The cornea and methods for measuring intraocular pressure

Introduction: The study aimed to assert the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by: Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and Dynamic contour tonometry (DCT). Materials and Methods: The study included 150 patients with a mean age of 59.39 ± 13.12 years. Patients were divided into three groups: 50 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, 50 ocular hypertension (OHT) patients, and 50 normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. IOP was determined using GAT and DCT. CCT was measured by ultrasound pachymetry. Results: IOP measured with DCT was higher than IOP measured with GAT (19.80 ± 3.67 mmHg vs 17.71 ± 3.35 mmHg). A significant positive association between IOP measured with GAT and IOP measured with DCT was found in all patients (r = 0.867, p 0.05). Conclusion: CCT-influenced IOP was measured by both methods, GAT and DCT. DCT can not replace GAT, but it is very useful, especially in cases where errors are in the IOP GAT measurement

Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players

The physiologic stress induced by physical activity is reflected in immune system perturbations, oxidative stress, muscle injury, and inflammation. We investigated the effect of astaxanthin (Asx) supplementation on salivary IgA (sIgA) and oxidative stress status in plasma, along with changes in biochemical parameters and total/differential white cell counts. Forty trained male soccer players were randomly assigned to Asx and placebo groups. Asx group was supplemented with 4 mg of Asx. Saliva and blood samples were collected at the baseline and after 90 days of supplementation in preexercise conditions. We observed a rise of sIgA levels at rest after 90 days of Asx supplementation, which was accompanied with a decrease in prooxidant-antioxidant balance. The plasma muscle enzymes levels were reduced significantly by Asx supplementation and by regular training. The increase in neutrophil count and hs-CRP level was found only in placebo group, indicating a significant blunting of the systemic inflammatory response in the subjects taking Asx. This study indicates that Asx supplementation improves sIgA response and attenuates muscle damage, thus preventing inflammation induced by rigorous physical training. Our findings also point that Asx could show significant physiologic modulation in individuals with mucosal immunity impairment or under conditions of increased oxidative stress and inflammation

Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of astaxanthin (Asx) on paraoxonase (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status in soccer players. Forty soccer players were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to Asx and placebo (P) group. Blood samples were obtained before, 45 and 90days after supplementation. PON1 activity was assessed by using two substrates: paraoxon and diazoxon. The oxidative stress biomarkers were also examined: total sulphydryl group content (-SH groups), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products and redox balance. The significant interaction effect of supplementation and training (p LT 0.05) on PON1 activity toward paraoxon was observed. The PON1 activity toward diazoxon increased in Asx group after 90days (p LT 0.01), while there was no significant difference in P group. SH groups content rose from pre- to post-supplementation period only in Asx group (supplementation and training, p LT 0.05; training, p LT 0.01). TBARS levels decreased after 45days and increased after 90days of regular soccer training in both groups (training, p LT 0.001). Redox balance decreased significantly in response to the regular training, regardless of treatment group (training, p LT 0.001). Asx supplementation might increase total SH groups content and improve PON1 activity through protection of free thiol groups against oxidative modification. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd