Purpose: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a vision-threatening complication of retinal detachment or ocular trauma characterized by the formation of contractile fibrotic membranes. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are central to PVR pathogenesis, driving maladaptive wound-healing responses. This study investigated the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on RPE cell proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and miR-129-5p biogenesis, alongside the downstream regulation of Ets-1 and the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/VEGF axis.Methods: Human ARPE-19 cells were treated with ATRA under quiescent or protein kinase C (PKC)-activated conditions. Proliferation, VEGF secretion, and miR-129-5p expression were quantified via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time quantitative PCR. Bioinformatic analysis, miR-129-5p mimic transfection, Western blotting, and protein ubiquitination assays were utilized to characterize the regulatory mechanisms.Results: ATRA exerted a dose- and time-dependent cytostatic effect on ARPE-19 cells without inducing cytotoxicity. VEGF modulation was highly context-dependent: basal secretion exhibited a biphasic response (peaking at 10-7 M), whereas PKC-stimulated secretion was significantly suppressed. Mechanistically, ATRA promoted intracellular miR-129-5p accumulation, which directly silenced the profibrotic factor Ets-1. Paradoxically, miR-129-5p mimic transfection stabilized HIF-1α protein by reducing its polyubiquitination, thereby enhancing VEGF production.Conclusions: Our findings characterize miR-129-5p as a pivotal molecular switch orchestrating ATRA-mediated RPE modulation. By decoupling antifibrotic activity (Ets-1 suppression) from cytoprotective signaling (HIF-1α stabilization), this miR-129-5p/HIF-1α/VEGF axis balances the attenuation of pathological fibrosis with the preservation of homeostatic survival factors for retinal integrity, providing a nuanced therapeutic approach for PVR and the associated retinal disorders.

Hyperglycemia-driven oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) promote overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), contributing to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Quercetin, a dietary flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has not been fully evaluated for its ability to counteract high glucose–induced VEGFA upregulation in RPE. Here, ARPE-19 cells were exposed to high glucose (30 mM) with or without quercetin (5 or 20 µM) treatment. VEGFA expression was measured by qPCR and ELISA; intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using a DCFH-DA probe; and pathway activation was examined by immunoblotting for p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, IκBα stability, and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) served as an antioxidant control, and cell viability was monitored using the CCK-8 assay. Quercetin at non-cytotoxic concentrations significantly suppressed high glucose–induced VEGFA mRNA and protein expression, reduced ROS accumulation, and attenuated p38 MAPK phosphorylation without altering ERK1/2 activation. Quercetin also prevented IκBα degradation and diminished p65 nuclear translocation, indicating inhibition of NF-κB signaling. These findings support a model in which quercetin mitigates hyperglycemia-induced VEGFA upregulation in RPE cells at least in part by modulating a ROS–p38 MAPK–NF-κB axis, while not excluding contributions from other glucose- and ROS-sensitive pathways. Quercetin may therefore represent a readily accessible adjunctive strategy to address oxidative stress, inflammation, and VEGFA dysregulation in DR, warranting further in vivo validation.

PURPOSE:Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is driven by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. While palmitic acid (PA) represents a potent metabolic stressor in the subretinal microenvironment, its impact on the microRNA (miRNA) landscape remains poorly defined. This study investigated the role of miR-129-5p in PA-induced transdifferentiation and evaluated the protective potential of ectopic miR-129-5p mimicry in ARPE-19 cells. METHODS:Low-passage ARPE-19 cells were challenged with sublethal PA to induce lipotoxic stress. miR-129-5p levels were modulated using synthetic mimics under basal and stressed conditions. EMT progression was tracked using immunofluorescence for tight junction topology and transcription factor nuclear localization, Phalloidin-FITC cytoskeletal F-actin staining, and immunoblotting for hallmark epithelial (E-cadherin) and mesenchymal (α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin) effectors. Functional shifts were evaluated via wound healing and paracellular macromolecular permeability assays. RESULTS:PA exposure triggered a myofibroblastic phenotype and significantly depleted the intracellular miR-129-5p pool, accompanied by parallel vesicle-independent extracellular efflux. Under unchallenged baseline, mimic delivery directly suppressed endogenous ZEB1/2 expression. Under lipid stress, miR-129-5p mimicry neutralized transdifferentiation, successfully restoring E-cadherin and counteracting core transcription factor upregulation (ZEB1, ZEB2, and Snail). Morphologically, mimicry prevented pericellular ZO-1 dissolution, suppressed ZEB2 nuclear translocation, and blocked contractile stress fiber assembly. Functionally, maintaining this miRNA node significantly attenuated PA-enhanced cell migration and rescued outer blood-retinal barrier homeostasis by suppressing paracellular macromolecular flux. CONCLUSIONS:miR-129-5p functions as an essential cell-autonomous posttranscriptional gatekeeper of RPE identity, cytoskeletal architecture, and barrier homeostasis. Targeted modulation of this posttranscriptional network offers a promising pharmacological framework for mitigating lipotoxicity-associated subretinal fibrosis in PVR.

