Objective To observe the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) characteristics of ophthalmic artery and its main branches in ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD). Methods The internal carotid arteries, external carotid arteries and ophthalmic arteries of 32 ICVD patients were examined for DSA. The characteristics of ophthalmic artery origin, trail and main branches were observed. Results Among 64 carotid arteries of 32 patients, there was one carotid artery with internal occlusion, there was no severe stenosis in the other 63 carotid arteries. The 63 ophthalmic arteries originated all from supraclinoidal and ophthalmic segments of internal carotid arteries. 58 ophthalmic arteries were single branch from the internal carotid artery. 5 ophthalmic arteries had 2 branches, one come from the internal carotid artery, the other come from the middle meningeal artery (external carotid artery branch ) in 4 cases or from the anterior cerebral artery (carotid artery branch) in 1 case. The main branches of ophthalmic artery included central retinal artery, posterior ciliary artery, lacrimal gland artery, ocular muscular artery; anterior ethmoid artery, posterior ethmoid artery, supraorbital artery, dorsal nasal artery, supratrochlear artery and eyelid artery. The beginning point of each branches were variable. Conclusions Ophthalmic arteries of ICVD patients primary arise from the internal carotid artery. It most often appears as single branch and occasionally as double branches. The beginning points of major branches of ophthalmic artery are variable.
ObjectiveTo study the effect of inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) gene transfection on bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) promoting the expressions of collagen type Ⅱ (COL Ⅱ) and aggrecan (ACAN) in intervertebral cartilage endplate cells (EPCs). MethodsEPCs were harvested from the New Zealand white rabbits, the 2nd generation EPCs were used for experiment. The transfection efficiency of green fluorescent protein blank lentivirus, high expression of Id1 lentivirus, RNA interference (RNAi) Id1 lentivirus transfection in the EPCs were observed by the fluorescence microscopy, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and Western blot. Blank vector, single BMP-2 gene, BMP-2 and Id1 genes were transfected into EPCs, respectively. The cell morphology and the expressions of COL Ⅱ and ACAN in each group were observed. ResultsLentiviral transfection had no significant effect on the cell morphology. The EPCs were effectively transfected by the high expression Id1 lentivirus and RNAi Id1 lentivirus; the expression of Id1 mRNA was also significantly interfered. The expressions of COL Ⅱ and ACAN mRNA and synthesis of COL Ⅱ and ACAN protein were significantly higher in BMP-2 lentivirus and high expression Id1 lentivirus groups than control group (P<0.05). The expression of COL Ⅱ and ACAN protein were down regulated in the cartilage endplate cells when the expression of Id1 gene was decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionUp-regulation of Id1 gene expression can enhance the effects of BMP-2 on the synthesis of COL Ⅱ and ACAN in EPCs.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of super-selective ophthalmic artery or selective carotid artery thrombolytic therapy for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). MethodsTwelve CRAO patients (12 eyes) were enrolled in this study. The patients included 7 males and 5 females. The age was ranged from 19 to 68 years old, with an average of (50.0±3.5) years. The disease duration was from 8 to 72 hours, with a mean of 18 hours. All the patients were received the treatment of super-selective ophthalmic artery or selective carotid artery thrombolysis with urokinase (total 0.20-0.4 million U) and injection of papaverine 30 mg. Five patients received the treatment of super-selective ophthalmic artery thrombolytic therapy, 7 patients received the treatment of selective carotid artery thrombolytic therapy (4 patients because of the financial issues, 3 patients because of thin ophthalmic artery). According to the visual acuity of post-treatment and pre-treatment, the therapeutic effects on vision were defined as effective markedly (improving three lines or more), effective (improving two lines) and no effect (no change or a decline). According to the arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and filling time of retinal artery and its branches (FT) on fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA), the therapeutic effects on retinal circulation were defined as effective markedly (A-Rct 15 s, FT 2 s), effective (A-Rct was improved but in the range of 16-20 s, FT was in 3-8 s) and no effect (A-Rct was improved but 21 s, FT 9 s). ResultsThe vision changes showed effective markedly in 5 eyes (41.7%), effective in 5 eyes (41.7%), no effect in 2 eyes (16.6%). The total therapeutic efficiency on vision was 83.4%. The retinal circulation was improved in all eyes after treatment, including effective markedly in 8 eyes (67.0%), effective in 4 eyes (33.0%). The total therapeutic efficiency on retinal circulation was 100.0%. No complications occurred in these 12 patients during the treatment or follow-up, such as puncture site hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral embolism, eye movement abnormalities, retinal and vitreous hemorrhage. ConclusionSuper-selective ophthalmic artery and selective carotid artery thrombolytic therapy were effective in the treatment of CRAO.
