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Gold FE, Yadollahikhales M, Dersu II. National Utilization of Glaucoma Laser and Surgical Management in Medicare Beneficiaries: Disparities and Accessibility. J Glaucoma 2023; 32:1038-1043. [PMID: 37406298 PMCID: PMC10681285 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000002258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
PRCIS In this population-based, cross-sectional study of Medicare beneficiaries, there were lower odds of national glaucoma surgery among ages older than 85, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, and diabetic comorbidity. Glaucoma surgery rates were independent of ophthalmologist distribution. PURPOSE With an increasing prevalence of glaucoma in the United States, it is crucial to elucidate surgical procedure accessibility to deliver quality care. The objective of this study was to estimate national access to surgical glaucoma care by (1) comparing diagnostic and surgical management Medicare insurance claims followed by (2) correlating Medicare treatment claims with regional ophthalmologist availability. PATIENTS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included Medicare claims from the 2017 Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System and workforce data from the 2017 Area Health Resource Files, both public domain databases. A total of 25,443,400 beneficiaries fully enrolled in Medicare Part B Fee-for-Service with glaucoma diagnosis claims were included. Rates of US MD ophthalmologists were determined by Area Health Resource Files distribution densities. Surgical glaucoma management rates included Medicare service utilization claims for drain, laser, and incisional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS While Black, non-Hispanic Americans had the highest prevalence of glaucoma, Hispanic beneficiaries had the highest odds of surgery. Older age (85+ vs. 65-84 y; Odds Ratio [OR]=0.864; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.854-0.874), female sex (OR=0.923; 95% CI, 0.914-0.932), and having diabetes (OR=0.944; 95% CI, 0.936-0.953) was associated with lower odds of having a surgical glaucoma intervention. Glaucoma surgery rates were not associated with ophthalmologist density by state. CONCLUSIONS Glaucoma surgery utilization differences by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and systemic comorbidities warrant further investigation. Glaucoma surgery rates are independent of ophthalmologist distribution by state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inci I. Dersu
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
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2
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Valladales-Restrepo LF, Oyuela-Gutiérrez MC, Delgado-Araujo AC, Machado-Alba JE. Use Pattern of Ophthalmic Antiglaucoma Agents with and without Preservatives: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050743. [PMID: 37242526 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different drugs have been approved to reduce the intraocular pressure. However, most of them contain preservatives to maintain sterility and these can be toxic to the ocular surface. The aim was to determine the patterns of use of antiglaucoma agents and ophthalmic preservatives in a group of patients from Colombia. METHODS A cross-sectional study that identified ophthalmic antiglaucoma agents from a population database of 9.2 million. Sociodemographic and pharmacological variables were considered. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 38,262 patients were identified, with a mean age of 69.2 ± 13.3 years, and 58.6% were women. A total of 98.8% were prescribed antiglaucoma drugs in multidose containers. The most widely used were prostaglandin analogs (59.9%), especially latanoprost (51.6%) and β-blockers (59.2%). A total of 54.7% of patients received combined management, especially with fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs (41.3%). A total of 94.1% used antiglaucoma drugs with preservatives (benzalkonium chloride, 68.4%). CONCLUSIONS The pharmacological treatment of glaucoma was very heterogeneous, but the most commonly used therapeutic groups were in accordance with the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines but with differences by sex and age. Most of the patients were exposed to preservatives, especially benzalkonium chloride, but the wide use of FDC drugs can minimize toxicity on the ocular surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Valladales-Restrepo
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Facultad de Medicina, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira 660003, Colombia
- Semillero de Investigación en Farmacología Geriátrica, Facultad de Medicina, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | - María Camila Oyuela-Gutiérrez
- Semillero de Investigación en Farmacología Geriátrica, Facultad de Medicina, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | - Ana Camila Delgado-Araujo
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | - Jorge Enrique Machado-Alba
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira-Audifarma S.A, Pereira 660003, Colombia
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Effect of Hypercholesterolemia, Systemic Arterial Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus on Peripapillary and Macular Vessel Density on Superficial Vascular Plexus in Glaucoma. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12052071. [PMID: 36902860 PMCID: PMC10004387 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12052071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Vascular factors are involved in the development of glaucoma, including diseases such as hypercholesterolemia (HC), systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of glaucoma disease on peripapillary vessel density (sPVD) and macular vessel density (sMVD) on the superficial vascular plexus, controlling differences on comorbidities such as SAH, DM and HC between glaucoma patients and normal subjects. METHODS In this prospective, unicenter, observational cross-sectional study, sPVD and sMVD were measured in 155 glaucoma patients and 162 normal subjects. Differences between normal subjects and glaucoma patients' groups were analyzed. A linear regression model with 95% confidence and 80% statistical power was performed. RESULTS Parameters with greater effect on sPVD were glaucoma diagnosis, gender, pseudophakia and DM. Glaucoma patients had a sPVD 1.2% lower than healthy subjects (Beta slope 1.228; 95%CI 0.798-1.659, p < 0.0001). Women presented 1.19% more sPVD than men (Beta slope 1.190; 95%CI 0.750-1.631, p < 0.0001), and phakic patients presented 1.7% more sPVD than men (Beta slope 1.795; 95%CI 1.311-2.280, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, DM patients had 0.9% lower sPVD than non-diabetic patients (Beta slope 0.925; 95%CI 0.293-1.558, p = 0.004). SAH and HC did not affect most of the sPVD parameters. Patients with SAH and HC showed 1.5% lower sMVD in the outer circle than subjects without those comorbidities (Beta slope 1.513; 95%CI 0.216-2.858, p = 0.021 and 1.549; 95%CI 0.240-2.858, p = 0.022 respectively. CONCLUSIONS Glaucoma diagnosis, previous cataract surgery, age and gender seem to have greater influence than the presence of SAH, DM and HC on sPVD and sMVD, particularly sPVD.
