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Si Z, Zheng Y, Zhao J. The Role of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Phagocytosis and Autophagy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:901. [PMID: 37371481 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes vision loss in the elderly population. Dry AMD leads to the formation of Drusen, while wet AMD is characterized by cell proliferation and choroidal angiogenesis. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a key role in AMD pathogenesis. In particular, helioreceptor renewal depends on outer segment phagocytosis of RPE cells, while RPE autophagy can protect cells from oxidative stress damage. However, when the oxidative stress burden is too high and homeostasis is disturbed, the phagocytosis and autophagy functions of RPE become damaged, leading to AMD development and progression. Hence, characterizing the roles of RPE cell phagocytosis and autophagy in the pathogenesis of AMD can inform the development of potential therapeutic targets to prevent irreversible RPE and photoreceptor cell death, thus protecting against AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Si
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Yajuan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
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Pinelli R, Ferrucci M, Berti C, Biagioni F, Scaffidi E, Bumah VV, Busceti CL, Lenzi P, Lazzeri G, Fornai F. The Essential Role of Light-Induced Autophagy in the Inner Choroid/Outer Retinal Neurovascular Unit in Baseline Conditions and Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108979. [PMID: 37240326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The present article discusses the role of light in altering autophagy, both within the outer retina (retinal pigment epithelium, RPE, and the outer segment of photoreceptors) and the inner choroid (Bruch's membrane, BM, endothelial cells and the pericytes of choriocapillaris, CC). Here autophagy is needed to maintain the high metabolic requirements and to provide the specific physiological activity sub-serving the process of vision. Activation or inhibition of autophagy within RPE strongly depends on light exposure and it is concomitant with activation or inhibition of the outer segment of the photoreceptors. This also recruits CC, which provides blood flow and metabolic substrates. Thus, the inner choroid and outer retina are mutually dependent and their activity is orchestrated by light exposure in order to cope with metabolic demand. This is tuned by the autophagy status, which works as a sort of pivot in the cross-talk within the inner choroid/outer retina neurovascular unit. In degenerative conditions, and mostly during age-related macular degeneration (AMD), autophagy dysfunction occurs in this area to induce cell loss and extracellular aggregates. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the autophagy status encompassing CC, RPE and interposed BM is key to understanding the fine anatomy and altered biochemistry which underlie the onset and progression of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pinelli
- Switzerland Eye Research Institute (SERI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Michela Ferrucci
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Berti
- Switzerland Eye Research Institute (SERI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 86077 Pozzili, Italy
| | - Elena Scaffidi
- Switzerland Eye Research Institute (SERI), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Violet Vakunseth Bumah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry College of Sciences San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Carla L Busceti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 86077 Pozzili, Italy
| | - Paola Lenzi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gloria Lazzeri
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 86077 Pozzili, Italy
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Murotomi K, Umeno A, Shichiri M, Tanito M, Yoshida Y. Significance of Singlet Oxygen Molecule in Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032739. [PMID: 36769060 PMCID: PMC9917472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species, including singlet oxygen, play an important role in the onset and progression of disease, as well as in aging. Singlet oxygen can be formed non-enzymatically by chemical, photochemical, and electron transfer reactions, or as a byproduct of endogenous enzymatic reactions in phagocytosis during inflammation. The imbalance of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant networks with the generation of singlet oxygen increases oxidative stress, resulting in the undesirable oxidation and modification of biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA, and lipids. This review describes the molecular mechanisms of singlet oxygen production in vivo and methods for the evaluation of damage induced by singlet oxygen. The involvement of singlet oxygen in the pathogenesis of skin and eye diseases is also discussed from the biomolecular perspective. We also present our findings on lipid oxidation products derived from singlet oxygen-mediated oxidation in glaucoma, early diabetes patients, and a mouse model of bronchial asthma. Even in these diseases, oxidation products due to singlet oxygen have not been measured clinically. This review discusses their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis. Recent developments in singlet oxygen scavengers such as carotenoids, which can be utilized to prevent the onset and progression of disease, are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoshi Murotomi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| | - Aya Umeno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Mototada Shichiri
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ikeda 563-8577, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-72-751-8234
| | - Masaki Tanito
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
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Characterization and Evaluation of Rapamycin-Loaded Nano-Micelle Ophthalmic Solution. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14010049. [PMID: 36662096 PMCID: PMC9862165 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapamycin-loaded nano-micelle ophthalmic solution (RAPA-NM) offers a promising application for preventing corneal allograft rejection; however, RAPA-NM has not yet been fully characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and underlying mechanism of RAPA-NM in inhibiting corneal allograft rejection. An optimized RAPA-NM was successfully prepared using a polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol (PVCL-PVA-PEG) graft copolymer as the excipient at a PVCL-PVA-PEG/RAPA weight ratio of 18:1. This formulation exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (99.25 ± 0.55%), small micelle size (64.42 ± 1.18 nm), uniform size distribution (polydispersity index = 0.076 ± 0.016), and a zeta potential of 1.67 ± 0.93 mV. The storage stability test showed that RAPA-NM could be stored steadily for 12 weeks. RAPA-NM also displayed satisfactory cytocompatibility and high membrane permeability. Moreover, topical administration of RAPA-NM could effectively prevent corneal allograft rejection. Mechanistically, a transcriptomic analysis revealed that several immune- and inflammation-related Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were significantly enriched in the downregulated genes in the RAPA-NM-treated allografts compared with the rejected allogenic corneal grafts. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of RAPA-NM in treating corneal allograft rejection and other ocular inflammatory diseases.
