Lacrimation Research Articles

Development of a Method for Multisensory Stripping Voltammetry in the Analysis of Medical Preparations.

For the effective dosage of newly developed ophthalmic drugs, an assessment of the dynamics of their concentration in lacrimal fluid over time is required. To express the detection and identification of drugs, new methods are needed that must meet numerous requirements, not the least of which are selectivity, speed, the absence of false-negative results, and cost-effectiveness. The possibility of identifying anesthetics (sevoflurane) in lacrimal fluid has been studied using a new electrochemical method of multisensory inversion voltammetry in the electronic tongue and electronic nose format. The measurements were performed on a planar electrode, which is a three-electrode structure. The solution of the test system consisted of 0.05 M KCl, which contained the metal cations Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Co2+, and Hg2+ at a concentration of 5 × 10-5 M. It is shown that this method is effective for the determination of anesthetics, and the dynamics of changes in their concentration over time are examined. This study aimed to research the behavioral pharmacokinetics in the lacrimal fluid of the opioid drug sevoflurane in pediatric ophthalmology using multisensory stripping voltammetry in patients during strabismus correction surgery. The dynamics of changes in their concentrations over time were examined. After the instillation of the anesthetics in patients, their concentrations in the tear fluid remained unchanged within 10 min. The list of organic substances that can be determined by multisensory stripping voltammetry has been extended. The class of organic substances determined by the method of multisensory inversion voltammetry has been expanded.

Daily disposable contact lenses as a platform for ocular drug delivery of cyclosporine A

Ophthalmic drug delivery is an important area of research that aims to improve the efficacy and convenience of treatment for various eye conditions. There are multiple ways in which drugs can be delivered to the eye, including eye drops, ointments, gels, and inserts. The most prevalent way of administering medication to the eye is through eye drops. They are easy to use and can be self-administered by patients. Nonetheless, eye drops have the disadvantage of being prone to removal by tears, which may result in insufficient drug absorption and reduced effectiveness. Irregular use of active substances can exacerbate the disease, resulting in prolonged treatment with questionable efficacy. Soft contact lenses that serve as ophthalmic drug delivery systems (DDS) can become a viable substitute for traditional treatments. These polymeric lenses can be embedded with various active compounds, some of which are not readily soluble in water or physiological fluids. One such drug is Cyclosporine A (CyA), an immunosuppressant with a high molecular weight and hydrophobic properties, chronically used to treat dry eye syndrome (DES). The article discusses the development of a method for modifying Hilafilcon B contact lenses obtained from drugstores with Cyclosporine A (CyA). The drug was administered to the lenses using an immersion technique, and the process parameters were monitored to control drug release efficiency and profile. The drug release was measured in an Artificial Lacrimal Fluid (ALF) buffer, mimicking tear fluid with a pH of 7.9. The stability of CyA in this buffer was assessed. For the parameters used, the best drug application and release profile was achieved by immersing the contact lenses for 24 hours at 25 °C in a CyA solution containing 20 μg/ml of the active substance and adding 5 mg/ml of Vitamin E.

Novel bisdemethoxycurcumin@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution: In vitro formulation appraisal and in vivo prompting rapid corneal wound healing evaluations

A simple and novel phytochemical-based nano-ophthalmic solution was developed for the treatment of eye diseases. This nanoformulation was produced from the mixture of the phytochemicals glycyrrhizin and alpha-glycosyl hesperidin, which serve as the phytonanomaterials that solubilize bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), a promising phytochemical with strong pharmacological activities but with poor water solubility. This novel nanoformulation is a clear solution named as BDMC@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution, which was formulated using a simple preparation process. The BDMC@phytomicelles were characterized by a BDMC encapsulation efficiency of 98.37% ± 2.26%, a small phytomicelle size of 4.06 ± 0.22 nm, and a small polydispersity index of 0.25 ± 0.04. With the optimization of the BDMC@phytomicelles, the apparent solubility of BDMC (i.e., the loading of BDMC in the phytomicelles) in the simulated lacrimal fluid was 3.19 ± 0.02 mg/ml. The BDMC@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution demonstrated a good storage stability. Moreover, it did not cause irritations in rabbit eyes, and it facilitated the excellent corneal permeation of BDMC in mice. The BDMC@phytomicelles demonstrated a marked effect on the in vivo induction of corneal wound healing both in healthy and denervated corneas, as seen in the induction of corneal epithelial wound healing, recovery of corneal sensitivity, and increase in corneal subbasal nerve fiber density. These strong pharmacological activities involve the inhibition of hmgb1 signaling and the induction of VIP signaling. Overall, the BDMC@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution is a novel and promising simple ocular nano-formulation of BDMC with significantly improved in vivo profiles.

