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Carrero L, Antequera D, Municio C, Carro E. Circadian rhythm disruption and retinal dysfunction: a bidirectional link in Alzheimer's disease? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1967-1972. [PMID: 38227523 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction in circadian rhythms is a common occurrence in patients with Alzheimer's disease. A predominant function of the retina is circadian synchronization, carrying information to the brain through the retinohypothalamic tract, which projects to the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Notably, Alzheimer's disease hallmarks, including amyloid-β, are present in the retinas of Alzheimer's disease patients, followed/associated by structural and functional disturbances. However, the mechanistic link between circadian dysfunction and the pathological changes affecting the retina in Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, although some studies point to the possibility that retinal dysfunction could be considered an early pathological process that directly modulates the circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Carrero
- Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Autonoma de Madrid University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Desireé Antequera
- Neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease Unit, Functional Unit for Research into Chronic Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Municio
- Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Carro
- Neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease Unit, Functional Unit for Research into Chronic Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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Gaire BP, Koronyo Y, Fuchs DT, Shi H, Rentsendorj A, Danziger R, Vit JP, Mirzaei N, Doustar J, Sheyn J, Hampel H, Vergallo A, Davis MR, Jallow O, Baldacci F, Verdooner SR, Barron E, Mirzaei M, Gupta VK, Graham SL, Tayebi M, Carare RO, Sadun AA, Miller CA, Dumitrascu OM, Lahiri S, Gao L, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in the Retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 101:101273. [PMID: 38759947 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The retina is an emerging CNS target for potential noninvasive diagnosis and tracking of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have identified the pathological hallmarks of AD, including amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposits and abnormal tau protein isoforms, in the retinas of AD patients and animal models. Moreover, structural and functional vascular abnormalities such as reduced blood flow, vascular Aβ deposition, and blood-retinal barrier damage, along with inflammation and neurodegeneration, have been described in retinas of patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia. Histological, biochemical, and clinical studies have demonstrated that the nature and severity of AD pathologies in the retina and brain correspond. Proteomics analysis revealed a similar pattern of dysregulated proteins and biological pathways in the retina and brain of AD patients, with enhanced inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes, impaired oxidative-phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, investigational imaging technologies can now detect AD-specific amyloid deposits, as well as vasculopathy and neurodegeneration in the retina of living AD patients, suggesting alterations at different disease stages and links to brain pathology. Current and exploratory ophthalmic imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and hyperspectral imaging, may offer promise in the clinical assessment of AD. However, further research is needed to deepen our understanding of AD's impact on the retina and its progression. To advance this field, future studies require replication in larger and diverse cohorts with confirmed AD biomarkers and standardized retinal imaging techniques. This will validate potential retinal biomarkers for AD, aiding in early screening and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhakta Prasad Gaire
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Haoshen Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ron Danziger
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Vit
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonah Doustar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Miyah R Davis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ousman Jallow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Barron
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mourad Tayebi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Roxana O Carare
- Department of Clinical Neuroanatomy, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carol A Miller
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Shouri Lahiri
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Liang Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Joseph S, Haystead A, Robbins CB, Threlfall A, MacGillivray TJ, Stinnett S, Grewal DS, Fekrat S. Analysis of the Retinal and Choroidal Vasculature Using Ultrawidefield Fundus Imaging in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Normal Cognition. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100480. [PMID: 38827032 PMCID: PMC11141260 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2024.100480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To utilize ultrawidefield (UWF) imaging to evaluate retinal and choroidal vasculature and structure in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared with that of controls with normal cognition. Design Prospective cross sectional study. Participants One hundred thirty-one eyes of 82 MCI patients and 230 eyes of 133 cognitively normal participants from the Eye Multimodal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease Study. Methods A scanning laser ophthalmoscope (California, Optos Inc) was used to obtain UWF fundus color images. Images were analyzed with the Vasculature Assessment Platform for Images of the Retina UWF (VAMPIRE-UWF 2.0, Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee) software. Main outcome measures Imaging parameters included vessel width gradient, vessel width intercept, large vessel choroidal vascular density, vessel tortuosity, and vessel fractal dimension. Results Both retinal artery and vein width gradients were less negative in MCI patients compared with controls, demonstrating decreased rates of vessel thinning at the periphery (P < 0.001; P = 0.027). Retinal artery and vein width intercepts, a metric that extrapolates the width of the vessel at the center of the optic disc, were smaller in MCI patients compared with that of controls (P < 0.001; P = 0.017). The large vessel choroidal vascular density, which quantifies the vascular area versus the total choroidal area, was greater in MCI patients compared with controls (P = 0.025). Conclusions When compared with controls with normal cognition, MCI patients had thinner retinal vasculature manifested in both the retinal arteries and the veins. In MCI, these thinner arteries and veins attenuated at a lower rate when traveling toward the periphery. MCI patients also had increased choroidal vascular density. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Joseph
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Alice Haystead
- iMIND Research Group, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cason B. Robbins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Adam Threlfall
- Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Tom J. MacGillivray
- Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Stinnett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Dilraj S. Grewal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sharon Fekrat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Dumitrascu OM, Doustar J, Fuchs DT, Koronyo Y, Sherman DS, Miller MS, Johnson KO, Carare RO, Verdooner SR, Lyden PD, Schneider JA, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Retinal peri-arteriolar versus peri-venular amyloidosis, hippocampal atrophy, and cognitive impairment: exploratory trial. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:109. [PMID: 38943220 PMCID: PMC11212356 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between amyloidosis and vasculature in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis is increasingly acknowledged. We conducted a quantitative and topographic assessment of retinal perivascular amyloid plaque (AP) distribution in individuals with both normal and impaired cognition. Using a retrospective dataset of scanning laser ophthalmoscopy fluorescence images from twenty-eight subjects with varying cognitive states, we developed a novel image processing method to examine retinal peri-arteriolar and peri-venular curcumin-positive AP burden. We further correlated retinal perivascular amyloidosis with neuroimaging measures and neurocognitive scores. Our study unveiled that peri-arteriolar AP counts surpassed peri-venular counts throughout the entire cohort (P < 0.0001), irrespective of the primary, secondary, or tertiary vascular branch location, with a notable increase among cognitively impaired individuals. Moreover, secondary branch peri-venular AP count was elevated in the cognitively impaired (P < 0.01). Significantly, peri-venular AP count, particularly in secondary and tertiary venules, exhibited a strong correlation with clinical dementia rating, Montreal cognitive assessment score, hippocampal volume, and white matter hyperintensity count. In conclusion, our exploratory analysis detected greater peri-arteriolar versus peri-venular amyloidosis and a marked elevation of amyloid deposition in secondary branch peri-venular regions among cognitively impaired subjects. These findings underscore the potential feasibility of retinal perivascular amyloid imaging in predicting cognitive decline and AD progression. Larger longitudinal studies encompassing diverse populations and AD-biomarker confirmation are warranted to delineate the temporal-spatial dynamics of retinal perivascular amyloid deposition in cognitive impairment and the AD continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana M Dumitrascu
- Departments of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, AZ, 13400 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA.
| | - Jonah Doustar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Dale S Sherman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Michelle Shizu Miller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1415 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Kenneth O Johnson
- NeuroVision Imaging LLC, 1395 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA, 95833, USA
| | - Roxana O Carare
- Department of Clinical Neuroanatomy, University of Southampton, University Road Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | | | - Patrick D Lyden
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1501 San Pablo St, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Julie A Schneider
- Department of Pathology, Department of Neurological Sciences, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Rush Medical College, Rush University, 600 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
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Imenez Silva PH, Pepin M, Figurek A, Gutiérrez-Jiménez E, Bobot M, Iervolino A, Mattace-Raso F, Hoorn EJ, Bailey MA, Hénaut L, Nielsen R, Frische S, Trepiccione F, Hafez G, Altunkaynak HO, Endlich N, Unwin R, Capasso G, Pesic V, Massy Z, Wagner CA. Animal models to study cognitive impairment of chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F894-F916. [PMID: 38634137 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00338.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its prevalence increases with progressive loss of kidney function. MCI is characterized by a decline in cognitive performance greater than expected for an individual age and education level but with minimal impairment of instrumental activities of daily living. Deterioration can affect one or several cognitive domains (attention, memory, executive functions, language, and perceptual motor or social cognition). Given the increasing prevalence of kidney disease, more and more people with CKD will also develop MCI causing an enormous disease burden for these individuals, their relatives, and society. However, the underlying pathomechanisms are poorly understood, and current therapies mostly aim at supporting patients in their daily lives. This illustrates the urgent need to elucidate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets and test novel therapies in appropriate preclinical models. Here, we will outline the necessary criteria for experimental modeling of cognitive disorders in CKD. We discuss the use of mice, rats, and zebrafish as model systems and present valuable techniques through which kidney function and cognitive impairment can be assessed in this setting. Our objective is to enable researchers to overcome hurdles and accelerate preclinical research aimed at improving the therapy of people with CKD and MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H Imenez Silva
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Pepin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U-1018 Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Population, Équipe 5, Paris-Saclay University, Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, Villejuif, France
- Department of Geriatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ambroise Paré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Andreja Figurek
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eugenio Gutiérrez-Jiménez
- Center for Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mickaël Bobot
