1,721,166 research outputs found
Nerve growth factor delays retinal degeneration in C3H mice
No full textThe aim of the present study was to investigate the biological role of nerve growth factor (NGF) on retinal degeneration in the C3H mouse strain. This strain is characterized by a single gene mutation (rd) which leads to photoreceptor degeneration resembling human retinitis pigmentosa
The topical application of nerve growth factor as a pharmacological tool for human corneal and skin ulcers
No full textThe nerve growth factor is a soluble protein produced by and acting upon a number of different cells located in the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Recent studies have shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts a critical role on epithelial cells and fibroblasts under normal and pathological conditions. In this review, we present data prospecting the clinical potentiality of NGF in cutaneous and ocular "non-healing" chronic ulcers
Multiple action agents and the eye: do they really stabilize mast cells?
No full textMultiple action drugs, such as azelastine, epinastine, ketotifen and olopatadine, have recently been suggested to combine antihistaminic effect, mast cell stabilization and anti-inflammatory action. This pharmaceutical class is, therefore, rapidly becoming the first choice for prevention and treatment for allergic conjunctivitis
A simple and rapid diagnostic algorithm for the detection of ocular allergic diseases
No full textThe purpose of the present review is to describe currently available tools for the diagnosis of allergy with ocular involvement, and to define a simple and rapid diagnostic algorithm to facilitate identification of the various clinical types of ocular allergic diseases
An update on intravitreal implants in use for eye disorders
No full textAdvanced biotechnological techniques and new polymers have led to the development of many innovative intravitreal drug delivery systems. Some designs are still in an experimental phase while others have gained widespread acceptance and are commercially available. Since steroids are a mainstay of therapy for uveitis and macular edema, new intravitreal implants have been developed to provide continuous release of corticosteroids over prolonged spans of time with reduced systemic adverse effects. Today, three long- acting corticosteroid implants are commercially available: the fluocinolone acetonide implants Retisert r and Iluvien r and the dexamethasone drug delivery system Ozurdex r. They offer an alternative route in the management of macular edema due to uveitis, retinal vein occlusion, diabetes and pseudophakia. Their advantage overtreatment with steroid injections and the anti- vascular endothelial growth factor ranibizumab is the long- term control of inflammation and macular edema with a reduced frequency of administration. Their potential side effects are cataract and glaucoma, therefore, careful patient selection and monitoring is essential. Further studies are warranted to define the relative efficacy and indications for each treatment option. The development of new devices is a future challenge in the strive to improve drug delivery systems
Neurotrophic factors and corneal nerve regeneration
Full text linkThe cornea has unique features that make it a useful model for regenerative medicine studies. It is an avascular, transparent, densely innervated tissue and any pathological changes can be easily detected by slit lamp examination. Corneal sensitivity is provided by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve that elicits protective reflexes such as blinking and tearing and exerts trophic support by releasing neuromediators and growth factors. Corneal nerves are easily evaluated for both function and morphology using standard instruments such as corneal esthesiometer and in vivo confocal microscope. All local and systemic conditions that are associated with damage of the trigeminal nerve cause the development of neurotrophic keratitis, a rare degenerative disease. Neurotrophic keratitis is characterized by impairment of corneal sensitivity associated with development of persistent epithelial defects that may progress to corneal ulcer, melting and perforation. Current neurotrophic keratitis treatments aim at supporting corneal healing and preventing progression of corneal damage. Novel compounds able to stimulate corneal nerve recovery are in advanced development stage. Among them, nerve growth factor eye drops showed to be safe and effective in stimulating corneal healing and improving corneal sensitivity in patients with neurotrophic keratitis. Neurotrophic keratitis represents an useful model to evaluate in clinical practice novel neuro-regenerative drugs
Nerve growth factor therapy for corneal disease
No full textTo review the experimental and clinical data on the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) in corneal physiopathology and to discuss the future development of NGF therapy for corneal diseases
Diagnosis and management of neurotrophic keratitis
Full text linkMarta Sacchetti,1 Alessandro Lambiase2 1Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele di Milano-IRCCS, Milan, 2Ophthalmology, University La Sapienza of Rome, Italy Abstract: Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is a degenerative disease characterized by corneal sensitivity reduction, spontaneous epithelium breakdown, and impairment of corneal healing. Several causes of NK, including herpetic keratitis, diabetes, and ophthalmic and neurosurgical procedures, share the common mechanism of trigeminal damage. Diagnosis of NK requires accurate investigation of clinical ocular and systemic history, complete eye examination, and assessment of corneal sensitivity. All diagnostic procedures to achieve correct diagnosis and classification of NK, including additional examinations such as in vivo confocal microscopy, are reviewed. NK can be classified according to severity of corneal damage, ie, epithelial alterations (stage 1), persistent epithelial defect (stage 2), and corneal ulcer (stage 3). Management of NK should be based on clinical severity, and aimed at promoting corneal healing and preventing progression of the disease to stromal melting and perforation. Concomitant ocular diseases, such as exposure keratitis, dry eye, and limbal stem cell deficiency, negatively influence the outcome of NK and should be treated. Currently, no specific medical treatment exists, and surgical approaches, such as amniotic membrane transplantation and conjunctival flap, are effective in preserving eye integrity, without ameliorating corneal sensitivity or visual function. This review describes experimental and clinical reports showing several novel and potential therapies for NK, including growth factors and metalloprotease inhibitors, as well as three ongoing Phase II clinical trials. Keywords: neurotrophic keratitis, cornea sensitivity, cornea innervation, persistent epithelial defec
- …