Microbial distributions in the conjunctiva and lacrimal sacs of patients with chronic dacryocystitis in a tertiary hospital.

The aim was to clarify the distributions of bacteria in the conjunctival sac and lacrimal sac in patients with chronic dacryocystitis. In total, 297 (322 eyes) chronic dacryocystitis patients who underwent nasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) were included. Conjunctival sac secretions from the affected eye were collected preoperatively, and lacrimal sac retention fluid from the affected side in the same patient was collected intraoperatively. Bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing were performed to determine bacterial distributions. In total, 127 bacterial isolates (49 species) were detected in 123 eyes in the conjunctival group, with a positivity rate of 38.2% (123/322); 85 bacterial isolates (30 species) were detected in 85 eyes in the lacrimal sac group, with a positivity rate of 26.4% (85/322). The positivity rates were significantly different (P = 0.001) between two groups. The gram-negative bacilli proportion in the lacrimal sac group (36/85, 42.4%) was significantly higher than that in the conjunctival sac group (37/127, 29.2%) ( P = 0.047). Positive conjunctival sac secretion culture (123/322) was significantly associated with increased ocular secretion (281/322, 87.3%) (P = 0.002). Among the culture-positive bacteria in the conjunctival sac group and the lacrimal sac group, 30/127, 23.6% and 43/127, 26.7% and 21/85, 24.7% and 20/85, 23.5% were resistant to levofloxacin and tobramycin, respectively. This study illustrated differences in bacterial distributions between conjunctival sac secretions and retained lacrimal sac fluid in chronic dacryocystitis patients, with a higher proportion of gram-negative bacilli in lacrimal sac secretions. The ocular surface flora in chronic dacryocystitis patients is partially resistant to levofloxacin and tobramycin, which need to be considered by ophthalmologists.

Биомаркеры ишемии органа зрения как предикторы ишемического инсульта головного мозга

Purpose. To study biomarkers of ischemia of the organ of vision in patients with acute disorders of the arterial circulation of the retina and optic nerve. Material and methods. We observed 38 patients (38 eyes). The patients were divided into two groups, the first group consisted of 26 patients (26 eyes) with acute circulatory disorders of the optic nerve (anterior ischemic neuropathy), the second group consisted of 12 patients (12 eyes) with acute circulatory disorders of the retina (occlusion of the central artery retina and its branches). The control group consisted of 12 practically healthy individuals. Results. In a biochemical study in patients with anterior ischemic neuropathy (1st group), the level of NSE in the lacrimal fluid was increased compared to the control group and averaged 32.3 ± 0.85 ng/ml, although in the blood serum it remained within the normal range , which reflects the beginning of destructive processes in the nervous tissue. In patients with acute circulatory disorders of the retina (2nd group), the content of NSE in the lacrimal fluid was increased by 1.7 times compared with the control group. Conclusion. The NSE study can be used in a comprehensive examination of patients with acute circulatory disorders of the optic disc and retina as an additional marker of the neurodegenerative process. Since data from traditional methods of research do not always show the degree of damage to the visual pathways, the study of the level of NSE helps to make assumptions about the severity of the disease and predict the outcome. Keywords: visual organ ischemia, occlusion, anterior ischemic neuropathy, central retinal artery, diagnostics, NSE protein

Nutraceutical and Health-Promoting Potential of Lactoferrin, an Iron-Binding Protein in Human and Animal: Current Knowledge.

