Inflammatory Eye Research Articles

Corneal cross-linking guards against infectious keratitis: an experimental model

BackgroundPACK-CXL (photo-activated chromophore for keratitis–corneal cross-linking) is an alternative option in treatment of corneal infections. It inhibits corneal melting by increasing the stromal resistance, besides the microbicidal effect of photo-activated riboflavin.MethodsCorneal infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staph aureus bacteria was induced in 20 eyes of 10 rabbits after 6 weeks of corneal cross-linking in half of the eyes, while the other acted as control group. Clinical and corneal histopathological examination was done to evaluate the extent of inflammation, ulceration, organism penetration, and depth of corneal stromal affection.ResultsThe control eyes developed severe inflammation compared to the cross-linked eyes. Corneal melting occurred in 6 eyes in the control versus none in cross-linked group. Histopathological examination showed that the inflammation was confined to the superficial part of the stroma with localization of the inflammation in the cross-linked eyes in contrast to the control eyes that showed deep infiltration.ConclusionPACK-CXL provides infection localization through increasing the corneal rigidity and resistance to enzymatic digestion, even in the absence of the riboflavin microbicidal role. So, early PACK-CXL is worth to be considered in the IK treatment algorithm.

Multifunctional Interleukin-24 Resolves Neuroretina Autoimmunity via Diverse Mechanisms.

IL-24 is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates both immune cells and epithelial cells. Although its elevation is associated with a number of autoimmune diseases, its tolerogenic properties against autoreactive T cells have recently been revealed in an animal model of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity by inhibiting the pathogenic Th17 response. To explore the potential of IL-24 as a therapeutic agent in CNS autoimmunity, we induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in wildtype mice and intravitreally injected IL-24 into the inflamed eye after disease onset. We found that the progression of ocular inflammation was significantly inhibited in the IL-24-treated eye when compared to the control eye. More importantly, IL-24 treatment suppressed cytokine production from ocular-infiltrating, pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells. In vitro experiments confirmed that IL-24 suppressed both Th1 and Th17 differentiation by regulating their master transcription factors T-bet and RORγt, respectively. In addition, we found that intravitreal injection of IL-24 suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines from the retinas of the EAU-inflamed eyes. This observation appears to be applicable in humans, as IL-24 similarly inhibits human retinal pigment epithelium cells ARPE-19. In conclusion, we report here that IL-24, as a multifunctional cytokine, is capable of resolving ocular inflammation in EAU mice by targeting both uveitogenic T cells and RPE cells. This study sheds new light on IL-24 as a potential therapeutic candidate for autoimmune uveitis.

The Journey to Diagnose Spondyloarthritis in Patients From Riyadh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Ankylosing spondylitis, now frequently referred to as spondyloarthritis (SpA), is a chronic inflammatory disease causing axial arthritis andinflammatory lower back pain resulting in the eventual impairment of spinal mobility. Moreover, its systemiccomplications include stiffness and inflexibility, restriction of lung capacity and function, eye inflammation, compression spinal fractures, and heart problems. Hence,early diagnosis and intervention play a key role in preventing acute complications and improving the quality of life. Objective We aimed to estimate the average duration of diagnosis, the average number of doctors visited, and the association between the specialty of the first physician and the length of SpA diagnosis delay. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted from November 2019 to April2020 with patients from King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The patients were 18 years and older and diagnosed with SpA. Call interviews were conducted and patients'medical charts were reviewed. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences statistical software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Result The total sample was 101 patients: 59 (58.4%) males and 42 (41.6%) females. The average duration from the onset of symptoms until seeking medical advice (lag 1) and from seeking medical advice until the definite diagnosis (lag 2) was 24.74 ± 48.13 and 16.16 ± 34.62 months, respectively. The average number of doctors visited between the first medical encounter and the final diagnosis was 3.56 ± 5.3. Patients who consulted rheumatologists as the first medical encounter showed less delay in diagnosis compared to patients who sought non-rheumatologists, such as orthopedists, emergency physicians, and general physicians(11.81 ± 33.35 months vs. 26.63 ± 44.28, 26.96 ± 44.88, and 44.33 ± 65.75 months, respectively). Conclusion Patients with SpA who were not seen by rheumatologists took a longer period till the final diagnosis than those who visited rheumatologists earlier in the course of the disease. Therefore, more studies are required to define the exact factors leading to the delay.