- Centre de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital de la Conception, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Marseille, and INSERM 1263, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique 1260, C2VN, Aix-Marseille Universitaire, Marseille, France
| | - Anna Iervolino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,' Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Mattace-Raso
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ewout J Hoorn
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew A Bailey
- Edinburgh Kidney, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lucie Hénaut
- UR UPJV 7517, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Rikke Nielsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Francesco Trepiccione
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,' Naples, Italy
| | - Gaye Hafez
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Altinbas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hande O Altunkaynak
- Department of Pharmacology, Gulhane Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicole Endlich
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robert Unwin
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovambattista Capasso
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,' Naples, Italy
- Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Vesna Pesic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ziad Massy
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, INSERM UMRS 1018, Clinical Epidemiology Team, University Paris-Saclay, University Versailles-Saint Quentin, Villejuif, France
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ambroise Paré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Carsten A Wagner
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kwapong WR, Tang F, Liu P, Zhang Z, Cao L, Feng Z, Yang S, Shu Y, Xu H, Lu Y, Zhao X, Chong B, Wu B, Liu M, Lei P, Zhang S. Choriocapillaris reduction accurately discriminates against early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:4185-4198. [PMID: 38747519 PMCID: PMC11180859 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study addresses the urgent need for non-invasive early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) prediction. Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), we present a choriocapillaris model sensitive to EOAD, correlating with serum biomarkers. METHODS Eighty-four EOAD patients and 73 controls were assigned to swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA) or the spectral domain OCTA (SD-OCTA) cohorts. Our hypothesis on choriocapillaris predictive potential in EOAD was tested and validated in these two cohorts. RESULTS Both cohorts revealed diminished choriocapillaris signals, demonstrating the highest discriminatory capability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: SS-OCTA 0.913, SD-OCTA 0.991; P < 0.001). A sparser SS-OCTA choriocapillaris correlated with increased serum amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ42/40, and phosphorylated tau (p-tau)181 levels (all P < 0.05). Apolipoprotein E status did not affect choriocapillaris measurement. DISCUSSION The choriocapillaris, observed in both cohorts, proves sensitive to EOAD diagnosis, and correlates with serum Aβ and p-tau181 levels, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for identifying and tracking microvascular changes in EOAD. HIGHLIGHTS Optical coherence tomography angiography may be applied for non-invasive screening of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Choriocapillaris demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for early-onset AD diagnosis. Microvascular dynamics abnormalities are associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of EmergencyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Zijuan Feng
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Shiyun Yang
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Yang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Xinjun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Baochen Chong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
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7
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Zhang Z, Kwapong WR, Cao L, Feng Z, Liu P, Wang R, Wu B, Zhang S. Correlation between serum biomarkers, brain volume, and retinal neuronal loss in early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2615-2623. [PMID: 38216851 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07256-z] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness measurement in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) and controls using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). We also assessed the relationship between SD-OCT measurements and cognitive measures, serum biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cerebral microstructural volume. METHODS pRNFL, RNFL, and GCC thicknesses were measured in 43 EOAD and 42 controls using SD-OCT. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive status, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tool was used to quantify cerebral microstructural volume, and serum biomarkers were quantified from peripheral blood. RESULTS EOAD patients had thinner pRNFL (P < 0.001), RNFL (P = 0.008), and GCC (P = 0.018) thicknesses compared to controls after adjusting for multiple factors. pRNFL thickness correlated (P = 0.016) with serum t-tau level. Serum Aβ42 (P < 0.05) concentration correlated with RNFL thickness. Importantly, occipital lobe volume (P = 0.010) correlated with GCC thicknesses in EOAD patients. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that retinal thickness may be useful markers for assessing neurodegenerative process in EOAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - William Robert Kwapong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Emergency, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Berkowitz BA, Paruchuri A, Stanek J, Abdul-Nabi M, Podolsky RH, Bustos AH, Childers KL, Murphy GG, Stangis K, Roberts R. Biomarker evidence of early vision and rod energy-linked pathophysiology benefits from very low dose DMSO in 5xFAD mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:85. [PMID: 38822433 PMCID: PMC11140992 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01799-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we test whether early visual and OCT rod energy-linked biomarkers indicating pathophysiology in nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (Nnt)-null 5xFAD mice also occur in Nnt-intact 5xFAD mice and whether these biomarkers can be pharmacologically treated. Four-month-old wild-type or 5xFAD C57BL/6 substrains with either a null (B6J) Nnt or intact Nnt gene (B6NTac) and 5xFAD B6J mice treated for one month with either R-carvedilol + vehicle or only vehicle (0.01% DMSO) were studied. The contrast sensitivity (CS), external limiting membrane-retinal pigment epithelium (ELM-RPE) thickness (a proxy for low pH-triggered water removal), profile shape of the hyperreflective band just posterior to the ELM (i.e., the mitochondrial configuration within photoreceptors per aspect ratio [MCP/AR]), and retinal laminar thickness were measured. Both wild-type substrains showed similar visual performance indices and dark-evoked ELM-RPE contraction. The lack of a light-dark change in B6NTac MCP/AR, unlike in B6J mice, is consistent with relatively greater mitochondrial efficiency. 5xFAD B6J mice, but not 5xFAD B6NTac mice, showed lower-than-WT CS. Light-adapted 5xFAD substrains both showed abnormal ELM-RPE contraction and greater-than-WT MCP/AR contraction. The inner retina and superior outer retina were thinner. Treating 5xFAD B6J mice with R-carvedilol + DMSO or DMSO alone corrected CS and ELM-RPE contraction but not supernormal MCP/AR contraction or laminar thinning. These results provide biomarker evidence for prodromal photoreceptor mitochondrial dysfunction/oxidative stress/oxidative damage, which is unrelated to visual performance, as well as the presence of the Nnt gene. This pathophysiology is druggable in 5xFAD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Anuhya Paruchuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Josh Stanek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mura Abdul-Nabi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Robert H Podolsky
- Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's National Hospital, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Geoffrey G Murphy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Molecular Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katherine Stangis
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robin Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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9
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Barolo L, Gigante Y, Mautone L, Ghirga S, Soloperto A, Giorgi A, Ghirga F, Pitea M, Incocciati A, Mura F, Ruocco G, Boffi A, Baiocco P, Di Angelantonio S. Ferritin nanocage-enabled detection of pathological tau in living human retinal cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11533. [PMID: 38773170 PMCID: PMC11109090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62188-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease and Frontotemporal Dementia, are debilitating neurodegenerative disorders marked by cognitive decline. Despite extensive research, achieving effective treatments and significant symptom management remains challenging. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies, with hyperphosphorylated protein units and tau oligomers serving as reliable biomarkers for these conditions. This study introduces a novel approach using nanotechnology to enhance the diagnostic process for tauopathies. We developed humanized ferritin nanocages, a novel nanoscale delivery system, designed to encapsulate and transport a tau-specific fluorophore, BT1, into human retinal cells for detecting neurofibrillary tangles in retinal tissue, a key marker of tauopathies. The delivery of BT1 into living cells was successfully achieved through these nanocages, demonstrating efficient encapsulation and delivery into retinal cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Our experiments confirmed the colocalization of BT1 with pathological forms of tau in living retinal cells, highlighting the method's potential in identifying tauopathies. Using ferritin nanocages for BT1 delivery represents a significant contribution to nanobiotechnology, particularly in neurodegenerative disease diagnostics. This method offers a promising tool for the early detection of tau tangles in retinal tissue, with significant implications for improving the diagnosis and management of tauopathies. This study exemplifies the integration of nanotechnology with biomedical science, expanding the frontiers of nanomedicine and diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Barolo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ylenia Gigante
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Mautone
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soloperto
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Pitea
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Incocciati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Mura
- Research Center on Nanotechnologies Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Baiocco
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Center for Life Nano- and Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- D-Tails Srl BC, 00165, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Yuan Y, Dong M, Wen S, Yuan X, Zhou L. Retinal microcirculation: A window into systemic circulation and metabolic disease. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109885. [PMID: 38574944 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109885] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The retinal microcirculation system constitutes a unique terminal vessel bed of the systemic circulation, and its perfusion status is directly associated with the neural function of the retina. This vascular network, essential for nourishing various layers of the retina, comprises two primary microcirculation systems: the retinal microcirculation and the choroidal microcirculation, with each system supplying blood to distinct retinal layers and maintaining the associated neural function. The blood flow of those capillaries is regulated via different mechanisms. However, a range of internal and external factors can disrupt the normal architecture and blood flow within the retinal microcirculation, leading to several retinal pathologies, including diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and vascular occlusions. Metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are known to modify retinal microcirculation through various pathways. These alterations are observable in chronic metabolic conditions like diabetes, coronary artery disease, and cerebral microvascular disease due to advances in non-invasive or minimally invasive retinal imaging techniques. Thus, examination of the retinal microcirculation can provide insights into the progression of numerous chronic metabolic disorders. This review discusses the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the retinal microvascular system, with a particular emphasis on the connections between retinal microcirculation and systemic circulation in both healthy states and in the context of prevalent chronic metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201399, China.
| | - Meiyuan Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201399, China; Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Song Wen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201399, China.
| | - Xinlu Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201399, China.
