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Curcumin, an extract from the plant Curcuma longa with well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, was tested as protective agent against excitotoxicity in rat retinal cultures. A 24 h-treatment with curcumin reduced N-methyl-D: -aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitotoxic cell damage, estimated as decrease of cell viability and increase in apoptosis. The protection was associated with decrease of NMDA receptor-mediated Ca(2+) rise and reduction in the level of phosphorylated NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. These results enlighten a new pharmacological action of the plant extract, possibly mediated by a modulation of NMDA receptor activity.

Corneal epithelial-disruption CXL was safe and effective in medium-term stabilization of keratoconus with an improvement in topographic and refractive parameters and less patient discomfort.

Results demonstrate the association among low viscosity, haemoglobin, haematocrit and diabetic retinopathy. The mechanisms responsible for this association can be hypothesised. Reduced haemoglobin might cause direct organ damage. Low blood viscosity, through the reduction of shear stress, might inhibit the anti-atherogenic functions of endothelial cells.