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Biomedical subjects

L Cerulli

Publications and source records attributed to L Cerulli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Incidence of visual loss in the Ponza Eye Study, Italy.

AIM: To study the incidence of visual loss over a 12-year period in the survivors of an original cohort aged 40 years or older at baseline. METHODS: Visual acuity (VA) was measured by means of a standardized logMAR chart. World Health Organization definition of blindness and low vision was adopted (respectively, best-corrected VA >1.3 logMAR or a visual field <10 degrees around central fixation, and best-corrected VA >0.5-1.3 logMAR or a visual field <20 degrees around central fixation). Moreover, binocular visual loss incidence (VA>0.5 logMAR) was calculated in a 'healthy' group who had uncorrected VA of 0.0 logMAR or better in both eyes at baseline and absence of eye diseases. RESULTS: Of the 584 eligible survivors, 411 (70.7%) had a 12-year follow-up visit. The overall incidence figures were as follows: best-corrected binocular blindness (0.7%), binocular low vision (3.9%), monocular blindness (2.7%), and monocular low vision (5.0%), respectively. The results for presenting VAs were 1.2, 9.5, 4.2, and 15.3%. Figures for uncorrected, best-corrected, and presenting binocular visual loss incidence in the 'healthy' group were respectively 12.7, 0.9, and 3.7%. CONCLUSION: The discrepancy between the ideal and real situations that emerges from this study has important implications for health-care planning. Over a period of 12 years, a substantial percentage of 'healthy' subjects will have to seek medical care. Incident visual loss was caused mainly by untreated cataract, glaucoma, myopia, and age-related macular degeneration.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Multifaceted roles of nitric oxide in the lateral geniculate nucleus: from visual signal transduction to neuronal apoptosis.

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is the thalamic relay of retinal inputs to the visual cortex. It contains a rich array of brain terminals, which modulate the visual signals to the cortex. Several data have documented that beside cholinergic, GABA-nergic, istaminergic, serotoninergic, and glutamatergic signals, the LGN contains also fibers and interneurons expressing the enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO). Here, we review the documented physiological roles of NO in the transmission of visual inputs to the cortex and in the processes of activity-dependent refinement of LGN connections. Moreover we focus on the recently suggested role of NO in processes of neurotoxicity in the LGN. Particular relevance is given to studies documenting that, through an excitotoxic cascade, NO triggers apoptosis in the LGN of new-born rats deprived of vision in one eye. Data are also discussed on a possible role of NO in the mechanisms of LGN neuronal loss induced by glaucoma. We believe that a better understanding of the role of NO in the LGN may contribute to discover new experimental strategies for the treatment of degenerative ophthalmic diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Apoptosis in the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity in the developing visual system.

Visual experience during early postnatal life is essential for normal development of synaptic connections in the visual system. In fact, altered visual experiences such as monocular deprivation (MD) or abnormal visual stimulation (e.g. strabismus, anisometropia) during this period disrupt the physiologic organization of the visual pathway, leading to loss of visual responses in cortical neurons and reduction in visual acuity of the affected eye, so that it becomes amblyopic. The authors review the main functional and morphologic changes induced by altered visual experiences in the developing visual system and focus on the recent discovery that MD induces apoptotic cell death in the lateral geniculate nucleus of newborn rats. Particular attention is given to the authors' studies documenting that, during development, MD leads retinal terminals to release excessive glutamate in the lateral geniculate nucleus where it elevates nitric oxide and causes DNA fragmentation. The latter event is known to activate poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase, which in turn may trigger apoptosis. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the morphologic changes induced by altered visual experiences during development may open new venues for studying novel neuroprotective strategies for amblyopia and, more generally, for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases associated with neuronal apoptosis.

Amblyopia↗
PubMed2000

Apoptosis in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus after monocular deprivation involves glutamate signaling, NO production, and PARP activation.

