Search Results (20)

Background: Prostanoid FP receptor agonists (FP agonists) are widely used as first-line therapies for glaucoma but differ in their potential to induce prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP), which may affect surgical outcomes. While several studies have reported an association between PAP and trabeculectomy failure, the impact of these agents on tube shunt procedures such as Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation is not well established. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 298 eyes of 221 patients who underwent trabeculectomy (n = 162) or AGV implantation (n = 136) between 2018 and 2023. The eyes were stratified by preoperative FP agonist use into the high-PAP-inducing-potential (bimatoprost or travoprost) and low-PAP-inducing-potential (latanoprost or tafluprost) groups. The primary outcome was the cumulative 2-year surgical survival rate under three intraocular pressure (IOP)-based definitions. Results: In the trabeculectomy group, the high-PAP-potential group had significantly lower 2-year survival rates than the low-PAP-potential group under all definitions. Cox proportional hazards analysis identified use of a high-PAP-potential FP agonist as a significant risk factor for surgical failure. In the AGV group, a difference between groups was seen only under the most lenient definition, with no differences under stricter criteria. Conclusions: The preoperative use of high-PAP-potential FP agonists is associated with poorer outcomes after trabeculectomy. Although the effect on AGV implantation appears limited, it may still influence early postoperative results. These findings underscore the need to consider PAP risk and medication history when selecting surgical procedures for glaucoma. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) scans of glaucoma patients using prostaglandin analogs (PGA) in one eye, investigate findings associated with prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP), and compare these findings with those of the contralateral eyes. Methods: Patients with open-angle glaucoma who had CT images of the orbital region taken for another reason at least one month after starting PGA treatment in one eye were included in the study. Enophthalmos measurements from thin-slice CT images, along with 3D volume measurements of orbital fat tissue, periorbital muscles, and the optic nerve, were performed. Ophthalmological examination findings and treatment information were collected. The values were compared with those of the contralateral eyes of the same patients not using PGA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed to evaluate measurement repeatability. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. Among them, 29 (72.5%) used latanoprost, 9 (22.5%) used bimatoprost, and 2 (5%) used travoprost. The mean enophthalmos values on the treated side (15.5 ± 2.0 mm) were lower than on the untreated side (16.1 ± 1.4 mm), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). In 29 patients (72.5%), enophthalmos measurements were smaller on the treated side, with 7 patients (17.5%) showing a difference of 2 mm or more. No significant correlation was found between the duration of PGA use and enophthalmos measurements (p = 0.768 r = −0.048). Additionally, no significant differences were found in orbital fat volume, total extraocular muscle volume, and optic nerve volume (p > 0.05). ICC values demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.75) for all measurements. Conclusions: We did not find significant differences in enophthalmos measurements, orbital fat volume, total muscle volume, and optic nerve volume between the PGA-treated and untreated eyes. Full article

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is known to be effective in regenerating tissues, and bimatoprost, an analog of PGF_2α, has been approved by the FDA as an eyelash growth promoter and has been proven effective in human hair follicles. Thus, to enhance PGE₂ levels while improving hair loss, we found dihydroisoquinolinone piperidinylcarboxy pyrazolopyridine (DPP), an inhibitor of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), using DeepZema^®, an AI-based drug development program. Here, we investigated whether DPP improved hair loss in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) damaged by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair loss. We found that DPP enhanced wound healing and the expression level of alkaline phosphatase in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. We observed that DPP significantly down-regulated the generation of reactive oxygen species caused by DHT. DPP recovered the mitochondrial membrane potential in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. We demonstrated that DPP significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of the AKT/ERK and activated Wnt signaling pathways in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. We also revealed that DPP significantly enhanced the size of the three-dimensional spheroid in DHT-damaged HFDPCs and increased hair growth in ex vivo human hair follicle organ culture. These data suggest that DPP exhibits beneficial effects on DHT-damaged HFDPCs and can be utilized as a promising agent for improving hair loss. Full article

Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog used in cosmetic products designed to stimulate hair growth, including eyebrows. However, limited study-based evidence confirming its efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction is available. The aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, bimatoprost affects the density and length of eyebrow hair in young women in comparison to sweet almond oil. The study group included 27 healthy women who used bimatoprost cosmetic preparation once daily for 5 weeks and then crossed over to use sweet almond oil once daily for 5 weeks. Bimatoprost preparation, in comparison to sweet almond oil, improved eyebrow density (70% vs. 30%; p = 0.003) and eyebrow hair elongation (59% vs. 26%; p = 0.014), but not eyebrow hair hydration (59% vs. 89%; p = 0.001) and hair darkness (22% vs. 11%; p = 0.278). The comfort of use was comparable for both preparations (63% vs. 67%; p = 0.996), but treatment satisfaction was significantly higher with bimatoprost (66% vs. 22%; p < 0.001). All reported adverse events were minor, transient, and resolved spontaneously. We conclude that the bimatoprost preparation was significantly more effective than sweet almond oil in improving the density and length of eyebrow hair, with a similar level of safety. Therefore, bimatoprost can be considered an ingredient in cosmetics designed to enhance eyebrow growth; however, further larger studies with extended follow-ups are needed. Full article

Background: Bimatoprost has emerged as a significant medication in the field of medicine over the past several decades, with diverse applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and beyond. Originally developed as an ocular hypotensive agent, it has proven highly effective in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its ability to reduce intraocular pressure has established it as a first-line treatment option, improving management and preventing vision loss. In dermatology, bimatoprost has shown promising results in the promotion of hair growth, particularly in the treatment of alopecia and hypotrichosis. Its mechanism of action, stimulating the hair cycle and prolonging the growth phase, has led to the development of bimatoprost-containing solutions for enhancing eyelash growth. Aim: The aim of our review is to provide a brief description, overview, and studies in the current literature regarding the versatile clinical use of bimatoprost in recent years. This can help clinicians determine the most suitable individualized therapy to meet the needs of each patient. Methods: Our methods involve a comprehensive review of the latest advancements reported in the literature in bimatoprost formulations, which range from traditional eye drops to sustained-release implants. These innovations offer extended drug delivery, enhance patient compliance, and minimize side effects. Results: The vast literature published on PubMed has confirmed the clinical usefulness of bimatoprost in lowering intraocular pressure and in managing patients with glaucoma. Numerous studies have shown promising results in dermatology and esthetics in promoting hair growth, particularly in treating alopecia and hypotrichosis. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating the hair cycle and prolonging the growth phase, leading to the development of solutions that enhance eyelash growth. The global use of bimatoprost has expanded significantly, with applications growing beyond its initial indications. Ongoing research is exploring its potential in glaucoma surgery, neuroprotection, and cosmetic procedures. Conclusions: Bimatoprost has shown immense potential for addressing a wide range of therapeutic needs through various formulations and advancements. Promising future perspectives include the exploration of novel delivery systems such as contact lenses and microneedles to further enhance drug efficacy and patient comfort. Ongoing research and future perspectives continue to shape its role in medicine, promising further advancements and improved patient outcomes. Full article

