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Chaldakov GN, Aloe L, Yanev SG, Fiore M, Tonchev AB, Vinciguerra M, Evtimov NT, Ghenev P, Dikranian K. Trackins (Trk-Targeting Drugs): A Novel Therapy for Different Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:961. [PMID: 39065809 PMCID: PMC11279958 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070961] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many routes may lead to the transition from a healthy to a diseased phenotype. However, there are not so many routes to travel in the opposite direction; that is, therapy for different diseases. The following pressing question thus remains: what are the pathogenic routes and how can be they counteracted for therapeutic purposes? Human cells contain >500 protein kinases and nearly 200 protein phosphatases, acting on thousands of proteins, including cell growth factors. We herein discuss neurotrophins with pathogenic or metabotrophic abilities, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), pro-NGF, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and their receptor Trk (tyrosine receptor kinase; pronounced "track"). Indeed, we introduced the word trackins, standing for Trk-targeting drugs, that play an agonistic or antagonistic role in the function of TrkBBDNF, TrkCNT-3, TrkANGF, and TrkApro-NGF receptors. Based on our own published results, supported by those of other authors, we aim to update and enlarge our trackins concept, focusing on (1) agonistic trackins as possible drugs for (1a) neurotrophin-deficiency cardiometabolic disorders (hypertension, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetic erectile dysfunction and atrial fibrillation) and (1b) neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis), and (2) antagonistic trackins, particularly TrkANGF inhibitors for prostate and breast cancer, pain, and arrhythmogenic right-ventricular dysplasia. Altogether, the druggability of TrkANGF, TrkApro-NGF, TrkBBDNF, and TrkCNT-3 receptors via trackins requires a further translational pursuit. This could provide rewards for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Chaldakov
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Fondazione Iret, Tecnopolo R. Levi-Montalcini, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stanislav G. Yanev
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, IBBC-CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anton B. Tonchev
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolai T. Evtimov
- Department of Urology, University St Anna Hospital, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Peter Ghenev
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Krikor Dikranian
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Yin L, Wang Y, Zhu J, Tan CY, Sun C, Yao Y. Prominent corneal nerves in pure mucosal neuroma syndrome, a clinical phenotype distinct from multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:260. [PMID: 37303040 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03005-0] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pure mucosal neuroma syndrome (MNS), an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder, is a rare discrete subgroup in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2B, which present without associated endocrinopathies of MEN2B but with typical physical features such as prominent corneal nerves. Case presentation This report describes a 41-year-old patient with complaint of itchy eyes and irritation, presenting with blocked gland orifices in the upper and lower eyelids, light conjunctival hyperemia, a semitransparent neoplasm measuring 2 mm*2 mm on the nasal limbus suggestive of neuromas, and prominent corneal nerves. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) revealed structural alterations-namely a prominent hyperreflective, thickened nerve plexus and a normal endothelium-in both eyes. Testing for SOS1 mutation was positive. This patient may represent a discrete subgroup termed pure mucosal neuroma syndrome (MNS), which presents with the characteristic appearance of MEN2B but without RET gene mutations. CONCLUSION Prominent corneal nerves have been described in some diseases, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 and type 2A and 2B, congenital ichthyosis, Refsum's disease, leprosy, etc. Ophthalmic assessment including prominent corneal nerves has proven valuable in asymptomatic individuals of MEN2B. Our case illustrates the importance of recognizing the ocular features of MNS, a rare presentation of MEN2B, in order to prevent prophylactic thyroidectomy in these patients for prophylactic thyroidectomy is not mandatory in MNS. However, regular monitoring and genetic counseling are still necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Qingyang Road 299, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Ynz Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Qingyang Road 299, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - J Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Qingyang Road 299, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - C Y Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Qingyang Road 299, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - C Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Qingyang Road 299, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Y Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated of Nanjing Medical University, Qingyang Road 299, Wuxi, 214002, China.
