Orbital Fat Tissue Research Articles

Proteome Expression Signatures: Differences between Orbital and Subcutaneous Abdominal Adipose Tissues.

Differences between orbital and subcutaneous abdominal fat in the same patient have been noted but not formally investigated, previously. The objective of this research was to compare the differential expression of protein profiles in subcutaneous abdominal and orbital adipose tissues. In this cross-sectional, observational study, orbital fat tissue was sampled from 10 patients who underwent blepharoplasty and agreed to provide a small sample of subcutaneous abdominal fat. Shotgun mass spectrometry was performed on the extracted proteome. Data were analyzed using protein appearance patterns, differential expression and statistical enrichment. Protein analysis revealed significant differences in proteomics and differential expression between the orbital and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissues, which presented five proteins that were uniquely expressed in the orbital fat and 18 in the subcutaneous abdominal fat. Gene Ontology analysis identified significantly different cellular processes and components related to the extracellular matrix or basement membrane components. This analysis shows the differences between orbital and subcutaneous abdominal fat found in proteomics differential expression, uniquely expressed proteins, and cellular processes. Further research is needed to correlate specific proteins and cellular processes to the mechanism of fat accumulation and obesity.

Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Prostaglandin Analog Treatment on Orbital Structures in Open-Angle Glaucoma with Computed Tomography

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) scans of glaucoma patients using prostaglandin analogs (PGA) in one eye, investigate findings associated with prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP), and compare these findings with those of the contralateral eyes. Methods: Patients with open-angle glaucoma who had CT images of the orbital region taken for another reason at least one month after starting PGA treatment in one eye were included in the study. Enophthalmos measurements from thin-slice CT images, along with 3D volume measurements of orbital fat tissue, periorbital muscles, and the optic nerve, were performed. Ophthalmological examination findings and treatment information were collected. The values were compared with those of the contralateral eyes of the same patients not using PGA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed to evaluate measurement repeatability. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. Among them, 29 (72.5%) used latanoprost, 9 (22.5%) used bimatoprost, and 2 (5%) used travoprost. The mean enophthalmos values on the treated side (15.5 ± 2.0 mm) were lower than on the untreated side (16.1 ± 1.4 mm), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). In 29 patients (72.5%), enophthalmos measurements were smaller on the treated side, with 7 patients (17.5%) showing a difference of 2 mm or more. No significant correlation was found between the duration of PGA use and enophthalmos measurements (p = 0.768 r = −0.048). Additionally, no significant differences were found in orbital fat volume, total extraocular muscle volume, and optic nerve volume (p > 0.05). ICC values demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.75) for all measurements. Conclusions: We did not find significant differences in enophthalmos measurements, orbital fat volume, total muscle volume, and optic nerve volume between the PGA-treated and untreated eyes.

Approach to the Management of Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Grave’s orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the extraocular muscles, orbital fat and periocular tissues. As the most common orbital disease worldwide, its prevalence is estimated to be between 0.5–2% and it disproportionately affects females 4:1. Although the majority of TED cases occur in patients with Graves’ disease (80–90%), it can also be seen with patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (10%), euthyroid individuals (5–10%) and thyroid cancer. At the time of initial Graves’ disease diagnosis, 25% of patients have clinically detectable orbital involvement that is often mild. The natural history of TED typically consists of an initial active inflammatory period lasting 6–36 months, which then plateaus and is followed by a quiescent fibrotic phase with stabilization of disease.

