CCR3 and Choroidal Neovascularization

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly in industrialized countries. The “wet” AMD, characterized by the development of choroidal neovacularization (CNV), could result in rapid and severe loss of central vision. The critical role of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in CNV development has been established and VEGF-A neutralization has become the standard care for wet AMD. Recently, CCR3 was reported to play an important role in CNV development and that CCR3 targeting was reported to be superior to VEGF-A targeting in CNV suppression. We investigated the role of CCR3 in CNV development using the Matrigel induced CNV and found that in both rats and mice, CNV was well-developed in the control eyes as well as in eyes treated with CCR3 antagonist SB328437 or CCR3 neutralizing antibodies. No statistically significant difference in CNV areas was found between the control and SB328437 or CCR3-ab treated eyes. Immunostaining showed no specific expression of CCR3 in or near CNV. In contrast, both VEGF-A neutralizing antibodies and rapamycin significantly suppressed CNV. These results indicate that CCR3 plays no significant role in CNV development and question the therapeutic approach of CCR3 targeting to suppress CNV. On the other hand, our data support the therapeutic strategies of VEGF-A and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) targeting for CNV

Retinal ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer thickness in patients with Parkinson's disease

Introduction: The aim of the paper was to analyze the changes in the macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness in patients with Parkinson's disease. Material and methods: The study enrolled 46 patients with established diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and 46 healthy subjects. Both groups were age- and gender-matched. An OCT protocol, namely standardized Ganglion Cell Analysis algorithm was used to measure the thickness of the macular GCL-IPL layer. The average, minimum, and six sectoral (superotemporal, superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal) GCL-IPL thicknesses were measured from the elliptical annulus centered on the fovea. Results: The mean value of the clinical severity of Parkinson's disease was between 2 and 3, according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Statistically significant thinning of the GCL-IPL layer was registered in average and minimum GCLIPL thickness, as well as in the sectoral layer thicknesses in patients with Parkinson's disease in comparison to the controls. There was no correlation between structural changes in the retina and disease duration or severity. A statistically significant difference in thickness between the different stages of the disease was registered only in the inferior sector. Conclusions: Parkinson's disease is accompanied by thinning of the GCL-IPL complex of macula even in the earliest stages. This may indicate a possible retinal dopaminergic neurodegeneration. There is no correlation between duration or severity of Parkinson's disease with thinning of the GCL-IPL complex

Foveal Avascular Zone in Normal Tension Glaucoma Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

© 2017 Maja Zivkovic et al. Aim. To measure diameter of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), FAZ area, and vessel density using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and to establish the possible role of OCT-A in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with NTG. Methods. Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with NTG and 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examination as well as OCT-A on ZEISS AngioPlex. 3×3 macula scans were used to measure vertical, horizontal, and maximum diameter of FAZ by two graders. Mean values and interobserver variability were analyzed. Image J was used for analysis of FAZ area and vessel density. Results. Mean vertical diameter (t=5.58, p<0.001), horizontal diameter (t=3.59, p<0.001), maximum diameter (t=5.94, p<0.001), and FAZ area (t=5.76, p<0.001) were statistically significantly enlarged in the NTG group compared to those in the control group. Vessel density (t=-5.80, p<0.001) was statistically significantly decreased in the NTG group compared to that in the control group. Conclusion. OCT-A could have an important role in the future in diagnosis of patients with NTG. In patients with NTG, there is larger FAZ area, while the vessel density is reduced in comparison to the control group