This study aimed at formulating the antiglaucoma agent, Bimatoprost (BMT), into niosomal in situ gel (BMT-ISG) for ocular delivery. Niosomes containing cholesterol/span 60 entrapping BMT were fabricated using a thin-film hydration method. The fabricated niosomes were optimized and characterized for entrapment efficiency (%EE) and size. The optimized BMT-loaded niosomal formulation prepared at a cholesterol/span 60 ratio of 1:2 exhibited the highest entrapment (81.2 ± 1.2%) and a small particle size (167.3 ± 9.1 nm), and they were selected for incorporation into in situ gelling systems (BMT-ISGs) based on Pluronic F127/Pluronic F68. Finally, the in vivo efficiency of the BMT-ISG formulation, in terms of lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive male albino rabbits following ocular administration, was assessed and compared to that of BMT ophthalmic solution. All the formulated BMT-ISGs showed sol–gel transition temperatures ranging from 28.1 °C to 40.5 ± 1.6 °C. In addition, the BMT-ISG formulation sustained in vitro BMT release for up to 24 h. Interestingly, in vivo experiments depicted that topical ocular administration of optimized BMT-ISG formulation elicited a significant decline in IOP, with maximum mean decreases in IOP of 9.7 ± 0.6 mm Hg, compared to BMT aqueous solution (5.8 ± 0.6 mm Hg). Most importantly, no signs of irritation to the rabbit’s eye were observed following topical ocular administration of the optimized BMT-ISG formulation. Collectively, our results suggested that niosomal in situ gels might be a feasible delivery vehicle for topical ocular administration of anti-glaucoma agents, particularly those with poor ocular bioavailability. Full article

(1) Background: The current study aimed to compare two of the most frequently prescribed preservative-free (PF) antiglaucoma drops, (Latanoprost PF vs. Bimatoprost PF) in promoting OSD in patients with POAG. (2) Methods: In this prospective study, 44 eyes from 44 participants were included. In the control group we enrolled 24 eyes, 11 eyes treated only with Latanoprost PF were enrolled in the Latanoprost PF group, and 9 eyes treated only with Bimatoprost PF in the Bimatoprost PF group. In all eyes, we evaluated the ocular levels of MMP-9 using the InflammaDry kit. We also performed Schirmer’s test and the TBUT test. (3) Results: We found elevated ocular levels of MMP-9 (>40 ng/mL) in the Bimatoprost PF group (88.89% of the participants) compared to the control (8.33%) and the Latanoprost PF group (27.27%), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The Schirmer’s test values were statistically significantly lower in the Bimatoprost PF group compared to the other two groups. Additionally, the TBUT values were lower in the Bimatoprost PF group compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Latanoprost PF eye drops treat the ocular surface better and they do not induce overexpression of MMP-9, a molecule that is related to OSD. Full article

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by a rise in the intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to optic nerve damage. Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue used to reduce the elevated IOP in patients with glaucoma. The currently available dosage forms for Bimatoprost suffer from relatively low ocular bioavailability. The objective of this study was to fabricate and optimize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing Bimatoprost for ocular administration for the management of glaucoma. Bimatoprost-loaded SLNs were fabricated by solvent evaporation/ultrasonication technique. Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) was adopted as solid lipid and poloxamer 407 as surfactant. Optimization of SLNs was conducted by central composite design. The optimized formulation was assessed for average particle size, entrapment efficiency (%), zeta potential, surface morphology, drug release study, sterility test, isotonicity test, Hen’s egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) test and histopathology studies. The optimized Bimatoprost-loaded SLNs formulation had an average size of 183.3 ± 13.3 nm, zeta potential of −9.96 ± 1.2 mV, and encapsulation efficiency percentage of 71.8 ± 1.1%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study revealed the nearly smooth surface of formulated particles with a nano-scale size range. In addition, SLNs significantly sustained Bimatoprost release for up to 12 h, compared to free drug (p < 005). Most importantly, HET-CAM test nullified the irritancy of the formulation was verified its tolerability upon ocular use, as manifested by a significant reduction in mean irritation score, compared to positive control (1% sodium dodecyl sulfate; p < 0.001). Histopathology study inferred the absence of any signs of cornea tissue damage upon treatment with Bimatoprost optimized formulation. Collectively, it was concluded that SLNs might represent a viable vehicle for enhancing the corneal permeation and ocular bioavailability of Bimatoprost for the management of glaucoma. Full article

