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Esposito G, Balzamino BO, Rocco ML, Aloe L, Micera A. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) as Partaker in the Modulation of UV-Response in Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116337. [PMID: 35683016 PMCID: PMC9181148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corroborating data sustain the pleiotropic effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the protection of the visual system from dangerous stimuli, including ultraviolet (UV). Since UV exposure might promote ocular surface changes (conjunctival inflammation and matrix rearrangement), as previously reported from in vivo studies sustaining some protective NGF effects, in vitro cultures of human conjunctival fibroblasts (FBs) were developed and exposed to a single UV exposure over 15 min (0.277 W/m2), either alone or supplemented with NGF (1–10–100 ng/mL). Conditioned media and cell monolayers were collected and analyzed for protein release (ELISA, ELLA microfluidic) and transcript expression (real-time PCR). A specific “inflammatory to remodeling” pattern (IL8, VEGF, IL33, OPN, and CYR61) as well as a few epigenetic transcripts (known as modulator of cell differentiation and matrix-remodeling (DNMT3a, HDAC1, NRF2 and KEAP1)) were investigated in parallel. UV-exposed FBs (i), showed no proliferation or significant cytoskeleton rearrangement; (ii), displayed a trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype; and (iii), synthesized/released IL8, VEGF-A, IL33, OPN, and CYR61, as compared to unexposed ones. NGF addition counteracted IL8, IL33, OPN, and CYR61 protein release merely at lower NGF concentrations but not VEGF. NGF supplementation did not affect DNMT3a or HDAC1 transcripts, while it significantly upregulated NRF2 at lowest NGF doses and did not change KEAP1 expression. Taken together, a single UV exposure activated conjunctival FBs to release pro-inflammatory/fibrogenic factors in association with epigenetic changes. The effects were selectively counteracted by NGF supplementation in a dose-dependent fashion, most probably accountable to the trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype. Further in vitro studies are underway to better understand this additional NGF pleiotropic effect. Since UV-shield impairments represent a worldwide alert and UV radiation can slowly affect ocular surface homeostasis (photo-ageing, cataract) or might exacerbate ocular diseases with a preexisting fibrosis (pterygium, VKC), these findings on NGF modulation of UV-exposed FBs might provide additional information for protecting the ocular surface (homeostasis) from low-grade long-lasting UV insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Esposito
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Maria Luisa Rocco
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
- Associazione NGF ONLUS, 00172 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Wang Y, Lou J, Ji Y, Wang Z. Increased photokeratitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Clinical and epidemiological features and preventive measures. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26343. [PMID: 34128883 PMCID: PMC8213321 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An increased incidence of photokeratitis has occurred during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to improper and unprotected use of ultraviolet lamps. Here, we summarize the clinical and epidemiological features of this increased incidence of photokeratitis and share advice in using health education to prevent it.We collected data from patients diagnosed with photokeratitis from October 7, 2019 to December 1, 2019, and from February 17, 2020 to April 12, 2020, and compared the frequency of onset, site of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, reason for exposure, exposure time, and recovery time. We also implemented and evaluated multiple measures of public health education to prevent increased disease.After the COVID-19 outbreak, the frequency of onset of photokeratitis increased significantly, especially among young women. The main reason for UVR exposure changed from welding to disinfection. The incidence sites varied, and the exposure time was longer. As a result, patients needed a longer time to recover. Positive health education was an useful and convenient measure to prevent the disease.While the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, more attention should be paid to public health and implement positive measures to prevent photokeratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Lou
- Suzhou Dushuhu Public Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ye Ji
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - ZhenYu Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
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Moattari CR, Granstein RD. Neuropeptides and neurohormones in immune, inflammatory and cellular responses to ultraviolet radiation. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 232:e13644. [PMID: 33724698 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to varying amounts of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) through sunlight. UVR penetrates into human skin leading to release of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine hormones. These messengers released from local sensory nerves, keratinocytes, Langerhans cells (LCs), mast cells, melanocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) modulate local and systemic immune responses, mediate inflammation and promote differing cell biologic effects. In this review, we will focus on both animal and human studies that elucidate the roles of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), nerve growth factor (NGF), nitric oxide and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) derivatives in mediating immune and inflammatory effects of exposure to UVR as well as other cell biologic effects of UVR exposure.
