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Blatsios G, Tzimas AS, Mattheolabakis G, Panagi Z, Avgoustakis K, Gartaganis SP. Development of Biodegradable Controlled Release Scleral Systems of Triamcinolone Acetonide. Curr Eye Res 2010; 35:916-24. [DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2010.497599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Mela EK, Drimtzias EG, Christofidou MK, Filos KS, Anastassiou ED, Gartaganis SP. Ocular surface bacterial colonisation in sedated intensive care unit patients. Anaesth Intensive Care 2010; 38:190-3. [PMID: 20191796 DOI: 10.1177/0310057x1003800129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the time-dependent ocular surface bacterial colonisation of sedated patients hospitalised in an intensive care unit and aimed to evaluate whether proper topical antibiotic prophylaxis could prohibit corneal infection. The study lasted 12 months and included 134 patients undergoing sedation and mechanical respiratory support for various medical reasons. Patients hospitalised for less than seven days and those with pre-existing ocular surface pathology were excluded. All patients were examined on admission by inspecting the cornea for erosions. Followup examinations were performed each subsequent day. Cultures were also obtained from the conjunctival sac of both eyes on admission and every seventh day until the end of sedation. Standard laboratory techniques were used for isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacteria. Antibiotic treatment for prophylaxis was administered accordingly. Analysis was carried out for 70 patients. Duration of sedation ranged from seven to 122 days. Fifty-four (77%) patients were colonised by at least one bacterial species other than normal flora within seven to 42 days. Multiple bacteria were isolated from 28 patients undergoing prolonged sedation. Prevalent isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Infectious keratitis was prohibited in all cases. Ocular surface of long-term sedated patients was found to be colonised by various bacterial species and their isolation was closely associated with the time period of hospitalisation. The results of this study suggest that the early identification of ocular surface bacteria colonisation and the administration of topical antibiotics for prophylaxis can prohibit corneal infection in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Mela
- Department of Ophthalmology, Microbiology and Anesthesiology, Patras University Hospital, Rion, Patras, Greece
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Gartaganis SP, Georgakopoulos CD, Patsoukis NE, Gotsis SS, Gartaganis VS, Georgiou CD. Glutathione and Lipid Peroxide Changes in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome. Curr Eye Res 2009; 30:647-51. [PMID: 16109644 DOI: 10.1080/02713680590968367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the oxidative status of the aqueous humor of patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome. METHODS Aqueous humor samples obtained during cataract surgery of patients with PEX syndrome and normal age-matched control subjects were examined for changes in the levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and TBA reactive species (TBARS), products of lipid peroxidation. GSH, GSSG, and TBARS were determined by specific fluorescent assays. RESULTS Compared to normal controls, PEX syndrome aqueous humor samples showed a decrease of up to 28% of GSH concentration, and GSSG was increased up to 23%. The ratio of GSH/GSSG was 1.7-fold decreased in PEX syndrome samples. TBARS levels were increased by 100% in the PEX aqueous humor samples as compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS High levels of GSSG and TBARS indicate high oxidative stress, as well as the decrease in the ratio of GSH/GSSG. Our findings suggest a role for oxidation stress in the pathogenesis and the progression of PEX syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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Gartaganis SP, Georgakopoulos CD, Assouti M, Mela EK, Exarchou A, Giannelou I, Gotsis SS, Ziouti N, Vynios DH, Tripathi BJ, Tripathi RC. Changes in HNK-1 epitope and collagen type IX in the aqueous humour of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Curr Eye Res 2009; 28:5-10. [PMID: 14704908 DOI: 10.1076/ceyr.28.1.5.23490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate alterations in the proteoglycan (PG) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of the aqueous humour in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). MATERIALS AND METHODS Aqueous humor samples were obtained during cataract surgery from nineteen patients bearing PEX features and twenty-three age-matched normal controls. Protein and IgG were quantified densitometrically after their electrophoretic separation. Collagen type IX, 3-sulphoglucuronic acid (HNK-1 epitope), biglycan and heparan sulphate proteoglycans were detected in Western and dot blots by using specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The immunochemical analysis was performed in native aqueous humour or after degradation of the glycosaminoglycans with chondroitinases. RESULTS Degradation of the samples with chondroitinases ABC, AC and B revealed that, in the aqueous humour from PEX eyes, collagen type IX and biglycan had a more dermatan sulphate than did normal eyes. In addition, more HNK-1 epitope was observed in PEX eyes, which after similar enzymatic treatment was found to be located mainly in dermatan sulphate sequences. 3-sulphoglucuronic acid was a constituent of the GAG chains of the collagen type IX. We found that the electrophoretic mobility of the bands of collagen type IX and HNK-1 epitope was exactly the same in the aqueous humour of normal and PEX samples; both migrated as four bands at 120, 113, 92.6 and 56 kDa. The PGs bearing heparan sulphate were found only in normal samples. Other PGs were not detected. CONCLUSIONS Because no significant difference was observed in the concentration of albumin and IgG in PEX and normal samples, the blood-aqueous barrier was probably not significantly compromised in PEX patients with cataract but without open-angle glaucoma. The results support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of PEX can be linked to disturbed metabolism of GAGs and PGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Rion, Greece.
