beta-carotene and Corneal-Diseases

This study was undertaken to assess the anti-keratopathy activity of β-carotene in experimentally-induced diabetic animal model. The rats were divided into four groups as following: G1, normal control group; G2, β-carotene control group (50 mg/kg b.wt.); G3, diabetic group which was injected intraperitoneally with a single dose (100 mg/kg b. wt) of alloxan (ALX) and G4, diabetic rats treated with β-carotene which was injected with ALX as G3, and then received a daily oral dose of β-carotene (50 mg/kg b.wt.) for 3 months. ALX injection caused elevated levels of serum glucose in diabetic group. Moreover, histopathology revealed relatively thick corneal epithelium, ill-defined Bowman's membrane, widely spaced stromal layers and relatively thick Descemet's membrane. Electron microscopic studies showed vacuolated cytoplasm, partial loss of hemi-desmosomes and disorganized collagen fibrils with focal lysis of stromal layer. Oral gavage of β-carotene to diabetic rats for 3 months significantly decreased serum glucose level and ameliorated histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural results. Consequently, β-carotene exerted anti-keratopathy effects and ameliorated the corneal changes in diabetic rats via its hypoglycemic and antioxidant mechanisms.

Topics: Alloxan; Animals; beta Carotene; Blood Glucose; Corneal Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Rats; Vitamins

To report the first described cases of peripheral yellow corneal rings secondary to vitamin supplementation for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).. Retrospective single-center case series.. The eyes of 4 patients taking vitamin supplementation for ARMD were examined at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology between January 2010 and April 2011.. We reviewed the medical records of 4 patients with peripheral corneal rings receiving vitamin supplementation for ARMD.. The presence of peripheral yellow corneal rings, skin findings, and serum carotene levels.. Each patient had circumferential, yellow, peripheral corneal rings and exhibited subtle yellowing of the skin most notable on the palms. Serum carotene levels were normal in 2 of the 3 patients and markedly elevated in the last patient in whom it was measured.. It is unclear at this time how to counsel patients with this ocular finding. We suspect that these rings are more common than generally appreciated because they may have a subtle appearance or be misdiagnosed as arcus senilis. We suggest that a formal study be performed on a cohort of patients taking vitamin supplementation for macular degeneration that specifically screens for yellow rings and measures serum carotene levels when they are identified.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; beta Carotene; Clinical Trials as Topic; Corneal Diseases; Corneal Stroma; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Limbus Corneae; Macular Degeneration; Retrospective Studies; Visual Acuity; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Aged; beta Carotene; Cornea; Corneal Diseases; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Humans; Hypervitaminosis A; Pigmentation Disorders