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Ciavarella C, Buzzi M, Bergantin E, Di Marco S, Giannaccare G, Campos E, Bisti S, Versura P. Effects of Cord Blood Serum (CBS) on viability of retinal Müller glial cells under in vitro injury. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234145. [PMID: 32497126 PMCID: PMC7272066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation determine retinal ganglion cell degeneration, leading to retinal impairment and vision loss. Müller glial cells regulate retinal repair under injury, through gliosis. Meanwhile, reactive gliosis can turn in pathological effects, contributing to neurodegeneration. In the present study, we tested whether Cord Blood Serum (CBS), rich of growth factors, might improve the viability of Müller cells under in vitro damage. BDNF, NGF, TGF-α, GDNF and EGF levels were measured in CBS samples by Human Magnetic Luminex Assay. CBS effects were evaluated on rat (rMC-1) and human (MIO-M1) Müller cells, under H2O2 and IL-1β damage. Cells grown with FBS or CBS both at 5% were exposed to stress and analyzed in terms of cell viability, GFAP, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. CBS was also administrated after treatment with K252a, inhibitor of the neurotrophin receptor Trk. Cell viability of rMC-1 and MIO-M1 resulted significantly improved when pretreated with CBS and exposed to H2O2 and IL-1β, in comparison to the standard culture with FBS. Accordingly, the gliosis marker GFAP resulted down-regulated following CBS priming. In parallel, we observed a lower expression of the inflammatory mediators in rMC-1 (TNF-α) and MIO-M1 (IL-6, TNF- α), especially in presence of inflammatory damage. Trk inhibition through K252a administration impaired the effects of CBS under stress conditions on MIO-M1 and rMC-1 viability, not significantly different from FBS condition. CBS is enriched with neurotrophins and its administration to rMC-1 and MIO-M1 attenuates the cytotoxic effects of H2O2 and IL-1β. Moreover, the decrease of the main markers of gliosis and inflammation suggests a promising use of CBS for neuroprotection aims. This study is a preliminary basis that prompts future investigations to deeply explore and confirm the CBS potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ciavarella
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Buzzi
- Emilia Romagna Cord Blood Bank-Transfusion Service, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Bergantin
- Emilia Romagna Cord Blood Bank-Transfusion Service, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emilio Campos
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Vision Lab, DISCAB, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Di Marco S, Riccitelli S, Di Paolo M, Campos E, Buzzi M, Bisti S, Versura P. Cord Blood Serum (CBS)-Based Eye Drops Modulate Light-Induced Neurodegeneration in Albino Rat Retinas. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050678. [PMID: 32354031 PMCID: PMC7277721 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of visual loss in western countries, it has no cure, and its incidence will grow in the future, for the overall population aging. Albino rats with retinal degeneration induced by exposure to high-intensity light (light-damage, LD) have been extensively used as a model of AMD to test neuroprotective agents. Among them, trophic factors (NGF and BDNF) have been shown to play a significant role in photoreceptors' survival. Interestingly, cord blood serum (CBS) is an extract full of chemokines and trophic factors; we, therefore, hypothesized that CBS could be an excellent candidate for neuroprotection. Here, we investigate whether CBS-based eye drops might mitigate the effects of light-induced retinal degeneration in albino rats. CBS treatment significantly preserved flash-electroretinogram (f-ERG) response after LD and reduced the "hot-spot" extension. Besides, CBS-treated animals better preserved the morphology of the outer nuclear layer, together with a reduction in microglia migration and activation. Interestingly, the treatment did not modulate reactive gliosis and activation of the self-protective mechanism (FGF2). In conclusion, our results suggest that CBS-based eye drops might be successfully used to mitigate retinal neurodegenerative processes such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Serena Riccitelli
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Emilio Campos
- Ophthalmology Unit, University of Bologna and S. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Buzzi
- Emilia Romagna, Cord Blood Bank-Transfusion Service, S. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
