Purpose Human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (HRMEC) dysfunction contributes to retinal vascular diseases. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular role of TIE2 in HRMEC angiogenesis and identify its intracellular regulatory mechanisms. Methods TIE2 knockdown HRMECs were established using lentiviral shRNA. Proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, angiogenesis by Matrigel tube formation, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and transcriptome by RNA sequencing. TIE2-major vault protein (MVP) interaction was validated by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. PI3K/AKT pathway involvement was examined using a specific inhibitor. Results TIE2 knockdown significantly suppressed HRMEC proliferation (A450 nm; 24h: 0.97 ± 0.04, 0.98 ± 0.03, 0.86 ± 0.03, p > 0.05; 48h: 1.87 ± 0.16, 1.86 ± 0.04, 1.57 ± 0.02, p < 0.0001; 72h: 2.14 ± 0.05, 2.15 ± 0.04, 1.90 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) and tube formation (total number of tubes: 10.00 ± 1.00, 9.67 ± 0.58, 6.33 ± 0.58, p < 0.01) while promoting apoptosis (%: 3.55 ± 0.16, 3.96 ± 0.37, 7.25 ± 1.13, p < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis revealed extensive gene expression changes associated with TIE2 knockdown, with enrichment in pathways related to ion channel activity, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, and calcium signaling. Co-immunoprecipitation identified MVP as a TIE2-interacting protein, while immunofluorescence provided supportive evidence for a partially overlapping distribution of detectable TIE2 and MVP signals in control HRMECs. Functionally, MVP knockdown attenuated TIE2 agonist–induced angiogenesis (total number of tubes: 22.67 ± 1.16 vs. 18.33 ± 0.58, p < 0.0001), whereas MVP overexpression partially rescued angiogenic defects caused by TIE2 knockdown (9.00 ± 1.00 vs. 20.33 ± 2.08, p < 0.0001). These effects were dependent on activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (total number of tubes: 28.33 ± 0.58 vs. 23.33 ± 1.53, p < 0.0001). Conclusions TIE2 is an important regulator of HRMEC angiogenic function. Our findings suggest that TIE2 interacts with MVP and modulates angiogenic responses, at least in part through PI3K/AKT signaling. These results provide mechanistic insight into retinal endothelial biology and identify the TIE2–MVP axis as a potential therapeutic target in retinal vascular diseases.

Purpose Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells play a role in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow. In glaucoma, a large number of TM cells exhibiting mesenchymal phenotypes is associated with abnormal turnover of extracellular matrix components including collagen, leading to high intraocular pressure (IOP). Integrin α2 is a collagen receptor, although its role in TM cells is unknown. In this study, we assessed the role of integrin α2 in TM cells. Methods We assessed the expression of integrin α2 and cell phenotypes in human TM cells using western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and collagen contraction assays. The integrin α2 inhibitor BTT3033 and an integrin α2-targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to assess the roles of integrin α2 in TM cells. Results Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 stimulation decreased integrin α2 expression, and transfection of cells with integrin α2 siRNA enhanced mesenchymal phenotypes. In contrast, cells treated with the integrin α2 inhibitor BTT3033 tended to exhibit more endothelial features than mesenchymal features, and BTT3033 increased integrin α2 expression due to the accumulation of integrin α2 at the plasma membrane. BTT3033 also attenuated mesenchymal characteristics, along with decreasing Smad2 phosphorylation and reducing collagen contraction. The induction of endothelial characteristics by BTT3033 was observed even in the presence of TGF-β2. Conclusion The expression level of integrin α2 is a determinant of endothelial characteristics in TM cells, and pharmacological modulation of integrin α2 by BTT3033 promotes an endothelial phenotype, thus offering a novel therapeutic strategy for IOP regulation.

Purpose To assess the clinical performance and patient-reported outcomes of a new trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) over a 6-month follow-up period. Methods Prospective, non-comparative, single-center study including 20 eyes (10 patients, age, 47-79 years) undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of the trifocal diffractive IOL AT ELANA 841 P (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). Visual acuity (VA) and refraction changes were evaluated over a 6-month follow-up period. Likewise, other clinical and patient reported outcomes were analyzed: binocular defocus curve (1 month), patient satisfaction and vision-related difficulties (Catquest 9SF, 3 months), photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity (CS) and photic phenomena (6 months). Results The 6-month postoperative spherical equivalent was within ±1.00 and ±0.50 D in 100% and 85% of cases, respectively. Mean binocular 6-month postoperative uncorrected distance, intermediate and near VA of -0.12 ± 0.06, -0.02 ± 0.06 and 0.06 ± 0.09 logMAR, respectively. Mean binocular 6-month postoperative distance-corrected intermediate and near VA were 0.00 ± 0.05 and 0.04 ± 0.08 logMAR. VA in the defocus curve remained ≤0.10 logMAR across defocus levels ranging from +0.50 D to −3.00 D. All CS values fell within the normal range, except for the 18 cycles/° spatial frequency measured under mesopic conditions with glare. Postoperatively, 90% of patients reported no vision-related difficulties in daily life and all patients reported being "very satisfied" postoperatively. A web-based simulator confirmed that photic phenomena were minimally disruptive postoperatively Conclusions The trifocal IOL evaluated provides preliminarily a successful distance, intermediate and near visual rehabilitation, with high levels of patient satisfaction and visual quality associated.