| | - Ligang Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201399, China; Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions Regulation and Remodeling, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Owsley C, McGwin G, Swain TA, Clark ME, Thomas TN, Goerdt L, Sloan KR, Trittschuh EH, Jiang Y, Owen JP, Lee CS, Curcio CA. Outer Retinal Thickness Is Associated With Cognitive Function in Normal Aging to Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:16. [PMID: 38717425 PMCID: PMC11090140 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and precursor states demonstrates a thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) compared to age-similar controls. Because AD and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) both impact older adults and share risk factors, we asked if retinal layer thicknesses, including NFL, are associated with cognition in AMD. Methods Adults ≥ 70 years with normal retinal aging, early AMD, or intermediate AMD per Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) nine-step grading of color fundus photography were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) volumes underwent 11-line segmentation and adjustments by a trained operator. Evaluated thicknesses reflect the vertical organization of retinal neurons and two vascular watersheds: NFL, ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer complex (GCL-IPL), inner retina, outer retina (including retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch's membrane), and total retina. Thicknesses were area weighted to achieve mean thickness across the 6-mm-diameter Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid. Cognitive status was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Toolbox cognitive battery for fluid and crystallized cognition. Correlations estimated associations between cognition and thicknesses, adjusting for age. Results Based on 63 subjects (21 per group), thinning of the outer retina was significantly correlated with lower cognition scores (P < 0.05). No other retinal thickness variables were associated with cognition. Conclusions Only the outer retina (photoreceptors, supporting glia, retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch's membrane) is associated with cognition in aging to intermediate AMD; NFL was not associated with cognition, contrary to AD-associated condition reports. Early and intermediate AMD constitute a retinal disease whose earliest, primary impact is in the outer retina. Our findings hint at a unique impact on the brain from the outer retina in persons with AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Thomas A. Swain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Mark E. Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Tracy N. Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Lukas Goerdt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kenneth R. Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Emily H. Trittschuh
- VA Puget Sound Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- The Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Julia P. Owen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- The Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Cecilia S. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- The Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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12
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Zhang C, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Liu R, Dong Y, Shi Z, Sun Y, Ge Z, Liang Y, Zhang J, Du Y, Qiu C. Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Macular Thickness and Volume in Older Adults: A Population-Based Optical Coherence Tomography Study. Metab Syndr Relat Disord 2024; 22:141-150. [PMID: 38237159 DOI: 10.1089/met.2023.0098] [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] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: To explore the associations of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and individual components with macular thickness and volume among rural-dwelling Chinese older adults. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 705 participants (age ≥60 years) derived from the MIND-China study. In 2018-2019, we collected data through face-to-face interview, clinical examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination, and blood test. We measured macular thickness and volume using spectral-domain OCT. MetS was defined following the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, the IDF/American Heart Association (AHA) criteria, the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) criteria. Data were analyzed with multivariable general linear models. Results: MetS was significantly associated with thinner macula in central (multivariable-adjusted β = -5.29; 95% confidence interval: -9.31 to -1.26), parafoveal (-2.85; -5.73 to 0.04) and perifoveal regions (-4.37; -6.79 to -1.95) when using the IDF criteria, in the perifoveal regions (-3.82; -6.18 to -1.47) when using the IDF/AHA criteria, and in the central region (-5.63; -10.25 to -1.02) when using the CDS criteria, and with reduced macular volume when using the IDF (-0.16; -0.26 to -0.07) and IDF/AHA (-0.13; -0.22 to -0.04) criteria. In the parafoveal region, the IDF-defined MetS was significantly associated with thinner retina in men (β = -6.25; -10.94 to -1.56) but not in women. Abdominal obesity (-2.83; -5.41 to -0.25) and elevated fasting blood glucose (-2.65; -5.08 to -0.21) were associated with thinner macular thickness in the perifoveal region. Conclusion: MetS is associated with macular thinning and reduced macular volume among rural-dwelling older adults, and the associations vary by the defining criteria of MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuoyu Shi
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhengwei Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yajun Liang
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center and Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet-Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifeng Du
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengxuan Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center and Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet-Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Dumitrascu OM, Doustar J, Fuchs DT, Koronyo Y, Sherman DS, Miller MS, Johnson KO, Carare RO, Verdooner SR, Lyden PD, Schneider JA, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Distinctive retinal peri-arteriolar versus peri-venular amyloid plaque distribution correlates with the cognitive performance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.27.580733. [PMID: 38464292 PMCID: PMC10925252 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.27.580733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The vascular contribution to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is tightly connected to cognitive performance across the AD continuum. We topographically describe retinal perivascular amyloid plaque (AP) burden in subjects with normal or impaired cognition. Methods Using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, we quantified retinal peri-arteriolar and peri-venular curcumin-positive APs in the first, secondary and tertiary branches in twenty-eight subjects. Perivascular AP burden among cognitive states was correlated with neuroimaging and cognitive measures. Results Peri-arteriolar exceeded peri-venular AP count (p<0.0001). Secondary branch AP count was significantly higher in cognitively impaired (p<0.01). Secondary small and tertiary peri-venular AP count strongly correlated with clinical dementia rating, hippocampal volumes, and white matter hyperintensity count. Discussion Our topographic analysis indicates greater retinal amyloid accumulation in the retinal peri-arteriolar regions overall, and distal peri-venular regions in cognitively impaired individuals. Larger longitudinal studies are warranted to understand the temporal-spatial relationship between vascular dysfunction and perivascular amyloid deposition in AD. Highlights Retinal peri-arteriolar region exhibits more amyloid compared with peri-venular regions.Secondary retinal vascular branches have significantly higher perivascular amyloid burden in subjects with impaired cognition, consistent across sexes.Cognitively impaired individuals have significantly greater retinal peri-venular amyloid deposits in the distal small branches, that correlate with CDR and hippocampal volumes.
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Xie J, Yi Q, Wu Y, Zheng Y, Liu Y, Macerollo A, Fu H, Xu Y, Zhang J, Behera A, Fan C, Frangi AF, Liu J, Lu Q, Qi H, Zhao Y. Deep segmentation of OCTA for evaluation and association of changes of retinal microvasculature with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:432-439. [PMID: 36596660 PMCID: PMC10894818 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) enables fast and non-invasive high-resolution imaging of retinal microvasculature and is suggested as a potential tool in the early detection of retinal microvascular changes in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We developed a standardised OCTA analysis framework and compared their extracted parameters among controls and AD/mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a cross-section study. METHODS We defined and extracted geometrical parameters of retinal microvasculature at different retinal layers and in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) from segmented OCTA images obtained using well-validated state-of-the-art deep learning models. We studied these parameters in 158 subjects (62 healthy control, 55 AD and 41 MCI) using logistic regression to determine their potential in predicting the status of our subjects. RESULTS In the AD group, there was a significant decrease in vessel area and length densities in the inner vascular complexes (IVC) compared with controls. The number of vascular bifurcations in AD is also significantly lower than that of healthy people. The MCI group demonstrated a decrease in vascular area, length densities, vascular fractal dimension and the number of bifurcations in both the superficial vascular complexes (SVC) and the IVC compared with controls. A larger vascular tortuosity in the IVC, and a larger roundness of FAZ in the SVC, can also be observed in MCI compared with controls. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the applicability of OCTA for the diagnosis of AD and MCI, and provides a standard tool for future clinical service and research. Biomarkers from retinal OCTA images can provide useful information for clinical decision-making and diagnosis of AD and MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyang Xie
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Quanyong Yi
- Ningbo Eye Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yufei Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yalin Zheng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yonghuai Liu
- Department of Computer Science, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Antonella Macerollo
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Huazhu Fu
- Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Yanwu Xu
- Intelligent Healthcare Unit, Baidu Inc, Beijing, Haidian, China
| | - Jiong Zhang
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ardhendu Behera
- Department of Computer Science, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Chenlei Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinkang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Qi
- Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Yitian Zhao
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Zhang C, Zheng K, Li C, Zhang R, Zhu Y, Xia L, Ma Y, Wyss HM, Cheng X, He S. Single-Molecule Protein Analysis by Centrifugal Droplet Immuno-PCR with Magnetic Nanoparticles. Anal Chem 2024; 96:1872-1879. [PMID: 38225884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Detecting proteins in ultralow concentrations in complex media is important for many applications but often relies on complicated techniques. Herein, a single-molecule protein analyzer with the potential for high-throughput applications is reported. Gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles with DNA-labeled antibodies were used for target recognition and separation. The immunocomplex was loaded into microdroplets generated with centrifugation. Immuno-PCR amplification of the DNA enabled the quantification of proteins at the level of single molecules. As an example, ultrasensitive detection of α-synuclein, a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases, is achieved. The limit of detection was determined to be ∼50 aM in buffer and ∼170 aM in serum. The method exhibited high specificity and could be used to analyze post-translational modifications such as protein phosphorylation. This study will inspire wider studies on single-molecule protein detection, especially in disease diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Kaixin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Chi Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600MB, The Netherlands
| | - Ranran Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yicheng Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Linxiao Xia
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yicheng Ma
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Hans M Wyss
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Microsystems Research Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600MB, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaoyu Cheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Ningbo Research Institute, Ningbo 310050, China
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Sailing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Optical Instruments, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Ningbo Research Institute, Ningbo 310050, China
- ZJU-TU/e Joint Research Institute of Design, Optoelectronic and Sensing, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Department of Electromagnetic Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm S-100 44, Sweden
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Kelly L, Brown C, Michalik D, Hawkes CA, Aldea R, Agarwal N, Salib R, Alzetani A, Ethell DW, Counts SE, de Leon M, Fossati S, Koronyo‐Hamaoui M, Piazza F, Rich SA, Wolters FJ, Snyder H, Ismail O, Elahi F, Proulx ST, Verma A, Wunderlich H, Haack M, Dodart JC, Mazer N, Carare RO. Clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and CSF (CLIC) group-part of Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA), updates in 2022-2023. Cerebrovascular disease and the failure of elimination of Amyloid-β from the brain and retina with age and Alzheimer's disease: Opportunities for therapy. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1421-1435. [PMID: 37897797 PMCID: PMC10917045 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
This editorial summarizes advances from the Clearance of Interstitial Fluid and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CLIC) group, within the Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA) of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART). The overarching objectives of the CLIC group are to: (1) understand the age-related physiology changes that underlie impaired clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (CLIC); (2) understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) in the brain; (3) establish novel diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), retinal amyloid vasculopathy, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) of spontaneous and iatrogenic CAA-related inflammation (CAA-ri), and vasomotion; and (4) establish novel therapies that facilitate IPAD to eliminate amyloid β (Aβ) from the aging brain and retina, to prevent or reduce AD and CAA pathology and ARIA side events associated with AD immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Kelly
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonHampshireUK
| | | | - Daniel Michalik
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonHampshireUK
| | | | - Roxana Aldea
- Roche Pharma Research & Early DevelopmentRoche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Nivedita Agarwal
- Neuroradiology sectionScientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio MedeaBosisio Parini, LCItaly
| | - Rami Salib
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonHampshireUK
| | - Aiman Alzetani
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonHampshireUK
| | | | - Scott E. Counts
- Dept. Translational NeuroscienceDept. Family MedicineMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Mony de Leon
- Brain Health Imaging InstituteDepartment of RadiologyWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Maya Koronyo‐Hamaoui
- Departments of NeurosurgeryNeurology, and Biomedical SciencesMaxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Heather Snyder
- Alzheimer's AssociationMedical & Scientific RelationsChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Ozama Ismail
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Fanny Elahi
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Ajay Verma
