Articles published on corneal ulcer
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- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1623027
- Dec 4, 2025
- Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
- Yani Zhang + 3 more
Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme 6-phosphofructose-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in fungal keratitis (FK) infected by Fusarium solani ( F. solani ). Methods We identified the up-regulation of PFKFB3 in fungal keratitis via western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence staining. Subsequently, elucidated the augmentation of glycolytic flux in cornea and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) following F. solani invasion by RT-PCR, cellular energy metabolism analyzer, and lactate content assay. After that, we reduced PFKFB3 expression utilizing small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro and adeno-associated virus (AAV) in vivo and also assessed the expression levels of inflammatory factors. The severity of corneal infection following PFKFB3 depletion was checked by slit-lamp microscopy, corneal OCT, and H&E staining. Ultimately, we assessed the phosphorylation status of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway following PFKFB3 suppression via western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results PFKFB3 was highly triggered in F. solani -infected corneas and BMDM compared to normal tissue. Besides, infection with F. solani promotes the increase of inflammatory mediators and glycolytic flux in the cornea and BMDM. Whereas inflammation in BMDM and the degree of fungal keratitis lesions worsen by suppressing PFKFB3 expression, which increased corneal ulcer infiltration, elevated clinical scores, enhanced corneal thickness, and upregulation of inflammatory signals could be demonstrated. Furthermore, we found that F. solani infection can activate the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB p65 at low PFKFB3 expression levels. Conclusions In F. solani -infected corneas and BMDM, the glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme PFKFB3 was markedly upregulated. After infection, moderate PFKFB3 activation effectively mitigates inflammation and the progression of fungal keratitis. Moreover, activated PFKFB3 may rely on the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway to safeguard the cornea from further damage due to inflammation.
- New
- Research Article
1
- 10.1016/j.jcis.2025.138613
- Dec 1, 2025
- Journal of colloid and interface science
- Liangxiao Huang + 14 more
Metal valence transition strategy-engineered bimetallic nanozyme thermosensitive hydrogel for deep-tissue therapy of subcutaneous abscess wounds and bacterial corneal ulcers.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3390/ph18121822
- Nov 28, 2025
- Pharmaceuticals
- Sanja Masnec + 18 more
To better address the challenge of corneal ulcer healing, with already available standard agents, and those recently introduced, such as stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, we introduced a novel conceptual framework—the “triad” of corneal ulcer healing↔corneal neovascularization↔intraocular pressure—and extended it to avascular tissues such as tendon. Within this framework, cytoprotection serves as the unifying principle, underscoring that therapeutic effects are not isolated but interconnected. Preclinical studies with BPC 157 therapy, as a cytoprotection agent, illustrate this integration. BPC 157 rapidly normalizes elevated intraocular pressure in glaucomatous rats, preserves retinal integrity, restores pupil function, maintains corneal transparency during ulcer or abrasion healing, and counteracts both corneal neovascularization and dry eye. In parallel, its consistent efficacy in tendon injury models highlights a cytoprotective specificity across avascular tissues. The cornea’s “angiogenic privilege,” preserved during healing and tendon recovery together, provides strong proof of concept. Furthermore, mapping standard therapeutic agents used for corneal ulcers, neovascularization, or glaucoma onto this triad, and linking them with tendon healing, reveals both shared pathways and inconsistencies across existing drug classes. Analyzed were the ascorbate, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, metalloproteinase inhibitors, EGF, FGF, NGF, insulin, and IGF-1 (corneal ulcer healing), the antiangiogenic agents (endostatin, PAI-1, PEDF, angiostatin, TSP-1, TSP-2, IFN-α), corticosteroids, NSAIDs, cyclosporine A, anti-VEGF drops (treatment of corneal neovascularization), and alpha 2-agonists, beta-blockers, carboanhydrase inhibitors, muscarinic agonists, Rho-kinase inhibitors, and prostaglandin analogs (glaucoma). Taken together, these findings advance cytoprotection as a unifying therapeutic paradigm, with BPC 157 emerging as its first exemplar, and encourage further translational research toward clinical application.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.47391/jpma.25-21895
- Nov 22, 2025
- Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
- Zahra Arooba + 2 more
