Retinal microglia signaling affects Müller cell behavior in the zebrafish following laser injury induction

Reprogramming Müller Glia to Regenerate Retinal Neurons

In humans, various genetic defects or age-related diseases, such as diabetic retinopathies, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, cause the death of retinal neurons and profound vision loss. One approach to treating these diseases is to utilize stem and progenitor cells to replace neurons in situ, with the expectation that new neurons will create new synaptic circuits or integrate into existing ones. Reprogramming non-neuronal cells in vivo into stem or progenitor cells is one strategy for replacing lost neurons. Zebrafish have become a valuable model for investigating cellular reprogramming and retinal regeneration. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding spontaneous reprogramming of Müller glia in zebrafish and compares this knowledge to research efforts directed toward reprogramming Müller glia in mammals. Intensive research using these animal models has revealed shared molecular mechanisms that make Müller glia attractive targets for cellular reprogramming and highlighted the potential for curing degenerative retinal diseases from intrinsic cellular sources.

Chemokine IL-8 level in aqueous humor of open-angle glaucoma: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate an accurate level of IL-8 in aqueous humor among open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients.

METHODS

Meta-analysis was performed from available studies that investigated the IL-8 level in the aqueous humor of OAG patients and control subjects.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies were selected. The pooled result showed that IL-8 levels in aqueous humor of patients with OAG were higher than in control subjects (SMD=0.98, 95% CI=0.68-1.27, p<0.00001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicates that patients with OAG may have a higher aqueous humor IL-8 levels compared to control subjects, which supports the notion that IL-8 is one of the contributing factors in the development of OAG.