Review
Ophthalmology
Matias Iglicki, David Perez Gonzalez, Anat Loewenstein, Dinah Zur
Summary: Intravitreal injections have improved the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO), but real-world data shows a disparity between clinical trials and daily practice. Long-lasting drugs and devices may bridge this gap, offering more feasible treatment options to control the global epidemic of diabetic eye disease.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sagnik Sen, Kim Ramasamy, Sobha Sivaprasad
Summary: The review evaluated the relative importance of each risk factor in visual prognostication of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) eyes post-treatment and emphasized the significance of phenotypes formed by combining these factors in predicting visual outcomes. The development of stratification based on these phenotypes for personalized medicine in DMO treatment was proposed.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sergio Crespo-Garcia, Nadine Reichhart, Norbert Kociok, Sergej Skosyrski, Antonia M. Joussen
Summary: Increased expression of NTN4 and its receptors in diabetic retina may play a role in stabilizing vascular networks, modulating inflammation, and providing protective effects against cytokine production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Milagros Mateos-Olivares, Luis Garcia-Onrubia, Fco. Javier Valentin-Bravo, Rogelio Gonzalez-Sarmiento, Maribel Lopez-Galvez, J. Carlos Pastor, Ricardo Usategui-Martin, Salvador Pastor-Idoate
Summary: Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a leading cause of vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and anti-VEGF therapy has become the standard treatment worldwide. However, there is no single standard therapy for all patients with DMO refractory to anti-VEGF treatment. The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway has been identified as a potential target for new treatments, and a better understanding of the role of Rho-kinase/ROCK may lead to the development of new strategies for refractory DMO treatment and prevention.
Article
Ophthalmology
Peter Alsaloum, Matthew W. Russell, Victoria Blaga, Blanche L. Kuo, Anna K. Wu, Brian J. Liu, Carolina C. S. Valentim, Colin M. Xu, Justin C. Muste, Madhukar Kumar, Rishi P. Singh
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the time to onset of disease in the fellow eye of patients with unilateral diabetic macular edema (DME) and identify risk factors for the development of bilateral DME. The results showed that most patients developed bilateral DME within the first year after initial diagnosis. Poor glycemic control and diabetic foot disease were risk factors associated with bilateral eye involvement. Therefore, clinicians may consider screening the fellow eye of high-risk individuals at each appointment within the first year of diagnosis.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Denise Battaglini, Ida Giorgia Iavarone, Lou'i Al-Husinat, Lorenzo Ball, Chiara Robba, Pedro Leme Silva, Fernanda F. Cruz, Patricia R. M. Rocco
Summary: Despite progress in pharmacotherapy, anti-inflammatory strategies for ARDS treatment remain controversial. However, personalized medicine may be a promising approach for identifying specific subgroups that may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment.
EXPERT OPINION ON INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Osama A. Sorour, Mohamed Elsheikh, Siyu Chen, Ayman G. Elnahry, Caroline R. Baumal, Varsha Pramil, Tamer I. Abdelhalim, Elsayed Nassar, Eric M. Moult, Andre J. Witkin, Jay S. Duker, Nadia K. Waheed
Summary: Evaluation of mean macular intercapillary area (ICA) changes following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in initially treatment-naive eyes with diabetic macular oedema (DME) showed no significant improvement in macular perfusion in the short term, indicating that anti-VEGF injections may not have a significant impact on macular blood flow in DME patients. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was found to be a strong predictor of functional outcome, while inner mean ICA was a significant predictor for macular thickness outcomes.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bokyung Sung, Hee-Kyung Kim, Ah-Rum Baek, Byeong-Woo Yang, Yeoun-Hee Kim, Garam Choi, Hyun-Jin Park, Minsup Kim, Jongmin Lee, Yongmin Chang
Summary: Studies have developed a gadolinium-based contrast agent for MRI that targets inflammatory mediators for imaging diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases. The agent, Gd-DO3A-fen, showed higher and longer-lasting contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in vivo compared to the control group, Gd-DO3A-BT. In addition, Gd-DO3A-fen demonstrated a stronger binding affinity for the COX-2 enzyme and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in two animal models.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Faran W. Sabeti, Bhim J. Rai, Josh van Kleef, Emilie M. F. Rohan, Corinne Carle, Richard Barry, Rohan Essex, Christopher Nolan, Ted Maddess
Summary: This study compared macular structure obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) with retinal function measured objectively with the ObjectiveFIELD Analyzer (OFA) and Matrix perimetry. The results showed that changes in retinal function measured by OFA may be a more effective method for monitoring diabetic macular edema (DME) over time compared to Matrix perimetry data.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Seth Kwabena Amponsah, Benjamin Tagoe, Ismaila Adams, Kwasi Agyei Bugyei
