined with orthokeratology lens in delaying juvenile myopia: An observational study.

It aims to study the efficacy and safety of low-concentration Atropine combined with orthokeratology (OK) lens in delaying juvenile myopia. This is a prospective study, 172 adolescents aged 8 to 12 years who were admitted to the diopter department of Hengshui People Hospital from April 2021 to May 2022 were selected. According to the equivalent spherical diopter measured at the time of initial diagnosis, myopic patients were randomly divided into low myopia group (group A) and moderate myopia group (group B). At the same time, according to the different treatment methods, the patients were divided into the group wearing frame glasses alone (group c), the group wearing frame glasses with low-concentration Atropine (group d), the group wearing corneal shaping glasses alone at night (group e), and the group wearing corneal shaping glasses at night with low-concentration Atropine (group f). The control effect of myopia development and axial elongation in group f was better than that in groups d and e (P < .05). The effect of controlling myopia development and axial elongation in group f is with P > .05. The probability of postoperative adverse reactions in group f was lower and lower than that in the other groups. Low-concentration atropine combined with OK lens could effectively delay the development of juvenile myopia, and had a high safety. Low-concentration of Atropine would not have a significant impact on the basic tear secretion and tear film stability. Nightwear of OK lens also had no significant impact, but it would significantly reduce the tear film rupture time in the first 3 months, and at the same time, the tear film rupture time would be the same after 6 months as before treatment.

Comparison of Changes in Retinal Vascular Density and Thickness After Using Low-Level Red Light and 0.01% Atropine in Premyopic Children.

To compare changes in superficial retinal vascular density (SRVD), deep retinal vascular density (DRVD), and retinal thickness (RT) of the macular zone after repeated low-level red light (RLRL) and 0.01% atropine exposure in premyopic schoolchildren. Prospective randomized trial. Sixty-nine schoolchildren with cycloplegic refraction >-0.75 D and ≤0.50 D were randomly assigned to RLRL and 0.01% atropine groups. SRVD, DRVD, and RT were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography at baseline and six months. The macular zone was divided into three concentric rings (fovea, parafovea, and perifovea) using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. After six months, the whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal SRVD significantly increased in the two groups (all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analyses showed that none of these changes varied significantly between the two groups (all P > 0.05), whereas foveal SRVD remained stable in both groups (all P > 0.05). In the RLRL group, the whole and perifoveal DRVD increased significantly (all P < 0.05), whereas no statistical difference was observed in the foveal and parafoveal DRVD. DRVD remained stable in the 0.01% atropine group (all P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in RT changes between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In comparison, there were no significant changes in SRVD, DRVD, or RT after six months in the placebo group in our previous study. SRVD increased similarly in the RLRL and 0.01% atropine groups, whereas DRVD increased only in the former group. There were no significant RT changes in either group after six months of treatment in premyopic schoolchildren. This research observed the effects of low-level red light and 0.01% atropine on retinal vasculature, offering valuable insights into myopia progression prevention.

Efficacy and Safety of 0.03% Atropine Eye Drops in Controlling Myopia Progression: A One-Year Prospective Clinical Study.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of one-year treatment with 0.03% atropine eye drops for slowing myopia progression among children aged 6-12 years. Methods: Healthy Caucasian children aged 6-12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) from -1.0 D to -5.0 D and astigmatism and anisometropia ≤1.5 D were included. Changes in mean axial length (AL) and objective SE as well as changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) were assessed in the 0.03% atropine eye drops group and the control group from baseline through the 1-year follow-up. The proportion of participants showing myopia progression of <0.5 D from baseline in each group and any potential side effects in 0.03% atropine group were evaluated. Results: The study involved 31 patients in the 0.03% atropine eye drops group and 41 in the control group. Administration of 0.03% atropine for 1 year resulted in a mean change in SE of -0.34 (0.44) D/year, significantly lower than the -0.60 (0.50) D/year observed in the control group (p = 0.024). The change in AL was 0.19 (0.17) mm in the 0.03% atropine group, compared to 0.31 (0.20) mm in the control group (p = 0.015). There were no significant differences in changes of IOP, CCT and LT between the groups (all p ≥ 0.05). The 0.03% atropine group had a significantly greater increase in ACD compared to the control group (p = 0.015). In total, 64.5% of patients in the 0.03% atropine group showed progression <0.5 D/year, in contrast to 39.0% in the control group (p = 0.032). Adverse events were reported in 13 (35.0%) out of 37 patients in the treatment group, leading to discontinuation of the eye drops in six (16.0%) cases. None of the adverse events were severe. Conclusions: Despite a higher incidence of adverse events, 0.03% atropine eye drops effectively slowed the progression of myopia over 1-year.