Lichen planus (LP) is an immune mediated mucocutaneous disease with a broad clinical spectrum, primarily affecting the but skin and oral cavity. Erosive lichen planus (ELP) is a rare variant of LP that manifests as erosions in the oral cavity as well as chronic erosions of the soles accompanied with severe disabling pain. Ocular LP is very uncommon presenting usually as keratoconjunctivitis and if left untreated can lead to vision impairment. We report the case of a woman who presented with characteristic skin lesions of lichen planus, accompanied by severe erosive oral and plantar lesions as well as bilateral keratoconjunctivitis and corneal ulceration. Key words: Lichen planus, erosive LP, ocular LP, keratoconjunctivitis.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s13256-025-05654-9
- Nov 19, 2025
- Journal of medical case reports
- Anna Maria Welzel + 3 more
Polyneuritis cranialis is a rare condition than can be caused by various diseases. We report the first case of multiple cranial nerve paralysis resulting in neurotrophic keratopathy with corneal ulceration as a sequel of polyneuritis cranialis due to actinomycosis. An 84-year-old German woman developed corneal ulceration with a high risk of perforation because of neurotrophic keratopathy due to polyneuritis cranialis. Actinomycosis of a wisdom tooth causing polyneuritis cranialis was detected on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and was treated with systemic antibiotics. Penetrating keratoplasty with simultaneous amniotic membrane transplantation was performed successfully after conservative treatment failure. To the best of our knowledge, we report on the first case of multiple cranial nerve failure due to actinomycosis and requiring ophthalmological intervention.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i11.036
- Nov 17, 2025
- Scholars Journal of Medical Case Reports
- Chatoui Said + 3 more
Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising regenerative therapy for refractory corneal ulcers. This prospective, non-randomized interventional study evaluated 21 corneal ulcers in 16 patients unresponsive to at least 15 days of conventional therapy, including vitamin A ointment, preservative-free lubricants, and occlusive patching. Patients received topical autologous PRP (1 drop, four times daily) in combination with supportive therapy. Clinical outcomes assessed included ulcer dimensions, visual acuity, and ocular symptom improvement. Median treatment duration was 21 days (range 15–60). Complete re-epithelialization was achieved in 71.4% of ulcers, with mean ulcer height and width decreasing by 86.2% and 83.0%, respectively (p < 0.01). Visual acuity improved by three lines in 31.25% and by two lines in 25% of patients. Significant reductions were observed in pain (p < 0.05), redness (p < 0.01), visual impairment (p < 0.01), and photophobia (p = 0.01). One patient developed corneal neovascularization. These results demonstrate that autologous PRP is a safe and effective therapy for promoting corneal healing, reducing ulcer size, and improving visual function and ocular comfort in refractory cases. Further standardization of PRP preparation and dosing protocols is warranted to optimize clinical outcomes and facilitate broader adoption in ophthalmic practice.
- Research Article
- 10.1111/vop.70111
- Nov 12, 2025
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- M Barvelink + 5 more
To assess the antibacterial activity of manuka honey against bacterial isolates commonly associated with infected corneal ulcerations in horses,and to investigate possible combined effects of manuka honey and commonly prescribed topical antibiotics. Four Staphylococcus aureus, including three methicillin-resistant (MRSA), two methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (S. sciuri and S. haemolyticus), and two Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus isolates from horses with stromal ulcerative keratitis were selected. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of manuka honey were determined with microdilution assays and spectrophotometric analyses. Potential combined antibacterial effects were explored by assessing bacterial growth inhibition using disk diffusion and E-tests, both with and without a sub-inhibitory concentration of manuka honey. Tested antibiotics included chloramphenicol, tetracycline, gentamicin, ofloxacin, tobramycin, cloxacillin, and fusidic acid. The spectrophotometric MIC of manuka honey was 12% (w/v) for all tested isolates. MBC values ranged between 20% (w/v) and 28% (w/v) for all isolates, except S. sciuri. Combining 5% (w/v) manuka honey with tetracycline, chloramphenicol, or fusidic acid enhanced the antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus spp. (including methicillin-resistant isolates). The antibacterial effect of ofloxacin against S. aureus and streptococci and of cloxacillin against S. aureus appeared slightly reduced when combined with 5% manuka honey. No consistent difference was observed when manuka honey was combined with gentamicin or tobramycin. Manuka honey has invitro inhibitory and bactericidal activity against equine corneal surface pathogens including multi-resistant isolates. Further studies are required to assess potential synergistic and antagonistic effects of manuka honey in combination with antibiotics.
