scholarly journals Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Nicholas Fanselow ◽  
Nadia Sirajuddin ◽  
Xiao-Tang Yin ◽  
Andrew J. W. Huang ◽  
Patrick M. Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Contact Lens ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Eye Trauma ◽  
Corneal Transplants

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an unusual corneal infection that is recently increasing in frequency and is often contracted by contact lens wearers, someone who experienced recent eye trauma, or someone exposed to contaminated waters. Acanthamoeba survive in air, soil, dust, and water. Therefore, eye trauma and poor contact lens hygiene practices lead to the entrapment of debris and thus infection. Acanthamoeba keratitis results in severe eye pain, inflammation, and defects of the epithelium and stroma that can potentially result in vision loss if not diagnosed early and treated promptly. The disease can be diagnosed using corneal scrape/biopsy, polymerase chain reactions, impression cytology, or in vivo confocal microscopy. Once diagnosed, it is usually treated with an antimicrobial combination therapy of biguanide and aromatic diadine eye drops for several months. Advanced stages of the disease result in vision loss and the need for corneal transplants. Avoiding the risk factors and diagnosing the disease early are the most effective ways to combat Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Abstract 88: Microrna-21* Controls Sepsis-induced Cardiac Dysfunction

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Wang ◽  
Yihua Bei ◽  
Jing Shi ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
Hui Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Cardiac Contractility ◽  
Cardiac Metabolism ◽  
Myocardial Inflammation ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Cardiac Inflammation ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Tnf Α

Background: Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction is charactered by cardiac contractility dysfunction, myocardial inflammation and cardiac metabolism abnormal. Dysfunction of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) contributes to a variety of human diseases. However, their roles in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction are unclear. Methods and Results: Cardiac dysfunction was induced by E.coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in mice and 8 dysregulated miRNAs were identified by miRNA arrays. Among them, miR-21* was found to be increased most obviously as determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. Inhibition of miR-21* in vivo by antagomir attenuated the reduction of factional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) induced by LPS administration while forced over-expression of miR-21* in vivo by agomir accelerated LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction. Besides that, S100A8 and S100A9, two genes related to cardiac contractility were also found to be regulated in vivo by injection of miR-21* agomirs and antagomirs. Interestingly, cardiac inflammation indictors such as TNF-α and IL-6 and cardiac metabolism regulators including PPAR family, CD36, FATP, GLUT1, GLUT4, PDK4 were not changed by miR-21* in vivo. These data indicate that miR-21* controls sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by direct affecting cardiac contractility instead of cardiac inflammation and metabolism. SORBS2 was identified as a target gene of miR-21* and it was decreased by miR-21* agomir and increased by miR-21* antagomir in vivo. In consist with this, circulating levels of miR-21* were also increased in patients with sepsis compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: miR-21* controls sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by regulating SORBS2. Inhibition of miR-21* represents a novel therapeutic strategy for sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.

scholarly journals The Autofluorescence Patterns of Acanthamoeba castellanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus: Effects of Antibiotics and Tetracaine

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 894
Author(s):  
Hari Peguda ◽  
Saabah Mahbub ◽  
Tashi Sherpa ◽  
Dinesh Subedi ◽  
Abbas Habibalahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
Fluorescence Pattern ◽  
And Staphylococcus Aureus

Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) can lead to substantial vision loss and morbidity among contact lens wearers. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is a major factor contributing to poor outcomes of AK. This study aimed to assess the effect of two antibiotics and one anaesthetic drug used in the diagnosis and nonspecific management of keratitis on the autofluorescence patterns of Acanthamoeba and two common bacteria that may also cause keratitis. Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC 30868, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 were grown then diluted in either PBS (bacteria) or ¼ strength Ringer’s solution (Acanthamoeba) to give final concentrations of 0.1 OD at 660 nm or 104 cells/mL. Cells were then treated with ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, tetracaine, or no treatment (naïve). Excitation–emission matrices (EEMs) were collected for each sample with excitation at 270–500 nm with increments in 5 nm steps and emission at 280–700 nm at 2 nm steps using a Fluoromax-4 spectrometer. The data were analysed using MATLAB software to produce smoothed color-coded images of the samples tested. Acanthamoeba exhibited a distinctive fluorescence pattern compared to bacteria. The addition of antibiotics and anaesthetic had variable effects on autofluorescence. Tetracaine altered the fluorescence of all three microorganisms, whereas tetracycline did not show any effect on the fluorescence. Ciprofloxacin produced changes to the fluorescence pattern for the bacteria, but not Acanthamoeba. Fluorescence spectroscopy was able to differentiate Acanthamoeba from P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in vitro. There is a need for further assessment of the fluorescence pattern for different strains of Acanthamoeba and bacteria. Additionally, analysis of the effects of anti-amoebic drugs on the fluorescence pattern of Acanthamoeba and bacteria would be prudent before in vivo testing of the fluorescence diagnostic approach in the animal models.

scholarly journals Orthokeratology lens-related Acanthamoeba keratitis: case report and analytical review

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006052110009
Author(s):  
Jinfang Wu ◽  
Huatao Xie
Keyword(s):  
Contact Lens ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
Ocular Infection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Analytical Review ◽  
Relative Rarity ◽  
Common Risk Factors