Objective To investigate if the course of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is delayed by injecting lentivirus (Lv) vector carrying bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) genes directly into the nucleus pulposus. Methods Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits, 2.0-2.5 kg in weight and 4 months in age, were used to establish the IDD models at L3, 4, L4, 5, and L5, 6 discs with annular puncture via transabdominal approach. Thirty rabbits with successful modeling were randomly divided into 5 groups, 6 rabbits every group. At 4 weeks after modeling, rabbits were injected with Lv-BMP-2 (group A), with Lv-BMP-2 and Lv-Id1 (group B), with Lv-Id1 (group C), with Lv-green fluorescent protein (group D), and with PBS (group E). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after injection, T2-mapping MRI was performed on 2 rabbits each group to obtain the T2 values, and then subsequently the lumbar disc tissues were harvested to test the mRNA expressions and contents of collagen type II and proteoglycan by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and ELISA methods. Results T2-mapping MRI demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the T2 value between different groups at immediate and 2 weeks after injection (P>0.05). The T2 value of groups A and B was significantly higher than that of groups C, D, and E at 4 weeks after injection (P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between group A and group B (P>0.05). The T2 value of group B was significantly higher than that of the other groups at 8 weeks after injection (P<0.05). The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and ELISA showed that the expressions and contents of collagen type II and proteoglycan in group B were significantly higher than those in the other groups at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after injection (P<0.05). Conclusion Combined application of Lv-BMP-2 and Lv-Id1 can delay IDD changes in rabbit IDD models.
Objective To observe the clinical effect of intravenous thrombolytic therapy for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with poor effect after the treatment of arterial thrombolytic therapy. Methods Twenty-four CRAO patients (24 eyes) with poor effect after the treatment of arterial thrombolytic therapy were enrolled in this study. There were 11 males and 13 females. The age was ranged from 35 to 80 years, with the mean age of (56.7±15.6) years. There were 11 right eyes and 13 left eyes. The visual acuity was tested by standard visual acuity chart. The arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and the filling time of retinal artery and its branches (FT) were detected by fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA). The visual acuity was ranged from light sensation to 0.5, with the average of 0.04±0.012. The A-Rct was ranged from 18.0 s to 35.0 s, with the mean of (29.7±5.8) s. The FT was ranged from 4.0 s to 16.0 s, with the mean of (12.9±2.3) s. All patients were treated with urokinase intravenous thrombolytic therapy. The dosage of urokinase was 3000 U/kg, 2 times/d, adding 250 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenous drip, 2 times between 8 - 10 h, and continuous treatment of FFA after 5 days. Comparative analysis was performed on the visual acuity of the patients before and after treatment, and the changes of A-Rct and FT. Results After intravenous thrombolytic therapy, the A-Rct was ranged from 16.0 s to 34.0 s, with the mean of (22.4±5.5) s. Among 24 eyes, the A-Rct was 27.0 - 34.0 s in 4 eyes (16.67%), 18.0 - 26.0 s in 11 eyes (45.83%); 16.0 - 17.0 s in 9 eyes (37.50%). The FT was ranged from 2.4 s to 16.0 s, with the mean of (7.4±2.6) s. Compared with before intravenous thrombolytic therapy, the A-Rct was shortened by 7.3 s and the FT was shortened by 5.5 s with the significant differences (χ2=24.6, 24.9; P＜0.01). After intravenous thrombolytic therapy, the visual acuity was ranged from light sensation to 0.6, with the average of 0.08±0.011. There were 1 eye with vision of light perception (4.17%), 8 eyes with hand movement/20 cm (33.33%), 11 eyes with 0.02 - 0.05 (45.83%), 2 eyes with 0.1 - 0.2 (8.33%), 1 eye with 0.5 (4.17%) and 1 eye with 0.6 (4.17%). The visual acuity was improved in 19 eyes (79.17%). The difference of visual acuity before and after intravenous thrombolytic therapy was significant (χ2=7.99, P＜0.05). There was no local and systemic adverse effects during and after treatment. Conclusion Intravenous thrombolytic therapy for CRAO with poor effect after the treatment of arterial thrombolytic therapy can further improve the circulation of retinal artery and visual acuity.
ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of urokinase arterial thrombolysis in the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) at different time window.MethodsA retrospective study. From January 2014 to November 2019, 157 eyes (157 CRAO patients) in the Xi’an People's Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital) were included in the study. There were 120 males and 37 females, with the average age of 54.87±12.12 years. The mean onset time was 65.66±67.44 h. All patients were tested with BCVA using international standard visual acuity chart, and the results were converted into logMAR visual acuity record. The arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and the filling time (FT) of retinal arterial trunk-terminal filling time were measured by FFA. The mean logMAR BCVA was 2.44±0.46, the mean A-Rct and FT were 27.72±9.78 and 13.58±14.92 s respectively. According to the time window, the patients were divided into the onset 3-72 h group and the onset 73-240 h group, which were 115 patients and 42 patients respectively. There were no statistically significant difference between the 3-72 h group and the 73-240 h group in age, A-Rct and LogMR BCVA before treatment (χ2=－0.197, －1.242, －8.990; P=0.844, 0.369, 0.369); the difference was statistically significant in FT comparison (χ2=－3.652, P=0.000). Urokinase artery thrombolytic therapy was performed at different time window of 3-24 h, 25-72 h, 73-96 h, 97-120 h, 121-240 h after the onset of onset. Age and A-Rct of patients with different treatment time windows were compared, and the differences were not statistically significant (χ2=6.588, 6.679; P=0.253, 0.246).In comparison of FT and logMAR BCVA, the difference was statistically significant (χ2 =30.150, 71.378; P=0.000, 0.000). FFA was rechecked 24 hours after treatment, BCVA was rechecked 30 days after treatment. The changes of A-Rct, FT and BCVA before and after treatment were compared and analyzed. The occurrence of adverse reactions during and after treatment were observed. The two groups of measurement data were compared. The t test was used for those with normal distribution and χ2 test was used for those with non-normal distribution. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between onset time and the difference of A-Rct, FT shortening time and logMAR BCVA after treatment.ResultsAt 24 h after CRAO treatment, A-Rct and FT of 157 cases were 19.64±6.50 and 6.48±7.36 s respectively, which were significantly shorter than those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=－16.236, －14.703; P=0.000, 0.000). The logMAR BCVA at 30 d after treatment was 1.72±0.76, which was significantly higher than that before treatment. The difference was statistically significant (χ2=－14.460, P=0.000). After CRAO urokinase arterial thrombolysis at different time window, there were statistically significant differences in A-Rct shortening time, FT shortening time, and logMAR BCVA difference (χ2=12.408, 24.200, 104.388; P=0.030, 0.000, 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between the 3-72 h group and the 73-240 h group (χ2 =－1.042, P=0.297) in shortening time of A-Rct after treatment. The difference of FT shortening time was statistically significant (χ2=－3.581, P=0.000). The difference of logMAR BCVA was statistically significant (χ2=－9.905, P=0.000). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation between the onset time and the shortening time of A-Rct and FT after treatment (rp=－0.040, －0.081; P=0.436, 0.115), and negative correlation with the logMAR BCVA difference (rp=－0.486, P=0.000). One case of intracranial hemorrhage occurred after treatment, and it improved after dehydration to reduce cerebral edema, scavenging free radicals and brain protection.ConclusionsUrokinase arterial thrombolytic therapy is effective for CRAO within time window of 3-240 h, A-Rct, FT and LogMRA BCVA are all improved. However, with the prolongation of thrombolytic therapy time window, the therapeutic effect of urokinase arterial thrombolytic therapy is decreased. The therapeutic effect of Urokinase arterial thrombolytic therapy was better within 72 h.
