Clinical Observation of Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Eye Gel Combined with Tobramycin Dexamethasone Eye Drops in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients after Cataract Surgery

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor(rbFGF)eye gel combined with tobramycin-dexamethasone(TOB-Dex)eye drops on dry eye syndrome(DES)after cataract surgery.Methods:86 patients with DES after cataract surgery,admitted from November 2021 to November 2023,were randomly divided into groups.The observation group included 43 patients treated with rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops.The reference group included 43 patients treated with TOB-Dex eye drops alone.Multiple indicators,including total effective rate and clinical symptom scores,were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than in the reference group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no differences in clinical symptom scores,serum factors,or disease severity scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Three weeks after treatment,the observation group had lower clinical symptom scores,serum factors,and disease severity scores compared to the reference group(P<0.05).The adverse reaction rate in the observation group was lower than in the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops can improve the clinical efficacy for patients with DES after cataract surgery,alleviate disease symptoms,reduce inflammatory responses,and have fewer adverse reactions.

Analyze interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels in dry eye and the therapeutic effect of cyclosporine A

BACKGROUND Dry eye is a common eye disease.Artificial tears supplements are widely used for the treatment of dry eyes.However,multiple adverse effects have been observed in patients receiving long-term treatment with artificial tears,which may affect the therapeutic effect.AIM To analyze the characteristics of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels in patients with dry eye and the therapeutic effect of artificial tears combined with cyclosporine A.METHODS A total of 124 dry eye patients treated at The First People’s Hospital of Xining from April 2020 to April 2022 were selected as the observation group,while 20 healthy individuals served as the control group during the same period.Levels of inflammatory markers,including IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,were analyzed.The observation group was further divided into a study group and a control group,each consisting of 62 patients.The control group received artificial tears,whereas the study group received a combination of artificial tears and cyclosporine A.Inflammatory markers,Schirmer’s test(SIT),tear break-up time(TBUT),corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25)scores,and adverse events(AEs)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αin comparison to the healthy group.Following treatment,the study group demonstrated substantial reductions in IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels relative to the control group.Moreover,after treatment,the study group experienced a marked decrease in CFS scores and significant increases in both SIT and BUT levels when compared to the control group.Additionally,significant improvements were observed in the primary symptom of dry eye and secondary symptoms such as photophobia,foreign body sensation,fatigue,red eye,and burning sensation within the study group.Furthermore,post-treatment NEI-VFQ-25 scores across all dimensions exhibited significant enhancements in the study group compared to the control group(P<0.05).It is noteworthy that significant AEs were reported in both groups throughout the treatment period.CONCLUSION Cyclosporine A combined with artificial tears is effective in treating dry eye,yielding enhanced outcomes by improving SIT and TBUT levels,reducing CFS scores,and ameliorating vision-related quality of life.

Efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor plus sodium hyaluronate eye drops in diabetic dry eye post-cataract surgery

BACKGROUND Dry eye syndrome(DES)after diabetic cataract surgery can seriously affect the patient’s quality of life.Therefore,effective alleviation of symptoms in patients with this disease has important clinical significance.AIM To explore the clinical effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF)plus sodium hyaluronate(SH)eye drops on DES after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients with diabetes who experienced DES after cataract surgery at Tianjin Beichen Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University between April 2021 and April 2023.They were classified into an observation group(42 cases,rhEGF+SH eye drops)and a control group(40 cases,SH eye drops alone),depending on the different treatment schemes.The therapeutic efficacy,dry eye symptom score,tear film breakup time(TFBUT),basic tear secretion score[assessed using Schirmer I test(SIt)],corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,tear inflammatory markers,adverse reactions during treat-ment,and treatment satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Therapeutic efficacy was higher in the observation group compared with the control group.Both groups showed improved TFBUT and dry eye,as well as improved SIt and FL scores after treatment,with a more pronounced improvement in the observation group.Although no marked differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups,treatment satisfaction was higher in the observation group.CONCLUSION rhEGF+SH eye drops rendered clinical benefits to patients by effectively ameliorating dry eye and visual impairment with favorable efficacy,fewer adverse reactions,and high safety levels.Thus,this treatment should be promoted in clinical practice.

Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of autologous serum eye drops in dry eye syndrome

BACKGROUND Autologous serum eye drops(ASEDs),a novel treatment derived from blood serum,have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for managing dry eye syndrome(DES).These drops have shown significant promise in relieving the distressing symptoms of DES.This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ASEDs compared to traditional treatments,which often prove inadequate or result in unwanted side effects,particularly in individuals with moderate-to-severe DES.AIM To evaluate whether ASEDs are safer and more effective than conventional artificial tears in the treatment of moderate-to-severe DES.METHODS This multi-centered randomized controlled trial included 240 patients with moderate-to-severe DES from three ophthalmology clinics in China.They were randomly assigned to receive either ASEDs or artificial tears for 12 wk.The primary outcome was the change in the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score,with secondary outcomes including tear break-up time(TBUT),Schirmer I test,corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),and conjunctival impression cytology(CIC).Statistics analysis was performed using an analysis of covariance with adjustments made for baseline values.RESULTS Our findings revealed that both ASEDs and artificial tears significantly improved the OSDI score,TBUT,Schirmer I test,CFS,and CIC from baseline to week 12.The ASEDs group showed significantly greater improvement in all these measures than the artificial tears group(all P values<0.05).The average difference in the OSDI score between the two cohorts was-10.3(95%confidence interval:-13.6 to-7.0),indicating a substantial improvement in the ASEDs group.The occurrence of adverse events was comparable between cohorts,with no reports of severe adverse events.CONCLUSION ASEDs are more effective and safer than artificial tears for mitigating symptoms of moderate-to-severe DES.ASEDs could be an alternative/supplementary therapy for patients with DES less responsive to traditional treatments.

Changes of tear film lipid layer thickness by 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solutions in patients with dry eye syndrome

AIM: To evaluate the quantitatively changes in lipid layer thickness(LLT) when 3% diquafosol eye drop is used for dry eye patients using the tear film interferometer. METHODS: A total 124 participants(32 males, 92 females;mean age, 28.9 y) diagnosed with dry eye disease(DED) received topical instillation of 4 ophthalmic solutions in one eye: diquafosol, normal saline, 0.1% sodium hyaluronate and 0.3% gatifloxacin, in a masked manner. LLT was measured using an interferometer at baseline and 20 min after the instillation of each ophthalmic solutions.RESULTS: Changes of LLT after instillation(nm, mean± standard error) were as follows: 12.6±2.0 for diquafosol(P<0.001), 1.2±2.2 for normal saline(P=0.301), 1.5±2.0 for hyaluronate(P=0.495), and 0.5±3.2 for gatifloxacin(P=0.884).CONCLUSION: Topical instillation of diquafosol increases tear film LLT in DED patients. Diquafosol 3% eye drop might be effective treatment option of evaporative DED with meibomian gland dysfunction.

A randomized controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome

AIM:To evaluate the role of dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome.METHODS:A prospective,interventional,placebo controlled,double blind randomized trial was done at two referral eye centers.Two hundred and sixty-four eyes of patients with dry eye were randomized to receive one capsule(500mg)two times a day containing 325mg EPA and 175mg DHA for 3 months(omega-3 group).The omega-3 group was compared to a group of patients(n=254)who received a placebo(placebo group).There were 4 patient visits(at baseline,1 month,2 months and3 months).On each visit,recording of corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),slit lamp examination and questionnaire based symptom evaluation and scoring was done.A symptomatic score of 0-6 was mild,6.1-12moderate and 12.1-18 severe dry eye.Response to intervention was monitored by routine tear function tests like Schirmer I test,tear film break-up time(TBUT),Rose Bengal staining and most notably,conjunctival impression cytology.RESULTS:Sixty-five percent of patients in the omega-3group and 33%of patients in placebo group had significant improvement in symptoms at 3 months(P=0.005).There was a significant change in both Schirmer’s test value and TBUT values in the omega-3group(P【0.001),both comparisons.However,there was a larger drift in TBUT values in omega-3 than the placebo group,in comparison to Schirmer’s test values.The mean TBUT score was 2.54±2.34 in the omega-3group and 0.13±0.16 in placebo group,respectively.The mean reduction in symptom score in omega-3 group was 2.02±0.96 as compared to 0.48±0.22 in placebogroup(P【0.001).Despite a slight increase mean score,the Schirmer scores did not correlate well with symptomatic improvement.CONCLUSION:Omega-3 fatty acids have a definite role for dry eye syndrome.The benefit seems to be more marked in conditions such as blepharitis and meibomian gland disease.The role of omega fatty acids in tear production and secretion needs further evaluation.