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Georgakopoulos CD, Exarchou AM, Gartaganis SP, Kolonitsiou F, Anastassiou ED, Dimitracopoulos G, Hjerpe A, Theocharis AD, Karamanos NK. Immunization with Specific Polysaccharide Antigen Reduces Alterations in Corneal Proteoglycans During Experimental Slime-ProducingStaphylococcus epidermidisKeratitis. Curr Eye Res 2009; 31:137-46. [PMID: 16500764 DOI: 10.1080/02713680500516540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading cause of bacterial keratitis associated with corneal damage. Corneal integrity is closely associated with matrix macromolecules, such as proteoglycans (PGs) and collagen. The aim of this study was to examine whether active immunization (AI) using a major immunogenic polysaccharide determinant of slime (20-kDa PS) as antigen, and passive immunization (PI) after administration of specific antibodies toward 20-kDa PS affect the distribution of PGs as well as corneal lesions in an experimental model of slime-producing S. epidermidis keratitis. METHODS For AI, seven rabbits were immunized with 20-kDa PS, whereas for PI, seven rabbits received specific antibodies against 20-kDa PS. Lesions were graded clinically for a 21-day period. Levels of 20-kDa PS antibodies in serum and aqueous humor in both immunization groups were determined by ELISA. The distribution of certain extracellular matrix PGs during corneal healing was analyzed immunohistochemically. RESULTS Levels of specific anti-20-kDa PS antibodies in serum and aqueous humor obtained after either AI or PI were significantly higher as compared with those in the respective nonimmunized control groups (p<0.001). Clinical grading showed that both AI and PI rabbits had a significantly less corneal damage as compared with infected nontreated rabbits. Immunohistochemical analyses for PGs exhibited significant differences to the wounded regions as compared with noninfected corneal tissue. Accumulation of keratan sulfate PGs and decorin was observed in the corneal stroma of infected rabbits and of heparan sulfate PGs around the new-formed vessels. This phenomenon was significantly reduced in immunized animals in accordance with macroscopically decreased corneal damage observed in these animals. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest a key role of 20-kDa PS and its antibodies as prophylactic and therapeutic agents in keratitis caused by slime-producing S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Georgakopoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Greece, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Gartaganis SP, Patsoukis NE, Nikolopoulos DK, Georgiou CD. Evidence for oxidative stress in lens epithelial cells in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Eye (Lond) 2006; 21:1406-11. [PMID: 17001325 DOI: 10.1038/sj.eye.6702596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the oxidative status in lens epithelial cells of patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome. METHODS Lens capsule samples obtained during cataract surgery of patients with PEX syndrome and normal age-matched control subjects were examined for changes in the levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulphide (GSSG), protein concentration, and lipid peroxidation. Concentrations of GSH, GSSG, lipid peroxidation, and protein concentration were determined by specific fluorescent assays. RESULTS This study shows a 2.2- and 2.0-fold decrease in GSH and GSSG levels, respectively, in PEX lens epithelial lens compared with non-PEX lens epithelial cells, as well as a 2.5-fold increase in lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. CONCLUSION The increased MDA and decreased GSH levels indicate high oxidative stress. On the other hand, GSSG usually increases in cases of high-oxidative stress, but this is not always the case, as it may not always accumulate in cells. Our findings suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and the progression of PEX syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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Assouti M, Vynios DH, Anagnostides ST, Papadopoulos G, Georgakopoulos CD, Gartaganis SP. Collagen type IX and HNK-1 epitope in tears of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2006; 1762:54-8. [PMID: 16257185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2005.