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Mori R, Abe M, Saimoto Y, Shinto S, Jodai S, Tomomatsu M, Tazoe K, Ishida M, Enoki M, Kato N, Yamashita T, Itabashi Y, Nakanishi I, Ohkubo K, Kaidzu S, Tanito M, Matsuoka Y, Morimoto K, Yamada KI. Construction of a screening system for lipid-derived radical inhibitors and validation of hit compounds to target retinal and cerebrovascular diseases. Redox Biol 2024; 73:103186. [PMID: 38744193 PMCID: PMC11109892 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103186] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the indispensable role of oxidized lipids in inflammatory responses, cell death, and disease pathogenesis. Consequently, inhibitors targeting oxidized lipids, particularly lipid-derived radicals critical in lipid peroxidation, which are known as radical-trapping antioxidants (RTAs), have been actively pursued. We focused our investigation on nitroxide compounds that have rapid second-order reaction rate constants for reaction with lipid-derived radicals. A novel screening system was developed by employing competitive reactions between library compounds and a newly developed profluorescence nitroxide probe with lipid-derived radicals to identify RTA compounds. A PubMed search of the top hit compounds revealed their wide application as repositioned drugs. Notably, the inhibitory efficacy of methyldopa, selected from these compounds, against retinal damage and bilateral common carotid artery stenosis was confirmed in animal models. These findings underscore the efficacy of our screening system and suggest that it is an effective approach for the discovery of RTA compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Mori
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masami Abe
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuma Saimoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Saki Shinto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Sara Jodai
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Manami Tomomatsu
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kaho Tazoe
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Minato Ishida
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masataka Enoki
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Nao Kato
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Yamashita
- Department of Drug Discovery Structural Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuki Itabashi
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ikuo Nakanishi
- Quantum RedOx Chemistry Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS), Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate (QLMS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kei Ohkubo
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Quantum RedOx Chemistry Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS), Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate (QLMS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan; Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sachiko Kaidzu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 Enya Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Masaki Tanito
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 Enya Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Yuta Matsuoka
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kazushi Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yamada
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Preya UH, Sayed S, Nguyen NL, Kim JT. Immune modulatory and anti-angiogenic effects of cathepsin S knockdown in ARPE-19 cells. Exp Eye Res 2024:109981. [PMID: 38914301 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109981] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to determine the role of cathepsin S (CTSS) in modulating oxidative stress-induced immune and inflammatory reactions and angiogenesis in age-related macular degeneration. Human retinal pigment epithelium cells line ARPE-19 (immature) were maintained and treated with H2O2. The expression of CTSS, inflammatory cytokines, and complement factors induced by oxidative stress was compared between cells incubated without (control) and with CTSS knockdown (using small interfering ribonucleic acid; siRNA). To evaluate the role of CTSS in angiogenesis, we assayed tube formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and conditioned medium from ARPE-19 cells. We also used a mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. CTSS levels were higher in ARPE-19 cells treated with H2O2 than in control cells. Oxidative stress-induced CTSS resulted in significantly elevated transcription of nuclear factor kappa B-dependent inflammatory cytokines, complement factors C3a and C5a, membrane attack complex (C5b-9), and C3a and C5a receptors. siRNA-mediated knockdown of CTSS reduced the number of inflammatory signals. Furthermore, oxidative stress-induced CTSS regulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and vascular endothelial growth factor A/ Akt serine/threonine kinase family signaling, which led to angiogenesis. Tube formation assays and mouse models of choroidal neovascularization revealed that CTSS knockdown ameliorated angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The present findings suggest that CTSS modulates the complement pathway, inflammatory reactions, and neovascularization, and that CTSS knockdown induces potent immunomodulatory effects. Hence, it could be a promising target for the prevention and treatment of early- and late-stage age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umma Hafsa Preya
- Ophthalmology Department, School of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shithima Sayed
- Ophthalmology Department, School of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ngoc Lan Nguyen
- Ophthalmology Department, School of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Taek Kim
- Ophthalmology Department, School of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Chung-Ang University Hospital, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Lee Y, Kim D, Chung PED, Lee M, Kim N, Chang J, Lee BC. Pre-Clinical Studies of a Novel Bispecific Fusion Protein Targeting C3b and VEGF in Neovascular and Nonexudative AMD Models. Ophthalmol Ther 2024:10.1007/s40123-024-00982-3. [PMID: 38907092 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00982-3] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION KNP-301 is a bi-specific fragment crystallizable region (Fc) fusion protein, which inhibits both C3b and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) simultaneously for patients with late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The present study evaluated in vitro potency, in vivo efficacy, intravitreal pharmacokinetics (IVT PK), and injectability of KNP-301. METHODS C3b and VEGF binding of KNP-301 were assessed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cellular bioassays. A laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model and a sodium iodate-induced nonexudative AMD model were used to test the in vivo efficacy of mouse surrogate of KNP-301. Utilizing fluorescein angiography (FA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans, the reduction in disease lesions were analyzed in a CNV mouse model. In the nonexudative AMD mouse model, outer nuclear layer (ONL) was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Lastly, intravitreal pharmacokinetic study was conducted with New Zealand white rabbits via IVT administration of KNP-301 and injectability of KNP-301 was examined by a viscosity test at high concentrations. RESULTS KNP-301 bound C3b selectively, which resulted in a blockade of the alternative pathway, not the classical pathway. KNP-301 also acted as a VEGF trap, impeding VEGF-mediate signaling. Our dual-blockade strategy was effective in both neovascular and nonexudative AMD models. Moreover, KNP-301 had an advantage of potentially less frequent dosing due to the long half-life in the intravitreal chamber. Our viscosity assessment confirmed that KNP-301 meets the criteria of the IVT injection. CONCLUSIONS Unlike current therapies, KNP-301 is expected to cover patients with late-stage AMD of both neovascular and nonexudative AMD, and its long-term PK profile at the intravitreal chamber would allow convenience in the dosing interval of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeri Lee
- KANAPH Therapeutics Inc., 3, Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Donggeon Kim
- KANAPH Therapeutics Inc., 3, Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Philip E D Chung
- KANAPH Therapeutics Inc., 3, Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyeong Lee
- KANAPH Therapeutics Inc., 3, Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nahmju Kim
- KANAPH Therapeutics Inc., 3, Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Chang
- KANAPH Therapeutics Inc., 3, Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Chul Lee
- KANAPH Therapeutics Inc., 3, Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Hallam TM, Andreadi A, Sharp SJ, Brocklebank V, Gardenal E, Dreismann A, Lotery AJ, Marchbank KJ, Harris CL, Jones AV, Kavanagh D. Comprehensive functional characterization of Complement factor I rare variant genotypes identified in the SCOPE Geographic Atrophy cohort. J Biol Chem 2024:107452. [PMID: 38852887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107452] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare variants (RVs) in the gene encoding the regulatory enzyme complement factor I (CFI; FI) that reduce protein function or levels increase age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk. A total of 3357 subjects underwent screening in the SCOPE natural history study for Geographic Atrophy (GA) secondary to AMD, including CFI sequencing followed by serum FI measurement. Eleven CFI RV genotypes that were challenging to categorise as Type I (low serum level) or Type II (normal serum level but reduced enzymatic function) were characterized in the context of pure FI protein in C3b and C4b fluid phase cleavage assays and a novel bead-based functional assay (BBFA) of surface-bound C3b cleavage. A further 4 variants predicted or previously characterized as benign, were analysed using the BBFA to add confidence to their classification. In all, 3 variants [W51S, C67R, I370T] resulted in low expression. A further 4 variants [P64L, R339Q, G527V and P528T] were identified as being highly deleterious with IC50s for C3b breakdown >1 log increased vs the WT protein, while 2 variants [K476E and R474Q] were ∼1 log reduced in function. Meanwhile, 6 variants [P50A, T203I, K441R, E548Q, P553S, S570T] had IC50s similar to wild-type (WT). Odds ratios (ORs) and BBFA IC50s were positively correlated (r=0.76, P<0.01), whilst ORs vs combined annotation dependent depletion (CADD) scores were not (r=0.43, P=0.16). Overall, 15 CFI RVs were functionally characterized which may aid future patient stratification approaches for complement-targeted therapies. Pure protein in vitro analysis remains the gold standard for determining the functional consequence of CFI RVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Hallam
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, A Novartis Company, London, UK.
| | - Anneliza Andreadi
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Scott J Sharp
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, A Novartis Company, London, UK
| | - Vicky Brocklebank
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Anna Dreismann
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, A Novartis Company, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire L Harris
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, A Novartis Company, London, UK; Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amy V Jones
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, A Novartis Company, London, UK
| | - David Kavanagh
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
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Kaufmann M, Han Z. RPE melanin and its influence on the progression of AMD. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102358. [PMID: 38830546 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102358] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review article is to summarize the latest findings and current understanding of the origin of melanin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), its function within the RPE, its role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), its effect on retinal development, and its potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of AMD. METHODS A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals was conducted using various combinations of key terms such as "melanin," "retinal pigment epithelium" or "RPE," "age-related macular degeneration" or AMD," "lipofuscin," "oxidative stress," and "albinism." Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. 147 papers published between the years of 1957 and 2023 were considered with an emphasis on recent findings. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AMD is thought to result from chronic oxidative stress within the RPE that results in cellular dysfunction, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and lipofuscin accumulation. Melanin functions as a photoscreener, free radical scavenger, and metal cation binding reservoir within the RPE. RPE melanin does not regenerate, and it undergoes degradation over time in response to chronic light exposure and oxidative stress. RPE melanin is important for retinal development and RPE function, and in the aging eye, melanin loss is associated with increased lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and the accumulation of toxic oxidized cellular products. Therefore, melanin-based treatments may serve to preserve RPE and retinal function in AMD. CONCLUSIONS The pathogenesis of AMD is not fully understood, but RPE dysfunction and melanin loss in response to chronic oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to be primary drivers of the disease. Due to melanin's antioxidative effects, melanin-based nanotechnology represents a promising avenue for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kaufmann
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Pharmacoengineering & Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Dias PB, Messias-Reason I, Hokazono K, Nisihara R. The role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in diabetic retinopathy: A scoping review. Immunol Lett 2024; 267:106863. [PMID: 38705482 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106863] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic systemic disease characterized by a multifactorial nature, which may lead to several macro and microvascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most severe microvascular complications of DM, which can result in permanent blindness. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DR are multiple and still poorly understood. Factors such as dysregulation of vascular regeneration, oxidative and hyperosmolar stress in addition to inflammatory processes have been associated with the pathogenesis of DR. Furthermore, compelling evidence shows that components of the immune system, including the complement system, play a relevant role in the development of the disease. Studies suggest that high concentrations of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), an essential component of the complement lectin pathway, may contribute to the development of DR in patients with DM. This review provides an update on the possible role of the complement system, specifically the lectin pathway, in the pathogenesis of DR and discusses the potential of MBL as a non-invasive biomarker for both, the presence and severity of DR, in addition to its potential as a therapeutic target for intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Basso Dias
- Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil; Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Kenzo Hokazono
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Renato Nisihara
- Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil; Department of Medicine, Positivo University, Curitiba, Brazil.