Summary: This article discusses the clinical effects of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids in the treatment of COVID-19. Studies have shown that methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and ibuprofen have therapeutic potential in reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the use of NSAIDs is not associated with adverse outcomes of COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maja Szymanska, Daanyaal Mahmood, Timothy E. Yap, Maria F. Cordeiro
Summary: Management of diabetic retinal disease involves glycemic control, intravitreal, and laser therapy. However, challenges remain including frequent hospital visits for intravitreal therapy, limited improvement in vision for some patients, and insufficient evidence to support optimal combinations of treatments. Improved understanding of molecular pathways is leading to the development of novel therapies targeting a range of pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Carlos D. Nunez-Amaro, Mariana Lopez, Elva Adan-Castro, Ma. Ludivina Robles-Osorio, Renata Garcia-Franco, Marlon Garcia-Roa, Yolanda Villalpando-Gomez, Paulina Ramirez-Neria, Nayeli Pineiro, Juan Fernando Rubio-Mijangos, Jorge Sanchez, Gabriela Ramirez-Hernandez, Lourdes Siqueiros-Marquez, Nundehui Diaz-Lezama, Ellery Lopez-Star, Thomas Bertsch, Gonzalo Marinez de la Escalera, Jakob Triebel, Carmen Clapp
Summary: Oral levosulpiride for 8 weeks improved visual and structural outcomes in patients with centre-involving diabetic macular oedema (DME) by mechanisms that may include intraocular upregulation of vasoinhibin and downregulation of VEGF and PlGF. Larger clinical trials evaluating long-term efficacy and safety are warranted.
Article
Ophthalmology
Ana Rita Santos, Miguel Raimundo, Dalila Alves, Marta Lopes, Sergio Pestana, Joao Figueira, Jose Cunha-Vaz, Rufino Silva
Summary: Microperimetry and mfERG were effective in demonstrating functional improvement in DMO patients after treatment with ranibizumab, with significant improvement in retinal sensitivity observed, particularly in good BCVA responders. Additionally, overall retinal sensitivity was correlated with BCVA improvement.
Article
Ophthalmology
Mandy Maredza, Hema Mistry, Noemi Lois, Steve Aldington, Norman Waugh
Summary: Surveillance of people with previously successfully treated DMO and PDR by trained ophthalmic graders can achieve satisfactory results and release ophthalmologist time.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Serra Gurcan, Nicolas Tsapis, Franceline Reynaud, Stephanie Denis, Juliette Vergnaud, Ozgen Ozer, Elias Fattal
Summary: The study proposes a novel drug delivery system combining two different anti-inflammatory approaches. The system consists of cationic dexamethasone palmitate nanoparticles and TNF-alpha siRNA. Results show that the system is effective in internalizing and localizing within macrophages, leading to enhanced TNF-alpha inhibition, offering a potential alternative strategy for treating inflammatory diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Roberto dell'Omo, Mariaelena Filippelli, Gianni Virgili, Francesco Bandello, Giuseppe Querques, Paolo Lanzetta, Teresio Avitabile, Francesco Viola, Michele Reibaldi, Francesco Semeraro, Luciano Quaranta, Stanislao Rizzo, Edoardo Midena, Giuseppe Campagna, Ciro Costagliola
Summary: The number of eye surgical procedures in Italy significantly decreased during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 epidemic, with only 70% of recommended surgeries being performed. Elective surgeries decreased by 96.2%, urgent surgeries by 49.7%, and intravitreal injections by 48.5% during the lockdown period.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sara Rezzola, Elena C. Sigmund, Cornelia Halin, Roberto Ronca
Summary: The lymphatic vasculature not only transports immune cells, but also plays important roles in tumor growth and dissemination. Recent studies have uncovered various mechanisms by which the lymphatic system affects cancer progression, from inducing lymphangiogenesis to preparing metastatic niches and modulating the immune response. The interactions between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, as well as between immune cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, are crucial in both the tumor microenvironment and tumor-draining lymph nodes.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jessica Galli, Erika Loi, Alessandra Morandi, Vera Scaglioni, Andrea Rossi, Anna Molinaro, Nadia Pasini, Francesco Semeraro, Giulio Ruberto, Elisa Fazzi
Summary: The study found that children with OA may have neurodevelopmental impairments, especially in cognitive, communicative, and social areas, in addition to a variable combination of ocular signs and symptoms, especially those with GPR143 gene mutations.
Letter
Ophthalmology
Davide Romano, Francesco Morescalchi, Vito Romano, Francesco Semeraro
Summary: This article reports a case of sudden onset ischemic retinal central vein occlusion after a second dose of COVID-19 adenoviral vector vaccine. The authors suggest that the adenoviral vector vaccine may increase the level of inflammatory cytokines, which could contribute to the development of central retinal vein occlusion. Therefore, patients at risk of ocular diseases should be informed about the possible ocular adverse events after vaccination.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2022)
Review
Ophthalmology
Mohit Parekh, Davide Romano, Rintra Wongvisavavit, Giulia Coco, Giuseppe Giannaccare, Stefano Ferrari, Carlos Rocha-de-Lossada, Hannah J. Levis, Francesco Semeraro, Marina Rodriguez Calvo-de-Mora, Vincenzo Scorcia, Vito Romano
Summary: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a popular surgical procedure for treating Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK). The size of the graft is crucial for the success of the procedure, with smaller grafts being preferred. However, larger diameter grafts pose challenges due to higher detachment rates.
ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
(2023)
Letter
Ophthalmology
Vito Romano, Stefano Bignotti, Eliana Forbice, Giorgio Piccinelli, Arnaldo Caruso, Francesco Semeraro
Summary: This study is an epidemiological research on microbial keratitis using corneal scraping in Northern Italy, which reveals that Gram-negative bacteria are sensitive to ciprofloxacin and Pseudomonas, while Gram-positive bacteria are sensitive to teicoplanin. These data can be helpful in establishing empirical treatment for bacterial keratitis.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Ophthalmology
Andrea Russo, Alessandro Boldini, Davide Romano, Giuseppina Mazza, Stefano Bignotti, Francesco Morescalchi, Francesco Semeraro
Summary: Myopia, the most common ocular abnormality, is on the rise globally, especially among the Asian population. Various interventions such as increased outdoor activities, specific optical interventions, and surgical treatments can be used to reduce myopia progression.
JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mariantonia Ferrara, Giulia Coco, Tania Sorrentino, Kirti M. Jasani, George Moussa, Francesco Morescalchi, Felipe Dhawahir-Scala, Francesco Semeraro, David H. W. Steel, Vito Romano, Mario R. Romano
Summary: Silicone oils play a crucial role as long-term intraocular tamponades in vitreoretinal surgery, but they can lead to multiple severe complications. Recent advances in ophthalmic imaging have improved our understanding of the microscopic changes in the retina and cornea caused by silicone oils, offering the potential for optimized monitoring and management for patients with silicone oil-filled eyes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Michele Callea, Stefano Bignotti, Francesco Semeraro, Francisco Cammarata-Scalisi, Jinia El-Feghaly, Antonino Morabito, Vito Romano, Colin E. Willoughby
Summary: Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a group of inherited developmental disorders that affect tissues of ectodermal origin. The most common form, hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), is characterized by missing teeth, hair loss, and lack of sweat glands. HED can also cause ocular symptoms, such as eyelash loss, dry eye symptoms, and potential complications like corneal ulceration and glaucoma.
Article
Ophthalmology
Sabrina Vaccaro, Lorenzo Bosio, Mohit Parekh, Kunal A. Gadhvi, Giuseppe Giannaccare, Vincenzo Scorcia, Francesco Semeraro, Stephen B. Kaye, Vito Romano
Summary: This article describes a new technique for identifying endothelial Descemet membrane (DM) tags remaining after descemetorhexis in patients undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Romano, Antonella Macerollo, Giuseppe Giannaccare, Daniela Mazzuca, Alfredo Borgia, Vito Romano, Francesco Semeraro, Richard Ellis
Summary: A 35-year-old female with positive COVID-19 anamnesis presented with headache, tingling and numbness, and visual disturbance. MRI showed acute demyelinating lesions. Initially diagnosed as clinically isolated syndrome, but later changed to relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis due to new inflammatory lesions.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mariantonia Ferrara, Alessandra Loda, Giulia Coco, Piergiacomo Grassi, Silvia Cestaro, Sara Rezzola, Vito Romano, Francesco Semeraro
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of acquired blindness in the working-age population. Clinical biomarkers play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of DR and the detection of prognostic factors, as symptoms may be absent in the early stages. Imaging techniques are fundamental tools for various aspects of DR management.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Vito Romano, Davide Romano, Antonio Iaria, Marco Rovati, Francesco Semeraro
Summary: This study discusses how to manage and prevent incomplete laser cut and subsequent uncut tags of anterior capsular lens when performing selective laser capsulotomy. Results showed that using a 23-G vitrectomy scissors can avoid complications, while peeling the anterior capsulotomy disc with forceps may cause zonular stress and subsequent risks, and using the cystotomy needle tip may result in an irregular capsulotomy rim and micro tears. Therefore, key steps include anterior lens capsule staining and laser beam focusing for prevention.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Antonio Moramarco, Natalie di Geronimo, Matteo Airaldi, Lorenzo Gardini, Francesco Semeraro, Danilo Iannetta, Vito Romano, Luigi Fontana
Summary: Intraoperative OCT is an innovative and promising technology that provides detailed visualization of ocular tissues during surgery. It has various applications in corneal transplantation, allowing surgeons to make more accurate decisions and improve surgical outcomes. Further advancements in the technology, such as larger field of view and automated tracking, will enhance its utility.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)