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Zhang J, Sheng X, Ding Q, Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhang J. Subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:378-393. [PMID: 38819041 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It causes local damage to photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal vessels, which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex, and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, there are no effective treatment options. A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments. The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis, including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis; multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis; animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis; cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis; pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis, such as aging, infiltration of macrophages, different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast, and activation of complement system and immune cells; and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10. This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, allow the discovery of molecular targets, and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Quanju Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Vahidi A, Khosravi T, Dastaviz F, Sheikh Arabi M, Khosravi A, Oladnabi M. Niosome-encapsulated auraptene reduced the mRNA expression of VEGF-A and PDGFs genes in human retina-derived RPE cell line. Int J Ophthalmol 2024; 17:1028-1035. [PMID: 38895680 PMCID: PMC11144767 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.06.06] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effect of auraptene (AUR) treatment in forms of free and encapsulated in niosome nanoparticles by investigating the mRNA expression level of vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF)-A and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line. METHODS Niosome nanocarriers were produced using two surfactants Span 60 and Tween 80. RPE cell line was treated with both free AUR and niosome-encapsulated. Optimum dosage of treatments was calculated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression of VEGF-A and PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C, PDGF-D genes was measured after total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS The highest entrapment efficiency (EE) was achieved by Span 60:cholesterol (1:1) with 64.3%. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of free and niosome-encapsulated AUR were 38.5 and 27.78 µg/mL, respectively. Release study revealed that niosomal AUR had more gradual delivery to the cells. RT-PCR results showed reduced expression levels of VEGF-A, PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C, and PDGF-D after treatment with both free and niosomal AUR. CONCLUSION Niosomal formulation of Span 60: cholesterol (1:1) is an effective drug delivery approach to transfer AUR to RPE cells. VEGF-A, PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C, and PDGF-D are four angiogenic factors, inhibiting which by niosomal AUR may be effective in age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Vahidi
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
| | - Teymoor Khosravi
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
| | - Farzad Dastaviz
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sheikh Arabi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
| | - Ayyoob Khosravi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
| | - Morteza Oladnabi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
- Gorgan Congenital Malformations Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174611, Iran
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Vessey KA, Jobling AI, Greferath U, Fletcher EL. Pharmaceutical therapies targeting autophagy for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102463. [PMID: 38788268 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102463] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Although new therapies have recently emerged, there are currently no ways of preventing the development of the disease. Changes in intracellular recycling processes. Changes in intracellular recycling processes, called autophagy, lead to debris accumulation and cellular dysfunction in AMD models and AMD patients. Drugs that enhance autophagy hold promise as therapies for slowing AMD progression in preclinical models; however, more studies in humans are required. While a definitive cure for AMD will likely hinge on a personalized medicine approach, treatments that enhance autophagy hold promise for slowing vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstan A Vessey
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Science and Technology, The University of New England, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Andrew I Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Li C, Zhou L, Sun H, Yang MM. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Disease of Cellular Senescence and Dysregulated Immune Homeostasis. Clin Interv Aging 2024; 19:939-951. [PMID: 38807637 PMCID: PMC11130992 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s463297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative ocular disease primarily affecting central vision in the elderly. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving cellular senescence and immune homeostasis dysregulation. This review investigates the interaction between these two critical biological processes in AMD pathogenesis and their impact on disease progression. Initially, cellular senescence is analyzed, with particular emphasis on retinal damage induced by senescent retinal pigment epithelial cells. Subsequently, the occurrence of immune homeostasis dysregulation within the retina and its mechanistic role in AMD areis explored. Furthermore, the paper also discusses in detail the interplay between cellular senescence and immune responses, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates retinal damage and may influence treatment outcomes. In summary, a deeper understanding of the interrelation between cellular senescence and immune dysregulation is vital for the developing innovative therapeutic strategies for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunzi Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, People’s Republic of China
- Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Station of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Ming Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, People’s Republic of China
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Berkowitz ST, Finn AP. Gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration: potential, feasibility, and pitfalls. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:170-177. [PMID: 38441066 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The landscape for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is rapidly changing with addition of biosimilars and now United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved nonneovascular AMD (nnAMD) treatment options. These developments have inspired a burgeoning pipeline of gene therapy approaches focused on similar antivascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and complement related pathways. Historic and more recent setbacks in the gene therapy pipeline, including intraocular inflammatory reactions, have raised important concerns for adverse events related to AMD therapeutics both for gene and nongene approaches. The specific clinical profile of these therapeutics approaching later stage clinical trials are complex and under active investigation; however, these options hold promise to disrupt the current landscape and change management paradigms for one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. RECENT FINDINGS This review covers current gene therapy approaches for neovascular AMD (nAMD) and nnAMD. Intravitreal, suprachoroidal, and subretinal delivery routes are discussed with attention to technical procedure, capabilities for transgene delivery to target tissue, immunogenicity, and collateral effects. Suprachoroidal delivery is an emerging approach which may bridge some of the practical drawbacks for intravitreal and subretinal methods, though with less elaborated immunologic profile. In parallel to delivery modification, viral vectors have been cultivated to target specific cells, with promising enhancements in adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors and persistent interest in alternate viral and nonviral delivery vectors. Ongoing questions such as steroid or immunosuppressive regimen and economic considerations from a payer and societal perspective are discussed. SUMMARY The present review discusses emerging gene therapy options which could foster new, more durable nAMD and nnAMD therapeutics. These options will need refinement with regards to route, vector, and dosage, and specialists must decipher the specific clinical risk benefit profile for individual patients. Ongoing concerns for immunogenicity or dosage related adverse events could stifle progress, while further vector development and refined delivery techniques have the potential to change the safety and efficacy of currently options in the pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Berkowitz
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Teo KYC, Zhao J, Ibrahim FI, Fenner B, Chakravarthy U, Cheung CMG. Features Associated With Vision in Eyes With Subfoveal Fibrosis From Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 261:121-131. [PMID: 38135238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.12.011] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the characteristics and correlation of visual acuity in eyes treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and developed fibrosis. DESIGN Case-control study. METHODS Three hundred fifty-six treatment-naive nAMD eyes that were treated for 12 months were included. Fibrosis was defined as present if well-defined hyperreflective material (HRM) were present between the neurosensory retina and the Bruch membrane on optical coherence tomography (OCT) that correlated with well-defined regions of yellowish pallor on fundus photography and/or staining on fluorescence angiography. OCT features of subfoveal fibrosis and the overlying retina were correlated with visual acuity at month 12. RESULTS Sixty-three eyes (20.3%) developed incident fibrosis at month 12. Compared with eyes that did not develop fibrosis, these eyes had lower baseline vision (49 vs 54 letters, P = .02) and more of them had type 2 macular neovascularization (15.0 vs 8.8%, P = .03), larger lesion area (29.6 vs 15.1 mm2, P = .02), and subretinal hemorrhage ≥4 disc diameters (44.4% vs 19.8%, P < .01). Visual acuity was worse in the incident fibrosis compared with the group that never developed fibrosis by month 12. (-1.4±17.1 versus +6.0±17.4 letters, P < .01). In 83 eyes that had subfoveal fibrosis, better vision was associated with intact ellipsoid zone-external limiting membrane complex (β coefficient 29.4, 95% CI 14.2-44.6, P < .01), whereas worse vision was associated with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-involving HRM, HRM above the RPE, and width of HRM (β coefficients -25.4 [95% CI -36.3 to -14.6], P < .01; -23.5 [95% CI -39.0 to -7.9], P < .01; and -3.8 [95% CI -7.2 to -0.4], P = .03, respectively). CONCLUSION Although fibrosis is associated with poorer visual outcome, preservation of external limiting membrane and level of fibrosis relative to the RPE are associated with visual outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Y C Teo
- From the Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre (K.Y.C.T., J.Z., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (K.Y.C.T., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore
| | - Jinzhi Zhao
- From the Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre (K.Y.C.T., J.Z., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore
| | - Farah Ilyana Ibrahim
- From the Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre (K.Y.C.T., J.Z., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (K.Y.C.T., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore
| | - Beau Fenner
- From the Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre (K.Y.C.T., J.Z., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (K.Y.C.T., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore
| | | | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- From the Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre (K.Y.C.T., J.Z., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (K.Y.C.T., F.I.I., B.F., C.M.G.C.), Singapore.
