Dry environment on the expression of lacrimal gland S100A9,Anxa1,and Clu in rats via proteomics

●AIM:To investigate the underlying mechanism of dry environment(autumn dryness)affecting the lacrimal glands in rats.●METHODS:Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups.The rats were fed in specific pathogen free environment as the control group(n=10),and the rats fed in dry environment as the dryness group(n=10).After 24d,lacrimal glands were collected from the rats.The tissues morphology was observed by hematoxylineosin(HE)staining.Tandem mass tags(TMT)quantitative proteomics analysis technology was used to screen the differential expressed proteins of lacrimal glands between the two groups,then bioinformatics analysis was performed.Further,the immunohistochemical(IHC)method was used to verify the target proteins.●RESULTS:In dryness group,the lacrimal glands lobule atrophied,the glandular cavities enlarged,the sparse nuclear distribution and scattered inflammatory infiltration between the acinus were observed.The proteomics exhibited that a total of 195 up-regulated and 236 downregulated differential expressed proteins screened from the lacrimal glands of rats.It was indicated that the biological processes(BP)of differential expressed proteins mainly included cell processes and single BP.The cellular compositions of differential expressed proteins mainly located in cells,organelles.The molecular functions of differential expressed proteins mainly included binding,catalytic activity.Moreover,the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis showed that the differential expressed proteins mainly involved lysosome,complement and coagulation cascade,and ribosome pathway.The IHC result verified that the up-regulated expression proteins of Protein S100A9(S100A9),Annexin A1(Anxa1),and Clusterin(Clu)in lacrimal glands of rats in dryness group were higher than control group.●CONCLUSION:The up-regulated expression proteins of S100A9,Anxa1,and Clu may be the potential mechanisms of dry eye symptoms caused by dry environment.This study provides clues of dry environments causing eye-related diseases for further studies.

Treatment of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma:a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma(LGACC)of prognosis in patients who underwent different treatment regimens.METHODS:We searched PubMed,EMBASE,and the Cochrane Library for studies done on the treatment of LGACC,between January 1987 and April 2022.A Metaanalysis was conducted to pool the 5-year overall survival rate(OR),and the 5-year recurrence rate(RR)and 5-year metastasis rate(MR)were assessed.RESULTS:The 30 studies involved 585 patients were included in the Meta-analysis.The pooled 5-year OR with surgery alone was 50%,the 5-year RR was 63%,and the 5-year MR was 34%.The pooled 5-year OR with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy combined was 67%(95%CI 61%,73%),the 5-year RR was 41%,and the 5-year MR was 35%.The pooled 5-year OR with surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined was 72%(95%CI 59%,84%),the 5-year RR was 48%,and the 5-year MR was 36%.The pooled 5-year OR with surgery,intra-arterial cytoreductive chemotherapy,and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined was 78%(95%CI 68%,89%),the 5-year RR was 15%,and the 5-year MR was 27%.CONCLUSION:Comprehensive treatment is more effective than surgery alone.Surgery combined with intraarterial chemotherapy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy seems to add value to the therapeutic effect of comprehensive treatment of LGACC but further high-quality research is required to validate this.

Comparison of biological behavior of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma with high-grade transformation cells