LBSAT238 Teprotumumab Reduces Orbital Fat And Muscle Volume In Patients With Thyroid Eye Disease

Abstract Teprotumumab, a novel IGF-1R antibody has been shown to reduce proptosis in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) in 2 randomized controlled trials. At present, it is unclear whether the reduction in proptosis is related to a decrease in extraocular muscle or orbital fat tissue. In this prospective longitudinal study, we reviewed the changes to orbital fat and muscle, and compared them, in consecutive patients with TED, who had completed treatment with teprotumumab (8 infusions). The primary outcome was change in orbital fat and muscle volume within 6 weeks of starting and completing therapy. Secondary outcome measures included change in proptosis and the clinical activity score (CAS). All patients had either CT or MRI with ≤ 1 mm slice thickness. Three-dimensional volumetric analysis of the orbital fat and muscle volume was performed using the previously validated 3D image analysis software, MIMICS (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Hounsfield units of fat and muscle were defined manually. All extraocular muscle tissue and fat between the orbital septum (eyelid) and the orbital outlet of the optic canal was included. A 3D model created by voxel addition was expressed in millimeters cubed. Segmentation and measurements were performed independently by two graders to review repeatability and observer variability. In line with previous clinical trials, the orbit with the most proptosis was defined as the study orbit and the contralateral orbit was designated the fellow orbit. Twenty-one patients (15 females and 6 males) met the inclusion criteria. Mean (SD) age was 55 (16), while mean (SD) duration of TED was 71 (46) months. There was a reduction of 3 mm in both; study and fellow orbits following treatment (p < 0. 01 for both). Compared to baseline, there was a mean (SD) CAS reduction of 4 (1) in the study orbit and 2.4 (1.1) in the fellow orbit (p < 0. 01 for both). Following therapy, mean (SD) reduction in muscle tissue was 1691 mm3 (1358) in the study orbit and 1714 mm3 (1927) in the fellow orbit (p < 0. 01 when compared to baseline for each). The mean (SD) reduction of fat volume was 1382 mm3 (1318) in the study orbit and 933 mm3 (1699) in the fellow orbit (p < 0. 01 when compared to baseline for each). There was no difference between fat and muscle reduction for the study orbit (p = 0.4) or fellow orbit (p = 0.2). There was a significant correlation between a reduction in proptosis and reduction in orbital soft tissue (fat and muscle) volume. The results of this study suggest that following treatment with teprotumumab, there is a significant decrease in orbital fat and muscle volume. This reduction in soft tissue volume likely drives the reduction in proptosis. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Microbiome in orbital fat under thyroid associated ophthalmopathy

Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) manifests as orbital adipose hyperplasia, leading to high intraocular pressure, severe pain, and blindness. The underlying factors that trigger the abnormal immune process in TAO remain unknown. Here, we aim to test the hypothesis thata microbiome exists in TAO adipose tissue and are associated with TAO. We combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Tyramide signal amplification-fluorescence in situ hybridization of the orbital fat samples (size of 1 ​cm∗1 ​cm∗0.5 ​cm) from 36 with TAO ophthalmic patients, including 36 with TAO and 38 non-TAO ophthalmic patients as controls. We also collected environmental samples to perform decontamination using source-tracking algorithms. Bacterial staining signals were observed in both TAO and control sections. 6.2% of the bacterial community from orbital fat passed stringent decontamination against environmental samples. We identified four microbiome types in orbital fat, one of which was exclusive to TAO patients. Similarly, we found a higher proportion of Pseudomonas in TAO, but a lower proportion of Enhydrobacter. Flavobacterium was positively correlated with chemosis. For the first time, we provide evidence for the presence of bacteria in orbital fat tissue which are associated with TAO. Whether this orbital fat microbiome plays a causal role in the pathogenesis and manifestation of TAO requires further investigation.