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Zhou J, Hou J, Li S, Zhang J. The effect of duration between sessions on microperimetric biofeedback training in patients with maculopathies. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12524. [PMID: 38822030 PMCID: PMC11143284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63327-x] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim of this study was to explore the optimal training interval and times of microperimetric biofeedback training (MBFT) in maculopathies. Twenty-nine patients with maculopathies were divided into two groups: daily training (Group A) or alternate daily training (Group B). Both groups underwent 15 MBFT sessions. We compared the BCVA, reading speed, and fixation stability at baseline, after 5, 10, 15 sessions. After 15 sessions of MBFT, all visual parameters in both groups improved. There was a significant increase in BCVA after 5 sessions in both groups (P=0.016, and P<0.001 respectively), but Group A showed further improvement after 10 sessions (P<0.001). Regarding reading speed, Group A showed significant improvement from baseline after 15 sessions(P=0.020), Group B improved significantly after 5 sessions (P=0.047) and continued to improve after 10 sessions (P=0.030). Additionally, P1 and LgBCEA of Group A significantly improved after 10 sessions (P=0.001, and P=0.001 respectively), while Group B significantly improved after 5 sessions (P=0.002, and P<0.001 respectively). There was no significant difference in visual outcomes between the two groups (P>0.05) except LgBCEA (P=0.046) after 15 sessions. We concluded that the both MBFT frequencies are effective at improving vision and quality of life in patients with maculopathies. The alternate daily training group showed less time-dependent of improvement in all parameters and a greater benefit in fixation stability. Ten sessions are the optimal number of treatment sessions for alternate daily training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
- Guangzhou Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510040, Guangdong, China
| | - Jintong Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shengnan Li
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
- Sichuan Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Chengdu, 610047, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
- Guangzhou Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510040, Guangdong, China.
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Katipoğlu Z, Abay RN. May the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) play a role in predicting age-related macular degeneration? Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:228. [PMID: 38780873 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03059-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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
AIM It is known that a healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this study is to show the possible relationship between the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and AMD. METHODS This observational longitudinal study included 50 patients who were diagnosed with AMD and 100 participants as control group in the Ophthalmology Polyclinic of Kırşehir Ahi Evran Training and Research Hospital between December 2022 and February 2023. The PNI scores of the patients were calculated with the formula (10 × albumin (g/L) + (0.005 × total lymphocyte count), using routine hemogram and biochemical assays. RESULTS One hundred fifty participants were included in the study (average age: 73.7 ± 8.6 years, male: 53.3%). When adjusted for age, sex, and total comorbidity index score via multivariate logistic regression analysis, the association between AMD and PNI scores (OR = 0.3; CI: 0.2-0.4; p = 0.01) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores (OR = 6.8; CI: 2.8-16.6; p = 0.01) was statistically significant. CONCLUSION The use of PNI scores may be practical and useful in routine clinical practice for predicting AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Katipoğlu
- Department of Ophtalmatology, Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital, Altıeylül, Balıkesir, Turkey.
| | - Rafiye Nur Abay
- Kırşehir Ahi Evran Training and Research Hospital, Kırşehir, Turkey
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Żuber-Łaskawiec K, Wilańska J, Karska-Basta I, Pociej-Marciak W, Romanowska-Dixon B, Sanak M, Kubicka-Trząska A. Circulating Anti-Endothelial Cell Antibodies in Patients with Geographic Atrophy Related to Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:810. [PMID: 38792993 PMCID: PMC11122982 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of central vision loss among elderly patients, and its dry form accounts for the majority of cases. Although several causes and mechanisms for the development and progression of AMD have previously been identified, the pathogenesis of this complex disease is still not entirely understood. As inflammation and immune system involvement are strongly suggested to play a central role in promoting the degenerative process and stimulating the onset of complications, we aimed to analyze the frequency of serum anti-retinal (ARAs) and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) in patients with dry AMD and to determine their relationship with the clinical features of the disease, notably the area of geographic atrophy (GA). Materials and Methods: This study included 41 patients with advanced-stage dry AMD and 50 healthy controls without AMD, matched for gender and age. ARAs were detected by indirect immunofluorescence using monkey retina as an antigen substrate, and the presence of AECAs was determined using cultivated human umbilical vein endothelial cells and primate skeletal muscle. Results: ARAs were detected in 36 (87.8%) AMD patients (titers ranged from 1:20 to 1:320) and in 16 (39.0%) (titers ranged from 1:10 to 1:40) controls (p = 0.0000). Twenty of the forty-one patients (48.8%) were positive for AECAs, while in the control group, AECAs were present only in five sera (10.0%). The titers of AECAs in AMD patients ranged from 1:100 to 1:1000, and in the control group, the AECA titers were 1:100 (p = 0.0001). There were no significant correlations between the presence of AECAs and disease activity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of circulating AECAs in patients with dry AMD; however, no correlation was found between the serum levels of these autoantibodies and the area of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Żuber-Łaskawiec
- Chair of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (K.Ż.-Ł.)
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, University Hospital, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Wilańska
- Department of Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics, II Chair of Internal Medicine, Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Skawińska Str. 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Izabella Karska-Basta
- Chair of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (K.Ż.-Ł.)
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, University Hospital, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Weronika Pociej-Marciak
- Chair of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (K.Ż.-Ł.)
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, University Hospital, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bożena Romanowska-Dixon
- Chair of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (K.Ż.-Ł.)
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, University Hospital, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Sanak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics, II Chair of Internal Medicine, Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Skawińska Str. 8, 31-066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kubicka-Trząska
- Chair of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (K.Ż.-Ł.)
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, University Hospital, Kopernika Str. 38, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
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10
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Winiarczyk M, Thiede B, Utheim TP, Kaarniranta K, Winiarczyk D, Michalak K, Mackiewicz J. Oxidative Stress, Persistent Inflammation and Blood Coagulation Alterations in Serum Proteome of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:624. [PMID: 38792644 PMCID: PMC11122107 DOI: 10.3390/life14050624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible blindness in elderly populations in developed countries. AMD's etiopathology is multifactorial, with strong environmental and genetic components, but the exact molecular pathomechanisms underlying the disease are still unknown. In this study, we analyzed blood serum collected from 74 neovascular AMD patients and 58 healthy controls to identify proteins that may serve as potential biomarkers and expand our knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of the disease. The study revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins-11 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated-in neovascular AMD, which are involved in the biological processes previously linked with the disease-oxidative stress and persistent inflammation, impaired cellular transport, lipid metabolism and blood coagulation. In conclusion, the differences in the expressions of the proteins identified in this study may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying AMD and possibly serve in future as promising biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Winiarczyk
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Bernd Thiede
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dagmara Winiarczyk
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, 20-612 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Michalak
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Life Sciences, 20-612 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Mackiewicz
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland;
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11
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Trincão-Marques J, Ayton LN, Hickey DG, Marques-Neves C, Guymer RH, Edwards TL, Sousa DC. Gene and cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration: A review. Surv Ophthalmol 2024:S0039-6257(24)00049-3. [PMID: 38735629 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.05.002] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly in Western communities, with an estimated global prevalence of 10 - 20% in people older than 65 years. AMD leads to central vision loss due to degeneration of the photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium and the choriocapillaris. Beckman's classification for AMD, based upon color fundus photographs, divides the disease into early, intermediate, and late forms. The late, vision-threatening stage includes both neovascular AMD and geographic atrophy. Despite its high prevalence and impact on patients' quality of life, treatment options for AMD are limited. While neovascular AMD can be medically managed with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, until very recently there has been no approved treatment options for atrophic AMD; however, in February 2023 the first treatment for geographic atrophy - pegcetacoplan - was approved by the US FDA. We describe the current landscape of potential gene and cell therapeutic strategies for late-stage AMD, with an emphasis on the therapeutic options that might become available in the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Trincão-Marques
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Vision Sciences Study Centre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lauren N Ayton
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Doron G Hickey
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carlos Marques-Neves
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Vision Sciences Study Centre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas L Edwards
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Cordeiro Sousa
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Vision Sciences Study Centre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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12
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Martins B, Pires M, Ambrósio AF, Girão H, Fernandes R. Contribution of extracellular vesicles for the pathogenesis of retinal diseases: shedding light on blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:48. [PMID: 38730462 PMCID: PMC11088087 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01036-3] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), loom as threats to vision, causing detrimental effects on the structure and function of the retina. Central to understanding these diseases, is the compromised state of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), an effective barrier that regulates the influx of immune and inflammatory components. Whether BRB breakdown initiates retinal distress, or is a consequence of disease progression, remains enigmatic. Nevertheless, it is an indication of retinal dysfunction and potential vision loss.The intricate intercellular dialogues among retinal cell populations remain unintelligible in the complex retinal milieu, under conditions of inflammation and oxidative stress. The retina, a specialized neural tissue, sustains a ceaseless demand for oxygen and nutrients from two vascular networks. The BRB orchestrates the exchange of molecules and fluids within this specialized region, comprising the inner BRB (iBRB) and the outer BRB (oBRB). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membranous structures, and act as messengers facilitating intercellular communication in this milieu.EVs, both from retinal and peripheral immune cells, increase complexity to BRB dysfunction in DR and AMD. Laden with bioactive cargoes, these EVs can modulate the retinal microenvironment, influencing disease progression. Our review delves into the multifaceted role of EVs in retinal degenerative diseases, elucidating the molecular crosstalk they orchestrate, and their microRNA (miRNA) content. By shedding light on these nanoscale messengers, from their biogenesis, release, to interaction and uptake by target cells, we aim to deepen the comprehension of BRB dysfunction and explore their therapeutic potential, therefore increasing our understanding of DR and AMD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Martins
- University Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000- 548, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, 3004-531, Portugal
| | - Maria Pires
- University Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000- 548, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, 3004-531, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- University Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000- 548, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, 3004-531, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girão
- University Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000- 548, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, 3004-531, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- University Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000- 548, Portugal.
