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von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant inherited multi systemic cancer syndrome that is classically associated with neoplasms in multiple organs, and caused by mutations in the VHL gene on chromosome 3p25-p26. Retinal hemangioblastoma (RH) is the most frequent and the earliest clinical sign of the disease, which is seen in 40.0-60.0% of patients. In recent years, studies of patients with VHL tried to put forward the relationship between genotype and phenotype. In this study, two VHL cases in the same family with clinical findings and genetic analysis results are presented. As a consequence of the genetic studies, a heterozygous missense mutation c.202 T>C, p.S68P (Ser68Pro) in exon 1 of the VHL gene that is mapped to chromosome 3p25.3, was found in the patients’ DNA sample. The germline mutation of [c.202T>C, p.S68P (Ser68Pro)] that was detected in both cases, has been reported in only two cases in the literature. However, in these reported cases, any systemic involvement except RH, were not reported. Although our cases had the same mutation, we detected renal involve-ment in both cases, and also central nervous system (CNS) involvement in one case, in addition to RH.

Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) is a multi systemic autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder predisposing patients to have benign and/or malignant lesions predominantly of the skin, nervous system and bone. Loss of function mutations or deletions of the NF1 gene is responsible for NF1 disease. Involvement of various pathogenic variants, the size of the gene and presence of pseudogenes makes it difficult to analyze. We aimed to report the results of 2 years of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and next generation sequencing (NGS) for genetic diagnosis of NF1 applied at our genetic diagnosis center. The MLPA, semiconductor sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed in genomic DNA samples from 24 unrelated patients and their affected family members referred to our center suspected of having NF1. In total, three novel and 12 known pathogenic variants and a whole gene deletion were determined. We suggest that next generation sequencing is a practical tool for genetic analysis of NF1. Deletion/duplication analysis with MLPA may also be helpful for patients clinically diagnosed to carry NF1 but do not have a detectable mutation in NGS.

Purpose: The study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, microbiological findings, and visual outcomes, as well as patient and eye survival, of patients diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis (EE)., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 29 eyes from 21 patients diagnosed with EE., Results: The mean age of presentation was 56.8 years, with a male predominance. The most common predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus and recurrent urinary tract infections. 42.9% of patients exhibited positive blood cultures, whereas positive vitreous cultures were detected in 38.1% of patients. The majority of cases were caused by bacterial infections. The median final visual acuity was 2 (0.1-2.9) LogMAR, with no significant difference between the bacterial and fungal groups. According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, first-year survival rate was 90.5%, and the rate of eye preservation (at least one eye) was significantly lower in the presence of immunosuppresant drug usage (p = 0.004, Log Rank = 8.348)., Conclusion: Endogenous endophthalmitis typically has a poor visual prognosis, with the loss of anatomical integrity or mortality not being uncommon. The findings of the study provide insights into the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with EE in Turkey. Initial visual acuity and severe intraocular inflammation at presentation have been identified as predictors of poor visual outcomes. The negative impact of immunosuppressive drug use on globe survival has been noted. In patients using immunosuppressive drugs, healthcare providers being vigilant towards infectious pathologies and prompt intervention may increase the chances of success in EE treatment., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest. The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in any materials described in the article. The authors are responsible for the content and writing of paper., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Purpose: This study aimed to assess and compare the retinal toxicity associated with silicone oil (SO) and perfluoropropane (C3F8) tamponade following vitreoretinal surgery for fresh rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), utilizing the office-based Diopsys ® NOVA ™ system for evaluation., Methods: Patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for fresh RRD and had SO (group 1) or C3F8 (group 2) tamponade were included in a prospective analysis. Flicker full field electroretinography (ffERG) and pattern electroretinography (PERG) tests were performed at 6 months postoperatively., Results: Postoperative best corrected visual acuity (logMAR) was significantly different in group 1 and group 2 patients, 0.48 ± 0.3 and 0.30 ± 0.2, respectively. No significant disparities were found in demographic variables. Flicker ffERG and PERG recordings revealed notable alterations in retinal function parameters in the group 1 compared to the group 2., Conclusion: Our findings suggest a correlation between SO tamponade and retinal dysfunction, evidenced by office-based ERG measurements. The Diopsys ® NOVA ™ protocol offers clinical ease in assessing retinal function. Further controlled studies are essential to validate these findings and guide clinical practice effectively.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate alterations in intravitreal microRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) as these factors are implicated in PDR pathogenesis., Methods: Fifty-two participants, including 26 patients with PDR and 26 controls without diabetes, were included in this study. VEGF levels were assessed using ELISA, and seven microRNAs (miRNAs) (miR-19a, miR-20b, miR-27a, miR-124, miR-126-3p, miR-146a, and miR-200b) were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR., Results: PDR patients exhibited significantly higher miR-124 and miR-126-3p levels in the vitreous material compared to controls (P < 0.05). Conversely, miR-200b levels were significantly lower in the PDR group (P < 0.05). VEGF-A levels were markedly elevated in PDR patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). A nonsignificant positive correlation was found between miR-124 and miR-126-3p levels and VEGF levels (r = 0.361, P = 0.076 and r = 0.168, P = 0.422, respectively), whereas a nonsignificant negative correlation was observed between miR-200b and VEGF levels (r = -0.145, P = 0.488)., Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a significant upregulation of miR-124 and miR-126-3p, along with a downregulation of miR-200b, in vitreous samples from patients with PDR, accompanied by elevated VEGF-A levels. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of PDR. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of these molecular changes and to explore their viability as potential therapeutic targets., (Copyright © 2024 Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.)