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Zhao X, Hu L, Liu G, Yin X, Gong Q, Li Y, Li Q, Zhou Y, Sun Y, Guo C, Du Z. Fibronectin binds integrin α5β1 to regulate macular neovascularization through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109880. [PMID: 38552713 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109880] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the macula. The formation of macular neovascularization (MNV) and subretinal fibrosis of AMD is the most classic cause of the loss of vision in older adults worldwide. While the underlying causes of MNV and subretinal fibrosis remain elusive, the common feature of many common retinal diseases is changes the proportions of protein deposition in extracellular matrix (ECM) when compared to normal tissue. In ECM, fibronectin (FN) is a crucial component and plays a pivotal part not only in fibrotic diseases but also in the process of angiogenesis. The study aims to understand the role of ligand FN and its common integrin receptor α5β1 on MNV, and to understand the molecular mechanism involved. To study this, the laser-induced MNV mouse model and the rhesus macaque choroid-retinal endothelial cell line (RF/6A) chemical hypoxia mode were established, and the FN-α5β1 expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qRT-PCR). Fibronectin expression was silenced using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting FN. The tube formation and vitro scratch assays were used to assess the ability to form blood vessels and cell migration. To measure the formation of MNV, immunofluorescence, and Western blot assays were used. These results revealed that the expressions of FN and integrin α5β1 were distinctly increased in the laser-induced MNV mouse model and in the RF/6A cytochemically induced hypoxia model, and the expression tendency was identical. After the use of FN siRNA, the tube formation and migration abilities of the RF/6A cells were lower, the ability of endothelial cells to proliferate was confined and the scope of damage caused by the laser in animal models was significantly cut down. In addition, FN gene knockdown dramatically inhibited the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signal. The interaction of FN with the integrin receptor α5β1 in the constructed model, which may act through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was confirmed in this study. In conclusion, FN may be a potential new molecular target for the prevention and treatment of subretinal fibrosis and MNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Liting Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Guibo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiaoni Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qingyun Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linyi People's Hospital, Jiefang Road Number 27, Lanshan District, Linyi, 276003, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yibin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chunyan Guo
- People's Hospital of Dingxi, Dingxi, 743000, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Zhaodong Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Bhuckory MB, Monkongpitukkul N, Shin A, Goldstein AK, Jensen N, Shah SV, Pham-Howard D, Butt E, Dalal R, Galambos L, Mathieson K, Kamins T, Palanker D. Enhancing Prosthetic Vision by Upgrade of a Subretinal Photovoltaic Implant in situ. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.15.589465. [PMID: 38659843 PMCID: PMC11042236 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.15.589465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
In patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration, subretinal photovoltaic implant (PRIMA) provided visual acuity up to 20/440, matching its 100μm pixels size. Next-generation implants with smaller pixels should significantly improve the acuity. This study in rats evaluates removal of a subretinal implant, replacement with a newer device, and the resulting grating acuity in-vivo. Six weeks after the initial implantation with planar and 3-dimensional devices, the retina was re-detached, and the devices were successfully removed. Histology demonstrated a preserved inner nuclear layer. Re-implantation of new devices into the same location demonstrated retinal re-attachment to a new implant. New devices with 22μm pixels increased the grating acuity from the 100μm capability of PRIMA implants to 28μm, reaching the limit of natural resolution in rats. Reimplanted devices exhibited the same stimulation threshold as for the first implantation of the same implants in a control group. This study demonstrates the feasibility of safely upgrading the subretinal photovoltaic implants to improve prosthetic visual acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohajeet B Bhuckory
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicharee Monkongpitukkul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
| | - Andrew Shin