A Case of Choroidal Folds in a Patient with Immunoglobulin G4-related Ophthalmic Disease

Purpose: To report a case of choroidal folds caused by enlargement of the extraocular muscles (EOM) and orbital fat in a patient with immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related ophthalmic disease. A full recovery was achieved after steroid administration.Case summary: A 56-year-old male received intravenous high-dose steroids to treat IgG4-related ophthalmic disease presenting with bilateral eyelid edema, hypertrophy of all EOM, and mild exophthalmos. After 3 months, only slight improvement was observed and azathioprine was initiated. The patient exhibited only a minimal response over the next 2 months; all medications were therefore stopped. One month later, the patient presented with aggravation of the swelling (both eyelids), exophthalmos, and visual impairment of the left eye. The corrected vision was 1.0 in the right eye and 0.2 in the left eye; choroid folds were observed in the posterior pole of the left eye. Intravenous steroid (500 mg) was given once and oral steroids prescribed as maintenance therapy. After 2 weeks, the corrected visual acuity recovered to 1.0 in both eyes, the eyelid edema and exophthalmos improved and the choroidal folds resolved completely.Conclusions: Choroidal folds associated with enlargement of EOM and orbital fat tissue can cause visual impairment in patients with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease. Steroids are effective in the acute phases and prevent irreversible visual impairment.

Bone dehiscences of medial orbital wall on computed tomography and assessment of terminological errors in literature.

The objective of this study is to investigate the position and frequency of dehiscences in the medial orbital wall and to reveal that dehiscences and orbital adipose tissue hernias are distinct entities. Two hundred-thirty medial orbital walls of 115 patients with a preliminary diagnosis of headache and sinusitis but without active ethmoidal sinusitis were examined by computer tomography in the axial plane. Two separate radiologists assessed continuity of the medial orbital wall and orbital fat tissue herniation in ethmoid cells. The medial orbital wall was divided into four quadrants and the dehiscence distribution was evaluated. Bone defects were detected in 71 (30.9%) patients in 230 orbital medial wall reviews of 115 patients (59 males, 56 females). Eight (3.5%) of these cases (4 male, 4 female) had herniation of the orbital adipose tissue into the ethmoid sinus. Of the 108 dehiscences, 47 were localised in the posterior upper quadrant. A statistically significant difference was found in the dehiscence distribution according to the quadrants. No significant relationship was found among age, gender, side of dehiscence and frequency of dehiscence. Dehiscences in the posterior upper quadrant are more common in the medial orbital wall. Although bone dehiscences in the medial orbital wall and the herniation of the orbital fat tissue are two different entities, they are used interchangeably in most of the literature and in radiological reporting.

An Early Wave of Macrophage Infiltration Intertwined with Antigen-Specific Proinflammatory T Cells and Browning of Adipose Tissue Characterizes the Onset of Orbital Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Graves' Orbitopathy.

Background: Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune-driven manifestation of Graves' disease (GD) where pathogenic autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) activate orbital fibroblasts/preadipocytes in the orbital tissue to induce inflammation and extracellular matrix deposition. Since there are significant limitations to study immunological and proinflammatory mediator expression in early and during disease progression in GO patients, we used our experimental mouse model to elucidate early pathogenic processes. Methods: We have developed a robust mouse model of GD/GO induced by electroporation immunization of plasmid encoding human TSHR A-subunit, comprising multiple injections over a course of 15 weeks to fully recapitulate the orbital pathology. In this study, we investigated kinetics of GO development in the model by serial analyses of immunological and cellular parameters during course of orbital inflammation. Results: Pathogenic anti-TSHR antibodies with thyroid-stimulating properties developed early after the second immunization step with concomitant induction of hyperthyroidism. Examination of orbital tissue showed an early wave of macrophage infiltration followed subsequently by CD3+ T cells into the orbital tissue. Examination of antigen-specific T cell activity using recombinant human A-subunit protein showed high CD8+ T cell proliferation during this early phase of disease onset, whereas effector CD4+ T cells and CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were downregulated. The early phase of disease was also characterized by abundant presence of proinflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Moreover, as the disease progressed, there was significant increase in browning of orbital fat tissue, which may be dependent on the proinflammatory milieu and/or the increased thyroid hormone levels during the established hyperthyroid status. Conclusions: This work revealed early infiltration of macrophages in the orbital region and induction of pathogenic anti-TSHR antibodies during disease onset in the model. This was followed subsequently by influx of CD8+ T cells specific for TSHR coupled with reduction in Tregs and substantial increase in brown adipose tissue. These new insights into the development of orbital inflammation in the model have implications for testing new therapeutic regimens by targeting macrophage function during early phases of orbital inflammation in the model.

