Ultraviolet radiation at Mediterranean latitudes and protection efficacy of intraocular lenses.
TL;DR: At Mediterranean latitudes, at sea level, the amount of UV radiation to which the authors' eyes are exposed is insufficient to damage the crystalline lens; however, at higher altitudes, the risk of such damage exists.
Abstract: Summary Purpose After determining the mean intensity of ultraviolet radiation to which the human eye is exposed at Mediterranean latitudes, this data is used to evaluate the efficacy of the ultraviolet filters incorporated into various intraocular lenses. Methods Ultraviolet radiation measured at Mediterranean latitudes was used as a reference for the theoretical calculation of the amount of radiation to which the human eye is exposed. The spectral transmission curve from 290 to 380 nm was measured for 10 IOLs using a UV/VIS Perkins-Elmer Lambda 800 spectrometer. Results At Mediterranean latitudes, at sea level, with a mean annual solar irradiation of 50 j/cm 2 , the human eye receives a quantity of UVA and UVB that is lower than the threshold toxic dose for the rabbit crystalline lens (93 j/cm 2 for UVA and 6.45 j/cm 2 for UVB). However, at higher altitudes and with albedo approaching 0.9 (fresh snow), the amount of radiation increases, with duration of exposure potentially playing a significant role. The UV filters incorporated into the IOLs studied are, in general, protective against such levels of radiation. Conclusion At Mediterranean latitudes, at sea level, the amount of UV radiation to which our eyes are exposed is insufficient to damage the crystalline lens; however, at higher altitudes, the risk of such damage exists. UV filters incorporated into intraocular lenses are generally effective, since they filter all radiation with wavelengths under 380 nm.
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TL;DR: In cells with identical nuclei, the cellular response to sub-lethal UV-radiation is mediated in part by the mtDNA haplogroup, which supports the hypothesis that differences in growth rates and expression levels of complement, inflammation and apoptosis genes may result from population-specific, hereditary SNP variations in mtDNA.
Abstract: Author(s): Malik, Deepika; Hsu, Tiffany; Falatoonzadeh, Payam; Caceres-del-Carpio, Javier; Tarek, Mohamed; Chwa, Marilyn; Atilano, Shari R; Ramirez, Claudio; Nesburn, Anthony B; Boyer, David S; Kuppermann, Baruch D; Jazwinski, S Michal; Miceli, Michael V; Wallace, Douglas C; Udar, Nitin; Kenney, M Cristina | Abstract: BackgroundIt has been recognized that cells do not respond equally to ultraviolet (UV) radiation but it is not clear whether this is due to genetic, biochemical or structural differences of the cells. We have a novel cybrid (cytoplasmic hybrids) model that allows us to analyze the contribution of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to cellular response after exposure to sub-lethal dose of UV. mtDNA can be classified into haplogroups as defined by accumulations of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Recent studies have shown that J haplogroup is high risk for age-related macular degeneration while the H haplogroup is protective. This study investigates gene expression responses in J cybrids versus H cybrids after exposure to sub-lethal doses of UV-radiation.Methodology/principal findingsCybrids were created by fusing platelets isolated from subjects with either H (n = 3) or J (n = 3) haplogroups with mitochondria-free (Rho0) ARPE-19 cells. The H and J cybrids were cultured for 24 hours, treated with 10 mJ of UV-radiation and cultured for an additional 120 hours. Untreated and treated cybrids were analyzed for growth rates and gene expression profiles. The UV-treated and untreated J cybrids had higher growth rates compared to H cybrids. Before treatment, J cybrids showed lower expression levels for CFH, CD55, IL-33, TGF-A, EFEMP-1, RARA, BCL2L13 and BBC3. At 120 hours after UV-treatment, the J cybrids had decreased CFH, RARA and BBC3 levels but increased CD55, IL-33 and EFEMP-1 compared to UV-treated H cybrids.Conclusion/significanceIn cells with identical nuclei, the cellular response to sub-lethal UV-radiation is mediated in part by the mtDNA haplogroup. This supports the hypothesis that differences in growth rates and expression levels of complement, inflammation and apoptosis genes may result from population-specific, hereditary SNP variations in mtDNA. Therefore, when analyzing UV-induced damage in tissues, the mtDNA haplogroup background may be important to consider.
32 citations
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...Solar radiation consists of variable wavelengths: UV-C (100– 280 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), UV-A (315–400 nm) and visible spectrum (400–700 nm) [6]....
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TL;DR: The findings of this in vivo/ex vivo study show the NGF ability to reduce the potential UV damage and prospect the development of a pharmacological NGF-based therapy devoted to maintain cell function when exposed to phototoxic UV radiation.
