Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
-
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · May 2016
NADPH Oxidase Contributes to Photoreceptor Degeneration in Constitutively Active RAC1 Mice.
The active form of small GTPase RAC1 is required for activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX), which in turn generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in nonphagocytic cells. We explored whether NOX-induced oxidative stress contributes to rod degeneration in retinas expressing constitutively active (CA) RAC1. ⋯ Constitutively active RAC1 promotes photoreceptor cell death by oxidative damage that occurs, at least partially, through NOX-induced ROS. Reactive oxygen species are likely involved in multiple forms of retinal degenerations, and our results support investigating RAC1 inhibition as a therapeutic approach that targets this disease pathway.
-
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Feb 2016
Corneal Mechanical Thresholds Negatively Associate With Dry Eye and Ocular Pain Symptoms.
To examine associations between corneal mechanical thresholds and metrics of dry eye. ⋯ Mechanical detection and pain thresholds measured on the cornea are correlated with dry eye symptoms and ocular pain. This suggests hypersensitivity within the corneal somatosensory pathways in patients with greater dry eye and ocular pain complaints.
-
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Jan 2016
Multicenter StudyCase-Control Pilot Study of Soft Contact Lens Wearers With Corneal Infiltrative Events and Healthy Controls.
The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors associated with soft contact lens (SCL)-related corneal infiltrative events (CIEs). ⋯ This pilot study demonstrated feasibility of enrolling a representative pool of SCL wearers with an untreated, symptomatic CIE and assessing CIE risk factors by using standardized methods. A larger sample size is needed to determine relationships between patient-reported behaviors and exposures, microbial bioburden, and CIE development.
-
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Jan 2016
Apoptotic Retinal Ganglion Cell Death After Optic Nerve Transection or Crush in Mice: Delayed RGC Loss With BDNF or a Caspase 3 Inhibitor.
To investigate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and activation of caspase 3 after optic nerve crush (ONC) or transection (ONT) and treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or Z-DEVD_fmk. ⋯ Brn3a down-regulation marks the beginning of RGC death, which after axotomy occurs by caspase-dependent apoptosis in at least half of the RGCs. These data should be considered when designing neuroprotective strategies.
-
Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Dec 2015
Relative Contribution of Risk Factors for Early-Onset Myopia in Young Asian Children.
To investigate the associations of near work, outdoor activity, and anthropometric risk factors with early-onset myopia in Singaporean preschool children. ⋯ Genetic factors may have a greater contribution to early development of refractive error compared to environmental factors.