- Department of Material Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Nathan Jensen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sarthak V Shah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Davis Pham-Howard
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emma Butt
- Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ludwig Galambos
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
| | - Keith Mathieson
- Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Theodore Kamins
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Palanker
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Hosokawa MM, Ouchi C, Shiode Y, Kimura S, Matoba R, Morita T, Morizane Y. Influence of submacular hemorrhage at baseline on the long-term outcomes of aflibercept treatment for typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024:10.1007/s00417-024-06453-6. [PMID: 38625447 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06453-6] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the influence of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) at baseline on long-term visual outcomes of patients with typical age-related macular degeneration (tAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) treated with intravitreal aflibercept (IVA). METHODS In this retrospective study, eyes of treatment-naïve patients with tAMD and PCV who initiated IVA under a treat-and-extend regimen and were followed up for ≥ 5 years were classified into the tAMD-SMH ( +), tAMD-SMH (-), PCV-SMH ( +), and PCV-SMH (-) groups based on the presence of SMH at baseline. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes and macular fibrosis and atrophy incidences were assessed. RESULTS This study included 127 eyes (127 patients), including 51 with tAMD and 76 with PCV; 18 eyes had SMH at baseline. In the tAMD-SMH ( +) group (n = 6), the mean logMAR BCVA significantly deteriorated from 0.59 ± 0.45 at baseline to 0.88 ± 0.47 at the final visit (P = 0.024). No significant BCVA changes were observed in the tAMD-SMH (-) (n = 45), PCV-SMH ( +) (n = 12), or PCV-SMH (-) (n = 64) groups (all P > 0.05). The tAMD-SMH ( +) group showed a significantly higher incidence of macular fibrosis at the final visit than did the tAMD-SMH (-) group (P = 0.042). There was no influence of baseline SMH on the macular fibrosis incidence in eyes with PCV and the macular atrophy incidence in eyes with tAMD and PCV. CONCLUSION The presence of SMH at baseline resulted in poorer long-term visual acuity in eyes with tAMD, even with aflibercept treatment. However, no such influence was observed in eyes with PCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Morizane Hosokawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Chihiro Ouchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shiode
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kimura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Ryo Matoba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Morita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Morizane
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8558, Japan
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Aljundi W, Daas L, Suffo S, Seitz B, Abdin AD. First-Year Real-Life Experience with Intravitreal Faricimab for Refractory Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38675131 PMCID: PMC11053849 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040470] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: To evaluate the outcomes of intravitreal faricimab (IVF) for refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and investigate the impact of baseline optical coherence tomography, biomarkers for total IVF injections are needed. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 33 eyes of patients who completed one year (52 W) of treatment with IVF. The eyes received four IVF injections (6 mg/0.05 mL) as the upload phase. Thereafter, the treatment interval was extended to 8 or 12 weeks if disease activity was not recorded. The outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and retinal fluid distribution. Results: A total of 33 eyes were included. CMT decreased significantly at 52 W (p < 0.01). BCVA and SFCT did not change significantly at 52 W (p > 0.05). The number of eyes with subretinal fluid decreased significantly at 52 W (p < 0.01). Complete fluid resolution was achieved in 20 eyes (60%). The total number of injections was significantly negatively correlated with the presence of hyperreflective dots at baseline (HRDs, p < 0.01) and SFCT at baseline (p < 0.01). Conclusions: IVF led to a significant reduction in CMT with stabilization of BCVA. The total number of injections was lower in eyes with HRDs and increased SFCT at baseline. This might provide clues regarding response to IVF for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Aljundi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center UKS, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany; (L.D.); (S.S.); (B.S.); (A.D.A.)