- University of Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal.
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, 3004-531, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal.
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal.
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13
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Becker S, L'Ecuyer Z, Jones BW, Zouache MA, McDonnell FS, Vinberg F. Modeling complex age-related eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101247. [PMID: 38365085 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101247] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Modeling complex eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma poses significant challenges, since these conditions depend highly on age-related changes that occur over several decades, with many contributing factors remaining unknown. Although both diseases exhibit a relatively high heritability of >50%, a large proportion of individuals carrying AMD- or glaucoma-associated genetic risk variants will never develop these diseases. Furthermore, several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to and modulate the pathogenesis and progression of AMD and glaucoma. Several strategies replicate the impact of genetic risk variants, pathobiological pathways and environmental and lifestyle factors in AMD and glaucoma in mice and other species. In this review we will primarily discuss the most commonly available mouse models, which have and will likely continue to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of age-related eye diseases. Uncertainties persist whether small animal models can truly recapitulate disease progression and vision loss in patients, raising doubts regarding their usefulness when testing novel gene or drug therapies. We will elaborate on concerns that relate to shorter lifespan, body size and allometries, lack of macula and a true lamina cribrosa, as well as absence and sequence disparities of certain genes and differences in their chromosomal location in mice. Since biological, rather than chronological, age likely predisposes an organism for both glaucoma and AMD, more rapidly aging organisms like small rodents may open up possibilities that will make research of these diseases more timely and financially feasible. On the other hand, due to the above-mentioned anatomical and physiological features, as well as pharmacokinetic and -dynamic differences small animal models are not ideal to study the natural progression of vision loss or the efficacy and safety of novel therapies. In this context, we will also discuss the advantages and pitfalls of alternative models that include larger species, such as non-human primates and rabbits, patient-derived retinal organoids, and human organ donor eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Becker
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zia L'Ecuyer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Moussa A Zouache
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fiona S McDonnell
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frans Vinberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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14
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Brito M, Sorbier C, Mignet N, Boudy V, Borchard G, Vacher G. Understanding the Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4099. [PMID: 38612907 PMCID: PMC11012607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074099] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial ocular pathology that destroys the photoreceptors of the macula. Two forms are distinguished, dry and wet AMD, with different pathophysiological mechanisms. Although treatments were shown to be effective in wet AMD, they remain a heavy burden for patients and caregivers, resulting in a lack of patient compliance. For dry AMD, no real effective treatment is available in Europe. It is, therefore, essential to look for new approaches. Recently, the use of long-chain and very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids was identified as an interesting new therapeutic alternative. Indeed, the levels of these fatty acids, core components of photoreceptors, are significantly decreased in AMD patients. To better understand this pathology and to evaluate the efficacy of various molecules, in vitro and in vivo models reproducing the mechanisms of both types of AMD were developed. This article reviews the anatomy and the physiological aging of the retina and summarizes the clinical aspects, pathophysiological mechanisms of AMD and potential treatment strategies. In vitro and in vivo models of AMD are also presented. Finally, this manuscript focuses on the application of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of both types of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlis Brito
- Unither Développement Bordeaux, Avenue Toussaint Catros, 33185 Le Haillan, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, F-75006 Paris, France
- Département de Recherche et Développement (DRDP), Agence Générale des Equipements et Produits de Santé (AGEPS), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 7 Rue du Fer-à-Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Capucine Sorbier
- Unither Développement Bordeaux, Avenue Toussaint Catros, 33185 Le Haillan, France
| | - Nathalie Mignet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Boudy
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, F-75006 Paris, France
- Département de Recherche et Développement (DRDP), Agence Générale des Equipements et Produits de Santé (AGEPS), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 7 Rue du Fer-à-Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gaëlle Vacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
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15
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Lim RR, Shirali S, Rowlan J, Engel AL, Nazario, M, Gonzalez K, Tong A, Neitz J, Neitz M, Chao JR. CFH Haploinsufficiency and Complement Alterations in Early-Onset Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:43. [PMID: 38683564 PMCID: PMC11059804 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.43] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Complement dysregulation is a key component in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related diseases such as early-onset macular drusen (EOMD). Although genetic variants of complement factor H (CFH) are associated with AMD risk, the impact of CFH and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) expression on local complement activity in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) remains unclear. Methods We identified a novel CFH variant in a family with EOMD and generated patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells. We assessed CFH and FHL-1 co-factor activity through C3b breakdown assays and measured complement activation by immunostaining for membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. Expression of CFH, FHL-1, local alternative pathway (AP) components, and regulators of complement activation (RCA) in EOMD RPE cells was determined by quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunostaining. Isogenic EOMD (cEOMD) RPE was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Results The CFH variant (c.351-2A>G) resulted in loss of CFH and FHL-1 expression and significantly reduced CFH and FHL-1 protein expression (∼50%) in EOMD iPSC RPE cells. These cells exhibited increased MAC deposition upon exposure to normal human serum. Under inflammatory or oxidative stress conditions, CFH and FHL-1 expression in EOMD RPE cells paralleled that of controls, whereas RCA expression, including MAC formation inhibitors, was elevated. CRISPR/Cas9 correction restored CFH/FHL-1 expression and mitigated alternative pathway complement activity in cEOMD RPE cells. Conclusions Identification of a novel CFH variant in patients with EOMD resulting in reduced CFH and FHL-1 and increased local complement activity in EOMD iPSC RPE supports the involvement of CFH haploinsufficiency in EOMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayne R. Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Sharlene Shirali
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jessica Rowlan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Abbi L. Engel
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Marcos Nazario,
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Kelie Gonzalez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Aspen Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jennifer R. Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
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16
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Abu-Humaidan AH, Ismail MA, Ahmad FM, Al Shboul S, Barham R, Tadros JS, Alhesa A, El-Sadoni M, Alotaibi MR, Ababneh NA, Saleh T. Therapy-induced senescent cancer cells exhibit complement activation and increased complement regulatory protein expression. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:240-255. [PMID: 38265162 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12727] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) is a primary response to chemotherapy, contributing to untoward treatment outcomes such as evasion of immunosurveillance. Despite the established role of the complement system in the immune response to cancer, the role of complement in mediating the immune response against senescent tumor cells remains poorly understood. To explore this relationship, we exposed lung adenocarcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) and pancreatic carcinoma (Panc-1) cell lines to sublethal doses of either etoposide or doxorubicin to trigger TIS. Identification of TIS was based on morphological changes, upregulation of the senescence-associated β-galactosidase, p21Cip1 induction and lamin B1 downregulation. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, quantitative PCR, ELISA of conditioned media and in silico analysis, we investigated complement activation, complement protein expression, C3 levels in the conditioned media of senescent cells and secreted complement proteins as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), respectively. In cell lines undergoing TIS, complement-related changes included (i) activation of the terminal pathway, evidenced by the deposition of C5b-9 on senescent cells; (ii) an increase in the expression of CD59 and complement factor H and (iii) in A549 cells, an elevation in the expression of C3 with its secretion into the medium. In addition, increased C3 expression was observed in breast cancer samples expressing TIS hallmarks following exposure to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, TIS led to the activation of complement, upregulation of complement regulatory proteins and increased C3 expression. Complement appears to play a role in shaping the cancer microenvironment upon senescence induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Ha Abu-Humaidan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A Ismail
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- South Australian ImmunoGENomics Cancer Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Fatima M Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sofian Al Shboul
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Raghad Barham
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Joud S Tadros
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Alhesa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed El-Sadoni
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Moureq R Alotaibi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nidaa A Ababneh
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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17
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Wolfram L, Gimpel C, Schwämmle M, Clark SJ, Böhringer D, Schlunck G. The impact of substrate stiffness on morphological, transcriptional and functional aspects in RPE. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7488. [PMID: 38553490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56661-7] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the structure and composition of Bruch's membrane (BrM) and loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are associated with various ocular diseases, notably age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as several inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). We explored the influence of stiffness as a major BrM characteristic on the RPE transcriptome and morphology. ARPE-19 cells were plated on soft ( E = 30 kPa ) or stiff ( E = 80 kPa ) polyacrylamide gels (PA gels) or standard tissue culture plastic (TCP). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data on differentially expressed small RNAs (sRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were validated by qPCR, immunofluorescence or western blotting. The microRNA (miRNA) fraction of sRNAs grew with substrate stiffness and distinct miRNAs such as miR-204 or miR-222 were differentially expressed. mRNA targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were stably expressed, suggesting a homeostatic effect of miRNAs. mRNA transcription patterns were substrate stiffness-dependent, including components of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF) and Dicer. These findings highlight the relevance of mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell culture experiments, especially those focusing on ECM-related diseases, such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Wolfram
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Clara Gimpel
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Schlosspark-Klinik Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwämmle
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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18
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Dontsov A, Ostrovsky M. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Pigment Granules: Norms, Age Relations and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3609. [PMID: 38612421 PMCID: PMC11011557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073609] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which ensures the normal functioning of the neural retina, is a pigmented single-cell layer that separates the retina from the Bruch's membrane and the choroid. There are three main types of pigment granules in the RPE cells of the human eye: lipofuscin granules (LG) containing the fluorescent "age pigment" lipofuscin, melanoprotein granules (melanosomes, melanolysosomes) containing the screening pigment melanin and complex melanolipofuscin granules (MLG) containing both types of pigments simultaneously-melanin and lipofuscin. This review examines the functional role of pigment granules in the aging process and in the development of oxidative stress and associated pathologies in RPE cells. The focus is on the process of light-induced oxidative degradation of pigment granules caused by reactive oxygen species. The reasons leading to increased oxidative stress in RPE cells as a result of the oxidative degradation of pigment granules are considered. A mechanism is proposed to explain the phenomenon of age-related decline in melanin content in RPE cells. The essence of the mechanism is that when the lipofuscin part of the melanolipofuscin granule is exposed to light, reactive oxygen species are formed, which destroy the melanin part. As more melanolipofuscin granules are formed with age and the development of degenerative diseases, the melanin in pigmented epithelial cells ultimately disappears.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikhail Ostrovsky