Millions of new cancer patients receive chemotherapy each year. In addition to killing cancer cells, chemotherapy is likely to damage rapidly proliferating healthy cells, including the hair follicle keratinocytes. Chemotherapy causes substantial thinning or loss of hair, termed chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), in approximately 65% of patients. CIA is often ranked as one of the most distressing adverse effects of chemotherapy, but interventional options have been limited. To date, only scalp cooling has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent CIA. However, several factors, including the high costs not always covered by insurance, preclude its broader use. Here we review the current options for CIA prevention and treatment and discuss new approaches being tested. CIA interventions include scalp cooling systems (both non-portable and portable) and topical agents to prevent hair loss, versus topical and oral minoxidil, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, among others, to stimulate hair regrowth after hair loss. Evidence-based studies are needed to develop and validate methods to prevent hair loss and/or accelerate hair regrowth in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, which could significantly improve cancer patients’ quality of life and may help improve compliance and consequently the outcome of cancer treatment. Full article

Poor adherence to topical glaucoma medications has been linked to worse visual field outcomes in glaucoma patients. Therefore, identifying and overcoming the adherence barriers are expected to slow down the progression of disease. The most common barriers to adherence, in addition to the lack of knowledge, include forgetfulness, side effects of medications, difficulties with drop instillation and low self-efficacy. Symptoms and signs of ocular surface disease, which importantly reduce patients’ quality of life, are decreased by using preservative-free topical medications. Sustained drug delivery systems using different vehicles seem promising for relieving the burden of drop administration. Currently, only the bimatoprost sustained-release intracameral implant is available for clinical use and single administration. In the era of digitalization, smart drug delivery-connected devices may aid adherence and, by sharing data with care providers, improve monitoring and adjusting treatment. Selective laser trabeculoplasty as first-line treatment delays the need for drops, whereas minimally invasive glaucoma procedures with and without devices combined with cataract surgery increase the likelihood of patients with early-to-moderate glaucoma to remain drop free or reduce the number of drops needed to control intraocular pressure. The aim of this narrative review is to present and discuss devices and treatments that may improve adherence by reducing the need for drops and side effects of medications and aiding in glaucoma monitoring. For the future, there is a need for studies focusing on clinically important outcomes, quality of life and the cost of intervention with longer post-interventional follow up. Full article

To investigate whether prostaglandin analogue (PGA) eyedrops have a significant effect on central corneal thickness (CCT), we conducted a systematic search of literature published from 2000 to 2021. Among the studies conducted on topical PGA therapy in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients over 18 years old, prospective studies with CCT change as an outcome were included. A single-arm meta-analysis was conducted to assess the overall effect on CCT, and subgroup analysis according to exposure time of PGA eyedrops was also performed. We counted the number of articles that reported on severe events (CCT reduction of 25 μm or more) and obtained their proportion. The methodological quality was assessed by the McHarm tool. Twenty-two reports of prospective studies were selected. The results of the single-arm meta-analysis showed very high heterogeneity. Still, in subgroup analysis, when PGA was used for more than 6 months, heterogeneity was low, and a significant decrease in CCT was observed. Severe events were reported in two reports and occurred in 3.8% to 14.8% of participants. PGA eyedrop use may cause a clinically significant CCT decrease, requiring CCT follow-up. Full article

To elucidate the additive effects of the ROCK inhibitors (ROCK-i), ripasudil (Rip) and Y27632 on bimatoprost acid (BIM-A), a prostaglandin analog (PG), on adipose tissue, two- and three-dimensional (2D or 3D) cultures of 3T3-L1 cells, the most well characterized cells in the field of lipid research, were used. The cells were subjected to a variety of analyses including lipid staining, real-time cellular metabolic analysis, the mRNA expressions of genes related to adipogenesis and extracellular matrices (ECMs) as well as the sizes and physical properties of the 3D spheroids by a micro-squeezer. BIM-A induced strong inhibitory effects on most of the adipogenesis-related changes in the 2D and 3D cultured 3T3-L1 cells, including (1) the enlargement and softening of the 3D spheroids, (2) a dramatic enhancement in lipid staining and the expression of adipogenesis-related genes, and (3) a decrease in mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolic function. By adding ROCK-i to the BIM-A, most of these BIM-A-induced effects were cancelled. The collective findings reported herein suggest that ROCK-i eliminated the PG-induced suppression of adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 cells, accompanied by the formation of enlarged 3D spheroids. Such effects of adding ROCK-i to a PG in preadipocytes on cellular properties appear to be associated with the suppression of PG-induced adverse effects, and provide additional insight into our understanding of lipid-related research. Full article

