Clinical, Functional and Structural Studies of Humans and Merino Sheep Corneas from Two Different Regions of Argentina

Objective: The purpose of our work was to study and compare the cornea and tear film of people and sheep inhabiting in a region of Argentinean Patagonia (PATG), and in a geographically and climatically different region in the Argentinean Pampa (CAPT).Methods: Using cross sectional study, corneal examinations were performed in people and Merino sheep inhabiting PATG and CAPT regions, respectively. All people completed a questionnaire related to work activity, diet, and the use of hats or sunglasses during their life. Eyes from all participants were examined with a portable hand- held slit-lamp biomicroscope (BM) to evaluate corneal appearance, epithelium integrity, and transparency. Later on, in a subgroup of participants we studied eye blinking frequency (EBF), ocular surface staining (FS), breakup time (BUT), Schirmer Tear Test (STT), corneal structure using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and light microscopy (LM), and concentrations of serum ascorbate (sAA).Results: BM studies revealed numerous cases of climatic droplet keratopathy (CDK) only in people inhabiting the PATG region. CLSM studies confirmed typical punctate deposits at the Bowman ́s layer in CDK patients living in that region. CLSM images from sheep did not show any abnormalities at the Bowman ́s layer but exhibited small hyper reflective dots at the epithelium only in animals pasturing in the PATG region. FS and EBF mean values were significant higher in sheep grazing in the PATG region (p <0.05). No differences were found in surface eye tests when people from both regions were analyzed. Low sAA levels were found only in CDK people living in PATG region.Conclusions: CDK is a multi-factorial disease not only associated to harsh climate. We provide data that low sAA levels can play a role in its genesis in Patagonia patients?... Sheep pasturing in this region with a high prevalence of CDK have high concentration of sAA and did not present any sub epithelial corneal abnormalities.Fil: Suarez, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Crim, Nicolás. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Monti, Rodolfo. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Esposito, Evangelina. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Urrets Zavalía, Julio Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Serra, Horacio Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentin

Blue-light filtering alters angiogenic signaling in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells culture model

Background: light exposure and more specifically the spectrum of blue light contribute to the oxidative stress in Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the study was to establish whether blue light filtering could modify proangiogenic signaling produced by retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells under different conditions simulating risk factors for AMD. Methods: three experiments were carried out in order to expose ARPE-19 cells to white light for 48 h with and without blue light-blocking filters (BLF) in different conditions. In each experiment one group was exposed to light with no BLF protection, a second group was exposed to light with BLF protection, and a control group was not exposed to light. The ARPE-19 cells used in each experiment prior to light exposure were cultured for 24 h as follows: Experiment 1) Normoxia, Experiment 2) Hypoxia, and Experiment 3) Lutein supplemented media in normoxia. The media of all groups was harvested after light exposure for sandwich ELISA-based assays to quantify 10 pro-angiogenic cytokines. Results: a significant decrease in angiogenin secretion levels and a significant increase in bFGF were observed following light exposure, compared to dark conditions, in both normoxia and hypoxia conditions. With the addition of a blue light-blocking filter in normoxia, a significant increase in angiogenin levels was observed. Although statistical significance was not achieved, blue light filters reduce light-induced secretion of bFGF and VEGF to near normal levels. This trend is also observed when ARPE-19 cells are grown under hypoxic conditions and when pre-treated with lutein prior to exposure to experimental conditions. Conclusions: following light exposure, there is a decrease in angiogenin secretion by ARPE-19 cells, which was abrogated with a blue light - blocking filter. Our findings support the position that blue light filtering affects the secretion of angiogenic factors by retinal pigmented epithelial cells under normoxic, hypoxic, and lutein-pretreated conditions in a similar manner

Systemic amyloidosis with bilateral conjunctival involvement: a case report

Conjunctival amyloidosis is a very rare condition, generally unilateral, and presents mostly as an isolated condition without systemic compromise. Our purpose is to present a new case of systemic amyloidosis with a bilateral conjunctival involvement.Fil: Correa, Leandro Javier. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Maccio, J. Pablo. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Esposito, Evangelina. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Monti, Jose Rodolfo. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Castellanos, Maria Eugenia. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Paradelo, Martin. Centro Medico de Patologia y Citopatologia; ArgentinaFil: Serra, Horacio Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Urrets Zavalía, Julio Alberto. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; Argentin