Purpose: This study aims to compare macular vessel density (VD) in eyes with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after vitrectomy with gas or silicone oil (SO) tamponade., Methods: Patients with macula-off RRD who underwent vitrectomy with either gas or SO tamponade were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and VD in superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP), choriocapillaris (CCP), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Comparisons were made with the unaffected fellow eye., Results: Fifty patients (average age: 57.9±9.1 years) participated, with 26 eyes undergoing SO tamponade and 24 gas tamponade. No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics. Postoperative BCVA significantly improved in both groups. In the SO group, BCVA improved from 2.00±0.77 logMAR (20/2000 Snellen) to 0.95±0.52 logMAR (20/178 Snellen). In the gas tamponade group, BCVA improved from 2.12±0.70 logMAR (20/2636 Snellen) to 0.70±0.55 logMAR (20/100 Snellen) (p<0.001 for both groups). Moreover, the gas tamponade group achieved significantly better postoperative BCVA compared to the silicone oil group (p<0.05). SO tamponade group exhibited significantly lower VD in SCP, DCP, and CCP quadrants (p<0.05), while gas tamponade showed no significant differences., Conclusion: This study reveals a decrease in VD in SCP, DCP, and CCP induced by SO tamponade, suggesting potential toxic effects on macular perfusion. Gas tamponade resulted in superior BCVA outcomes and preserved VD. Further investigation into SO's underlying mechanisms and careful patient selection is warranted. Gas tamponade may offer better outcomes for macula-off RRD., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: There are no conflicts of interest related to this work

