Cataract surgery induces retinal pro-inflammatory gene expression and protein secretion

To investigate the effect(s) of cataract surgery on the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and proteins in the retina using an experimental rodent model. An extracapsular lens extraction was performed in one eye of C57BL/6 mice (n=24); the contralateral unoperated eyes (n =24) as well as eyes from unoperated animals (n = 9) served as controls. The neurosensory retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid were collected postoperatively. Expression of genes involved in the acute inflammatory/ injury response, including IL-1ß, fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor ß, chemokine CCL2, SDF-1, and complements C3, C4, and factor B (CFB), were examined by real-time PCR and, selectively, by immunohistochemistry. The expression of IL-1 ß and CCL2 genes was markedly upregulated (>0-fold, P >0.01) in the neurosensory retina 30 minutes postoperatively and maintained for the 2-week postoperative period of observation; IL-1 ß expression was also upregulated in RPE/choroid. The expression of complement C3 (>-fold) and CFB (>0-fold) genes in the neurosensory retina was also significantly upregulated (P

Recurrent lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to cytomegalovirus-associated colonic ulcer in a non human immunodeficiency virus infected patient:Timely diagnosis and treatment averted surgery

Mr C, a 68-year-old Chinese male with diabetes mellitus, previous stroke and ischaemic cardiomyopathy on clopidogrel, presented with haematochezia. Colonoscopy showed a sigmoid ulcer, which was treated endoscopically. Histology of the biopsy from the ulcer revealed non-specific changes. However, he presented with recurrent bleeding from this non-healing sigmoid ulcer. A review of the histologic specimen revealed CMV intranuclear inclusion bodies. He was treated with intravenous ganciclovir, with no further hematochezia.

Keywords Hematochezia, cytomegalovirus, ulcer