Article
Ophthalmology
J. J. Lopez-Cano, M. A. Gonzalez-Cela-Casamayor, V Andres-Guerrero, R. Herrero-Vanrell, J. M. Benitez-Del-Castillo, I. T. Molina-Martinez
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different osmolarities and ophthalmic therapeutic substances in human corneal epithelial cells and mouse macrophages. Results showed that Betaine, L-Carnitine, and Taurine can improve cell survival, while Hyaluronic acid is the most effective polymer in preventing cell death.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Kirthana Senthil, Haihan Jiao, Laura E. Downie, Holly R. Chinnery
Summary: This study found that exposure to 450 mOsm/L saline for 2 hours induced morphological and phenotypic changes in corneal epithelial dendritic cells, while exposure to 600 mOsm/L saline was toxic to the cells. These results suggest that hyperosmolar conditions activate corneal dendritic cells.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Lucius, Sirjan Chhatwal, Monika Valtink, Peter S. Reinach, Aruna Li, Uwe Pleyer, Stefan Mergler
Summary: Tear film hyperosmolarity induces dry eye syndrome through TRPV1 activation. L-carnitine, a therapeutic agent, protects against hypertonicity-induced response. This study shows that L-carnitine inhibits TRPV1 activation by blocking cell volume shrinkage induced by hypertonicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Yun Zhang, Jin-Miao Li, Rong Lu, Zhao Liu, Xin Chen, Cintia S. de Paiva, Stephen C. Pflugfelder, De-Quan Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-37 plays a novel role in preventing corneal epithelial barrier disruption in dry eye disease by suppressing TNF-alpha and CTSS expression.
Article
Ophthalmology
Yueping Ren, Jiayao Feng, Yi Lin, Peter S. Reinach, Youjia Liu, Xiaoyu Xia, Xiaoyin Ma, Wei Chen, Qinxiang Zheng
Summary: This study found that increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation upregulate NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammation in animal models and patients with dry eye (DE). MiR-223 negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activity via suppressing NLRP3 translation.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Nijani Nagaarudkumaran, Parisa Mirzapour, David McCanna, William Ngo
Summary: Under hyperosmolar conditions, metabolic activity of HCECs decreased significantly at 3, 6, and 12 hours, while cytokine expression showed no significant difference at 0.25 and 3 hours. However, at 6 hours, the expression of IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13, and TNF-alpha was significantly different between hyperosmolar media and control, with no significant change in IL-2, IL-10, IL-17A, and IFN-gamma expression.
CURRENT EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Jin-Miao Li, Rong Lu, Yun Zhang, Jing Lin, Xia Hua, Stephen C. Pflugfelder, De-Quan Li
Summary: IL-36 cytokines, particularly IL-36 alpha, show differential expression in primary HCECs, with pro-inflammatory effects at hyperosmotic conditions. The antagonists IL-36RA and IL-38 are suppressed under hyperosmotic stress, suggesting a novel mechanism of inflammation induction in dry eye. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of IL-36RA and IL-38 in dry eye disease.
Article
Immunology
Jinjian Li, Kun Yang, Xinghui Pan, Hui Peng, Chenting Hou, Jie Xiao, Qing Wang
Summary: This study found that long noncoding RNA (MIAT) is involved in the occurrence of pyroptosis and apoptosis in dry eye, and affects the inflammatory response of corneal epithelial cells. These findings provide important insights into the pathogenesis of dry eye.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ho Seok Chung, Seung Hwan Moon, Soon-Suk Kang, Minseop Kim, Hun Lee, Hungwon Tchah, Jae Yong Kim
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of a newly developed epithelial removal brush with conventional methods in a rabbit model of corneal epithelial defects. The results showed that the newly developed brush had better polishing ability, leading to earlier significant epithelial recovery and a more regular and uniform stromal surface compared to conventional methods in this model.
JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhen-Ning Zhang, Hai Liu, Mi-Mi Liu, Dan-Lei Yang, Jue Bi, Qian-Qian Chen, Wei Chen, Ping Xiang
Summary: Nickel can induce ocular surface inflammation and have adverse effects on the cornea, mainly by inducing HCEC apoptosis through oxidative damage, thereby increasing the risk of dry eye.
Article
Ophthalmology
Yun Zhang, Ming Yang, Shi-Xin Zhao, Li Nie, Li-Jun Shen, Wei Han
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) in primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) under hyperosmotic conditions. The findings suggest that TNF-alpha mediates the disruption of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin in HCECs exposed to hyperosmotic stress, and this disruption can be prevented by MMP inhibitor GM-6001.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Grazia Maugeri, Agata Grazia D'Amico, Benedetta Magri, Elisabetta Pricoco, Cesarina Giallongo, Giuseppe Musumeci, Claudio Bucolo, Salvatore Giunta, Velia D'Agata
Summary: PACAP is widely expressed in various parts of the human body, particularly in the cornea of the eye where it plays a beneficial role. This study found that PACAP treatment can reduce UV-B-induced ROS generation and prevent apoptosis through inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway. These findings provide guidance for the therapeutic use of PACAP in the treatment of epithelial corneal damage.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rujun Jin, Ying Li, Hui Jin, Hee Su Yoon, Ji Suk Choi, Jonghwa Kim, Hyeon Jeong Yoon, Kyung Chul Yoon
Summary: The expression of MT2 in mouse cornea can be induced by blue light exposure, and the activation of MT2 can regulate corneal epithelial damage induced by blue light exposure by increasing the expression of BAX.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seitaro Komai, Mayumi Ueta, Hiromi Nishigaki, Katsura Mizushima, Yuji Naito, Shigeru Kinoshita, Chie Sotozono
Summary: Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and interferon-beta promoter stimulator-1 (IPS-1) play roles in antiviral responses and contribute to innate immunity. In this study, we investigated the differences in TLR3 or IPS-1-induced gene expression in corneal epithelial cells (CECs) in response to polyI:C stimulation. Our findings suggest that TLR3 and IPS-1 have different functions in the corneal innate immune response, with TLR3 predominantly regulating certain genes and IPS-1 predominantly regulating others.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Yingjun Zhang, Yuanlong An, Xiangdong He, Donglei Zhang, Wei He
Summary: Esculetin can protect corneal epithelial cells from oxidative damages by regulating the imbalance of intracellular reactive oxygen species and superoxide dismutase activities, and by activating Nrf2 signaling to regulate antioxidant gene expression. Its protective effects were also confirmed in a murine desiccating stress induced dry eye model.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan, Debarun Dutta, Faiza Bhombal, Nagaraju Konda, Pravin Krishna Vaddavalli, Savitri Sharma, Fiona Stapleton, Mark D. P. Willcox
Summary: This study found that the use of Mel4 antimicrobial peptide-coated contact lenses (MACL) during extended wear did not significantly affect the microbiota of the conjunctiva. The types of microbes isolated from MACL were similar to those isolated from control lenses, except for a higher frequency of Staphylococcus arlettae in eyes wearing control lenses.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Simin Masoudi, Mark Willcox
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new digestion method to quantify protein deposition on contact lenses. The results showed that immobilized trypsin can effectively digest protein deposits from the surface of contact lenses, and the ability to analyze surface protein concentrations may help in understanding the impact of surface deposition on clinical outcomes.
