Article
Immunology
Seunghoon Kim, Ye Won Jang, Young-ah Ku, Yungyeong Shin, Md Mahbubur Rahman, Myung-Hee Chung, Yong Ho Kim, Dong Hyun Kim
Summary: The study demonstrates that RCI001 inhibits Rac1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes, as well as inflammatory cytokines, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, RCI001 is capable of rapidly restoring injured cornea and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Duoduo Wu, Blanche X. H. Lim, Ivan Seah, Shay Xie, Julia E. Jaeger, Robert K. Symons, Amy L. Heffernan, Emily E. M. Curren, Sandric C. Y. Leong, Andri K. Riau, Dawn K. A. Lim, Fiona Stapleton, Mohammad Javed Ali, Swati Singh, Louis Tong, Jodhbir S. Mehta, Xinyi Su, Chris H. L. Lim
Summary: Plastics are widely used in daily living and have important applications in healthcare, but the presence of microplastics, formed from the degradation of plastic products, has become a concern. There is increasing evidence that microplastics may cause harmful effects on human health, including inflammatory damage and oxidative stress. Although studies on the ocular surface are limited, research on other organs provides some insights. Legislation has been developed to reduce microplastics in commercial products due to public outcry. This review examines possible sources and mechanisms of ocular surface damage from microplastics, as well as the current legislative efforts surrounding microplastic regulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
LeAnne Young, Shanda Finnigan, Howard Streicher, Helen X. Chen, James Murray, H. Nida Sen, Elad Sharon
Summary: Ocular adverse events are rare complications of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy, but can be severe enough to cause treatment discontinuation or delay. Proper evaluation by eye specialists is necessary in managing these adverse events.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Danial Roshandel, Farbod Semnani, Amirmasoud Rayati Damavandi, Ali Masoudi, Alireza Baradaran-Rafii, Stephanie L. Watson, William H. Morgan, Samuel McLenachan
Summary: The ocular surface, consisting of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular integrity and function. Gene defects can lead to ocular surface disorders, either as congenital conditions or through the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Advanced gene-based technologies have shown promise in disease modeling and gene therapy for monogenic ocular surface disorders. Understanding the genetic factors involved in both monogenic and multifactorial ocular surface disorders could pave the way for personalized disease models and treatment strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madania Amorim, Beatriz Martins, Rosa Fernandes
Summary: Diabetes is a global health issue with significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a well-known inflammatory, neurovascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of preventable blindness in developed countries among working-age adults. However, the ocular surface components of diabetic eyes are also at risk of damage due to uncontrolled diabetes, which is often overlooked.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Chinmay M. Jogdeo, Sudipta Panja, Shrey Kanvinde, Ekta Kapoor, Kasturi Siddhanta, David Oupicky
Summary: Combination therapy is effective in cancer and inflammatory diseases, and lipid-based codelivery systems have attracted attention due to their low toxicity, biocompatibility, and ease of formulation scale-up.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jingjing Shen, Huiqin Gao, Linfu Chen, Yutong Jiang, Shu Li, Yu Chao, Nanhui Liu, Yufei Wang, Ting Wei, Yan Liu, Jipeng Li, Muchao Chen, Jiafei Zhu, Juan Liang, Xiaoyu Zhou, Xiaofeng Zhang, Ping Gu, Qian Chen, Zhuang Liu
Summary: A novel penetrating carrier was developed for antibody delivery in eyedrop formulations, which could effectively reach the posterior eye segments. The carrier self-assembled with proteins to form nanocomplexes, allowing it to pass through the complicated ocular structure. This new delivery method has great potential for treating various eye diseases using eyedrop formulations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoping Zhou, Guoliang Wang, Xiaoya An, Jun Wu, Kai Fan, Lina Xu, Cheng Li, Yuhua Xue
Summary: Microplastics, a global environmental pollutant, are widely found in water bodies and daily products. The effects of microplastics on ocular surface health are still unclear. This study revealed that polystyrene microplastics could cause dysfunction of the ocular surface in mice, leading to dry eye symptoms and inflammation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marco Antonini, Daniele Gaudenzi, Sara Spelta, Giancarlo Sborgia, Maria Poddi, Alessandra Micera, Roberto Sgrulletta, Marco Coassin, Antonio Di Zazzo
