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Rincón Montes V, Gehlen J, Lück S, Mokwa W, Müller F, Walter P, Offenhäusser A. Toward a Bidirectional Communication Between Retinal Cells and a Prosthetic Device - A Proof of Concept. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:367. [PMID: 31114470 PMCID: PMC6502975 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Significant progress toward the recovery of useful vision in blind patients with severe degenerative retinal diseases caused by photoreceptor death has been achieved with the development of visual prostheses that stimulate the retina electrically. However, currently used prostheses do not provide feedback about the retinal activity before and upon stimulation and do not adjust to changes during the remodeling processes in the retina. Both features are desirable to improve the efficiency of the electrical stimulation (ES) therapy offered by these devices. Accordingly, devices that not only enable ES but at the same time provide information about the retinal activity are beneficial. Given the above, a bidirectional communication strategy, in which inner retinal cells are stimulated and the output neurons of the retina, the ganglion cells, are recorded using penetrating microelectrode arrays (MEAs) is proposed. Methods: Custom-made penetrating MEAs with four silicon-based shanks, each one with three or four iridium oxide electrodes specifically designed to match retinal dimensions were used to record the activity of light-adapted wildtype mice retinas and degenerated retinas from rd10 mice in vitro. In addition, responses to high potassium concentration and to light stimulation in wildtype retinas were examined. Furthermore, voltage-controlled ES was performed. Results: The spiking activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was recorded at different depths of penetration inside the retina. Physiological responses during an increase of the extracellular potassium concentration and phasic and tonic responses during light stimulation were captured. Moreover, pathologic rhythmic activity was recorded from degenerated retinas. Finally, ES of the inner retina and simultaneous recording of the activity of RGCs was accomplished. Conclusion: The access to different layers of the retina with penetrating electrodes while recording at the same time the spiking activity of RGCs broadens the use and the field of action of multi-shank and multi-site penetrating MEAs for retinal applications. It enables a bidirectional strategy to stimulate inner retinal cells electrically and to record from the spiking RGCs simultaneously (BiMEA). This opens the possibility of a feedback loop system to acknowledge the success of ES carried out by retinal prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Rincón Montes
- Bioelectronics, Institute of Complex Systems-8, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jana Gehlen
- Cellular Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Stefan Lück
- Department of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wilfried Mokwa
- Department of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Müller
- Cellular Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Bioelectronics, Institute of Complex Systems-8, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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Sabel BA, Flammer J, Merabet LB. Residual vision activation and the brain-eye-vascular triad: Dysregulation, plasticity and restoration in low vision and blindness - a review. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2019; 36:767-791. [PMID: 30412515 PMCID: PMC6294586 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-180880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vision loss due to ocular diseases such as glaucoma, optic neuropathy, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, are generally considered an exclusive affair of the retina and/or optic nerve. However, the brain, through multiple indirect influences, has also a major impact on functional visual impairment. Such indirect influences include intracerebral pressure, eye movements, top-down modulation (attention, cognition), and emotionally triggered stress hormone release affecting blood vessel dysregulation. Therefore, vision loss should be viewed as the result of multiple interactions within a “brain-eye-vascular triad”, and several eye diseases may also be considered as brain diseases in disguise. While the brain is part of the problem, it can also be part of the solution. Neuronal networks of the brain can “amplify” residual vision through neuroplasticity changes of local and global functional connectivity by activating, modulating and strengthening residual visual signals. The activation of residual vision can be achieved by different means such as vision restoration training, non-invasive brain stimulation, or blood flow enhancing medications. Modulating brain functional networks and improving vascular regulation may offer new opportunities to recover or restore low vision by increasing visual field size, visual acuity and overall functional vision. Hence, neuroscience offers new insights to better understand vision loss, and modulating brain and vascular function is a promising source for new opportunities to activate residual vision to achieve restoration and recovery to improve quality of live in patients suffering from low vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard A Sabel
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Josef Flammer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lotfi B Merabet
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Narala R, Humayun MS, Ameri H. Argus II Retinal Prosthesis Implantation in a Patient With a History Of Strabismus Surgery:A Surgical Technique. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2019; 50:116-119. [PMID: 30768220 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20190129-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The authors describe a modified surgical technique for Argus II retinal prosthesis implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS The modified surgical technique was performed in a 43-year-old male with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who underwent strabismus surgery in that eye at age 8. RESULTS During Argus II implantation, the lateral rectus (LR) was noted to be 10 mm posterior to its original insertion due to prior strabismus surgery. The authors placed three 5-0 nylon mattress sutures at the expected location of the LR to support the external portion of the prosthesis, specifically the coil. The band was then passed through the mattress sutures, underneath the inferior, and medial recti with temporal placement of the coil. CONCLUSION Placement of three mattress sutures allowed proper positioning of the device and enabled fixation of the suture tabs, thus minimizing the risk of postoperative conjunctival erosion and device exposure. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:116-119.].
