Explore the vast range of titles available.

Objective Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a significant complication that causes decreased vision in cataract patients after surgery. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation are key factors in PCO development. This study examined the protective effect of Micheliolide (MCL) in preventing PCO and its related mechanisms. Methods In vivo studies were conducted using an extracapsular lens extraction (ECLE) model combined with intracameral injection, while in vitro experiments utilized TGF-β2-induced EMT in lens epithelial cells (LECs). In vivo biological effects were assessed by TUNEL staining and alizarin red staining. The expression levels of EMT and inflammatory markers were analyzed by Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Transwell assays, and scratch wound healing assays were employed to evaluate the migratory and proliferative capacities of LECs. Results In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, MCL treatment significantly suppressed the inflammatory response, expression of EMT markers, and the proliferative and migratory capacities of LECs. To further elucidate the underlying mechanism, RNA sequencing was performed on capsular bags collected at 0 h, 24 h, and 5d post-ECLE. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) was upregulated at 24 hours after surgery, and this induction was markedly attenuated by MCL administration. Consistent with these findings, in vitro studies demonstrated that combining MCL with an MMP8 inhibitor (M8I) synergistically suppressed the expression of EMT-related proteins in LECs. Conclusion Our research confirms the effectiveness of MCL in inhibiting PCO through anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, and it exerts its mechanism of inhibiting EMT through MMP8.

Background Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the main reason affecting the long-term postoperative result of cataract patient, and it is well accepted that fibrotic PCO is driven by transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. Ferroptosis, closely related to various ocular diseases, but has not been explored in PCO. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on both TGF-β2 treated and untreated primary lens epithelial cells (pLECs). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ferroptosis were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to investigate their biological function. Additionally, protein-to-protein interactions among selected ferroptosis-related genes by PPI network and the top 10 genes with the highest score (MCC algorithm) were selected as the hub genes. The top 20 genes with significant fold change values were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results Our analysis revealed 1253 DEGs between TGF-β2 treated and untreated pLECs, uncovering 38 ferroptosis-related genes between two groups. Among these 38 ferroptosis-related genes,the most prominent GO enrichment analysis process involved in the response to oxidative stress (BPs), apical part of cell (CCs),antioxidant activity (MFs). KEGG were mainly concentrated in fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways, and validation of top 20 genes with significant fold change value were consistent with RNA-seq. Conclusions Our RNA-Seq data identified 38 ferroptosis-related genes in TGF-β2 treated and untreated pLECs, which is the first observation of ferroptosis related genes in primary human lens epithelial cells under TGF-β2 stimulation. Graphical Abstract Our study initially observed ferroptosis related genes in primary human lens epithelial cells stimulated by TGF-β2. These findings may improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PCO and provide a new direction for exploring the potential mechanisms of PCO

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the main complication after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cataract surgery, which is the result of lens epithelial cell (LEC) adhesion, proliferation and migration on the IOL and at the lens capsule interface. Hydrophilic surface modification, such as surface heparinization, decreases the cell adhesion, which has been commercialized and used clinically. However, clinical long-term observation results show no significant difference between the pristine and heparinized IOLs. To prevent PCO over the long time span, we modified the IOLs with an antiproliferative drug-loaded hydrophilic coating. The antiproliferative drug doxorubicin (DOX)-incorporated chitosan (CHI) nanoparticle was fabricated by sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) gelation. Such antiproliferative drug-loaded CHI-TPP-DOX nanoparticles (CTDNP) were used as one of the building blocks to prepare polyelectrolyte multilayer with heparin (HEP) via layer-by-layer assembly, obtaining (HEP/CTDNP) multilayers. The assembly process was characterized by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The drug release behavior of the coating was investigated by ultra-HPLC (UPLC). In vitro cell experiments were carried out to monitor the effects of multifunctional coatings on cellular adhesion, proliferation and migration. And the intraocular implantation was performed on rabbits to evaluate the in vivo PCO inhibitory effect of such surface-functionalized IOLs. The positively charged CTDNP was successfully prepared by ionic gelation. The QCM-D results indicate the successful preparation of the (HEP/CTDNP) multilayer film. Drug release profiles showed that surface-multifunctionalized IOL had drug-sustained release properties. In vitro cell culture results showed significant inhibition of adhesion, proliferation and migration of LECs after surface modification. The in vivo results showed that the IOLs with multifunctionalized surface can effectively reduce the posterior hyperplasia and Soemmering's ring (SR) formation. These findings suggested that such multifunctionalized drug-eluting IOLs can effectively reduce the posterior hyperplasia and SR formation when intraocular implantation has a major impact on reducing PCO incidence. Thus they have a great potential in improving patient vision recovery and maintenance.