Summary: The study showed that thrice-daily topical instillation of 0.001% GPI in 0.02% HA vehicle was effective and well tolerated in patients with urban syndrome, leading to significant improvements in OSDI, T-BUT, and Schirmer Test scores.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Yohannes Abere Ambaw, Dhayan Parresh Timbadia, Manfred Raida, Federico Torta, Markus R. Wenk, Louis Tong
Summary: Human tears, a biological fluid rich in lipids, provide insights into fatty acid metabolism and physiology of the ocular surface. The changes in tear lipid mediators can assess inflammation severity and serve as diagnostic tools in personalized medicine.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Prema K. Agarwala, Ritu Aneja, Shobhna Kapoor
Summary: Altered lipid metabolism in cancer cells affects cellular function through changes in membrane structure and properties. Rewiring of lipid metabolism impacts the lipidomic landscape of cancer cell membranes and influences the characteristics of cancer cells. Techniques for membrane characterization play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eunhye Ji, Sahmin Lee
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, with atherosclerosis identified as a main contributing factor. Research on antibodies targeting LDL levels and inflammatory cytokines has shown promise in treating cardiovascular diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Biswarup Das, Amit Kumar Nayak, Subrata Mallick
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant growth in research on ocular nanomedicine, particularly in the use of lipid-based nanocarriers to enhance the bioavailability of drugs and biologics in the eye. These nanocarriers offer advantages such as drug protection, targeted delivery, and controlled release, making them valuable tools for ocular therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yvan Arsenijevic, Adeline Berger, Florian Udry, Corinne Kostic
Summary: This review provides an overview of lentiviral vector technologies, their application in ophthalmology, and their potential for gene therapy.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Christoph Tappeiner, Arnd Heiligenhaus, Joerg P. Halter, Elisabetta Miserocchi, Francesco Bandello, David Goldblum
Summary: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complex disease characterized by tissue inflammation in the host after a hematopoietic cell transplantation. The interaction between donor lymphocytes and host histocompatibility antigens plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis. Inflammation can affect various organs and tissues, including the eyes. Therefore, the diagnosis and management of ocular GVHD are highly relevant.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Sang Beom Han, Yu-Chi Liu, Karim Mohamed-Noriega, Louis Tong, Jodhbir S. Mehta
JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Ophthalmology
Marcus Ang, Valencia Foo, Mengyuan Ke, Bingyao Tan, Louis Tong, Leopold Schmetterer, Jodbhir S. Mehta
Summary: In this study, it was found that AS-OCTA provided an objective, non-contact, rapid assessment of limbal vasculature involvement in eyes with acute chemical injury. Further research is needed to determine the role of AS-OCTA in predicting the prognosis of eyes with chemical injury.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Shi-Jie Ng, Hon Shing Ong, Louis Tong
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Yashan Bu, Yau-Kei Chan, Ho-Lam Wong, Stephanie Hiu-Ling Poon, Amy Cheuk-Yin Lo, Kendrick Co Shih, Louis Tong
Summary: Recent studies have found a link between ocular diseases and microbiota profiles in the host's intestinal tract and oral cavity, forming a 'gut-eye axis'. Changes in gut microbiome can affect host immunity and have significant implications for ocular health and disease.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lei Siew, Louis Tong
Summary: This study investigated the effects of cataract surgery on dry eye parameters in the medium- to long-term post-surgical period. The results showed that the pseudophakic dry eye group had a higher frequency of blurred vision, but there was no clinically significant difference in Schirmer's I index. Other dry eye indicators did not worsen in the pseudophakic dry eye group. Pre-operative counseling and preventative measures are important in protecting patients' eye health.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Letter