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2005] [Revised: 09/20/2005] [Accepted: 09/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an age-related condition, which may cause open-angle glaucoma and has increasing interest since it seems to affect additional human tissues, i.e., cardiovascular tissue, skin, and still lacks elucidated pathogenesis. Collagen type IX and HNK-1 epitope have been considered characteristic constituents of the aqueous humour of PEX patients, since their amounts were increased in PEX aqueous humour compared to normal eyes. Since it has been proposed that the initial manifestations of PEX syndrome occur in conjunctiva, the present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of the same antigens in tears of PEX patients and their possible use as the biochemical markers for early diagnosis. Tears of PEX patients and healthy individuals were subjected to western blotting analysis for various basement membrane components identified in aqueous humour. It was found that collagen type IX and HNK-1 epitope were present in tears, the amount of the former being increased 2.7 times compared to normal (P<0.05), surprisingly high as compared with total protein or lysozyme activity in tears, which were found to be increased in PEX patients about 25% with no statistical differences (P approximately 0.4). The results suggest the possible use of tears' collagen type IX for the diagnosis of PEX syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Assouti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece
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Gartaganis SP, Georgakopoulos CD, Exarchou A, Mela EK, Psachoulia C, Eliopoulou MI, Kourakli A, Gotsis SS, Tripathi RC. Alterations in conjunctival cytology and tear film dysfunction in patients with beta-thalassemia. Cornea 2003; 22:591-7. [PMID: 14508254 DOI: 10.1097/00003226-200310000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with beta-thalassemia (beta-tha) represent a group with lifelong transfusion-dependent anemias. This study aimed to describe the conjunctival changes and tear film parameters in these patients. METHODS A total of 52 patients (104 eyes) with beta-tha major and 22 normal control subjects (44 eyes) were studied during 1999 through 2000. Tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, rose Bengal staining, and cytologic evaluation of the conjunctival epithelium were performed in all subjects. The Papanicolaou and May-Grümwald-Giemsa staining procedures were performed on all smears. Patients and control subjects were compared for tear function parameters and conjunctival changes. RESULTS The BUT, Schirmer test, and rose Bengal staining values were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in beta-tha patients than in control subjects. Keratinized cells were observed in conjunctival samples in 41% of patients, with a decrease in the number of goblet cells per slide in 64% of patients. In 9% of beta-tha patients, there were a slightly greater number of inflammatory cells than in control eyes. CONCLUSION Ocular surface disorder of these patients was characterized by goblet cell loss and conjunctival squamous metaplasia. Our findings were correlated positively with the variable age. Epithelial damage by toxic reaction and disorder of tear quality and quantity are implicated as important factors in the pathogenesis of the ocular surface disease in beta-tha patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmmology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Grece.
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Georgakopoulos CD, Exarchou A, Koliopoulos JX, Gartaganis SP, Anastassiou ED, Kolonitsiou F, Lamari F, Karamanos NK, Dimitracopoulos G. Levels of specific antibodies towards the major antigenic determinant of slime-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis determined by an enzyme immunoassay and their protective effect in experimental keratitis. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2002; 29:255-62. [PMID: 12062685 DOI: 10.1016/s0731-7085(02)00056-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is an important cause of bacterial keratitis. Certain S. epidermidis strains produce an extracellular slime layer rich in an acidic polysaccharide with a molecular size of 20 kDa (20-kDa PS). We have demonstrated that the level of 20-kDa PS-specific antibodies significantly rises after establishment of slime-producing S. epidermidis bacteraemia and, furthermore, that rabbit polyclonal antibodies to 20-kDa PS opsonize cells of slime-producing S. epidermidis to a great degree and promote their clearance by polymorphonuclear cells (Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 342 (1997) 389; J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 22 (2000) 1029). The purpose of this study was to examine the protective and therapeutic effects both of active immunization, using 20-kDa PS as antigen, and of passive administration of specific antibodies towards the 20-kDa PS in a rabbit keratitis model. For active immunization, 20 rabbits were subcutaneously immunized with 20-kDa PS, whereas for passive immunization specific polyclonal IgG antibodies against 20-kDa PS were administered to 20 rabbits 1 day before induction of infection. Clinical observations were made weekly for 1 month and levels of 20-kDa PS antibodies in serum and aqueous humor in both immunization groups were determined by an enzyme immunoassay. The levels of specific anti-20-kDa PS IgG in serum and aqueous humor following either active or passive immunization were significantly higher as compared with control groups (P<0.001). Although, actively immunized rabbits showed significantly less corneal damage than control animals, passively immunized ones were significantly better protected as compared with both control and those actively immunized. Obtained results suggest that 20-kDa PS plays crucial role in the pathogenesis of S. epidermidis keratitis and that both types of immunization significantly protect against corneal S. epidermidis pathology and damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Georgakopoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 261 10 Patras, Greece