Purpose:This study investigates the relationship between macular choroidal thickness (CT) and chronic tinnitus using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Study Design:This retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 and October 2022. Methods:A total of 372 eyes from 338 patients were analyzed, divided into tinnitus (127 eyes) and control (245 eyes) groups. Macular CT was measured subfoveally and 2 mm around the central fovea. Results:Macular CT showed significant thinning in the tinnitus group (156.4 ± 59.8 μm versus 240.3 ± 71.0 μm, p < 0.01). Specifically, subfoveal CT (SFCT) was thinner in all directions-temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior to the central fovea. CT decreased with advanced age in both groups, with the tinnitus group consistently exhibiting significantly thinner choroid compared to controls within the same age range (p < 0.05). In the control group, there was a notable correlation between myopia and thinner SFCT (p < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in the tinnitus group (p = 0.984). Conclusion:Our study utilized EDI-OCT as a precise tool to measure macular CT, revealing significantly thinner CT in tinnitus patients. These findings suggest that disturbances in choroidal perfusion may be related to chronic tinnitus, highlighting CT as a potential biomarker.

This review examines anatomic and functional outcomes of intravitreal faricimab for treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), a neovascular age-related macular degeneration subtype common in Asian populations. Faricimab is a bispecific antibody targeting both VEGF-A and Ang-2, potentially offering more durable effects than standard anti-VEGF monotherapy. A narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science through July 2024. Keywords included faricimab, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and anti-VEGF. Eligible studies comprised English-language, peer-reviewed human trials (prospective, retrospective, case series, and reports). Conference abstracts and non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. In treatment-naïve patients, preliminary data suggest that faricimab may yield favorable results, though findings are largely derived from small retrospective studies. Functionally, a one-year study reported significant improvement in mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), from 0.30±0.33 logMAR at baseline to 0.16±0.26 logMAR at final visit. However, some studies note visual gains may not be statistically significant during initial loading phase. Anatomically, high polyp regression rates are key findings, with one study reporting 61.1

We report a rare case of a 60-year-old man who developed orbital cellulitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 28 years after scleral buckling. Cultures confirmed the pathogen, and imaging suggested buckle involvement. He was managed with systemic and topical antibiotics, conjunctival peritomy, abscess drainage, and antibiotic irrigation, without buckle removal due to patient preference and severe tissue adhesions. Inflammation resolved after three weeks with no recurrence. This case highlights the role of early recognition and conservative management in selected patients.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the potential of choroidal thickness, measured through optical coherence tomography, as a biomarker for systemic inflammation in autoimmune diseases. METHODS:A literature review of MEDLINE/PubMed databases regarding "Choroidal Thickness" in combination with specific autoimmune diseases: "rheumatoid arthritis," "systemic lupus erythematosus," "Behçet disease," "ankylosing spondylitis" and "type 1 diabetes mellitus." The final search was completed on December 13, 2024. RESULTS:Most studies revealed that significant thinning of the choroid was noted in rheumatoid arthritis patients, while increased choroidal thickness is associated with active phases of systemic lupus erythematosus, Behçet disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and type 1 diabetes mellitus, with reductions noted during remission. CONCLUSION:Although choroidal thickness shows potential as a biomarker for systemic inflammation, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm its reliability in autoimmune disease monitoring.