ObjectivesTo explore the changes of some peripheral blood cells related to inflammation in patients with non-arteritis central retinal artery occlusion (NA-CRAO). MethodsA retrospective clinical study. From July 2019 to July 2021, a total of 218 patients with NA-CRAO hospitalized (NA-CRAO group) in Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) and 218 patients with routine physical examination (control group) during the same period were included in the study. There were no significant differences in age (t=0.60), sex composition ratio (χ2=0.83) and body mass index (t=0.77) between the two groups (P＞0.05). 0.2 ml fasting peripheral blood was collected from the subject, and white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), red blood cells (RBC), RBC distribution width (RDW), platelets (PLT), mean PLT volume (MPV), and large PLT ratio (PLCR) were detected. The NEUT/LYMPH ratio (NLR) and PLT/LYMPH ratio (PLR) were calculated. t test was used to compare measurement data between groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed for blood cells with P＜0.05. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of each inflammatory indicator, and the optimal cutoff value was determined according to the Jorden index (sensitivity+specificity－1). ResultsCompared with control group, WBC, NEUT, NLR, RDW, PLR were increased in NA-CRAO group, while RBC and LYMPH were decreased, with statistical significance (t=9.68, 12.43, 9.47, 3.64, 5.54, 5.18, 0.46; P＜0.001). There was no significant difference in PLT, MPV and PLCR between the two groups (t=0.32, 1.56, 0.84; P＞0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was a possible risk factor for the occurrence of NA-CRAO (odds ratio=2.51, 95%CI 0.780-0.859, P=0.031). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC predicted by NLR was 0.819, the optimal critical value was 3.05, and the sensitivity and specificity were 59.2% and 92.7%, respectively. ConclusionsIn peripheral blood cells of NA-CRAO patients, NEUT is significantly increased and LYMPH is decreased. NLR is a possible risk factor for NA-CRAO.
Objective To observe the effects of intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Methods A total of 115 CRAO patients diagnosed by fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA) were enrolled in this study. The patients included 61 males and 54 females, with a mean age of (56.7plusmn;15.2) years (from 41 to 75 years). The duration ranged from 1 to 30 days. All the patients were affected unilaterally. All the patients were received the treatment of intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase (3000 U/kg, two times per day, continuous treatment for six to seven days) and retrobulbar injection of dexamethasone 2.5 mg (one time per day, continuous treatment for 14 days). Following that, 1.2 mg/kg brain protein hydrolysate (nerve nutrition) and 360 mg troxerutin (vasodilator) were given by intravenous drip (one time per day, continuous treatment for 14 days). Effectiveness of the thrombolytic and subsequent treatments including the recovery of vision and retinal arterial filling time before and after treatment were observed. Comparing the visual acuity of post-treatment and pre-treatment, improving three lines or more is considered as effective markedly, improving two lines as effective, no change or a decline as no effect. With FFA as the retinal circulation recovery index, the arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct ) le; 15s and all branches of central retinal artery were filled with fluorescence within 2s filling (normal) as effective markedly; A-Rct improved but was in 15 - 20s range, all branches of central retinal artery were filled with fluorescence within 3～8s as effective; A-Rct improved but was still ge; 21s, all branches of central retinal artery were filled with fluorescence within ge;9s as no effect. The relationship between age, gender, the disease course, subsequent treat time and curative effectiveness were analyzed. Results There were 79 patients were examined for FFA again after thrombolysis treatment which including 11 patients with complete obstruction and 68 patients with incomplete obstruction. In 11 patients with complete obstruction, eight patients showed that optic disc vascular retrograde filling disappeared, A-Rct was 28-54s, and the filling time from retinal artery to tip was 18 - 55s; three patients showed persistent optic disc vascular retrograde filling within 3 - 4 minutes of FFA. In 68 patients with incomplete obstruction, A-Rct returned to normal in 35 patients (51.4%), effective in 18 patients (26.5%) and no effect in 15 patients (22.1%). Retinal circulation time was shorter than that before thrombolysis treatment (chi;2=11.4, Plt;0.05). Comparison of distribution of visual acuity before and after thrombolysis treatment, the difference was statistically significant (chi;2=12.1, Plt;0.05). Comparison of distribution of final visual acuity after subsequent treatment with that of after thrombolysis treatment, 48 eyes improved two lines or more, the efficiency was 41.7%, the difference was statistically significant (chi;2=14.6, Plt;0.05). Comparison to that of before treatment, vision changes showed effect markedly in 58 patients (50.4%), effective in 35 patients (30.4%), no effect in 22 patients (19.2%), the difference was statistically significant (chi;2=44.5, Plt;0.05). Comparison the average age to that of effective, valid and invalid patients, the difference was not statistically significant (t=0.98, 1.17, 0.55; Pgt;0.05). There was no relationship between effectiveness and gender (chi;2=2.6, Pgt;0.05). In 76 patients with duration within seven days, 43 patients were effective markedly and 22 patients were effective, the efficiency was 85.5%. In 25 patients with duration of 8 - 15 days, 11 patients were effective markedly and eight patients were effective, the efficiency was 76.0%. In 34 patients who received subsequent treatment 8 - 14 days, 18 patients were effective markedly and nine patients were effective, the efficiency was 79.4%. In 51 patients who received subsequent treatment 15-21 days, 27 patients were effective markedly and 18 patients were effective, the efficiency was 88.2%. Conclusion Intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase was effective in the treatment of CRAO.