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Wang AL, Knight DK, Vu TTT, Mehta MC. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Review of Current Treatment. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2019; 59:263-280. [PMID: 30585930 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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55
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Holbrook EH, Puram SV, See RB, Tripp AG, Nair DG. Induction of smell through transethmoid electrical stimulation of the olfactory bulb. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2018; 9:158-164. [PMID: 30480384 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anosmia has an estimated prevalence of 5% of the general population. Outside of inflammatory causes, therapeutic options are limited despite research advances. Bypassing peripheral neuronal damage through central stimulation is a potential therapeutic option that has shown success in other sensory systems, most notably with hearing. We performed a pilot study to determine the feasibility of inducing smell through artificial electrical stimulation of the olfactory bulbs in humans. METHODS Subjects with a history of sinus surgery, including total ethmoidectomy, with intact ability to smell were enrolled. The ability to smell was confirmed with a 40-item smell identification test. Awake subjects underwent nasal endoscopy and either a monopolar or bipolar electrode was positioned at 3 areas along the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate within the ethmoid sinus cavity. A graded stimulation current of 1-20 mA at 3.17 Hz was administered while cortical evoked potential (CEP) recordings were collected. Subjective responses of perceived smell along with reports of discomfort were recorded. Subjects with artificially induced smell underwent repeat stimulation after medically induced anosmia. RESULTS Five subjects (age, 43-72 years) were enrolled. Three subjects reported smell perception smell with electrical stimulation. This was reproducible after inducing anosmia, but CEP recordings could not provide objective support. All subjects tolerated the study with minimal discomfort. CONCLUSION This is the first report of induced smell through transethmoid electrical stimulation of the olfactory bulb. These results provide a proof of concept for efforts in development of an olfactory implant system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Holbrook
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Otolaryngology and Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Reiner B See
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron G Tripp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dinesh G Nair
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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56
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Angueyra JM, Kindt KS. Leveraging Zebrafish to Study Retinal Degenerations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:110. [PMID: 30283779 PMCID: PMC6156122 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by death of photoreceptors and progressive loss of vision. Retinal degenerations are a major cause of blindness in developed countries (Bourne et al., 2017; De Bode, 2017) and currently have no cure. In this review, we will briefly review the latest advances in therapies for retinal degenerations, highlighting the current barriers to study and develop therapies that promote photoreceptor regeneration in mammals. In light of these barriers, we present zebrafish as a powerful model to study photoreceptor regeneration and their integration into retinal circuits after regeneration. We outline why zebrafish is well suited for these analyses and summarize the powerful tools available in zebrafish that could be used to further uncover the mechanisms underlying photoreceptor regeneration and rewiring. In particular, we highlight that it is critical to understand how rewiring occurs after regeneration and how it differs from development. Insights derived from photoreceptor regeneration and rewiring in zebrafish may provide leverage to develop therapeutic targets to treat retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Angueyra
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Katie S. Kindt
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and Function, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Stasheff SF. Clinical Impact of Spontaneous Hyperactivity in Degenerating Retinas: Significance for Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:298. [PMID: 30250425 PMCID: PMC6139326 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary retinal degenerations result from varied pathophysiologic mechanisms, all ultimately characterized by photoreceptor dysfunction and death. Hence, much research on these diseases has concentrated on the outer retina. Over the past decade or so increasing attention has focused on concomitant changes in complex inner retinal neural circuits that process visual signals for transmission to the brain. One striking abnormality develops before the ultimately profound anatomic disruption of the inner retina. Highly elevated spontaneous activity was first demonstrated in central nervous system visual centers in vivo by Dräger and Hubel (1978), and subsequently has been confirmed in vitro, now in multiple animal models and by multiple investigators (see other contributions to this Research Topic). What evidence exists that this phenomenon occurs in human patients with retinal degeneration, and what is the ultimate effect of spontaneous hyperactivity in the output neurons, the retinal ganglion cells? Here I summarize abnormalities of visual perception among patients with retinal degeneration that may arise from hyperactivity. Next, I consider the disruption of neural encoding and anatomic connectivity that may result within the retina and in downstream visual centers of the brain. I then consider how specific characteristics of hyperactivity may distinguish various forms or stages of retinal degeneration, potentially helping in the near future to refine diagnosis and/or treatment choices for different patients. Finally, I review how consideration of these features may help optimize pharmacologic, gene, stem cell, prosthetic or other therapies to forestall visual loss or restore sight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Stasheff