Identification of uveitis-associated functions based on the feature selection analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment scores.

Uveitis is a typical type of eye inflammation affecting the middle layer of eye (i.e., uvea layer) and can lead to blindness in middle-aged and young people. Therefore, a comprehensive study determining the disease susceptibility and the underlying mechanisms for uveitis initiation and progression is urgently needed for the development of effective treatments. In the present study, 108 uveitis-related genes are collected on the basis of literature mining, and 17,560 other human genes are collected from the Ensembl database, which are treated as non-uveitis genes. Uveitis- and non-uveitis-related genes are then encoded by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment scores based on the genes and their neighbors in STRING, resulting in 20,681 GO term features and 297 KEGG pathway features. Subsequently, we identify functions and biological processes that can distinguish uveitis-related genes from other human genes by using an integrated feature selection method, which incorporate feature filtering method (Boruta) and four feature importance assessment methods (i.e., LASSO, LightGBM, MCFS, and mRMR). Some essential GO terms and KEGG pathways related to uveitis, such as GO:0001841 (neural tube formation), has04612 (antigen processing and presentation in human beings), and GO:0043379 (memory T cell differentiation), are identified. The plausibility of the association of mined functional features with uveitis is verified on the basis of the literature. Overall, several advanced machine learning methods are used in the current study to uncover specific functions of uveitis and provide a theoretical foundation for the clinical treatment of uveitis.

Optimization of corticosteroid therapy for uveitis complicated with macular edema

Aim. To develop a therapeutic strategy for uveitis complicated with macular edema (ME) based on topical corticosteroids (CS), including sub-Tenon’s administration of CS with subsequent intravitreal injection an Ozurdex implant.Methods. The examination of 32 patients with chronic recurrent uveitis complicated with ME revealed a correlation between uveitis and the presence of systemic diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). The patients were divided into two groups depending on the selected treatment after completion of the sub-Tenon’s administration of dexamethasone: 1st group – 17 patients with Ozurdex intravitreal implants; 2nd group – 15 patients receiving only dexamethasone instillations. Ophthalmological examination was carried out using optical coherence tomography and microperimetry. The markers of eye inflammation included the total clinical inflammation index and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in lacrimal fluid (LF). The patients were examined prior to treatment as well as 10 days, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the completion of CS therapy. The control comprised functionalmorphological and laboratory parameters of 10 healthy people.Results. The main intragroup differences were observed one month after the onset of treatment. Patients in the 1st group demonstrated the disappearance of clinical symptoms of uveal inflammation, with the CRP level in LF returning to normal (5.3 ± 0.07 mg/ml) values and differing insignificantly from the control. In these patients, the largest increase in functional parameters compared to the baseline was recorded, with the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and eye illumination sensitivity growing by 0.59 and 5.8 dB, respectively. Patients in the 2nd group demonstrated the persistence of some clinical symptoms of uveal inflammation. In these patients, optimal functional and morphological results were achieved three months after the onset of treatment. These results were not only inferior to those obtained in the 1st group, but also proved unstable over longer follow-up periods (6–12 months).Conclusions. The developed optimized approach of CS therapy for uveitis complicated with ME confirmed its high clinical efficacy: a 3-fold reduction in the duration of uveal inflammation symptoms, a 1.25-fold increase in the frequency of complete ME resorption with the restoration of normal retinal topography in the macula, as well as a 2.2- and 2.35-fold increase in BCVA and eye illumination sensitivity, respectively.

New, potent, small molecule agonists of tyrosine kinase receptors attenuate dry eye disease.

Nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin3 (NT-3) bind to tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors, TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, respectively. This study investigated the efficacy of novel molecule agonists of Trk receptors in an in vivo model of dry eye disease (DED). Small molecule TrkC agonist (C1) and a pan-Trk agonist (pan) were synthesized for this. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to desiccating stress (DS) and received bilateral eye drops of C1, pan, or vehicle (2x/day). Dry eye signs, inflammation and expression of corneal barrier function, and conjunctival goblet cell (GC) densities were measured as part of the DED phenotype. Corneal epithelial lysates were collected for either western blot or RNA extraction. Extracted total RNAs were used for NanoString analyses. Immunofluorescent staining was performed on whole-mount corneas using anti-TNFAIP3 and anti-EP4 antibodies. Compared to vehicle, mice subjected to desiccating stress and treated with agonists pan and C1 showed improved corneal barrier function, while C1 also increased GC density. NanoString analyses revealed upregulation of specific mRNA transcripts (Ptger4, Tnfaip3, Il1a and Ptger4, Tlr3, Osal1) in pan- and C1-treated corneas compared to vehicle-treated corneas. Western blots showed that pan and C1 decreased vehicle-induced NFkB nuclear translocation after DS for one day and increased EP4 and TNFAIP3 protein levels after 5 days of DS in corneal epithelium lysates. We conclude that small-molecule agonists of Trk receptors improve DED by decreasing NFkB activation and increasing protein expression of anti-inflammatory molecules TNFAIP3 and EP4. Surprisingly, the most efficacious small molecule agonists were not TrkA selective but TrkC and panTrk, suggesting that wider exploration of TrkB and C and pan Trk agonists are warranted in efforts to treat DED.

Transcriptomics and systems biology identify non-antibiotic drugs for the treatment of ocular bacterial infection

SummaryIncreasing antibiotic resistance among ocular pathogens often results in treatment failure for blinding infections such as endophthalmitis. Hence, newer therapeutics is needed to combat multidrug-resistant infections. Here, we show a drug repurposing approach using a connectivity map based on temporal transcriptomics of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infected mouse retina. The analysis predicted three non-antibiotic drugs, Dequalinium chloride (DC), Clofilium tosylate (CT), and Glybenclamide (Glb) which reversed the SA infection signatures. Predicted drugs exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in human retinal cells against sensitive and resistant strains of SA. Intravitreal administration of all drugs reduced intraocular inflammation in SA-infected mouse eyes while DC and CT also reduced bacterial burden. Drug treatment improved visual function coinciding with reduced Caspase-3 mediated retinal cell death. Importantly, all drugs exhibited synergy with vancomycin in improving disease outcomes. Overall, our study identified three non-antibiotic drugs and demonstrated their therapeutic and prophylactic efficacies in ameliorating intraocular bacterial infection.

Patient preferences for atopic dermatitis medications in the UK, France and Spain: a discrete choice experiment

ObjectivesWe aimed to quantify patient preferences for efficacy, safety and convenience features of atopic dermatitis (AD) treatments.Design and settingOnline discrete choice experiment survey.ParticipantsAdults in the UK, France and Spain who...

Variant in the PLCG2 Gene May Cause a Phenotypic Overlap of APLAID/PLAID: Case Series and Literature Review.

Background: Variants in the phospholipase C gamma 2 (PLCG2) gene can cause PLCG2-associated antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation (PLAID)/autoinflammation and PLCG2-associated antibody deficiency and immune dysregulation (APLAID) syndrome. Linking the clinical phenotype with the genotype is relevant in making the final diagnosis. Methods: This is a single center case series of five related patients (4–44 years), with a history of autoinflammation and immune dysregulation. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded and a literature review of APLAID/PLAID was performed. Results: All patients had recurrent fevers, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, headaches, myalgia, abdominal pain, cold-induced urticaria and recurrent airway infections. Hearing loss was detected in two patients. Inflammatory parameters were slightly elevated during flares. Unswitched B-cells were decreased. Naïve IgD+CD27− B-cells and unswitched IgD+CD27+ B-cells were decreased; switched IgD-CD27+ B-cells were slightly increased. T-cell function was normal. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous missense variant (c.77C>T, p.Thr26Met) in the PLCG2 gene in all patients. Genotype and phenotype characteristics were similar to previously published PLAID (cold-induced urticaria) and APLAID (eye inflammation, musculoskeletal complaints, no circulating antibodies) patients. Furthermore, they displayed characteristics for both PLAID and APLAID (recurrent infections, abdominal pain/diarrhea) with normal T-cell function. Conclusion: The heterozygous missense PLCG2 gene variant (c.77C>T, p.Thr26Met) might cause phenotypical overlap of PLAID and APLAID patterns.