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Gartaganis SP, Georgakopoulos CD, Mela EK, Exarchou A, Ziouti N, Assouti M, Vynios DH. Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in exfoliation syndrome. Ophthalmic Res 2002; 34:165-71. [PMID: 12097800 DOI: 10.1159/000063661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the aqueous humour of patients with exfoliation syndrome (XFS). XFS and control samples were analysed for their MMP content by zymography and for their tissue inhibitors by ELISA. In XFS eyes, an increase for up to 60% in almost all MMPs was observed, as compared to the controls. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found to predominate. TIMP-1 levels in XFS samples were slightly decreased, while TIMP-2 levels were similar to those of the controls. Our findings suggest that MMPs may be crucial in the progression of XFS, by degrading the abnormal fibrillar matrix components in the anterior segment tissues of XFS eyes. However, the increased levels of MMPs seem not to be able to overcome the overproduction and accumulation of the exfoliative material.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, GR-26500 Rion, Patras, Greece.
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Gartaganis SP, Mela EK, Georgakopoulos CD, Georgiou S, Monastirli A, Merk HF, Tsambaos D. Effects of oral acitretin on contrast sensitivity and tear film function: a prospective study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2002; 15:200-4. [PMID: 12077473 DOI: 10.1159/000063549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the ocular side effects of short-term therapy with oral acitretin (1 mg/kg/day) in 24 patients with severe and recalcitrant dermatoses. Apart from the routine ophthalmological examination, the following tests were performed: break-up time of tear film for the determination of its stability, Schirmer test for the assessment of lacrimal gland function, rose bengal staining for the detection of possible ocular surface damage and contrast sensitivity test for the evaluation of visual function. No statistically significant differences could be found between the pretreatment values of the assessed parameters and those obtained after 1 and 2 months of therapy. It seems reasonable, therefore, to suggest that ocular surface integrity and tear film and visual function are not affected by short-term oral acitretin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
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12
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Gartaganis SP, Georgakopoulos CD, Exarchou AM, Mela EK, Lamari F, Karamanos NK. Increased aqueous humor basic fibroblast growth factor and hyaluronan levels in relation to the exfoliation syndrome and exfoliative glaucoma. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 2001; 79:572-5. [PMID: 11782221 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2001.790605.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and hyaluronan (HA) in the aqueous humor of patients with the exfoliation syndrome (XFS) or exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). METHODS Aqueous humor bFGF and HA levels were measured in 13 patients with XFS and in 7 patients with XFG. The results were compared with those obtained from 17 healthy controls. RESULTS Mean bFGF levels were significantly higher in the XFG patients than those in the XFS patients, which in turn were higher than the bFGF levels in the healthy individuals. Aqueous humor HA levels in both patients with the XFS and the XFG were significantly higher compared to the controls. CONCLUSION We suggest that bFGF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of XFS and XFG, as well as in the synthesis of secreted HA, which may result in connective tissue degradation that affects the ocular anterior segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, 26500, Rion, Patras, Greece.
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Gartaganis SP, Eliopoulou MJ, Georgakopoulos CD, Koliopoulos JX, Mela EK. Bilateral panophthalmitis as the initial presentation of meningococcal meningitis in an infant. J AAPOS 2001; 5:260-1. [PMID: 11507588 DOI: 10.1067/mpa.2001.117096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endophthalmitis is a well-recognized, frequently devastating ophthalmic disease. The colonization of the eye and the subsequent development of endophthalmitis may be exogenous (including postsurgical and post-traumatic infections) or it may be of endogenous origin, representing a metastasis from a focus of infection elsewhere in the body associated with bacteremia (such as meningitis or cellulitis).