Purpose Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a known risk factor for retinal vein occlusion (RVO); however, the molecular mechanisms linking their comorbidity and their relationship with previously established clinical predictors of RVO are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify a shared TF-miRNA–mRNA regulatory network in RVO and MetS, and to examine its correlation with key clinical predictors. Methods Common genes for RVO and MetS were identified from CTD, GeneCards, DisGeNET, and the GEO dataset GSE98895. Functional enrichment, protein‑protein interaction (PPI), and TF-miRNA–mRNA network analyses were conducted. Key molecules were validated by qRT‑PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 21 subjects (7 with MetS–RVO, 7 with RVO only, and 7 controls). Spearman and Kendall correlation analyses were used to assess relationships between network components and clinical predictors (hypertension, BMI, HDL‑C, PDW, etc.). Results Six overlapping genes (CHD7, IFNG, ABCA1, THBS1, PDGFRB, JUN) were enriched in pathways related to vascular remodeling, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The regulatory network comprised 20 nodes and 28 edges. qRT‑PCR confirmed up‑regulation of hsa‑miR‑192‑5p and down‑regulation of ABCA1 in the MetS–RVO group. Correlation analysis revealed 27 significant associations (FDR < 0.05), with notable correlations between RELA and PDW (r = 0.759) and between RELA and HDL‑C (r = –0.688). HDL‑C was inversely correlated with several inflammatory markers (RELA, IFNG, STAT3). Conclusion This study proposes a TF-miRNA–mRNA network associated with RVO–MetS comorbidity and offers molecular support for previously reported clinical predictors. ABCA1 and hsa‑miR‑192‑5p may serve as potential biomarkers. The limited sample size warrants cautious interpretation, and these findings provide a hypothesis‑generating foundation for future targeted investigations.

Purpose To evaluate the therapeutic effects of bakuchiol on clinical and histopathological outcomes in a rat model of corneal alkali burn. Methods Corneal alkali burns were induced in the right eyes of 35 male Wistar rats, which were randomized into five groups: control, carbomer, steroid, 0.14 mg/g bakuchiol, and 0.28 mg/g bakuchiol. Examinations were performed under stereomicroscopy with intraperitoneal ketamine anesthesia on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 to assess corneal epithelial defects and opacity; on day 14, corneal neovascularization was additionally evaluated. After the final examination, the eyes were enucleated, and the corneas were processed for hematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemical staining. Epithelial necrosis, inflammatory cell density, corneal hemorrhage, stromal edema, and staining intensity for VEGF and TNF-α were semi-quantitatively scored. Results Bakuchiol treatment, particularly at 0.28 mg/g, significantly reduced corneal opacity, neovascularization, hemorrhage, and stromal edema compared with the steroid-treated group. Conclusions Bakuchiol demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects and may represent a potential adjunctive treatment for corneal chemical injuries.

Purpose The decision when to operate cataract can be difficult when there are subjective visual complaints but visual acuity is intact. Straylight measurements can help to improve surgical decision making in this group of patients. It is however unclear if pupil size can affect straylight when cataract is present. In this study we investigate the effects of pupil size on intra-ocular straylight in patients with multiple types of cataract. Methods A total of 85 eyes from 51 participants were measured, with an average age of 66 years. Straylight was measured before and after pharmacologic mydriasis with the Oculus C-Quant device. Cataract was graded using the LOCS III classification system. Exploratory analysis using retro-illumination slit-lamp photography was performed to divide between central and peripheral lens opacities. Results Mean straylight both before and after dilation was 1.57 log(s). Reliable individual effects from dilation ranged between −0.42 and +0.48 log(s). No significant differences were found between cataract subtype groups using mixed model analysis. In nuclear cataract mean straylight levels were 1.71 log(s) undilated and 1.66 log(s) dilated. Mean straylight in cortical cataract was 1.38 log(s) undilated and 1.51 log(s) dilated. Centrally and peripherally located cataracts showed a mean change after mydriasis of −0.08 and +0.07 log(s), respectively. Conclusions Straylight after pupil dilation showed varying degrees of change, with a tendency to increase in cortical cataract and decrease in nuclear cataract. However, in all forms of cataract both large increases and decreases can be found. These changes were found to be repeatable and reliably measured. Centrality determination from retro-illumination photography can only partly predict these changes.