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Kamińska A, Pinkas J, Wrześniewska-Wal I, Ostrowski J, Jankowski M. Awareness of Common Eye Diseases and Their Risk Factors-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey among Adults in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3594. [PMID: 36834287 PMCID: PMC9959450 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Public knowledge and awareness of eye diseases may influence individuals' behaviors toward the use of eye care services and prevention methods. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of common eye diseases and their risk factors among adults in Poland as well as to identify factors associated with knowledge of eye diseases. This nationwide cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out in December 2022 on a representative sample of 1076 adults in Poland. Most of the respondents had heard of cataracts (83.6%), glaucoma (80.7%), conjunctivitis (74.3%), and hordeolum (73.8%). Awareness of dry eye syndrome was declared by 50% of respondents, and 40% were aware of retinal detachment. Among the respondents, 32.3% had heard of AMD, and 16.4% had heard of diabetic retinopathy. A lack of awareness of glaucoma was declared by 38.1% of respondents, and 54.3% declared a lack of awareness of risk factors for AMD. Gender, age, and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with awareness of common eye diseases and risk factors for glaucoma and AMD. This study demonstrated a low level of awareness of common eye diseases among adults in Poland. Personalized communication on eye diseases is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kamińska
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Wrześniewska-Wal
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Ostrowski
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Jankowski
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland
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Systemic diseases and their association with open-angle glaucoma in the population of Stockholm. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 42:1481-1489. [PMID: 34845599 PMCID: PMC9122867 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02137-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aimed to study open-angle glaucoma in association with somatic comorbidities in the total population of adults in Region Stockholm. Methods The study population included all living persons aged 19 years and above who resided in Stockholm County, Sweden, on 1 January 2017 (N = 1 703 675). Subjects with specified diseases were identified with data from all registered consultations and hospital stays during 2008–2019. As outcome, the risk of being associated with a diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma was identified during 2012–2018. Analyses were performed by gender, controlling for age and socio-economic status. Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for women and men with open-angle glaucoma, using individuals without this as referents, were calculated. Socio-economic status was assessed based on the neighbourhood the subjects lived in. Results In total, 16,299 cases of open-angle glaucoma were identified during 2012–2018, 9204 women and 7095 men. Higher fully adjusted OR (95% CI) for risk of being associated with open-angle glaucoma was for women and men with diabetes 1.138 (1.074–1.207) and 1.216 (1.148–1.289), cancer 1.175 (1.120–1.233) and 1.106 (1.048–1.166), hypertension 1.372 (1.306–1.440) and 1.243 (1.179–1.311); and for women with thyroid diseases 1.086 (1.030–1.146), chronic lung diseases 1.153 (1.093–1.216), and inflammatory arthropathies 1.132 (1.006–1.275). Higher glaucoma incidence was observed in individuals residing in high socio-economic status neighbourhoods. Conclusion The risk of glaucoma is increased in some somatic diseases, especially in individuals with diabetes, hypertension and cancer; and in higher socio-economic neighbourhoods as compared to lower socio-economic neighbourhoods. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10792-021-02137-w.