- Research Article
- 10.7759/cureus.96672
- Nov 12, 2025
- Cureus
- Sharah Rahman + 4 more
An Interesting Case of Ocular Nocardiosis Mistaken as a Fungal Corneal Ulcer
- Research Article
- 10.26891/jik.v19i2.2025.134-140
- Nov 11, 2025
- Jurnal Ilmu Kedokteran (Journal of Medical Science)
- Heru Ardila Putra + 1 more
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but severe inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the eyes, and may result in vision loss. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, ocular manifestations, and management of patients with SJS at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of 17 patients with ocular involvement caused by SJS, TEN, and SJS/TEN overlap who referred to the ophthalmology department from January 2021 to August 2023. A total of 65% presented in the acute/subacute phase and 35% in the chronic phase. Visual acuity in acute/subacute cases ranged from 6/6 to better than 6/60, with no symblepharon. Chronic-phase patients had poorer outcomes, including five eyes with vision worse than 1/60 and ocular complications such as symblepharon, corneal ulceration, opacity, neovascularization, and conjunctivalization. All patients received medical therapy, and three required surgical interventions, including symblepharon release and amniotic membrane transplantation. In conclusion, early ophthalmologic assessment and timely intervention are crucial to prevent severe ocular complications. Patients referred in the chronic phase experienced significantly worse visual outcomes.
- Research Article
- 10.1111/vop.70106
- Nov 10, 2025
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Danielle Nascimento Silva + 9 more
This study aimed to identify and report ophthalmic and adnexal diseases found in specimens of the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Thirty-nine animals stranded on the beaches of the north coast of Bahia, Brazil were submitted to necropsy. A total of 158 samples of the visual system (eyelids, eyes, and salt glands) from females (71.8%; 28/39) and males (28.2%; 11/39) were analyzed. Samples without macro and microscopic changes counted as 30.4% (48/158) of the evaluated samples. Approximately 69.6% (110/158) had ophthalmic lesions; 92 were bilateral (24 eyelids, 44 eyes, and 24 salt glands), and 18 were unilateral. The anatomopathological evaluation of the specimens revealed predominantly neoplastic and inflammatory lesions, with fibropapillomatosis (FP) being the most frequent finding (58.9%; 93/158), followed by spirorchidiasis (46.8%; 74/158). Other ophthalmic lesions included mucopurulent conjunctivitis, ulcerative keratitis, corneal perforation, panophthalmitis, phthisis bulbi, bilateral scar tissue in the eyelids, and lithiasis in the salt glands. This study highlights the significance of understanding eye diseases as they can directly impact the management and preservation of sea turtles. This is particularly true for species in which the visual system plays a crucial role in feeding and migration. Therefore, this data can assist in promoting and implementing preventive and therapeutic measures for the conservation of these animals.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/medicina61111991
- Nov 6, 2025
- Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
- Marija Jelić Vuković + 9 more
Background and Objectives: Corneal ulcers in patients with lagophthalmos due to facial nerve palsy pose a significant therapeutic challenge. Topical insulin has emerged as a promising adjuvant therapy for enhancing corneal re-epithelialization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of insulin drops compared with lipid-based artificial tears, and to compare the corneal healing rate in achieving complete epithelialization within 30 days in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 32 patients with facial nerve palsy and lagophthalmos who developed an exposed corneal ulcer, of whom 20 received topical insulin and 12 received lipid-based artificial tears. The primary outcome was complete epithelialization at day 30. Additional variables included age, sex, and baseline defect characteristics. Results: By day 30, complete epithelialization was achieved in 18 of 20 patients (90%) in the insulin group compared with 5 of 12 (41.7%) in the control group. Binary logistic regression analysis confirmed significantly higher odds of healing with insulin treatment (OR = 10.8; 95% CI 1.8-63.9). No systemic adverse events or signs of hypoglycemia were observed. Conclusions: Topical insulin significantly accelerates corneal epithelialization in patients with facial nerve palsy and exposed ulcers, offering safe and effective adjuvant therapy for a high-risk population. Despite promising results, the study's limitations-including small sample size, single-center design, and retrospective nature-highlight the need for larger, multicenter prospective studies to confirm efficacy, optimize dosing, and further evaluate long-term safety.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/ijms262110782
- Nov 6, 2025
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Marco Zeppieri + 8 more