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia;
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19
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Hristodorov D, Lohoff T, Luneborg N, Mulder GJ, Clark SJ. Investing in vision: Innovation in retinal therapeutics and the influence on venture capital investment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101243. [PMID: 38218527 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101243] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Since the groundbreaking approval of the first anti-VEGF therapy in 2004, the retinal therapeutics field has undergone a remarkable transformation, witnessing a surge in novel, disease-modifying therapeutics for a broad spectrum of retinal diseases, extending beyond exudative VEGF-driven conditions. The surge in scientific advancement and the pressing, unmet, medical need have captured the attention of venture capital investors, who have collectively invested close to $10 billion in research and development of new retinal therapeutics between 2004 and 2023. Notably, the field of exudative diseases has gradually shifted away from trying to outcompete anti-VEGF therapeutics towards lowering the overall treatment burden by reducing injection frequency. Simultaneously, a new era has emerged in the non-exudative field, targeting prevalent conditions like dry AMD and rare indications such as Retinitis pigmentosa. This has led to promising drug candidates in development, culminating in the landmark approval of Luxturna for a rare form of Retinitis pigmentosa. The validation of new mechanisms, such as the complement pathway in dry AMD has paved the way for the approvals of Syvovre (Apellis) and Izervay (Iveric/Astellas), marking the first two therapies for this condition. In this comprehensive review, we share our view on the cumulative lessons from the past two decades in developing retinal therapeutics, covering both positive achievements and challenges. We also contextualize the investments, strategic partnering deals, and acquisitions of biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies venture capital investors in retinal therapeutics, respectively. Finally, we provide an outlook and potentially a forward-looking roadmap on novel retinal therapeutics, highlighting the emergence of potential new intervention strategies, such as cell-based therapies, gene editing, and combination therapies. We conclude that upcoming developments have the potential to further stimulate venture capital investments, which ultimately could facilitate the development and delivery of new therapies to patients in need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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20
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Park J, Jung W, Han K, Kim B, Lee SY, Yoon JM, Lim DH, Shin DW. Association between age-related macular degeneration and risk of incident cancer. Br J Ophthalmol 2024:bjo-2023-323874. [PMID: 38418207 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2023-323874] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cancer may share similar risk factors, indicating possible common pathogenic pathways. We aimed to describe the site-specific cancer risk based on the relationship of AMD with visual disability (VD) status. METHODS This was a population-based cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2009-2019) including patients who participated in a national health screening programme in 2009. The subjects were categorised based on the presence of AMD and VD. The occurrence of cancer was identified using principal diagnosis according to the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision codes in claims data. The Cox regression hazard model was used to compare HRs of site-specific cancer. RESULTS Among 4 088 814 participants, 51 596 had AMD of which 3683 subjects had VD. The mean follow-up period was 9.6 years. The overall cancer risk was generally null, but the risk of hypervascular cancer such as thyroid cancer (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.10, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.20) and renal cancer (aHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.33) was higher and the risk of stomach cancer (aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.94) was lower in the AMD group than in the non-AMD group. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated a possible association between AMD and several cancers. Increased renal and thyroid cancer risk among patients with AMD could indicate that AMD is associated with hypervascular cancer. Further studies in which additional databases are used and the underlying detailed mechanisms evaluated are needed to validate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhee Park
- Family Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Wonyoung Jung
- Family Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Kyungdo Han
- Statistics and Actuarial Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Bongseong Kim
- Statistics and Actuarial Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung-Yeon Lee
- Family medicine/ International Health care center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Je Moon Yoon
- Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Dong Hui Lim
- Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Clinical Research Design & Evaluation and Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Insitute for Health Sicences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Dong Wook Shin
- Family Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Clinical Research Design & Evaluation and Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Insitute for Health Sicences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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21
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Webb-Robertson BJM, Nakayasu ES, Dong F, Waugh KC, Flores JE, Bramer LM, Schepmoes AA, Gao Y, Fillmore TL, Onengut-Gumuscu S, Frazer-Abel A, Rich SS, Holers VM, Metz TO, Rewers MJ. Decrease in multiple complement proteins associated with development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes. iScience 2024; 27:108769. [PMID: 38303689 PMCID: PMC10831269 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition caused by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. While it is known that gene-environment interactions play a key role in triggering the autoimmune process leading to T1D, the pathogenic mechanism leading to the appearance of islet autoantibodies-biomarkers of autoimmunity-is poorly understood. Here we show that disruption of the complement system precedes the detection of islet autoantibodies and persists through disease onset. Our results suggest that children who exhibit islet autoimmunity and progress to clinical T1D have lower complement protein levels relative to those who do not progress within a similar time frame. Thus, the complement pathway, an understudied mechanistic and therapeutic target in T1D, merits increased attention for use as protein biomarkers of prediction and potentially prevention of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbie-Jo M. Webb-Robertson
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ernesto S. Nakayasu
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Fran Dong
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kathy C. Waugh
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Javier E. Flores
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Lisa M. Bramer
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Athena A. Schepmoes
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Yuqian Gao
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Thomas L. Fillmore
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Suna Onengut-Gumuscu
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ashley Frazer-Abel
- Divison of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephen S. Rich
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - V. Michael Holers
- Divison of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas O. Metz
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Marian J. Rewers
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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22
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Sándor N, Schneider AE, Matola AT, Barbai VH, Bencze D, Hammad HH, Papp A, Kövesdi D, Uzonyi B, Józsi M. The human factor H protein family - an update. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1135490. [PMID: 38410512 PMCID: PMC10894998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1135490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Complement is an ancient and complex network of the immune system and, as such, it plays vital physiological roles, but it is also involved in numerous pathological processes. The proper regulation of the complement system is important to allow its sufficient and targeted activity without deleterious side-effects. Factor H is a major complement regulator, and together with its splice variant factor H-like protein 1 and the five human factor H-related (FHR) proteins, they have been linked to various diseases. The role of factor H in inhibiting complement activation is well studied, but the function of the FHRs is less characterized. Current evidence supports the main role of the FHRs as enhancers of complement activation and opsonization, i.e., counter-balancing the inhibitory effect of factor H. FHRs emerge as soluble pattern recognition molecules and positive regulators of the complement system. In addition, factor H and some of the FHR proteins were shown to modulate the activity of immune cells, a non-canonical function outside the complement cascade. Recent efforts have intensified to study factor H and the FHRs and develop new tools for the distinction, quantification and functional characterization of members of this protein family. Here, we provide an update and overview on the versatile roles of factor H family proteins, what we know about their biological functions in healthy conditions and in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Sándor
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Veronika H. Barbai
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Bencze
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hani Hashim Hammad
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Papp
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Kövesdi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
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23
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Shukla P, Russell MW, Muste JC, Shaia JK, Kumar M, Nowacki AS, Hajj-Ali RA, Singh RP, Talcott KE. Propensity-Matched Analysis of the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Systemic Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disease. Ophthalmol Retina 2024:S2468-6530(24)00058-7. [PMID: 38320691 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2024.01.026] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves aberrant complement activation and is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Complement aberrations are also implicated in many systemic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), but the relationship between AMD and these conditions remains undescribed. The aim of this study is to first assess the association between AMD and IMIDs, and then assess the risk of AMD in patients with specific IMIDs associated with AMD. DESIGN Cross-sectional study and cohort study. SUBJECTS AND CONTROLS Patients with AMD were compared with control patients with cataracts and no AMD to ensure evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Patients with IMIDs were compared with patients without IMIDs but with cataracts. METHODS This study used deidentified data from a national database (2006-2023), using International Classification of Diseases 10 codes to select for IMIDs. Propensity score matching was based on patients on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and smoking. Odds ratios were generated for IMIDs and compared between AMD and control patients. For IMIDs associated with AMD, the risk of AMD in patients with the IMID versus patients without IMIDs was determined utilizing a cohort study design. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Odds ratio of IMID, risk ratios (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of AMD diagnosis, given an IMID. RESULTS After propensity score matching, AMD and control cohorts (n = 217 197 each) had a mean ± standard deviation age of 74.7 ± 10.4 years, were 56% female, and 9% of patients smoked. Age-related macular degeneration showed associations with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, giant cell arteritis, and vasculitis. Cohorts for each positively associated IMID were created and matched to control cohorts with no IMID history. Patients with RA (RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.30-1.49), SLE (RR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.37-2.18), Crohn's disease (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.20-1.71), ulcerative colitis (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.29-1.63), psoriasis (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.37-1.60), vasculitis (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.33-1.64), scleroderma (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.35-2.02), and sarcoidosis (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.24-1.62) showed a higher risk of developing AMD compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that there is an increased risk of developing AMD in patients with RA, SLE, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, vasculitis, scleroderma, and sarcoidosis compared with patients with no IMIDs. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Shukla
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthew W Russell
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Justin C Muste
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jacqueline K Shaia
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Madhukar Kumar
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Amy S Nowacki
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rula A Hajj-Ali
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Rheumatology and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rishi P Singh
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Cleveland Clinic Martin Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Stuart, Florida
| | - Katherine E Talcott
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.