The relationship between ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat herniation.

The aims of this study are to determine the incidence and more frequent localizations of orbital fat tissue herniation accompanying dehiscences in the medial orbital wall and to investigate the relationship between orbital fat tissue herniations and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina. One thousand two hundred patients who had undergone computed tomography with a preliminary diagnosis of sinusitis and who had no previous facial, orbital, paranasal sinus surgeries or history of trauma were retrospectively analyzed. The localization of the ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat tissue herniations were marked. In patients with orbital fat tissue herniation, the relationship between the localization of orbital fat tissue herniation and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina was investigated. The incidence of orbital adipose tissue herniation in our study was 7.9%. Of the 98 herniations on the bilateral medial orbital wall, 60 were in zone 3, and the most common herniation site was zone 3. A statistically significant difference was noted between the localization zone of the anterior ethmoidal foramen and the localization zones of orbital fat tissue herniations (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). Zone 3 is the weakest area of the medial orbital wall, and zone 3 is the most prone to herniation of fat tissue. The association of orbital fat tissue herniations with the anterior ethmoidal foramen is extremely common. Being cognizant of this finding may help a surgeon better estimate the anatomical view to be met before functional endoscopic sinus surgery as well as to minimize the risk of possible orbital complications, especially anterior ethmoidal artery injury.

Corneal Invasion by Basal Cell Carcinoma.

CASE PRESENTATION A 68-year-old man suffered with a basal cell carcinoma of the right lower eyelid, with features of the morpheaform and nodular types, treated by report with clear margins on Mohs resection and primary closure. Nine years later, an invasive recurrence involved the lateral canthus and lacrimal gland, producing restrictive strabismus. There was no radiographic evidence of orbital invasion. A Mohs resection, clearing the skin and conjunctiva, resulted in an 80% upper and 90% lower eyelid defect, exposing the anterior zygoma and the lateral 180° conjunctival defect (Fig. 1A). However, the region of the lacrimal gland was not cleared by Mohs surgery, and at the time of reconstruction, an intraoperative frozen section of the lacrimal gland demonstrated myoepithelial cells concerning for malignancy, prompting complete resection of the gland. The surrounding orbital fat and soft tissue were histologically clear of tumor. The lower eyelid was reconstructed with a hard palate graft and a myocutaneous advancement cheek flap anchored to the orbital rim. The upper eyelid was reconstructed with advancement of the remnant levator aponeurosis, Müller muscle, and conjunctiva, surfaced with a postauricular skin graft. Postoperatively, a PROSE lens (BostonSight, Boston, MA) was employed to maintain corneal integrity. One year later, the patient developed a second recurrence, treated with vismodegib, which produced clinical and radiographic tumor control but drug intolerance prompted its discontinuation. Eight months later, a third recurrence required re-excision of the tumor, which involved the lateral conjunctiva and extended to the anterior orbit. The area was repaired with a buccal mucosal graft. Globe preservation precluded achieving tumor-free margins. Postoperatively, the patient received 6 cycles of cemiplimab, which failed to suspend tumor progression. He was subsequently treated with sonidegib for a total of 11 months, which also failed to control the tumor, producing a palpable mass in the lower lid, cicatricial ectropion, and an adduction deficit (Fig. 1B). Neuroimaging demonstrated soft-tissue hyperintensity indicative of persistent tumor of the eyelid (lateral canthal infiltration indicated by the arrow) also involving the globe (Fig. 1C). The patient ultimately underwent orbital exenteration. Final pathology revealed invasive basal cell carcinoma, with corneal infiltration (Fig. 1D, E).FIG. 1.: Mohs resection of the initial recurrence of basal cell carcinoma resulted in an 80% upper eyelid defect and 90% lower eyelid defect (A). Following subsequent recurrences and prior to exenteration, a palpable mass was evident in the lower eyelid causing a cicatricial ectropion (B). Neuroimaging revealed lateral canthal infiltration of tumor, as indicated by the arrow (C). Histopathology of the exenteration specimen demonstrated basal cell carcinoma invading the corneal surface (hematoxylin and eosin stain 60× and 600×) (D, E).

Detection of Intraorbital Foreign Bodies Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography

ABSTRACT Purpose We analyze the detectability of intraorbital foreign bodies (OrbFBs) of various types and sizes using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging using a three-Tesla machine (MRI 3 T). Methods An ex vivo model of sheep eyes with preserved extraocular muscles and orbital fat tissue placed in the orbital cavity of the human skull was created for this study. Foreign bodies made of four different materials – plastic, bottle glass, stone and wood – each in three different sizes (large, intermediate and small) were inserted into the soft tissue of the orbit in the extraocular space. Each orbit was scanned by CT and MRI. Images were analyzed by a senior radiologist and underwent masked review by three oculoplastic surgeons. Results Analysis of MRI and CT scans identified distinguishing characteristics for each of the four materials. This information was further integrated into a clinical algorithm. CT allowed easier identification of most of the embedded materials compared to MRI. Smaller OrbFB size was associated with lower detectability. Review of CT yielded 94.4% agreement between oculoplastic specialists in detecting OrbFbs using CT scans and allowed detection of most OrbFBs. In contrast, the overall agreement with MRI was lower: 66.7% with T1 MPRAGE, 50% with T1TSE, 88.9% with T2 TSE and 72.2% with T2 TSE FS. Plastic was the most difficult material to detect in all size categories. Conclusions CT offers a clear advantage over MRI for detecting and localizing nonmetallic OrbFBs of all sizes, except for plastic. Plastic OrbFBs can be detected with CT depending on size but are more visible in MRI scans.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR DIAGNOSING GRAVES OPHTALMOPATHY

Graves ophtalmopathy (GO), thyroid eye disease (TED) and thyroid - associated orbitopathy (TAO) are terms referring to an autoimmune inflammatory process that affects the adipogenesis of orbital fat and periorbital tissue, associated with dysthyroidism. On imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) thyroid -associated orbitopathy (or thyroid -associated ophtalmopathy) is characterised by symmetrical and bilateral proptosis, secondary to extra-ocular muscle (EOM) enlargement and expansion of orbital fat. Imaging studies ca be useful in identifying patients risk to develop dysthyroid optic neuropathy and initiating early treatment of the condition, avoiding permanent visual loss. The purpose of this study was to reveal the prevalence of thyroid ophtalmopathy imaging considerations in Graves disease patients. A total of 19 patients were evaluated on computed tomography scanning the diameters and density of extra-ocular muscles, muscular index, proptosis, width of the optic nerve, width of superior ophthalmic vein and lacrimal gland position.

Safety of 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging on iStent Implants: An Ex-Vivo Study.

Our study shows that iStent implant does not cause significant image artifacts, heating, or displacement during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This device can be safely used in patients undergoing MRI scans using 3 Tesla (3T) machines. The iStent is a medical grade titanium implant commonly implanted in the anterior chamber angle of glaucomatous eyes in order to reduce intraocular pressure and medication burden. As many people now have these devices implanted in their eyes, the issue of their compatibility with MRI in terms of safety and interference with interpretation of these studies commonly arises. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of 3T MRI scans in eyes that have undergone iStent implantation and to assess the interference of the implant to the scan interpretation. An ex vivo model of sheep eye with an iStent and proximately placed heat detector probe was used to study changes in the temperature during MRI 3T scan. The study included 2 fresh eyes with preserved extraocular muscles and orbital fat tissue placed in the orbital cavity of a human skull. Each eye with orbital content was scanned with a 3T MRI machine. No displacement of the implant was observed during MRI scanning. The heat detector showed mild temperature elevation during the first minutes of the scan from 14.6 to 16.5°C. The iStent was best visualized in T2 turbo spin echo sequences and showed no significant artifacts. iStent implants did not move during the MRI scan, showed minimal interaction with the magnetic field in terms of heating and image distortion. These interactions were not strong enough to present a substantial risk to patients with this implant undergoing an MRI scan.