Human allogeneic umbilical cord blood serum stands out as a potent adjunct to conventional therapies for ocular surface disorders related to severe Dry Eye Disease. By expediting ocular surface regeneration and fostering epithelial integrity, umbilical cord blood serum not only enhances subjective patient experiences but also improves objective clinical indicators. This makes it particularly useful in patients with corneal ulcers through ocular surface regeneration and anti-inflammatory activity. This retrospective, interventional, non-randomized clinical study aims to explore the efficacy of allogenic umbilical cord blood serum in patients who had previously received other treatments unsuccessfully. This study was a retrospective, non-comparative, interventional clinical study involving 55 patients (35 females and 20 males) aged 18–82 years with severe Dry Eye Disease who were unresponsive to standard treatments. The study was conducted at Eye Center “G.B. Morgagni-DSV”, Catania, Italy. Patients were categorized based on the etiology of severe Dry Eye Disease into four groups: group I consisted of 26 patients with filamentary keratitis and corneal ulcers associated with rheumatologic diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome and systemic sclerosis; group II comprised 15 patients with graft-versus-host disease; group III consisted of 10 patients with corneal neurotrophic ulcers; group IV included four patients with Steven–Johnson syndrome. Outcomes evaluated before and after treatment were OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) and SANDE (Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye) Questionnaires, VAS (Visual Analog Scale), Slit-Lamp Examination, Esthesiometry, Lissamine Green Staining, NIBUT (Non-Invasive Break-Up Time) and BUT, Fluorescein Staining with Photography and Oxford Classification, Schirmer Test, Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Meibography. We observed a significant improvement in SANDE, VAS and OSDI questionnaires, Schirmer Test, BUT, BCVA, and Oxford classification after treatment with allogeneic cord blood serum eyedrops. Clinical variables, such as corneal inflammation, conjunctivalization, corneal neovascularization, or pain, were also considered individually. Nevertheless, pain and inflammation reduced markedly over time until completely healed in all cases. Our study highlights the remarkable efficacy of allogeneic cord blood serum eyedrops in patients with severe Dry Eye Disease who have shown absent or inadequate response to usual treatments for dry eye. This underscores the need for further comprehensive investigations in this field.
- Research Article
- 10.1097/ico.0000000000004030
- Nov 3, 2025
- Cornea
- Simon S M Fung + 7 more
To characterize nationwide real-world practice patterns and complications of pediatric ocular surface inflammatory diseases (POSID) using a large US health insurance claims database. This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients younger than 18 years diagnosed with POSID in the Optum Labs Data Warehouse between 2018 and 2019. Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC), herpes simplex keratoconjunctivitis (HSK), and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) were identified by ICD codes. Clinical data from 6 months before to 3 years after the index visit were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors for amblyopia. Among 6116 children (67.1% aged 5-15 years; 56.6% male), HSK showed the highest baseline rates of corneal scarring (7.5%) and ulceration (5.5%), compared with BKC (2.3%, 2.7%) and VKC (1.1%, 0.9%) (P < 0.001). High-potency topical corticosteroids were more frequently prescribed for BKC (17.8%) than HSK (15.0%) or VKC (14.2%) (P = 0.02), while topical immunomodulators were used in only 1.7% of cases despite recommendations. Amblyopia prevalence rose from 2.5% to 4.5% over 3 years, with stromal scarring at diagnosis (odds ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval 1.40-4.24) and high-potency corticosteroid use (odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.17-2.18) as independent risk factors. POSID subtypes exhibit distinct clinical features, significant differences in management, and progressive complications over time. Nationwide patterns show over-reliance on corticosteroids, underuse of immunomodulators, and gaps between guideline recommendations and practice, underscoring the need for earlier recognition, steroid-sparing therapy, and sustained inflammation control.
- Research Article
- 10.52420/umj.24.5.64
- Nov 2, 2025
- Ural Medical Journal
- E M Svistunova + 4 more
Introduction . Organ-preserving modalities are the current standard of care in the management of choroidal melanoma (CM), with radiation therapy playing a pivotal role. Despite its high efficacy, radiation exposure is associated with a broad spectrum of post-radiation complications, which may compromise treatment outcomes and, in some cases, necessitate secondary enucleation. The objective of the work is to summarize current evidence on the use of radiation therapy in CM, analyze the range and incidence of post-radiation complications, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate strategies for prevention and management depending on the treatment modality. Materials and methods . A literature search and analysis of scientific publications in Russian and English was conducted using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria: original studies (randomized and non-randomized clinical trials), reviews (meta-analyses and systematic reviews) relevant to the topic. Results and discussion . This review encompasses modern methods of radiation therapy for CM, including brachytherapy, proton beam therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery, with attention to their indications and clinical efficacy. The types, frequency, and specific features of post-radiation complications are analyzed, including damage to the eyelid and periocular skin, cornea, lens, macula, optic nerve, secondary glaucoma, among others. Risk factors for such complications are discussed, along with available preventive and therapeutic approaches. Conclusion . Although different radiation modalities for CM share a similar spectrum of complications, their frequency and predominance vary considerably depending on the chosen technique. Most complications are manageable; however, neovascular glaucoma, scleromalacia, and persistent trophic corneal ulcers may require secondary enucleation. These outcomes highlight the need for improved prevention, early detection of complications, and clear patient selection criteria for organ-preserving treatment of choroidal melanoma.