Abstract: Based on evidence that nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts healing action on damaged corneal, retinal, and cutaneous tissues, the present study sought to assess whether topical NGF application can prevent and/or protect epithelial cells from deleterious effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Eyes from 40 young-adult Sprague Dawley rats and cutaneous tissues from 36 adult nude mice were exposed to UVA/B lamp for 60 min, either alone or in the presence of murine NGF. Corneal, retinal, and cutaneous tissues were sampled/processed for morphological, immunohistochemical, and biomolecular analysis, and results were compared statistically. UV exposure affected both biochemical and molecular expression of NGF and trkANGFR in corneal, retinal, and cutaneous tissues while UV exposure coupled to NGF treatment enhanced NGF and trkANGFR expression as well as reduced cell death. Overall, the findings of this in vivo/ex vivo study show the NGF ability to reduce the potential UV damage. Although the mechanism underneath this effect needs further investigation, these observations prospect the development of a pharmacological NGF-based therapy devoted to maintain cell function when exposed to phototoxic UV radiation.
9 citations
TL;DR: This method, however, does not make it possible to ascertain whether the scattering measured is caused by surface light scattering or internal light scattering, and is checked by measuring the scattering of three explanted IOLs from cornea donors.
Abstract: This study presents a method for measuring scattering in explanted intraocular lenses (IOLs). Currently, determining scattering in IOLs is usually performed by Scheimpflug cameras and the results are expressed in the units used by this apparatus. The method we propose uses a spectrophotometer and this makes it possible to measure the total transmission of the IOL by using an integrating sphere; the direct transmission is determined by the double-beam mode. The difference between these two transmissions gives a value of the scattering in percentage values of light lost. In addition, by obtaining the spectral transmission curve, information about the most scattered wavelengths is also obtained. The IOL power introduces errors when directly measured, particularly with high powers. This problem can be overcome if a tailor-made cuvette is used that shortens the distance between the IOL and the condensing lens of the spectrophotometer when the IOL powers are below 24 diopters. We checked the effectiveness of this method by measuring the scattering of three explanted IOLs from cornea donors. This method, however, does not make it possible to ascertain whether the scattering measured is caused by surface light scattering or internal light scattering.
2 citations
TL;DR: A single UV exposure activated conjunctival FBs to release pro-inflammatory/fibrogenic factors in association with epigenetic changes, and the effects were selectively counteracted by NGF supplementation in a dose-dependent fashion.
Abstract: Corroborating data sustain the pleiotropic effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the protection of the visual system from dangerous stimuli, including ultraviolet (UV). Since UV exposure might promote ocular surface changes (conjunctival inflammation and matrix rearrangement), as previously reported from in vivo studies sustaining some protective NGF effects, in vitro cultures of human conjunctival fibroblasts (FBs) were developed and exposed to a single UV exposure over 15 min (0.277 W/m2), either alone or supplemented with NGF (1–10–100 ng/mL). Conditioned media and cell monolayers were collected and analyzed for protein release (ELISA, ELLA microfluidic) and transcript expression (real-time PCR). A specific “inflammatory to remodeling” pattern (IL8, VEGF, IL33, OPN, and CYR61) as well as a few epigenetic transcripts (known as modulator of cell differentiation and matrix-remodeling (DNMT3a, HDAC1, NRF2 and KEAP1)) were investigated in parallel. UV-exposed FBs (i), showed no proliferation or significant cytoskeleton rearrangement; (ii), displayed a trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype; and (iii), synthesized/released IL8, VEGF-A, IL33, OPN, and CYR61, as compared to unexposed ones. NGF addition counteracted IL8, IL33, OPN, and CYR61 protein release merely at lower NGF concentrations but not VEGF. NGF supplementation did not affect DNMT3a or HDAC1 transcripts, while it significantly upregulated NRF2 at lowest NGF doses and did not change KEAP1 expression. Taken together, a single UV exposure activated conjunctival FBs to release pro-inflammatory/fibrogenic factors in association with epigenetic changes. The effects were selectively counteracted by NGF supplementation in a dose-dependent fashion, most probably accountable to the trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype. Further in vitro studies are underway to better understand this additional NGF pleiotropic effect. Since UV-shield impairments represent a worldwide alert and UV radiation can slowly affect ocular surface homeostasis (photo-ageing, cataract) or might exacerbate ocular diseases with a preexisting fibrosis (pterygium, VKC), these findings on NGF modulation of UV-exposed FBs might provide additional information for protecting the ocular surface (homeostasis) from low-grade long-lasting UV insults.
1 citations
References
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TL;DR: It is concluded that there is an association between exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and cataract formation, which supports the need for ocular protection from ultraviolet B.
Abstract: To investigate the relation of ultraviolet radiation and cataract formation, we undertook an epidemiologc survey of 838 watermen (mean age, 53 years) who worked on Chesapeake Bay. The annual ocular exposure was calculated from the age of 16 for each waterman by combining a detailed occupational history with laboratory and field measurements of sun exposure. Cataracts were graded by ophthalmologic examination for both type and severity. Some degree of cortical cataract was found in 111 of the watermen (13 percent), and some degree of nuclear cataract in 229 (27 percent). Logistic regression analysis showed that high cumulative levels of ultraviolet B exposure significantly increased the risk of cortical cataract (regression coefficient, 0.70; P = 0.04). A doubling of cumulative exposure increased the risk of cortical cataract by a factor of 1.60 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.01 to 2.64). Those whose annual average exposure was in the upper quartile had a risk increased by 3.30 (confidence int...