AIM:To evaluate the differences between human lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma with high-grade transformation(LACC-HGT)primar y cells cultured by high-grade transformation tissue and non-high-grade transformation(non-HGT)primary cells cultured by non-highgrade transformation tissue in proliferation,metastasis,drug susceptibility,and genes.METHODS:LACC-HGT primary cells were established by tissue block culture,and the 4^(th)to 10^(th)generation primary cells were selected as research objects.The cells were preliminarily identified by immunofluorescent staining.The differences between non-HGT and LACC-HGT primary cells in terms of proliferation,metastasis,and drug susceptibility were compared by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,wound healing,and drug sensitivity experiments.Differentially expressed genes were screened using mRNA array.Gene expression was analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).RESULTS:LACC-HGT primary cells were successfully cultured by tissue block culture.Immunofluorescence staining results showed that cytokeratin(CK)and CK7 expression levels were positive in LACC-HGT primary cells.CCK-8 results showed that the proliferation ability of LACCHGT cells was significantly higher than that of non-HGT cells.Wound healing experiment showed that the migration ability of LACC-HGT cells was significantly higher than that of non-HGT cells.LACC-HGT cells were also less sensitive to cisplatin and paclitaxel than non-HGT cells.Compared with non-HGT cells,9566 differentially expressed genes were found in LACC-HGT primary cells,of which 5162 were upregulated and 4404 were down-regulated.The expression of N-acetylneuraminate pyruvate lyase(NPL),MARVEL domain containing 3(MARVELD3),syntabulin(SYBU),and allograft inflammatory factor 1(AIF1)was higher in LACCHGT cells than in non-HGT cells,whereas that of periostin(POSTN)was lower.CONCLUSION:LACC-HGT primary cells have faster proliferation,stronger migration ability,and poorer sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs than non-HGT primary cells.The expression of mRNAs in non-HGT and LACC-HGT primary cells are significantly different.These features are speculated to be the reasons why high-grade transformation tissues exhibit higher malignant degree and poorer prognosis than their counterparts.

Preliminary study on the efficacy of lacrimal duct reconstruction with pedicled conjunctival flap in the treatment of severe lacrimal canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis

AIM:To determine the efficacy and safety of pedicled conjunctival lacrimal duct reconstruction in the treatment of severe obstruction of superior and inferior lacrimal canaliculi with conjunctivochalasis.METHODS:This study was per formed as a retrospective analysis of patients who received conjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy with pedicled conjunctival flap reconstruction combined with tube intubation due to severe superior and inferior lacrimal canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis from January 2019 to October 2019.The clinical data included the degree of preoperative epiphora and postoperative relief,preoperative examination of lacrimal duct computed tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy,postoperative evaluation of lacrimal duct function by chloramphenicol taste and fluorescein dye disappearance test,etc.Syringing was carried out to determine the reconstruction and patency of the lacrimal duct.RESULTS:All 9 patients(9 eyes)had severe canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis.The patients included 4 males and 5 females aged between 47–65y with an average age of 52.2±6.7y.At 3mo follow-up,the tube was removed and the patients were followed for a further 3mo.After tube removal,6 patients showed no epiphora.These patients also had positive chloramphenicol tastes and normal fluorescein dye disappearance test results.Two patientshad epiphora.Also,syringing showed partial patency of the reconstructed lacrimal duct.One patient had no improvement in epiphora with negative chloramphenicol taste and fluorescein dye disappearance test results and obstruction of the reconstructed lacrimal duct.The total effective rate of the operation was 8/9,with no serious complications.CONCLUSION:Pedicled conjunctival lacrimal duct reconstruction conjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy is safe and effective for superior and inferior canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis.

Identification of a novel mutation in the FGF10 gene in a Chinese family with obvious congenital lacrimal duct dysplasia in lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital syndrome

AIM:To identify the pathogenic gene variant in a family with lacrimo-auriculo-dento-digital syndrome[LADD(MIM 149730)]showing congenital lacrimal duct dysplasia as the main clinical manifestation and lay the foundation for future research on the pathogenic gene.METHODS:Ophthalmological examinations,including slit-lamp biomicroscopy and lacrimal duct probing,and computed tomography dacryocystography(CT-DCG)were performed for all participants.The family pedigree was drawn,genetic features were analyzed,and the genomic DNA of the subjects was extracted.Pathogenic genes were screened via whole exome sequencing(WES)and confirmed using Sanger sequencing.RESULTS:Six patients belonged to this three-generation family,and their clinical manifestations included congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction,congenital absence of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi,lacrimal fistulae,and limb deformities.This pattern indicates autosomal dominant inheritance.Diagnosis was based on the clinical characteristics of LADD syndrome,which presented in all the patients in this family.A novel frameshif t mutation in the FGF10 gene(NM_004465.1),c.234dup C(p.Trp79Leus*15),was identified in all patients via WES.The variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and classified as a“pathogenic mutation”according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics(ACMG)variant interpretation guidelines.CONCLUSION:A novel frameshift mutation in the FGF10 gene is found in all patients.This finding helps this family with LADD syndrome receiving a more accurate clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling by extending the mutation range of the FGF10 gene.

