ObjectiveTo observe the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Bcl-2, Bax in the rat retina of ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS). Methods30 Brown Norway rats were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 15 rats in each group. The rats in experimental group were established a model through ligating the bilateral common carotid artery. At 3 months after modeling, the retinal thickness and ganglion cell (RGC) density were measured by hematoxylin eosin staining; the expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 8, Bax and Bcl-2 in the retina was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ResultsThe RGC density in control group and experimental group was 61.97±9.07 and 38.1±5.98, respectively. Compared to the control group, the RGC density was diminished in the experimental group (t=3.059, P < 0.01). A significant decrease was found in the total retina (t=3.036), inner plexiform (t=3.715), inner nuclear (t=3.339) and outer plexiform (t=3.341) thickness (P < 0.05). However, no change of the thickness was evident in the outer nuclear layers (t=2.000, P > 0.05). The levels of protein and RNA expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and Bax in the retina were increased in experimental group (F=17.036, 7.787, 11.431, 11.162, 17.763, 12.183; P < 0.05), while the Bcl-2 expression were decreased (F=10.298, 12.047; P < 0.05). ConclusionsThere is obvious expression of apoptosis-associated proteins in the rat retina of OIS. Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and Bax expression are increased, while Bcl-2 expression are decreased.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between retinal vessel diameters and cerebral infarction of carotid artery stenosis patients. MethodsEighty-seven patients (174 eyes) with carotid stenosis were included in this study. There were 49 males and 38 females, with an average age of (65.25±7.85) years. Thirty-four patients were suffered from cerebral infarction (cerebral infarction group), and the other 53 patients had no cerebral infarction (control group). There was no significant difference in age (t=1.916), male rate (χ2=0.142) and carotid stenosis extent (χ2=0.785) between the two groups (P=0.059, 0.706, 0.675). All patients underwent color fundus photography after mydriasis. Retinal vascular caliber measurements were performed using IVAN software. The main parameters were central retinal artery diameter (central retinal artery equivalent, CRAE), the diameter of the central retinal vein (central retinal vein equivalent, CRVE) and the retinal arteriole to venular ratio (AVR). The relationship between retinal vessel diameter and cerebral vascular disease were analyzed with logistic regression analysis. ResultsIn cerebral infarction group, CRVE, CRAE and AVR ratios were (132.90±20.67) μm, (243.47±43.92) μm and 0.56±0.10, while the control group was (145.26±21.59) μm, (224.99±32.35) μm and 0.68±0.13 respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups (t=-2.648, 2.257, -4.631; P < 0.05). After correction for risk factors, such as age, smoking history, CRAE reduction and CRVE increases were significantly correlated with cerebral infarction. ConclusionCRAE reduction and CRVE increases are risk factors of cerebral infarction in patients with carotid stenosis, and it is useful in the prediction.