Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cataracts (CA) have an early onset in diabetes mellitus (DM) due to the redox imbalance and inflammation triggered by hyperglycaemia. Plant-based therapies are characterised by low tissue bioavailability. The study aimed to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles phytoreduced with Rutin (AuNPsR), as a possible solution. Insulin, Rutin, and AuNPsR were administered to an early, six-week rat model of DR and CA. Oxidative stress (MDA, CAT, SOD) was assessed in serum and eye homogenates, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF alpha) were quantified in ocular tissues. Eye fundus of retinal arterioles, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of lenses, and histopathology of retinas were also performed. DM was linked to constricted retinal arterioles, reduced endogen antioxidants, and eye inflammation. Histologically, retinal wall thickness decreased. TEM showed increased lens opacity and fibre disorganisation. Rutin improved retinal arteriolar diameter, while reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Retinas were moderately oedematous. Lens structure was preserved on TEM. Insulin restored retinal arteriolar diameter, while increasing MDA, and amplifying TEM lens opacity. The best outcomes were obtained for AuNPsR, as it improved fundus appearance of retinal arterioles, decreased MDA and increased antioxidant capacity. Retinal edema and disorganisation in lens fibres were still present.

The streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetic retinopathy presents similarities to the disease observed in humans. After four weeks following the induction of diabetes, the rats experience vision impairment. During this crucial four-week period, significant changes occur, with vascular damage standing out as a clinically significant factor, alongside neovascularization. While redox imbalance, activation of microglia, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and neuronal cell death are also observed, the latter remains an emerging hypothesis requiring further exploration. This review is a comprehensive and up-to-date chronological depiction of the progression of diabetic retinopathy within the initial four weeks of hyperglycemia, which precede the onset of vision loss. The data are structured in weekly changes. In the first week, oxidative stress triggers the activation of retinal microglia, which produces inflammation, leading to altered neurotransmission. The second week is characterized by leukostasis, which promotes ischemia, while neural degeneration begins and is accompanied by a simultaneous increase in vessel permeability. The progression of redox and inflammatory imbalances characterized the third week. Finally, in the fourth week, significant developments occur as vessels dilate and become tortuous, neovascularization develops, and retinal thickness diminishes, ultimately leading to vision loss. Through this clearly structured outline, this review aims to delineate a framework for the progression of streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cataracts (CA) have an early onset in diabetes mellitus (DM) due to the redox imbalance and inflammation triggered by hyperglycemia. Plant-based therapies are characterized by low bioavailability in ocular tissues. The study aimed to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles phytoreduced with Rutin (AuNPsR), as a possible solution. Insulin, Rutin, and AuNPsR, were administered to an early, six-week rat model of DR and CA. Oxidative stress (MDA, CAT, SOD) was assessed in serum and eye homogenates, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF alpha) were quantified in ocular tissues. Fundus of retinal arterioles, retina histopathology and lens transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were also performed. DM was linked to constricted retinal arterioles, reduced endogen antioxidants, and eye inflammation. Histologically, retinal wall thickness decreased. TEM showed increased lens opacity and fiber disorganization. Rutin improved retinal arteriolar diameter, while reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Retinas were moderately edematous. Lens structure was preserved on TEM. Insulin restored retinal arteriolar diameter, while increasing MDA, and amplifying TEM lens opacity. The best outcomes were obtained for AuNPsR, as it improved fundus appearance of retinal arterioles, decreased MDA formation and increased antioxidant capacity. Retinal edema and disorganization in lens fibers were still present.

Background: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) frequently affects the posterior pelvic compartment, where accurate non-invasive imaging is essential for diagnosis and surgical planning. Aim: This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic performance of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in detecting posterior compartment DIE, specifically rectosigmoid lesions, uterosacral ligament involvement, and pouch of Douglas obliteration. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies assessed the accuracy of TVUS for posterior compartment DIE using laparoscopy and histology as reference standards. Data on sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy were extracted or derived. The study’s quality was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: Thirty eligible studies were included. The mean sensitivities and specificities reported in the included studies reached 83.05% and 90.53% for rectosigmoid disease, 78.07% and 90.49% for uterosacral ligament involvement, and 79.58% and 89.75% for pouch of Douglas obliteration, respectively. Adjunctive techniques such as gel sonovaginography, rectal water contrast, or saline instillation into the pouch of Douglas were described, but their use was inconsistent. Marked heterogeneity in patient preparation, scanning protocols, and reporting limited comparability across studies. Despite this, TVUS demonstrated diagnostic performance within a similar range to that reported for MRI in prior systematic reviews, with the advantages of lower cost, accessibility, and integration into routine gynecological practice. Conclusions: TVUS is consistently reported as a reliable and cost-effective imaging modality and, in line with international guidelines, should be considered the first-line option for posterior compartment DIE, though further standardization of scanning and reporting protocols is needed to optimize reproducibility and clinical utility.

Background: Sprinting, a high-intensity, short-duration exercise, induces oxidative stress. This causes molecular and ultrastructural alterations. Antioxidant supplementation may mitigate side effects of near or complete exhaustion. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy male adult rats received orally normal saline, carboxymethylcellulose (vehicle), artificial, N-acetylcysteine or a natural antioxidant, Rutin. Rats were subjected to treadmill sprinting at increasing speeds for 5 days/week. After 26 days, samples were collected to measure oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA; the ratio of reduced-to-oxidized glutathione, GSH/GSSG), inflammation markers (enzymatic level of inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS; cytokine level of tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNFα) and for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Results: Rutin attenuated MDA levels and increased antioxidant protection in all tissues, while NAC decreased the lipid peroxidation in all tissues except the lungs. NAC increased aortic inflammation, with higher TNF-α and iNOS. Sprinting caused intimal detachment in the heart and aorta. Rutin and NAC minimized endocardium alterations. Additionally, Rutin prevented myocardial disorganization. Conclusions: Rutin mitigated the oxidative stress damage of sprinting in the heart, aorta, skeletal muscle and lung. NAC protected against oxidative injury caused by sprinting in the heart, aorta and muscle but not the lung, and it induced aortic inflammation.