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of the ophthalmic artery branch retrograde interventional therapy for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). MethodsFourteen CRAO patients (14 eyes) were enrolled in this study, including 8 males and 6 females. The age was ranged from 35 to 80 years old,with an average of (56.7±20.3) years. The duration of occurrence after the onset was 9 to 72 hours, with a mean of 22 hours. There were 4 eyes with vision of no light perception, 5 eyes with light perception and 5 eyes with hand movement. The intraocular pressure was ranged from 14-20 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), with an average of 19 mmHg. All the patients received the treatment of ophthalmic artery branch retrograde interventional therapy according to the indications and contraindications of thrombolytic therapy in acute cerebral infraction patients. Micro catheters was inserted into the exposed arteries from a skin incision below the eyebrow under guidance of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), urokinase (total 0.4 million U) and papaverine 30 mg were injected into the arteries. After artery thrombolysis, the changes of DSA, filling time of retinal artery and its branches on fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA) within 48 hours and the visual acuity were observed. According to the visual acuity of post-treatment and pre-treatment, the therapeutic effects on vision were defined as effective markedly (improving 3 lines or more), effective (improving 2 lines) and no effect (change within 1 line or a decline). According to the arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and filling time of retinal artery and its branches (FT) on fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA), the therapeutic effects on retinal circulation were defined as effective markedly (A-Rct 15 s, FT 2 s), effective (A-Rct was improved but in the range of 16-20 s, FT was in 3-8 s) and no effect (A-Rct was improved but 21 s, FT 9 s). The follow up ranged from 5 to 21days, with a mean of 6 days. The related local or systemic complications were recorded. ResultsOphthalmic arterial catheterization under DSA was successful in all 14 eyes. After intermittent injection of drugs, ophthalmic artery and internal carotid artery displayed good images in DSA. The results showed enlargement of ophthalmic artery and its branches after injection of thrombolytic drugs by micro catheters. The circulation time in ophthalmic artery is speed up for 2 s before thrombolysis in 5 eyes, 3 s in 6 eyes, and 4 s in 3 eyes. Within 48 hours after thrombolysis treatment, the filling time of retinal artery and its branches on FFA was significantly increased than that of before interventional therapy. The retinal circulation was effective markedly in 8 eyes (57.1%), effective in 4 eyes (28.6%) and no effect in 2 eyes (14.3%). The vision changes showed effective markedly in 6 eyes (42.9%), effective in 6 eyes (42.9%), no effect in 2 eyes (14.2%). There was no abnormal eye movements, vitreous hemorrhage and incision hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral embolism, and other local and systemic adverse effectives during the follow-up. ConclusionsThe ophthalmic artery branch retrograde interventional therapy in the treatment for CRAO can improve retinal circulation and vision. And there is no related local or systemic complications.
Objective To observe the characteristics of collateral circulation blood flow of ipsilateral ophthalmic artery in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion. Methods The imaging data of 20 patients with internal carotid artery occlusion were analyzed retrospectively. There were 11 males and 9 females, aged from 30 to 65 years, with an average age of (45±3) years. All the patients underwent digital subtraction angiography and transcranial Doppler examination, and 6 patients underwent simultaneous magnetic resonance angiography. The blood supply and collateral circulation of the ipsilateral ophthalmic artery were observed . Results All the patients had unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion. The blood supply of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery and ophthalmic artery comes from the collateral circulation between the middle meningeal artery branches of the external carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery in 18 patients (90.0%); it also comes from the anterior communicating artery of the contralateral internal carotid artery in 16 patients (80.0%); and the posterior communicating artery of the contralateral internal carotid artery in 12 patients (60.0%), respectively. Conclusion The blood flow of the ipsilateral ophthalmic artery mainly comes from the middle meningeal artery branch of the ipsilateral external carotid artery, also comes from the anterior and posterior communicating arteries of the contralateral internal carotid artery.