Lactoferrin is a natural cationic iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family found in bovine milk and other exocrine secretions, including lacrimal fluid, saliva, and bile. Lactoferrin has been investigated for its numerous powerful influences, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-osteoporotic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and other beneficial health effects. Lactoferrin demonstrated several nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potentials and have a significant impact on improving the health of humans and animals. Lactoferrin plays a critical role in keeping the normal physiological homeostasis associated with the development of pathological disorders. The current review highlights the medicinal value, nutraceutical role, therapeutic application, and outstanding favorable health sides of lactoferrin, which would benefit from more exploration of this glycoprotein for the design of effective medicines, drugs, and pharmaceuticals for safeguarding different health issues in animals and humans.

Enhanced and Extended Ophthalmic Drug Delivery by pH-Triggered Drug-Eluting Contact Lenses with Large-Pore Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Drug-eluting contact lenses (DCLs) have attracted considerable attention as potential therapeutic ophthalmic drug delivery devices. In this study, we propose, fabricate, and investigate pH-triggered DCLs that are combined with large-pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (LPMSNs). Compared to reference DCLs, LPMSN-laden DCLs can prolong the residence time of glaucoma drugs in an artificial lacrimal fluid (ALF) environment at pH 7.4. Additionally, LPMSN-laden DCLs do not require drug preloading and are compatible with current contact lens manufacturing processes. LPMSN-laden DCLs soaked at pH 6.5 exhibit better drug loading than reference DCLs due to their specific adsorption. The sustained and extended release of glaucoma drugs by LPMSN-laden DCLs was successfully monitored in ALF, and the drug release mechanism was further explained. We also evaluated the cytotoxicity of LPMSN-laden DCLs, and qualitative and quantitative results showed no cytotoxicity. Our experimental results demonstrate that LPMSNs are excellent nanocarriers that have the potential to be used as safe and stable nanocarriers for the delivery of glaucoma drugs or other drugs. pH-triggered LPMSN-laden DCLs can significantly improve drug loading efficiency and control prolonged drug release, indicating that they have great potential for future biomedical applications.

Comparative analysis of local cytokine profile and corneal regenerator process after LASIK and Femto-LASIK surgery

Introduction. The existing data in the scientific literature on the role of cytokines as a special biological system, a function of which is the local regulation of regeneration, justifies the relevance of research task in this direction.Purpose: to study changes of the cytokines concentration in the lacrimal fluid in patients after excimer laser vision correction with LASIK and Femto-LASIK surgery and its correlation with postoperative patients’ parameters.Methods. The study included 20 patients (40 eyes) with mild myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. The prospective study was carried out in January-August 2022. The patients were divided into 2 groups. In the comparison group (n = 10, 20 eyes) patients underwent LASIK surgery, in the main one (n = 10, 20 eyes) – Femto-LASIK. During the study, the tear fluid was taken and its further biochemical study was carried out to determine the level of cytokines: IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α.Results. In the main group, frequency detection of the cytokine IL-1β that is the main pro-inflammatory agent was 80%. In the comparison group it was detected in 90% of the tear fluid samples. Mean IL-1β values were the highest in the comparison LASIK group. Mean TNF-α scores were the highest in the comparison LASIK group. In the same time, differences of the average values between the main and comparison groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Mean IL-8 values were the highest in the main group who underwent Femto-LASIK surgery.Conclusion. The course of regenerative process in patients after excimer laser vision correction depends on concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-8. Based on this, a higher level of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lacrimal fluid determines the prolongation of pain relief and epithelialization after surgery.

Anatomy, Physiology, and Disorders of the Spectacle, Subspectacular Space, and Its Lacrimal Drainage System in Squamates.

Various squamate species have completely fused eyelids that make up a transparent spectacle. The spectacle is a continuation of the integument that is renewed with each shedding cycle and creates a narrow subspectacular or corneospectacular space that is filled with lacrimal fluid. The latter is considered as the analogue of the conjunctival sac in other vertebrates. Almost all reptiles that have a spectacle lack a nictitating membrane, bursalis muscle, and lacrimal glands. The lacrimal fluid in the subspectacular space is secreted by the Harderian gland. The features of the spectacle and its lacrimal drainage system are an illustration of the enormous variation of the morphological adaptations that are seen in reptiles and one of the most distinguishable traits of snakes and most gecko species. Whereas ocular disease in squamates with a spectacle is infrequently seen in practice, disorders of the spectacle and the subspectacular space are commonly encountered. In order to apply an adequate diagnostic and therapeutic approach for these conditions, a sound knowledge and understanding of the anatomical and physiological peculiarities of the spectacle, subspectacular space, and lacrimal drainage system are fundamental.