Different serum levels of IgG and complements and recurrence rates in IgG4-positive and negative lacrimal gland benign lymphoepithelial lesion

·AIM:To analyze the differences in immune indicators and prognosis between Ig G4-positive and negative lacrimal gland benign lymphoepithelial lesion(LGBLEL).·METHODS:This was a single-center retrospective clinical study including 105 cases of Ig G4-positive LGBLEL and 41 cases of Ig G4-negative LGBLEL.Basic information,related indicators of peripheral venous blood samples using immunoscattering turbidimetry,treatment(partial surgical excision and glucocorticoid therapy)and prognosis(recurrence and death)were collected.Survival curves for recurrence were created using the Kaplan-Meier analysis.Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were used to analyze prognostic factors.·RESULTS:The mean age was 50.10±14.23y and 44.76±11.43y(P=0.033)in Ig G4-positive and negative group respectively.The serum C3 and C4 was lower in Ig G4-positive group(P=0.005,P=0.002),while the serum Ig G and Ig G2 was higher in Ig G4-positive group(P=0.000 and P=0.008).Twenty-one cases had recurrence in Ig G4-positive group and 3 cases recurrence in Ig G4-negative group.The 5-year recurrence-free cumulative percentages of Ig G4-positive group was 81.85%,and 83.46%in the Ig G-negative group(P=0.216).The history of preoperative glucocorticoid therapy,serum C4,Ig G1 and Ig G2 were the factors affecting recurrence in Ig G4-positive group,while serum C4,and Ig G1 were the factors affecting recurrence of LGBLEL.·CONCLUSION:Serum C4 and Ig G1 are the factors affecting recurrence of LGBLEL,while the Ig G4 does not affect recurrence of LGBLEL.

Comparative outcomes of the pathogen in cultured Jones tubes used in lacrimal bypass surgery according to follow up periods

AIM:To evaluate the pathogens in cultured Jones tubes used in lacrimal bypass surgery according to the postoperative periods and to obtain data for the prevention of infection of functional lacrimal stent invention.METHODS:Totally 71 patients(81 eyes)who underwent the removal of Jones tubes were enrolled in study.All the removed Jones tubes were cultured for bacterial and fungal identification and tested for bacterial antibiotic sensitivity.The results were analyzed according to the duration of the inserted Jones tube after lacrimal bypass surgery.RESULTS:Of the 81 eyes,bacteria were isolated from 69 eyes(85.2%)and fungi from 6 eyes(7.4%).Among 69 eyes,40.6% showed Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),11.6% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa).Gram-positive bacteria were isolated more than Gramnegative bacteria,but Gram-negative bacteria showed a higher incidence in the Jones tube implanted for over 10y(P=0.035).The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that 46.4% of S.aureus were resistant to oxacillin.In terms of antibiotics commonly used in ocular clinical practice,vancomycin was sensitive to S.aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae(S.pneumoniae),amikacin responded to P.aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis(P.mirabilis).Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole(TMP/SMX)was all sensitive to S.aureus,S.pneumoniae and P.mirabilis except P.aeruginosa.CONCLUSION:S.aureus is the most commonly found organism in the Jones tube after lacrimal bypass surgery,and 46.4% of them are methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA),sensitive to vancomycin.Especially,P.mirabilis responded with amikacin is dominantly detected in the Jones tubes implanted for more than 10y.

Investigation of lacrimal sac space-occupying lesions using color doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, and computed tomography dacryocystography

AIM:To observe the imaging features of color Doppler ultrasound(CDU)and computed tomography(CT)or computed tomography dacryocystography(CT-DCG)in different types of lacrimal sac space-occupying lesions(SOLs).METHODS:This retrospective case series study included 21 patients with lacrimal sac SOLs who underwent lacrimal sac surgery between January 2018 and March 2022.The imaging features of CDU and CT or CT-DCG in these patients were extracted from the examination cloud system.The images were observed and analyzed.RESULTS:The detection rate of lacrimal SOLs between CDU(21/21,100%)and CT or CT-DCG(20/21,95.2%)had no statistically significant difference(P=1.0).CDU could detect the blood flow signals in all SOLs except mucocele and mucopeptide concretion.Among them,polyps had characteristic imaging changes on CDU and CT-DCG.The mucoceles and mucopeptide concretions had characteristic imaging changes on CDU,which could provide more information for differential diagnosis.CONCLUSION:The morphology and internal blood flow signals of lacrimal sac SOLs can be observed using CDU.CT or CT-DCG has advantages in observing structural damage around the lacrimal sac mass.Therefore,CDU may be used as a routine examination to exclude lacrimal sac SOLs before dacryocystorhinostomy in the absence of preoperative CT or CT-DCG.