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11
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Liu D, Du J, Xie H, Tian H, Lu L, Zhang C, Xu GT, Zhang J. Wnt5a/β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a key driver of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38532410 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03068-w] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), accounts for up to 90% of AMD-associated vision loss, ultimately resulting in the formation of fibrotic scar in the macular region. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD involves the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the Wnt signaling during the EMT of RPE cells and in the pathological process of subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD. METHODS In vivo, the induction of subretinal fibrosis was performed in male C57BL/6J mice through laser photocoagulation. Either FH535 (a β-catenin inhibitor) or Box5 (a Wnt5a inhibitor) was intravitreally administered on the same day or 14 days following laser induction. The RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex (RBCC) tissues were collected and subjected to Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence to examine fibrovascular and Wnt-related markers. In vitro, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)-treated ARPE-19 cells were co-incubated with or without FH535, Foxy-5 (a Wnt5a-mimicking peptide), Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA, respectively. The changes in EMT- and Wnt-related signaling molecules, as well as cell functions were assessed using qRT-PCR, nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence, scratch assay or transwell migration assay. The cell viability of ARPE-19 cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8. RESULTS The in vivo analysis demonstrated Wnt5a/ROR1, but not Wnt3a, was upregulated in the RBCCs of the laser-induced CNV mice compared to the normal control group. Intravitreal injection of FH535 effectively reduced Wnt5a protein expression. Both FH535 and Box5 effectively attenuated subretinal fibrosis and EMT, as well as the activation of β-catenin in laser-induced CNV mice, as evidenced by the significant reduction in areas positive for fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and active β-catenin labeling. In vitro, Wnt5a/ROR1, active β-catenin, and some other Wnt signaling molecules were upregulated in the TGFβ1-induced EMT cell model using ARPE-19 cells. Co-treatment with FH535, Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA markedly suppressed the activation of Wnt5a, nuclear translocation of active β-catenin, as well as the EMT in TGFβ1-treated ARPE-19 cells. Conversely, treatment with Foxy-5 independently resulted in the activation of abovementioned molecules and subsequent induction of EMT in ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a reciprocal activation between Wnt5a and β-catenin to mediate EMT as a pivotal driver of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. This positive feedback loop provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to treat subretinal fibrosis in nAMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxiao Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
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Schranz M, Sacu S, Reiter GS, Baratsits M, Desissaire S, Pircher M, Mylonas G, Hitzenberger C, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Roberts PK. Structure-Function Correlation of Retinal Fibrosis in Eyes with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1074. [PMID: 38398387 PMCID: PMC10889582 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041074] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess retinal function in areas of presumed fibrosis due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), using multimodal imaging and structure-function correlation. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods: 30 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with nAMD with a minimum history of one year of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy were included. Each patient underwent microperimetry (MP), color fundus photography (CFP), standard spectral-domain-based OCT (SD-OCT), and polarization sensitive-OCT (PS-OCT) imaging. PS-OCT technology can depict retinal fibrosis based on its birefringence. CFP, SD-OCT, and PS-OCT were evaluated independently for the presence of fibrosis at the corresponding MP stimuli locations. MP results and morphologic findings in CFP, SD-OCT, and PS-OCT were co-registered and analyzed using mixed linear models. Results: In total, 1350 MP locations were evaluated to assess the functional impact of fibrosis according to a standardized protocol. The estimated means of retinal areas with signs of fibrosis were 12.60 db (95% confidence interval: 10.44-14.76) in CFP, 11.60 db (95% COI: 8.84-14.36) in OCT, and 11.02 db (95% COI 8.10-13.94) in PS-OCT. Areas evaluated as subretinal fibrosis in three (7.2 db) or two (10.1 db) modalities were significantly correlated with a lower retinal sensitivity than a subretinal fibrosis observed in only one (15.3 db) or none (23.3 db) modality (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CFP, SD-OCT and PS-OCT are all suited to detect areas of reduced retinal sensitivity related to fibrosis, however, a multimodal imaging approach provides higher accuracy in the identification of areas with low sensitivity in MP (i.e., impaired retinal function), and thereby improves the detection rate of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schranz
- Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Sacu
- Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor S. Reiter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalena Baratsits
- Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.)