696 citations
TL;DR: The effects of solar UV on human skin such as sunburn, tanning, vitamin D3 production, photo-ageing, melanomas and skin cancer are described and the effect of solarUV on the eye is discussed.
Abstract: Ultraviolet climatology is outlined including atmospheric ozone and factors affecting terrestrial ultraviolet radiation. Solar dosimetry in photobiology and terrestrial UV monitoring are discussed. Molecular and cellular ultraviolet photobiology are described. The effect of solar UV on aquatic life and plants is outlined. The effects of solar UV on human skin such as sunburn, tanning, vitamin D3 production, photo-ageing, melanomas and skin cancer are described. The effect of solar UV on the eye is discussed.
545 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Pigmented rabbit eyes were exposed to the 6.6 nm band-pass UV radiant energy in 5 nm steps from 295 to 320 nm and at random intervals above 320 nm to establish both corneal and lenticular damage criteria.
Abstract: A 5,000 watt Xe-Hg source and a double monochromator were used to produce 6.6 nm. full band-pass ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Pigmented rabbit eyes were exposed to the 6.6 nm. band-pass UV radiant energy in 5 nm. steps from 295 to 320 nm. and at random intervals above 320 nm. Corneal and lenticular damage was assessed and classified with a biomicroscope. Corneal threshold radiant exposure (Hc) rose very rapidly from 0.022 Jcm.-2 at 300 nm. to 10.99 Jcm.-2 at 335 nm. Radiant exposures exceeding 2 x Hc resulted in irreversible corneal damage. Lenticular damage was limited to wavebands above 295 nm. The action spectrum for the lens began at 295 nm. and extended to about 315 nm. Permanent lenticular damage occurred at radiant exposure levels approximately twice the threshold for lenticular radiant exposure. The importance in establishing both corneal and lenticular damage criteria is emphasized.
315 citations
TL;DR: Exposure to UVB light may be associated with the severity of cortical opacities in men, but the lack of an association in women, the group more likely to have corticalOpacities, suggests that other factors may be more important in the pathogenesis of lens opacITIES.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES. Exposure to sunlight may be a risk factor for the development of cataract. The relationships between exposure to sunlight and to the ultraviolet-B (UVB) component of light and the prevalence of lens opacities were examined in the Beaver Dam Eye Study. METHODS. Persons 43 to 84 years of age residing in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, were examined using standardized photographic assessments of lens opacities. A questionnaire about medical history and exposure to light was administered. RESULTS. After adjusting for other risk factors, men who had higher levels of average annual ambient UVB light were 1.36 times more likely to have more severe cortical opacities than men with lower levels. However, UVB exposure was not found to be associated with nuclear sclerosis or posterior subcapsular opacities in men. Moreover, no associations with UVB exposure were found for women, who were less likely to be exposed to UVB. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to UVB light may be associated with the severity of cortical opacities ...
245 citations
TL;DR: Blue and violet blocking IOLs provide less photoprotection than middle aged crystalline lenses, which do not prevent age related macular degeneration (AMD) and pseudophakes should wear sunglasses in bright environments if the unproved phototoxicity-AMD hypothesis is valid.
Abstract: Aim: To analyse how intraocular lens (IOL) chromophores affect retinal photoprotection and the sensitivity of scotopic vision, melanopsin photoreception, and melatonin suppression. Methods: Transmittance spectra of IOLs, high pass spectral filters, human crystalline lenses, and sunglasses are used with spectral data for acute ultraviolet (UV)-blue photic retinopathy (“blue light hazard” phototoxicity), aphakic scotopic luminous efficiency, melanopsin sensitivity, and melatonin suppression to compute the effect of spectral filters on retinal photoprotection, scotopic sensitivity, and circadian photoentrainment. Results: Retinal photoprotection increases and photoreception decreases as high pass filters progressively attenuate additional short wavelength light. Violet blocking IOLs reduce retinal exposure to UV (200–400 nm) radiation and violet (400–440 nm) light. Blue blocking IOLs attenuate blue (440–500 nm) and shorter wavelength optical radiation. Blue blocking IOLs theoretically provide better photoprotection but worse photoreception than conventional UV only blocking IOLs. Violet blocking IOLs offer similar UV-blue photoprotection but better scotopic and melanopsin photoreception than blue blocking IOLs. Sunglasses provide roughly 50% more UV-blue photoprotection than either violet or blue blocking IOLs. Conclusions: Action spectra for most retinal photosensitisers increase or peak in the violet part of the spectrum. Melanopsin, melatonin suppression, and rhodopsin sensitivities are all maximal in the blue part of the spectrum. Scotopic sensitivity and circadian photoentrainment decline with ageing. UV blocking IOLs provide older adults with the best possible rhodopsin and melanopsin sensitivity. Blue and violet blocking IOLs provide less photoprotection than middle aged crystalline lenses, which do not prevent age related macular degeneration (AMD). Thus, pseudophakes should wear sunglasses in bright environments if the unproved phototoxicity-AMD hypothesis is valid.
227 citations