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
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Korizis KN, Exarchou A, Michalopoulos E, Georgakopoulos CD, Kolonitsiou F, Mantagos S, Gartaganis SP, Karamanos NK. Determination of malondialdehyde by capillary electrophoresis, application to human plasma and relation of its levels with prematurity. Biomed Chromatogr 2001; 15:287-91. [PMID: 11438973 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Malondialdehyde (MDA) is considered as the most important marker for monitoring lipid peroxidation, which is strongly associated with the development of serious diseases in adults and premature neonates. In this paper we report a method for determination of free MDA in human plasma using capillary zone electrophoresis. MDA was separated and determined as conjugate with tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulphate (TBAS). Analysis was performed using 20 mM borare, pH = 9.3, as operating buffer and detection of the MDA-TBAS adduct at 267 nm. The method has a linear range up to 80 microM with a detection limit of 0.2 microM. The method was applied to the analysis of MDA in plasma of healthy adults, normal-gestation infants and of preterm neonates. Plasma proteins were successfully removed following centrifugation through a centricon-3 membrane. Results showed that the method can be easily and accurate applied for the determination of MDA in human plasma and that the level of MDA in pretern neonates is significantly higher (p <or= 0.001) as compared to the two other cases. This suggests that MDA analysis may be useful to monitor the development and process of diseases related to lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Korizis
- Section of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate contrast sensitivity function in patients with impaired oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) compared with normal subjects. METHODS Sixteen patients with impaired OGTT and 11 normal control subjects were tested for contrast sensitivity function at four spatial frequencies. Glucose intolerance was established by the 1985 World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS The two groups were similar in terms of age, visual acuity, refractive correction, and lens opacities. A statistically significant loss of contrast sensitivity was associated with impaired OGTT (p < 0.001) in every spatial frequency tested. CONCLUSIONS Functional visual loss in patients with impaired glucose tolerance using the 1985 World Health Organization criteria indicates that at least part of those patients should be classified as diabetic according to the 1997 American Diabetic Association criteria. It seems that the 1997 American Diabetic Association criteria are more efficient at detecting patients with abnormal visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Greece.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate contrast sensitivity function in patients with beta-thalassemia major, after regular transfusion and chelation therapy. METHODS We measured contrast sensitivity at four spatial frequencies in 30 patients with beta-thalassemia major and in 30 matched normal control subjects. All subjects underwent an ophthalmic examination that included fluorescein angiography. The contrast sensitivity results from the two groups were compared between them. Patients' contrast sensitivity values were correlated to the variables age, duration of transfusion, duration of chelation therapy and serum ferritin levels, to select the important predictors. RESULTS Contrast sensitivity function in all beta-thalassemic patients was significantly lower (p<0.0001) compared to the normal control subjects, for all spatial frequencies tested. The most important predictor of contrast sensitivity loss was patients' age. CONCLUSION Contrast sensitivity testing can detect early changes in the visual function of beta-thalassemic patients and should be considered as a monitor for patients under chronic transfusion-chelation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Greece.