- Formation Venture Engineering FoundryTopsfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Roxana O. Carare
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonHampshireUK
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Joseph S, Robbins CB, Haystead A, Hemesath A, Allen A, Kundu A, Ma JP, Scott BL, Moore KPL, Agrawal R, Gunasan V, Stinnett SS, Grewal DS, Fekrat S. Characterizing differences in retinal and choroidal microvasculature and structure in individuals with Huntington's Disease compared to healthy controls: A cross-sectional prospective study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296742. [PMID: 38289919 PMCID: PMC10826956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize retinal and choroidal microvascular and structural changes in patients who are gene positive for mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt) with symptoms of Huntington's Disease (HD). METHODS This study is a cross-sectional comparison of patients who are gene positive for mHtt and exhibit symptoms of HD, either motor manifest or prodromal (HD group), and cognitively normal individuals without a family history of HD (control group). HD patients were diagnosed by Duke movement disorder neurologists based on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). Fovea and optic nerve centered OCT and OCTA images were captured using Zeiss Cirrus HD-5000 with AngioPlex. Outcome metrics included central subfield thickness (CST), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) on OCT, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD), capillary perfusion density (CPD), and capillary flux index (CFI) on OCTA. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to account for inter-eye correlation. RESULTS Forty-four eyes of 23 patients in the HD group and 77 eyes of 39 patients in the control group were analyzed. Average GCIPL thickness and FAZ area were decreased in the HD group compared to controls (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). No other imaging metrics were significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients in the HD group had decreased GCIPL thickness and smaller FAZ area, highlighting the potential use of retinal biomarkers in detecting neurodegenerative changes in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Joseph
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Cason B. Robbins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Alice Haystead
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Angela Hemesath
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Ariana Allen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Anita Kundu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Justin P. Ma
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Burton L. Scott
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Kathryn P. L. Moore
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vithiya Gunasan
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sandra S. Stinnett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Dilraj S. Grewal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Sharon Fekrat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
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18
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Etebar F, Harkin DG, White AR, Dando SJ. Non-invasive in vivo imaging of brain and retinal microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1355557. [PMID: 38348116 PMCID: PMC10859418 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1355557] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia play crucial roles in immune responses and contribute to fundamental biological processes within the central nervous system (CNS). In neurodegenerative diseases, microglia undergo functional changes and can have both protective and pathogenic roles. Microglia in the retina, as an extension of the CNS, have also been shown to be affected in many neurological diseases. While our understanding of how microglia contribute to pathological conditions is incomplete, non-invasive in vivo imaging of brain and retinal microglia in living subjects could provide valuable insights into their role in the neurodegenerative diseases and open new avenues for diagnostic biomarkers. This mini-review provides an overview of the current brain and retinal imaging tools for studying microglia in vivo. We focus on microglia targets, the advantages and limitations of in vivo microglia imaging approaches, and applications for evaluating the pathogenesis of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazeleh Etebar
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Damien G. Harkin
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony R. White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J. Dando
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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19
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Alber J, Bouwman F, den Haan J, Rissman RA, De Groef L, Koronyo‐Hamaoui M, Lengyel I, Thal DR. Retina pathology as a target for biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: Current status, ophthalmopathological background, challenges, and future directions. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:728-740. [PMID: 37917365 PMCID: PMC10917008 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and tau-related lesions in the retina are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ and hyperphosphorylated (p)-tau deposits have been described in the retina and were associated with small amyloid spots visualized by in vivo imaging techniques as well as degeneration of the retina. These changes correlate with brain amyloid deposition as determined by histological quantification, positron emission tomography (PET) or clinical diagnosis of AD. However, the literature is not coherent on these histopathological and in vivo imaging findings. One important reason for this is the variability in the methods and the interpretation of findings across different studies. In this perspective, we indicate the critical methodological deviations among different groups and suggest a roadmap moving forward on how to harmonize (i) histopathologic examination of retinal tissue; (ii) in vivo imaging among different methods, devices, and interpretation algorithms; and (iii) inclusion/exclusion criteria for studies aiming at retinal biomarker validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Alber
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Rhode IslandKingstonRhode IslandUSA
- Butler Hospital Memory & Aging ProgramProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Femke Bouwman
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmcAlzheimer Center, Department of NeurologyAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jurre den Haan
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmcAlzheimer Center, Department of NeurologyAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research InstituteKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lies De Groef
- Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of BiologyLeuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Maya Koronyo‐Hamaoui
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Biomedical SciencesMaxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Imre Lengyel
- The Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical ScienceQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of NeuropathologyDepartment of Imaging and Pathology, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of PathologyUZ LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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20
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Joseph S, Robbins CB, Allen A, Haystead A, Hemesath A, Kundu A, Ma JP, Johnson KG, Agrawal R, Gunasan V, Stinnett SS, Grewal DS, Fekrat S. Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature and Structure in Dementia With Lewy Bodies Compared With Normal Cognition. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2024; 8:67-74. [PMID: 38223776 PMCID: PMC10786081 DOI: 10.1177/24741264231206607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvasculature and structure in individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) compared with controls with normal cognition using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Methods: An institutional review board-approved cross-sectional comparison of patients with DLB and cognitively normal controls was performed. The Cirrus HD-OCT 5000 with AngioPlex (Carl Zeiss Meditec) was used to obtain OCT and OCTA images. Results: Thirty-four eyes of 18 patients with DLB and 85 eyes of 48 cognitively normal patients were analyzed. The average capillary perfusion density (CPD) was higher in the DLB group than in the control group (P = .005). The average capillary flux index (CFI) and ganglion cell inner-plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness were lower in the DLB group than in the control group (P = .016 and P = .040, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with DLB had an increased peripapillary CPD, decreased peripapillary CFI, and attenuated GC-IPL thickness compared with those with normal cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Joseph
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cason B. Robbins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ariana Allen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Angela Hemesath
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anita Kundu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Kim G. Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vithiya Gunasan
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sandra S. Stinnett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dilraj S. Grewal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sharon Fekrat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Walkiewicz G, Ronisz A, Van Ginderdeuren R, Lemmens S, Bouwman FH, Hoozemans JJM, Morrema THJ, Rozemuller AJ, Hart de Ruyter FJ, De Groef L, Stalmans I, Thal DR. Primary retinal tauopathy: A tauopathy with a distinct molecular pattern. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:330-340. [PMID: 37615275 PMCID: PMC10916964 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), can also be found in the retina. However, it is uncertain whether it is linked to AD or another tauopathy. METHODS Retinas from 164 individuals, with and without AD, were analyzed for p-tau accumulation and its relationship with age, dementia, and vision impairment. RESULTS Retinal p-tau pathology showed a consistent pattern with four stages and a molecular composition distinct from that of cerebral tauopathies. The stage of retinal p-tau pathology correlated with age (r = 0.176, P = 0.024) and was associated with AD (odds ratio [OR] 3.193; P = 0.001), and inflammation (OR = 2.605; P = 0.001). Vision impairment was associated with underlying eye diseases (β = 0.292; P = 0.001) and the stage of retinal p-tau pathology (β = 0.192; P = 0.030) in a linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS The results show the presence of a primary retinal tauopathy that is distinct from cerebral tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Walkiewicz
- Laboratory of NeuropathologyDepartment of Imaging and PathologyLeuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Alicja Ronisz
- Laboratory of NeuropathologyDepartment of Imaging and PathologyLeuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Rita Van Ginderdeuren
- Department of PathologyUZ LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of OphthalmologyUZ LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | | | | | | | - Tjado H. J. Morrema
- Amsterdam UMCDepartment of PathologyAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | | | - Frederique J. Hart de Ruyter
- Amsterdam UMCAlzheimer CenterNeurologyAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMCDepartment of PathologyAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Lies De Groef
- Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration Research GroupDepartment of BiologyLeuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Department of OphthalmologyUZ LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Research Group OphthalmologyDepartment of NeuroscienceLeuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of NeuropathologyDepartment of Imaging and PathologyLeuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of PathologyUZ LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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22
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Kwapong WR, Cao L, Pan R, Wang H, Ye C, Tao W, Liu J, Wu B. Retinal microvascular and structural changes in intracranial hypertension patients correlate with intracranial pressure. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4093-4101. [PMID: 37287365 PMCID: PMC10651994 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to evaluate the retinal microvascular and structural changes in intracranial hypertension (IH) patients compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. We also investigated the association between clinical parameters and retinal changes in IH patients. METHODS Intracranial hypertension patients were divided into eyes with papilledema (IH-P) and eyes without papilledema (IH-WP). IH patients underwent lumbar puncture to measure intracranial pressure (ICP); visual acuity was performed using the Snellen chart. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image and measure the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) while OCT angiography was used to image and measure the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC). RESULTS Intracranial hypertension patients showed reduced microvascular densities and thinner retinal thicknesses compared with the control group (all p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, IH-P showed reduced microvascular densities and thinner retinal thicknesses (all p < 0.001). IH-P showed reduced SVC density and thinner retinal thicknesses when compared with IH-WP (p = 0.008 for SVC, p = 0.025 for RNFL, and p = 0.018 for GCIPL). ICP correlated with the microvascular densities and GCIPL thickness in IH patients (p = 0.025 for GCIPL, p = 0.004 for SVC, and p = 0.002 for DVC). A significant association of ICP with SVC (p = 0.010) and DVC (p = 0.005) densities were also found in IH-P. CONCLUSIONS Given the observed differences in these noninvasive retinal imaging markers, further research into their clinical utility in IH is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ruosu Pan
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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23
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Shen L, Tang X, Zhang H, Zhuang H, Lin J, Zhao Y, Liu X. Targeted Metabolomic Analysis of the Eye Tissue of Triple Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mice at an Early Pathological Stage. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:7309-7328. [PMID: 37553545 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03533-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease in older people. Despite some consensus on pathogenesis of AD established by previous researches, further elucidation is still required for better understanding. This study analyzed the eye tissues of 2- and 6-month-old triple transgenic AD (3 × Tg-AD) male mice and age-sex-matched wild-type (WT) mice using a targeted metabolomics approach. Compared with WT mice, 20 and 44 differential metabolites were identified in 2- and 6-month-old AD mice, respectively. They were associated with purine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, lysine degradation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and pyrimidine metabolism pathways. Among them, 8 metabolites presented differences in both the two groups, and 5 of them showed constant trend of change. The results indicated that the eye tissues of 3 × Tg-AD mice underwent changes in the early stages of the disease, with changes in metabolites observed at 2 months of age and more pronounced at 6 months of age, which is consistent with our previous studies on hippocampal targeted metabolomics in 3 × Tg-AD mice. Therefore, a joint analysis of data from this study and previous hippocampal study was performed, and the differential metabolites and their associated mechanisms were similar in eye and hippocampal tissues, but with tissue specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan Ave 1688, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine, Biotechnology, and Ecology, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan Ave 1688, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajie Zhang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan Ave 1688, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Zhuang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan Ave 1688, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan Ave 1688, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan Ave 1688, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xukun Liu
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan Ave 1688, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China.
