Aim: To compare the incidence of various integrin subunits in human cataract anterior lens epithelial cells (A-LEC) and in two mammalian LEC lines. Methods: Circular sections of anterior capsules with attached LEC were obtained during cataract surgery. Integrin subunits were immunolocalised in these anterior LEC and in a human and rabbit LEC line, using four monoclonal antibodies specific for subunits a2, a3, and a5, and b subunit 2. Results: All of these subunits were found in at least a proportion A-LEC samples as follows: a2 71%, a3 92%, a5 62%, and b2 24%. The human LEC line was immunoreactive for a2 and a3 only. The rabbit lens epithelial cell line was immunoreactive for a5 but there was no staining for a2, a3, or b2. Conclusion: The A-LEC and mammalian LEC lines showed a similarity in their pattern of integrin expression. As these integrins are receptors for extracellular matrix (ECM) components, they are likely to be associated with the attachment and migration of LECs that precedes capsular opacification. Therefore these cell lines may be useful in the elucidation of mechanisms involved the pathogenesis of capsule opacification.

Purpose To examine the lens epithelial cells obtained from the anterior lens capsules removed during cataract surgery and detect various subclasses of the cell surface adhesion molecules known as integrins. Methods The circular sections of anterior capsules with attached lens epithelial cells (LECs) were obtained during cataract surgery from 28 patients. The lens capsules were immunohistochemically stained. Results CD49b CD49c, CD49e, and CD18 were detected in varying degrees in specimens obtained from human cataractous lenses. The positive percentages were 33, 75, 33, and 20%, respectively. The most striking feature was the increasing staining profiles towards the edges of the capsules (away from the central part of the lens capsules) for CD49c, suggesting that the LECs showed higher immunoreactivity for this antibody. The immunoreactivity for CD49b and CD49e was weaker. This was absent for CD18 in the central part of the lens capsules. Conclusion The positive expression of antibodies suggests that specific integrin subunits were expressed in LECs of human cataracts. These results suggest that lens epithelial cells expressing CD49b, CD49c, CD49e, and CD18 might be precursors in the process of anterior lens epithelial cell (A cell) adhesion, and hence play a role in anterior capsule opacification or in subsequent migration and a possible role in posterior capsule opacification.

We report here a rare case of simultaneous onset of preseptal cellulitis in twins. The absence of any infection in three other siblings during this period would suggest that the twins may not have developed simultaneous lid infection by sheer coincidence. The authors discuss the possible mechanism and emphasize the need for close surveillance of the twin of an index case with ocular infection.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an ulcerating dermatosis associated with various chronic medical conditions. Its exact etiology is unknown but likely a function of inflammation and immune dysregulation. Treatment of PG generally follows a stepwise approach which involves extensive testing, biopsies, and potentially systemic therapy. However, patients with presumptive PG in an unsheltered homeless (USH) environment require a different approach, especially in a resource-limited setting. Our 65-year-old USH patient with an extensive medical history presented with an initial, irregular salmon-colored plaque measuring approximately 10 cm × 6 cm that eventually ulcerated with pain and purulent discharge. The consistent and judicious management of his wound in terms of gentle irrigation and appropriate dressing was performed over the course of seven months starting in April 2021. In November 2021, his wound margins shrunk by roughly 1 cm circumferentially, and the ulcer had scant serosanguinous discharge, a noticeable improvement from baseline. The previously impaired wound healing may have been due to pathergy, which was indirectly addressed by protective wound dressings. Management of chronic wounds and ulcers in patients otherwise lacking access to reliable care should avoid systemic immunosuppressants due to the inherently high-risk conditions on unsheltered streets.