Alcohol consumption and dry eye syndrome: a Metaanalysis

AIM：To quantify the association between alcohol consumption and dry eye syndrome（DES） with Meta-analysis of published case-control and cross-sectional studies. METHODS： Three databases were screened for potentially eligible studies through Nov.30,2015,Pub Med,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library.Odds ratios（ORs） were pooled with 95% confidence intervals（CIs） to evaluate the relationship between alcohol consumption and DES risk.Subgroup analyses were performed according to diagnostic criteria,publication year,sample size,alcohol intake and adjusted factors.RESULTS： A total of 10（9 case-control and 1 crosssectional） studies from 8 articles were included in this Meta-analysis.The pooled results showed that alcohol consumption would significantly increase the risk of DES（OR 1.15,95% CI： 1.02-1.30）,and the results were independent of smoking,hypertension,diabetes and thyroid disease history.And the results of subgroup analyses indicated an increased incidence of DES diagnosed by typical DES symptoms and positive objective tests together（OR 1.18,95% CI： 1.01-1.39）among drinkers,but not by typical DES symptoms alone（OR 1.11,95% CI： 0.94-1.32）.What＇s more,any drinkers were at higher risk of suffering from DES（OR 1.33,95%CI： 1.31-1.34）,while heavy drinkers not（OR 1.01,95% CI：0.86-1.18）.CONCLUSION： The present Meta-analysis suggests that alcohol consumption may be a significant risk factor for DES.Alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathymay falsely reduce the prevalence of DES among heavy drinkers.Future prospective studies of alcohol consumption and DES risk are needed to confirm our results.

A combined treatment for patients with dry eye and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux:a real-life approach

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.

Corneal sensitivity,ocular surface health and tear film stability after punctal plug therapy of aqueous deficient dry eye

AIM： To evaluate the effect of punctal occlusion using thermosensitive（smart plug） versus silicone plug for management of aqueous deficient dry eye on cornea sensitivity, ocular surface health and tear film stability.METHODS： A comparative prospective interventiona case study included 45 patients with bilateral severe form of aqueous deficient dry eye. In each patient, the smar plug was inserted in the lower punctum of the right eye which was considered as study group 1 and silicone plug was inserted in the lower punctum of the left eye o the same patient which was considered as study group2. All patients were subjected to careful history taking and questionnaire for subjective assessment of severity of symptoms. Corneal sensitivity, corneal fluorescein rose bengal staining, Schirmer＇s I test, tear film break up time and conjunctival impression cytology were performed pre and 1, 3 and 6mo post plug insertion.RESULTS： A statistically significant improvement in subjective and objective manifestations occurred following treatment with both types of plugs（P 〈0.01）The thermosensitive plug caused significant overal improvement, decrease in frequency of application o tear substitutes and improvement of conjunctiva impression cytology parameters in the inserted side（P 〈0.01）. Canaliculitis was reported in two eyes（4.4% following punctal occlusion using thermosensitive plug（study group 1）. Spontaneous plug loss occurred in 21eyes（46.6%） in the silicone plug group（study group 2）.CONCLUSION： Improvement of subjective and objective manifestations of aqueous deficient dry eye occurs following punctal plug occlusion. Thermosensitive plug has good patient＇s compliance with fewer complications and lower rates of loss compared to the silicone plug.