Features of the local cytokine profile of patients with bullous keratopathy by using personalized therapy with cellular technologies

Background. Today we have active development of ophthalmic surgery, but the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of bullous keratopathy of the cornea remains insufficiently studied at present.The aim. To study the dynamics of the local cytokine profile in bullous keratopathy by using personalized treatment with suspension of autologous blood mononuclears.Material and methods. Two groups of patients with bullous keratopathy were formed: the main group (30 people, 30 eyes), who received an intrastromal injection of a suspension of autologous blood mononuclears and comparison (28 people, 28 eyes), who received a course of pharmacotherapy. The level of interleukins (IL) – IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, IL-1ß, transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGF-β2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was determined in the lacrimal fluid of the patient’s eye by enzyme immunoassay.Results. All patients before treatment showed an increase of IL-1ß in the lacrimal fluid by 3.3 times, IL-6 – by 4.2 times, TNF-α – by 2.0 times (p < 0.05); an increase in the level of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β2 by 1.1 times (p > ˂ 0.05). In the main group, after treatment, there was a decrease in IL-1ß by 2.0 times, IL-6 – by 2.1 times and TNF-α – by 1.8 times, and an increase in IL-10 by 1.5 times, IL-4 – by 1.9 times, TGF-β2 – by 1.4 times (p < 0.05), persisting for 12 months. There was a short-term decrease of IL-1ß by 1.7 times, IL-6 and TNF-α – by 1.2 times and an increase of IL-10, IL-4, TGF-β2 by 1.2 times (p >< 0.05) in the comparison group which then reached the initial values. Conclusion. There is an imbalance in the system of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in bullous keratopathy in the lacrimal fluid. Injection of autologous mononuclear cells in the stroma of the cornea reduces the severity of the imbalance of the local cytokine system compared to the course of pharmacotherapy. Key words: bullous keratopathy, cellular technologies, autologous mononuclear leukocytes, cytokines>˂ 0.05), persisting for 12 months. There was a short-term decrease of IL-1ß by 1.7 times, IL-6 and TNF-α – by 1.2 times and an increase of IL-10, IL-4, TGF-β2 by 1.2 times (p ˂ 0.05) in the comparison group which then reached the initial values.Conclusion. There is an imbalance in the system of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in bullous keratopathy in the lacrimal fluid. Injection of autologous mononuclear cells in the stroma of the cornea reduces the severity of the imbalance of the local cytokine system compared to the course of pharmacotherapy.

Innovation in the Development of Synthetic and Natural Ocular Drug Delivery Systems for Eye Diseases Treatment: Focusing on Drug-Loaded Ocular Inserts, Contacts, and Intraocular Lenses

Nowadays, ocular drug delivery still remains a challenge, since the conventional dosage forms used for anterior and posterior ocular disease treatments, such as topical, systemic, and intraocular administration methods, present important limitations mainly related to the anatomical complexity of the eye. In particular, the blood-ocular barrier along with the corneal barrier, ocular surface, and lacrimal fluid secretion reduce the availability of the administered active compounds and their efficacy. These limitations have increased the need to develop safe and effective ocular delivery systems able to sustain the drug release in the interested ocular segment over time. In the last few years, thanks to the innovations in the materials and technologies employed, different ocular drug delivery systems have been developed. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the synthetic and natural drug-loaded ocular inserts, contacts, and intraocular lenses that have been recently developed, emphasizing the characteristics that make them promising for future ocular clinical applications.

Features of water-electrolyte component of the tear fluid

Tear production is a complex multi-step process that can be arbitrarily divided into three stages: «primary» secretion by the acinar cells of the main lacrimal glands, formation of «secondary» lacrimal fluid in the ducts of the main lacrimal glands, and «tertiary» modification of the tear composition in the conjunctival sac. This article highlights mechanisms of water and electrolytes secretion in the process of tear fluid production and describes the particularities of distribution of the membrane transport proteins in the lacrimal gland and the ocular surface.

