Expression of Progenitor Cell Markers in the Glial-Like Cells of Epiretinal Membranes of Different Origins

Effect of β-hydroxybutyrate on behavioral alterations, molecular and morphological changes in CNS of multiple sclerosis mouse model

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease of central nervous system (CNS). Aging is the most significant risk factor for the progression of MS. Dietary modulation (such as ketogenic diet) and caloric restriction, can increase ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Increased BHB has been reported to prevent or improve age-related disease. The present studies were performed to understand the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of exogenous BHB in cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelinating model. In this study, a continuous 35 days CPZ mouse model with or without BHB was established. The changes of behavior function, pathological hallmarks of CPZ, and intracellular signal pathways in mice were detected by Open feld test, Morris water maze, RT-PCR, immuno-histochemistry, and western blot. The results showed that BHB treatment improved behavioral performance, prevented myelin loss, decreased the activation of astrocyte as well as microglia, and up-regulated the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in both the corpus callosum and hippocampus. Meanwhile, BHB treatment increased the number of MCT1+ cells and APC+ oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, the treatment decreased the expression of HDAC3, PARP1, AIF and TRPA1 which is related to oligodendrocyte (OL) apoptosis in the corpus callosum, accompanied by increased expression of TrkB. This leads to an increased density of doublecortin (DCX)+ neuronal precursor cells and mature NeuN+ neuronal cells in the hippocampus. As a result, BHB treatment effectively promotes the generation of PDGF-Ra+ (oligodendrocyte precursor cells, OPCs), Sox2+ cells and GFAP+ (astrocytes), and decreased the production of GFAP+ TRAP1+ cells, and Oligo2+ TRAP1+ cells in the corpus callosum of mouse brain. Thus, our results demonstrate that BHB treatment efficiently supports OPC differentiation and decreases the OLs apoptosis in CPZ-intoxicated mice, partly by down-regulating the expression of TRPA1 and PARP, which is associated with the inhibition of the p38-MAPK/JNK/JUN pathway and the activation of ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, supporting BHB treatment adjunctive nutritional therapy for the treatment of chronic demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Untangling the Extracellular Matrix of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane: A Path Winding among Structure, Interactomics and Translational Medicine

Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) are fibrocellular sheets of tissue that develop at the vitreoretinal interface. The iERMs consist of cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM) formed by a complex array of structural proteins and a large number of proteins that regulate cell–matrix interaction, matrix deposition and remodelling. Many components of the ECM tend to produce a layered pattern that can influence the tractional properties of the membranes. We applied a bioinformatics approach on a list of proteins previously identified with an MS-based proteomic analysis on samples of iERM to report the interactome of some key proteins. The performed pathway analysis highlights interactions occurring among ECM molecules, their cell receptors and intra- or extracellular proteins that may play a role in matrix biology in this special context. In particular, integrin β1, cathepsin B, epidermal growth factor receptor, protein-glutamine gamma-glutamyltransferase 2 and prolow-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 are key hubs in the outlined protein–protein cross-talks. A section on the biomarkers that can be found in the vitreous humor of patients affected by iERM and that can modulate matrix deposition is also presented. Finally, translational medicine in iERM treatment has been summed up taking stock of the techniques that have been proposed for pharmacologic vitreolysis.

Four-year observation of the changes in corneal endothelium cell density and correlated factors after Implantable Collamer Lens V4c implantation

Background

To evaluate the changes in corneal endothelium cell density (ECD) and the correlated factors after Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) V4c implantation.

Methods

In this retrospective, consecutive study, 48 eyes of 25 patients with myopia who underwent ICL V4c implantation were enrolled. Patients were followed up for at least 4 years, during which manifest refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure, ECD, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), vault and distance from the corneal endothelium to the central ICL (C-ICL) were measured. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to identify variables correlated with changes in ECD, and generalised estimating equation model adjusting within-patient intereye correlations was used to predict changes in ECD.

Results

All surgeries were performed safely with no complications during follow-up (average 52±2.9 months). Safety and efficacy indices were 1.23±0.22 and 1.04±0.16, respectively. No eyes had decreased CDVA, and 67% gained one or more lines. Further, 79% were within ±0.50 D, and 100% were within ±1.0 D of the attempted refraction. Additionally, a 4.03%±2.2% reduction in ECD compared with the preoperative value was observed at the last follow-up visit. Changes in ECD were significantly correlated with vault, C-ICL, change in ACA and change in ACV. Vault was the most significant factor for changes in ECD.

Conclusions

ICL V4c implantation is safe and effective for myopia correction. Anterior segment biometric parameters including the vault, ACA and C-ICL may influence changes in ECD; specifically, the vault plays a major role.

Outcomes of Vitrectomy for Long-Duration Macular Hole

: The present study investigated the functional and anatomical outcomes of idiopathic chronic macular hole (MH) surgery with different surgical approaches related to the chronicity and diameter of the MH. A comparative retrospective study between three groups of patients who underwent vitrectomy for long-duration MH (mean: 13.5 months) was conducted. In the first group of patients (G1 or IP), the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was systematically peeled; in the second group (G2 or IPEP), the ILM and epiretinal membrane (ERM) were peeled; and in the third group (G3 or IF), patients underwent inverted ILM flap technique surgery. Pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuities (pre- and post-op BCVA) were studied. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed to measure the MH minimum and maximum diameter pre-operatively, as well as to confirm its post-op closure and evaluate the integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ). Fifty eyes of 48 patients (33 female and 15 male) were retrospectively evaluated. MH closure rate was 100% in IP group, 66.7% in IPEP, and 95.2% in IF group. All three groups had a statistically significant improvement of BCVA. EZ post-op was restored in 88.2% of the cases from G1, 41.6% from G2, and 23.8% from G3. No statistically significant relationship between the smaller or larger MH diameter and the visual acuity improvement was found. Patients with chronic MH and ERM have worse functional and anatomical outcomes after surgery. Treatment of chronic MHs without ERM results in a better closure rate with either an inverted ILM flap approach or systematic ILM peel.