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Tzovolou DN, Lamari F, Mela EK, Gartaganis SP, Karamanos NK. Capillary electrophoretic analysis of brimonidine in aqueous humor of the eye and blood sera and relation of its levels with intraocular pressure. Biomed Chromatogr 2000; 14:301-5. [PMID: 10960828 DOI: 10.1002/1099-0801(200008)14:5<301::aid-bmc4>3.0.co;2-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was the development of a capillary electrophoretic method for the determination of the levels of the selective alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor agonist brimonidine in aqueous humor of the eye and blood sera and their relation to its efficacy in reducing the intraocular pressure (IOP). Analysis of brimonidine was performed by capillary zone electrophoresis using 20 mM borate, pH 9.3, as operating buffer and detection at 255 nm. Brimonidine levels were determined in aqueous humor and blood sera from seven patients admitted for cataract extraction following ocular administration of the ophthalmic Alphagantrade mark solution. Levels of brimonidine and IOP values were recorded for a 24 h period. Alphagantrade mark administration resulted in a significant reduction of IOP, from within 30 min up to 4-5 h, whereafter a stepwise increase was recorded until 24 h, where mean IOP value returned to that before administration. The IOP reduction was related to the levels of brimonidine in aqueous humor, where maximal levels (80-100%) were obtained within 1-3 h. A 50% amount of the solution was determined after 4-5 h, whereas it reached the minimum level after 12 h. Serum levels reached maximum within 3-4 h, a 50% reduction was recorded in 12 h and minimum level in 24 h. It is concluded that brimonidine administration may significantly reduce IOP in patients when its level is maintained >/=50% of the maximum present in aqueous humor, i.e within a 4-6 h period. Since at this time the level of brimonidine in blood serum has reached maximum value, administration of brimonidine every 6 h may be used to obtain adequate brimonidine levels to maintain a constantly lowered IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Tzovolou
- Section of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 261 10 Patras, Greece
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Mela EK, Koliopoulos JX, Lagogiannis PK, Giannopoulou AD, Georgakopoulos KD, Gartaganis SP. Bilateral multifocal choroidal metastases as the first manifestation of a breast carcinoma. Eye (Lond) 2000; 14 ( Pt 3A):392-3. [PMID: 11027010 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2000.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Beratis NG, Varvarigou A, Katsibris J, Gartaganis SP. Vascular retinal abnormalities in neonates of mothers who smoked during pregnancy. J Pediatr 2000; 136:760-6. [PMID: 10839873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether maternal smoking during pregnancy causes retinal abnormalities in the newborn. STUDY DESIGN One hundred sixty-two neonates of smoking mothers and 162 matched neonates of nonsmoking mothers (112 appropriate for gestational age [AGA], 30 small for gestational age [SGA], 20 large for gestational age [LGA] in each group) were studied. RESULTS Retinal arterial narrowing and straightening (RANS) was observed in 52 and 10 eyes of the newborns of smoking and nonsmoking mothers, respectively (P <. 000001) in association with elevated blood pressure in the neonates. The frequency of RANS was more than 3-fold greater in the SGA neonates than in the AGA and LGA neonates of the smoking mothers. Retinal venous dilatation and tortuosity (RVDT) was found in 100 and 36 eyes of neonates of smoking and nonsmoking mothers, respectively (P <.000001). The frequency of RVDT in the SGA neonates of the smoking mothers was 2.5-fold and 4.2-fold greater than in the AGA infants and the LGA infants, respectively. Also, intraretinal hemorrhages were found in 61 and 31 eyes of neonates of smoking and nonsmoking mothers, respectively (P =.0007) in association with elevated hematocrit and RVDT, whereas no intraretinal hemorrhages were found when RANS was present. All retinal abnormalities resolved by 6 months in infants of smoking mothers and by 2 months in infants of nonsmoking mothers. CONCLUSIONS Maternal smoking during pregnancy causes increased frequency of RANS, RVDT, and intraretinal hemorrhages; but these retinal abnormalities resolve by 6 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Beratis
- Department of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, General University Hospital, Rion, Greece
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Gartaganis SP, Mela EK, Katsimpris JM, Petropoulos JK, Karamanos NK, Koliopoulos JX. Use of topical brimonidine to prevent intraocular pressure elevations following Nd:YAG-laser posterior capsulotomy. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999; 30:647-52. [PMID: 10507567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of topical brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (Allergan, Irvine, CA) in the prophylactic treatment of acute intraocular pressure (IOP) rises following Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study in 60 patients who underwent Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy after extracapsular cataract extraction. Two doses of brimonidine or vehicle were administered before and after capsulotomy. Intraocular pressure was measured prior to commencing instillation and for 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS Following posterior capsulotomy, the brimonidine group showed a significant mean percent reduction in IOP, while the vehicle group showed a significant mean percent increase in IOP. At 48 hours, mean IOP of both groups had returned to pre-laser level. There were no differences between the 2 groups in the incidence of clinical adverse experiences. CONCLUSION Two-dose brimonidine tartrate 0.2% effectively prevents acute IOP rises after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Greece
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Abstract
Contrast sensitivity function after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation has been mainly correlated to the type or the material of the intraocular lens. Our purpose was to identify other possible factors, like posterior capsule, to contrast sensitivity alterations after cataract surgery, comparing patients operated for cataract by techniques that mainly differed on the posterior capsule's integrity. The intraocular lens implanted was either a posterior or an anterior chamber one, always monofocal and made of PMMA. We measured contrast sensitivity function at four spatial frequencies in two groups of operated individuals (group A and B) and in one group of healthy control individuals. Each group consisted of 42 eyes. Group A comprised eyes with intact, clear posterior capsule and posterior chamber monofocal intraocular lens. Group B comprised eyes with ruptured or removed posterior capsule and anterior chamber monofocal intraocular lens. Control group comprised healthy control eyes. A pair matched design was used to compare contrast sensitivity values among the individuals of the three groups. No statistically significant differences in contrast sensitivity values were found when group B patients were compared to healthy controls (p >0.05). Patients of group A exhibited contrast sensitivity function impairment at intermediate and high spatial frequencies when compared to patients of group B (p <0.05) and to controls (p <0.01). It seems that intact posterior capsule provides inferior visual function, in spite of relatively good visual acuity and apparently satisfactory results.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Mela
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Greece.