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24
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Salman A, McClements ME, MacLaren RE. CRISPR Manipulation of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Haplotypes in the Complement System: Potential Future Therapeutic Applications/Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1697. [PMID: 38338978 PMCID: PMC10855085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031697] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly in the developed world. Whilst AMD is a multifactorial disease, the involvement of the complement system in its pathology is well documented, with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different complement genes representing an increased risk factor. With several complement inhibitors explored in clinical trials showing limited success, patients with AMD are still without a reliable treatment option. This indicates that there is still a gap of knowledge in the functional implications and manipulation of the complement system in AMD, hindering the progress towards translational treatments. Since the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas system and its development into a powerful genome engineering tool, the field of molecular biology has been revolutionised. Genetic variants in the complement system have long been associated with an increased risk of AMD, and a variety of haplotypes have been identified to be predisposing/protective, with variation in complement genes believed to be the trigger for dysregulation of the cascade leading to inflammation. AMD-haplotypes (SNPs) alter specific aspects of the activation and regulation of the complement cascade, providing valuable insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of AMD with important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. The effect of targeting these AMD-related SNPs on the regulation of the complement cascade has been poorly explored, and the CRISPR/Cas system provides an ideal tool with which to explore this avenue. Current research concentrates on the association events of specific AMD-related SNPs in complement genes without looking into the effect of targeting these SNPs and therefore influencing the complement system in AMD pathogenesis. This review will explore the current understanding of manipulating the complement system in AMD pathogenesis utilising the genomic manipulation powers of the CRISPR/Cas systems. A number of AMD-related SNPs in different complement factor genes will be explored, with a particular emphasis on factor H (CFH), factor B (CFB), and complement C3 (C3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Salman
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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25
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Qu S, Lin H, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Mitochondria-Associated Autoantibodies: A Review of the Specific Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1624. [PMID: 38338904 PMCID: PMC10855900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031624] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a severe retinal disease that causes irreversible visual loss and blindness in elderly populations worldwide. The pathological mechanism of AMD is complex, involving the interactions of multiple environmental and genetic factors. A poor understanding of the disease leads to limited treatment options and few effective prevention methods. The discovery of autoantibodies in AMD patients provides an opportunity to explore the pathogenesis and treatment direction of the disease. This review focuses on the mitochondria-associated autoantibodies and summarizes the functional roles of mitochondria under physiological conditions and their alterations during the pathological states. Additionally, it discusses the crosstalk between mitochondria and other organelles, as well as the mitochondria-related therapeutic strategies in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Franz H. Grus
- Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.Q.); (H.L.)
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26
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Koçyiğit E, Gövez NE, Arslan S, Ağagündüz D. A narrative review on dietary components and patterns and age-related macular degeneration. Nutr Res Rev 2024:1-28. [PMID: 38221852 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422424000015] [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: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most prevalent eye diseases among the ageing population worldwide. It is a leading cause of blindness in individuals over 55, particularly in industrialised Western countries. The prevalence of AMD increases with age, and genetic factors and environmental influences are believed to contribute to its development. Among the environmental factors, diet plays a significant role in AMD. This review explores the association between dietary components, dietary patterns and AMD. Various nutrients, non-nutrient substances and dietary models that have the potential to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation, which are underlying mechanisms of AMD, are discussed. Consuming fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood, whole grains, olive oil, nuts and low-glycaemic-index foods has been highlighted as beneficial for reducing the risk of AMD. Adhering to the Mediterranean diet, which encompasses these elements, can be recommended as a dietary pattern for AMD. Furthermore, the modulation of the gut microbiota through dietary interventions and probiotics has shown promise in managing AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Koçyiğit
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ordu University, Ordu, Türkiye
| | - Nazlıcan Erdoğan Gövez
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Sabriye Arslan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Duygu Ağagündüz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
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27
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Chu L, Bi C, Wang C, Zhou H. The Relationship between Complements and Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Its Pathogenesis. J Ophthalmol 2024; 2024:6416773. [PMID: 38205100 PMCID: PMC10776198 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6416773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is a retinal disease that causes permanent loss of central vision in people over the age of 65. Its pathogenesis may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, complement, intestinal flora, and lipid disorders. In addition, the patient's genes, age, gender, cardiovascular disease, unhealthy diet, and living habits may also be risk factors for this disease. Complement proteins are widely distributed in serum and tissue fluid. In the early 21st century, a connection was found between the complement cascade and age-related macular degeneration. However, little is known about the effect of complement factors on the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. This article reviews the factors associated with age-related macular degeneration, the relationship between each factor and complement, the related functions, and variants and provides new ideas for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chaoran Bi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Caiming Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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28
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Giacalone JC, Parkinson DH, Balikov DA, Rajesh CR. AMD and Stem Cell-Based Therapies. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2024; 64:21-33. [PMID: 38146879 PMCID: PMC10783850 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent and complex disease leading to severe vision loss. Stem cells offer promising prospects for AMD treatment as they can be differentiated into critical retinal cell types that could replace lost host retinal cells or provide trophic support to promote host retinal cell survival. However, challenges such as immune rejection, concerns regarding tumorigenicity, and genomic integrity must be addressed. Clinical trials with stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells have shown preliminary safety in treating dry AMD, but improvements in manufacturing and surgical techniques cell delivery are needed. Late-stage AMD poses additional hurdles, possibly requiring multi-layered grafts. Advancements in automation technologies and gene correction strategies show potential to enhance iPSC-based therapies. Stem cell-based treatments offer hope for AMD management, but further research and optimization are essential for successful clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Giacalone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David H. Parkinson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel A. Balikov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - C. Rao Rajesh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, Surgical Service, Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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29
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Yang ZH, Gorusupudi A, Lydic TA, Mondal AK, Sato S, Yamazaki I, Yamaguchi H, Tang J, Rojulpote KV, Lin AB, Decot H, Koch H, Brock DC, Arunkumar R, Shi ZD, Yu ZX, Pryor M, Kun JF, Swenson RE, Swaroop A, Bernstein PS, Remaley AT. Dietary fish oil enriched in very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid reduces cardiometabolic risk factors and improves retinal function. iScience 2023; 26:108411. [PMID: 38047069 PMCID: PMC10692724 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs; C24-38) constitute a unique class of PUFA that have important biological roles, but the lack of a suitable dietary source has limited research in this field. We produced an n-3 C24-28-rich VLCPUFA-oil concentrated from fish oil to study its bioavailability and physiological functions in C57BL/6J mice. The serum and retinal C24:5 levels increased significantly compared to control after a single-dose gavage, and VLCPUFAs were incorporated into the liver, brain, and eyes after 8-week supplementation. Dietary VLCPUFAs resulted in favorable cardiometabolic changes, and improved electroretinography responses and visual performance. VLCPUFA supplementation changed the expression of genes involved in PPAR signaling pathways. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that the VLCPUFA-oil and chemically synthesized C24:5 are potent agonists for PPARs. The multiple potential beneficial effects of fish oil-derived VLCPUFAs on cardiometabolic risk and eye health in mice support future efforts to develop VLCPUFA-oil into a supplemental therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Yang
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aruna Gorusupudi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Todd A. Lydic
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Core, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Anupam K. Mondal
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seizo Sato
- Central Research Laboratory, Nissui Corporation, 1-32-3 Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0991, Japan
| | - Isao Yamazaki
- Central Research Laboratory, Nissui Corporation, 1-32-3 Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0991, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yamaguchi
- Central Research Laboratory, Nissui Corporation, 1-32-3 Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0991, Japan
| | - Jingrong Tang
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Krishna Vamsi Rojulpote
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anna B. Lin
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Core, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Hannah Decot
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Core, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Hannah Koch
- Department of Physiology, Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Core, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Daniel C. Brock
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ranganathan Arunkumar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Zhen-Dan Shi
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- Pathology Core, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Milton Pryor
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julia F. Kun
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rolf E. Swenson
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, NHLBI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paul S. Bernstein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Alan T. Remaley
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Section, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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30
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Guo H, Li J, Lu P. Systematic review and meta-analysis of mass spectrometry proteomics applied to ocular fluids to assess potential biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:507. [PMID: 38087257 PMCID: PMC10717315 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03237-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a significant cause of severe vision loss. The main purpose of this study was to identify mass spectrometry proteomics-based potential biomarkers of AMD that contribute to understanding the mechanisms of disease and aiding in early diagnosis. METHODS This study retrieved studies that aim to detect differences relate to proteomics in AMD patients and healthy control groups by mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics approaches. The search process was accord with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO database: CRD42023388093). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway Analysis (KEGG) were performed on differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the included articles using the DAVID database. DEPs were included in a meta-analysis when their effect size could be computed in at least two research studies. The effect size of measured proteins was transformed to the log2-fold change. Protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis was conducted on proteins that were statistically significant in the meta-analysis using the String online database. RESULTS Eleven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 161 DEPs were identified. The GO analysis showed that AMD is significantly related to proteolysis, extracellular exosome and protein binding. In KEGG, the most significant pathway was the complement and coagulation cascades. Meta-analysis results suggested that eight proteins were statistically significant, and according to PPI results, the most significant four proteins were serotransferrin (TF), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), complement C3 (C3) and lipocalin-1 (LCN1). CONCLUSIONS Four possible biomarkers, TF, APOA1, C3 and LCN1, were found to be significant in the pathogenesis of AMD and need to be further validated. Further studies should be performed to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic value of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanmu Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianqing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peirong Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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31
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Vergroesen JE, Thee EF, de Crom TOE, Kiefte-de Jong JC, Meester-Smoor MA, Voortman T, Klaver CCW, Ramdas WD. The inflammatory potential of diet is associated with the risk of age-related eye diseases. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:2404-2413. [PMID: 37865012 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.10.008] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of cataract, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and possibly open-angle glaucoma (OAG). We assessed whether the inflammatory potential of diet (quantified using the dietary inflammatory index; DII) affects the incidence of these common blinding age-related eye diseases. Serum inflammation markers were investigated as possible mediators. METHODS Participants aged >45 years were selected from the prospective, population-based Rotterdam Study. From 1991 onwards, every 4-5 years, participants underwent extensive eye examinations. At baseline, blood samples and dietary data (using food frequency questionnaires) were collected. The DII was adapted based on the data available. Of the 7436 participants free of eye diseases at baseline, 4036 developed incident eye diseases during follow-up (cataract = 2895, early-intermediate AMD = 891, late AMD = 81, OAG = 169). RESULTS The adapted DII (aDII) ranged from -4.26 (i.e., anti-inflammatory) to 4.53 (i.e., pro-inflammatory). A higher aDII was significantly associated with increased inflammation. A higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with an increased risk of cataract and AMD. Additionally, complement component 3c (C3c) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were associated with increased risks of cataract and late AMD, respectively. Every point increase in the aDII was associated with a 9% increased risk of cataract (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.09 [1.04-1.14]). The NLR and C3c partly mediated this association. We also identified associations of the aDII with risk of AMD (early-intermediate AMD, OR [95% CI]: 1.11 [1.03-1.19]; late AMD, OR [95% CI]: 1.24 [1.02-1.53]). The NLR partly mediated these associations. The aDII was not associated with OAG. CONCLUSIONS A pro-inflammatory diet was associated with increased risks of cataract and AMD. Particularly the NLR, a marker of subclinical inflammation, appears to be implicated. These findings are relevant for patients with AMD and substantiate the current recommendations to strive for a healthy lifestyle to prevent blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle E Vergroesen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eric F Thee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; EyeNED Reading Center, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Tosca O E de Crom
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jessica C Kiefte-de Jong
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Hague, The Netherlands.