| | - Silvia Desissaire
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Pircher
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Georgios Mylonas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Hitzenberger
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
- Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Ken Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Salminen A. AMPK signaling inhibits the differentiation of myofibroblasts: impact on age-related tissue fibrosis and degeneration. Biogerontology 2024; 25:83-106. [PMID: 37917219 PMCID: PMC10794430 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10072-9] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and an accumulation of fibrotic lesions within tissues are two of the distinctive hallmarks of the aging process. Tissue fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which display an impressive plasticity in the regulation of ECM integrity and thus on tissue homeostasis. Single-cell transcriptome studies have revealed that tissue fibroblasts exhibit a remarkable heterogeneity with aging and in age-related diseases. Excessive stress and inflammatory insults induce the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts which are fusiform contractile cells and abundantly secrete the components of the ECM and proteolytic enzymes as well as many inflammatory mediators. Detrimental stresses can also induce the transdifferentiation of certain mesenchymal and myeloid cells into myofibroblasts. Interestingly, many age-related stresses, such as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses, ECM stiffness, inflammatory mediators, telomere shortening, and several alarmins from damaged cells are potent inducers of myofibroblast differentiation. Intriguingly, there is convincing evidence that the signaling pathways stimulated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are potent inhibitors of myofibroblast differentiation and accordingly AMPK signaling reduces fibrotic lesions within tissues, e.g., in age-related cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. AMPK signaling is not only an important regulator of energy metabolism but it is also able to control cell fate determination and many functions of the immune system. It is known that AMPK signaling can delay the aging process via an integrated signaling network. AMPK signaling inhibits myofibroblast differentiation, e.g., by suppressing signaling through the TGF-β, NF-κB, STAT3, and YAP/TAZ pathways. It seems that AMPK signaling can alleviate age-related tissue fibrosis and degeneration by inhibiting the differentiation of myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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Lei S, Hu M, Wei Z. Single-cell sequencing reveals an important role of SPP1 and microglial activation in age-related macular degeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1322451. [PMID: 38259505 PMCID: PMC10801008 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1322451] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the role of senescence-related cytokines (SRCs) in the pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design The whole study is based on single-cell and bulk tissue transcriptomic analysis of the human neuroretinas with or without AMD. The transcriptomic data of human neuroretinas was obtained from Gene-Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Methods For single-cell transcriptomic analysis, the gene expression matrix goes through quality control (QC) filtering, being normalized, scaled and integrated for downstream analysis. The further analyses were performed using Seurat R package and CellChat R package. After cell type annotation, the expression of phenotype and functional markers of microglia was investigated and cell-cell communication analysis was performed. For bulk tissue transcriptomic analysis, GSE29801 dataset contains the transcriptomic data of human macular neuroretina (n = 118) from control group and AMD patients. The expression of SPP1 in control and AMD subtypes were compared by Student's t-test. In addition, the AMD macular neuroretina were classified into SPP1-low and SPP1-high groups according to the expression level of SPP1. The differentially expressed genes between these two groups were subsequently identified and the pathway enrichment analysis for these genes was further conducted. Results Secreted phosphoprotein 1, as an SRC, was revealed to be highly expressed in microglia of AMD neuroretina and the SPP1-receptor signaling was highly activated in AMD neuroretina. In addition, SPP1 signaling was associated with the pro-inflammatory phenotype and phagocytic state of microglia. SPP1 expression was elevated in macular neuroretina with late dry and wet AMD and the inflammatory pathways were found to be activated in SPP1-high AMD macular neuroretina. Conclusion Our findings indicated that SPP1 and microglial activation might play an important role in the pathophysiology of AMD. Therefore, SPP1 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for AMD. More in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm the results and the therapeutic effect of SPP1-targeting strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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15
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Zhang SX, Wang JJ, Starr CR, Lee EJ, Park KS, Zhylkibayev A, Medina A, Lin JH, Gorbatyuk M. The endoplasmic reticulum: Homeostasis and crosstalk in retinal health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 98:101231. [PMID: 38092262 PMCID: PMC11056313 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101231] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the largest intracellular organelle carrying out a broad range of important cellular functions including protein biosynthesis, folding, and trafficking, lipid and sterol biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and calcium storage and gated release. In addition, the ER makes close contact with multiple intracellular organelles such as mitochondria and the plasma membrane to actively regulate the biogenesis, remodeling, and function of these organelles. Therefore, maintaining a homeostatic and functional ER is critical for the survival and function of cells. This vital process is implemented through well-orchestrated signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is activated when misfolded or unfolded proteins accumulate in the ER, a condition known as ER stress, and functions to restore ER homeostasis thus promoting cell survival. However, prolonged activation or dysregulation of the UPR can lead to cell death and other detrimental events such as inflammation and oxidative stress; these processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases including retinal disorders. In this review manuscript, we discuss the unique features of the ER and ER stress signaling in the retina and retinal neurons and describe recent advances in the research to uncover the role of ER stress signaling in neurodegenerative retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal degeneration, achromatopsia and cone diseases, and diabetic retinopathy. In some chapters, we highlight the complex interactions between the ER and other intracellular organelles focusing on mitochondria and illustrate how ER stress signaling regulates common cellular stress pathways such as autophagy. We also touch upon the integrated stress response in retinal degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Finally, we provide an update on the current development of pharmacological agents targeting the UPR response and discuss some unresolved questions and knowledge gaps to be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah X Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States; Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States.