In mammals, visual experience during early postnatal life is critical for normal development of the visual system. Here we report that monocular deprivation for 2, 7, and 14 consecutive days causes p53 accumulation, cell death, and progressive loss of neurones in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of newborn rats and these are prevented by NMDA and non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists, and by L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis. Monocular deprivation also increases dLGN levels of citrulline, the coproduct of nitric oxide synthesis, and this, as well as cell death and neuronal loss, is abolished by antagonists of glutamate receptors and by L-NAME. Finally, poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) knock-out mice appear to be protected from monocular deprivation-induced cell death. In conclusion, during early postnatal development of the rat visual system monocular deprivation causes excitotoxic, nitric oxide-mediated, cell death in the dLGN that appears to be apoptotic and also requires activation of PARP.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Imbalance in corneal redox state during herpes simplex virus 1-induced keratitis in rabbits. Effectiveness of exogenous glutathione supply.

A significant decrease in the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) was found in the corneal tissue of rabbits with Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1)-induced keratitis. Such a decrease was due to a loss of the reduced species, since no increase in its oxidized form was observed. Topical administration of purified GSH was able to reduce the virus titre in corneal tissue and, at the same time, was effective in reducing the severity and progression of keratitis and conjunctivitis. This effect was paralleled by a partial recovery in the corneal GSH content. In vitro experiments performed on HSV-1 infected corneal-derived rabbit cells showed that exogenous GSH reduced virus titre in the supernatant of infected cells. These results are in agreement with our previous findings that an oxidative environment, due to GSH depletion, is necessary for virus replication and suggest that topical GSH treatment could be considered as complementary therapy in HSV-1-induced keratitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence and incidence of age-related cataract in a population sample from Priverno, Italy.

PURPOSE: To study the prevalence and incidence of age-related cataract in a random population sample from the town of Priverno in the Lazio Region, Italy. METHODS: In 1987, 860 people between the ages of 45 and 69 years, already participating in a study on cardiovascular risk factors, underwent an ophthalmological examination. Patients with lens opacities, assessed by a clinical biomicroscopy and a best-corrected VA equal to or worse than 0.2 LogMar (20/30), were defined as age-related cataract cases. Of the 828 patients without age-related cataract at the baseline, 602 were re-examined in 1994. The 7-year Cumulative Incidence was calculated in three ways, as follows: - referring to the baseline sample without age-related cataract; - referring to the follow-up sample without age-related cataract at baseline; and - adjusted for non-response to the follow-up. RESULTS: In the baseline sample, the prevalence of age-related cataract was 3.7% (2.7%-5.2%, 95% C.I.). Cumulative Incidence referring to the baseline sample was 6.5% (4. 8%-8.2%, 95% C.I.); Cumulative Incidence referring to the follow-up sample was 9.0% (6.7%-11.3%, 95% C.I.). Adjusted Cumulative Incidence of age-related cataract was 7.6% (5.6%-9.5%, 95% C.I.). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that, in the Priverno sample, aging, but not gender, is a very important risk factor for cataract. The authors conclude that more information is needed on incidence of age-related cataract needing surgical rehabilitation and on risk factors causing both progression of lens opacities and visual loss.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1998

Standardized measurement of visual acuity.

The authors reviewed the main aspects of visual acuity evaluation such as the characteristics of the test devices, the notation employed in recording the visual acuity level and the procedures for V.A. assessment, in both distance and near tests. In addition, new ten-letter charts, that tend to follow strictly the standardization guideline suggested by NAS-NRC, are described.

Contrast Sensitivity↗
PubMed1998

Electro-oculography in pigment dispersion syndrome.

Clinical data and the common embryological origin of the pigment epithelium of the iris and retinal pigment epithelium suggest that the latter may be involved in the pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS). In our study functional changes of the retinal pigment epithelium were evaluated by electro-oculography in 10 PDS patients, 10 patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG) and 10 normal subjects. The mean dark-trough latency and Arden ratio for the PDS group were significantly lower than those of the COAG and control groups. Analysis of the Arden ratios based on the Kruskall-Wallis test revealed that 30% of the PDS values were subnormal with respect to the control group mean -1 SD. These results indicate primary involvement of the retinal pigment epithelium in PDS.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists protect from apoptosis induced in the lateral geniculate nucleus of rabbits exposed to the dark.