Association analysis of BclI with benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the lacrimal gland and glucocorticoids resistance

AIM:To evaluate the relationship between gene polymorphism(BclI,ER22/23EK,N363S)and the occurrence,progression and sensitivity to glucocorticoid of lacrimal gland benign lymphoepithelial lesion(LGBLEL).METHODS:Clinical peripheral blood samples of 52 LGBLEL patients and 10 normal volunteers were collected for DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction sequencing to analyze single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)genotypes.The lacrimal tissues of LGBLEL were surgically removed and made into paraffin sections for subsequent hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining analysis.The duration of disease and hormone use of LGBLEL patients from diagnosis to surgery were also analyzed.The Meta-analysis follows PRISMA guidelines to conducted a systematic review of human studies investigating the relationship between the NR3C1 BclI polymorphism and glucocorticoids(GCs)sensitivity.RESULTS:There was no association between ER22/23EK or N363S and the occurrence of LGBLEL or GCs sensitivity(P>0.05);BclI GC genotype was closely related to GCs resistance(P=0.03)as is the minor allele C(P=0.0017).The HE staining and Masson staining showed that the GC genotype of BclI remarkably slowed down the disease progression and reduced fibrosis(P<0.05),especially for GCs-dependent patients(P<0.0001).Meta-analysis showed that BclI was not significantly associated with GCs responsiveness.CONCLUSION:The LGBLEL patients who carry the NR3C1 BclI allele C may be more sensitive to GCs and associated with lower fibrosis and slower disease progression.The results may guide the clinical treatment strategy for the LGBLEL patients.

Primary lacrimal sac lymphoma:a case-based retrospective study in a Chinese population

AIM:To determine the clinical characteristics,pathological types,tumor markers,treatments,and outcomes of Chinese patients with primary lacrimal sac lymphoma.METHODS:This case-based retrospective study analyzed 15 Chinese patients with primary lacrimal sac lymphoma.The clinical data collected included gender,age at diagnosis,symptoms,imaging examination results,pathologic diagnosis,pathogen identification,tumor markers,treatments,follow-up,and prognosis.Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the patients.Progression-free survival(PFS)was defined as the time from surgery to the last follow-up,first record of tumor recurrence,or death.RESULTS:There were 7 males and 8 females with unilateral primar y lacrimal sac lymphoma in the lef t eye(n=6)or right eye(n=9).The initial symptom in 13 patients was epiphora,and 2 patients had redness and swelling in the lacrimal sac area.All patients ultimately developed epiphora,and 12 had masses in the lacrimal sac area.Analysis of preoperative plasma tumor markers indicated 14 patients had elevated homocysteine,9 had elevatedβ2-microglobulin,and 2 had elevated lactate dehydrogenase(LDH);2 patients had elevations of all three markers,and 1 patient had no elevation of any marker.All patients underwent surgical resection and 12 patients received postoperative chemotherapy.The pathological types were DLBCL(n=8),MALT lymphoma(n=5),and NK/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type(n=2).The mean followup time was 25.8mo(range:4-41)and 2 patients died.Seven patients who underwent mass excision combined with dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR)had no postoperative epiphora.Eight patients who only underwent mass excision had varying degrees of postoperative epiphora.Preoperative LDH elevation and NK/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type were associated with poor prognoses.CONCLUSION:Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a good prognosis for most patients with primary lacrimal sac lymphoma.Mass resection combined with DCR can reduce the occurrence of post-surgical epiphora.The pathology type and tumor marker status are associated with prognosis.