Nationwide genetic analysis of more than 600 families with inherited eye diseases in Argentina

This study corresponds to the first large-scale genetic analysis of inherited eye diseases (IED) in Argentina and describes the comprehensive genetic profile of a large cohort of patients. Medical records of 22 ophthalmology and genetics services throughout 13 Argentinian provinces were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of an ophthalmic genetic disease and a history of genetic testing were included. Medical, ophthalmological and family history was collected. A total of 773 patients from 637 families were included, with 98% having inherited retinal disease. The most common phenotype was retinitis pigmentosa (RP, 62%). Causative variants were detected in 379 (59%) patients. USH2A, RPGR, and ABCA4 were the most common disease-associated genes. USH2A was the most frequent gene associated with RP, RDH12 early-onset severe retinal dystrophy, ABCA4 Stargardt disease, PROM1 cone-rod dystrophy, and BEST1 macular dystrophy. The most frequent variants were RPGR c.1345 C > T, p.(Arg449*) and USH2A c.15089 C > A, p.(Ser5030*). The study revealed 156/448 (35%) previously unreported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and 8 possible founder mutations. We present the genetic landscape of IED in Argentina and the largest cohort in South America. This data will serve as a reference for future genetic studies, aid diagnosis, inform counseling, and assist in addressing the largely unmet need for clinical trials to be conducted in the region

An unusual orbital tumor in an adult: Granuloma annulare

Purpose: Granuloma annulare (GA) is a rare clinical entity that does not classically arise from the peri-orbital area in adults. The purpose of this case report is to present a 69-year-old female with GA of the orbit. As well, the pathological and immunohistochemical features of these tumors will be discussed. Observations: One case of GA of the orbit was identified from a tertiary ophthalmology referral centre. Clinical and histopathological features of the case were reviewed. Other cases of GA were also retrieved from the literature and addressed in this report. Conclusion and importance: Granuloma annulare is a rare orbital lesion in adults. It is known to typically arise on the hands and feet of children. This lesion must be distinguished from necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG), which is a progressive peri-orbital dermatosis seen in middle age men and women. GA is thought to be a benign, often self-resolving condition, whereas NXG tends to be linked to other systemic conditions and may have a poorer prognosis.Differentiating this rare orbital tumor from necrobitotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is essential, as both a systemic work-up and follow-up must be appropriately arranged. A comprehensive description of pathognomonic microscopic features of GA and NXG is reviewed to achieve the correct diagnosis. Keywords: Granuloma annulare, Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, Orbi

Epithelial Inclusion Cyst in Conjunctival Melanoma

Conjunctival melanoma is the second most common conjunctival malignancy. Its differential diagnosis with other conjunctival melanocytic neoplasms is inherently difficult. The presence of epithelial cysts is a useful feature in conjunctival tumors and favors a benign lesion. Herein 2 cases of conjunctival melanoma with cysts are presented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first series of conjunctival melanoma with epithelial inclusion cysts. This series emphasizes the importance of considering several malignant features when reviewing conjunctival melanocytic lesions, as malignancy can exist even in the presence of epithelial inclusion cysts.McGill Univ, Montreal, PQ, CanadaPontificia Univ Catolica Chile, Santiago, ChileUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Myopia as a risk factor for subsequent retinal tears in the course of a symptomatic posterior vitreous detachment