- NetS3 Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, University of Bologna and S. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Zhang X, Muddana S, Kumar SR, Burton JN, Labroo P, Shea J, Stocking P, Siegl C, Archer B, Agarwal J, Ambati BK. Topical Pergolide Enhance Corneal Nerve Regrowth Following Induced Corneal Abrasion. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:4. [PMID: 31999819 PMCID: PMC7205105 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Neurotrophic keratopathy is a degenerative disease that may be improved by nerve growth factor (NGF). Our aim was to investigate the use of pergolide, a dopamine (D1 and D2) receptor agonist known to increase the synthesis and release of NGF for regeneration of damaged corneal nerve fibers. Methods Pergolide function was evaluated by measuring axon length and NGF levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in cultured chicken dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells with serial doses of pergolide (10, 25, 50, 150, and 300 µg/ml) and with different concentrations of a D1 antagonist. Pergolide function was further evaluated by cornea nerve fiber density and wound healing in a cornea scratch mouse model. Results Pergolide increased DRG axon length significantly at a dose between 50 and 300 µg/ml. Different concentrations of D1 antagonist (12, 24, 48, and 96 µg/ml) inhibited DRG axon length growth with pergolide (300 µg/ml). Pergolide (50 µg/ml) upregulated NGF expression in DRG cells at both 24 hours and 48 hours. Pergolide improved cornea nerve fiber density at both 1 week and 2 weeks. Pergolide also improved cornea wound healing. Conclusions We demonstrated that pergolide can act to promote an increase in NGF which promotes corneal nerve regeneration and would therefore improve corneal sensation and visual acuity in eyes with peripheral neurotrophic keratopathy.
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Balzamino BO, Esposito G, Marino R, Keller F, Micera A. Changes in vitreal protein profile and retina mRNAs in Reeler mice: NGF, IL33 and Müller cell activation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212732. [PMID: 30811468 PMCID: PMC6392297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A possible link between Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Reelin might take place during impaired retinal development occurring in the Reelin deficient mouse model (Reeler). To better characterize NGF and retina impairments at the Reeler retina, vitreous and retina were investigated by means of protein expression and glial cell activation. Reeler (n = 9; RELN-/-) and WT (n = 9; wild-type RELN+/+, B6C3Fe) mice were analyzed at 14, 21 and 28 postnatal days (p). Retinas and vitreous were subjected to confocal analysis and protein array, followed by conventional analysis. A significant increase of NGF, IL33 and TIMP1, a trend to a decrease of IL12 and IL6, as well as a significant decrease of NT3 were detected in Reeler vitreous, particularly at p28 (p<0.05). MIP3β mRNA was decreased while IL33mRNA was significantly upregulated in Reeler retina. Increased number of GFAP+ and Nestin+ cells as well as upregulation of Glutamine Synthetase and Nestin mRNAs were observed in Reeler retinas (p<0.05). These findings extend our previous studies on Reeler retina showing a selective Müller cell activation. NGF and IL33 release into vitreous would suggest a local activation of Müller cells, in addition to retinal ganglion and accessory cells. Overall, the data from this experimental study would strength the potential neuroprotective role played by activated Muller cells through NGF release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graziana Esposito
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS–Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Marino
- Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience and Neural Plasticity, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Keller
- Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience and Neural Plasticity, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS–Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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An Optical Fiber Sensor Based on La₂O₂S:Eu Scintillator for Detecting Ultraviolet Radiation in Real-Time. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18113754. [PMID: 30400264 PMCID: PMC6263712 DOI: 10.3390/s18113754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A novel ultraviolet (UV) optical fiber sensor (UVOFS) based on the scintillating material La2O2S:Eu has been designed, tested, and its performance compared with other scintillating materials and other conventional UV detectors. The UVOFS is based on PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) optical fiber which includes a scintillating material. Scintillating materials provide a unique opportunity to measure UV light intensity even in the presence of strong electromagnetic interference. Five scintillating materials were compared in order to select the most appropriate one for the UVOFS. The characteristics of the sensor are reported, including a highly linear response to radiation intensity, reproducibility, temperature response, and response time (to pulsed light) based on emission from a UV source (UV fluorescence tube) centered on a wavelength of 308 nm. A direct comparison with the commercially available semiconductor-based UV sensor proves the UVOFS of this investigation shows superior performance in terms of accuracy, long-term reliability, response time and linearity.
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