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Gilbert Family Neurofibromatosis Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States.,Visual Neurophysiology, Neuro-ophthalmology and Pediatric Neurology, Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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58
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Fernandez E. Development of visual Neuroprostheses: trends and challenges. Bioelectron Med 2018; 4:12. [PMID: 32232088 PMCID: PMC7098238 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-018-0013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual prostheses are implantable medical devices that are able to provide some degree of vision to individuals who are blind. This research field is a challenging subject in both ophthalmology and basic science that has progressed to a point where there are already several commercially available devices. However, at present, these devices are only able to restore a very limited vision, with relatively low spatial resolution. Furthermore, there are still many other open scientific and technical challenges that need to be solved to achieve the therapeutic benefits envisioned by these new technologies. This paper provides a brief overview of significant developments in this field and introduces some of the technical and biological challenges that still need to be overcome to optimize their therapeutic success, including long-term viability and biocompatibility of stimulating electrodes, the selection of appropriate patients for each artificial vision approach, a better understanding of brain plasticity and the development of rehabilitative strategies specifically tailored for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fernandez
- Institute of Bioengineering, University Miguel Hernández and CIBER-BBN, Avda de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Alicante, Elche Spain.,2John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
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59
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Pardue MT, Allen RS. Neuroprotective strategies for retinal disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 65:50-76. [PMID: 29481975 PMCID: PMC6081194 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diseases that affect the eye, including photoreceptor degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, affect 11.8 million people in the US, resulting in vision loss and blindness. Loss of sight affects patient quality of life and puts an economic burden both on individuals and the greater healthcare system. Despite the urgent need for treatments, few effective options currently exist in the clinic. Here, we review research on promising neuroprotective strategies that promote neuronal survival with the potential to protect against vision loss and retinal cell death. Due to the large number of neuroprotective strategies, we restricted our review to approaches that we had direct experience with in the laboratory. We focus on drugs that target survival pathways, including bile acids like UDCA and TUDCA, steroid hormones like progesterone, therapies that target retinal dopamine, and neurotrophic factors. In addition, we review rehabilitative methods that increase endogenous repair mechanisms, including exercise and electrical stimulation therapies. For each approach, we provide background on the neuroprotective strategy, including history of use in other diseases; describe potential mechanisms of action; review the body of research performed in the retina thus far, both in animals and in humans; and discuss considerations when translating each treatment to the clinic and to the retina, including which therapies show the most promise for each retinal disease. Despite the high incidence of retinal diseases and the complexity of mechanisms involved, several promising neuroprotective treatments provide hope to prevent blindness. We discuss attractive candidates here with the goal of furthering retinal research in critical areas to rapidly translate neuroprotective strategies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Machelle T Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Rachael S Allen
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
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Abstract
Restoring vision to the blind by retinal repair has been a dream of medicine for centuries, and the first successful procedures have recently been performed. Although we are still far from the restoration of high-resolution vision, step-by-step developments are overcoming crucial bottlenecks in therapy development and have enabled the restoration of some visual function in patients with specific blindness-causing diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of vision restoration and the problems related to retinal repair. We describe new model systems and translational technologies, as well as the clinical conditions in which new methods may help to combat blindness.