PURPOSE:To report a rare case of spontaneous hyphema associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -B27 positive acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and discuss its possible pathophysiological mechanisms and management. METHODS:Observational case report of a 27-year-old Chinese man presented as acute anterior uveitis in the right eye (OD). RESULTS:A 27-year-old male presented with acute onset of pain, photophobia, and blurred vision in OD without a history of trauma. Ophthalmic examination revealed severe anterior uveitis in OD with 2 mm of spontaneous hyphema. Laboratory investigations confirmed HLA-B27 positivity, and radiographic findings established a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The patient was treated with topical corticosteroids, cycloplegics, systemic corticosteroids, and tranexamic acid. He demonstrated significant clinical improvement with resolution of hyphema and reduction of anterior chamber inflammation by day nine. CONCLUSION:Spontaneous hyphema is an unusual complication of HLA-B27 positive AAU, likely resulting from severe inflammation-induced vasculitis. Early recognition and aggressive management with topical and systemic anti-inflammatory therapy can lead to favorable outcomes. This case highlights the importance of evaluating underlying systemic conditions in patients presenting with atypical anterior segment findings.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a significant cause of vision loss globally, with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents forming the cornerstone of treatment. Despite advances, the considerable treatment burden associated with frequent injections and the occurrence of suboptimal responses in some patients highlight an ongoing need for more effective and durable therapeutic options. Faricimab, a bispecific antibody that targets both VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), has been developed to address these challenges by promoting greater vascular stability and potentially offering extended treatment intervals. This review synthesizes current evidence from pivotal clinical trials (TENAYA/LUCERNE), real-world studies, meta-analyses, and case reports on the efficacy, durability, and safety of intravitreal faricimab for nAMD. Key efficacy outcomes, such as changes in best-corrected visual acuity and anatomical parameters (e.g., central subfield thickness, retinal fluid dynamics, pigment epithelial detachment morphology), are evaluated in both treatment-naïve and previously treated/treatment-resistant nAMD populations. The safety profile, including intraocular inflammation, retinal vasculitis, retinal pigment epithelium tears, and systemic adverse events, is also comprehensively addressed. Faricimab has demonstrated non-inferior visual outcomes compared to aflibercept 2 mg, alongside robust anatomical improvements and a significant potential for reduced treatment frequency, thereby lessening patient and healthcare system burden. While generally well-tolerated, ongoing monitoring for adverse events remains essential.

Glaucine is an aporphine alkaloid with anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and anti-cancer activities. However, the effects of glaucine in the regulation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the anti-angiogenetic and anti-inflammatory effects of glaucine in ARPE-19 cells. ARPE-19 cells were treated with N-(methoxyoxoacetyl)-glycine, methyl ester (DMOG) and cobalt chloride (CoCl2) 2 ) for induction of hypoxia, while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment was used for elicitation of inflammatory response. Cell viability was analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1 alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by Western blot. The secretion of VEGF, interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for tube formation analysis. Expression of HIF-1 alpha and secretion of VEGF were significantly increased under DMOG and CoCl2 2 induction, whereas glaucine significantly attenuated both HIF-1 alpha expression and VEGF secretion by DMOG- and CoCl2-induced 2-induced ARPE-19 cells. In addition, glaucine suppressed the tube formation by DMOG- and CoCl2-induced 2-induced HUVEC cells. Moreover, glaucine also attenuated the production of IL-6 and MCP-1 by LPS-induced ARPE-19 cells. This study indicated that glaucine exhibited antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that glaucine might have benefits for the treatment of AMD.

BACKGROUND Behcet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory disorder known for various symptoms, including oral and genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. Panuveitis, a severe eye condition, is rare as the first sign of BD. CASE SUMMARY We present an unusual case of a 30-year-old man who developed panuveitis after receiving the mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine (Moderna). Laboratory tests ruled out infections, but he had a positive HLA-B51 result and a history of genital ulcer and oral ulcers, leading to a BD diagnosis. Treatment with corticosteroids improved his condition. Interestingly, he had another episode of panuveitis after the second mRNA vaccine dose, which also responded to corticosteroids. CONCLUSION This case highlights the rare onset of BD following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, suggesting a potential link between these vaccines and BD's eye symptoms, emphasizing the importance of quick treatment in similar cases.