This paper reviews the latest trends and applications of silicone in ophthalmology, especially related to intraocular lenses (IOLs). Silicone, or siloxane elastomer, as a synthetic polymer, has excellent biocompatibility, high chemical inertness, and hydrophobicity, enabling wide biomedical applications. The physicochemical properties of silicone are reviewed. A review of methods for mechanical and in vivo characterization of IOLs is presented as a prospective research area, since there are only a few available technologies, even though these properties are vital to ensure medical safety and suitability for clinical use, especially if long-term function is considered. IOLs represent permanent implants to replace the natural lens or for correcting vision, with the first commercial foldable lens made of silicone. Biological aspects of posterior capsular opacification have been reviewed, including the effects of the implanted silicone IOL. However, certain issues with silicone IOLs are still challenging and some conditions can prevent its application in all patients. The latest trends in nanotechnology solutions have been reviewed. Surface modifications of silicone IOLs are an efficient approach to further improve biocompatibility or to enable drug-eluting function. Different surface modifications, including coatings, can provide long-term treatments for various medical conditions or medical diagnoses through the incorporation of sensory functions. It is essential that IOL optical characteristics remain unchanged in case of drug incorporation and the application of nanoparticles can enable it. However, clinical trials related to these advanced technologies are still missing, thus preventing their clinical applications at this moment.

PurposeTo assess the degree of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and its influence on contrast sensitivity defocus curve (CSDC) after implantation of two trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), Alsafit (AT) and Liberty (L), during a 12-month follow-up. A secondary aim was to evaluate the Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate in a long time.MethodsData from 63 subjects, 34 implanted with AT and 29 with L, were retrospectively analyzed for this pilot study. In those eyes without capsulotomy during the first year (n = 58), CSDC at 3 and 12 months after surgery and PCO grading were measured, with additional answering of a visual function questionnaire (VF-14) and a question of general satisfaction. The period after surgery up to capsulotomy or last on-demand visit without Nd:YAG was recorded for survival analysis beyond the 12-month follow-up.ResultsTotal area under CSDC (TAUC) between 3 and 12 months decreased from 2.96 to 1.71 for AT (p < 0.05) and from 2.73 to 2.21 (p > 0.05) for L. Of eyes, 51.6, 19.3, and 29% with AT were graded as level 0, 1, and 2 of PCO, while 85.1, 11.1, and 3.7% of eyes with L were graded as level 0, 1, and 2 (p < 0.05). PCO grading was correlated with a decrease of TAUC (ρ =  − 0.27, p = 0.04). Median time to require capsulotomy was 22 months with AT and 30 months with L (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPCO decreases CSDC in patients with trifocal lenses. Despite using the same hydrophilic material, PCO grading and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate was higher for AT than for L.

Human primary lens epithelial cultures serve as an in vitro model for posterior capsular opacification (PCO) formation. PCO occurs when residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) migrate and proliferate after cataract surgery, differentiating into fibroblastic and lens fiber-like cells. This study aims to show and compare the bio-macromolecular profiles of primary LEC cultures and postoperative lens epithelia LECs on basal laminas (bls), while also analyzing bls and cultured LECs separately. Using synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) (Bruker, Karlsruhe, Germany) microspectroscopy at the Spanish synchrotron light source ALBA, we observed that the SR-FTIR measurements were predominantly influenced by the strong collagen absorbance of the bls. Cultured LECs on bls showed a higher collagen contribution, indicated by higher vas CH3, CH2 and CH3 wagging and deformation, and the C–N stretching of collagen. In contrast, postoperative LECs on bls showed a higher cell contribution, indicated by the vsym CH2 peak and the ratio between vas CH2 and vas CH3 peaks. The primary difference revealed using SR-FTIR is the greater LEC contribution in spectra recorded from postoperative lens epithelia compared to cultured LECs on bls. IR spectra for bl, cultured LECs and postoperative lens epithelia could be valuable for future research.