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Trudy Voortman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; EyeNED Reading Center, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Wishal D Ramdas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Nadeem A, Malik IA, Shariq F, Afridi EK, Taha M, Raufi N, Naveed AK, Iqbal J, Habte A. Advancements in the treatment of geographic atrophy: focus on pegcetacoplan in age-related macular degeneration. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:6067-6077. [PMID: 38098608 PMCID: PMC10718344 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive form of age-related macular degeneration characterized by the degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor death. The dysregulation of the complement cascade has been implicated in GA progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration and GA, discusses current therapeutic options, and focuses on the recent breakthrough drug, pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE). Pegcetacoplan is a complement inhibitor that selectively targets the C3 complement protein, effectively modulating complement activation. Clinical trials, including the OAKS and DERBY studies, have demonstrated the efficacy of SYFOVRE in reducing the growth of GA lesions compared to placebo. The FDA approval of SYFOVRE as the first and only definitive therapy for GA marks a significant milestone in the management of this debilitating condition. The review also explores potential future treatment strategies, including immune-modulating agents and ocular gene therapy. While SYFOVRE offers new hope for GA patients, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term benefits, safety profile, and optimal treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nahid Raufi
- Department of Medicine, Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan
| | - Ahmed K. Naveed
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
| | - Javed Iqbal
- King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Alexander Habte
- Department of Surgery, Assab Military Hospital, Assab, Eritrea
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33
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Moir J, Hyman MJ, Wang J, Shah A, Maatouk C, Flores A, Skondra D. Associations Between Autoimmune Disease and the Development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:45. [PMID: 38153747 PMCID: PMC10756244 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) likely implicates the dysregulation of immune response pathways. Several studies demonstrate that the pathogenic elements of AMD resemble those of autoimmune diseases, yet the association between AMD development and most autoimmune diseases remain unexplored. Methods We conducted a case-control analysis of patients ages 55 and older with new-onset International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding of dry, wet, or unspecified AMD between 2005 and 2019 in the Merative MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Databases. The diagnosis of an autoimmune disease was defined by an outpatient or inpatient claim with a relevant ICD code in the 12 months before the index visit. Conditional multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for AMD risk factors, was used to calculate odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results We identified 415,027 cases with new-onset ICD coding for AMD matched with propensity scores to 414,853 controls. In total, 16.1% of cases and 15.9% of controls were diagnosed with any autoimmune disease. The diagnosis of any autoimmune disease did not affect the odds of new-onset ICD coding for AMD in multivariable regression (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.999-1.02). Discoid lupus erythematosus (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12-1.48), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15-1.27), giant cell arteritis (OR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.30), Sjogren's syndrome (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09-1.26), and Crohn's disease (OR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.22) increased the odds of a new-onset ICD coding for AMD. Conclusions Most autoimmune diseases do not affect the odds of developing AMD but several common autoimmune disorders such as SLE and Crohn's disease were associated with modestly increased odds of AMD. Further studies are needed to validate and investigate the underlying mechanisms of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Moir
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Max J. Hyman
- The Center for Health and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Jessie Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Arjav Shah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Christopher Maatouk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Andrea Flores
- The Center for Health and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Dimitra Skondra
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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34
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Li J, Wang J, Ibarra IL, Cheng X, Luecken MD, Lu J, Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Zheng Y, Zuo Z, Colborn SLZ, Cortez BS, Owen LA, Tran NM, Shekhar K, Sanes JR, Stout JT, Chen S, Li Y, DeAngelis MM, Theis FJ, Chen R. Integrated multi-omics single cell atlas of the human retina. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3471275. [PMID: 38014002 PMCID: PMC10680922 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3471275/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing has revolutionized the scale and resolution of molecular profiling of tissues and organs. Here, we present an integrated multimodal reference atlas of the most accessible portion of the mammalian central nervous system, the retina. We compiled around 2.4 million cells from 55 donors, including 1.4 million unpublished data points, to create a comprehensive human retina cell atlas (HRCA) of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility, unveiling over 110 types. Engaging the retina community, we annotated each cluster, refined the Cell Ontology for the retina, identified distinct marker genes, and characterized cis-regulatory elements and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for these cell types. Our analysis uncovered intriguing differences in transcriptome, chromatin, and GRNs across cell types. In addition, we modeled changes in gene expression and chromatin openness across gender and age. This integrated atlas also enabled the fine-mapping of GWAS and eQTL variants. Accessible through interactive browsers, this multimodal cross-donor and cross-lab HRCA, can facilitate a better understanding of retinal function and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Ignacio L Ibarra
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Xuesen Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Malte D Luecken
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Lung Health & Immunity, Helmholtz Munich; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Jiaxiong Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Yiqiao Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Zhen Zuo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | | | | | - Leah A Owen
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Nicholas M Tran
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Karthik Shekhar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute; Center for Computational Biology; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, QB3, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - J Timothy Stout
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
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35
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Latifi-Navid H, Barzegar Behrooz A, Jamehdor S, Davari M, Latifinavid M, Zolfaghari N, Piroozmand S, Taghizadeh S, Bourbour M, Shemshaki G, Latifi-Navid S, Arab SS, Soheili ZS, Ahmadieh H, Sheibani N. Construction of an Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnostic and Therapeutic Molecular Network Using Multi-Layer Network Analysis, a Fuzzy Logic Model, and Deep Learning Techniques: Are Retinal and Brain Neurodegenerative Disorders Related? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1555. [PMID: 38004422 PMCID: PMC10674956 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in the elderly. The current management of nAMD is limited and involves regular intravitreal administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). However, the effectiveness of these treatments is limited by overlapping and compensatory pathways leading to unresponsiveness to anti-VEGF treatments in a significant portion of nAMD patients. Therefore, a system view of pathways involved in pathophysiology of nAMD will have significant clinical value. The aim of this study was to identify proteins, miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), various metabolites, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a significant role in the pathogenesis of nAMD. To accomplish this goal, we conducted a multi-layer network analysis, which identified 30 key genes, six miRNAs, and four lncRNAs. We also found three key metabolites that are common with AMD, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia. Moreover, we identified nine key SNPs and their related genes that are common among AMD, AD, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, our findings suggest that there exists a connection between nAMD and the aforementioned neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, our study also demonstrates the effectiveness of using artificial intelligence, specifically the LSTM network, a fuzzy logic model, and genetic algorithms, to identify important metabolites in complex metabolic pathways to open new avenues for the design and/or repurposing of drugs for nAMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Latifi-Navid
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Saleh Jamehdor
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 6517838636, Iran;
| | - Maliheh Davari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Masoud Latifinavid
- Department of Mechatronic Engineering, University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, 06790 Ankara, Turkey;
| | - Narges Zolfaghari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Somayeh Piroozmand
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Sepideh Taghizadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Mahsa Bourbour
- Department of Biotechnology, Alzahra University, Tehran 1993893973, Iran;
| | - Golnaz Shemshaki
- Department of Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore 570005, India;
| | - Saeid Latifi-Navid
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 5619911367, Iran;
| | - Seyed Shahriar Arab
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1411713116, Iran;
| | - Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran 1497716316, Iran; (H.L.-N.); (M.D.); (N.Z.); (S.P.); (S.T.); (Z.-S.S.)
