Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology

A special issue of Journal of Personalized Medicine (ISSN 2075-4426). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Medicine, Cell, and Organism Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 February 2024) | Viewed by 12142

Special Issue Editors

Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
Interests: genetics; mitochondrial function; inherited retinal dystrophies; optic neuropathy; electrophysiology; mouse models; myopic maculopathy; diabetes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
Interests: ophthalmology; retinal disorders; big data analysis; molecular biology; ophthalmology imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue entitled “Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology” that aims to collect scientific publications including case, original, and review papers in the field of translational science in ophthalmology.

The key to translational research is bringing investigation results from basic science to humans and implementing them to clinical practice for the larger population. Most advanced treatments or diagnosis technologies are based on previous achievements of scientific discoveries made in the laboratory. To improve the care of ophthalmology diseases and benefit more patients, it is crucial to advance our understanding in translational research. In this issue, we target basic to clinical investigations in ophthalmology, and those in personalized medicine in ophthalmology care are also considered.

Dr. Nan-Kai Wang
Dr. Eugene Yu Chuan Kang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Personalized Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Ophthalmology 
  • Translational research 
  • Personalized medicine 
  • Clinical study 
  • Basic study

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1604 KiB  
Article
Transcription Factor ATF3 Participates in DeltaNp63-Mediated Proliferation of Corneal Epithelial Cells
by Yi-Jen Hsueh, Yaa-Jyuhn James Meir, Hui-Yi Hsiao, Chao-Min Cheng, Hui-Kang David Ma, Wei-Chi Wu and Hung-Chi Chen
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(4), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13040700 - 21 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1355
Abstract
Understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying corneal epithelial cell (CEC) proliferation in vitro may provide the means to boost CEC production in cell therapy for ocular disorders. The transcription factor ΔNp63 plays a crucial role in the proliferation of CECs, but the underlying mechanisms [...] Read more.
Understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying corneal epithelial cell (CEC) proliferation in vitro may provide the means to boost CEC production in cell therapy for ocular disorders. The transcription factor ΔNp63 plays a crucial role in the proliferation of CECs, but the underlying mechanisms is yet to be elucidated. TP63 and ΔNp63 are encoded by the TP63 gene via alternative promoters. We previously reported that both ΔNp63 and activating transcription factor (ATF3) are substantially expressed in cultured CECs, but the regulatory relationship between ΔNp63 and ATF3 is unknown. In the present study, we found that ΔNp63 increased ATF3 expression and ATF3 promoter activity in cultured CECs. The deletion of the p63 binding core site reduced ATF3 promoter activity. CECs overexpressing ATF3 exhibited significantly greater proliferation than control CECs. ATF3 knockdown suppressed the ΔNp63-induced increase in cell proliferation. Overexpression of ATF3 in CECs significantly elevated protein and mRNA levels of cyclin D. The protein levels of keratin 3/14, integrin β1, and involucrin did not differ between ATF3-overexpressing CECs, ATF3-downregulated CECs, and control cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that ΔNp63 increases CEC proliferation via the ΔNp63/ATF3/CDK pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology)
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11 pages, 1411 KiB  
Article
Personalized Predictive Modeling of Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness Changes for Myopic Adolescents after Overnight Orthokeratology
by Xiaohang Chen, Qiushi Li and Longqian Liu
J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(8), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12081316 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1153
Abstract
The changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness after orthokeratology are crucial in myopia retardation; this study aimed to identify the risk factors that could be incorporated into a predictive model for subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) that would provide further personalized and clinically specific information [...] Read more.
The changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness after orthokeratology are crucial in myopia retardation; this study aimed to identify the risk factors that could be incorporated into a predictive model for subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) that would provide further personalized and clinically specific information for myopia control. A one-year prospective study was conducted in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Basic information (age, gender, and height) was collected from all subjects. Initial spherical equivalent, axial length, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured, and the ocular environmental factors were also collected. All the measured parameters were recorded in the follow-up period for one year. After the analysis of univariate analysis, statistically significant factors were substituted into the multivariate three-level model. Thirty-three adolescents aged 8–14 years old were enrolled in this study; the results show that the subfoveal choroidal thickness in both eyes changed significantly after 12 months of lens wearing (pR < 0.0001, pL < 0.0001). The axial length was negatively correlated with the change in the SFChT after 12 months of lens wearing (r = −0.511, p = 0.002). After multilevel model analysis, the statistically significant factor was shown to have an important influence on the changes in the subfoveal choroidal thickness, which was the average near-work time. This suggested that the SFChT personal predictions can be made regarding changes in myopic adolescents after orthokeratology using the factor of daily average near-work time. Clinical practitioners will benefit from the results by obtaining a better understanding of the effects of orthokeratology on choroid and myopia progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology)
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14 pages, 1076 KiB  
Article
Detection of Intraocular Hypertension during Opportunity Screening (Check-Up Medical Inspections)