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Pinelli R, Ferrucci M, Biagioni F, Bumah V, Scaffidi E, Puglisi-Allegra S, Fornai F. Curcumin as a Perspective Protection for Retinal Pigment Epithelium during Autophagy Inhibition in the Course of Retinal Degeneration. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2227-2232. [PMID: 37409546 PMCID: PMC10556393 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230705103839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Defective autophagy in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is involved in retinal degeneration, mostly in the course of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is an increasingly prevalent retinal disorder, eventually leading to blindness. However, most autophagy activators own serious adverse effects when administered systemically. Curcumin is a phytochemical, which induces autophagy with a wide dose-response curve, which brings minimal side effects. Recent studies indicating defective autophagy in AMD were analyzed. Accordingly, in this perspective, we discuss and provide some evidence about the protective effects of curcumin in preventing RPE cell damage induced by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Cells from human RPE were administered the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. The cell damage induced by 3-MA was assessed at light microscopy by hematoxylin & eosin, Fluoro Jade-B, and ZO1 immunohistochemistry along with electron microscopy. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA produces cell loss and cell degeneration of RPE cells. These effects are counteracted dose-dependently by curcumin. In line with the hypothesis that the autophagy machinery is key in sustaining the integrity of the RPE, here we provide evidence that the powerful autophagy inhibitor 3-MA produces dose-dependently cell loss and cell degeneration in cultured RPE cells, while inhibiting autophagy as shown by LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and gold-standard assessment of autophagy through LC3-positive autophagy vacuoles. These effects are prevented dose-dependently by curcumin, which activates autophagy. These data shed the perspective of validating the role of phytochemicals as safe autophagy activators to treat AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pinelli
- SERI, Switzerland Eye Research Institute, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Michela Ferrucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Violet Bumah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Tennessee, St. Martin, TN, USA
| | - Elena Scaffidi
- SERI, Switzerland Eye Research Institute, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
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Park C, Cha HJ, Kim MY, Bang E, Moon SK, Yun SJ, Kim WJ, Noh JS, Kim GY, Cho S, Lee H, Choi YH. Phloroglucinol Attenuates DNA Damage and Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium ARPE-19 Cells by Blocking the Production of Mitochondrial ROS. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122353. [PMID: 36552561 PMCID: PMC9774705 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phloroglucinol, a phenolic compound, is known to possess a potent antioxidant ability. However, its role in retinal cells susceptible to oxidative stress has not been well elucidated yet. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether phloroglucinol could protect against oxidative damage in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium ARPE-19 cells. For this purpose, ARPE-19 cells were stimula ted with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mimic oxidative stress. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial function, DNA damage, and autophagy were then assessed. Our results revealed that phloroglucinol ameliorated cell viability, cytotoxicity, and DNA damage in H2O2-exposued ARPE-19 cells and blocked production of ROS. Phloroglucinol also counteracted H2O2-induced apoptosis by reducing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, blocking activation of caspase-3, and inhibiting degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. H2O2 caused mitochondrial impairment and increased expression levels of mitophagy markers such as PINK1and PARKIN known to be associated with mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) generation and cytosolic release of cytochrome c. However, these changes were significantly attenuated by phloroglucinol. Mito-TEMPO, a selective mitochondrial antioxidant, further enhanced the protective effect of phloroglucinol against dysfunctional mitochondria. Furthermore, H2O2 induced autophagy, but not when ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with phloroglucinol, meaning that autophagy by H2O2 contributed to the pro-survival mechanism and that phloroglucinol protected ARPE-19 cells from apoptosis by blocking autophagy. Taken together, these results suggest that phloroglucinol can inhibit oxidative stress-induced ARPE-19 cell damage and dysfunction by protecting DNA damage, autophagy, and subsequent apoptosis through mitigation of mtROS generation. Thus, phloroglucinol might have therapeutic potential to prevent oxidative stress-mediated damage in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheol Park
- Division of Basic Sciences, College of Liberal Studies, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Yeong Kim
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - EunJin Bang
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Kwon Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, Ansung 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Joong Yun
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Sook Noh
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, Tongmyong University, Busan 48520, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Suengmok Cho
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Food Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-51-890-8129 (H.L.); +82-51-890-3319 (Y.H.C.)
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Anti-Aging Research Center, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47227, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-51-890-8129 (H.L.); +82-51-890-3319 (Y.H.C.)