Abstract Background Retinal tears complicating the course of a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) may be unique or multiple, and when multiple they may occur simultaneously or subsequently at different moments in the evolution of a PVD. The purpose of our study was to analyze the prevalence of subsequent retinal tears (SRT) in patients with a PVD, and to identify possible risk factors for SRT. Methods One hundred and seventy six eyes in 165 consecutive patients that presented one or more retinal tears in the evolution of a symptomatic PVD, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months, were retrospectively evaluated. The primary outcome measure was to characterize the clinical features associated with SRT formation against those eyes with non-subsequent retinal tear (NSRT-retinal tear/s diagnosed at initial examination) formation. For that purpose, this cohort of patients was divided into two different groups: group 1 included eyes presenting one or multiple retinal tears only at initial examination (NSRT), and group 2 eyes that progressed to a further retinal tear/s (SRT) during follow-up. Results Group 1 comprised 154 eyes from 145 patients, 48.7% males and 51.3% females with a mean age of 56.9 ± 14.0 years (range = 15-89); 17.2% of patients had a previous retinal tear or retinal detachment in the fellow eye; mean number of retinal tears per eye 1.42 ± 0.8 (range = 1-5); 20.8% presented bilateral retinal tears; 59.1% were myopic eyes (p < 0.05). Group 2 comprised 22 eyes from 20 patients; mean age was 53.3 ± 13.6 years (range = 30-69); 63.6% were male (p = 0.13), and 7 patients (31.8%) had a history of SRT or retinal detachment in the fellow eye (p = 0.13). The mean number of retinal tears per eye was 1.36 ± 0.5 (range = 1-2); bilateral retinal tears were noted in 18.2% of eyes; 86.4% were myopic eyes (p = 0.01); 81.8% occurred within a 120 days-period following diagnosis of the first retinal tear. Conclusions Multiple retinal tears may be diagnosed in the evolution of a PVD. SRT are most frequently observed in myopic patients, and are usually symptomatic. Follow-up must extend for at least 4 months after the initial symptoms

Alternaria keratitis and hypopyon after clear-cornea phacoemulsification

We report a case of Alternaria keratitis and hypopyon following clear-corneal cataract surgery. A 66-year-old woman presented with a painful red left eye several months after uneventful self-sealing clear-corneal phacoemulsification that was unresponsive to prolonged treatment with topical/oral quinolones and topical corticosteroids. A full-thickness stromal white dense infiltrate in the area of the intrastromal tunnel incision and a 2.0 mm hypopyon were observed. Culture from corneal scrapings revealed Alternaria species. Treatment included topical and subconjunctival injections of amphotericin-B (5 mg/mL) and 200 mg of oral ketoconazole. Complete resolution of the corneal infiltration and hypopyon was observed after 30 days of treatment, with no recurrence during 6 years of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Alternaria species keratitis complicating self-sealing clear-corneal cataract surgery. Topical and subconjunctival injections of amphotericin-B and oral ketoconazole were effective in resolving the corneal abscess and anterior chamber inflammatory reaction. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.Fil: Esposito, Evangelina. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Maccio, J. Pablo. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Monti, Rodolfo. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Cervi, Laura Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Serra, Horacio Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Urrets Zavalía, Julio Alberto. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; Argentin

Clinical, functional and structural studies of humans and merino sheeps corneas from two different regions of Argentina

The purpose of our work was to study and compare the cornea and tear film of people and sheep inhabiting in a region of Argentinean Patagonia (PATG), and in a geographically and climatically different region in the Argentinean Pampa (CAPT). Methods: Using cross sectional study, corneal examinations were performed in people and Merino sheep inhabiting PATG and CAPT regions, respectively. All people completed a questionnaire related to work activity, diet, and the use of hats or sunglasses during their life. Eyes from all participants were examined with a portable handheld slitlamp biomicroscope (BM) to evaluate corneal appearance, epithelium integrity, and transparency. Later on, in a subgroup of participants we studied eyeblinking frequency (EBF), ocular surface staining (FS), breakup time (BUT), Schirmer Tear Test (STT), corneal structure using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and light microscopy (LM), and concentrations of serum ascorbate (sAA). Results: BM studies revealed numerous cases of Climatic Droplets Keratopathy (CDK) only in people inhabiting the PATG region. CLSM studies confirmed typical punctiform deposits at the Bowman´s layer in CDK patients living in that region. CLSM images from sheep did not show any abnormalities at the Bowman´s layer but exhibited small hyper reflective dots at the epithelium only in animals pasturing in the PATG region. FS and EBF mean values were significant higher in sheep grazing in the PATG region (p <0.05). No differences were found in surface eye tests when people from both regions were analyzed. Low sAA levels were found only in CDK people living in PATG region. Conclusions: CDK is a multi-factorial disease not only associated to harsh climate. We provide data that low sAA levels can play a role in its genesis in Patagonia patients'... Sheep pasturing in this region with a high prevalence of CDK have high concentration of sAA and did not present any sub epithelial corneal abnormalities.Fil: Suarez, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Crim, Nicolás. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Monti, Jose Rodolfo. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Esposito, Evangelina. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Urrets Zavalía, Julio Alberto. Universidad Catolica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Clinica Universitaria Reina Fabiola; ArgentinaFil: Serra, Horacio Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentin