Effect of prophylactic anti-VEGF injections on the prevention of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage in PDR patients after PRP

Identification of Key Nucleotide Metabolism Genes in Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Verification

A dysregulated nucleotide metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). RNA sequencing datasets, GSE102485, GSE60436, and GSE165784, were downloaded from the GEO database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the DR and controls overlapped with nucleotide metabolism-related genes (NM-RGs), resulting in the differentially expressed NM-RGs (DE-NMRGs). Next, the core genes were identified by the five algorithms of the CytoHubba plugin. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and gene expression analysis were utilized to confirm the biomarkers. Then, the correlations between biomarker expression and the immune-related module were analyzed. The miRNA and transcription factor (TF) predictions, biomarker-targeting drugs, and molecular docking were implemented separately. The interaction between each subcluster of DR was elucidated through single-cell RNA (scRNA) analysis. Moreover, RT-PCR was applied to verify the expression of the biomarkers. In GSE102485, 48 DE-NMRGs were identified via the intersection of 1359 DEGs and 882 NM-RGs. Using the CytoHubba plugin, HMOX1, TLR4, and ACE were selected as core genes. As per the GSVA result, the interferon alpha response, IL6_JAK_STAT3 signaling, and apoptosis were activated in the DR group. The TF prediction identified TLR4 and HMOX1 as potential target genes of USF2. In conclusion, ACE and HMOX1 were possible diagnostic biomarkers related to nucleotide metabolism in DR.

The progress of assessment methods and treatments of neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal vein occlusion

Neovascular glaucoma is a condition that results from central retinal vein occlusion and often leads to blindness. Accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment are crucial for patients. However, there is currently no uniform and clear standard to differentiate between ischemic and non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. Also, the assessment of neovascular glaucoma progression is uncertain. Meanwhile, although pan-retinal photocoagulation is a standard treatment to prevent the onset of neovascular glaucoma, its actual efficacy and the timing of intervention remain highly controversial. It is still challenging to balance the risks of side effects in the visual field against the uncertain effectiveness of the treatment. This paper delves into the pathogenesis of neovascular glaucoma to understand the development of therapeutic approaches. By taking into account various assessment criteria of central retinal vein occlusion and neovascular glaucoma over the years, combining functional tests and morphological tests provides the most accurate and rigorous solution. The age of patients, the extent, location, and duration of retinal ischemia are the primary factors that affect the severity and extent of ischemic central retinal vein occlusion and induce serious complications. From the perspective of prevention and treatment, the ischemic index is closely related to the development of neovascularization. The paper provides essential insights into the mechanism, efficacy, complications, and optimal timing of pan-retinal photocoagulation. Comparing the treatment effects of pan-retinal photocoagulation and intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, we suggest a combination of both treatments to explore effective treatment with fewer side effects in the long term. This article details the debate on the above issues and explores ideas for the clinical diagnosis and preventive treatment of neovascular glaucoma that results from ischemic central retinal vein occlusion.

Diabetic Retinopathy – Diagnostics and Treatment Guidelines

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and represents a serious health, social and economic problem. With the expected increase in the number of patients with diabetes, it is becoming the leading cause of severe vision loss in the working-age population.  The presented guidelines summarize the current knowledge about this disease in order to standardize and update the procedures for the diagnosis, classification and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.