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1666673111, Iran;
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Shaheen AR, Uhr JH, Sridhar J, Yannuzzi NA. Limitations of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for age-related macular degeneration. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023; 33:2059-2061. [PMID: 37211635 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231178054] [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: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The availability of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) provides the public with access to disease risk estimations that may be used to guide lifestyle adjustments. However, AMD development risk is more complex than can be captured by gene mutations alone. The methodologies employed by current DTCGTs to estimate AMD risk vary and are limited in several ways. Genotyping-based DTCGT is biased toward European ancestry and only considers a limited number of genes. Whole genome sequencing based DTCGTs uncovers several genetic variations with unknown relevance, making risk interpretation challenging. In this perspective, we describe the limitations of the DTCGT for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla R Shaheen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joshua H Uhr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retinal and Ophthalmic Consultants, PC, Northfield, NJ, USA
| | - Jayanth Sridhar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicolas A Yannuzzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Rathi S, Hasan R, Ueffing M, Clark SJ. Therapeutic targeting of the complement system in ocular disease. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103757. [PMID: 37657753 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is involved in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, providing a rationale for the investigation of complement-targeting therapeutics for these conditions. Dry age-related macular degeneration, as characterised by geographic atrophy (GA), is currently the most active area of research for complement-targeting therapeutics, with a complement C3 inhibitor approved in the United States earlier this year marking the first approved therapy for GA. This review discusses the role of complement in ocular disease, provides an overview of the complement-targeting agents currently under development for ocular conditions, and reflects on the lessons that can be learned from the preclinical investigations and clinical trials conducted in this field to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Rathi
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Cheng Y, Chen W, Xu J, Liu H, Chen T, Hu J. Genetic analysis of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in age-related hearing loss. Hear Res 2023; 439:108894. [PMID: 37844444 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) or presbycusis is the phenomenon of hearing loss due to the aging of auditory organs with age. It seriously affects the cognitive function and quality of life of the elderly. This study is based on comprehensive bioinformatic and machine learning methods to identify the critical genes of ARHL and explore its therapy targets and pathological mechanisms. The ARHL and normal samples were from GSE49543 datasets of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to obtain significant modules. The Limma R-package was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The 15 common genes of the practical module and DEGs were screened. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these genes were mainly associated with inflammation, immune response, and infection. Cytoscape software created the protein-protein interaction (PPI) layouts and cytoHubba, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), and random forests (RF) algorithms screened hub genes. After validating the hub gene expressions in GSE6045 and GSE154833 datasets, Clec4n, Mpeg1, and Fcgr3 are highly expressed in ARHL and have higher diagnostic efficacy for ARHL, so they were identified as hub genes. In conclusion, Clec4n, Mpeg1, and Fcgr3 play essential roles in developing ARHL, and they might become vital targets in ARHL diagnosis and anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenjin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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Guan R, Angxiu S, Li L, Kang Z, Yan X. Differentially expressed circRNAs in peripheral blood samples as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acute angle-closure glaucoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16928. [PMID: 37805546 PMCID: PMC10560268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44073-y] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in various biological processes as microRNA (miRNA) sponges and, thus, have been investigated as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in numerous human diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of glaucoma remain unclear. Therefore, transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify relevant circRNAs in peripheral blood samples from patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate the potential roles of differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. In total, 481 differentially expressed genes in addition to 345 DEcircRNAs were identified in patients with glaucoma. Based on a public database, targeted gene analysis identified 11 DEcircRNAs that potentially regulate the expression of five genes as miRNA sponges in glaucoma. In addition, quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis verified that expression of the circRNA hsa-circ-0000745 was positively correlated with the expression of NEAT1 as a potential target gene. These results suggest that DEcircRNAs are involved in a gene expression regulatory network related to immune cell function and progression of glaucoma. Thus, DEcircRNAs in peripheral blood are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Guan
- Ophthalmology Department, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, 2 Gonghe Road, Xining, 810000, Qinghai, China
| | - Suonan Angxiu
- Orthopedics Department, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, 2 Gonghe Road, Xining, 810000, Qinghai, China
| | - Ling Li
- Ophthalmology Department, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, 2 Gonghe Road, Xining, 810000, Qinghai, China.
| | - Zefeng Kang
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 33 Lugu Road, Beijing, 100040, China.
| | - Xin Yan
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 33 Lugu Road, Beijing, 100040, China
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40
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Luttrull JK, Gray G, Bhavan SV. Vision protection therapy for prevention of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16710. [PMID: 37794027 PMCID: PMC10550910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43605-w] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To access the effect of vision protection therapy on neovascular conversion in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patient unidentified data aggregated by Vestrum Health, LLC (VH) from over 320 US retina specialists was analyzed to compare the conversion rate from dry to neovascular (wet) AMD in a practice employing VPT (VPT group) compared to those employing standard care alone (SCA group) between January 2017 through July 2023. 500,00 eyes were filtered then matched for neovascular conversion risk factors by propensity scoring and compared in a 10/1 ratio of 7370 SCA and 737 VPT treated eyes. SCA eyes had significantly fewer clinical encounters and shorter follow up than the VPT group. Despite this, the risk of neovascular conversion by PS was significantly lower in the VPT group compared to SCA (HR 5.73, p < 0.0001). Analysis matching the encounter frequency of both groups as a post-randomization variable produced a similar HR (HR 5.98, p < 0.0001). Because 9% of eyes in the VPT group were not treated with VPT due to bilateral early (low-risk) AMD, analysis comparing the SCA group to VPT-treated eyes was done that also showed significantly lower conversion rates in the VPT-treated eyes, with or without encounter frequency matching (HR 5.84, 5.65, p < 0.0001). Visual acuity was consistently better in VPT eyes compared to SCA eyes throughout the study time window. The advantage of VPT over SCA increased with increased SCA encounter frequency and higher conversion risk factors, including age and ICD10 coded dry AMD severity. Neovascular (wet) AMD is the main cause of irreversible visual loss worldwide. Consistent with two prior studies, the current study finds Vision Protection Therapy markedly more effective at both recognizing and preventing neovascular AMD than the current standard of care, benefiting the highest risk dry AMD eyes the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey K Luttrull
- Ventura County Retina Vitreous Medical Group, Ventura, CA, USA.
- Ventura County Retina Vitreous Medical Group, 3160 Telegraph Rd, Suite 230, Ventura, CA, 93003, USA.
| | - Gerry Gray
- Regulatory Pathways, Inc, Laguna Beach, CA, USA
| | - Sathy V Bhavan
- Ventura County Retina Vitreous Medical Group, Ventura, CA, USA
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Merle DA, Sen M, Armento A, Stanton CM, Thee EF, Meester-Smoor MA, Kaiser M, Clark SJ, Klaver CCW, Keane PA, Wright AF, Ehrmann M, Ueffing M. 10q26 - The enigma in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101154. [PMID: 36513584 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101154] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite comprehensive research efforts over the last decades, the pathomechanisms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remain far from being understood. Large-scale genome wide association studies (GWAS) were able to provide a defined set of genetic aberrations which contribute to disease risk, with the strongest contributors mapping to distinct regions on chromosome 1 and 10. While the chromosome 1 locus comprises factors of the complement system with well-known functions, the role of the 10q26-locus in AMD-pathophysiology remains enigmatic. 10q26 harbors a cluster of three functional genes, namely PLEKHA1, ARMS2 and HTRA1, with most of the AMD-associated genetic variants mapping to the latter two genes. High linkage disequilibrium between ARMS2 and HTRA1 has kept association studies from reliably defining the risk-causing gene for long and only very recently the genetic risk region has been narrowed to ARMS2, suggesting that this is the true AMD gene at this locus. However, genetic associations alone do not suffice to prove causality and one or more of the 14 SNPs on this haplotype may be involved in long-range control of gene expression, leaving HTRA1 and PLEKHA1 still suspects in the pathogenic pathway. Both, ARMS2 and HTRA1 have been linked to extracellular matrix homeostasis, yet their exact molecular function as well as their role in AMD pathogenesis remains to be uncovered. The transcriptional regulation of the 10q26 locus adds an additional level of complexity, given, that gene-regulatory as well as epigenetic alterations may influence expression levels from 10q26 in diseased individuals. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the 10q26 locus and its three gene products on various levels of biological complexity and discuss current and future research strategies to shed light on one of the remaining enigmatic spots in the AMD landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Merle
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - Merve Sen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Angela Armento
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chloe M Stanton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Eric F Thee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Magda A Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Markus Kaiser
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015CE, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Radboudumc, 6525EX, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pearse A Keane
- Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Alan F Wright
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Michael Ehrmann
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Borchert GA, Shamsnajafabadi H, Hu ML, De Silva SR, Downes SM, MacLaren RE, Xue K, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J. The Role of Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Therapeutic Landscapes in Geographic Atrophy. Cells 2023; 12:2092. [PMID: 37626902 PMCID: PMC10453093 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and visual impairment in people over 50 years of age. In the current therapeutic landscape, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies have been central to the management of neovascular AMD (also known as wet AMD), whereas treatments for geographic atrophy have lagged behind. Several therapeutic approaches are being developed for geographic atrophy with the goal of either slowing down disease progression or reversing sight loss. Such strategies target the inflammatory pathways, complement cascade, visual cycle or neuroprotective mechanisms to slow down the degeneration. In addition, retinal implants have been tried for vision restoration and stem cell therapies for potentially a dual purpose of slowing down the degeneration and restoring visual function. In particular, therapies focusing on the complement pathway have shown promising results with the FDA approved pegcetacoplan, a complement C3 inhibitor, and avacincaptad pegol, a complement C5 inhibitor. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of inflammation in AMD and outline the therapeutic landscapes of atrophy AMD. Improved understanding of the various pathway components and their interplay in this complex neuroinflammatory degeneration will guide the development of current and future therapeutic options, such as optogenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A. Borchert
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Hoda Shamsnajafabadi
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Monica L. Hu
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Samantha R. De Silva
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Susan M. Downes
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Webb-Robertson BJM, Nakayasu ES, Dong F, Waugh KC, Flores J, Bramer LM, Schepmoes A, Gao Y, Fillmore T, Onengut-Gumuscu S, Frazer-Abel A, Rich SS, Holers VM, Metz TO, Rewers MJ. Decrease in multiple complement protein levels is associated with the development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.13.23292628. [PMID: 37502972 PMCID: PMC10370226 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.23292628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition caused by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. While it is known that gene-environment interactions play a key role in triggering the autoimmune process leading to T1D, the pathogenic mechanism leading to the appearance of islet autoantibodies - biomarkers of autoimmunity - is poorly understood. Here we show that disruption of the complement system precedes the detection of islet autoantibodies and persists through disease onset. Our results suggest that children who exhibit islet autoimmunity and progress to clinical T1D have lower complement protein levels relative to those who do not progress within a similar timeframe. Thus, the complement pathway, an understudied mechanistic and therapeutic target in T1D, merits increased attention for use as protein biomarkers of prediction and potentially prevention of T1D.