Article
Ophthalmology
Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan, Shyam Sunder Tummanapalli, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Prateek Bahl, Chandini Raina MacIntyre, Mark D. P. Willcox
Summary: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of face masks in reducing microbial transmission in laboratory tests, with seven-layer masks being particularly effective at preventing the spread of S. aureus in various aerosol particle sizes. However, face masks become contaminated quickly during wear, suggesting that they should be replaced regularly or properly washed if they are to be reused.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan, Muhammad Yasir, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Mark D. P. Willcox, Shyam Tummanapalli
Summary: This study evaluated the persistence of disinfection of three different hand sanitizers. The results showed that hand sanitizers containing capric acid or alcohol had better microbial inhibitory effects, which could help reduce the spread of microbes.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Madeeha Afzal, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Fiona Stapleton, Mark Willcox
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus isolates in ocular infections show resistance to ciprofloxacin due to genetic mutations in QRDRs (gyrA and parC) and norB, suggesting that these are the common reasons for ciprofloxacin resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Nagaraju Konda, Subhabrata Chakrabarti, Prashant Garg, Mark D. P. Willcox
Summary: The study revealed the associations between SNPs in IL1B and CXCL8 with the risk of developing keratitis, as well as relationships between SNPs and clinical measures of keratitis. Further research in different populations is needed to explore potential ethnic differences in SNP frequencies and their association with keratitis.
Article
Biology
Hari Kumar Peguda, Rajamani Lakshminarayanan, Nicole A. Carnt, Zi Gu, Mark D. P. Willcox
Summary: This study assessed the anti-amoebic activity of polyhomoarginines against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts. The results showed that polyhomoarginines demonstrated good anti-acanthamoeba activity against both trophozoites and cysts, and had broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This suggests that polyhomoarginines could be developed into a potential therapeutic agent for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rajesh Kuppusamy, Muhammad Yasir, Tsz Tin Yu, Florida Voli, Orazio Vittorio, Michael J. Miller, Peter Lewis, David StC Black, Mark Willcox, Naresh Kumar
Summary: There is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents to address the global increase in antibiotic resistance. This study focused on producing short amphiphilic antibacterial and antibiofilm agents by modifying the hydrophobic and cationic groups of anthranilamide peptidomimetics. The addition of a lysine cationic group at the tail position significantly enhanced activity against E. coli and reduced cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. These compounds demonstrated notable disruption of preformed biofilms of S. aureus at micromolar concentrations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katrina Browne, Rajesh Kuppusamy, William R. Walsh, David StC Black, Mark D. P. Willcox, Naresh Kumar, Renxun Chen
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge, and combination therapies using antibiotics and antimicrobial peptidomimetics can mitigate the development of resistance in bacteria. This strategy demonstrates synergistic activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and has significant potential in clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anuja Dahal, Kamal Shrestha, Rashmi Karki, Saraswati Bhattarai, Shiva Aryal, Satish Kumar Deo, Balmukunda Regmi, Mark Willcox, Shyam Kumar Mishra
Summary: This study analyzed the antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm-forming ability of urinary tract infection strains from renal disease patients. The results showed that the most common uropathogens in renal disease patients were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus spp. Some antibiotics such as amikacin, meropenem, and cefoperazone-sulbactam were effective against Gram-negative bacteria, while doxycycline, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline were effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, most strains were capable of forming biofilms, and 70.8% were multidrug-resistant. Therefore, aminoglycoside, carbapenem, beta-lactam combination agents, and nitrofuran group of antibiotics may be the optimal first-line empirical therapies for uropathogens in hospitalized renal disease patients. Regular surveillance of resistance patterns and the study of biofilm formation in uropathogens are important for effective management of the patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sudip Chakraborty, Georgio Katsifis, Iman Roohani, Cyrille Boyer, David McKenzie, Mark D. P. Willcox, Renxun Chen, Naresh Kumar