The effect of glycopyrrolate vs. atropine in combination with neostigmine on cardiovascular system for reversal of residual neuromuscular blockade in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGlycopyrrolate-neostigmine (G/N) for reversing neuromuscular blockade (NMB) causes fewer changes in heart rate (HR) than atropine-neostigmine (A/N). This advantage may be especially beneficial for elderly patients. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the cardiovascular effects of G/N and A/N for the reversal of NMB in elderly patients.MethodsElderly patients aged 65–80 years who were scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to the glycopyrrolate group (group G) or the atropine group (group A). Following the last administration of muscle relaxants for more than 30 min, group G received 4 ug/kg glycopyrrolate and 20 ug/kg neostigmine, while group A received 10 ug/kg atropine and 20 ug/kg neostigmine. HR, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and ST segment in lead II (ST-II) were measured 1 min before administration and 1–15 min after administration.ResultsHR was significantly lower in group G compared to group A at 2–8 min after administration (P < 0.05). MAP was significantly lower in group G compared to group A at 1–4 min after administration (P < 0.05). ST-II was significantly depressed in group A compared to group G at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15 min after administration (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn comparison to A/N, G/N for reversing residual NMB in the elderly has a more stable HR, MAP, and ST-II within 15 min after administration.

Comparison of Effects of Sugammadex andNeostigmine on Postoperative Neuromuscular Blockade Recovery in Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases Undergoing Transbronchial Cryobiopsy: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND While many studies have been conducted on sugammadex sodium and neostigmine in patients undergoing general anesthesia, few have explored their effects in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-three patients who underwent transbronchial cryobiopsy under general anesthesia were enrolled in a prospective randomized study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: neostigmine combined with atropine group (group C, n=32) and sugammadex group (group S, n=31). Induction and maintenance of anesthesia were the same in both groups. Patients received rocuronium during anesthesia. At the end of the procedure, when the T2 of the train-of-four stimulation technique (TOF) monitoring appeared, neostigmine 0.04 mg/kg combined with atropine 0.02 mg/kg was injected intravenously in group C, and sodium sugammadex 2 mg/kg was injected intravenously in group S. Time from administration of muscle relaxant antagonist to recovery of TOF ratio (TOFr) to 0.9 and extubation time were recorded. The residual rate of neuromuscular blockade at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 min after extubation was calculated. RESULTS Compared to group C, group S had a significantly shorter recovery time of TOFr to 0.9 (4.0[2.0] min vs 14.0[11.0] min, P<0.001) and extubation time (4.0[3.0] min vs 11.0[7.0] min, P<0.001). The residual rate of neuromuscular blockade was remarkably lower in group S than in group C at 3, 5, and 7 min after extubation (3.2% vs 31%, 0% vs 25%, 0% vs 6%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Sugammadex is more effective than neostigmine in reversing the muscle-relaxant effect of rocuronium bromide in patients with ILDs.

Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Atropine on Myopia Prevention in Premyopic Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Early-onset myopia increases the risk of irreversible high myopia. Methods: This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose atropine for myopia control in children with premyopia through meta-analysis using random-effects models. Effect sizes were calculated using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Comprehensive searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted until 20 December 2023, without language restrictions. Results: Four studies involving 644 children with premyopia aged 4-12 years were identified, with atropine concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.05%. The analysis focused on myopia incidence and atropine-related adverse events. Lower myopia incidence (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.97 D/y; p = 0.03) and reduction in rapid myopia shift (≥0.5 D/1y) (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26-0.96 D/y; p < 0.01) were observed in the 12-24-month period. Spherical equivalent and axial length exhibited attenuated progression in the atropine group. No major adverse events were detected in either group, whereas the incidence of photophobia and allergic conjunctivitis did not vary in the 12-24-month period. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis supports atropine's efficacy and safety for delaying myopia incidence and controlling progression in children with premyopia. However, further investigation is warranted due to limited studies.