Purpose: To compare the complications and postoperative outcomes of Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy vs a needle aspiration approach for capsulorhexis in patients with intumescent cataracts., Setting: University of Health Sciences, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey., Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study., Methods: Patients with intumescent cataract were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (37 eyes) underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy preoperatively, which reduced lens pressure. In Group 2 (31 eyes), the capsulorhexis was completed by reducing the intralenticular pressure by needle aspiration and then gradually expanding the capsule. Demographics, pre/postoperative parameters, complications, and surgical times were analyzed., Results: 68 eyes of 68 patients were evaluated. Age and sex exhibited no significant differences between groups. Group 2 had more complications than Group 1 ( P = .041). Specifically, no capsular tear extensions were seen in Group 1 while 4 patients in Group 2 had tears extending to the lens periphery. Group 1 showed a significant decrease in surgical maneuvers and time ( P = .028) while no significant difference was found in effective phacoemulsification time ( P = .076)., Conclusions: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy effectively prevented capsular extensions and reduced surgical time in intumescent cataracts. This technique provides a safe alternative to traditional methods, potentially reducing intraoperative risks and improving surgical efficiency. The findings support Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy as a viable approach for capsulorhexis in intumescent cataracts, emphasizing its potential benefits in reducing complications and enhancing surgical outcomes., (Copyright © 2024 Published by Wolters Kluwer on behalf of ASCRS and ESCRS.)

Purpose: The main characteristic of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is migration, adhesion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). Eupatilin is a naturally occurring flavone that has the potential to inhibit cell proliferation and EMT. However, its efficacy on the PVR model induced by transforming growth factor-2 (TGF-β2) is unknown. In this study, the potential effect of eupatilin on proliferation and EMT in the treatment of RPE was investigated., Methods: Serum starved human RPE cells (ARPE-19) were treated with 10 ng/ml TGF-β2 alone or co-treated with 25 μM eupatilin for 48 h. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to assess targets at the mRNA and protein expression level, respectively. Apoptosis and cell cycle progression was assessed by image-based cytometry. The effect of treatment on cell migration was evaluated by wound healing assay., Results: Eupatilin inhibited TGF-β2-induced RPE cell proliferation via regulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. TGF-β2 upregulated mRNA expression of mesenchymal markers fibronectin and vimentin was significantly downregulated by the treatment, while the epithelial markers E-cadherin and occludin expression was upregulated. The therapy significantly suppressed TGF-β2 encouraged cell migration through downregulating the expression of transcription factors Twist, Snail, and ZEB1 induced by TGF-β2. Furthermore, eupatilin significantly inhibited the expression of MMP-1, -7, and -9, and suppressed NF-κB signalling., Conclusion: These results suggest that eupatilin could inhibit the proliferation and transformation into fibroblast-like cells of RPE cells; thus the agent may be a potential therapeutic value in treating PVR.

Purpose: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) occurs in approximately 5-10% of patients after retinal detachment surgery. Neferine is a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in the green seed embryos ( Nelumbo nucifera ) of the lotus flower and has various properties, such as being antithrombotic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancerous, and anti-inflammatory. Although the effects of neferine on the proliferation and migration of cancer cells have been partially shown, their possible role and the mechanism of action on PVR remain unclear. Materials and methods: To mimic a PVR model in vitro , retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were exposed to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and treated with various concentrations of neferine. Cell viability was determined by MTT test. Cell-cycle phase distribution and cell migration were examined by image-based cytometry and wound healing test, respectively. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: Stimulation of the cells with EGF significantly increased the rate of proliferation, whilst treatment with low concentrations of neferine-reduced proliferation to a level equal to that seen in untreated cells. Neferine significantly downregulated EGF-increased cell viability, and survivin mRNA expression was depressed to the basal level. In addition, neferine treatment contributed to cell proliferation loss by upregulating p21 and p27 expression leading to cycle arrest at the G1 phase. The treatment significantly inhibited cell migration by upregulating the expression of epithelial markers, such as E-cadherin and occludin, and decreased MMP2, MMP9, α-SMA, and vimentin. Neferine treatment markedly reduced phosphotidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) protein expression. Conclusion: It can be considered that neferine may be a potential candidate molecule in the treatment of PVR by inhibiting cell proliferation and the migration of EGF-induced RPE cells through the modulation of various transcriptional activities.