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Banbury C, Harris G, Clancy M, Blanch RJ, Rickard JJS, Goldberg Oppenheimer P. Window into the mind: Advanced handheld spectroscopic eye-safe technology for point-of-care neurodiagnostic. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg5431. [PMID: 37967190 PMCID: PMC10651125 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg5431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is hard to diagnose at the point of care with patients often exhibiting no clinical symptoms. There is an urgent need for rapid point-of-care diagnostics to enable timely intervention. We have developed a technology for rapid acquisition of molecular fingerprints of TBI biochemistry to safely measure proxies for cerebral injury through the eye, providing a path toward noninvasive point-of-care neurodiagnostics using simultaneous Raman spectroscopy and fundus imaging of the neuroretina. Detection of endogenous neuromarkers in porcine eyes' posterior revealed enhancement of high-wave number bands, clearly distinguishing TBI and healthy cohorts, classified via artificial neural network algorithm for automated data interpretation. Clinically, translating into reduced specialist support, this markedly improves the speed of diagnosis. Designed as a hand-held cost-effective technology, it can allow clinicians to rapidly assess TBI at the point of care and identify long-term changes in brain biochemistry in acute or chronic neurodiseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Banbury
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Georgia Harris
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Michael Clancy
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, Westminster, London, UK
| | - Richard J. Blanch
- Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Robert Aiken Institute for Clinical Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UHB NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK
| | | | - Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, Institute of Translational Medicine, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
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Wang R, Wu X, Zhang Z, Cao L, Kwapong WR, Wang H, Tao W, Ye C, Liu J, Wu B. Retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, white matter hyperintensities, and their interaction with cognition in older adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1240815. [PMID: 38035269 PMCID: PMC10685347 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1240815] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We explored the interaction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and white matter hyperintensities with cognitive measures in our older adult cohort. Methods This observational study enrolled participants who underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, structural 3-T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), visual acuity examination, and OCT imaging. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers were read on MR images; lacune, cerebral microbleeds (CMB), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), were defined according to the STRIVE standards. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses (μm) were measured on the OCT tool. Results Older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) showed lower RNFL (p = 0.001), GCIPL (p = 0.009) thicknesses, and lower hippocampal volume (p = 0.004) when compared to non-cognitively impaired (NCI). RNFL (p = 0.006) and GCIPL thicknesses (p = 0.032) correlated with MoCA scores. GCIPL thickness (p = 0.037), total WMH (p = 0.003), PWMH (p = 0.041), and DWMH (p = 0.001) correlated with hippocampal volume in our older adults after adjusting for covariates. With hippocampal volume as the outcome, a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between GCIPL and PWMH and total WMH was observed in our older adults. Conclusion Both GCIPL thinning and higher WMH burden (especially PWMH) are associated with hippocampal volume and older adults with both pathologies are more susceptible to subclinical cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Wang
- Ophthalmology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinmao Wu
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zengyi Zhang
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Cao
- Ophthalmology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Hang Wang
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wendan Tao
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Adhikari S, Qiao Y, Singer M, Sagare A, Jiang X, Shi Y, Ringman JM, Kashani AH. Retinotopic degeneration of the retina and optic tracts in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5103-5113. [PMID: 37102308 PMCID: PMC10603214 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the correlation between retinal thickness and optic tract integrity in subjects with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) causing mutations. METHODS Retinal thicknesses and diffusion tensor images (DTI) were obtained using optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. The association between retinal thickness and DTI measures was adjusted for age, sex, retinotopy, and correlation between eyes. RESULTS Optic tract mean diffusivity and axial diffusivity were negatively correlated with retinotopically defined ganglion cell inner plexiform thickness (GCIPL). Fractional anisotropy was negatively correlated with retinotopically defined retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. There was no correlation between outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and any DTI measure. DISCUSSION In ADAD, GCIPL thickness is significantly associated with retinotopic optic tract DTI measures even in minimally symptomatic subjects. Similar associations were not present with ONL thickness or when ignoring retinotopy. We provide in vivo evidence for optic tract changes resulting from ganglion cell pathology in ADAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Adhikari
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuchuan Qiao
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maxwell Singer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Abhay Sagare
- Zilkha Neurogenetics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xuejuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yonggang Shi
- Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John M Ringman
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Amir H Kashani
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Gende M, Mallen V, de Moura J, Cordon B, Garcia-Martin E, Sanchez CI, Novo J, Ortega M. Automatic Segmentation of Retinal Layers in Multiple Neurodegenerative Disorder Scenarios. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2023; 27:5483-5494. [PMID: 37682646 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2023.3313392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows the non-invasive direct observation of the central nervous system, enabling the measurement and extraction of biomarkers from neural tissue that can be helpful in the assessment of ocular, systemic and Neurological Disorders (ND). Deep learning models can be trained to segment the retinal layers for biomarker extraction. However, the onset of ND can have an impact on the neural tissue, which can lead to the degraded performance of models not exposed to images displaying signs of disease during training. We present a fully automatic approach for the retinal layer segmentation in multiple neurodegenerative disorder scenarios, using an annotated dataset of patients of the most prevalent NDs: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and essential tremor, along with healthy control patients. Furthermore, we present a two-part, comprehensive study on the effects of ND on the performance of these models. The results show that images of healthy patients may not be sufficient for the robust training of automated segmentation models intended for the analysis of ND patients, and that using images representative of different NDs can increase the model performance. These results indicate that the presence or absence of patients of ND in datasets should be taken into account when training deep learning models for retinal layer segmentation, and that the proposed approach can provide a valuable tool for the robust and reliable diagnosis in multiple scenarios of ND.
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28
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Ibrahim Y, Xie J, Macerollo A, Sardone R, Shen Y, Romano V, Zheng Y. A Systematic Review on Retinal Biomarkers to Diagnose Dementia from OCT/OCTA Images. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:1201-1235. [PMID: 38025800 PMCID: PMC10657718 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230042] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Traditional methods for diagnosing dementia are costly, time-consuming, and somewhat invasive. Since the retina shares significant anatomical similarities with the brain, retinal abnormalities detected via optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) have been studied as a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool for neurodegenerative disorders; however, the most effective retinal changes remain a mystery to be unraveled in this review. Objective This study aims to explore the relationship between retinal abnormalities in OCT/OCTA images and cognitive decline as well as evaluating biomarkers' effectiveness in detecting neurodegenerative diseases. Methods A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until December 2022, resulted in 64 papers using agreed search keywords, and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results The superior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) is a trustworthy biomarker to identify most Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases; however, it is inefficient when dealing with mild AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The global pRNFL (pRNFL-G) is another reliable biomarker to discriminate frontotemporal dementia from mild AD and healthy controls (HCs), moderate AD and MCI from HCs, as well as identifing pathological Aβ42/tau in cognitively healthy individuals. Conversely, pRNFL-G fails to realize mild AD and the progression of AD. The average pRNFL thickness variation is considered a viable biomarker to monitor the progression of AD. Finally, the superior and average pRNFL thicknesses are considered consistent for advanced AD but not for early/mild AD. Conclusions Retinal changes may indicate dementia, but further research is needed to confirm the most effective biomarkers for early and mild AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehia Ibrahim
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jianyang Xie
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Antonella Macerollo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rodolfo Sardone
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Statistics and Epidemiology Unit, Local Healthcare Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Yaochun Shen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Yalin Zheng
- Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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29
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Danesh-Meyer HV. An Eye on the Brain: Adding Insight to Injury. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 255:A1-A3. [PMID: 37499892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen V Danesh-Meyer
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand.
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30
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Shi H, Koronyo Y, Fuchs DT, Sheyn J, Jallow O, Mandalia K, Graham SL, Gupta VK, Mirzaei M, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV, Hawes D, Miller CA, Black KL, Carare RO, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Retinal arterial Aβ 40 deposition is linked with tight junction loss and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in MCI and AD patients. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5185-5197. [PMID: 37166032 PMCID: PMC10638467 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vascular amyloid beta (Aβ) protein deposits were detected in retinas of mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We tested the hypothesis that the retinal vascular tight junctions (TJs) were compromised and linked to disease status. METHODS TJ components and Aβ expression in capillaries and larger blood vessels were determined in post mortem retinas from 34 MCI or AD patients and 27 cognitively normal controls and correlated with neuropathology. RESULTS Severe decreases in retinal vascular zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-5 correlating with abundant arteriolar Aβ40 deposition were identified in MCI and AD patients. Retinal claudin-5 deficiency was closely associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, whereas ZO-1 defects correlated with cerebral pathology and cognitive deficits. DISCUSSION We uncovered deficiencies in blood-retinal barrier markers for potential retinal imaging targets of AD screening and monitoring. Intense retinal arteriolar Aβ40 deposition suggests a common pathogenic mechanism of failed Aβ clearance via intramural periarterial drainage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoshen Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ousman Jallow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Krishna Mandalia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Macquarie Medical school, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Vivek K. Gupta
- Macquarie Medical school, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical school, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Andrei A. Kramerov
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Alexander V. Ljubimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Debra Hawes
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Carol A. Miller
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Keith L. Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Roxana O. Carare
- Department of Clinical Neuroanatomy, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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31
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Zilinskaite N, Shukla RP, Baradoke A. Use of 3D Printing Techniques to Fabricate Implantable Microelectrodes for Electrochemical Detection of Biomarkers in the Early Diagnosis of Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases. ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU 2023; 3:315-336. [PMID: 37868357 PMCID: PMC10588936 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.3c00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
This Review provides a comprehensive overview of 3D printing techniques to fabricate implantable microelectrodes for the electrochemical detection of biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Early diagnosis of these diseases is crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare systems' burden. Biomarkers serve as measurable indicators of these diseases, and implantable microelectrodes offer a promising tool for their electrochemical detection. Here, we discuss various 3D printing techniques, including stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and two-photon polymerization (2PP), highlighting their advantages and limitations in microelectrode fabrication. We also explore the materials used in constructing implantable microelectrodes, emphasizing their biocompatibility and biodegradation properties. The principles of electrochemical detection and the types of sensors utilized are examined, with a focus on their applications in detecting biomarkers for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we address the current challenges and future perspectives in the field of 3D-printed implantable microelectrodes, emphasizing their potential for improving early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemira Zilinskaite
- Wellcome/Cancer
Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and
Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, U.K.
- Faculty
of Medicine, University of Vilnius, M. K. Čiurlionio g. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rajendra P. Shukla
- BIOS
Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Max Planck
Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University
of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ausra Baradoke
- Wellcome/Cancer
Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and
Developmental Biology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, U.K.