Comparison of corneal biomechanics in Sjogren's syndrome and non-Sjogren's syndrome dry eyes by Scheimpflug based device

AIM：To compare the corneal biomechanics of Sj？gren＇s syndrome（SS） and non-SS dry eyes with Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology（CorV is ST）.METHODS：Corneal biomechanics and tear film parameters, namely the Schirmer I test value, tear film break-up time（TBUT） and corneal staining score（CSS） were detected in 34 eyes of 34 dry eye patients with SS（SSDE group） and 34 dry eye subjects without SS（NSSDE group） using CorV is ST. The differences of the above parameters between the two groups were examined, and the relationship between corneal biomechanics and tear film parameters were observed. RESULTS：The differences in age, sex, intraocular pressure（IOP） and central corneal thickness（CCT） were not significant between the two groups（P〉0.05）. The tear film parameters had significant differences between the SSDE group and NSSDE group（all P〈0.05）. Patients in the SSDE group had significantly lower A1-time and HC-time, but higher DA（P=0.01, 0.02, and 0.02, respectively） compared with the NSSDE group. In the SSDE group, DA was negatively correlated with TBUT（rho=-0.38, P=0.03）; HC-time was negatively correlated with CSS（rho=-0.43, P=0.02）. In the NSSDE group, HC-time was again negatively correlated with CSS（rho=-0.39, P=0.02）.CONCLUSION：There are differences in corneal biomechanical properties between SSDE and NSSDE. The cornea of SSDE tends to show less ＂stiffness＂, as seen by a significantly shorter A1-time and HC-time, but larger DA, compared with the cornea of NSSDE. Biomechanical parameters can be influenced by different tear film parameters in both groups.

Metabolic syndrome risk factors and dry eye syndrome:a Meta-analysis

AIM：To explore the relationship between metabolic risk factors and dry eye syndrome（DES）.METHODS：Retrieved studies on the association of metabolic syndrome risk factors（hypertension,hyperglycemia,obesity,and hyperlipidemia） and DES were collected from PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library in December 2015.Odds ratio（OR） with 95% confidence interval（Cl） were pooled to evaluate the final relationship.Subgroup analyses were conducted according to diagnostic criteria of DES.RESULTS：Nine cross-sectional studies and three case-control studies were included in this Meta-analysis.The pooled results showed that people with hypertension,hyperglycemia,and hyperlipidemia had a higher risk of suffering from DES（P〈0.05）,especially the typical DES symptoms.On the other hand,obesity did not increase the risk of DES.CONCLUSION：The present Meta-analysis suggests that all metabolic risk factors except obesity were risk factors for DES.

Clinical Comparison and Analysis of Decoction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Ear Acupoint Application and Simple Artificial Tears in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical comparison and analysis of decoction of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) combined with ear acupoint application and simple artificial tears in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. METHODS:A total of 62 patients(124 eyes) with dry eye syndrome treated in the Department of Ophthalmology of The 4th People's Hospital of Shenyang from July 2017 to March 2018 were selected and equally divided into 2 groups according to the admission order. The observation group received the combination therapy of TCM decoction and ear acupoint application, while the control group was given the simple artificial tears. The symptom score after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks as well as the indicators including break-up time(BUT), Schirmer I test(SIT) and fluorescein(FL) were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS: The symptom scores had no difference before treatment(P > 0.05), and were better in the observation group than those in the control group after treatment(P < 0.05). At 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the treatment, the amelioration level of BUT, SIT, and FL indicators in the observation group was better than that of the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the artificial tears treatment method, the TCM decoction combined with ear acupoint application can significantly ameliorate the tear film stability, tear secretion, and reduce ocular surface damage for dry eye patients.

Preventive effect of Angelica gigas Nakai extract oral administration on dry eye syndrome

Objective:To identify the preventive effect of Angelica gigas Nakai(A.gigas Nakai)extract in a benzalkonium chloride-induced dry eye model.Methods:A total of 28 mice were divided into 4 groups:1)Normal group:mice received only saline;2)positive control group:mice received an oral solution without A.gigas Nakai extract at 10:00 a.m.and 0.2%benzalkonium chloride eye drops at 2:00 p.m.;3)A.gigas Nakai extract(5 mg);4)A.gigas Nakai extract(10 mg).Both group 3)and group 4)received an oral solution with A.gigas Nakai extract(either 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg)at 10:00 a.m.and 0.2%benzalkonium chloride eye drops at2:00 p.m.After 14 d of follow-up,tear volume measurement and fluorescein staining were evaluated for the recovery effects on ocular surface.Histologic analysis was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Apoptosis on ocular epithelium layer was examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining.Expression of TNF-a was also measured using western blot analysis.Results:An increase in both the tear volume and the sustained fluorescein staining scores was observed,demonstrating the preventive effects of A.gigas Nakai extract.Structure changes such as irregularity of the epithelial layer and corneal epithelial cell death were inhibited in the A.gigas Nakai extract groups.Expression of TNF-αmoderately declined;however,its expression level was still higher,compared to the normal group.Conclusions:Results from the current study show the significant preventive effect of A.gigas Nakai extract in a mouse model of benzalkonium chloride-induced dry eye syndrome.Thus,A.gigas Nakai extract could be considered as an oral preventive agent for dry eye syndrome in the future.