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of optical biometry for correct intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in eyes with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) via comparing the axial lengths (AL) measured with optical biometry preoperatively and postoperatively., Methods: This retrospective study was conducted with 25 eyes of 25 patients who underwent combined surgery (phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV)) with the diagnosis of RRD with macular involvement. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), biomicroscopic examination, intraocular pressure measurement and full fundoscopic examination were performed in all patients. Axial length was measured using optical biometry in all patients. The AL measurements were repeated in the postoperative third month in the patients using gas tamponade during vitreoretinal surgery and in the third month after the silicone oil removal in patients using silicone-oil tamponade during vitreoretinal surgery., Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.60±7.33. Fifteen patients (60%) were female, and 10 (40%) were male. Postoperative BCVA values (0.40±0.28) were significantly higher than the preoperative BCVA values (0.14±0.22) (p<0.05). The preoperative mean value of AL was measured as 24.66±1.90 and the postoperative mean value of AL was 24.67±1.91. There was no statistically significant difference between the measured AL values in the preoperative and postoperative periods (p=0.258)., Conclusion: Combined surgery (phacoemulsification and PPV) is a frequently applied method in RRD treatment. The correct AL measurement is important for the removal of refractive errors due to AL measurement in patients with macula-off RRD. Optical biometry provides accurate results in these cases., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None declared., (Copyright: © 2019 by Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital.)

Purpose: To investigate changes in axial length after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation in patients with macular edema., Methods: We performed a prospective comparative study of 46 patients with unilateral macular edema, due to diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and non-infectious uveitis, who underwent dexamethasone implantation. The fellow eyes of the patients were considered the control group. The central macular thickness was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and axial length was measured by IOLMaster 700 optical coherence biometry. We compared axial length and central macular thickness values within the groups., Results: In the study group, the baseline central macular thickness was 460.19 ± 128.64 mm, significantly decreasing to 324.00 ± 79.84 mm after dexamethasone implantation (p=0.000). No significant change in central macular thickness measurements was seen in the control group (p=0.244). In the study group, the baseline axial length was 23.16 ± 0.68 mm, significantly increasing to 23.22 ± 0.65 mm after dexamethasone implantation (p=0.039). However, the control group exhibited no significant change in axial length (p=0.123)., Conclusions: In addition to significantly reducing central macular thickness measurements, intravitreal dexamethasone implantation also significantly changes optical biometry-based axial length measurements.

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of visual loss. The dry AMD is characterized by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) death and changes in AMD lead to severe loss of vision. Coumarin-derived esculetin has a number of therapeutic and pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with various mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of esculetin treatment on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell survival., Material and Methods: Human RPE cells (ARPE-19) were incubated for 24-72 h with 5 μg/ml LPS to induce inflammation and oxidative stress. Esculetin (5 μM) was used to protect the cells from LPS-induced damage. The cell viability was evaluated by quantitative 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide test. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-12, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase 1 (CuZnSOD) and SOD2 (MnSOD) mRNA expressions were analyzed by RT-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Apoptosis was monitored by cell-based cytometer. NF-kappa B (NF-κB) p65/RelA levels were determined by ELISA, and NF-κB protein expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blot analysis., Results: Esculetin treatment significantly suppressed LPS-induced cell death mediated by apoptosis and necrosis in a concentration-dependent manner. While LPS caused significant inflammation with cytokine increase in cells, esculetin reduced the expression of LPS-induced cytokines, VEGF, TNFR, and TRAIL. Furthermore, exposure to LPS increased the expression of GPx and mitochondrial MnSOD, leading to oxidative stress in the cells. Esculetin treatment attenuated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB expression mediated by LPS., Conclusions: These results suggest that esculetin may be an alternative treatment option for endotoxin-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, which therefore may inhibit the development of LPS-mediated AMD.

Purpose: To evaluate macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients treated with SSRIs., Methods: The present study included 62 eyes of 31 patients who were using SSRIs and 60 eyes of 30 healthy, age- and gender-matched control subjects. All patients underwent a full ophthalmological examination in which macular thickness, GCC thickness, and peripapillary RNFL thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the patients' group with the age- and gender-matched control group. Pearson correlation analyses were also performed to assess the relationships between macular thickness, GCC thickness, RNFL thickness, and the duration of SSRI usage., Results: The mean duration of SSRI usage was 29.96 ± 27.19 (range 6-120) months. The foveal thickness was 253.48 ± 22.77µm in the patients' group and 266.60 ± 20.64 µm in the control group; the difference between the groups was statistically significant. In addition, the perifoveal GCC thickness in the inferonasal and inferotemporal quadrant were significantly smaller thinner in the patient group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.021and p = 0.013, respectively)., Conclusions: Our results suggest a relation between SSRIs and decreased retinal GCC thickness and RNFL thickness. Future long-term prospective studies should elucidate the actual effect of SSRIs on GCC and RNFL thickness.

Purpose: To demonstrate the relationship between ischemia and plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin levels in cases of retinal vein occlusion (RVO)., Methods: This study included 44 patients with central RVO (CRVO), 68 patients with branch RVO (BRVO), and 54 age- and sex-matched controls, for a total of 166 subjects. All of the subjects underwent full ophthalmologic examinations and complete physical examinations, including a detailed medical history and blood count, and biochemical parameters., Results: The mean fibrinogen to albumin ratios were 92.5 ± 36.1 for the patients with CRVO, 84.5 ± 31.5 for the patients with BRVO, and 68.4 ± 12.2 for the control group. Overall, the patients with CRVO and patients with BRVO with ischemia had higher fibrinogen to albumin ratios and higher fibrinogen levels. Moreover, significant positive correlations were found between ischemia and the fibrinogen to albumin ratio (r = 0.732, p = 0.001) and the fibrinogen level (r = 0.669, p = 0.001)., Conclusions: The fibrinogen to albumin ratio is significantly associated with ischemic RVO. Instead of complicated and invasive methods, such as a retinal angiogram, the fibrinogen to albumin ratio could be a useful initial diagnostic test to predict ischemia in RVO.

Purpose: To report follow-up data for patients who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation, a new method of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery., Methods: Fifteen eyes in fifteen patients who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation surgery were investigated in the study. All patients were examined preoperatively and at the following postoperative time points: 1 day; 1 and 2 weeks; and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured via Goldmann applanation tonometry. Combined surgical procedures (XEN45 + phacoemulsification + intraocular lens) were performed in patients who that had cataracts in addition to glaucoma., Results: The mean IOP values were significantly lower than the preoperative values at all postoperative visits (p<0.001). In two patients, the IOP exceeded 20 mmHg 12 months after surgery. These IOP increases were controlled by medical therapy, and none of the patients needed another surgical procedure., Conclusion: XEN45 gel stent implantation is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery that ensures the effective reduction of IOP. This new treatment modality also avoids the destructive complications encountered in other invasive surgical procedures. However, further studies with greater numbers of patients and longer follow-up periods are needed to clarify certain points.

We describe a moyamoya (MMD) patient with bilateral consecutive branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). The patient had a medical history of severe headache, cranial haemorrhage, bilateral supraclinoid carotid artery occlusion, and "puff of smoke" collaterals on cerebral angiography and an encephalomyosynangiosis operation. On ophthalmic examination, he had superior temporal branch vein occlusion with intraretinal haemorrhage and visual acuity of 20/25 in the right eye. Twelve years later, he presented with superior temporal branch vein occlusion in the left eye and visual acuity of 20/60. The patient was initially treated with a dexamethasone intravitreal implant, and later intravitreal ranibizumab injections. We describe the first reported case of bilateral consecutive BRVO and management in MMD.