Long-term outcomes of laser dacryoplasty combined with intubation using a new silicon tube in patients with lacrimal duct obstruction

AIM:To determine the 15-year outcomes of laser dacryoplasty(LDP)in patients with lacrimal duct obstruction;and to evaluate LDP combined with intubation using a new silicone tube to treat complicated cases.METHODS:Patients with lacrimal duct obstruction and treated with LDP between April 2000 and April 2005 were investigated retrospectively.Totally 116 eyes with completed 15-year follow-up records were included in this study.For complicated cases(52 eyes of 52 patients),both LDP and intubation using a self-made silicon tube were performed.For patients with uncomplicated obstruction(64 eyes of 61 patients),only LDP was performed.Outcomes were assessed based on results of lacrimal irrigation and degree of symptoms during follow-up.RESULTS:At the follow-up time of 15y,81 eyes achieved full success(69.8%);21 eyes got improved(18.1%);and 14 eyes were considered failure(12.1%).The success rate was 71.2%(37/52 eyes)for complicated cases;and 68.8%(44/64 eyes)for uncomplicated cases.No statistically significant difference between two groups was observed(P=0.961).No postoperative complication was observed.CONCLUSION:LDP is a well-tolerated,simple,and effective procedure with satisfactory long-term outcomes in selected patients,which make it a good alternative to conventional dacryocystorhinostomy.In addition,intubation with the self-made mono-canalicular silicone tube facilitates the management of complicated cases with few complications.

Lacrimal sac lymphoma: a case series and literature review

AIM: To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of the lacrimal sac lymphoma, which is rare but it is the major type of non-epithelial malignant tumor in the lacrimal sac region. METHODS: Sixty-four cases of malignant lacrimal sac tumors in our hospital from 1986 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Eight cases of lacrimal sac lymphoma were carefully reviewed. RESULTS: There were five mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT) lymphomas, one diffused large B-cell lymphoma, one NK/T cell lymphoma, and one mantle cell lymphoma. All eight patients represented symptoms of epiphora with swelling in the lacrimal sac for a certain period of time and showed no signs of systemic involvement at the first time of clinical visits. They had received either chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery. Long-term follow-up(from 11 to 220 mo) showed that, except one patient with MALT lymphoma died for unknown reasons at 104 mo after surgery, the other 7 patients were all alive with no signs of local recurrence, neither in other organs. CONCLUSION: Non-epithelial malignant tumors of the lacrimal sac are rare and lymphoma is the major subtype.

A comparison between monocanalicular and pushed monocanalicular silicone intubation in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

AIM: To compare the success rate of monocanalicular versus pushed monocanalicular silicone intubation(PMCI)of the nasolacrimal duct for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction(CNLDO).METHODS: In a prospective randomized clinical trial 53 eyes of 49 patients with CNLDO underwent either monocanalicular silicone intubation(MCI)(n =28 eyes) or PMCI(n =25 eyes). All procedures were performed by 1oculoplastic surgeon. Treatment success was defined as the complete resolution of epiphora at 3mo after tube removal.RESULTS: The surgical outcome was assessed in 20 eyes with MCI and 20 eyes with PMCI. The mean age of treatment was 26.25 ±10.08mo(range, 13-49mo) for MCI and 26.85±12.25mo(range, 16-68mo) for PMCI. Treatment success was achieved in 18 of 20 eyes(90.0%) in the MCI group compared with 10 of 20 eyes(50%) in the PMCI group(P =0.01). In the PMCI group, the tube loss(30%)was greater than the MCI group(5%), however the differences between the 2 groups proved to be not significant(P =0.91).CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that MCI has higher success rate in CNLDO treatment compared with PMCI in this small series of patients.

Pathological,immunohistochemical and microbiologicalal analysis of lacrimal sac biopsies in patients with chronic dacrocystitis