A Survey on Treatment of Dry Eye by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine

Dry eye is now one of the most common superficial disorders in ophthalmology at home and abroad, and more and more people attach importance to the study. The ideal approach for treatment of dry eye is to normalize the condition by rebuilding the superficial circumstance of the eye, and to make tear film work as well as possible so as to relieve the irritating symptoms in the eye. The authors are making a comprehensive discussion on the methods and curative effects of treating dry eye by traditional Chinese medicine and by integrative Chinese and Western medicine in recent years, so as to introduce the distinctive features of the traditional Chinese medicine and integrative Chinese and Western medicine in this field.

Topical biological agents targeting cytokines for the treatment of dry eye disease

Because inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease and Sjogren's syndrome, topical anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine A have been used to treat inflammation of the ocular surface and lacrimal gland. Systemic biological agents that target specific immune molecules or cells such as tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interferone-α, interleukin(IL)-1, IL-6, or B cells have been used in an attempt to treat Sjogren's syndrome. However, the efficacy of systemic biological agents, other than B-cell targeting agents, has not yet been confirmed in Sjogren's syndrome. Several studies have recently evaluated the efficacy of topical administration of biological agents targeting cytokines in the treatment of dry eye disease. Topical blockade of IL-1 by using IL-1 receptor antagonist could ameliorate clinical signs and inflammation of experimental dry eye. Using a mouse model of desiccating stress-induced dry eye, we have demonstrated that topical application of a TNF-α blocking agent, infliximab, could improve tear production and ocular surface irregularity, decrease inflammatory cytokines and Th-1 CD4+ cells on the ocular surface, and increase gobletcell density in the conjunctiva. Although controversy still remains, the use of topical biological agents targeting inflammatory cytokines may be a promising therapy for human dry eye disease.

Visual resolution under photopic and mesopic conditions in patients with Sjogren's syndrome

AIM:To focus on different visual resolution tasks under photopic and mesopic conditions in Sjogren’s syndrome patients compared to age-matched healthy controls.METHODS:The visual resolution measurements included high and low visual acuities and contrast sensitivity functions.These tests were conducted under photopic and then mesopic conditions.Twenty-one Sjögren’s syndrome patients and 21 aged-matched healthy volunteers completed all the measurements in this study.RESULTS:Sjogren’s syndrome patients have greater impairment in contrast sensitivity than standardized visual acuity.This reduction was significant under the mesopic condition.Also,Sjogren’s syndrome patients treated with pilocarpine suffer more than patients without pilocarpine treatment under low light conditions.CONCLUSION:Sjogren’s syndrome patients shows greater impairment in different visual resolution tasks due to dry eye symptoms.

Summary on Clinical Experience of Acupuncture Treating Dry Eye Syndromes

Dry eye syndromes （DES） refer to discomfort in the eye region, visual disturbance, poor stability of lacrimal film, inflammation of eye surface and its potential injury due to many factors of abnormal lacrimation. Patients with this condition can experience a dry sensation in the eyes, foreign body sensation,

Comparison of the meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease and Sjogren's syndrome