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Abstract
Divergent contrast sensitivity findings have been reported in patients with intraocular lens implants. The purpose of this study was to determine contrast thresholds of patients with good visual acuity after uncomplicated cataract extraction and posterior chamber conventional IOL implantation. Fifty-two eyes of fifty two patients, who had undergone uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation together with 48 eyes of 48 control subjects were tested for contrast sensitivity function. All of the patients had best corrected visual acuity 0.8 (20/25) or better, on the Snellen scale. Patients with concomitant eye disease were excluded. Contrast sensitivity was measured using stationary sine-wave gratings of four spatial frequencies (3.0 to 18.0 cycles/degree), at the testing distance of 8 feet. A loss of contrast sensitivity was found in patients with intraocular lens implants, compared with control subjects of similar age, sex and visual acuity. The loss was statistically significant at intermediate (6 cyc/deg) and high spatial frequencies (12.0 and 18.0 cycles/degree), while it was not statistically significant at low spatial frequencies (3 cyc/deg). This may be the reason of nonspecific visual complaints ('washed-out images'), despite normal Snellen acuity, after cataract surgery and monofocal IOL implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Mela
- Department of Ophthalmology University of Patras Medical School, Greece
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Gartaganis SP, Mela I, Michalopoulos E, Koliopoulos JX. Clinical trial with diffractive multifocal intraocular lens implantation. Ann Ophthalmol 1991; 23:448-51. [PMID: 1785900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study presents results obtained after implantation of 25 diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses. The follow-up ranged from six to 12 months. Visual acuity for distance without correction was 0.5 or better in 72% of cases; for near, it was J1 to J3 in 84% of cases. Slight decentration of the lens and pupil size did not affect visual acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Gartaganis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras, Medical School, Rion-Patras, Greece
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Skoutelis AT, Gartaganis SP, Chrysanthopoulos CJ, Beermann D, Papachristou C, Bassaris HP. Aqueous humor penetration of ciprofloxacin in the human eye. Arch Ophthalmol 1988; 106:404-5. [PMID: 3345156 DOI: 10.1001/archopht.1988.01060130430035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Two doses of ciprofloxacin were administered intravenously, 200 mg every 12 hours, to 25 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Plasma and aqueous humor were obtained at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after the administration of the second dose of the drug. Peak intraocular concentrations (mean +/- SD), 0.21 +/- 0.1 mg/L, were detected at one hour following ciprofloxacin administration. A time-dependent decrease of the penetration was observed, and by nine hours after the administration, ciprofloxacin levels were 0.05 mg/L. These results illustrate that ciprofloxacin may be an effective antimicrobial agent for prophylactic use in ophthalmologic surgery and also for the treatment of intraocular infections due to susceptible organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Skoutelis
- Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Greece
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Gartaganis SP, Margaritis LH, Koliopoulos JX. The corneal epithelium basement membrane complexes after alkali burn: an ultrastructural study. Ann Ophthalmol 1987; 19:263-8. [PMID: 3631838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemical burns were produced using a 4 N NaOH solution in 21 rabbit corneas. The ultrastructural findings were examined under an electron microscope five minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, and 30 days after the burn. A morphologic disturbance of the basement membrane and its complexes was detected from the first day of the experiment. These findings suggest that the basement membrane plays an important role in the pathogenesis of corneal recurrent erosions and ulcer formation after chemical burns.
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