Recombinant α2(IV)NC1 domain of type IV collagen is an effective regulator of retinal capillary endothelial cell proliferation and inhibits pre-retinal neovascularisation

Background A recombinant form of the α2(IV)NC1 domain of type IV collagen has been shown to have potent anti-angiogenic activity although this peptide has not been studied in the context of proliferative retinopathies. In the current investigation we examined the potential for α2(IV)NC1 to regulate retinal microvascular endothelial cell function using a range of in vitro and in vivo assay systems. Materials and methods α2(IV)NC1 at concentrations between 0.1 and 1 μg/ml was added to retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) followed by assessment of cell attachment, proliferation and survival. This agent was also tested within a novel in vitro three-dimensional retinal angiogenesis assay and the number of angiogenic sprouts quantified. α2(IV)NC1 was also delivered intra-vitreally to mice with oxygen-induced proliferative retinopathy (OIR) and neovascularisation evaluated in comparison with vehicle-treated controls. Results RMECs treated with α2(IV)NC1 (0.1, 0.5 and 1 μg/ml) showed delayed attachment at 3 h post-seeding, although this deficit had been restored at the 6-h time point. BrdU assay of DNA replication revealed that confluent RMECs treated with α2(IV)NC1 showed no measurable response in comparison with vehicle-treated controls. By contrast, proliferation of sub-confluent RMECs was significantly reduced by α2(IV)NC1 at 0.5 μg/ml (P<0.01). α2(IV)NC1 also induced apoptosis in RMECs and inhibited angiogenesis of pre-existing retinal vascular networks in vitro (P<0.001). Intra-vitreal injection of α2(IV)NC1 in the OIR model significantly inhibited pre-retinal neovascularisation compared with vehicle-treated controls (P<0.001). Conclusion α2(IV)NC1 inhibits angiogenesis in the retinal microvasculature. This recombinant protein has potential for the treatment of neovascularisation in proliferative retinopathies. BioStratum Inc. did not sponsor this research in any way. None of the authors are paid consultants with this company.     

Signs of oral dryness in relation to salivary flow rate,pH, buffering capacity and dry mouth complaints

Background  

This study aimed to investigate the signs of oral dryness in relation to different salivary variables and to correlate subjective complaints of oral dryness with salivary flow rate.     

Hypothalamic hamartoma with bilateral anophthalmia

Introduction Hypothalamic hamartomas are congenital malformations. Clinically, they can be asymptomatic, but they cause seizures, mental retardation and precocious puberty in many cases. Case report A 20-day-old boy with hypothalamic hamartoma and bilateral anophthalmia was presented. Except those, no other congenital anomaly was detected. Conclusion This is a rare case of hypothalamic hamartoma with bilateral anophthalmia. The mutations at SOX2 has an important role in the developing brain and eyes.     

Spontaneous disappearance of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst: case report and review of the literature

Introduction Suprasellar arachnoid cysts are uncommon developmental anomalies that are most often diagnosed in childhood. Because the natural history and pathogenesis of these remain poorly defined, optimal treatment guidelines are not yet established.Case report We report a case of spontaneous disappearance of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst that persisted after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt performed 10 years earlier. A 5-year-old boy presented with impaired visual acuity and urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed a large suprasellar cyst with noncommunicating hydrocephalus. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was put in place to alleviate current aggravation of hydrocephalus symptoms. Because of the persistent size of the cyst and signs of brainstem compression on a repeat computed tomography (CT), we recommended surgical exploration and decompression. However, the boy’s parents declined any further surgical treatment, and the patient was subsequently lost to follow-up for 10 years. When the patient returned to our clinic at the age of 15 years, a repeat MR scan showed a complete disappearance of the cyst. His family denied any significant interval history.Discussion This case represents only the third reported case of spontaneous disappearance of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst. We discuss possible mechanisms and clinical characteristics of the disappearance of the arachnoid cyst with review of the literature.