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Bruscolini A, Iannitelli A, Segatto M, Rosso P, Fico E, Buonfiglio M, Lambiase A, Tirassa P. Psycho-Cognitive Profile and NGF and BDNF Levels in Tears and Serum: A Pilot Study in Patients with Graves' Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098074. [PMID: 37175781 PMCID: PMC10178719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) mature/precursor imbalance in tears and serum is suggested as a risk factor and symptomatology aggravation in ophthalmology and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Cognitive and mood alterations are reported by patients with Graves' Orbitopathy (GO), indicating neurotrophin alterations might be involved. To address this question, the expression levels of NGF and BDNF and their precursors in serum and tears of GO patients were analyzed and correlated with the ophthalmological and psycho-cognitive symptoms. Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Depression (HAM-D), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) test were used as a score. NGF and BDNF levels were measured using ELISA and Western Blot and statistically analyzed for psychiatric/ocular variable trend association. GO patients show memorization time and level of distraction increase, together with high irritability and impulsiveness. HAM-A and CANTAB variables association, and some TCI dimensions are also found. NGF and BDNF expression correlates with ophthalmological symptoms only in tears, while mature/precursor NGF and BDNF correlate with the specific psycho-cognitive variables both in tears and serum. Our study is the first to show that changes in NGF and BDNF processing in tears and serum might profile ocular and cognitive alterations in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bruscolini
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Unit of Translational & Biomolecular Medicine "Rita Levi-Montalcini", Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Unit of Translational & Biomolecular Medicine "Rita Levi-Montalcini", Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Buonfiglio
- Headache Center, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lambiase
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Unit of Translational & Biomolecular Medicine "Rita Levi-Montalcini", Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Marenco M, Segatto M, Sacchetti M, Mangiantini P, Giovannetti F, Plateroti R. Autophagy-lysosome pathway alteration in ocular surface manifestations in Fabry disease patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:291. [PMID: 35870972 PMCID: PMC9308246 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02441-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked, lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the alpha-galactosidase gene and characterized by neurological, cutaneous, renal, cardiovascular, cochleo-vestibular and ocular manifestations. The aim of this study is to characterize morphological, functional and autophagy-lysosome pathway alterations of the ocular surface in FD patients.
Methods Eleven subjects with a diagnosis of FD and fifteen healthy control subjects were examined. All patients underwent ocular surface slit lamp examination, corneal aesthesiometry and in vivo confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CCM). Conjunctival impression cytology was performed in six FD patients and six controls, to assess for expression of two markers of the autophagy-lysosome pathway: the microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2).
Results Cornea verticillata and increased conjunctival vessel tortuosity were detected respectively in 67% and 33% of patients with FD. Compared with healthy subjects, patients affected by FD showed a significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber length, density and nerve branching on CCM and a significantly increased expression of LC3 on conjunctival impression cytology (p < 0.001). No changes were observed in the conjunctival expression of LAMP2 between the two groups. Conclusions This study shows that FD is associated with ocular surface alterations including corneal and conjunctival morphology, innervation and vascularization changes. Our data demonstrate an increased expression of LC3 protein in patients with FD, suggesting that alteration of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may play a role in the occurrence of ocular manifestations.
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Mallone F, Lucchino L, Giustini S, Lambiase A, Moramarco A. An update on choroidal abnormalities and retinal microvascular changes in neurofibromatosis type 1. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:223. [PMID: 35698197 PMCID: PMC9195315 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02369-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion, mainly affecting the nervous system, the eye and skin. Ocular diagnostic hallmarks of NF1 include iris Lisch nodules, optic gliomas, orbital and eyelid neurofibromas, eyelid café-au-lait spots. In recent years, a new ocular sign represented by choroidal abnormalities (CAs) has been characterized in NF1. The CAs, identified with near-infrared reflectance, have been reported with a frequency of up to 100% in NF1, and have recently been added to the actual diagnostic criteria for NF1. The present Letter to the journal is intended to provide an update on features and clinical significance of CAs in NF1. Moreover, the relation with other ocular manifestations recently described in NF1 including hyperpigmented spots and retinal microvascular abnormalities is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Mallone
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Lucchino
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Giustini
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lambiase
