Experimental study of VEGF immune expression dynamics in the retina using photoinduced BRVO model

Aim. To describe the dynamics of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immune expression in the retina using the model of photoinduced branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to establish the terms of neovascularization appearance.Materials and methods. BRVO was modelled on 21 chinchilla rabbits (21 eyes) weighing 1.5‑2 kg (fellow eyes served as controls). Photosensitizer «Fotoditazin» (2.5 mg / kg) was injected intravenously. 15 min later, transpupillary laser irradiation of branch retinal vein near the optic nerve head was performed. Irradiation energy density was 200 J / cm2. Histological analysis and immunohistochemistry of the retina was performed following 30 min, at days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 30.Results. Maximum VEGF accumulation in photoinduced BRVO model was observed on day 2. From day 3, direct neovascularization was confirmed. VEGF levels were stably high throughout the follow-up to the day 30 inclusive.Conclusion. VEGF immune expression in the retina using the model of BRVO induced by photodynamic exposure was explored for the first time. These data can serve as the basis for future studies in order to define optimal anti-VEGF agent, its dosage and terms to manage this condition

The frequency of intraocular hemorrhage in hereditary vitreoretinal dystrophies

Hereditary vitreoretinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of diseases, which are based on the degenerative changes of the retina and the vitreous. The occurrence of intrahemorrhages is different for different hereditary vitreoretinal degenerations. In some diseases (Wagner's disease, Jensen syndrome, Kniest dysplasia, Marfan's, Ehlers -Danlos syndrome, Alport, Bloch -Sulzberger, Walker -Warburg) intraocular hemorrhages almost never occur. In other vitreoretinopathies (X-linked congenital retinoschisis, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, Norrie disease, Stickler syndrome), intraocular hemorrhages occur more often. The review describes the genetic aspects of the diseases and their clinical pictures. Special attention is given to the incidence and clinical manifestations of intraocular hemorrhage in the above mentioned vitreoretinopathies // Russian Ophthalmological Journal, 2017; 1: 104-10. doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2017-10-1-104-110

Bilateral Hemophthalmus — the First Symptom of Behcet’s Disease (Clinical Case)

Behcet’s disease (BD) — a systemic chronic idiopathic inflammatory recurrent disease of unknown etiology. The development of the disease involve a combination of various factors, among them the most important is genetic and infectious. Eye lesion is one of the most frequent and severe symptoms of Behcet’s disease. According to the literature, eye lesion appears in 54–90% cases. There are several types of Behcet’s disease: the front, posterior and panuveitis, retinal vasculitis, occlusion of the branches of the central retinal vein, episcleritis, scleritis, keratitis, anterior ischemic neuropathy, paralysis of the extraocular muscles, swelling of the macula. In 95% cases the process is bilateral, but the clinical signs are often asymmetrical. Ocular pathology usually develops after 2–3 years the onset of symptoms BD. We havn’t met in the literature any case of Behcet’s disease, which has begun with hemophthalmia. Taking all these points together it seems to us interesting to present a clinical case of Behcet’s disease which has debuted with a bilateral hemophthalmus. This article describes a clinical case of Behcet’s disease in a patient of 38 years old. The interest of this observation is caused by feature of the appearance of clinical symptoms. Bilateral hemophthalmus has originally appeared, twice (in 2013 and 2014) and has been treated. During the next hospitalization the treatment has produced the positive effect was less  pronounced. After that, patient has undergone bilateral vitrectomy (2014). In April 2015 there were recurrent mouth ulcers, and 3 months later groin ulcers has appeared, pain in the joints. The ophthalmologist examination has shown commenmorative signs of left uveitis. The patient was counseled at the Institute of Rheumatology, where were determined the diagnosis of Behcet’s disease.This paper shows the clinical data and the results of additional tests (OCT, fluorescein angiography, ultrasonography), the results of blood biochemical examination and immune status