Inhibition of TLR4 Suppresses the Inflammatory Response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by Modulating the PDK1-Induced Metabolism Reprogramming via a m6A-Denpendent Manner.

Objective To investigate the role of TLR4 and PDK1 genes in IBD. Methods The DSS mouse model was established by inducing BALB/C with 5% DSS solution. The behavior of DSS mice was detected, and the m6A modification was detected by m6A methylation chip. At the same time, the expressions of TLR and PDK1 were detected by fluorescence real-time quantitative PCR. Results The results showed that the model of dextran sodium sulfate colitis in mice was successful, and the colon membrane of mice had obvious naked eye inflammation. Through comparison, it was found that there were differences in m6A modification between the blank group and the model group, and compared with the blank group, the expression of PKD1 in DSS group was significantly reduced and the expression of TLR4 was significantly increased. Conclusion TLR4 inhibition inhibits the inflammatory response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a m6A-dependent manner by regulating PDK1-induced metabolic reprogramming.

Ocular syphilis associated to HIV: A report of 2 patients treated in Marrakech, Morocco

RésuméIntroductionUne recrudescence des cas de syphilis est observée depuis plusieurs années dans de nombreux pays, surtout en ce qui concerne les sujets infectés par le VIH. Ces patients se présentent souvent avec des lésions simultanées de syphilis primaire et secondaire, ou bien avec des formes étendues de syphilis.ObservationsNous rapportons 2 observations d'uvéite syphilitique prises en charge au service de Maladies infectieuses du Centre hospitalier universitaire Mohammed VI de Marrakech. La syphilis oculaire était inaugurale chez les 2 patients séropositifs. Malheureusement, aucun d'eux n'a bénéficié d'une récupération ophtalmologique complète.ConclusionDevant toute uvéite ou papillite, il faut évoquer une infection syphilitique, d'autant que l'incidence de cette maladie est en augmentation depuis une dizaine d'années. Le traitement de la syphilis oculaire est mal codifié mais permet parfois une récupération fonctionnelle complète, s'il est précoce et adapté. La ceftriaxone pourrait être une alternative thérapeutique efficace à la pénicilline G dans le traitement de la syphilis précoce chez les individus infectés par le VIH.

Formulation and Evaluation of Medicated Herbal Kajal

In India, kohl has been used for cosmetic purposes for centuries it is use as cosmetic and treats the eye problems. Kajal is mainly used for eye makeup. Herbal kohl is a product used as a medicine because a cosmetic was a new prescribing method. The aim of the preparing formulation that is medicated herbal kajal is to treat eye inflammation and eliminate redness of the eye. Stability and patient-friendly nature are the main advantages of these products. The medicinal products Triphala, Rosa rubiginosa, Almonds powder, Coconut oil and Ghee are used to formulate the herbal kajal. Evaluation of the medicated herbal kajal is carried out by using the different parameter like pH, Spreadability, Physical evaluation etc, the black soot (kajal powder) is prepared by using copper plate and evaluated by microbial activity. Prepared medicated herbal kajal are evaluated by antimicrobial activity. Evaluation of the triphala for In-vitro biochemical characterization for anti-inflammatory activity.