Unilateral Periorbital Oedema with Hypothyroidism and Multinodular Goiter

Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy is an autoimmune disorder which involves orbital and periorbital tissue. The immune-mediated inflammation of the orbital tissues can involve extraocular muscles, orbital connective tissue or orbital fat and periocular soft tissues. Bilateral involvement of thyroid associated orbitopathy is usually asymmetric, but unilateral thyroid associated orbitopathy has been less reported. Periorbital oedema as the only sign with hypothyroidism is uncommon and if present, it is more frequent bilaterally present and no cases are evidenced as unilateral. Pitting oedema in hypothyroidism is rare and can be due to increased capillary permeability, decreased adrenergic tone and increase in serotonin metabolism. Unilateral periorbital and eyelid oedema can associate with various clinical entities, multidisciplinary team is necessary to exclude the concomitant disease, so the patient can immediately be treated with proper therapy. We represent the case of unusually unilateral recurrent periorbital oedema in the period of time for 3 years with stabilized primary hypothyroidism and multinodular goitre.

The relationship between ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat herniation.

The aims of this study are to determine the incidence and more frequent localizations of orbital fat tissue herniation accompanying dehiscences in the medial orbital wall and to investigate the relationship between orbital fat tissue herniations and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina. One thousand two hundred patients who had undergone computed tomography with a preliminary diagnosis of sinusitis and who had no previous facial, orbital, paranasal sinus surgeries or history of trauma were retrospectively analyzed. The localization of the ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat tissue herniations were marked. In patients with orbital fat tissue herniation, the relationship between the localization of orbital fat tissue herniation and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina was investigated. The incidence of orbital adipose tissue herniation in our study was 7.9%. Of the 98 herniations on the bilateral medial orbital wall, 60 were in zone 3, and the most common herniation site was zone 3. A statistically significant difference was noted between the localization zone of the anterior ethmoidal foramen and the localization zones of orbital fat tissue herniations (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). Zone 3 is the weakest area of the medial orbital wall, and zone 3 is the most prone to herniation of fat tissue. The association of orbital fat tissue herniations with the anterior ethmoidal foramen is extremely common. Being cognizant of this finding may help a surgeon better estimate the anatomical view to be met before functional endoscopic sinus surgery as well as to minimize the risk of possible orbital complications, especially anterior ethmoidal artery injury.

Teprotumumab reduces extraocular muscle and orbital fat volume in thyroid eye disease

PurposeThyroid eye disease (TED) is a progressive, debilitating and potentially vision-threatening autoimmune disease. Teprotumumab, a novel human monoclonal antibody, has been shown to reverse the clinical manifestations of TED. Patients...

