RPGR-Related Retinal Dystrophy in Latin America-A Collaborative Study.

Purpose: To provide the first genetic and clinical characterization of RPGR-associated inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in Latin America and assess their genetic, clinical, and socioeconomic landscape.

Design: Multicenter, international, retrospective, observational cohort study.

Methods: Patients with genetically confirmed RPGR-IRD from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Panama were included in this study.

Doxycycline inhibits MMP-2 retinal activity and modulates the angiogenic process and .

Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition is currently the first-line therapy for various retinal vascular disorders, however there is a strong need to develop novel therapies to target other molecules involved in the angiogenic process. In addition to well-known antibiotic properties, Doxycycline (DXC) has versatile non-antibiotic properties, therefore, our goal was to evaluate the effect of DXC on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) as a potential therapeutic alternative for retinal neovascularization (NV), using vascular and glial cells and the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model.

Methods: MGC and BAEC viability under DXC treatment was evaluated using an MTT assay.

Evidence of the protective role of Carvacrol in a retinal degeneration animal model.

Neurodegenerative pathologies affecting the posterior segment of the eye, are characterized by being devastating and responsible for the majority of visual dysfunctions worldwide. These diseases are primarily degenerative, progressing chronically, and can inflict gradual harm to the optic nerve, retinal ganglion cells (RGC), photoreceptors, and other retinal cells. This retinal damage leads to a progressive loss of vision, marking these conditions as a significant health concern worldwide.

Orbital compartment syndrome due to periorbital angioedema.

A 68-year-old female presented with an episode of unilateral orbital compartment syndrome due to periorbital angioedema. The patient made a consultation at the general Emergency Room with sudden left periorbital edema and serious diminished ipsilateral visual acuity, with examination detecting orbital compartment syndrome secondary to a probable allergic angioedema after ingestion of ibuprofen. She received treatment with intravenous and oral corticosteroids, achieving a rapid improvement in the condition and clinical follow-up was carried out, with evaluation of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and computed perimetry.

Quantification of Vascular Parameters in Whole Mount Retinas of Mice with Non-Proliferative and Proliferative Retinopathies.

Retinopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases that affect the neurosensory tissue of the eye. They are characterized by neurodegeneration, gliosis and a progressive change in vascular function and structure. Although the onset of the retinopathies is characterized by subtle disturbances in visual perception, the modifications in the vascular plexus are the first signs detected by clinicians.

Rubeosis iridis and macular hemorrhages from multiple Corkscrew retinal vessels in a patient with NF1.

Purpose: To report a case of a patient with NF1 presenting with ocular findings of AV malformation, multiple retinal hemorrhages, and neovascular glaucoma in the absence of retinal ischemia.

Methods: Review of the medical record was conducted in accordance with the local IRBt.

Results: A 60-year-old female patient with diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) and sudden decrease of vision in her left eye was found to have rubeosis iridis and high intraocular pressure (IOP).

Neuroprotective effect of melatonin loaded in ethylcellulose nanoparticles applied topically in a retinal degeneration model in rabbits.

We are reporting for the first time the synthesis and application of an innovative nanometric system for the controlled topic release of melatonin in the retina. The ethylcellulose nanocapsules were characterized by diverse physicochemical techniques (scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameters) and an in vitro release study was done. A complete ex vivo and in vivo trans-corneal permeation and an irritation study were carried out with the new formulations in albino rabbits, to which a retinal degenerative model was induced.

A journey into the retina: Müller glia commanding survival and death.

Müller glial cells (MGCs) are known to participate actively in retinal development and to contribute to homoeostasis through many intracellular mechanisms. As there are no homologous cells in other neuronal tissues, it is certain that retinal health depends on MGCs. These macroglial cells are located at the centre of the columnar subunit and have a great ability to interact with neurons, astrocytes, microglia and endothelial cells in order to modulate different events.

New Treatment Modalities for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered one of the main causes of severe vision loss in older adults. The neovascular form (nAMD) is an advanced stage, which is responsible for the most severe vision loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is at present the main factor that leads to the development of a neovascular membrane and the increased leakage from the membrane to the retina.

Galectin-1 expression imprints a neurovascular phenotype in proliferative retinopathies and delineates responses to anti-VEGF.

Neovascular retinopathies are leading causes of irreversible blindness. Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have been established as the mainstay of current treatment, clinical management of these diseases is still limited. As retinal impairment involves abnormal neovascularization and neuronal degeneration, we evaluated here the involvement of galectin-1 in vascular and non-vascular alterations associated with retinopathies, using the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model.

IGF-1R Regulates the Extracellular Level of Active MMP-2, Pathological Neovascularization, and Functionality in Retinas of OIR Mouse Model.

In ischemic proliferative diseases such as retinopathies, persistent hypoxia leads to the release of numerous neovascular factors that participate in the formation of abnormal vessels and eventually cause blindness. The upregulation and activation of metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) represent a final common pathway in this process. Although many regulators of the neovascular process have been identified, the complete role of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and its receptor (IGF-1R) appears to be significantly more complex.