AIM:To analyze cases of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct which creates a fertile environment for secondary bacterial Infection and can result in dacryocystitis,which is a constant threat to cornea and orbital soft tissue and a potential source of endophthalmitis following intraocular surgery.The majority of obstructions of the lacrimal excretory outflow system are acquired ones occurring in adulthood and involving the distal parts of the system.Acquired obstruction may be primary/idiopathic or secondary to a wide variety of infectious,inflammatory,traumatic,mechanical,toxic or neoplastic causes mimicking idiopathic inflammation.These cases are treated by dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR).METHODS:The present study was conducted to determine the histopathologic,immunohistochemical and current microbiologic characteristics of lacrimal sac specimens in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy.RESULTS:Non-specific lacrimal sac pathology was present in all 33 cases and 81.8%of the cases showed moderate chronic inflammation with a chronic inflammatory score(CIS)ranging between 4 and 6,whereas 12.12%showed severe inflammatory changes with a CIS of 7.Mild degree of inflammation was seen in6.06%with a CIS of 3.The total prevalence of grampositive,gram-negative,and culture-negative samples were 59.4%,37.5%,and 3%respectively.CONCLUSION:Non-specific chronic inflammation withfibrosis is indeed the most commonly reported histopathological finding in lacrimal sac wall biopsy specimens.

Diagnosis of lacrimal canalicular diseases using ultrasound biomicroscopy: a preliminary study

· AIM: To evaluate the application of ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM) in the examination of lacrimal canalicular diseases, and to investigate UBM image characteristics of lacrimal canaliculi in disease states.·METHODS: Sixty cases(63 eyes, 69 canaliculi) of lacrimal canalicular diseases were enrolled that included32 patients(32 eyes, 32 canaliculi) with chronic lacrimal canaliculitis, 18 patients(18 eyes, 18 canaliculi) with previous lacrimal canalicular laceration, 9 patients(12eyes, 18 canaliculi) with congenital absence of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi, and 1 case(1 eye, 1 canaliculus)of canalicular mass. The patients were examined using UBM, and disease-specific features of the UBM images were noted.· RESULTS: UBM imaging of lacrimal canaliculi in chronic canaliculitis patients showed obvious ectasia of the lacrimal canalicular lumen. Dot-like moderate echoic signals were detected on some ectatic lumina of the lacrimal canaliculus. Some lumen-like structures of the lower lacrimal canaliculus were observed in 2(2 eyes, 2canaliculi) of the 9 patients(12 eyes, 18 canaliculi) with congenital absence of the lacrimal canaliculus. Of the 18patients(18 eyes, 18 canaliculi) with previous lacrimal canalicular laceration, the lacerated end on the nasal side of the lacrimal canaliculus was detected only in 14patients(14 eyes, 14 canaliculi).·CONCLUSION: UBM can be used to evaluate lacrimal canalicular diseases and can provide an imaging basis for the diagnosis of lacrimal canalicular diseases.

Use of the Crawford tube for symptomatic epiphora without nasolacrimal obstruction

AIM： To evaluate the effectiveness of the Crawford tube in treating symptomatic epiphora without nasolacrimal obstruction. METHODS： A protocol was adopted for the management of symptomatic epiphora without nasolacrimal obstruction. Patients who suffered symptomatic epiphora without nasolacrimal obstruction in both eyes were included in the study. One eye was treated with Crawford tube intubation and the other eye was treated with medication therapy. Degree of watering, patient satisfaction, and symptomatic improvement were carefully evaluated by one of the authors at the end of the follow-up period, after Crawford tube removal, to ascertain functional results. RESULTS： Thirty-seven adult patients （37 eyes） underwent Crawford tube intubation for functional epiphora. The mean follow-up time after removal of the tube was 14.8 ~4.8mo. The procedure was an overall success in 28 eyes （75.7%）, with symptoms improving significantly. Two eyes （5.4%） were relieved of indoor epiphora, two （5.4%） had minimal epiphora outdoors, but only with wind or cold, and five （13.5%） continued to experience tearing both indoors and outdoors. Thirty of the patients （81%） expressed satisfaction with the procedure. CONCLUSION： Crawford tube insertion is an effective, safe, simple, and relatively noninvasive treatment strategy for functional lacrimal system obstruction.

