an-ex-vivo-tissue-culture-model-for-fibrovascular-complications

An Ex Vivo Tissue Culture Model for Fibrovascular Complications in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes and one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age adults. No ...

University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital

In rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), intravitreal growth factors and cytokines may compromise post-vitrectomy outcomes. Here, we analysed perioperative intravitreal protein levels of potent vasoactive, pro-inflammatory, and extracellular matrix-remodelling factors in RRD eyes of patients treated with statins and evaluated post-vitrectomy outcome in the same study eyes.

Statins in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment are associated with low intravitreal angiopoietin-2, VEGF and MMP-2 levels, and improved visual acuity gain in vitrectomized patients.

Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with phacoemulsification and primary intraocular lens implantation can be performed for the repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD; PHACOVIT group). The safety and efficacy of this combined ophthalmic procedure on RRD surgery outcomes remain unclear compared with more conventional PPV technique alone (VITRET group). We explored the need for reoperation after primary surgical procedure in these two groups.

Repair of primary RRD - comparing pars plana vitrectomy procedure with combined phacovitrectomy with standard foldable intraocular lens implantation.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic microvascular complication and major cause of blindness in working-age adults. According to the level of microvascular degeneration and ischemic damage, DR is classified into non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and end-stage, proliferative DR (PDR). Despite advances in the disease etiology and pathogenesis, molecular understanding of end-stage PDR, characterized by ischemia- and inflammation-associated neovascularization and fibrosis, remains incomplete due to the limited availability of ideal clinical samples and experimental research models. Since a great portion of patients do not benefit from current treatments, improved therapies are essential. DR is known to be a complex and multifactorial disease featuring the interplay of microvascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, genetic/epigenetic, immunological, and inflammation-related factors. Particularly, deeper knowledge on the mechanisms and pathophysiology of most advanced PDR is critical. Lymphatic-like vessel formation coupled with abnormal endothelial differentiation and progenitor cell involvement in the neovascularization associated with PDR are novel recent findings which hold potential for improved DR treatment. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of PDR pathogenesis is therefore crucial. To this goal, multidisciplinary approaches and new ex vivo models have been developed for a more comprehensive molecular, cellular and tissue-level understanding of the disease. This is the first step to gain the needed information on how PDR can be better evaluated, stratified, and treated.

Sirpa Loukovaara

Unit of Vitreoretinal Surgery,
Ophthalmology,
Unit of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Ophthalmology

University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital

An Ex Vivo Tissue Culture Model for Fibrovascular Complications in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Sirpa Loukovaara

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Unit of Vitreoretinal Surgery,Ophthalmology,Unit of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Ophthalmology

University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital

An Ex Vivo Tissue Culture Model for Fibrovascular Complications in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Unit of Vitreoretinal Surgery,
Ophthalmology,
Unit of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Ophthalmology