Simultaneous estimation of voriconazole, moxifloxacin, and pirfenidone in rabbit lacrimal matrix using LC-MS/MS: an application to preclinical ocular pharmacokinetics.

Dynamic emergence of microbial keratitis (MK) requires a promising therapeutic arsenal of antifungal and antibacterial agents like voriconazole (VCZ) and moxifloxacin (MOXI), respectively. Parallelly, another paradigm of MK associated with ulcerative wounds cannot be left unnoticed and requires antifibrotic remedy (pirfenidone, PIR) as an authalic antimicrobial to retain the primordial vision. For designing an effective clinical cure, a combination of these three agents is required at a therapeutic dosage regimen. Following the quest, we have developed a simple and sensitive LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for simultaneous quantification of VCZ, MOXI, and PIR in rabbit lacrimal fluid. The method was validated as per US-FDA norms using ketoconazole as an internal standard for linearity, accuracy-precision, matrix effect, dilution integrity, selectivity, and stability. The five minutes chromatographic set-up includes isocratic elution with a C18 column using MeOH (80%, v/v) and ultrapure water containing 0.2% formic acid (20%, v/v), respectively. The MS-based analyte detection was achieved in ESI+ multiple reaction monitoring mode. The sample extraction was performed using the protein precipitation method with minimal sample size. The validated methodology was employed to determine the ocular pharmacokinetics profile of marketed formulations containing VCZ, MOXI, and PIR in rabbit lacrimal matrix.

Нейротрофические факторы у пациентов с первичной открытоугольной глаукомой и возрастной катарактой. Сообщение 3. Глиальный нейротрофический фактор

Purpose. To evaluate content of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the aqueous humor (AH), lacrimal fluid (LF), and blood serum (BS) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and agerelated cataract. Material and methods. A comprehensive examination of a group of patients with POAG in combination with age-related cataract was carried out. As a comparison group, previously examined patients with age-related cataract were taken. The content of GDNF in the LF, AH and BS was studied in all patients. Collection of stimulated LF was performed with a pipette dispenser on the day preceding surgery; the AH and BS were sampled during the phacoemulsification of a cataract. The concentration of GDNF was measured using an enzyme immunoassay. Results. At the early stages of POAG (stages 1–2 according to classification by Mills et al, 2006) there was a significant decrease in the level of GDNF in all studied biological fluids, especially pronounced in the AH and LF – about 2 times (P <0.001); the decrease of GDNF in the BS was less than 20% (P <0.05). In stages 3-4, the GDNF levels consistently increased; the levels of GDNF in the LF and AH remained significantly reduced in comparison with patients without glaucoma. An inverse correlation with the perimetric index VFI was found for the content of GDNF in LF and BS; a direct correlation was found between the GDNF levels in BS and AH. Conclusion. In patients with POAG, a significant decrease of GDNF content in the LF, AH and BS was revealed, especially in the early stages of the disease. In subsequent stages, reduction of GDNF levels in the AH and LF was consistently less significant. With the disease progression, there is a gradual increase in the concentration of GDNF in the AH and LF; nevertheless, the level of GDNF in these fluids remains significantly reduced compared to patients without glaucoma. An inverse correlation with the perimetric index VFI was found for the content of GDNF in LF and BS, as well as a direct correlation of GDNF levels in the BS and AH. Key words: glial-derived neurotrophic factor, primary open-angle glaucoma, age-related cataract, lacrimal fluid, aqueous humor, blood serum.

Polypyrrole enwrapped binary metal oxides nanostructures for in-vitro Dopamine detection from lacrimal fluid

Dopamine (DA) disorder has been associated in pathogenesis of many neuronal dysfunction. So, DA homeostasis is the thumbprint of enduring neuronal health and physiological condition. However, the development of molecular probes that allow in vitro screening of DA with spatiotemporal resolution is a great challenge. For this purpose, we report a synthesis, characterization and application of lanthanum oxide modified iron oxide nanoparticles enwrapped polypyrrole interface (La2O3@Fe2O3/PPy). This newly integrated material has been characterized via Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zeta Potential, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Fe2O3 created passage for electron transportation owing to presence of redox active sites, La2O3 introduction induced massive defects for analyte adsorption and PPy provided stability with enhanced electron shuttling. These synergistic properties eventually amplified the transduction signals leading to the higher electrocatalytic activity for DA oxidation. The designed La2O3@Fe2O3/PPy transducing interface accomplished selective DA sensing and a detection limit was found to be 1.2 nM in the linear bounds of 100 µM to 3.5 mM. In addition, the interface was effectively utilized to detect dopamine from the lacrimal fluid with decent recoveries. We antedate that this design will pave the ways for the in vitro analysis of DA from real samples with desired selectivity and sensitivity.