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficacy of an antibacterial polymer as a coating material for hydroxyapatite and glass surfaces, which are widely used in orthopedics and biomedical sciences. Both physical and covalent attachment modes of the polymer to the material surfaces were explored. The modified surfaces showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, and the activity persisted for a prolonged period on the covalently modified materials' surfaces.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Floriana Cappiello, Sudhir Verma, Xiao Lin, Isabel Y. Moreno, Bruno Casciaro, Debarun Dutta, Alison M. McDermott, Mark Willcox, Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: The corneal epithelium is essential for both vision and immune defense. Corneal abrasion can lead to severe eye infections, but recent research has discovered peptides that not only treat keratitis but also promote corneal wound healing, which could have potential clinical applications.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Shakeel Shahzad, Mark D. P. Willcox, Binod Rayamajhee
Summary: The global rise in antibiotic resistance in bacteria has become a major challenge in treating infectious diseases. This literature review aims to decipher the evolving mechanisms of resistance to polymyxins among clinically significant pathogens. Understanding these mechanisms may help develop suitable methods for detecting polymyxin resistance determinants and the development of novel antimicrobial molecules.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Umme Laila Urmi, Samuel Attard, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Mark D. P. Willcox, Naresh Kumar, Salequl Islam, Rajesh Kuppusamy
Summary: The development of potent antiviral agents is crucial for combating viral infections worldwide. In this study, the antiviral potential of 17 peptidomimetic compounds was evaluated against MHV-1 and HSV-1. Compounds 11 and 14 showed the most potent inhibitory effects, and they were found to directly influence the viral envelope. These findings suggest that peptidomimetic compounds could offer a new approach for the development of potent antiviral agents.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zeyu Shao, Karen Hakobyan, Jiangtao Xu, Renxun Chen, Naresh Kumar, Mark Willcox, Edgar H. H. Wong
Summary: This study reports the development of a smart antimicrobial polymer that can be activated under UV light to exhibit antimicrobial activity. The polymer showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria, as well as the ability to disrupt bacterial membranes and kill biofilms. Furthermore, the polymer effectively killed cancer cells, demonstrating its potential in cancer therapy.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
He-Yan Li, Li Dong, Xu-Han Shi, Rui-Heng Zhang, Wen-Da Zhou, Hao-Tian Wu, Chu-Yao Yu, Yi-Tong Li, Yi-Fan Li, Jost B. Jonas, Wen-Bin Wei, Yue-Ming Liu
Summary: This study aimed to examine the intraocular tolerability of cetuximab when applied intravitreally, and its effect on axial elongation. The results showed that intravitreal injections of cetuximab could reduce axial elongation in a dose-dependent and number of treatment-dependent manner, without causing intraocular toxic effects.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
James D. Cole, John A. McDaniel, Joelle Nilak, Ashley Ban, Carlos Rodriguez, Zuhaad Hameed, Marta Grannonico, Peter A. Netland, Hu Yang, Ignacio Provencio, Xiaorong Liu
Summary: Aniridia is a panocular condition characterized by the loss of iris, caused mainly by mutations in the PAX6 gene. This study assessed the effects of Pax6-haploinsufficiency on retinal morphology and vision in Pax6Sey mice. The results showed elevated intraocular pressure and declining visual acuity in Pax6Sey mice, along with local retinal damage and a possible neuroinflammatory response.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
Subao Jiang, Ning Xia, Francesco Buonfiglio, Elsa W. Boehm, Qi Tang, Norbert Pfeiffer, Dominik Olinger, Huige Li, Adrian Gericke
Summary: This study found that a high-fat diet induces endothelial dysfunction in the ophthalmic artery, leading to impaired vascular function in the eye. The high-fat diet triggers oxidative stress and involves RAGE and NOX2.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Ophthalmology
Mala Upadhyay, Vera L. Bonilha
Summary: The sodium iodate (NaIO3) model is a valuable tool in studying dry AMD and evaluating the retinal structure. Through extensive research, it has been found that the death of RPE cells caused by NaIO3 injection is closely related to vision loss in patients with dry AMD. Therefore, studying NaIO3 can provide insights into the mechanisms of RPE and photoreceptor cell death and contribute to understanding RPE degeneration in AMD.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Ophthalmology
Vicki Chrysostomou, Katharina C. Bell, Sze Woei Ng, Samyuktha Suresh, Gayathri Karthik, Marion Millet, Yingying Chung, Jonathan G. Crowston
Summary: We present a new experimental model for inducing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and degeneration in mice. This model allows for the reliable induction of RGC dysfunction and loss, with the resilience of the optic nerve being dependent on the age of the animal. The time-defined nature of the functional and structural changes observed in this model will facilitate the study of glial responses and the evaluation of neuroprotective treatments after intraocular pressure (IOP) injury.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2024)