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonietta Moramarco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Florou C, Aissopou E, Chalkiadaki E, Andreanos K, Koutsandrea C, Papaconstantinou D, Georgalas I. Corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. Indian J Ophthalmol 2021; 69:1522-1526. [PMID: 34011734 PMCID: PMC8302278 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1967_20] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological properties of corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and to compare them with age-matched healthy controls. Methods: Nineteen NF1 patients and 38 healthy individuals were recruited. All participants underwent complete ophthalmological examination as well as noncontact specular microscopy to measure endothelial cell density (ECD), average cell area (AVG), coefficient of variation of cell area (CV), the percentage of hexagonal cells, and CCT. Eyes with previous ocular trauma, inflammation or surgery, and preexisting corneal and ocular surface diseases were excluded. Results: NF1 patients had higher ECD compared to healthy controls of the same age (2764.2 ± 270.4 versus 2570.4 ± 449.2 cells/mm, respectively), although at a borderline level (P = 0.051). Patients with NF1 presented significantly lower CV and AVG when compared to controls (32.9 ± 4.6 versus 37.8 ± 9.5%, P = 0.011 and 364.9 ± 34.4 versus 406.0 ± 107.4 µm, P = 0.038, respectively). The NF1 group had significantly higher hexagonality in comparison with controls (55.7 ± 6.5 versus 50.5 ± 9.9%, P = 0.025). CCT was similar between the two groups (P = 0.955). Conclusion: Our results show that corneal endothelium has more favorable morphological characteristics in NF1 patients compared to healthy individuals of the same age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Florou
- First Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Evaggelia Aissopou
- Ophthalmologist in Private Office, Papadiamantopoulou 186, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Chalkiadaki
- First Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Chrysanthi Koutsandrea
- First Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Papaconstantinou
- First Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Georgalas
- First Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
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Neurotrophic Factors in Glaucoma and Innovative Delivery Systems. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10249015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease and a worldwide leading cause of irreversible vision loss. In the last decades, high efforts have been made to develop novel treatments effective in inducing protection and/or recovery of neural function in glaucoma, including neurotrophic factors (NTFs). These approaches have shown encouraging data in preclinical setting; however, the challenge of sustained, targeted delivery to the retina and optic nerve still prevents the clinical translation. In this paper, the authors review and discuss the most recent advances for the use of NTFs treatment in glaucoma, including intraocular delivery. Novel strategies in drug and gene delivery technology for NTFs are proving effective in promoting long-term retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival and related functional improvements. Results of experimental and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of biodegradable slow-release NTF-loaded microparticle devices, encapsulated NTF-secreting cells implants, mimetic ligands for NTF receptors, and viral and non-viral NTF gene vehicles are discussed. NTFs are able to prevent and even reverse apoptotic ganglion cell death. Nevertheless, neuroprotection in glaucoma remains an open issue due to the unmet need of sustained delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. The recent advances in intraocular delivery systems pave the way for possible future use of NTFs in clinical practice for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Nebbioso M, Moramarco A, Lambiase A, Giustini S, Marenco M, Miraglia E, Fino P, Iacovino C, Alisi L. Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Ocular Electrophysiological and Perimetric Anomalies. Eye Brain 2020; 12:119-127. [PMID: 33117026 PMCID: PMC7585783 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s255184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a multisystemic disease caused by the mutation of Nf1 gene located on chromosome 17q11.2. The mutation determines the loss of function of the protein neurofibromin with consequent uncontrolled cellular proliferation. Patients are characterized by a wide range of dermatological, neurological, and ophthalmological symptoms. PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate, through pattern visual evoked potentials (p-VEPs) and frequency doubling technology (FDT) Matrix perimetry, the objective and psychophysical functionality of the optic pathways in a group of NF1 patient. METHODS The study group consisted of 26 patients affected by NF1 and 17 healthy controls. Each patient underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, p-VEPs with the evaluation of amplitude and latency of the P100 wave, and FDT perimetry, with the evaluation of central sensitivity (CS), mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD) and glaucoma hemifield test (GHT). RESULTS NF1 patients showed a statistically significant alteration in the transmission of visual impulse. P-VEPs results highlighted a reduced amplitude and an increased latency of the P100 wave, suggesting an involvement of the visual pathway. Visual field analysis showed a significant reduction in all the observed parameters as well (CS, MD, PSD, and GHT). CONCLUSION The present study showed, in NF1 patients, a qualitative and quantitative alteration in the conduction of stimuli through the visual pathways. The observed alterations are present, although, only at a subclinical level. None of the patients included in the study showed any manifest visual deficit nor had any concomitant pathology that might have affected the outcome of the study. In conclusion, electrophysiological exams and computer perimetry may take part, alongside a wider array of exams, in the differential diagnosis and later monitoring of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Nebbioso
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Giustini
- Department of Dermatology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marenco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Fino
- Department of Dermatology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Iacovino
- Department of Dermatology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Alisi
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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