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Lim SY, Betzler BK, Yip LWL, Dorairaj S, Ang BCH. Standalone XEN45 Gel Stent implantation versus combined XEN45-phacoemulsification in the treatment of open angle glaucoma-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259:3209-3219. [PMID: 33914156 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05189-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The XEN45 Gel Stent is currently the only FDA-approved sub-conjunctival minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure. It has been used worldwide either as a standalone implantation procedure or in combination with phacoemulsification surgery. Concomitant phacoemulsification is understood to influence outcomes of traditional subconjunctival filtering surgery. However, the comparative efficacy between standalone XEN45 Gel Sent implantation ("Standalone XEN45") and combined XEN-phacoemulsification surgery ("XEN45-Phaco") remains unclear. This study aims to appraise current literature to compare the efficacy of Standalone XEN45 and XEN45-Phaco in open-angle glaucoma. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL databases was performed with the terms "Xen surgery" followed by selective vetting. Pilot, cohort, observational studies and randomised controlled trials that included at least 10 patients undergoing either Standalone XEN45 or XEN45-Phaco surgeries for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma were deemed eligible for inclusion after independent assessment by 2 authors. The search workflow was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data was pooled using random-effects model. A meta-analysis of continuous outcome and proportions was performed using the meta routine in R v3.2.1. RESULTS Ten studies were included. There was a statistically significant difference in IOP reduction favouring Standalone XEN45 at post-operative day 1, week 1, months 1, 3 and 6. There was a statistically significant difference in decrease in IOP-lowering medications favouring Standalone XEN45 at post-operative week 1 and month 1. CONCLUSION Standalone XEN45 has superior IOP-lowering outcomes compared to XEN45-Phaco in the early post-operative period, up to 6 months after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yang Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, National University Hospital Systems, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
| | - Bjorn Kaijun Betzler
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leonard Wei Leon Yip
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Syril Dorairaj
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Bryan Chin Hou Ang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Woodlands Health Campus, Singapore, Singapore.
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Hou H, Moghimi S, Baxter SL, Weinreb RN. Is Diabetes Mellitus a Blessing in Disguise for Primary Open-angle Glaucoma? J Glaucoma 2021; 30:1-4. [PMID: 33074964 PMCID: PMC7755751 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although numbers of studies have addressed this question, the relationship between diabetes mellitus and primary open-angle glaucoma is still unclear. This article discusses progress in understanding the complex relationship between these 2 entities and recent shifts in perspective that challenge the traditional dogma regarding diabetes mellitus and primary open-angle glaucoma. There are still many unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Hou
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sasan Moghimi
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sally L. Baxter
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Robert N. Weinreb
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Hwang JY, Lee HJ, Go MJ, Jang HB, Choi NH, Bae JB, Castillo-Fernandez JE, Bell JT, Spector TD, Lee HJ, Kim BJ. Genome-wide methylation analysis identifies ELOVL5 as an epigenetic biomarker for the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14862. [PMID: 30291282 PMCID: PMC6173741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide DNA methylation has been implicated in complex human diseases. Here, we identified epigenetic biomarkers for type 2 diabetes (T2D) underlying obesogenic environments. In a blood-based DNA methylation analysis of 11 monozygotic twins (MZTW) discordant for T2D, we discovered genetically independent candidate methylation sites. In a follow-up replication study (17 MZTW pairs) for external validation, we replicated the T2D-association at a novel CpG signal in the ELOVL fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5) gene specific to T2D-discordant MZTW. For concordant DNA methylation signatures in tissues, we further confirmed that a CpG site (cg18681426) was associated with adipogenic differentiation between human preadipocytes and adipocytes isolated from the same biopsy sample. In addition, the ELOVL5 gene was significantly differentially expressed in adipose tissues from unrelated T2D patients and in human pancreatic islets. Our results demonstrate that blood-derived DNA methylation is associated with T2D risk as a proxy for cumulative epigenetic status in human adipose and pancreatic tissues. Moreover, ELOVL5 expression was increased in cellular and mouse models of induced obesity-related diabetes. These findings may provide new insights into epigenetic architecture by uncovering methylation-based biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Yeon Hwang
- Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea.,Center for Biomedical Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheonbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Lee
- Center for Biomedical Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheonbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jin Go
- Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Byul Jang
- Center for Biomedical Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheonbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nak-Hyun Choi
- Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Bum Bae
- Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Hye-Ja Lee
- Center for Biomedical Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheonbuk-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bong-Jo Kim
- Center for Genome Science, National Institute of Health, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea.