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61
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Implantation, removal and replacement of subretinal electronic implants for restoration of vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2018. [PMID: 29528862 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the efforts to restore vision through subretinal implants in patients with degenerative retinal diseases. In addition to the current technique and its latest improvements, it will focus on the surgical technique of implantation as well as explantation and reimplantation. RECENT FINDINGS The durability of the current subretinal implant RETINA IMPLANT Alpha AMS has increased substantially compared with the predecessor model RETINA IMPLANT Alpha IMS. According to validated examinations in the laboratory, a median lifetime of 4.7 years will be reached in clinical use; in similar examinations, the previous model has reached only 8 months. Visual function has slightly increased. The surgical technique for subretinal implants is complex and demanding for ophthalmic surgeons, as it is multifaceted and combines novel surgical steps in areas, which are not commonly entered such as the suprachoroidal and the subretinal space. The surgical approach for implantation has matured considerably and has led to successful implantation in 64 patient cases. Surgical challenges are now mainly encountered with the exact subfoveal positioning of the device. The explantation procedure is relatively straight-forward because the implant can be withdrawn in a reverse direction along the already existent subretinal path. Reimplantations, however, are more challenging because some degree of scar tissue may exist along the path of the chip and around the scleral trapdoor. Nevertheless, reimplantations have now been carried out successfully in four patients. SUMMARY The new RETINA IMPLANT Alpha AMS shows significantly improved durability compared with the predecessor model RETINA IMPLANT Alpha IMS. The subretinal implant offers excellent visual results but requires experienced surgeons. Explantation of devices is straight-forward, and reimplantations are challenging but have been successful in four patients.
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Verbakel SK, van Huet RAC, Boon CJF, den Hollander AI, Collin RWJ, Klaver CCW, Hoyng CB, Roepman R, Klevering BJ. Non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 66:157-186. [PMID: 29597005 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 513] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) encompasses a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the primary degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. RP is a leading cause of visual disability, with a worldwide prevalence of 1:4000. Although the majority of RP cases are non-syndromic, 20-30% of patients with RP also have an associated non-ocular condition. RP typically manifests with night blindness in adolescence, followed by concentric visual field loss, reflecting the principal dysfunction of rod photoreceptors; central vision loss occurs later in life due to cone dysfunction. Photoreceptor function measured with an electroretinogram is markedly reduced or even absent. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging show a progressive loss of outer retinal layers and altered lipofuscin distribution in a characteristic pattern. Over the past three decades, a vast number of disease-causing variants in more than 80 genes have been associated with non-syndromic RP. The wide heterogeneity of RP makes it challenging to describe the clinical findings and pathogenesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics of RP specific to genetically defined patient subsets. We supply a unique atlas with color fundus photographs of most RP subtypes, and we discuss the relevant considerations with respect to differential diagnoses. In addition, we discuss the genes involved in the pathogenesis of RP, as well as the retinal processes that are affected by pathogenic mutations in these genes. Finally, we review management strategies for patients with RP, including counseling, visual rehabilitation, and current and emerging therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne K Verbakel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ramon A C van Huet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B Jeroen Klevering
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Stauss S, Honma I. Biocompatible Batteries—Materials and Chemistry, Fabrication, Applications, and Future Prospects. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2018. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20170325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Stauss
- Chemistry of Energy Conversion Devices Laboratory, Research Center for Sustainable Science & Engineering, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Itaru Honma
- Chemistry of Energy Conversion Devices Laboratory, Research Center for Sustainable Science & Engineering, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
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64