Preliminary report on screening IGSF3 gene mutation in families with congenital absence of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi

AIM:To investigate the variation of IGSF3 gene in three families with congenital absence of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi,and to lay a foundation for further research on the pathogenic gene of congenital lacrimal duct agenesis.METHODS:The members of the three families were recruited.The ophthalmologic examinations in details,including slit-lamp biomicroscope,intraocular pressure and fundus examination,etc.were carried out.All patients were checked with paracentesis of puncta membrane and lacrimal duct probing,as well as the computed tomographydacryocystography(CT-DCG).Peripheral blood of 14 participants(3 normal)from three families were collected,4 mL each,for genomic DNA extraction,and 11 exon fragments of IGSF3 gene were amplified and sequenced by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)to determine whether there were IGSF3 genetic variation.RESULTS:A total of 14 members from three families were screened for 4 synonymous variants:c.930 C>T(p.Pro366=),c.1359 T>C(p.Ser709=),c.1797 G>A(p.Ser855=),c.1539 G>A(p.Ser769=),and 6 missense variants:c.l507 G>A(p.Gly759 Ser),c.1783 T>C(p.Trp851 Arg),c.1952 G>T(p.Ser 907 lle),c.3120 C>G(p.Asp1040 Glu),c.3123 C>G(p.Asp1041 Glu),c.3139_3140 insGAC(p.Asp1046_Pro1047 insAsp),and the latter three were only found in two patients with absence of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi combined with congenital osseous nasolacrimal canal obstruction from the first family.CONCLUSION:The same IGSF3 gene mutation c.31393140 insGAC is found in the patients with congenital absence of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi combine with osseous nasolacrimal canal obstruction.

Computed tomography imaging features for amyloid dacryolith in the nasolacrimal excretory system:A case report

BACKGROUND Nasolacrimal duct obstruction leading to epiphora is a common ophthalmologic complaint,and it may derive from amyloidosis in rare cases.There are a few reports about localized amyloidosis,and amyloidosis with involvement and obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct is exceedingly rare.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of a lump overlying the left lacrimal sac that had grown rapidly for nearly half a year.Physical examination touched a firm lump in the left lacrimal sac.Nasal endoscopy discovered lesions in appearance of sediments with easy bleeding at the entry of the nasolacrimal duct of the left inferior nasal meatus.Computerized tomography scan revealed speckle high density in the left lacrimal sac and the dilated nasolacrimal duct.During an endoscopic exploration and excision,a large number of dacryoliths were exposed.Pathology indicated amorphous pink material and multinucleated giant cell reaction in the fibrous tissue.CONCLUSION This case showed amyloidosis in localized form mimicking dacryolith with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.In clinical practice,we should be aware of the possibility of localized amyloidosis in the nasolacrimal excretory system.

Effects of extract of Buddleja officinalis on partial inflammation of lacrimal gland in castrated rabbits with dry eye

AIMTo assess the effects of extract of Buddleja officinalis on tear secretion volume, tear film stability, expressions of TGF-β1, IL-1β, TNF-α in lacrimal gland of castrated rabbits with dry eye.

PPARγ: the dominant regulator among PPARs in dry eye lacrimal gland and diabetic lacrimal gland

AIM: To investigate the regulatory roles of the members of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR)family in lacrimal gland dysfunction under conditions of desiccating stress or diabetes.METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to examine the expression of PPARs in the cornea, conjunctiva, meibomian gland, and lacrimal gland in adult rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups:a control group, dry eye group, and diabetic group. The phenol red threads test, tear film break-up time(BUT) test and fluorescein staining were carried out to evaluate the development of dry eye. Based on bioinformatics research,qP CR was used to examine the expression level of PPARγ,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6), sirtuin 1(Sirt1), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88) and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in the lacrimal glands.RESULTS: PPARα and PPARβ/δ were mainly expressed in the conjunctiva and the lacrimal gland, respectively.However, PPARγ was expressed in both the conjunctiva and lacrimal gland, at much higher levels than those measured for PPARα and PPARβ/δ. Dry eye rats and diabetic rats both showed decreased tear secretion, shortened BUT,and increased corneal staining. Significant changes in gene expression were observed compared with the control group. In the lacrimal glands of dry eye rats and diabetic rats, expression of PPARγ decreased(P<0.05), expression of Sirt1 also decreased(P<0.01), whereas expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MyD88, and TGF-β increased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Among PPARs, PPARγ might play a dominant role in the regulation of metabolic-and inflammatorysignaling pathways on the ocular surfaces and in lacrimal glands. Down-regulation of PPARγ is highly relevant to lacrimal gland dysfunction under desiccating-stress and diabetic conditions. PPARγ, thus, is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of environment-or diabetes-induced dry eye diseases.