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Hou H, Shoji T, Zangwill LM, Moghimi S, Saunders LJ, Hasenstab K, Ghahari E, Manalastas PIC, Akagi T, Christopher M, Penteado RC, Weinreb RN. Progression of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients. Am J Ophthalmol 2018; 189:1-9. [PMID: 29447914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the rates of visual field (VF) loss and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). DESIGN Cohort study. METHODS A total of 197 eyes (55 eyes of 32 POAG patients with DM in POAG/DM group and 142 eyes of 111 age-matched POAG patients without DM in POAG/DM- group) were included from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS). Type 2 DM participants were defined by self-report of DM history and use of antidiabetic medication. The rates of VF loss and RNFL loss were compared in POAG eyes with and without DM using univariate and multivariable mixed-effects models. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 5.7 years (4.0, 6.4). The mean rate of global RNFL loss in the POAG/DM group was 2-fold slower than in the POAG/DM- group overall (-0.40 μm/year vs -0.83 μm/year, respectively P = .01). Although a slower rate of VF mean deviation and pattern standard deviation loss was found in the POAG/DM group compared to the POAG/DM- group, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS POAG patients with treated type 2 DM, who had no detectable diabetic retinopathy, had significantly slower rates of RNFL thinning compared to those without diagnosed DM.
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Impact of aromatase absence on murine intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3280. [PMID: 29459742 PMCID: PMC5818491 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21475-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesize that aromatase, an enzyme that regulates estrogen production, plays a significant role in the control of intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To begin to test our hypothesis, we examined the impact of aromatase absence, which completely eliminates estrogen synthesis, in male and female mice. Studies were performed with adult, age-matched wild type (WT) and aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice. IOP was measured in a masked fashion in both eyes of conscious mice at 12 and 24 weeks of age. Retinas were obtained and processed for RGC counting with a confocal microscope. IOP levels in both 12- and 24-week old female ArKO mice were significantly higher than those of age- and sex-matched WT controls. The mean increase in IOP was 7.9% in the 12-week-, and 19.7% in the 24-week-old mice, respectively. These changes were accompanied by significant 9% and 7% decreases in RGC numbers in the ArKO female mice, relative to controls, at 12- and 24-weeks, respectively. In contrast, aromatase deficiency did not lead to an increased IOP in male mice. There was a significant reduction in RGC counts in the 12-, but not 24-, week-old male ArKO mice, as compared to their age- and sex-matched WT controls. Overall, our findings show that aromatase inhibition in females is associated with elevated IOP and reduced RGC counts.
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Dulull NK, Thrimawithana TR, Kwa FAA. Mimicking the ocular environment for the study of inflammatory posterior eye disorders. Drug Discov Today 2016; 22:440-446. [PMID: 27871941 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The common inflammatory posterior eye disorders, age-related degeneration and glaucoma often lead to irreversible vision loss. Current treatments do not target early stages or prevent disease progression. Consequently, the identification of biomarkers or early disease models that can accurately mimic the pathological processes involved is essential. Although none of the existing models can recapitulate all pathological aspects of these disorders, these models have revealed new therapeutic targets. Efforts to accurately phenotype eye disorders at various disease stages are warranted to generate a 'super' model that can replicate the microenvironment of the eye and associated pathological hallmarks effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeela K Dulull
- Discipline of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Thilini R Thrimawithana
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Faith A A Kwa
- Discipline of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
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12
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Erol YO, Atilla P, Acaroglu G, Muftuoglu S, Karakaya J. A histopathological investigation of Tenon's capsule in diabetic eyes. Int Ophthalmol 2016; 37:627-633. [PMID: 27515167 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-016-0316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the histopathological features of Tenon's capsule in eyes with diabetic macular oedema and to compare them between diabetic eyes and healthy subjects. The study included 26 eyes with diabetic oedema and 17 healthy eyes as healthy controls. Tenon's capsule biopsy specimens were processed with the routine electron microscopic analysis technique. Type I and III collagen fibres were labelled immunohistochemically to determine the amounts of predominating collagen fibres. Leica Q-Win program was used to calculate the amounts of collagen fibres type I and type III and independent-t test was utilized to compare the obtained results between the groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Demographic characteristics of both groups were similar (p > 0.05). Collagen type I and type III immunoreactivity was observed both in the control and the diabetic groups. The Amounts of collagen fibres type I and type III were significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the control group (mean collagen type I area: 13.410 ± 0.99 and mean collagen type III area: 23.692 ± 0.17 in the control group; mean collagen type I area: 25.270 ± 6.48 and mean collagen type III area: 28.192 ± 0.82 in the diabetic group. p = 0.0037 for type I and p = 0.0000 for type III). In light of the findings of this study, it can be assumed that diabetes mellitus may engender increased amounts of collagen in Tenon's capsule. This alteration affecting the success of filtration surgery should be kept in mind especially in diabetic eyes with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Ozdamar Erol
- Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Research Hospital, Ulucanlar cad. No: 59 Altındağ, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Pergin Atilla
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Golge Acaroglu
- Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Research Hospital, Ulucanlar cad. No: 59 Altındağ, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevda Muftuoglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jale Karakaya
- Department of Biostatistics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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