Purpose: To examine whether dry eye severity is a risk factor for pterygium activity and whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial in the cross talk between pterygium and dry eye. Methods: A total of 103 patients with primary pterygium (Pteg) were included in the study group; they were divided into 2 groups according to the complication of dry eye (DE) (Pteg + DE group, Pteg -DE group). Further, 60 patients with just dry eye (DE group) and 60 normal individuals (normal) were included as 2 control groups. DE severity and pterygium activity were measured, and unstimulated tear samples and pterygium tissues were collected for cytokine detection. Results: (1) Tear detection: VEGF expression increased in the Pteg + DE group compared to the Pteg -DE, DE, and normal control groups; VEGF was especially increased in the active Pteg + DE group. VEGF concentration was positively correlated with pterygium activity. (2) Tissue detection: the mRNA expression of VEGF was upregulated in the active pterygium group. Conclusions: Inflammation played an important role in the development of dry eye and pterygium. VEGF was the core molecule in the cross talk, which might explain the high incidence of the coexistence of these 2 diseases.

Background: Biglycan (BGN) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that regulates the growth of epithelial cells. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin, is a treatment for advanced retinoblastoma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of expression of BGN on the response of human WERI-Rb-1 retinoblastoma cells to rapamycin and to investigate the associated signaling pathways. Material/Methods: BGN gene expression was induced in human WERI-Rb-1 retinoblastoma cells, which were incubated with rapamycin at doses of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 μg/ml. Cells were treated with the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor, LY294002. The MTT assay determined the rate of cell inhibition. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to measure BGN gene expression using RT 2-PCR. Western blot detected the protein levels of BGN, p-PI3K, p-Akt, nuclear NF-kB, and p65. Results: Rapamycin impaired cell growth, induced cell apoptosis, and suppressed the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, nuclear NF-kB, and p65. Overexpression of the BGN gene restored growth potential and inhibited apoptosis and was associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt-mediated NF-kB pathway. In cells that overexpressed BGN, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 increased the sensitivity of human WERI-Rb-1 retinoblastoma cells to rapamycin. Conclusions: Overexpression of BGN induced rapamycin resistance in WERI-Rb-1 retinoblastoma cells by activating PI3K/Akt/NF-kB signaling.

Air injection is an accessory technique during scleral buckling (SB). Subclinical subretinal fluid (SRF) may presence and persistent after SB. The impact of air injection on SRF is unclear. In the study, we retrospectively enrolled 51 patients with macular-involving RD who had undergone successful SB. They were categorized into Group A (SB without air injection) and Group B (SB with air injection). First, we found that although group B seem to be severer than group A before surgery, Kaplan–Meier graph showed that SRF absorbed more rapidly in group B after surgery, and the incidence of SRF in group B was much lower during the whole follow-up period. Moreover, the cases with superior breaks had the lowest incidence. Second, during the follow-up period, there was no significant difference about postoperative complication between two groups. Lastly, risk factors for persistent SRF were investigated with binary logistic regression, and no risk factor was found. In conclusion, air injection during the SB might accelerate SRF absorption and reduce the incidence of persistent SRF, especially for the longstanding macular-off RD with superior breaks.

Introduction: Contracture of dacryocyst by an implanted lacrimal silicone tube is rare. This report describes a unique case of secondary dacryocystitis and the contracture of dacryocyst caused by a lacrimal silicone tube that was placed in the lacrimal system for 10 years. Patient concerns: A 63-year-old female was diagnosed with chronic dacryocystitis at a local hospital and underwent surgical treatment 10 years ago. In the past month, the patient complained of persistent tearing and purulent secretion from the eyes. Diagnosis: The patient was diagnosed with secondary dacryocystitis, based on clinical features and the presence of the silicone stent, granulation tissue formation, and dacryocyst contracture in the lacrimal duct, as observed by nasal endoscopy. Interventions: For treatment, the implanted silicone tube in the patient was removed, the lacrimal duct and nasal mucosa was anastomosed, and a new lacrimal silicone tube was placed again. Outcomes: Following the surgery, the patient recounted that there were no symptoms, and follow-up examinations performed over a 1-month period posttreatment revealed no recurrence of obstruction or dacryocystitis. Therefore, the surgeon removed the lacrimal drainage tube and asked the patient to return to the outpatient department regularly for examination. Conclusion: The findings, in this case, suggest that silicone tubes are safe and effective, and can be placed in the lacrimal drainage system. However, in this patient, prolonged intubation caused chronic inflammation, granulation tissue formation, and dacryocyst contracture. Our findings could inform surgeons to consider the reasonable duration of intubation for treating cases of lacrimal obstruction, in order to avoid unnecessary complications.