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Zhou S, Zhu J, Zhou PK, Gu Y. Alveolar type 2 epithelial cell senescence and radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:999600. [PMID: 36407111 PMCID: PMC9666897 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.999600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a chronic and progressive respiratory tract disease characterized by collagen deposition. The pathogenesis of RIPF is still unclear. Type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2), the essential cells that maintain the structure and function of lung tissue, are crucial for developing pulmonary fibrosis. Recent studies indicate the critical role of AT2 cell senescence during the onset and progression of RIPF. In addition, clearance of senescent AT2 cells and treatment with senolytic drugs efficiently improve lung function and radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. These findings indicate that AT2 cell senescence has the potential to contribute significantly to the innovative treatment of fibrotic lung disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge from basic and clinical research about the mechanism and functions of AT2 cell senescence in RIPF and points to the prospects for clinical treatment by targeting senescent AT2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Zhou
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China,Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China,Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yongqing Gu, ; Ping-Kun Zhou,
| | - Yongqing Gu
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China,Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yongqing Gu, ; Ping-Kun Zhou,
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Heloterä H, Kaarniranta K. A Linkage between Angiogenesis and Inflammation in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213453. [PMID: 36359849 PMCID: PMC9654543 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the aging population with a limited understanding of its pathogenesis and the number of patients are all the time increasing. AMD is classified into two main forms: dry and neovascular AMD (nAMD). Dry AMD is the most prevalent form (80–90%) of AMD cases. Neovascular AMD (10–20% of AMD cases) is treated with monthly or more sparsely given intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, but unfortunately, not all patients respond to the current treatments. A clinical hallmark of nAMD is choroidal neovascularization. The progression of AMD is initially characterized by atrophic alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium, as well as the formation of lysosomal lipofuscin and extracellular drusen deposits. Cellular damage caused by chronic oxidative stress, protein aggregation and inflammatory processes may lead to advanced geographic atrophy and/or choroidal neovascularization and fibrosis. Currently, it is not fully known why different AMD phenotypes develop. In this review, we connect angiogenesis and inflammatory regulators in the development of nAMD and discuss therapy challenges and hopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Heloterä
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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Blasiak J, Sobczuk P, Pawlowska E, Kaarniranta K. Interplay between aging and other factors of the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101735. [PMID: 36113764 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex eye disease with the retina as the target tissue and aging as per definition the most serious risk factor. However, the retina contains over 60 kinds of cells that form different structures, including the neuroretina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) which can age at different rates. Other established or putative AMD risk factors can differentially affect the neuroretina and RPE and can differently interplay with aging of these structures. The occurrence of β-amyloid plaques and increased levels of cholesterol in AMD retinas suggest that AMD may be a syndrome of accelerated brain aging. Therefore, the question about the real meaning of age in AMD is justified. In this review we present and update information on how aging may interplay with some aspects of AMD pathogenesis, such as oxidative stress, amyloid beta formation, circadian rhythm, metabolic aging and cellular senescence. Also, we show how this interplay can be specific for photoreceptors, microglia cells and RPE cells as well as in Bruch's membrane and the choroid. Therefore, the process of aging may differentially affect different retinal structures. As an accurate quantification of biological aging is important for risk stratification and early intervention for age-related diseases, the determination how photoreceptors, microglial and RPE cells age in AMD may be helpful for a precise diagnosis and treatment of this largely untreatable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Piotr Sobczuk
- Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine Department, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-209 Lodz, Poland; Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Polish Mothers' Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Rzgowska 281, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pawlowska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, KYS, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 Finland
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60
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Nature-Inspired Hybrids (NIH) Improve Proteostasis by Activating Nrf2-Mediated Protective Pathways in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071385. [PMID: 35883876 PMCID: PMC9312215 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antioxidant systems play key roles in many elderly diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oxidative stress, autophagy impairment and inflammation are well-described in AMD, especially in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The master regulator of antioxidant defense Nrf2 has been linked to AMD, autophagy and inflammation. In this study, in human ARPE-19 cells, some nature-inspired hybrids (NIH1–3) previously shown to induce Nrf2-mediated protection against oxidative stress were further investigated for their potential against cellular stress caused by dysfunction of protein homeostasis. NIH1–3 compounds increased the expression of two Nrf2-target genes coding defense proteins, HO-1 and SQSTM1/p62, in turn exerting beneficial effects on intracellular redox balance without modification of the autophagy flux. NIH1–3 treatments predisposed ARPE-19 cells to a better response to following exposure to proteasome and autophagy inhibitors, as revealed by the increase in cell survival and decreased secretion of the pro-inflammatory IL-8 compared to NIH-untreated cells. Interestingly, NIH4 compound, through an Nrf2-independent pathway, also increased cell viability and decreased IL-8 secretion, although to a lesser extent than NIH1–3, suggesting that all NIHs are worthy of further investigation into their cytoprotective properties. This study confirms Nrf2 as a valuable pharmacological target in contexts characterized by oxidative stress, such as AMD.
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