The role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in atropine-related inhibition of the progression of myopia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in myopia development and its contribution to the mechanism of action of the anti-myopia drug, atropine.MethodsThirty-three-week-old guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control (NC, n = 10), monocularly form-deprived (FDM, n = 10), and FDM treated with 1% atropine (FDM + AT, n = 10) groups. The diopter and axial length were measured at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. Guinea pig eyeballs were removed at week four, fixed, and stained for morphological changes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were performed to evaluate VIP protein and mRNA levels.ResultsThe FDM group showed an apparent myopic shift compared to the control group. The results of the H&E staining were as follows: the cells of the inner/outer nuclear layers and retinal ganglion cells were disorganized; the choroidal thickness (ChT), blood vessel lumen, and area were decreased; the sclera was thinner, with disordered fibers and increased interfibrillar space. IHC and ISH revealed that VIP's mRNA and protein expressions were significantly up-regulated in the retina of the FDM group. Atropine treatment attenuated FDM-induced myopic shift and fundus changes, considerably reducing VIP's mRNA and protein expressions.ConclusionsThe findings of elevated VIP mRNA and protein levels observed in the FDM group indicate the potential involvement of VIP in the pathogenesis and progression of myopia. The ability of atropine to reduce this phenomenon suggests that this may be one of the molecular mechanisms for atropine to control myopia.

The effects of the cholinergic system on carrageenan-induced arthritis

The cholinergic system has been found to make an anti-inflammatory effect through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP), which suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by secreting acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter. However, no studies have been conducted on the effects of CAIP on joint pain and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in knee arthritis. To examine pain behavioral changes, atropine (or saline for sham control) was pretreated in the joint cavity of rats at 1 % carrageenan + 5, 10, and 30 μL and the dynamic weight-bearing evaluation was performed. Synovial membranes were collected and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured using a western blot. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed. Compared to that of the sham group, the weight-bearing of the affected knee joint significantly increased in the 1 % carrageenan + 10 μL atropine group (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in the 1 % carrageenan + 5 and 30 μL atropine groups. COX-2 and IL-1β and the number of inflammatory cells in synovial membrane significantly increased with 1 % carrageenan + 10 μL of atropine (p < 0.05). These results suggest that cholinergic system is involved in knee joint pain and inflammation and that mAChRs are potential therapeutic targets for knee joint arthritis.

The Effect of Myopic Control between the Dual-Focus Contact Lenses and High-Concentration Atropine in an Asian Population.

We aim to investigate the myopic control effect of high-concentration atropine (ATR) and dual-focus contact lenses (DFCLs). A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 182 eyes in 91 individuals who used high-concentration ATR (0.125%) and another 70 eyes in 35 individuals who used DFCLs were enrolled in the ATR and DFCL groups, respectively. The primary outcomes were spherical equivalent refraction (SER) progression and axial length (AXL) elongation. The generalized estimate equation was utilized to yield the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of cycloplegic SER progression and AXL elongation between groups. According to the multivariable analysis, the change in cycloplegic SER progression was similar between the DFCL and ATR groups (aOR: 1.305, 95% CI: 0.247-2.515, p = 0.803). The DFCL group demonstrated a numerically higher rate of AXL elongation compared to the ATR group (aOR: 1.530, 95% CI: 0.980-1.894, p = 0.051). In the subgroup analysis, cycloplegic SER progression was insignificant between ATR and DFCL users in different subgroups (all p > 0.05). The DFCL patients with moderate astigmatism and high AXL (both p < 0.001) presented a high risk of AXL elongation. In conclusion, DFCL usage demonstrated similar myopic control of cycloplegic SER and AXL compared to high-concentration ATR, while DFCLs showed lower AXL control, mainly in patients with moderate astigmatism and high AXL.