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but severe ocular infection with a significant risk of vision loss. Contact lens use is the main risk factor for AK. The orthokeratology (OK) lens, a specially designed contact lens, has been used worldwide as an effective method of myopia control. However, the OK lens is associated with an increased risk of Acanthamoeba infection. Many primary practitioners are concerned about this infection because of its relative rarity, the lack of promising therapeutic medications, and the need for referral. We herein report two cases of AK associated with OK lenses, present a systematic review of such cases, and discuss the possible reasons for the higher incidence rate of this infection in patients who wear OK lenses. We combined the clinical knowledge and skills of corneal specialists and lens experts with the sole objective of addressing these OK lens-related AK cases. We found that the most common risk factors were rinsing the lenses or lens cases with tap water. Prompt and accurate diagnosis along with adequate amoebicidal treatment are essential to ensure desirable outcomes for OK lens wearers who develop AK. Appropriate OK lens parameters and regular checkups are also important.

scholarly journals Osteogenic potential of cells derived from nasal septum

2011 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-154
Author(s):  
E. Torreggiani ◽  
C. Bianchini ◽  
L. Penolazzi ◽  
E. Lambertini ◽  
R. Vecchiatini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Septum ◽  
Cellular Therapy ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Osteogenic Potential ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Osteoblast Maturation

BACKGROUND: The research addressed to detect new molecular targets in the development of therapeutic strategies aimed to repair bone tissues. The AIM OF THIS STUDY was to determine the potential osteogenic activity of bone cells from the nasal septum and their use to perform accurate molecular analysis from a single sample. METHODOLOGY: The cells, after nasal septum surgery, were subjected to gene silencing, Reverse Transcriptase - Polymerase Chain reactions, immunocytochemistry and chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: Cells from the nasal septum can give rise to mature osteoblasts that express osteogenic markers (ALP, Runx2, Slug) and are able to mineralize. We demonstrated that Runx2, a transcription factor critical in early osteospecific differentiation, interacts in vivo with the promoter of the SLUG gene, a marker of osteoblast maturation. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that nasal septum-derived osteoblasts represent an interesting alternative source for bone forming cells, and a promising material to be utilized in bone cellular therapy.

scholarly journals Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran: A Gene-Based PCR Assay

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazgol KHOSRAVINIA ◽  
Abdolmajid FATA ◽  
Elham MOGHADDAS ◽  
Bibi Razieh HOSSEINI FARASH ◽  
Mohammad Reza SEDAGHAT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fresh Water ◽  
Contact Lens ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Acanthamoeba Keratitis ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Eye Trauma ◽  
Direct Microscopic Examination ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Amoebic Keratitis ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: The genus Acanthamoeba is a free-living opportunistic protozoan parasite, which widely distributed in soil and fresh water. Acanthamoeba keratitis, which causes a sight-threating infection of the cornea, is going to rise in Iran and worldwide. The aim of this study was to compare direct microscopy, culture and PCR for detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in clinical samples and to determine the genotypes of Acanthamoeba spp. by sequencing 18SrRNA gene. Methods: Among patients clinically suspected to AK referred to a tertiary ophthalmology center at Mashhad, northeastern Iran. During 2017-18, twenty corneal scrapes specimens obtained. The samples were divided into three parts, subjected to direct microscopic examination, culture onto non-nutrient agar and PCR technique. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and likelihood ratio were evaluated. Results: Among 20 persons clinically suspected to amoebic keratitis, 13(69.2%) patients definitely diagnosed as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Wearing contact lens, eye trauma due to foreign particle and swimming in fresh water were the main predisposing factors. Most of patients suffered from pain and photophobia. Corneal ring infiltration and epithelial defect were common clinical sings. Direct examination had the lowest sensitivity and sensitivity of both Nelson-PCR and JDP-PCR methods were equal and highest. In addition, the results of sequencing identified that all strains belonged to T4 genotype. Conclusion: Amoebic keratitis is a sporadic parasitic keratitis, which is mainly seen in contact lens user in Mashhad. PCR based on 18S ribosomal DNA with JDP primers is a reliable and highly sensitive method for diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in clinically suspected cases.

scholarly journals Kynurenic Acid Accelerates Healing of Corneal Epithelium In Vitro and In Vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 753
Author(s):  
Anna Matysik-Woźniak ◽  
Waldemar A. Turski ◽  
Monika Turska ◽  
Roman Paduch ◽  
Mirosław Łańcut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Corneal Epithelium ◽  
Kynurenic Acid ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Corneal Epithelial Cell ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Conjunctival Epithelium ◽  
Corneal Erosion

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous compound with a multidirectional effect. It possesses antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of corneal injuries. Moreover, KYNA has been used successfully to improve the healing outcome of skin wounds. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of KYNA on corneal and conjunctival cells in vitro and the re-epithelization of corneal erosion in rabbits in vivo. Normal human corneal epithelial cell (10.014 pRSV-T) and conjunctival epithelial cell (HC0597) lines were used. Cellular metabolism, cell viability, transwell migration, and the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were determined. In rabbits, after corneal de-epithelization, eye drops containing 0.002% and 1% KYNA were applied five times a day until full recovery. KYNA decreased metabolism but did not affect the proliferation of the corneal epithelium. It decreased both the metabolism and proliferation of conjunctival epithelium. KYNA enhanced the migration of corneal but not conjunctival epithelial cells. KYNA reduced the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 from the corneal epithelium, leaving IL-10 secretion unaffected. The release of all studied cytokines from the conjunctival epithelium exposed to KYNA was unchanged. KYNA at higher concentration accelerated the healing of the corneal epithelium. These favorable properties of KYNA suggest that KYNA containing topical pharmaceutical products can be used in the treatment of ocular surface diseases.

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