AIM: To investigate the abnormalities in the meibomian gland in patients with dry eye disease(DED) associated with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease(coGVHD) in comparison with Sj?gren's syndrome(SS), a major form of aqueous deficient DED and meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), a common cause of evaporative DED.METHODS: A total 135 eyes of 135 subjects included in this study: patients with DED associated with coGVHD(n=30), patients with SS(n=35), patients with MGD(n=35), and normal controls(n=35). All participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI) questionnaire, ocular surface examination [Schirmer test, tear film breakup time(TFBUT), and ocular surface staining], and meibomian gland assessment [meiboscore(gland dropout detected on meibography using infrared camera of the Keratograph 5 M), meibum expressibility score(MES), meibum quality score(MQS), lid margin abnormality]. In addition, correlations of meibomian gland characteristics with ocular surface parameters as well as disease severity score were investigated in coGVHD group.RESULTS: The coGVHD group showed significantly higher meiboscore, MES, and MQS than the other 3 groups(all P<0.05). In the coGVHD group, parameters of meibomian gland showed a significant correlation each other and those of ocular surface. The correlation between meibomian gland parameters and severity score of co GVHD was also established(meiboscore, r=0.62; MES, r=0.47; MQS, r=0.47; lid margin abnormality score, r=0.55; all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Patients with DED associated with co GVHD show poorer gland morphology and worse glandfunction than other types of DED. In addition, meibomian gland damage is not only associated with ocular surface damage but also disease severity of coGVHD.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture for patients with dry eye syndromes:a randomized controlled trial

Objective To observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture(EA)in treating dry eye syndromes(DES)and its regulatory effects on patient’s quality of life(QOL),anxiety,and depression.MethodsBy following a randomized controlled study design,eligible DES patients were allocated to an EA group(EAG)or an acupuncture group(AG).Patients in the AG were intervened by acupuncture alone,while in the EAG,electrical stimulation was applied to Cuanzhu(BL2)and Taiyang(EX-HN5)in addition to the same treatment in the AG.Changes in clinical manifestations,ocular surface disease index(OSDI),Schirmer tear test-1(STT-1),tear-film break-up time(TF-BUT),cornea fluorescein staining(CFS),and corneal sensitivity(CS)were observed,as well as changes in the short-form 36-item health survey(SF-36)and hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)scores.ResultsThe scores of clinical symptoms,OSDI,and CFS decreased significantly in both EAG and AG when compared with the baseline values(P<0.05),respectively,while the TF-BUT and CS increased significantly(P<0.05),and the tear secretion of patients in the EAG increased(P<0.05).Compared with those before treatment,the scores of physical role functioning,general health perception,emotional role functioning,and mental health of patients in both EAG and AG showed significant increases after treatment(P<0.05),together with a marked decrease in the score of anxiety(P<0.05).Compared with the AG,the EAG obtained a more significant increase in STT-1(P<0.05).ConclusionDES patients respond well to both EA and acupuncture treatments,manifested by prolonged TF-BUT and improvement of CS.Meanwhile,the two approaches can improve QOL and reduce anxiety.Furthermore,EA appears more effective in increasing tear secretion than acupuncture alone.

Gastrointestinal microbiome and primary Sjogren’s syndrome: a review of the literature and conclusions

The recognition of the profound impact of the human gastrointestinal microbiome(GM) on human autoimmune diseases has gradually increased thanks to deeper research efforts. As a systemic autoimmune disease, primary Sjogren’s syndrome(pSS) cannot be completely cured. Human studies have revealed that GM species and diversity are altered in patients with p SS compared with healthy individuals. Animal studies have provided possible mechanisms for the association between pSS and GM. The potential role of GM in pSS is exerted through several mechanisms. GM dysbiosis leads to increased intestinal permeability, which increases the risk of GM antigen exposure and activates specific autoreactive T lymphocytes via “molecular mimicry”. In addition, GM antigen exposure and intestinal immune tolerance loss caused by GM dysbiosis together induce chronic local gut mucosal inflammation, which deteriorates to systemic chronic non-specific inflammation with the circulation of pro-inflammatory lymphocytes and cytokines. These factors eventually activate autoreactive B lymphocytes and lead to pSS. If GM plays a key role in the pathogenesis of pSS, clarifying the underlying mechanisms will be helpful for the development of new therapies targeting GM for dry eye associated with pSS. This review summarizes the latest knowledge about the relationship between GM and p SS,with the aim of contributing to future research and to the development of new clinical applications.