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory granulomatous vasculitis which affects large and medium arterial vessels. The disease involves especially subclavian arteries and aortic branches but it can consist of any arteries. The major pathology is granulomatous panarteritis with intima proliferation and defects of the elastic lamina of the vessels. We present a case of central retinal artery occlusion in TA as the first presentation of the disease. To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first case that demonstrates central retinal artery occlusion as an initial manifestation in TA. A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of sudden and painless vision loss in her right eye for one day. Although retinal artery involvement is a very rare presentation in TA, it is important to recall TA particularly in young patients with retinal artery occlusion.

Objective: To determine the prognostic factors affecting stereoacuity in patients with refractive accommodative esotropia (RAE) according to the results of long follow- up period., Methods: We reviewed the charts of 70 patients with RAE between the years 1985-2014. Patients were classified into three groups. G-1: Stereoacuity score 40 second/arc. G-2: Stereoacuity score >40 second/arc (50-3000). G-3: No binocular vision. Initiation age of RAE, duration of deviation, refractive error, amblyopia, amblyopia treatment, anisometropia, visual acuity, family history, angle of deviation for distance and near at each group and the prognostic factors affecting stereoacuity were analyzed., Results: The mean initiation age of RAE was 2.7±1.5 years, the mean age at first visit was 6.4±4.2 years. The mean follow up time was 7.3±4.4 years. Seven patients had 40 second/arc, 48 patients had 50 to 3000 second/arc stereoacuity, 15 patients had no binocular vision. Mean deviation for near was statistically higher in group 2 and 3. Visual acuity levels were higher in group 1 and 2 and was statistically significant. Low visual acuity (p=0.001, 0.008), higher angle of deviation at near (p=0.01), increased duration of deviation (p=0.01), presence of amblyopia (p=0.001) and irregularity of amblyopia treatment (p=0.01) were significantly related with poor stereoacuity., Conclusion: According to the prognostic factors low stereoacuity was mostly related with amblyopia as a result the late presentation of the patients in seeking care. Appropriate treatment as full refractive correction and amblyopia treatment during the RAE is important for development of good stereopsis. Also angle of deviation at near and duration of deviation can be a useful predictor for poor stereoacuity levels.

Purpose. To demonstrate the relation between optic neuritis (ON) and systemic inflammation markers as neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio), platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and red cell distribution width (RDW) and furthermore to evaluate the utilization of these markers to predict the frequency of the ON episodes. Methods. Forty-two patients with acute ON and forty healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. The medical records were reviewed for age, sex, hemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (Htc), RDW, platelet count, MPV, white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte count, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio). Results. The mean N/L ratio, platelet counts, and RDW were significantly higher in ON group (p = 0.000, p = 0.048, and p = 0.002). There was a significant relation between N/L ratio and number of episodes (r = 0.492, p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference for MPV between one episode group and recurrent ON group (p = 0.035). Conclusions. Simple and inexpensive laboratory methods could help us show systemic inflammation and monitor ON patients. Higher N/L ratio can be a useful marker for predicting recurrent attacks.

Objective: To investigate possible mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in order to provide a precise diagnosis and genetic counseling., Material and Methods: Between 1982 and 2007, ten patients were clinically diagnosed with LHON and six of these patients agreed to be involved in this study. Six healthy individuals were also included as a control group. mtDNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and polymerase chain reaction and mtDNA sequence analysis were performed., Results: In one of the six patients, a homoplasmic mutant m.11778G>A mutation was detected. All of the clinically diagnosed LHON patients and the control groups had the m.14212C>T and m.14580G>A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The m.11719A>G SNP was detected in three of six patients and four of the controls. Two of the six patients had the m.3197T>C SNP and, in addition, the m.14258G>A SNP was found in one of these two patients, while neither of these mutations were present in the control group., Conclusion: The clinical diagnosis of LHON could be supported by molecular genetics only in one patient by the detection of one mutation. The m.3197T>C and m.14258G>A SNPs should be considered as potential mtDNA mutations due to the fact that they were detected in the patient group. These mutations should be investigated further in large case groups for suspected gene loci that could lead to optic neuropathy.