Analysis of Periorbital Soft Tissue in Thyroid Eye Disease

To investigate periorbital tissue enlargement in thyroid eye disease (TED) by 3-dimensional CT volumetric analysis. Twenty-four adult subjects, 16 with TED and 8 controls, were studied. Three-dimensional volumetric calculations were performed on CT imaging of the orbit and face, focusing on the retroorbicularis oculi fat, suborbicularis oculi fat, facial muscles in periorbital region, orbital fat, extraocular muscles, and orbital volume. Analysis was performed using JMP version 12 software. Each measure was compared between the TED and control groups using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Correlations were investigated between periorbital and orbital tissue using the Spearman's correlation coefficient method. A statistically significant increase in volume was measured in TED patients in the superior and inferior periorbital fat tissue (p = 0.0044, p = 0.047), including the retroorbicularis oculi fat (p = 0.0011), suborbicularis oculi fat (p = 0.0093), and a decrease in facial muscle of superior periorbital region (p = 0.035). Strong positive correlation was noted between the muscles of superior and inferior periorbital region (rs = 0.65; p = 0.0006), and between the suborbicularis oculi fat and retroorbicularis oculi fat (rs = 0.50; p = 0.013). No correlation was observed between orbital and periorbital tissue, except between the orbital fat and the inferior periorbital fat tissue (p = 0.047). Facial fat in the periorbital region is enlarged in TED, with the superior component correlating with orbital fat tissue expansion. These findings may assist in the clinical evaluation and management of disfigurement in TED patients.Superior and inferior periorbital fat is enlarged in thyroid eye disease with the superior periorbital fat expansion correlating with orbital fat expansion.

MicroRNA-27 inhibits adipogenic differentiation in orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' orbitopathy.

BackgroundTo investigate the role of microRNA (miR)-27a and miR-27b in adipogenesis in an in vitro model of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO).MethodsOrbital fat tissues were harvested from GO and non-GO participants for primary orbital fibroblast cultures. The expression levels of miR-27a and miR-27b between GO and non-GO orbital fat tissues were compared. During adipogenesis of GO orbital fibroblasts, the expression levels of miR-27a and miR-27b were determined, and the effects of mimics of miR-27a and miR-27b transfection on adipogenesis of GO orbital fibroblast were investigated.ResultsReal time-polymerase chain reaction showed significantly more decreases in miR-27a and miR-27b levels in orbital fat tissues in GO participants than in non-GO participants (p < 0.05). The expression of both miR-27a and miR-27b was highest in orbital fibroblasts at day 0 and declined gradually after the induction of adipogenic differentiation. The expression levels of PPARγ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α and C/EBPβ were decreased and Oil Red O-stained lipid droplets were lower in GO orbital fibroblasts transfected with miR-27a and miR-27b mimics than in negative controls.ConclusionsOur results indicated that miR-27a and miR-27b inhibited adipogenesis in orbital fibroblasts from GO patients. Further studies are required to examine the potential of miR-27a and miR-27b as targets for therapeutic strategies.

The natural course of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease after debulking surgery: a single-centre retrospective study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the natural course and relapse rate of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) after debulking surgery in Japanese patients.Methods and analysisThis retrospective review included patients with IgG4-ROD...

Real-time ultrasound elastographic evaluation of extraocular muscle involvement in Graves’ ophthalmopathy

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate the affected extraocular muscles (EOMs) of patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) using real-time ultrasound elastography (UE) and to compare these results with those of healthy subjects.Methods: This prospective, comparative case series included 70 eyes of 35 patients with moderate-to-severe GO with type 2 orbitopathy (myogenic variant) according to their computed tomography (CT) scans. Forty-six eyes of 23 healthy subjects were evaluated as the control group. The strain ratio of orbital fat to medial rectus was calculated as the ratio of the medial rectus to orbital fat tissue, and the strain ratio of orbital fat to lateral rectus was calculated as the ratio of lateral rectus to orbital fat tissue.Results: The strain ratio of orbital fat to medial rectus was 3.03 ± 1.25 (range: 1.05–5.07) in the GO group, and 0.54 ± 0.20 (range: 0.14–1.08) in the control group (p = .0001). The strain ratio of orbital fat to lateral rectus was 0.97 ± 0.29 (range: 0.56–1.55) in the GO group, and 0.63 ± 0.23 (range: 0.18–1.09) in the control group (p = .0001).Conclusion: By using real-time UE, we found the medial and the lateral recti of GO patients to be stiffer compared to those of healthy subjects.