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Molcak H, Jiang K, Campbell CJ, Matsubara JA. Purinergic signaling via P2X receptors and mechanisms of unregulated ATP release in the outer retina and age-related macular degeneration. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1216489. [PMID: 37496736 PMCID: PMC10366617 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1216489] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease of the retina characterized by photoceptor loss and significant central visual impairment due to either choroidal neovascularization or geographic atrophy. The pathophysiology of AMD is complex and multifactorial, driven by a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, molecular mechanisms, and cellular processes that contribute to overall disease onset, severity, and progression. Unfortunately, due to the structural, cellular, and pathophysiologic complexity, therapeutic discovery is challenging. While purinergic signaling has been investigated for its role in the development and treatment of ocular pathologies including AMD, the potential crosstalk between known contributors to AMD, such as the complement cascade and inflammasome activation, and other biological systems, such as purinergic signaling, have not been fully characterized. In this review, we explore the interactions between purinergic signaling, ATP release, and known contributors to AMD pathogenesis including complement dysregulation and inflammasome activation. We begin by identifying what is known about purinergic receptors in cell populations of the outer retina and potential sources of extracellular ATP required to trigger purinergic receptor activation. Next, we examine evidence in the literature that the purinergic system accelerates AMD pathogenesis leading to apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death in retinal cells. To fully understand the potential role that purinergic signaling plays in AMD, more research is needed surrounding the expression, distribution, functions, and interactions of purinergic receptors within cells of the outer retina as well as potential crosstalk with other systems. By determining how these processes are affected in the context of purinergic signaling, it will improve our understanding of the mechanisms that drive AMD pathogenesis which is critical in developing treatment strategies that prevent or slow progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydn Molcak
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kailun Jiang
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Parsons NB, Annamalai B, Rohrer B. Regulatable Complement Inhibition of the Alternative Pathway Mitigates Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathology in a Mouse Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:17. [PMID: 37462980 PMCID: PMC10362922 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.7.17] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is linked to an overactive complement system. In the mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), elevated levels of complement effector molecules, including complement C3, have been identified, and the alternative pathway (AP) is required for pathology. The main soluble AP regular is complement factor H (fH). We have previously shown that AP inhibition via subretinal AAV-mediated delivery of CR2-fH using a constitutive promoter is efficacious in reducing CNV. Here we ask whether the C3 promoter (pC3) effectively drives CR2-fH bioavailability for gene therapy. Methods Truncated pC3 was used to generate plasmids pC3-mCherry/CR2-fH followed by production of corresponding AAV5 vectors. pC3 activation was determined in transiently transfected ARPE-19 cells stimulated with H2O2 or normal human serum (+/- antioxidant or humanized CR2-fH, respectively). CNV was analyzed in C57BL/6J mice treated subretinally with AAV5-pC3-mCherry/CR2-fH using imaging (optical coherence tomography [OCT] and fundus imaging), functional (electroretinography [ERG]), and molecular (protein expression) readouts. Results Modulation of pC3 in vitro is complement and oxidative stress dependent, as shown by mCherry fluorescence. AAV5-pC3-CR2-fH were identified as safe and effective using OCT and ERG. CR2-fH expression significantly reduced CNV compared to mCherry and was correlated with reduced levels of C3dg/C3d in the retinal pigment epithelium/choroid fraction. Conclusions We conclude that complement-dependent regulation of AP inhibition ameliorates AMD pathology as effectively as using a constitutive promoter. Translational Relevance The goal of anticomplement therapy is to restore homeostatic levels of complement activation, which might be more easily achievable using a self-regulating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel B. Parsons
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC, USA
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Nita M, Grzybowski A. Antioxidative Role of Heterophagy, Autophagy, and Mitophagy in the Retina and Their Association with the Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Etiopathogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1368. [PMID: 37507908 PMCID: PMC10376332 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an oxidative stress-linked neurodegenerative disease, leads to irreversible damage of the central retina and severe visual impairment. Advanced age and the long-standing influence of oxidative stress and oxidative cellular damage play crucial roles in AMD etiopathogenesis. Many authors emphasize the role of heterophagy, autophagy, and mitophagy in maintaining homeostasis in the retina. Relevantly modifying the activity of both macroautophagy and mitophagy pathways represents one of the new therapeutic strategies in AMD. Our review provides an overview of the antioxidative roles of heterophagy, autophagy, and mitophagy and presents associations between dysregulations of these molecular mechanisms and AMD etiopathogenesis. The authors performed an extensive analysis of the literature, employing PubMed and Google Scholar, complying with the 2013-2023 period, and using the following keywords: age-related macular degeneration, RPE cells, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, heterophagy, autophagy, and mitophagy. Heterophagy, autophagy, and mitophagy play antioxidative roles in the retina; however, they become sluggish and dysregulated with age and contribute to AMD development and progression. In the retina, antioxidative roles also play in RPE cells, NFE2L2 and PGC-1α proteins, NFE2L2/PGC-1α/ARE signaling cascade, Nrf2 factor, p62/SQSTM1/Keap1-Nrf2/ARE pathway, circulating miRNAs, and Yttrium oxide nanoparticles performed experimentally in animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Nita
- Domestic and Specialized Medicine Centre "Dilmed", 40-231 Katowice, Poland
| | - Andrzej Grzybowski
- Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Foundation for Ophthalmology Development, Gorczyczewskiego 2/3, 61-553 Poznań, Poland
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Tsiftsoglou SA. Heme Interactions as Regulators of the Alternative Pathway Complement Responses and Implications for Heme-Associated Pathologies. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:5198-5214. [PMID: 37367079 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060330] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme (Fe2+-protoporphyrin IX) is a pigment of life, and as a prosthetic group in several hemoproteins, it contributes to diverse critical cellular processes. While its intracellular levels are tightly regulated by networks of heme-binding proteins (HeBPs), labile heme can be hazardous through oxidative processes. In blood plasma, heme is scavenged by hemopexin (HPX), albumin and several other proteins, while it also interacts directly with complement components C1q, C3 and factor I. These direct interactions block the classical pathway (CP) and distort the alternative pathway (AP). Errors or flaws in heme metabolism, causing uncontrolled intracellular oxidative stress, can lead to several severe hematological disorders. Direct interactions of extracellular heme with alternative pathway complement components (APCCs) may be implicated molecularly in diverse conditions at sites of abnormal cell damage and vascular injury. In such disorders, a deregulated AP could be associated with the heme-mediated disruption of the physiological heparan sulphate-CFH coat of stressed cells and the induction of local hemostatic responses. Within this conceptual frame, a computational evaluation of HBMs (heme-binding motifs) aimed to determine how heme interacts with APCCs and whether these interactions are affected by genetic variation within putative HBMs. Combined computational analysis and database mining identified putative HBMs in all of the 16 APCCs examined, with 10 exhibiting disease-associated genetic (SNPs) and/or epigenetic variation (PTMs). Overall, this article indicates that among the pleiotropic roles of heme reviewed, the interactions of heme with APCCs could induce differential AP-mediated hemostasis-driven pathologies in certain individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos A Tsiftsoglou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Gu F, Jiang J, Sun P. Recent advances of exosomes in age-related macular degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1204351. [PMID: 37332352 PMCID: PMC10272348 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1204351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are 30-150 nm extracellular vesicles that are secreted by almost all types of cells. Exosomes contain a variety of biologically active substances, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and are important in the intercellular communication of biological mediators involved in nerve injury and repair, vascular regeneration, immune response, fibrosis formation, and many other pathophysiological processes. Although it has been extensively studied in the field of cancer, the exploration of ocular diseases has only just begun. Here, we discuss the latest developments in exosomes for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including the pathogenesis of exosomes in age-related macular degeneration, their potential as diagnostic markers, and therapeutic vectors of the disease. Finally, the study of exosomes in age-related macular degeneration is still relatively few, and more detailed basic research and clinical trials are needed to verify its application in treatment and diagnosis, so as to adopt more personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies to stop the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
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Piri N, Kaplan HJ. Role of Complement in the Onset of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050832. [PMID: 37238702 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the central retina and the leading cause of severe loss of central vision in people over age 50. Patients gradually lose central visual acuity, compromising their ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces, all of which greatly impact daily life activities. Quality of life is significantly affected in these patients, and there are worse levels of depression as a result. AMD is a complex, multifactorial disease in which age and genetics, as well as environmental factors, all play a role in its development and progression. The mechanism by which these risk factors interact and converge towards AMD are not fully understood, and therefore, drug discovery is challenging, with no successful therapeutic attempt to prevent the development of this disease. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of AMD and review the role of complement, which is a major risk factor in the development of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Piri
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Dörschmann P, Thalenhorst T, Seeba C, Tischhöfer MT, Neupane S, Roider J, Alban S, Klettner A. Comparison of Fucoidans from Saccharina latissima Regarding Age-Related Macular Degeneration Relevant Pathomechanisms in Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7939. [PMID: 37175646 PMCID: PMC10178501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097939] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fucoidans from brown algae are described as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiangiogenic. We tested two Saccharina latissima fucoidans (SL-FRO and SL-NOR) regarding their potential biological effects against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Primary porcine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), human RPE cell line ARPE-19, and human uveal melanoma cell line OMM-1 were used. Cell survival was assessed in tetrazolium assay (MTT). Oxidative stress assays were induced with erastin or H2O2. Supernatants were harvested to assess secreted vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in ELISA. Barrier function was assessed by measurement of trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Protectin (CD59) and retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein (RPE65) were evaluated in western blot. Polymorphonuclear elastase and complement inhibition assays were performed. Phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments was tested in a fluorescence assay. Secretion and expression of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed with ELISA and real-time PCR. Fucoidans were chemically analyzed. Neither toxic nor antioxidative effects were detected in ARPE-19 or OMM-1. Interleukin 8 gene expression was slightly reduced by SL-NOR but induced by SL-FRO in RPE. VEGF secretion was reduced in ARPE-19 by SL-FRO and in RPE by both fucoidans. Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid induced interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 secretion was reduced by both fucoidans in RPE. CD59 expression was positively influenced by fucoidans, and they exhibited a complement and elastase inhibitory effect in cell-free assay. RPE65 expression was reduced by SL-NOR in RPE. Barrier function of RPE was transiently reduced. Phagocytosis ability was slightly reduced by both fucoidans in primary RPE but not in ARPE-19. Fucoidans from Saccharina latissima, especially SL-FRO, are promising agents against AMD, as they reduce angiogenic cytokines and show anti-inflammatory and complement inhibiting properties; however, potential effects on gene expression and RPE functions need to be considered for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Dörschmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Tabea Thalenhorst
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Charlotte Seeba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | | | - Sandesh Neupane
- Wyatt Technology Europe GmbH, Hochstrasse 12a, 56307 Dernbach, Germany
| | - Johann Roider
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Susanne Alban
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Kiel, Gutenbergstr. 76, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
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