Mono or binocular deprivation, during early postnatal development, produces dramatic effects on the anatomy and physiology of the visual system. Here we report that dark exposure induces apoptotic cell death in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of adult rabbit and this may be related to activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA subtypes of glutamate receptors. In situ DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) was observed in the LGN of rabbits exposed to dark for 48 h. Morphological changes were confirmed on hematoxylin-eosin stained brain tissue coronal sections. Systemic treatment with CGP 040116 or MK 801, two NMDA receptor antagonists, and with GYKI 52466, a non-NMDA receptor antagonist, prevented in situ DNA fragmentation and nuclear chromatin marginalization and condensation. In no instance was apoptosis seen in rabbits kept under a normal light-dark cycle. Our findings indicate that glutamate, acting on NMDA and non-NMDA receptors, may be involved in the mechanisms of apoptotic cell death induced in the LGN of adult rabbits exposed to darkness.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of glaucoma in Ponza, Italy: a comparison with other studies.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of glaucoma in Ponza, Italy. The design was a population-based prevalence survey of residents of Ponza aged 40 years or older. There were 1,296 official residents identified by a house-to-house census, of whom 1,226 were identified as eligible for the study. Of these, 1,034 individuals (449 males and 585 females), or 84.3% of the eligible population, participated in the ophthalmological examination. A two-stage method was adopted to identify cases of glaucoma. All subjects underwent a standardized initial examination. Glaucoma suspects and 50% of non-suspects were referred to a definitive examination which included visual field testing. Patients were defined as glaucoma cases if they presented abnormal visual fields and at least one of the following: high 10P, large or asymmetric cup-to-disc ratio. In addition to typical glaucomatous visual field defects such as paracentral scotoma, nasal step, arcuate scotoma and temporal and/or central islands fields, a visual field defect was identified as a decrease in sensitivity greater than 6 db in at least one location of the central 10 degrees, two locations of the central 20 degrees or three locations of the central 30 degrees. Prevalence rates of 2.51% of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (1.72%-3.66%, CI 95%), 0.97% of Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma (0.53%-1.77%, CI 95%) and 0.29% of secondary glaucoma were found. Moreover, 2.13% of probable POAG (1.41%-3.20%, CI 95%) and 6.00% of High Intraocular Pressure (4.71%-7.61%, CI 95%) were found. The prevalence rates of POAG found in the Ponza Ophthalmological Survey are consistent with the results of other studies. Minor differences are most likely due to the different criteria adopted in the assessment of glaucomatous visual field damage.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with contact lenses; report of three cases in Italy.

Three female patients, aged from 17 to 44 years, developed Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with the use of soft contact lenses and cosmetic contact lens. Two of these patients were myopic and wore soft contact lenses for optical purpose, while the third patient used a cosmetic lens. In this paper we describe the related risk factors, the success of cultural procedures and the outcome of medical management. In 2 out of the 3 cases we obtained cultures positive for Acanthamoeba, from the contact lenses and the contact-lens case. The isolated strains belong to the group II according to Pussard and Pons and they were proven pathogen for experimentally infected mice. All infections were treated successfully; however in 2 out of the 3 patients the visual acuity was reduced to the light perception.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1996

N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester prevents apoptosis induced in the lateral geniculate nucleus by light deprivation in adult rabbit.

Exposure of adult rabbits to darkness for 48 h produces bilateral DNA fragmentation in the lateral geniculate nucleus as revealed in brain sections by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) technique, suggesting an apoptotic type of cell death. In agreement with the latter deduction, light microscopy assessment of the morphological characteristics showed marginalization and condensation of nuclear chromatin, typical features of apoptosis. These effects were abolished by systemic administration of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, whereas the D isomer was ineffective. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that light deprivation for 48 h produces apoptosis in the lateral geniculate nucleus of rabbit and suggest that NO might be involved.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effect of antidenaturant drugs on lysozyme deposit formation on soft contact lenses by liquid chromatography--electrochemical detection.

The effect of some antidenaturant drugs on the formation of lysozyme deposits on soft contact lenses was investigated by in vitro experiments. Results were obtained which encourage the use of this strategy to reduce lens spoilage. At the same time emphasis is given to the possibility that some functionalities (i.e. lysine groups) present in drug molecules could promote protein adsorption. In order to evaluate at a quantitative level the effectiveness of the drugs used to minimize the formation of deposits on soft contact lenses, a selective method for the determination of adsorbed lysozyme was developed. It is based on the hydrolysis of the 'lens/adsorbed lysozyme' system, followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection of the released tryptophan residues. The lysozyme calibration curve was linear up to 5 mg ml-1 and the detection limit was 5 ng injected.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1994