Prostaglandin analogues (PGAs), including bimatoprost (BIM), are generally the first-line therapy for glaucoma due to their greater efficacy, safety, and convenience of use. Commercial solutions of preservative-free BIM (BIM 0.03% and 0.01%) are already available, although their topical application may result in ocular discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of preservative-free BIM 0.03% vs. 0.01% in the human conjunctival epithelial (HCE) cell line. Our results showed that long-term exposure to BIM 0.03% ensues a significant decrease in cell proliferation and viability. Furthermore, these events were associated with cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and alterations of ΔΨ_m. BIM 0.01% does not exhibit cytotoxicity, and no negative influence on conjunctival cell growth and viability or mitochondrial activity has been observed. Short-time exposure also demonstrates the ability of BIM 0.03% to trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial hyperpolarisation. An in silico drug network interaction was also performed to explore known and predicted interactions of BIM with proteins potentially involved in mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation. Our findings overall strongly reveal better cellular tolerability of BIM 0.01% vs. BIM 0.03% in HCE cells. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate whether the therapeutic switch from a formulation of Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL with benzalkonium chloride (BAK) or Bimatoprost 0.3 mg/mL preservative-free to a formulation of Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL preservative-free could improve eye surface conditions in patients with glaucoma; intraocular pressure (IOP) was also evaluated. All patients meeting the inclusion criteria were eligible for the therapeutic switch to Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL preservative-free. At each check visit, enrolled patients underwent a break-up time (BUT) test, an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) test, and a three-point tonometric curve. A total of 40 patients were enrolled (23 were in therapy with Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL with BAK and 17 with Bimatoprost 0.3 mg/mL preservative-free). Significant differences of OSDI and BUT between Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL with BAK at baseline vs. Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL preservative-free at 14 and 28 days (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively) were recorded. Similarly, significant differences of OSDI and BUT between Bimatoprost 0.3 mg/mL preservative-free at baseline vs. Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL preservative-free at 14 and 28 days (p < 0.0001 for both) were found. Bimatoprost 0.1 mg/mL preservative-free has a better tolerability profile associated with non-therapeutical inferiority in the control of IOP compared to the other Bimatoprost formulations. Full article

To elucidate the effects of switching a PGF2α agonist, bimatoprost acid (BIM-A), to an EP2 agonist (Omidenepag—OMD; butaprost—Buta) or reversing the switching on adipose tissue, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of 3T3-L1 cells were analyzed by lipid staining and according to the mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes (Pparγ, Ap2, and Leptin), components of the extracellular matrix (ECM; collagen1 (Col1), Col4, Col6, and fibronectin (Fn)), and the sizes and stiffness of the 3D spheroids. Switching from BIM-A to EP2 agonists caused (1) suppression of lipid staining and downregulation of most adipogenesis-related genes, (2) smaller and stiffer 3D spheroids, and (3) upregulation of Col1 and Fn, downregulation of Col4 (2D), or up-regulation of all ECM genes (3D, BIM-A to OMD), as well as downregulation of Col6 (3D, BIM-A to Buta). In contrast, reversing the switching resulted in (1) an enhancement in lipid staining (2D) and a significant upregulation of adipogenesis-related genes (2D, 3D Buta to BIM-A), (2) larger and slightly stiffer 3D spheroids, and (3) upregulation of Col1 and Fn (2D). These collective findings indicate that the switching orders of BIM-A and EP2 agonists have a significant effect on lipid metabolism, ECM expression, and the physical stiffness of 3T3-L1 cells. Full article