Contents of chemokines in lacrimal fluid of the patients with diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus with chemokines playing an important pathogenetic role. However, the studies of chemokines in lacrimal fluid of the patients with diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are rarely performed. The aim of the study was to analyze the content of chemokines in lacrimal fluid of patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy and T2DM. When determining the concentration of chemokines in the lacrimal fluid, two clinical groups were formed: the main group of 56 elderly patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy and T2DM, and a control group of 48 age-matched persons with T2DM, however, without diabetic retinopathy. The diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy was performed after comprehensive ophthalmological examination using various modern techniques and applying the criteria of the All-Russian Association of Ophthalmologists “Diabetes mellitus: diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema”. The chemokine levels in the lacrimal fluid were determined in the morning on the MAGPIX device (USA). The changed contents of chemokines was shown in lacrimal fluid of patients with diabetic retinopathy and T2DM, in comparison with patients suffering from T2DM in absence of diabetic retinopathy. In elderly patients with diabetic retinopathy and T2DM, a decreased content of GROα/ CXCL1, RANTES/CCL5 and MIP-1α/CCL3 was revealed in lacrimal fluid, at a statistically significant difference as related to controls. At the same time, the content of GROα/CXCL1 chemokine in lacrimal fluid was decreased most significantly, (38.24±2.57 in the main group versus 13.61±1.74 pg/mL in the comparison group). The level of RANTES/CCL5 decreased to 0.92±0.16 pg/mL versus 1.69±0.18 pg/mL (p < 0.001); MIP-1α/CCL3, to 2.06±0.71pg/mL versus 3.79±0.64 pg/mL, respectively. However, the proportion of chemokines in the lacrimal fluid of patients with diabetic retinopathy and T2DM was significantly inceased in all cases. This finding concerns MCP-1/CCL2, IP-10/CXCL10, and SDF1α/CXCL12. The content of IP-10/CXCL10 in lacrimal fluid increased to maximal values of 38.24±2.57 pg/mL in the patients with diabetic retinopathy and T2DM compared with 13.61±1.74 pg/mL in patients with diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy, MCP-1/CCL2 to 742.34±0.89 pg/mL compared to 633.72±0.64 pg/mL, respectively; SDF1α/ CXCL12, to 264.78±7.82 pg/mL compared to 213.49±6.08 pg/mL. In addition, the interrelations between studied chemokines in patients with diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes mellitus are more pronounced than in comparison group as confirmed by large number of correlations in the main group. The results obtained expand the knowledge on the effects of chemokines in lacrimal fluid upon development of diabetic retinopathy.

Nanogel Development and its Importance in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery System

Background: The current review focuses on ophthalmic nanogels, their applications, their benefits over traditional gels, and the challenges and opportunities of nanogels. The major goal is to investigate ophthalmic nanogels from preparation through characterization and how nanogels are the future of the ophthalmic drug delivery system compared to traditional gels, eye drops, and ointments. Objective: Because of the ophthalmic bioavailability, delivery to the eye is crucial. The lacrimal flu-id in the eye clears the eye surface, and the ocular sight is washed away as a result of this medicine. The limited ocular bioavailability was also due to the different obstacles present. Drug nano-gelling systems are effective in improving ocular bioavailability and corneal permeation time. Nanoparti-cles abound in these nanogels. Various natural polymers, such as Chitosan and Alginate, and syn-thetic polymers, such as PLA and PLGA, can be used to make nanogels. The use of nanotechnology improves medicine bioavailability and penetration in the eye. However, nanotechnology has some limits, such as large-scale manufacturing, restricting medicine doses, and so forth. Conclusion: Nanotechnology offers much clinical potential when it comes to treating eye issues. Although ophthalmic nanogels are suited for effective drug delivery, they must meet several re-quirements. First, the drug component must be encapsulated adequately in a stable polymer com-plex. In ocular drug delivery, nanogels are a preferable option since they can improve patient com-pliance and therapeutic impact. In addition, the nanogel has a faster corneal penetration time and higher bioavailability.