PATTERNS OF UVEITIS AT A TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTER IN YEMEN: ONE CENTRAL RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Uveitis is described as a disorder of the eye so as to leads to the iris, ciliary body, choroid, and adjacent parts of the eye inflammation. The disturbances may produce impermanent or continuing visual impairment or sightlessness. Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to reveal the causes of uveitis in a referral center in Sana'a city, Yemen. Sequentially the study was conducted to assist in the development and design of preventive policies and diagnostic methods for uveitis in Yemen. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective analysis integrated 65 uveitis patients who were referred to the Eye Consulting Center clinic, from January 2021 to the end of December 2021. Data concerning patient gender, age and anatomical location of disease, clinical and pathological manifestations were collected then evaluated. Results: The mean patient age at onset of uveitis was 36.3 ± 13.4 (range: 9-75) years. The female to male ratio was 2.6: 1. Sixty-seven percent participated uveitis patients suffered from bilateral involvement. The predominant type was Pan-uveitis (46.2%), anterior acute uveitis (36.9%), intermediate acute uveitis (12.3%) while posterior acute uveitis was less common (4.6%). Considering medical conditions, 53.8% of patients had acute uveitis and 46.2% had chronic uveitis. Laterality, 38.5% had unilateral uveitis while most patients had bilateral uveitis. Also, 53.8% of patients developed complications. Given the possible causes, the most common diagnoses were 'idiopathic' (32.3%), HLA-B27-positive (21.5%), Behçet‘s syndrome (13.8%), and granulomatous uveitis (TB) (9.2%)., seronegative spondyloarthropathy (6.2%), Fuch’s uveitis (6.2%), followed by less common Vogt Koyanagi Harada (4.6%), herpetic uveitis (3.1%), and toxoplasmosis (3.1%). Conclusion: On the contrary to most uveitis epidemiologic studies the uveitis etiologic and clinical patterns were diverse in a tertiary referral center in Sana’a city, Yemen. Pan-uveitis and anterior acute uveitis were the most frequent clinical pattern in this study, and the most common related causes were HLA-B27 positive and Behçet's syndrome. Peer Review History: Received: 12 March 2022; Revised: 17 April; Accepted: 30 April, Available online: 15 May 2022 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Jucimary Vieira dos Santos, Hemonorte Dalton Barbosa Cunha, Brazil, jucimaryvieira@yahoo.com.br Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Similar Articles: PREVALENCE OF CNS TUMORS AND HISTOLOGICAL RECOGNITION IN THE OPERATED PATIENTS: 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN YEMEN

Chitosan Nanoparticles for Meloxicam Ocular Delivery: Development, In Vitro Characterization, and In Vivo Evaluation in a Rabbit Eye Model.

Eye inflammation is considered one of the most common co-morbidities associated with ocular disorders and surgeries. Conventional management of this condition with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as eye drops is associated with low corneal bioavailability and ocular irritancy. In the current study, we first investigated the capacity of different solvent systems to enhance the solubility of Meloxicam (MLX). Then, we prepared chitosan nanoparticles loaded with meloxicam (MLX-CS-NPs) through electrostatic interaction between the cationic chitosan and the anionic MLX using either 100% v/v polyethylene glycol 400 or 0.25% w/v tripolyphosphate solution as solvents based on the MLX solubility data. In further studies, MLX-CS-NPs were characterized in vitro and assessed for their ex vivo corneal and scleral permeability. The morphology, average particle size (195–597 nm), zeta potential (25–54 mV), and percent entrapment efficiencies (70–96%) of the prepared MLX-CS-NPs were evaluated. The in vitro release study of MLX from the selected MLX-CS-NPs showed a sustained drug release for 72 h with accepted flux and permeation through the cornea and sclera of rabbits. In the in vivo studies, MLX-CS-NPs eye drop dispersion showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and no ocular irritancy compared to MLX-eye drop solution. Our findings suggest the potential for using chitosan nanotechnology for ocular delivery of MLX with high contact time and activity.

