AIM:To investigate the effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on apoptosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in ocular surface in an experimental rat model.· METHODS:Forty female,Wis...AIM:To investigate the effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on apoptosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in ocular surface in an experimental rat model.· METHODS:Forty female,Wistar rats were randomized in 4 groups in the study.Subcutaneous ERT (17β-estradiol,10g/kg/day) was administered to the first group without ovariectomy and to the second group with ovariectomy for three months.Third group had only ovariectomy and fourth group had sham operation.All rats were sacrificed in estrous cycles determined by vaginal smear test and their right eyes were enucleated at the end of the third month.Enucleated eyes were analyzed by immunohistochemical method for expressions of caspase-3,bcl-2,VEGF and TUNEL assay.· RESULTS:Caspase-3 expression of conjunctival epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 (P =0.005),and group 2 (P =0.007).TUNEL score of conjunctival epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 (P =0.006).TUNEL score of corneal epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 2 (P =0.012),and group 4 (P =0.002).There was no significant difference between groups in that bcl-2 and VEGF expressions.· CONCLUSION:We determined increased apoptosis in ocular surface epithelial cells in ovariectomized rats.ERT and endogen estrogen decreased the apoptosis,and did not result in difference in VEGF expression between the groups.Estrogen may be beneficial for the treatment of apoptosis-mediated ocular surface disorders such as dry eye.Further studies are needed on this subject for a better understanding of the role of estrogen and to provide a new insight for treatment and prevention of apoptosis-mediated ocular surface disorders.展开更多
Background: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values measured in diabetic eyes and compare the CCT values in normal patients without diabetes. Methods: A total of 83 diabetic patients and 83 non-diabetic pati...Background: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values measured in diabetic eyes and compare the CCT values in normal patients without diabetes. Methods: A total of 83 diabetic patients and 83 non-diabetic patients were prospectively enrolled in this comparative case series. CCT was measured using a Topcon CT-1P non-contact automated pachymeter, and values were compared. Results: Mean age was 57 ± 11 years, with a range of 23 and 80 years. The mean CCT was 508.87 ± 35.83 μm for diabetic patients and 513.41 ± 37.22 μm for non-diabetic patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the CCT of diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients (p = 0.260). We did not find a significant correlation between the CCT of diabetic patients and clinical characteristics of diabetes. However, there was a positive and statistically significant linear correlation between the CCT of diabetic patients and intra ocular pressure (IOP). Conclusion: The mean CCT in diabetic patients was lower than in non-diabetic control patients, although there was no statistically significant difference.展开更多
基金Supported by the Research Fund of Adnan Menderes University,Aydin,Turkey
文摘AIM:To investigate the effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on apoptosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in ocular surface in an experimental rat model.· METHODS:Forty female,Wistar rats were randomized in 4 groups in the study.Subcutaneous ERT (17β-estradiol,10g/kg/day) was administered to the first group without ovariectomy and to the second group with ovariectomy for three months.Third group had only ovariectomy and fourth group had sham operation.All rats were sacrificed in estrous cycles determined by vaginal smear test and their right eyes were enucleated at the end of the third month.Enucleated eyes were analyzed by immunohistochemical method for expressions of caspase-3,bcl-2,VEGF and TUNEL assay.· RESULTS:Caspase-3 expression of conjunctival epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 (P =0.005),and group 2 (P =0.007).TUNEL score of conjunctival epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 (P =0.006).TUNEL score of corneal epithelium was significantly higher in group 3 than group 2 (P =0.012),and group 4 (P =0.002).There was no significant difference between groups in that bcl-2 and VEGF expressions.· CONCLUSION:We determined increased apoptosis in ocular surface epithelial cells in ovariectomized rats.ERT and endogen estrogen decreased the apoptosis,and did not result in difference in VEGF expression between the groups.Estrogen may be beneficial for the treatment of apoptosis-mediated ocular surface disorders such as dry eye.Further studies are needed on this subject for a better understanding of the role of estrogen and to provide a new insight for treatment and prevention of apoptosis-mediated ocular surface disorders.
文摘Background: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values measured in diabetic eyes and compare the CCT values in normal patients without diabetes. Methods: A total of 83 diabetic patients and 83 non-diabetic patients were prospectively enrolled in this comparative case series. CCT was measured using a Topcon CT-1P non-contact automated pachymeter, and values were compared. Results: Mean age was 57 ± 11 years, with a range of 23 and 80 years. The mean CCT was 508.87 ± 35.83 μm for diabetic patients and 513.41 ± 37.22 μm for non-diabetic patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the CCT of diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients (p = 0.260). We did not find a significant correlation between the CCT of diabetic patients and clinical characteristics of diabetes. However, there was a positive and statistically significant linear correlation between the CCT of diabetic patients and intra ocular pressure (IOP). Conclusion: The mean CCT in diabetic patients was lower than in non-diabetic control patients, although there was no statistically significant difference.