Advances in cataract surgery have increased the demand for intraocular lens (IOL) materials. At present, the progress of IOL materials mainly contains further improving biocompatibility, providing better visual quality and adjustable ability, reducing surgical incision, as well as dealing with complications such as posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and ophthalmitis. The purpose of this review is to describe the research progress of relevant IOL materials classified according to different clinical purposes. The innovation of IOL materials is often based on the common IOL materials on the market, such as silicon and acrylate. Special properties and functions are obtained by adding extra polymers or surface modification. Most of these studies have not yet been commercialized, which requires a large number of clinical trials. But they provide valuable thoughts for the optimization of the IOL function.

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the major complication arising after cataract treatment. PCO occurs when the lens epithelial cells remaining following surgery (LCs) undergo a wound healing response producing a mixture of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)‐expressing myofibroblasts and lens fibre cells, which impair vision. Prior investigations have proposed that integrins play a central role in PCO and we found that, in a mouse fibre cell removal model of cataract surgery, expression of αV integrin and its interacting β‐subunits β1, β5, β6, β8 are up‐regulated concomitant with α‐SMA in LCs following surgery. To test the hypothesis that αV integrins are functionally important in PCO pathogenesis, we created mice lacking the αV integrin subunit in all lens cells. Adult lenses lacking αV integrins are transparent and show no apparent morphological abnormalities when compared with control lenses. However, following surgical fibre cell removal, the LCs in control eyes increased cell proliferation, and up‐regulated the expression of α‐SMA, β1‐integrin, fibronectin, tenascin‐C and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β)–induced protein within 48 hrs, while LCs lacking αV integrins exhibited much less cell proliferation and little to no up‐regulation of any of the fibrotic markers tested. This effect appears to result from the known roles of αV integrins in latent TGF‐β activation as αV integrin null lenses do not exhibit detectable SMAD‐3 phosphorylation after surgery, while this occurs robustly in control lenses, consistent with the known roles for TGF‐β in fibrotic PCO. These data suggest that therapeutics antagonizing αV integrin function could be used to prevent fibrotic PCO following cataract surgery.

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common complication after cataract surgery, which is commonly treated using neodymium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd-YAG) laser capsulotomy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy on retinal and choroidal structures. Thirty-four eyes from 32 patients with PCO were included. Patients underwent Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy, and assessments were performed preoperatively, at 1st week, and 1st month postoperatively. OCT scans were acquired using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS OCT). Choroidal thickness (CT) maps within the early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) subfields were obtained. Choroidal Vascularity Index (CVI) was calculated from OCT scans using Image J software. The preoperative, postoperative first week and first month measurements were compared. The mean age of patients was 68.7 ± 8.6 years. Visual acuity significantly improved postoperatively ( p  < 0.001), while IOP remained unchanged ( p  = 0.170). No significant change in central macular thickness (CMT) was observed across time points. CVI significantly increased postoperatively ( p  = 0.004). Choroidal thickness remained stable in most sectors, except for significant reduction in the inner inferior sector at 1 month ( p  = 0.025). Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy did not affect central macular thickness but caused localized change in choroidal thickness. Increased CVI was found which may be linked to postoperative inflammation. These findings suggest capsulotomy may affect choroidal structure and vasculature.

Purpose To investigate the link between the capsular bend and the morphological types and characteristics of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Methods Thirty eyes with PCO were examined, and three types of PCO were identified: pearl, fibrosis, and mixed. We assessed anterior capsular overlap, intraocular lens-capsule adhesion, and capsular bending. In addition to measuring the intraocular lens-posterior capsule distance and capsule bending angle (CBA), the PCO parameters (area, density, and score at 6-, 5-, and 3-mm intraocular lens optic regions) were recorded. The associations between capsular bend and PCO type and characteristics were investigated. A control group of 12 eyes without PCO was used to compare the study variables. Results With p values greater than 0.001, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean PCO area and score at the 6-, 5-, and 3-mm optic zones in different PCO types, with the pearl type having the highest value, followed by the mixed type, and finally the fibrosis type. The PCO group had a significantly higher mean CBA than the control group ( P  = 0.001). CBA was positively related to intraocular lens-posterior capsule distance, PCO area, and PCO score at the 6-, 5-, and 3-mm zones ( P  = 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve's cut-off point for CBA was 96.85° when comparing PCO cases to controls. Partial overlap and incomplete adhesion were statistically more common in the PCO eyes than in the control ( P  = 0.001, 0.003, respectively). Conclusion PCO types and CBA have a strong relationship with PCO score and intraocular lens-posterior capsule space. In PCO's eyes, CBA has a cut-off value of 96.85°.