Lansium domesticum—A Fruit with Multi-Benefits: Traditional Uses, Phytochemicals, Nutritional Value, and Bioactivities

Lansium domesticum (Langsat, Meliaceae) is a tropical fruit mainly found in Southeast Asian countries, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Traditionally, it is utilized as a folk treatment for eye inflammation, ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, spasms, flatulence, worms, insect bites, scorpion stings, and malaria. Additionally, it is utilized as a mosquito repellent, skin moisturizer and whitening agent. Pharmacological research showed that the plant has a wide array of bioactivities, including antimalarial, antifeedant, anti-aging, wound healing, antioxidant, cytotoxic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, insecticidal, and larvicidal. The most commonly described activities were attributed to the presence of terpenoids and phenolics. Further, some studies reported the preparation of nanoparticles and pharmaceutical formulations from the plant. This review highlights the potential of L. domesticum as herbal medicine. It provides an overview about the reported data on L. domesticum from 1931 to November 2021, including nutritional value, traditional uses, phytoconstituents, and bioactivities, as well as nanoparticles and pharmaceutical formulations.

The potential of Mimosa pudica L as an α- glucosidase inhibitor and antioxidant agent

Background: The putri malu plant (Mimosa pudica L.) is a South American and Central American native widely distributed throughout Indonesia. Indonesians utilise this plant as a herbal treatment to treat various ailments, including insomnia, acute eye inflammation, stone pee, fever, worms, bronchitis, and herpes. Objectives: This plant was studied for its antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water extracts. Method: The aerial part of the plant was extracted with methanol and partitioned with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate to obtain n-hexane (EHMP) dichloromethane (EDMP), ethyl acetate (EEMP), and water (EAMP) extracts. All extracts were analysed for their α-glucosidase inhibitor and antioxidants with the free radical scavenging activity method using DPPH. Results: EAMP showed antidiabetic activity with inhibition of 69.9% at a concentration of 500 ppm, and other extracts showed no α-glucosidase inhibition activity. For antioxidant activity, EDMP, EEMP, and EAMP showed relatively high activity with IC50 consecutively 77.4 ppm, 26.9 ppm, and 81.4 ppm, while EHMP had a reasonably low activity with IC50 635.6 ppm. Conclusion: The study results showed that M. pudica has considerable potential as a source of antidiabetics and natural antioxidants, so it is necessary to isolate secondary metabolites from the species.

Herpetic anterior uveitis following Pfizer\u2013BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine: two case reports

PurposeTo describe two cases of herpetic anterior uveitis after inoculation of the first dose of Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine.MethodsCase 1: a healthy 92-year-old Caucasian woman developed symptomatic unilateral anterior uveitis for 3 days after Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination (Pfizer Inc.). The episode fully resolved with topical and oral antiviral treatment. Case 2: a previously healthy 85-year-old Caucasian woman with left hemicranial signs of herpes zoster infection, associated with herpetic keratouveitis for 3 days after Pfizer–BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. Treatment with topical antibiotics and both oral and topical antiherpetic medication was administered, and she recovered successfully in 5 weeks.ConclusionClinicians should be aware of the possibility of eye inflammation in the form of herpetic reactivation after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.

Evaluation of butyric acid as a potential supportive treatment in anterior uveitis