There is currently a lack of guidelines with regard to tubercular uveitis (TBU) management in Taiwan. We therefore propose an evidence-based consensus on the management for TBU. The Taiwan Ocular Inflammation Society conducted a meeting that included nine ophthalmologist and one infection disease expert that focused on three broad areas of (1) nomenclature for TBU, (2) assessment and diagnosis for TBU, and (3) treatment of TBU. Brief literature review on TBU diagnosis and management was conducted that informed this panel meeting in order to make decisions on each consensus statements. In terms of our results, a consensus statements and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of TBU were developed. This consensus statement provides an algorithmic approach toward diagnosing and managing TBU. These statements are meant to enhance but not replace individual clinician-patient interactions and to facilitate real-world clinical practice improvement in terms of TBU patients care.

BACKGROUND:Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes have been previously demonstrated to promote tissue regeneration in various animal disease models. This study investigated the protective effect of exosome treatment in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury and delineated possible underlying mechanism.METHODS:Exosomes collected from conditioned media of previously characterized human umbilical cord-derived MSCs were intravenously administered into male CD-1 mice with CCl4-induced acute liver injury. Biochemical, histological and molecular parameters were used to evaluate the severity of liver injury. A rat hepatocyte cell line, Clone-9, was used to validate the molecular changes by exosome treatment.RESULTS:Exosome treatment significantly suppressed plasma levels of AST, ALT, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, in the mice with CCl4-induced acute liver injury. Histological morphometry revealed a significant reduction in the necropoptic area in the injured livers following exosome therapy. Consistently, western blot analysis indicated marked elevations in hepatic expression of PCNA, c-Met, Ets-1, and HO-1 proteins after exosome treatment. Besides, the phosphorylation level of signaling mediator JNK was significantly increased, and that of p38 was restored by exosome therapy. Immunohistochemistry double staining confirmed nuclear Ets-1 expression and cytoplasmic localization of c-Met and HO-1 proteins. In vitro studies demonstrated that exosome treatment increased the proliferation of Clone-9 hepatocytes and protected them from CCl4-induced cytotoxicity. Kinase inhibition experiment indicated that the exosome-driven hepatoprotection might be mediated through the JNK pathway.CONCLUSION:Exosome therapy activates the JNK signaling activation pathway as well as up-regulates Ets-1 and HO-1 expression, thereby protecting hepatocytes against hepatotoxin-induced cell death.

PURPOSE:This study aims to explore genetic variants that potentially lead to outer retinal tubulation (ORT), estimate the prevalence of ORT in these candidate genes, and investigate the clinical etiology of ORT in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), with respect to each gene. DESIGN:Retrospective cohort study. METHODS:A retrospective cross-sectional review was conducted on 565 patients with molecular diagnoses of IRD, confirming the presence of ORT as noted in each patient's respective spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging. Using SD-OCT imaging, the presence of ORT was analyzed in relation to specific genetic variants and phenotypic characteristics. Outcomes included the observed ORT frequencies across 2 gene-specific cohorts: non-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific genes, and RPE-specific genes; and to investigate the analogous characteristics caused by variants in these genes. RESULTS:Among the 565 patients included in this study, 104 exhibited ORT on SD-OCT. We observed ORT frequencies among the following genes from our patient cohort: 100% (23/23) for CHM, 100% (2/2) for PNPLA6, 100% (4/4) for RCBTB1, 100% for mtDNA [100% (4/4) for MT-TL1 and 100% (1/1) for mtDNA deletion], 100% (1/1) for OAT, 95.2% (20/21) for CYP4V2, 72.7% (8/11) for CHM female carriers, 66.7% (2/3) for C1QTNF5, 57.1% (8/14) for PROM1, 53.8% (7/13) for PRPH2, 42.9% (3/7) for CERKL, 28.6% (2/7) for CDHR1, 20% (1/5) for RPE65, 4% (18/445) for ABCA4. In contrast, ORT was not observed in any patients with photoreceptor-specific gene variants, such as RHO (n = 13), USH2A (n = 118), EYS (n = 70), PDE6B (n = 10), PDE6A (n = 4), and others. CONCLUSIONS:These results illustrate a compelling association between the presence of ORT and IRDs caused by variants in RPE-specific genes, as well as non-RPE-specific genes. In contrast, IRDs caused by photoreceptor-specific genes are typically not associated with ORT occurrence. Further analysis revealed that ORT tends to manifest in IRDs with milder intraretinal pigment migration (IPM), a finding that is typically associated with RPE-specific genes. These findings regarding ORT, genetic factors, atrophic patterns in the fundus, and IPM provide valuable insight into the complex etiology of IRDs. Future prospective studies are needed to further explore the association and underlying mechanisms of ORT in these contexts.