VISUAL ACUITY ASSESSMENT WITH ATROPINE PENALIZATION VS PARTIAL OCCLUSION THERAPY IN AMBLYOPIA PATIENTS IN SOUTH PUNJAB

A retrospective study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Department of Nishtar Medical Hospital from September 2022 to September 2023 to compare the effectiveness of atropine penalization and occlusion therapy in treating amblyopia in children. The study included 50 children aged 2-9 years with no prior treatment history of amblyopia. The children were divided into two groups: Group A received atropine penalization, while Group B received occlusion therapy. Both groups had a mean age of 5.5 years, and all patients passed the visual acuity tests. Strabismus was high in both groups, with 96% in Group A and 92% in Group B. The treatment duration in Group A was 7.5 months on average, while it was 4.5 months in Group B. Treatment compliance was higher in Group A (96%) compared to Group B (68%). After the treatment, the atropine group had a visual acuity range of 6/6 to 6/60, with a mean visual acuity of 6/10. On the other hand, the occlusion group had a visual acuity range of 6/6 to 6/120, with a mean visual acuity of 6/20. The study concluded that atropine penalization had better patient outcomes and compliance in treating amblyopia in pediatric patients. The study concluded that atropine penalization had better patient outcomes and compliance in treating amblyopia in pediatric patients.

Effective Decrease in Myopia Progression With Two Mechanisms of Management.

To ascertain the effectiveness of 0.01% atropine treatment to inhibit myopia progression and the possible additive potency with peripheral defocus contact lenses over 3 years and the rebound effect 1 year after cessation of treatment. This prospective study included 127 children aged 8 to 5 years, divided into three treatment groups: 0.01% atropine and single-vision spectacles (At+SV, n = 36), 0.01% atropine and peripheral defocus contact lens (At+PDCL, n = 30), and 0.01% atropine and dual-focus contact lens (At+DF, n = 25). A control group was prescribed single-vision spectacles (n = 36). Cycloplegic spherical equivalence refraction was measured every 6 months during 3 years of treatment and 1 year after cessation. Myopia progression decreased over 3 years of treatment, more during the second and third years than the first year, to a statistically significant degree in the atropine groups (P < .01): in the first, second, and third years, respectively, -0.42 ± 0.34, -0.19 ± 0.18, -0.22 ± 0.19 diopters (D) in the At+SV group, -0.26 ± 0.21, -0.14 ± 0.37, and -0.15 ± 0.31 D in the At+PDCL group, and -0.22 ± 0.15, -0.15 ± 0.22, and -0.11 ± 0.14 D in the At+DF group. Myopia progressed 1 year after cessation of treatment: -0.29 ± 0.28 D in the At+SV group, -0.13 ± 0.28 D in the At+PDCL group, and -0.09 ± 0.18 D in the At+DF group. After 3 years, there was no statistically significant difference in myopia progression between the At+SV and At+PDCL or At+DF groups (P < .05). Low-dose atropine has been substantiated in this cohort as an effective treatment to decelerate myopia progression over 3 years, more effective in the second and third years of treatment. The combination treatment did not exhibit a statistically significant advantage over monotherapy in this cohort. The At+DF group exhibited a statistically lower rebound effect than the At+SV group. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(3):204-210.].

Effects of 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops on Controlling Myopia Progression in School Age Children in Ophthalmology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Purpose: To determine the effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops in controlling myopia progression in school age children presenting to Ophthalmology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place &amp; Duration of Study: Department of ophthalmology Jinnah postgraduate Medical Center, JPMC Karachi and Advance Eye Clinic Karachi, Pakistan from July 2018 to July 2020. Methods: One hundred myopic patients (myopia of 0.5D to 13.0D) with age range of 6 – 14 years were recruited. Patients with astigmatism &lt;-2.0D, other ocular or medical disease and history of laser or ocular surgery were excluded. Atropine group was instructed to instill Atropine 0.01% once at night time. Control group did not receive any treatment. Refraction was performed at all examinations with and without Cycloplegia along with fundoscopy and axial length measurements. The follow up frequency was at 3 monthly intervals. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22. To compare quantitative data between groups, t-test was used while for qualitative data Chi-square test was used. Results: Mean age was 9.21 ± 2.45 years. Out of 100, 57 were males. There was no statistical difference between atropine group vs control group in terms of baseline SER (spherical equivalent refraction), (p = 0.407) and baseline axial length (p = 0.892). Mean difference in SER from baseline to after completion of study two groups was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). Mean difference in AL from baseline to end of study between two groups was also statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Low concentration atropine 0.01% can be helpful in halting myopia progression.