- Faculty
of Medicine, University of Vilnius, M. K. Čiurlionio g. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- BIOS
Lab-on-a-Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Max Planck
Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University
of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Center for
Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanoriu 231, LT-02300 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Zuhair V, Rangwala HS, Mughal ZUN, Fatima H, Shaikh AT, Mussarat A. Viewing the Brain Through Retina: A New Avenue for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Ann Neurosci 2023; 30:219-221. [PMID: 38020399 PMCID: PMC10662277 DOI: 10.1177/09727531231190992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Varisha Zuhair
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Hareer Fatima
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdullah Mussarat
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
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33
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Kar D, Kim YJ, Packer O, Clark ME, Cao D, Owsley C, Dacey DM, Curcio CA. Volume electron microscopy reveals human retinal mitochondria that align with reflective bands in optical coherence tomography [Invited]. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:5512-5527. [PMID: 37854576 PMCID: PMC10581790 DOI: 10.1364/boe.501228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are candidate reflectivity signal sources in optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal imaging. Here, we use deep-learning-assisted volume electron microscopy of human retina and in vivo imaging to map mitochondria networks in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), where photoreceptors synapse with second-order interneurons. We observed alternating layers of high and low mitochondrial abundance in the anatomical OPL and adjacent inner nuclear layer (INL). Subcellular resolution OCT imaging of human eyes revealed multiple reflective bands that matched the corresponding INL and combined OPL sublayers. Data linking specific mitochondria to defined bands in OCT may help improve clinical diagnosis and the evaluation of mitochondria-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yeon Jin Kim
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Orin Packer
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark E. Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dongfeng Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dennis M. Dacey
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Zhang QQ, Qu Y. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in degenerative retinal diseases: Update and novel perspective. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1624-1632. [PMID: 37334646 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25226] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction and death of neuronal cells are cardinal features of degenerative retinal diseases that are known to arise as the disease progresses. Increasingly evidence suggests that abnormal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may serve as an obligatory relay of the dysfunction and death of neuronal cells in degenerative retinal diseases. Although disorder of BDNF, whether depletion or augmentation, has been connected with neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation, the exact mechanisms underlying the effect of impaired BDNF expression on degenerative retinal diseases remain unclear. Here, we present an overview of how BDNF is linked to pathological mechanism of retinal degenerative diseases, summarize BDNF-based treatment strategies, and discuss possible research perspectives in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Geriatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Lima Rebouças SC, Crivello F, Tsuchida A, Tzourio C, Schweitzer C, Korobelnik J, Delcourt C, Helmer C. Association of retinal nerve layers thickness and brain imaging in healthy young subjects from the i-Share-Bordeaux study. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:4722-4737. [PMID: 37401639 PMCID: PMC10400793 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the anatomical and functional similarities between the retina and the brain, the retina could be a "window" for viewing brain structures. We investigated the association between retinal nerve fiber layers (peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, ppRNFL; macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, GC-IPL; and macular ganglion cell complex, GCC), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in young health adults. We included 857 students (mean age: 23.3 years, 71.3% women) from the i-Share study. We used multivariate linear models to study the cross-sectional association of each retinal nerve layer thickness assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with structural (volumes and cortical thickness), and microstructural brain markers, assessed on MRI globally and regionally. Microstructural MRI parameters included diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI). On global brain analysis, thicker ppRNFL, GC-IPL and GCC were all significantly associated with patterns of diffusion metrics consistent with higher WM microstructural integrity. In regional analyses, after multiple testing corrections, our results suggested significant associations of some retinal nerve layers with brain regional gray matter occipital volumes and with diffusion MRI parameters in a region involved in the visual pathway and in regions containing associative tracts. No associations were found with global volumes or with global or regional cortical thicknesses. Results of this study suggest that some retinal nerve layers may reflect brain structures. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in young subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ami Tsuchida
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, CEA, IMN, GINBordeauxFrance
| | | | - Cédric Schweitzer
- Department of OphthalmologyBordeaux University HospitalBordeauxFrance
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Piano MEF, Nguyen BN, Gocuk SA, Joubert L, McKendrick AM. Primary eyecare provision for people living with dementia: what do we need to know? Clin Exp Optom 2023; 106:711-725. [PMID: 36375138 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2022.2140032] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia comprises a group of brain disorders characterised by loss of cognitive function. Sensory loss, predominantly vision (the focus of this review) and hearing, is a significant problem for people living with dementia. Eyecare practitioners such as optometrists therefore play an important role in identifying and addressing vision-related care needs. To support provision of high quality "dementia-friendly" eyecare, this scoping review summarises recent primary research findings and available clinical practice guidelines, to identify research gaps relating to vision and dementia, and make recommendations for future research and clinical practice. The review set a priori guidelines for the population, concept and context based on the review questions. Primary research papers (2016-2021) were included via 3-step search strategy: preliminary search to index terms, full search, search reference lists of included articles for further inclusions. Additionally, websites of eyecare professional bodies in English-speaking countries were searched to identify current clinical eyecare practice guidelines relating to dementia. Study characteristics (e.g. country, study design) were reported descriptively. Patterns within findings/recommendations from included sources were identified using thematic analysis and reported as themes. 1651 titles/abstracts and 161 full-text articles were screened for eligibility. Three clinical practice guidelines were also identified. The final review included 21 sources: 18 primary research papers and 3 clinical practice guidelines. The thematic analysis reported five key themes: Diagnosis/Screening, dementia progression, findings on clinical visual testing, tailored approach to care, improving care. This scoping review demonstrated limited information about current practices of optometrists working with people living with dementia. Recent evidence reinforces the continuing need for improved eyecare for people living with dementia, taking into account their specific needs with an individualised approach. Up-to-date practical recommendations are synthesised for eyecare providers before, during and after a consultation with a person living with dementia, to better support their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E F Piano
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- National Vision Research Institute, Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, Australia
| | - Bao N Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sena A Gocuk
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lynette Joubert
- Department of Social Work, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Allison M McKendrick
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Zhang Z, Kwapong WR, Cao L, Feng Z, Wu B, Liu J, Zhang S. APOE ε4 Gene Carriers Demonstrate Reduced Retinal Capillary Densities in Asymptomatic Older Adults. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5649. [PMID: 37685715 PMCID: PMC10488535 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Early identification of Apolipoprotein E (APOE)-related microvascular pathology will help to study the microangiopathic contribution to Alzheimer's disease and provide a therapeutic target for early intervention. To evaluate the differences in retinal microvasculature parameters between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers, asymptomatic older adults aged ≥ 55 years underwent APOE ε4 genotype analysis, neuropsychological examination, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. One hundred sixty-three older adults were included in the data analysis. Participants were also defined as cognitively impaired (CI) and non-cognitively impaired (NCI) according to their MoCA scores and educational years. APOE ε4 carriers demonstrated reduced SVC (p = 0.023) compared to APOE ε4 non-carriers. Compared to NCI, CI participants showed reduced SVC density (p = 0.006). In the NCI group, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the microvascular densities between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers. In the CI group, APOE ε4 carriers displayed reduced microvascular densities compared to non-carriers (SVC, p = 0.006; DVC, p = 0.048). We showed that CI and APOE ε4 affect retinal microvasculature in older adults. Quantitative measures of the retinal microvasculature could serve as surrogates for brain microcirculation, providing an opportunity to study microvascular contributions to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Vasconcelos CFM, Ribas VT, Petrs-Silva H. Shared Molecular Pathways in Glaucoma and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from RNA-Seq Analysis and miRNA Regulation for Promising Therapeutic Avenues. Cells 2023; 12:2155. [PMID: 37681887 PMCID: PMC10486375 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172155] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in RNA-sequencing technologies have led to the identification of molecular biomarkers for several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Despite the nature of glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disorder with several similarities with the other above-mentioned diseases, transcriptional data about this disease are still scarce. microRNAs are small molecules (~17-25 nucleotides) that have been found to be specifically expressed in the CNS as major components of the system regulating the development signatures of neurodegenerative diseases and the homeostasis of the brain. In this review, we sought to identify similarities between the functional mechanisms and the activated pathways of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to discuss how those mechanisms are regulated by miRNAs, using RNA-Seq as an approach to compare them. We also discuss therapeutically suitable applications for these disease hallmarks in clinical future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Franciney Moreira Vasconcelos
- University of Medicine of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Toledo Ribas
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB/UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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Sparks S, Pinto J, Hayes G, Spitschan M, Bulte DP. The impact of Alzheimer's disease risk factors on the pupillary light response. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1248640. [PMID: 37650103 PMCID: PMC10463762 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1248640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, and its prevalence is increasing and is expected to continue to increase over the next few decades. Because of this, there is an urgent requirement to determine a way to diagnose the disease, and to target interventions to delay and ideally stop the onset of symptoms, specifically those impacting cognition and daily livelihood. The pupillary light response (PLR) is controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, and impairments to the pupillary light response (PLR) have been related to AD. However, most of these studies that assess the PLR occur in patients who have already been diagnosed with AD, rather than those who are at a higher risk for the disease but without a diagnosis. Determining whether the PLR is similarly impaired in subjects before an AD diagnosis is made and before cognitive symptoms of the disease begin, is an important step before using the PLR as a diagnostic tool. Specifically, identifying whether the PLR is impaired in specific at-risk groups, considering both genetic and non-genetic risk factors, is imperative. It is possible that the PLR may be impaired in association with some risk factors but not others, potentially indicating different pathways to neurodegeneration that could be distinguished using PLR. In this work, we review the most common genetic and lifestyle-based risk factors for AD and identify established relationships between these risk factors and the PLR. The evidence here shows that many AD risk factors, including traumatic brain injury, ocular and intracranial hypertension, alcohol consumption, depression, and diabetes, are directly related to changes in the PLR. Other risk factors currently lack sufficient literature to make any conclusions relating directly to the PLR but have shown links to impairments in the parasympathetic nervous system; further research should be conducted in these risk factors and their relation to the PLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra Sparks
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Pinto
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Genevieve Hayes
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Spitschan
- TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences (TUM SG), Chronobiology and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS), Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Translational Sensory and Circadian Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel P. Bulte