- Research Article
- 10.1111/xen.70085
- Nov 1, 2025
- Xenotransplantation
- Yingxin Chen + 4 more
To compare the effectiveness and prognosis of lamellar keratoplasty (LK) using human cornea and acellular porcine corneal stroma (APCS) for noninfectious peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). Fifty-eight patients with noninfectious PUK who underwent LK from 2013 to 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into human cornea (n=27) and APCS (n=31) groups according to corneal graft material. The primary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate graft survival rates within 12 months. BCVA improved in both groups. The human cornea group had better BCVA at 3 months (p=0.045) and 6 months (p=0.010) postoperatively, but no significant difference was observed at 1 or 12 months (p>0.05). Corneal epithelial healing time was similar overall, but prolonged in the APCS group among patients with autoimmune diseases (p=0.012). The number of transparent corneal grafts was higher in the human cornea group at 1, 3, and 6 months (p<0.05), but comparable at 12 months (p>0.05). Complications occurred in 13 APCS patients and 10 human cornea patients (p>0.05). Graft survival rates were 80.6% for APCS and 88.8% for human cornea at 12 months (p >0.05). APCS is a feasible alternative for noninfectious PUK, with promising visual recovery and long-term outcomes. However, its midterm effectiveness may be slightly inferior, especially in patients with autoimmune diseases, suggesting a need for tailored approaches.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.exer.2025.110597
- Nov 1, 2025
- Experimental eye research
- Reihaneh Izadi Niaki + 6 more
The effect of limbal tissue with conjunctival flap and bovine amniotic membrane on alkaline burn corneal wound: experimental study in rabbits.
- Research Article
- 10.1080/09273948.2025.2580348
- Nov 1, 2025
- Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
- Mitali Vijay Mangoli + 4 more
ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the aetiology, demographic profile, clinical features, and outcomes in cases of refractory bacterial keratitis. Methods This is a retrospective observational study in which 41 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with bacterial keratitis, with no improvement after medical therapy, were evaluated. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) culture-proven bacterial keratitis; (b) antibiotic usage of ≥6-weeks; (c) No surgery within 8-weeks of diagnosis. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (a) other causes of microbial keratitis and (b) surgical intervention in non-responding keratitis within 8-weeks. Results Forty-one eyes of 40 patients were analysed in this study. Thirty eyes (73.2%) had an ulcer area of about 15–20 mm2. The visual acuity varied from 0 logMAR in ulcers with small size to no light perception due to the nature of the corneal infiltrate. Common risk factors noted in the patients were systemic comorbidities like uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, and ocular surface disorders. Staphylococci were the predominant organisms, found in 21 (51.2%) eyes. Twenty-two surgical interventions were performed including one eye which had to undergo evisceration. This included eight tissue adhesive and bandage contact lens application (TA+BCL), five intracameral antibiotic injections, five therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (Th.PK). Conclusion Various factors can contribute to the development of non-healing or refractory corneal ulcers including systemic conditions, ocular factors, and the characteristics of the infecting organism. Identification of these factors can aid in early diagnosis and prompt management of the condition.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/fsn3.71094
- Oct 31, 2025
- Food Science & Nutrition
- Xueyao Cai + 5 more
ABSTRACTThe contribution of circulating micronutrients to ulcer susceptibility remains poorly defined across anatomical sites. In this study, we constructed a systematic trace element–ulcer map by integrating genetic‐instrumented inference, pleiotropy‐aware modeling, and heterogeneity‐sensitive clustering. Summary‐level data were obtained from large‐scale genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) encompassing 10 circulating micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium, carotene, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin D) and nine ulcer phenotypes (corneal ulcer, recurrent oral aphthae, esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, vaginal/vulvar ulcer, decubitus ulcer, lower limb ulcer, and chronic skin ulcer), covering more than 3 million individuals of European ancestry. Our two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis identified genetically elevated zinc levels as a risk factor for gastric (OR: 1.141, 95% CI: 1.060–1.228, p = 4.57 × 10−4) and esophageal ulcers, but inversely associated with vaginal/vulvar ulcer risk. Protective effects were observed for iron with gastric ulcers and calcium with duodenal ulcers. Carotene and magnesium were nominally associated with increased risk of oral aphthae and vaginal ulcers, respectively. To refine these associations, we applied Causal Analysis Using Summary Effect estimates (CAUSE) and MR‐Clust. While CAUSE did not confirm robust putative causal relationships in most pairs, MR‐Clust uncovered three distinct SNP clusters in the vitamin C‐corneal ulcer pair, indicating potential mechanistic heterogeneity. These pleiotropy‐aware and cluster‐based approaches enhanced the interpretability of borderline signals and revealed genetic heterogeneity beyond mean‐effect estimates. Collectively, this study offers a panoramic view of trace element‐ulcer relationships and prioritizes zinc as a key candidate for further mechanistic exploration in gastric ulcer pathogenesis. Our integrative framework may serve as a foundation for future etiological and nutritional intervention studies.