IGF-1 Regulates the Extracellular Level of Active MMP-2 and Promotes Müller Glial Cell Motility.

Purpose: In ischemic proliferative retinopathies, Müller glial cells (MGCs) acquire migratory abilities. However, the mechanisms that regulate this migration remain poorly understood. In addition, proliferative disorders associated with enhanced activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) also involve insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 participation.

Lens opacity based modelling of the age-related straylight increase.

This work studies ethnic and geographical differences in the age-related straylight increase by means of a stochastic model and unpublished lens opacity data of 559 residents of Villa Maria (Argentina), as well as data of 912 Indonesian subjects published previously by Husain et al. For both cohorts the prevalence of each type and grade of lens opacity was determined as a function of age, from which a stochastic model was derived capable of simulating the lens opacity prevalence for both populations. These simulated lens opacity data were then converted to estimated straylight by means of an equation derived from previously recorded data of 107 eyes with varying degrees of cataract.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia endophthalmitis caused by surgical equipment contamination: an emerging nosocomial infection.

Purpose: We report three cases of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia endophthalmitis after uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation-related to surgical equipment contamination.

Case Report: All patients developed acute, culture-positive endophthalmitis in a period ranging from 2 to 13 days. Cultures from vitreous tap, as well as those obtained from the hand-piece of the irrigation-aspiration system, revealed S.

Ocular biocompatibility of polyquaternium 10 gel: functional and morphological results.

This paper deals with the characterization study of topical and intraocular biocompatibility and toxicity of cationic hydroxyethylcellulose Polyquaternium 10 (PQ10). It also evaluates the rheological properties of gels. The cytotoxicity assays were done in two cell lines: HEp-2 and VERO (human larynx epidermoid carcinoma cell and African green monkey kidney cells respectively).

Rate of vision loss in neovascular age-related macular degeneration explored.

Purpose: To explore decline in visual acuity in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD) awaiting intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab treatment following initial diagnosis and after disease reactivation.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 74 treatment-naïve patients (84 eyes) in two centers in Córdoba, Argentina. The time between treatment indication and intravitreal injection, and the changes in BCVA produced during this delay were studied in both periods.

Long-term hypotony because of accidental break of a 23 g microcannula after transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

Purpose: To report a case of long-lasting hypotony because of accidental break, with scleral tunnel entrapment, of a 23-gauge microcannula during transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy.

Methods: Interventional case report. An 80-year-old Spanish woman who underwent 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy presented at the postoperative ocular examination with irreversible, refractory low intraocular pressure of unknown cause.

Risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in Argentina.

Purposes: To assess the risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in Argentina using a case-control study.

Methods: Surveys were used for subjects' antioxidant intake, age/gender, race, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes (and type of treatment), smoking, sunlight exposure, red meat consumption, fish consumption, presence of age-related macular degeneration and family history of age-related macular degeneration. Main effects models for logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze the results.

Accessibility as a conditioning factor in treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: Ranibizumab and bevacizumab coexist as the main therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD). In Argentina, the access pathways to the drugs are different. Patients with different pathways and gatekeepers to access may experience different outcomes.

Self-medication in ophthalmology: a questionnaire-based study in an Argentinean population.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify practices of self-medication in the treatment of ocular conditions and to identify a profile of patients who self-medicate.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of patients, over the age of 17 years seen in our ophthalmology practice in Cordoba, Argentina. Self-medication was defined as the use of ophthalmic medicines which had not been prescribed by a health care specialist in the previous year.

Delayed corneal epithelial healing after intravitreal bevacizumab: a clinical and experimental study.

Purpose: To report corneal epithelial defects (CEDs) and delayed epithelial healing after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection and to describe delayed corneal epithelial healing with topical administration of bevacizumab in an experimental rabbit model.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 850 eyes of 850 patients with neovascular eye disease and diabetic macular edema who had received 1.25 to 2.

Perfluorocarbon liquid vitreous delamination and wide-angle viewing system in the management of complicated diabetic retinal detachment.

Purpose: The authors used perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) and a wide-angle viewing system (WAVS) to evaluate their efficacy on tractional and combined tractional/rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods: In a prospective, noncomparative, interventional study, 76 consecutive cases of severe PDR with tractional and combined tractional/rhegmatogenous RD were submitted to vitrectomy en bloc excision technique using a WAVS and delamination with PFCL between July 1999 and December 2003. None of the patients had had previous retinal photocoagulation treatment.

Effect of retinal laser photocoagulation on the activity of metalloproteinases and the alpha(2)-macroglobulin proteolytic state in the vitreous of eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) reduces the incidence of severe visual loss in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of PRP on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, and also on the alpha(2)-Macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) proteolytic state in the vitreous of eyes with PDR. Vitreous samples were obtained from patients undergoing vitrectomy for the treatment of retinal diseases: 17 with PDR and eight with idiopathic macular hole (MH).