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Wolf A, Tripanpitak K, Umeda S, Otake-Matsuura M. Eye-tracking paradigms for the assessment of mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1197567. [PMID: 37546488 PMCID: PMC10399700 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1197567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), representing the 'transitional zone' between normal cognition and dementia, has become a novel topic in clinical research. Although early detection is crucial, it remains logistically challenging at the same time. While traditional pen-and-paper tests require in-depth training to ensure standardized administration and accurate interpretation of findings, significant technological advancements are leading to the development of procedures for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and facilitating the diagnostic process. Some of the diagnostic protocols, however, show significant limitations that hamper their widespread adoption. Concerns about the social and economic implications of the increasing incidence of AD underline the need for reliable, non-invasive, cost-effective, and timely cognitive scoring methodologies. For instance, modern clinical studies report significant oculomotor impairments among patients with MCI, who perform poorly in visual paired-comparison tasks by ascribing less attentional resources to novel stimuli. To accelerate the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, this work provides an overview of research on saccadic and exploratory eye-movement deficits among older adults with MCI. The review protocol was drafted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2022 that examined visual processing in older adults with MCI and reported gaze parameters as potential biomarkers. Moreover, following the contemporary trend for remote healthcare technologies, we reviewed studies that implemented non-commercial eye-tracking instrumentation in order to detect information processing impairments among the MCI population. Based on the gathered literature, eye-tracking-based paradigms may ameliorate the screening limitations of traditional cognitive assessments and contribute to early AD detection. However, in order to translate the findings pertaining to abnormal gaze behavior into clinical applications, it is imperative to conduct longitudinal investigations in both laboratory-based and ecologically valid settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wolf
- Cognitive Behavioral Assistive Technology (CBAT), Goal-Oriented Technology Group, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kornkanok Tripanpitak
- Cognitive Behavioral Assistive Technology (CBAT), Goal-Oriented Technology Group, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Umeda
- Department of Psychology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mihoko Otake-Matsuura
- Cognitive Behavioral Assistive Technology (CBAT), Goal-Oriented Technology Group, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Tokyo, Japan
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Sharif NA. Identifying new drugs and targets to treat rapidly elevated intraocular pressure for angle closure and secondary glaucomas to curb visual impairment and prevent blindness. Exp Eye Res 2023; 232:109444. [PMID: 36958427 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
A multitude of pharmacological compounds have been shown to lower and control intraocular pressure (IOP) in numerous species of animals and human subjects after topical ocular dosing or via other routes of administration. Most researchers have been interested in finding drug candidates that exhibit a relatively long duration of action from a chronic therapeutic use perspective, for example to treat ocular hypertension (OHT), primary open-angle glaucoma and even normotensive glaucoma. However, it is equally important to seek and characterize treatment modalities which offer a rapid onset of action to help provide fast relief from quickly rising IOP that occurs in certain eye diseases. These include acute angle-closure glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma, uveitic and inflammatory glaucoma, medication-induced OHT, and other secondary glaucomas induced by eye injury or infection which can cause partial or complete loss of eyesight. Such fast-acting agents can delay or prevent the need for ocular surgery which is often used to lower the dangerously raised IOP. This research survey was therefore directed at identifying agents from the literature that demonstrated ocular hypotensive activity, normalizing and unifying the data, determining their onset of action and rank ordering them on the basis of rapidity of action starting within 30-60 min and lasting up to at least 3-4 h post topical ocular dosing in different animal species. This research revealed a few health authority-approved drugs and some investigational compounds that appear to meet the necessary criteria of fast onset of action coupled with significant efficacy to reduce elevated IOP (by ≥ 20%, preferably by >30%). However, translation of the novel animal-based findings to the human conditions remains to be demonstrated but represent viable targets, especially EP2-receptor agonists (e.g. omidenepag isopropyl; AL-6598; butaprost), mixed activity serotonin/dopamine receptor agonists (e.g. cabergoline), rho kinase inhibitors (e.g. AMA0076, Y39983), CACNA2D1-gene product inhibitors (e.g. pregabalin), melatonin receptor agonists, and certain K+-channel openers (e.g. nicorandil, pinacidil). Other drug candidates and targets were also identified and will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, UK; Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London, UK; Eye-ACP Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore; Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, USA; Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc USA, Emeryville, CA, USA.
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Shi XH, Dong L, Zhang RH, Zhou DJ, Ling SG, Shao L, Yan YN, Wang YX, Wei WB. Relationships between quantitative retinal microvascular characteristics and cognitive function based on automated artificial intelligence measurements. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1174984. [PMID: 37416799 PMCID: PMC10322221 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1174984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between retinal vascular characteristics and cognitive function using artificial intelligence techniques to obtain fully automated quantitative measurements of retinal vascular morphological parameters. Methods: A deep learning-based semantic segmentation network ResNet101-UNet was used to construct a vascular segmentation model for fully automated quantitative measurement of retinal vascular parameters on fundus photographs. Retinal photographs centered on the optic disc of 3107 participants (aged 50-93 years) from the Beijing Eye Study 2011, a population-based cross-sectional study, were analyzed. The main parameters included the retinal vascular branching angle, vascular fractal dimension, vascular diameter, vascular tortuosity, and vascular density. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The results showed that the mean MMSE score was 26.34 ± 3.64 (median: 27; range: 2-30). Among the participants, 414 (13.3%) were classified as having cognitive impairment (MMSE score < 24), 296 (9.5%) were classified as mild cognitive impairment (MMSE: 19-23), 98 (3.2%) were classified as moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE: 10-18), and 20 (0.6%) were classified as severe cognitive impairment (MMSE < 10). Compared with the normal cognitive function group, the retinal venular average diameter was significantly larger (p = 0.013), and the retinal vascular fractal dimension and vascular density were significantly smaller (both p < 0.001) in the mild cognitive impairment group. The retinal arteriole-to-venular ratio (p = 0.003) and vascular fractal dimension (p = 0.033) were significantly decreased in the severe cognitive impairment group compared to the mild cognitive impairment group. In the multivariate analysis, better cognition (i.e., higher MMSE score) was significantly associated with higher retinal vascular fractal dimension (b = 0.134, p = 0.043) and higher retinal vascular density (b = 0.152, p = 0.023) after adjustment for age, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR) and education level. Discussion: In conclusion, our findings derived from an artificial intelligence-based fully automated retinal vascular parameter measurement method showed that several retinal vascular morphological parameters were correlated with cognitive impairment. The decrease in retinal vascular fractal dimension and decreased vascular density may serve as candidate biomarkers for early identification of cognitive impairment. The observed reduction in the retinal arteriole-to-venular ratio occurs in the late stages of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Han Shi
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Dong
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Heng Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Deng Ji Zhou
- EVision Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | | | - Lei Shao
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ni Yan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Xing Wang
- Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Bin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Sugasini D, Park JC, McAnany JJ, Kim TH, Ma G, Yao X, Antharavally B, Oroskar A, Oroskar AA, Layden BT, Subbaiah PV. Improvement of retinal function in Alzheimer disease-associated retinopathy by dietary lysophosphatidylcholine-EPA/DHA. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9179. [PMID: 37280266 PMCID: PMC10244360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36268-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the elderly. Although impaired cognition and memory are the most prominent features of AD, abnormalities in visual functions often precede them, and are increasingly being used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for the disease. Retina contains the highest concentration of the essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body, and its deficiency is associated with several retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that enriching retinal DHA through a novel dietary approach could ameliorate symptoms of retinopathy in 5XFAD mice, a widely employed model of AD. The results show that 5XFAD mice have significantly lower retinal DHA compared to their wild type littermates, and feeding the lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) form of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) rapidly normalizes the DHA levels, and increases retinal EPA by several-fold. On the other hand, feeding similar amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of triacylglycerol had only modest effects on retinal DHA and EPA. Electroretinography measurements after 2 months of feeding the experimental diets showed a significant improvement in a-wave and b-wave functions by the LPC-diet, whereas the TAG-diet had only a modest benefit. Retinal amyloid β levels were decreased by about 50% by the LPC-DHA/EPA diet, and by about 17% with the TAG-DHA/EPA diet. These results show that enriching retinal DHA and EPA through dietary LPC could potentially improve visual abnormalities associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhavamani Sugasini
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Jason C Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - J Jason McAnany
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Guangying Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Xincheng Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | | | - Anil Oroskar
- Orochem Technologies, Inc, Naperville, IL, 60563, USA
| | | | - Brian T Layden
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Papasani V Subbaiah
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Vig V, Garg I, Tuz-Zahra F, Xu J, Tripodis Y, Nicks R, Xia W, Alvarez VE, Alosco ML, Stein TD, Subramanian ML. Vitreous Humor Biomarkers Reflect Pathological Changes in the Brain for Alzheimer's Disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230167. [PMID: 37182888 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with eye disease have an increased risk for developing neurodegenerative disease. Neurodegenerative proteins can be measured in the eye; however, correlations between biomarker levels in eye fluid and neuropathological diagnoses have not been established. OBJECTIVE This exploratory, retrospective study examined vitreous humor from 41 postmortem eyes and brain tissue with neuropathological diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 7), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE, n = 15), both AD + CTE (n = 10), and without significant neuropathology (controls, n = 9). METHODS Protein biomarkers i.e., amyloid-β (Aβ 40,42), total tau (tTau), phosphorylated tau (pTau181,231), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and eotaxin-1 were quantitatively measured by immunoassay. Non-parametric tests were used to compare vitreous biomarker levels between groups. Spearman's rank correlation tests were used to correlate biomarker levels in vitreous and cortical tissue. The level of significance was set to α= 0.10. RESULTS In pairwise comparisons, tTau levels were significantly increased in AD and CTE groups versus controls (p = 0.08 for both) as well as AD versus AD+CTE group and CTE versus AD+CTE group (p = 0.049 for both). Vitreous NfL levels were significantly increased in low CTE (Stage I/II) versus no CTE (p = 0.096) and in low CTE versus high CTE stage (p = 0.03). Vitreous and cortical tissue levels of pTau 231 (p = 0.02, r = 0.38) and t-Tau (p = 0.04, r = -0.34) were significantly correlated. CONCLUSION The postmortem vitreous humor biomarker levels significantly correlate with AD and CTE pathology in corresponding brains, while vitreous NfL was correlated with the CTE staging. This exploratory study indicates that biomarkers in the vitreous humor may serve as a proxy for neuropathological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viha Vig
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Itika Garg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Fatima Tuz-Zahra
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond Nicks
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Weiming Xia
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thor D Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manju L Subramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Sarabia-Vallejo Á, López-Alvarado P, Menéndez JC. Small-molecule theranostics in Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115382. [PMID: 37141706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remains one of the most challenging health-related issues for our society. It is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in developed countries, due to the rising life expectancy and, moreover, represents a considerable economic burden worldwide. All efforts at the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the last decades have invariably met with failure, making AD an incurable illness and underscoring the need for new approaches. In recent years, theranostic agents have emerged as an interesting strategy. They are molecules able to simultaneously provide diagnostic information and deliver therapeutic activity, allowing for the assessment of the molecule activity, the organism response and the pharmacokinetics. This makes these compounds promising for streamlining research on AD drugs and for their application in personalized medicine. We review here the field of small-molecule theranostic agents as promising tools for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic resources against AD, highlighting the positive and significant impact that theranostics can be expected to have in the near future in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Sarabia-Vallejo
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López-Alvarado