by Gabriel Zeno Munteanu, Zeno Virgiliu Ioan Munteanu, George Roiu, Cristian Marius Daina, Lucia Georgeta Daina, Mihaela Cristina Coroi, Carmen Domnariu, Daniela Carmen Neculoiu, Adrian Sebastian Cotovanu and Dana Badau
J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(5), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12050777 - 11 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2064
Abstract
The aim of the study is the early detection of OHT (Ocular hypertension) in patients, in the activity of secondary prophylaxis (opportunity screening-medical check-up), to prevent blindness caused by POAG (Primary Open Angle Glaucoma). In Romania, medical examination of personnel with responsibilities in [...] Read more.
The aim of the study is the early detection of OHT (Ocular hypertension) in patients, in the activity of secondary prophylaxis (opportunity screening-medical check-up), to prevent blindness caused by POAG (Primary Open Angle Glaucoma). In Romania, medical examination of personnel with responsibilities in Transport Safety (TS) is legally regulated, being mandatory as a result of the internal transposition of European legislation in the field. The addressability of the patients for examination was determined by personal choice, depending on the accessibility of the medical service on the profile market (availability and price). The design of the study is epidemiological, observational, descriptive and retrospective. The standardized medical protocol included: personal medical history (anamnesis), physical ophthalmological examination, Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and Visual Field (VF) performance, with Automated Perimeter “Optopol PTS 910” through “Fast Threshold” strategy. The specialized medical research was completed with a dichotomous questionnaire entitled “Symptom Inventory”, made according to the recommendations of patients resulting from “Focus group” research. The study was carried out within the “Check-up” type medical controls upon request, only for personnel with positions in Transport Safety (TS), during January–December 2021 at S.C. ARTIMED S.R.L. Oradea, Bihor County. Health analysis was performed for 820 people, of whom 71 people (8.65%) tested positive for IOP > 21 mmHg, (suspected OHT) compared to 749 (91.35%) with normal values (Normal intraocular pressure-NIOP); the two lots being statistically significantly different (x2 = 560.590, df = 1, p = 0.000). The study involved 754 men (92.0%) and 66 women (8.0%), the sex ratio is 11.42 (Exp (B) = 0.782, Sig = 0.558, 95% CI = 0.343–1783; sex is not a significant predictor at the 5% level). The prevalence of OHT was 8.66% for the whole group, 8.48% for men and 10.60% for women. In the screening action for the whole group of patients the following was determined: IOP reference = 20.85 mmHg, Sensitivity (Se) = 91.5% and 1-Specificity (Sp) = 0.073, (Sp = 92.7%). The predictive value of the screening test was: Positive Predictive Value (PPV) = 90.1% and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) = 91.7%; Area under the ROC Curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic) = 0.986, Sig. = 0.000, CI95% = 0.979–0.993. A binary logistical model of a questionnaire was developed to determine the screening parameters which significantly predicted OHT: IOP (OR = 4.154, 95% CI: 3.155–5.469), Age < 40 years (OR = 0.408, 95% CI: 0.239–0.698) and Pattern Defect (PD) (OR = 1.475% CI: 1.130–1.925). The results of this study assess health status through regular medical examinations, and highlight their importance and usefulness in secondary prevention activity. The particularity of this “check-up” type for personnel with attributions in transport safety is based on two essential aspects: the legal obligation to perform it and the fact it is financed by the beneficiary (the employer). In patients suspected of OHT after antiglaucoma treatment, IOP statistically significantly decreased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology)
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10 pages, 1030 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Myopia Control and Distribution of Corneal Epithelial Thickness in Children Treated with Orthokeratology Assessed Using Optical Coherence Tomography
by Yu-Kai Kuo, Yen-Ting Chen, Ho-Min Chen, Pei-Chang Wu, Chi-Chin Sun, Ling Yeung, Ken-Kuo Lin, Hung-Chi Chen, Lan-Hsin Chuang, Chi-Chun Lai, Yau-Hung Chen and Chun-Fu Liu
J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12020278 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2126
Abstract
The association between myopia control efficacy in children treated with orthokeratology and corneal epithelial thickness is still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the corneal epithelial thickness and its association with axial length changes in children treated with orthokeratology. This [...] Read more.
The association between myopia control efficacy in children treated with orthokeratology and corneal epithelial thickness is still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the corneal epithelial thickness and its association with axial length changes in children treated with orthokeratology. This retrospective cohort study enrolled children aged from 9 to 15 years who had received orthokeratology for myopia control and had been followed up for at least 1 year. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was performed to generate wide epithelial thickness maps of the patients. Annual axial length changes were calculated from the axial length at 6 months after the initiation of orthokeratology lens wear and at final measurements. Corneal epithelial thickness data were obtained from 24 sectors and a central 2 mm zone of the wide epithelial thickness map. Associations between annual axial length changes and corneal epithelial thickness for each sector/zone of the wide epithelial thickness map, and orthokeratology treatment data were determined by generalized estimating equations. Finally, a total of 83 eyes of 43 patients (mean age 11.2 years) were included in the analysis. The mean annual axial length change was 0.169 mm; when regressing demographic and ortho-k parameters to mean annual axial length changes, age and target power were both negatively associated with them (β = −14.43, p = 0.008; β = −0.26, p = 0.008, respectively). After adjusting for age and target power, the annual axial length changes were positively associated with the corneal epithelium thickness of IT1, I1, SN2, and S2 sectors of the wide epithelial thickness map, and negatively with that of the I3 sector. In conclusion, we identified associations between annual axial length changes and the corneal epithelium thickness of certain sectors in children treated with orthokeratology. This may facilitate the design of orthokeratology lenses with enhanced efficacy for myopia control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology)
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Review