We presented the development of a consensus guideline for managing juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIAU) in Taiwan, considering regional differences in manifestation and epidemiology. The Taiwan Ocular Inflammation Society (TOIS) committee formulated this guideline using a modified Delphi approach with two panel meetings. Recommendations were based on a comprehensive evidence-based literature review and expert clinical experiences, and were graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine's "Levels of Evidence" guideline (March 2009). The TOIS consensus guideline consists of 10 recommendations in four categories: screening and diagnosis, treatment, complications, and monitoring, covering a total of 27 items. These recommendations received over 75% agreement from the panelists. Early diagnosis and a coordinated referral system between ophthalmologists and pediatric rheumatologists are crucial to prevent irreversible visual impairment in children with JIAU. However, achieving a balance between disease activity and medication use remains a key challenge in JIAU management, necessitating further clinical studies.

PurposeTo offer consensus on the utilization of corticosteroids (CS) for treating non-infectious uveitis in the context of clinical practice in Taiwan. This entails examining the different administration methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and considering alternative treatments according to the prevailing evidence and health policies.MethodsTen ophthalmologists and one rheumatologist convened on December 11, 2022, to review and discuss literature on the topic. The databases explored were the Central Cochrane library, EMBASE, Medline, PUBMED, and Web of Science using relevant keywords. The search spanned from January 1996 to June 2023. After the initial results of the literature review were presented, open voting determined the final statements, with a statement being accepted if it secured more than 70% agreement. This consensus was then presented at significant meetings for further discussions before the final version was established.ResultsA flow chart and nine statements emerged from the deliberations. They address the importance of CS in uveitis management, guidelines for using topical CS, indications for both periocular or intravitreal and systemic therapies, and tapering and discontinuation methods for both topical and systemic CS.ConclusionWhile CS are a cornerstone for non-infectious uveitis treatment, their administration requires careful consideration, depending on the clinical situation and the specific type of uveitis. The consensus generated from this article provides a guideline for practitioners in Taiwan, taking into account local health policies and the latest research on the subject. It emphasizes the significance of strategic tapering, the potential for alternative therapies, and the importance of patient-centric care.

We present an unusual case of uveitis secondary to avelumab and pembrolizumab in a 39-year-old Taiwanese male with stage IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and lung metastasis, who initially received pembrolizumab as his primary treatment. However, the patient experienced skin and liver immune-related adverse events (irAEs) after the seventh dose of pembrolizumab, which prompted a switch to avelumab. The patient began to experience gradual blurring of vision after completing the fifth cycle of avelumab immunotherapy. Ophthalmic examinations revealed findings consistent with bilateral anterior uveitis. Despite an initial lack of significant improvement with steroid treatment, the patient’s vision and inflammation improved upon discontinuation of avelumab. Due to the occurrence of uveitis, avelumab was switched back to pembrolizumab. However, three months after initiating pembrolizumab, the patient developed foggy vision and bilateral anterior uveitis with cystoid macular edema (CME). The administration of topical, oral, and subconjunctival steroids resulted in an improvement in vision and the resolution of CME, without the need to discontinue pembrolizumab. Over the subsequent eighteen months, there has been no recurrence of uveitis, and there is no evidence of relapse or further metastasis in his ccRCC.