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of topically administered aqueous sodium butyrate solution in an endotoxin-induced uveitis rat model and compare the results with corticosteroid treatment. Material and methods: Forty female Lewis rats were randomly divided into five groups. Uveitis was induced by a single lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection into each footpad of each LPS+ rat. Group I (naive) received saline injected into the footpad of each rat at a dose of 0.1 mL/each footpad; Group II (LPS+) received saline solution topically. Group III (LPS+ Dex) — an aqueous dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution topically; Group IV (LPS+ But 0.5 mM) — 0.5 mM aqueous sodium butyrate solution topically, Group V (LPS+ But 1 mM) — 1.0 mM aqueous sodium butyrate solution topically. Clinical scoring of inflammation in rat eyes was evaluated before LPS injection and after 24 hours. The iris involvement, posterior synechiae presence, and insight into the eye fundus were clinicallyassessed. A histopathological examination was also performed. The rats were euthanatized 24 hours after LPS injection, and aqueous humor (AqH) was collected from the eyes by anterior chamber puncture. Levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the AqH were determined with commercially available Luminex assays. Results: Development of iris hyperemia associated with miosis and poor visibility of fundus details occurred 24 hours after LPS injection. Compared to the LPS+ group, the clinical scores were strongly suppressed in rats treated with Dexamethasone and moderately diminished in LPS+ But 0.5 mM. These clinical features were not observed in the controls (Group 1 — naive). Data from inflammatory cytokines evaluation indicates no significant differences between the LPS+ group (Group 2) and the LPS+ But groups (Groups 4 and 5). Histopathological examinations suggest that hyperemia, corneal stratification, and lesions were less common in the group of animals treated with BA in a lower concentration. Conclusion: Topical administration of sodium butyrate as a therapeutic agent might alleviate the severity of intraocular inflammation in eyes with uveitis. The effect of sodium butyrate was slight but clinically significant in 0.5 mM dose, so other doses of topically administered sodium butyrate should be considered and evaluated in further research.

Evaluation of post phacoemulsification inflammation in eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome according to phaco parameters via laser flare photometry

BackgroundTo compare the changes in anterior chamber laser flare after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation according to phaco parameters in eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome. MethodsPatients (39 without pseudoexfoliation (PEX), 28 with pseudoexfoliation) who underwent the surgery with the same device (Centurion System, Alcon Laboratories, USA) and same experienced surgeon were divided according to the presence of PEX. Anterior chamber laser flare was assessed using a laser flare meter (Kowa-FM700, Kowa Company, Japan) by the same blinded researcher. ResultsTotal CDE, total U/S time, total torsional amplitude on time, average longitudinal power, average longitudinal power (FP3), equivalent average ultrasonic power (FP3) were higher in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (p<0.05 for each). The linear regression model suggested that presence of pseudoexfoliation and total CDE had a positive-correlation with the difference between postoperative day 1 and preoperative anterior chamber laser flare. There were significant differences in preoperative anterior chamber laser flare and those measured on postoperative days 1 and 30 between two groups (p<0.05). ConclusionsEarly-postoperative anterior chamber laser flare is affected by the phaco parameters and there is a positive correlation between intraoperative phaco parameters and anterior chamber laser flare. Anterior chamber laser flare was significantly higher in eyes with pseudoexfoliation both pre- and postoperatively. Patients with pseudoexfoliation especially with high intraoperative total CDE should be followed carefully for early postoperative inflammation.

Phytochemical Characterization of Rhus coriaria L. Extracts by Headspace Solid-Phase Micro Extraction Gas Chromatography, Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography, and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation.

Rhus coriaria L. (Anacardiaceae), commonly known as sumac, has been used since ancient times for many different applications, and nowadays is used mostly as a spice obtained from its in the Mediterranean and the Middle ground fruits and employed for flavoring and garnishing food, predominantly Eastern regions. Traditionally, sumac has been also used in popular medicine for the treatment of many ailments including hemorrhoids, wound healing, diarrhea, ulcers, and eye inflammation. Sumac drupes are indeed rich in various classes of phytochemicals including organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and others, which are responsible of their powerful antioxidant capacity, from which treatment of many common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer could benefit. In this work we evaluated the influence of fruit ripeness, conservation, and processing. To this aim, a phytochemical characterization of six different samples of Rhus coriaria L. was carried out. Specifically, headspace solid-phase micro extraction gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection, were employed. A total of 263 volatile compounds, including terpene hydrocarbons, acids, and aldehydes, as well as 83 polyphenolic compounds, mainly gallic acid derivatives, were positively identified. All samples showed a significant antioxidant activity by means of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, in line with their polyphenolic content and composition. Such findings set a solid ground to support the utilization of this plant as an attractive target for novel nutraceutical approaches and for drug discovery.