Глиальный нейротрофический фактор у пациентов с возрастной катарактой

Purpose. To study the content of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the aqueous humor (AH), lacrimal fluid (LF), and blood serum (BS) in patients with age-related cataract. Material and methods. The content of GDNF in the LF, AH and BS was studied in 47 patients (47 eyes) with age-related cataract. Collection of stimulated LF was performed with a pipette on the day preceding surgery; the AH and BS were sampled during the phacoemulsification of a cataract. The concentration of GDNF was measured using an enzyme immunoassay. Results. The concentration of GDNF in the AH was 88.9±46.9 (2.0–212.5) pg/ml, in the BS – 201.1±44.6 (103.2–287.2) pg/ml, in the LF – 343.6±133.7 (172.8– 683.0) pg/ml. The levels of GDNF in the studied biological fluids did not show any significant correlations with each other. Conclusion. In patients with age-related cataract, the level of GDNF in the AH was relatively low: the concentration of GDNF in the AH was more than 2 times lower than in the BS and almost 4 times lower than in the LF. No significant correlations were found between the concentrations of GDNF in LF, AH and BS. Key words: glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, lacrimal fluid, aqueous humor, blood serum, age-related cataract

Ciclosporin use for prevention of pterygium recurrence

BACKGROUND: Despite the development of new methods for treatment of pterygium, the frequency of its recurrence ranges from 5 to 89%.
 AIM: Was to evaluate the effectiveness of ciclosporin for prevention of pterygium recurrence.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under follow-up, there were 104 patients operated for pterygium, of which 26 had a high risk of recurrence, they were divided into 2 groups: the 1st group 13 patients received 0.05% ciclosporin in addition to basic therapy; the 2nd group 13 patients receiving only basic therapy. Patients of studied groups were under dynamic observation for 1 year.
 RESULTS: After 3 months, all patients of the 1st group showed normalization of the osmolarity of the lacrimal fluid (OLF) and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI). In patients of the 2nd group, elevated values of OLF and OSDI remained characterizing the persistence of an inflammatory reaction signs and a high risk of the disease recurrence, as well as the formation of a hypertrophic scar in 38.5% of cases. In one year after surgery, 3 patients of group 2 had a recurrent pterygium, which required surgical retreatment.
 CONCLUSIONS: We obtained results showing a positive effect of ciclosporin use on dynamics of inflammatory reactions of the ocular surface in postoperative period, which made it possible to prevent pterygium recurrence after its surgical treatment in patients with high risk of recurrence.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in blood serum and lacrimal fluid of patients with a current depressive episode

BackgroundMany studies indicate a significant role of GDNF in the pathogenesis of the mood disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Potentially, neurotrophic factors in lacrimal fluid (LF) could become biomarkers of various specific disorders. The aim of this study was to assess GDNF levels in LF and blood serum (BS) of patients with a current depressive episode (cDE). MethodsWe studied the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) concentration in the LF and BS of 39 healthy controls and 137 patients with a current depressive episode (cDE) (both subgroups members were 20–49 years): BD – 46 patients, MDD – 91 patients. ResultsGDNF concentration in BS of women with MDD was significantly lower than in men. In BD patients, univariate linear regression analysis revealed significant correlations between GDNF concentration in the LF and the use of anxiolytics or antidepressants. These correlations were confirmed by the multivariate linear regression analysis. A significant correlation between GDNF concentrations in the LF and BS was found in controls. LimitationsThe unequal proportion of men in the BD group did not permit adjusting GDNF concentrations for sex. The collected LF was stimulated, which could influence GDNF levels. It should also be noted that the patients included in the study were not treatment- naïve. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that GDNF concentration in LF could be a biomarker of the cDE (both unipolar and bipolar), though the sensitivity of this potential biomarker may be lower in depressive patients with anxiety symptoms.