Choroid layer is important in the eye metabolism, which contributes substantially to the vision. Multiple factors might have a potential impact on choroidal structure and thickness, which include but are not limited to ocular diseases, age, gender, and ethnicity.1 These could further influence the physiological status of the eye and in turn, generate irreversible pathological changes. As for the evaluation of macular choroidal thickness, optical coherence tomography (OCT) serves as an effective measure for obtaining such information.2 Currently, some studies have investigated macular choroidal thickness and the relationships with certain clinical parameters based on different ethnicities and clinical schemes using OCTs.3, 4 However, few previous studies underwent comprehensive surveys regarding the relationship between macular choroidal thickness and clinical factors in Asian people with normal eyes, and no study has investigated that in the healthy Taiwanese population, which should be further studied for providing important regional epidemiological information for the ophthalmologists to aid clinical assessment. We included a total of 295 eyes of 295 normal Taiwanese subjects who underwent enhanced depth imaging (EDI) OCT in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, from Aug 2020 to July 2022 to analyze their choroidal thickness status and clinical ophthalmological parameters. Electronic medical records of the patients were collected and analyzed. Basic characteristics, including age and gender, and clinical parameters, including axial length (AL; mm), spherical equivalent refractive error (SERE; diopter), mean choroidal thickness (μm), nasal side choroidal thickness (μm), and temporal side choroidal thickness (μm) were analyzed for their relationships. The division being nasal side or temporal side was based on the relative location compared to central fovea. The results of the analysis turned out that the mean choroidal thickness was 248.3 ± 83.8 μm. Pearson's correlation revealed that age (r = −0.179, p = 0.002) and SERE (r = 0.120, p = 0.043) had a significant correlation with the macular choroidal thickness; however, gender (r = 0.032, p = 0.582) and AL (r = −0.049, p = 0.403) were not related to macular choroidal thickness after the analysis. Subgroup analysis (Table 1) based on age and myopia further disclosed that in general, choroidal thickness diminished with aging, and was thinner in those with myopia. Both nasal and temporal side choroid thickness correlated with each other, but a thicker choroid was found in the temporal segment. To sum up, by exploring macular choroidal structure and thickness in healthy Taiwanese individuals using EDI OCT in this pioneering study, we observed significant associations between age, SERE, and macular choroidal thickness; age displayed a negative correlation, while SERE showed a positive correlation. Additionally, choroidal thickness on both the nasal and temporal sides exhibited strong correlations in relation to age and myopia. Given the growing prevalence of aging populations and higher myopia rates in Asian countries, our findings underscore the importance of early identification of these clinical risk factors potentially contributing to macular choroidal thinning, which is essential for ophthalmologists to initiate timely interventions and preserve eye vision effectively. This study was financially supported by grants KMHK-109-035 and H-110-004 from Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Taiwan; grants KMUH111-1M38 from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan and grants MOST 108-2314-B-037-088, 109-2314-B-037-069-MY3 and 110-2314-B-037-112 from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan. All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Microglia-associated neuroinflammation is recognized as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases; however, there is no effective treatment for the blockage of neurodegenerative disease progression. In this study, the effect of nordalbergin, a coumarin isolated from the wood bark of Dalbergia sissoo, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses was investigated using murine microglial BV2 cells. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, whereas nitric oxide (NO) production was analyzed using the Griess reagent. Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was detected by the ELISA. The expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins was assessed by Western blot. The production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular ROS was detected using flow cytometry. Our experimental results indicated that nordalbergin ≤20 µM suppressed NO, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β production; decreased iNOS and COX-2 expression; inhibited MAPKs activation; attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation; and reduced both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS production by LPS-stimulated BV2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that nordalbergin exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities through inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ROS production, suggesting that nordalbergin might have the potential to inhibit neurodegenerative disease progression.

PURPOSE:This study aimed to investigate whether intravitreal aflibercept was safe and effective in patients with acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).METHODS:This was a chart study of 25 individuals with acute NAION (25 eyes). An intravitreal injection of 2 mg/0.05 mL of aflibercept was administered to fifteen participants. The remaining ten patients in the control group were given standard care. The researchers measured the initial visual acuity, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and automated perimetry. During the follow-up period, the researchers measured the final visual acuity, RNFLT, automated perimetry, and side effects.RESULTS:Visual acuity and visual field assessment were significantly improved in the study group, and optical coherence tomography testing demonstrated significant disc edema resolution. The therapy results differed significantly between the two groups regarding visual outcomes (F = 0.027, p = 0.039) and RNFLT decrease (F = 5.507, p = 0.003). However, the difference in visual field alterations was not significant (F = 0.724, p = 0.387).CONCLUSIONS:Intravitreal injection of aflibercept can significantly improve visual acuity and resolve disc edema in patients with acute NAION. Intravitreal aflibercept may be an alternative treatment for acute NAION. However, a large series investigation is needed to assess the long-term therapeutic benefit and safety of intravitreal aflibercept in patients with acute NAION.