Ophthalmology
Louis Tong, Lei Zhou, Siew Kwan Koh, Yan Gao, Hla Myint Htoon, AiHua Hou, Lu Deng, Qi-Ping Wei, Pat Lim
CLINICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ralene Sim, Kenneth Yong, Yu-Chi Liu, Louis Tong
Summary: In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a useful complementary technique for clinical diagnosis of ocular surface disorders such as dry eye. However, there are limitations including small field of view and lack of standardization. With future advances in hardware and software, IVCM has the potential for further practical impact.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Elizabeth Wen Ling Lim, Crystal Chun Yuen Chong, Simon Nusinovici, Eva Fenwick, Ecosse Luc Lamoureux, Charumathi Sabanayagam, Ching-Yu Cheng, Louis Tong
Summary: This study aimed to determine the independent association between dry eye symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Singapore population, as well as to investigate the factors that mediate this association. The results showed that dry eye symptoms were associated with poorer HRQoL, which was partly mediated by reduced visual functioning and recent falls.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin Paik, Louis Tong
Summary: This study suggests that topical omega-3 is a promising treatment for dry eye, with evidence from human trials showing improvements in ocular surface staining and tear break-up time. However, further research is needed to confirm the effects on other aspects of dry eye.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin Paik, Louis Tong
Summary: Inflammation is common in chronic ocular surface diseases like dry eye disease, indicating dysregulation of the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects, but results from human trials have been inconsistent. Genetic differences, such as polymorphisms in the LT-alpha gene, might play a role in individual response to omega-3. Using genetic testing to predict an individual's response to omega-3 could be valuable.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Aihua Hou, Safiah Mohamed Ali, Evelyn Png, Walter Hunziker, Louis Tong
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TG-2 in corneal barrier function and its regulation of epithelial junctional proteins and transcription factors. Corneas from TG-2-/- mice showed lower trans-epithelial electrical resistance and increased central corneal thickness compared to TG-2+/+ mice. TG-2-/- mice also exhibited a faster increase in fluorescence in the anterior chamber after ocular exposure to FITC-dextran. The expression of Claudin-1 protein and transcript levels were reduced in the cornea of TG-2-/- mice and in TG-2 knockdown human corneal epithelial cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Merrelynn Hong, Louis Tong, Jodhbir S. Mehta, Hon Shing Ong
Summary: Ocular surface diseases (OSDs) are significant causes of ocular morbidity, characterized by chronic inflammation, redness, irritation, discomfort, and pain. External exposomes, such as dust, pollution, and stress, and internal exposomes, including the ocular surface microbiome, gut microflora, and oxidative stress, have been increasingly studied for their impact on OSDs. Understanding the changes in the ocular surface microbiome and the impact of various exposomes may help establish the causative factors underlying OSDs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Joy Wong, Gayathri Govindasamy, Arun Prasath, William Hwang, Aloysius Ho, Sharon Yeo, Louis Tong
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of umbilical cord plasma eyedrops for the treatment of recalcitrant dry eyes in a local Singaporean context. The results showed that this treatment significantly improved kerato-epitheliopathy staining scores in patients. This suggests that allogeneic plasma may be a promising form of treatment for recalcitrant dry eye.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veluchamy Amutha Barathi, Candice E. H. Ho, Louis Tong
Summary: Myopia is a prevalent refractive error disorder characterized by elongation of the eye. This study identified the TGM2 gene and muscarinic receptors as important factors in the development of myopia. Targeting TGM2 and blocking muscarinic receptors could potentially be beneficial in interfering with the progression of myopia.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lydia Hui-Peng Tan, Louis Tong
Summary: Functional visual acuity is reduced in severe dry eye disease and older individuals. Severe dry eye disease significantly impacts certain aspects of quality of life.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