The ophthalmologist's role in Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Chlamydia Trachomatis (C.T.) most commonly causes cervicitis in women, often without overt symptoms; when untreated, it produces a clinically inapparent but persistent mild infection or an evident salpingitis. Either processes may lead to scarring of the falloppian tubes and fertility problems. A group of 30 women 20-35 years aged has undergone an ophthalmological routine examination; 7 of them presented a chronical follicular conjunctivitis and history of yellow-white cervical discharge, while the remaining 23 had a mild chronical follicular conjunctivitis but not genital symptoms. Each patient has undergone an immunofluorescent test with monoclonal antibody specific for C.T. on the samples collected by genital and conjunctival scraping and cytological evaluation of the above samples with Giemsa staining. 6 out of 7 patients with genital discharge were positive for C.T., one of which even for eye samples too; all eyes samples showed lymphomonocytes and neutrofilic cells in their eye samples. An additional 3 cases negative for C.T. showed this kind of cells in the eye scraping. The preliminary results of this study on mild follicular chronical conjunctivitis suggest that the Ophthalmologist could play an important role in order to make an early diagnosis in genital and eye infection by Chlamydial Trachomatis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Direct demonstration of dopamine D1-like receptor sites in the ciliary body of the rabbit eye by light microscope autoradiography.

The pharmacological characteristics and the anatomical localization of [3H]-SCH 23390 in sections of the ciliary body of the rabbit eye were analyzed using a radioreceptor assay and autoradiographic techniques. [3H]-SCH 23390 was bound to sections of rabbit ciliary body in a manner consistent with the labelling of D1-like receptor sites. The dissociation constant (Kd) was 0.62 nmol/l, while the maximum binding capacity (Bmax) was 117 +/- 9 fmol/mg tissue. Light microscope autoradiography revealed [3H]-SCH 23390 binding sites within the epithelium of the ciliary processes, which is the ocular structure involved in the secretion of aqueous humor. No specific accumulation of silver grains was noticeable within the iridocorneal angle, which is the structure involved in the outflow of aqueous humor. These findings suggest that the rise in intraocular pressure caused by D1 receptor agonists is probably mediated by an increase of aqueous humor formation rather than by an inhibition of the outflow of aqueous humor.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Two methods of examining protein deposits on hydrophilic contact lenses.

Our aim in these studies has been to develop spectroscopic techniques for quantitative analysis of the early phases of protein deposition on soft contact lenses. We produced protein deposition in vitro by soaking lenses in a 0.025% chloral hydrate lysozyme solution at 37 degrees C. Two groups of lenses were so treated: one for 15 days and the other for 6 months. The study of in vivo deposits was carried out on lenses used by healthy wearers. From the same six patients we obtained two consecutive groups of 12 lenses: one group worn for 8 hours and the other group worn for 7 days. We tested the lenses by an indirect (destructive) method (based on a colorimetric assay of amino acid complexes obtained by basic hydrolysis) and by a direct (non-destructive) method consisting of spectrophotometry performed on intact lenses. Using the indirect method we found that the lenses absorbed in vitro for 6 months had lysozyme deposits of 5 +/- 1 micrograms; while the lenses adsorbed for 15 days supplied an average of 0.8 +/- 0.3 micrograms of lysozyme. Lenses worn by healthy volunteers show protein deposition equivalent to a lysozyme quantity ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 micrograms. We found a lower limit of detection with the direct method of approximately 5 micrograms, limiting its applicability.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1991

Use of bendazac lysine to limit protein deposition on soft contact lenses in vitro.

We used the heat denaturation of lysozyme to induce the in vitro formation of protein deposits on 60 poly-HEMA contact lenses (38.6% water). Each lens was individually placed in 20 mL of a 0.04% lysozyme solution. The lenses were divided into two equal groups. In the first group (30 lenses), bendazac lysine (100 mg) was added to the lysozyme solution. The second group of lenses was used as control. Quantitative analysis of protein deposits on the lenses of both groups was carried out by a colorimetric test. In the lenses where deposit formation occurred in the presence of bendazac lysine, a mean protein level of 7.17 +/- 3.42 micrograms per lens was found; in the control group the mean value was 30.6 +/- 8.22 micrograms per lens. Student's t-test showed this difference to be significant (P less than 0.001).

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