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Ashraf G, McGuinness M, Khan MA, Obtinalla C, Hadoux X, van Wijngaarden P. Retinal imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using brain amyloid beta status for case definition. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12421. [PMID: 37250908 PMCID: PMC10210353 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Introduction We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between retinal imaging parameters and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were systematically searched for prospective and observational studies. Included studies had AD case definition based on brain amyloid beta (Aβ) status. Study quality assessment was performed. Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean difference, correlation, and diagnostic accuracy were conducted. Results Thirty-eight studies were included. There was weak evidence of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning on optical coherence tomography (OCT) (p = 0.14, 11 studies, n = 828), increased foveal avascular zone area on OCT-angiography (p = 0.18, four studies, n = 207), and reduced arteriole and venule vessel fractal dimension on fundus photography (p < 0.001 and p = 0.08, respectively, three studies, n = 297) among AD cases. Discussion Retinal imaging parameters appear to be associated with AD. Small study sizes and heterogeneity in imaging methods and reporting make it difficult to determine utility of these changes as AD biomarkers. Highlights We performed a systematic review on retinal imaging and Alzheimer's disease (AD).We only included studies in which cases were based on brain amyloid beta status.Several retinal biomarkers were associated with AD but clinical utility is uncertain.Studies should focus on biomarker-defined AD and use standardized imaging methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Ashraf
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Myra McGuinness
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Centre for Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Muhammad Azaan Khan
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Czarina Obtinalla
- Discipline of OrthopticsSchool of Allied HealthHuman Services & SportCollege of ScienceHealth & EngineeringLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Xavier Hadoux
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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47
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Koronyo Y, Rentsendorj A, Mirzaei N, Regis GC, Sheyn J, Shi H, Barron E, Cook-Wiens G, Rodriguez AR, Medeiros R, Paulo JA, Gupta VB, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV, Van Eyk JE, Graham SL, Gupta VK, Ringman JM, Hinton DR, Miller CA, Black KL, Cattaneo A, Meli G, Mirzaei M, Fuchs DT, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Retinal pathological features and proteome signatures of Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:409-438. [PMID: 36773106 PMCID: PMC10020290 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies were discovered in the accessible neurosensory retina. However, their exact nature and topographical distribution, particularly in the early stages of functional impairment, and how they relate to disease progression in the brain remain largely unknown. To better understand the pathological features of AD in the retina, we conducted an extensive histopathological and biochemical investigation of postmortem retina and brain tissues from 86 human donors. Quantitative examination of superior and inferior temporal retinas from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients compared to those with normal cognition (NC) revealed significant increases in amyloid β-protein (Aβ42) forms and novel intraneuronal Aβ oligomers (AβOi), which were closely associated with exacerbated retinal macrogliosis, microgliosis, and tissue atrophy. These pathologies were unevenly distributed across retinal layers and geometrical areas, with the inner layers and peripheral subregions exhibiting most pronounced accumulations in the MCI and AD versus NC retinas. While microgliosis was increased in the retina of these patients, the proportion of microglial cells engaging in Aβ uptake was reduced. Female AD patients exhibited higher levels of retinal microgliosis than males. Notably, retinal Aβ42, S100 calcium-binding protein B+ macrogliosis, and atrophy correlated with severity of brain Aβ pathology, tauopathy, and atrophy, and most retinal pathologies reflected Braak staging. All retinal biomarkers correlated with the cognitive scores, with retinal Aβ42, far-peripheral AβOi and microgliosis displaying the strongest correlations. Proteomic analysis of AD retinas revealed activation of specific inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation/mitochondrial, and photoreceptor-related pathways. This study identifies and maps retinopathy in MCI and AD patients, demonstrating the quantitative relationship with brain pathology and cognition, and may lead to reliable retinal biomarkers for noninvasive retinal screening and monitoring of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Giovanna C Regis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Haoshen Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Ernesto Barron
- Doheny Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Galen Cook-Wiens
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Anthony R Rodriguez
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rodrigo Medeiros
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Veer B Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Van Eyk
- Departments of Neurology and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John M Ringman
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David R Hinton
- Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carol A Miller
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Meli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
- Departments of Neurology and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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48
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Florek S, Pudlo R, Gościniewicz P, Mrukwa-Kominek3 E. Mental disorders in people with keratoconus. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.12923/2353-8627/2023-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There are many reports on the association of various psychiatric disorders with visual impairment. The association of dry eye syndrome with depressive disorders has been particularly well documented. In the context of keratoconus patients group, data on similar relationships are inconclusive. Attempts have also been made to assess the personality of patients
suffering from keratoconus, and the first study in this area was produced as early as 1976.
Material and methods: For the literature review, full-text medical databases, such as PubMed and Embase, were searched for articles on the association of keratoconus with depressive-anxiety disorder and personality disorder. Articles published within the last 30 years were considered.
Results: The personality of patients with keratoconus has been a research issue for many years, but research to date has not clearly defined what personality traits characterise this particular group of patients. Research into the relationship between keratoconus and depressive-anxiety disorders has only recently been conducted, and the results - although inconclusive - suggest a co-occurrence of depressive symptoms with keratoconus. A different and interesting field for further research is the association of keratoconus with schizophrenia, as these diseases may have a common background.
Conclusions: A review of the literature does not identify a 'keratoconus personality', but there are reports of specific functioning in patients with keratoconus. There are isolated reports in the literature regarding the co-occurrence of keratoconus and depressive-anxiety disorder.
Keywords: depression, personality, anxiety, psychiatric disorders, keratoconus
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Florek
- Doctoral School, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Robert Pudlo
- Department of Psychoprophylaxis, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Gościniewicz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Ewa Mrukwa-Kominek3
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
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49
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Hart de Ruyter FJ, Morrema THJ, den Haan J, Twisk JWR, de Boer JF, Scheltens P, Boon BDC, Thal DR, Rozemuller AJ, Verbraak FD, Bouwman FH, Hoozemans JJM. Phosphorylated tau in the retina correlates with tau pathology in the brain in Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathies. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:197-218. [PMID: 36480077 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a potential source of biomarkers for the detection of neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulation of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in the brain is a pathological feature characteristic for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and primary tauopathies. In this study the presence of p-tau in the retina in relation to tau pathology in the brain was assessed. Post-mortem eyes and brains were collected through the Netherlands Brain Bank from donors with AD (n = 17), primary tauopathies (n = 8), α-synucleinopathies (n = 13), other neurodegenerative diseases including non-tau frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) (n = 9), and controls (n = 15). Retina cross-sections were assessed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies directed against total tau (HT7), 3R and 4R tau isoforms (RD3, RD4), and phospho-epitopes Ser202/Thr205 (AT8), Thr217 (anti-T217), Thr212/Ser214 (AT100), Thr181 (AT270), Ser396 (anti-pS396) and Ser422 (anti-pS422). Retinal tau load was compared to p-tau Ser202/Thr205 and p-tau Thr217 load in various brain regions. Total tau, 3R and 4R tau isoforms were most prominently present in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the retina and were detected in all cases and controls as a diffuse and somatodendritic signal. Total tau, p-tau Ser202/Thr205 and p-tau Thr217 was observed in amacrine and horizontal cells of the inner nuclear layer (INL). Various antibodies directed against phospho-epitopes of tau showed immunoreactivity in the IPL, OPL, and INL. P-tau Ser202/Thr205 and Thr217 showed significant discrimination between AD and other tauopathies, and non-tauopathy cases including controls. Whilst immunopositivity was observed for p-tau Thr212/Ser214, Thr181 and Ser396, there were no group differences. P-tau Ser422 did not show any immunoreactivity in the retina. The presence of retinal p-tau Ser202/Thr205 and Thr217 correlated with Braak stage for NFTs and with the presence of p-tau Ser202/Thr205 in hippocampus and cortical brain regions. Depending on the phospho-epitope, p-tau in the retina is a potential biomarker for AD and primary tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederique J Hart de Ruyter
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pathology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Tjado H J Morrema
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pathology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jurre den Haan
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes F de Boer
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, LaserLaB, Physics and Astronomy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Baayla D C Boon
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pathology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Mayo Clinic, Neuroscience, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar R Thal
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven Brain Institute, O&N IV Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Annemieke J Rozemuller
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pathology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank D Verbraak
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Ophthalmology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke H Bouwman
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J M Hoozemans
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pathology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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50
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Hao X, Zhang W, Jiao B, Yang Q, Zhang X, Chen R, Wang X, Xiao X, Zhu Y, Liao W, Wang D, Shen L. Correlation between retinal structure and brain multimodal magnetic resonance imaging in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1088829. [PMID: 36909943 PMCID: PMC9992546 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1088829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The retina imaging and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can both reflect early changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may serve as potential biomarker for early diagnosis, but their correlation and the internal mechanism of retinal structural changes remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the possible correlation between retinal structure and visual pathway, brain structure, intrinsic activity changes in AD patients, as well as to build a classification model to identify AD patients. Methods In the study, 49 AD patients and 48 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Retinal images were obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Multimodal MRI sequences of all subjects were collected. Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models were used to assess the correlation between OCT parameters and multimodal MRI findings. The diagnostic value of combination of retinal imaging and brain multimodal MRI was assessed by performing a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Compared with HCs, retinal thickness and multimodal MRI findings of AD patients were significantly altered (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were presented between the fractional anisotropy (FA) value of optic tract and mean retinal thickness, macular volume, macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness in AD patients (p < 0.01). The fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF) value of primary visual cortex (V1) was correlated with temporal quadrant peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness (p < 0.05). The model combining thickness of GCL and temporal quadrant pRNFL, volume of hippocampus and lateral geniculate nucleus, and age showed the best performance to identify AD patients [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.936, sensitivity = 89.1%, specificity = 87.0%]. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that retinal structure change was related to the loss of integrity of white matter fiber tracts in the visual pathway and the decreased LGN volume and functional metabolism of V1 in AD patients. Trans-synaptic axonal retrograde lesions may be the underlying mechanism. Combining retinal imaging and multimodal MRI may provide new insight into the mechanism of retinal structural changes in AD and may serve as new target for early auxiliary diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Hao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qijie Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruiting Chen
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuewen Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weihua Liao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongcui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province in Cognitive Impairment Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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