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40 pages, 1012 KiB  
Review
Systemic Cytokines in Retinopathy of Prematurity
by Po-Yi Wu, Yuan-Kai Fu, Rey-In Lien, Ming-Chou Chiang, Chien-Chung Lee, Hung-Chi Chen, Yi-Jen Hsueh, Kuan-Jen Chen, Nan-Kai Wang, Laura Liu, Yen-Po Chen, Yih-Shiou Hwang, Chi-Chun Lai and Wei-Chi Wu
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(2), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13020291 - 05 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2164
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a vasoproliferative vitreoretinal disorder, is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Although angiogenic pathways have been the main focus, cytokine-mediated inflammation is also involved in ROP etiology. Herein, we illustrate the characteristics and actions of all cytokines involved [...] Read more.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a vasoproliferative vitreoretinal disorder, is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Although angiogenic pathways have been the main focus, cytokine-mediated inflammation is also involved in ROP etiology. Herein, we illustrate the characteristics and actions of all cytokines involved in ROP pathogenesis. The two-phase (vaso-obliteration followed by vasoproliferation) theory outlines the evaluation of cytokines in a time-dependent manner. Levels of cytokines may even differ between the blood and the vitreous. Data from animal models of oxygen-induced retinopathy are also valuable. Although conventional cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation are well established and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are available, less destructive novel therapeutics that can precisely target the signaling pathways are required. Linking the cytokines involved in ROP to other maternal and neonatal diseases and conditions provides insights into the management of ROP. Suppressing disordered retinal angiogenesis via the modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor, supplementation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1/IGF-binding protein 3 complex, erythropoietin, and its derivatives, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and inhibition of secretogranin III have attracted the attention of researchers. Recently, gut microbiota modulation, non-coding RNAs, and gene therapies have shown promise in regulating ROP. These emerging therapeutics can be used to treat preterm infants with ROP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology)
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14 pages, 1245 KiB  
Review
Challenges and Opportunities in the Genetic Analysis of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies in Africa, a Literature Review
by Oscar Onyango, Marianne Mureithi, Dennis Kithinji, Walter Jaoko and Kaoru Fujinami
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(2), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13020239 - 29 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2149
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a global problem that is largely unaddressed, especially in Africa. Black indigenous Africans are rarely represented in research that develops genetic tests and genetic therapies for IRDs, yet their genomes are more diverse. The aim of this literature [...] Read more.
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a global problem that is largely unaddressed, especially in Africa. Black indigenous Africans are rarely represented in research that develops genetic tests and genetic therapies for IRDs, yet their genomes are more diverse. The aim of this literature review is to synthesize information on the IRD genetic research conducted among indigenous black Africans to identify challenges and opportunities for progress. PubMed was searched to identify empirical publications reporting the genetic analysis of IRDs among indigenous Africans. A total of 11 articles were selected for the review. Based on the information in the articles, the main genetic testing methods in use include next-generation, whole exome, and Sanger sequencing. The main IRDs characterized by the genetic tests include retinitis pigmentosa, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stagardt disease, and cone dystrophy. Examples of implicated genes include MERTK, GUCY2D, ABCA4, and KCNV2 for the four IRDs, respectively. Research activities on the genetics of IRDs are generally scanty in Africa. Even in South Africa and North Africa where some research activities were noted, only a few indigenous black Africans were included in the study cohorts. There is an urgent need for genetic research on IRDs, especially in East, Central, and West Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Translational Research in Ophthalmology)
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