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Cellular regeneration strategies for macular degeneration: past, present and future. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:946-971. [PMID: 29503449 PMCID: PMC5944658 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort and significant therapeutic advances, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the commonest cause of blindness in the developed world. Progressive late-stage AMD with outer retinal degeneration currently has no proven treatment. There has been significant interest in the possibility that cellular treatments may slow or reverse visual loss in AMD. A number of modes of action have been suggested, including cell replacement and rescue, as well as immune modulation to delay the neurodegenerative process. Their appeal in this enigmatic disease relate to their generic, non-pathway-specific effects. The outer retina in particular has been at the forefront of developments in cellular regenerative therapies being surgically accessible, easily observable, as well as having a relatively simple architecture. Both the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors have been considered for replacement therapies as both sheets and cell suspensions. Studies using autologous RPE, and to a lesser extent, foetal retina, have shown proof of principle. A wide variety of cell sources have been proposed with pluripotent stem cell-derived cells currently holding the centre stage. Recent early-phase trials using these cells for RPE replacement have met safety endpoints and hinted at possible efficacy. Animal studies have confirmed the promise that photoreceptor replacement, even in a completely degenerated outer retina may restore some vision. Many challenges, however, remain, not least of which include avoiding immune rejection, ensuring long-term cellular survival and maximising effect. This review provides an overview of progress made, ongoing studies and challenges ahead.
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65
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Fitzgerald BW. Using Hawkeye from the Avengers to communicate on the eye. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2018; 42:90-98. [PMID: 29357271 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00161.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Superheroes, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Hawkeye, have appeared in numerous films, displaying their range of incredible superpowers and abilities. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many people would not only wish to attain these powers, but also to learn about scientific accessibility to these powers. Popular culture characters such as superheroes can provide a unique platform for the communication of difficult scientific concepts. In the classroom, these characters can be used to communicate learning objectives to students in an interesting, fun, and accessible manner by taking advantage of student familiarity with the characters. Hawkeye, a member of the Avengers, is one such superhero who can be utilized by educators. His powers can be attributed in part to his advanced eyesight, which has physiological aspects in common with many birds of prey. Hence, Hawkeye can instigate discussion on the physiology of the human eye, while also allowing for comparison with other species, such as birds of prey, and reflection on advancements related to genetic engineering and wearable technologies. In addition, in my experience, Hawkeye has proven to be a highly suitable popular culture character for use in scientific communication and outreach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry W Fitzgerald
- Intensified Reaction & Separation Systems, Department of Process & Energy, Delft University of Technology , Delft , The Netherlands
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66
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Meyniel C, Bodaghi B, Robert PY. Revisiting Vision Rehabilitation. Front Syst Neurosci 2017; 11:82. [PMID: 29163077 PMCID: PMC5671942 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Low vision is a condition caused by eye or brain disease, in which visual acuity is 20/70 (3/10 or 6/18) or poorer in the better-seeing eye and cannot be corrected or improved with regular eyeglasses. It impacts personal ability to perform vision-dependent tasks as activities of daily living, walking, reading or using a computer. Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary training dedicated to improve patients’ functional abilities and quality of life. It has to be personalized to every individual situation, whatever the underlying pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Meyniel
- Department of Neurophysiology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris-Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Bahram Bodaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris-Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Robert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Limoges Hospital, Limoges, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
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