- Research Article
- 10.1097/ico.0000000000004028
- Oct 31, 2025
- Cornea
- Dalia G Said + 7 more
Corneal perforation is a serious complication of peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK), which requires prompt control of the inflammation while restoring the integrity of the globe. This can often be challenging and may require 1 or a more surgical approaches. We report the management of 3 cases of PUK with repeated perforations and failed attempts at corneal gluing. The first case had a combination of an acute hydrops with perforation in a patient with longstanding eczema and undiagnosed keratoconus. After multiple failed attempts at gluing, a partial thickness sclerocorneal banana graft was done to restore the globe integrity. The second case had bilateral Mooren ulcer with previous perforations sealed with gluing and presented with a large peripheral perforation, which required a peripheral circular full-thickness graft fashioned with a 9.5 and a 7.5 Baron punches. The third case had psoriasis-related PUK with peripheral melting and perforation, which settled after multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation. All cases required intense control of the inflammation in conjunction with the rheumatology team. Management of PUK with perforation poses medical and surgical challenges, which can be employed as illustrated to obtain a successful outcome. Multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation can seal small perforations. Larger perforations may require fashioned banana-shaped grafts to restore the ocular integrity. Control of inflammation with systemic steroids and immunosuppression is paramount for a successful outcome.
- Research Article
- 10.18502/jovr.v20.15595
- Oct 30, 2025
- Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research
- Shahla Mirzaeei + 4 more
Purpose This study aimed to determine the efficacy of ceftazidime-containing nanofibers in treating corneal ulcers induced by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an animal model.MethodsThis animal-assisted intervention involved 12 adult male New Zealand rabbits, each weighing between 3.5 and 4 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to two groups of six: an intervention group that received a ceftazidime nanofiber insert treatment and a control group that received no treatment. In the intervention group, the right eye was used as a test sample for ulcer induction and ceftazidime-loaded nanofiber examination, while the left eye served as a control to observe any inflammatory or irritating symptoms caused by the nanofiber in the absence of the active pharmaceutical compound. Examinations were performed daily, with slit lamp images taken on days 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 15. Clinical responses were recorded and graded according to a clinical examination table.ResultsPrior to the intervention, both groups exhibited a similar severity of corneal ulcers. After 48 hours, four of the six rabbits in the intervention group were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in their cultures, and the remaining two tested negative. Meanwhile, in the control group, three rabbits had positive cultures and three had negative cultures. After 96 hours from the onset of the treatment and the application of the ceftazidime nanofiber insert, three rabbits that initially presented with positive cultures exhibited negative cultures in the subsequent examinations; however, one rabbit still had positive smear and culture results. On day 9, the intervention group showed complete disappearance of infiltration and epithelial damage. However, the rabbit eyes in the control group demonstrated increased signs of involvement on days 6 and 9 compared to the previous examinations. Furthermore, the clinical results indicated a significant difference in the mean corneal ulcer scores between the two groups (P 0.001).ConclusionGiven the observed effectiveness of the developed nanofiber in treating corneal ulcers induced by P. aeruginosa, this nanodrug delivery system has the potential to serve as a viable option for ocular drug delivery.