| | - Josh J Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Christopher R Starr
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Eun-Jin Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Karen Sophia Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Assylbek Zhylkibayev
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Andy Medina
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan H Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Marina Gorbatyuk
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Sayin N, Kocak I, Pehlivanoğlu S, Pekel G, Er A, Bayramoğlu SE, Aydin A. A quantitative sonoelastography evaluation of ocular and periocular elasticity after intravitreal ranibizumab injection. J Fr Ophtalmol 2023; 46:1030-1038. [PMID: 37598105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2023.03.016] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated changes in ocular and periocular elasticity by ultrasound (US) elastography in intravitreal ranibizumab-treated eyes and the healthy fellow eyes of patients with neovascular AMD. METHODS The study was performed on 52 eyes of 26 volunteers who ranged in age from 59 to 89 (mean 72±7.78) years old. The study group consisted of the patients with neovascular AMD treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. The fellow eyes (without choroidal neovascularization) of the study group were selected as the control group. All patients were examined with sonoelastography before intravitreal injection and at 1day, 1week, and 1month after intravitreal injection. All images were acquired with a Toshiba Aplio 500 ultrasound system (Tokyo, Japan) including software with a combined autocorrelation method and a multifrequency linear probe. The elastography values of the anterior vitreous (AV), posterior vitreous (PV), retina-choroid-sclera complex (RCS), retrobulbar fat tissue (RF), optic nerve head (ONH) and retrobulbar optic nerve (RON) were measured in each eye. RESULTS There were 13 male (50%) and 13 female (50%) participants in our study. Anterior vitreous, posterior vitreous, RCS, retrobulbar fat tissue, ONH, and RON US elastography values were similar in both groups (P˃0.05 for all). On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between the difference between baseline and 1-month PV sonoelastography values and age (r=0.47, P=0.035). CONCLUSION A single dose intravitreal Ranibizumab (Lucentis®, Genentech, USA) injection does not alter the elasticity of ocular and periocular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Sayin
- University of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - I Kocak
- University of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - S Pehlivanoğlu
- University of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - G Pekel
- Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Denizli, Turkey
| | - A Er
- İzmir Tepecik, Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - S E Bayramoğlu
- University of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - A Aydin
- Near East University, School of Medicine, Lefkosa, Cyprus
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17
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Hua Z, Yang W, Li D, Cui Y, Shen L, Rao L, Zheng Y, Zhang Q, Zeng W, Gong Y, Yuan L. Metformin regulates the LIN28B‑mediated JNK/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR‑140‑3p in subretinal fibrosis. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:528. [PMID: 37869644 PMCID: PMC10587880 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12227] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis (SF) is an important cause of submacular neovascularization that leads to permanent vision loss, but has no effective clinical treatment. The present study examined the influence of metformin on SF, and investigated whether the mechanism involves the microRNA (miR)-140-3p/LIN28B/JNK/STAT3-mediated regulation of oxidative stress, angiogenesis and fibrosis-associated indicators. A mouse model of laser-induced SF was established. In addition, an ARPE-19 fibrotic cell model was established using TGF-β1. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to examine cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure reactive oxygen species levels, and western blotting was used to detect the levels of proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), signaling and fibrosis. The levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione-peroxidase and catalase were measured using kits. Scratch assays and Transwell assays were used to assess cell migration and invasion, respectively, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to determine the levels of miR-140-3p and LIN28B. Dual-luciferase assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-140-3p and LIN28B, and coimmunoprecipitation was used to confirm the interaction between LIN28B and JNK. Masson staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to examine collagenous fibers and the histopathology of eye tissue. In ARPE-19 cells induced by TGF-β1, metformin promoted miR-140-3p expression and inhibited LIN28B expression and JNK/STAT3 pathway activation, thereby inhibiting oxidative stress, EMT and fibrosis in ARPE-19 cells. The overexpression of LIN28B or treatment with the JNK/STAT3 agonist anisomycin partially reversed the inhibitory effect of metformin on oxidative stress and fibrosis in ARPE-19 cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and coimmunoprecipitation assay showed that miR-140-3p targeted the 3' untranslated region of LIN28B mRNA and inhibited LIN28B expression. LIN28B targeted and bound to JNK and regulated the JNK/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, it may be concluded that metformin can promote miR-140-3p expression, inhibit LIN28B and then inhibit the JNK/STAT3 pathway to alleviate SF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijuan Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, P.R. China
| | - Wenchang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Dongli Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yixin Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Lingna Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiang Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Qiying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Wenyi Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yi Gong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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Bora K, Kushwah N, Maurya M, Pavlovich MC, Wang Z, Chen J. Assessment of Inner Blood-Retinal Barrier: Animal Models and Methods. Cells 2023; 12:2443. [PMID: 37887287 PMCID: PMC10605292 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper functioning of the neural retina relies on the unique retinal environment regulated by the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which restricts the passage of solutes, fluids, and toxic substances. BRB impairment occurs in many retinal vascular diseases and the breakdown of BRB significantly contributes to disease pathology. Understanding the different molecular constituents and signaling pathways involved in BRB development and maintenance is therefore crucial in developing treatment modalities. This review summarizes the major molecular signaling pathways involved in inner BRB (iBRB) formation and maintenance, and representative animal models of eye diseases with retinal vascular leakage. Studies on Wnt/β-catenin signaling are highlighted, which is critical for retinal and brain vascular angiogenesis and barriergenesis. Moreover, multiple in vivo and in vitro methods for the detection and analysis of vascular leakage are described, along with their advantages and limitations. These pre-clinical animal models and methods for assessing iBRB provide valuable experimental tools in delineating the molecular mechanisms of retinal vascular diseases and evaluating therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Chantarasorn Y, Ruamviboonsuk P, Thoongsuwan S, Vongkulsiri S, Kungwanpongpun P, Hanutsaha P. Clinical Correlation of Retinal Fluid Fluctuation Represented by Fluctuation Index in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: TOWER Study Report 2. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:2. [PMID: 37787990 PMCID: PMC10552872 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.10.2] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore outcomes and biomarkers associated with retinal fluid instability represented by a new parameter in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods Patients with treatment-naïve nAMD receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections for a duration of 1 to 3 years were consecutively reviewed. Fluctuation Index (FI) of each eye, calculated by averaging the sum of differences in 1-mm central subfield thickness between each follow-up from months 3 to 24, was arranged into ascending order from the lowest to the highest and split equally into low, moderate, and high fluctuation groups. Outcomes were analyzed at 24 months. Results Of 558 eyes, FI values showed a negative correlation with a degree-response gradient with 24-month visual improvement. After controlling for baseline best-corrected visual acuity and potential confounders, eyes with low fluctuation gained more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters than those in the moderate and high fluctuation group (Δ, 10.1 and 14.0 letters, respectively). Significant best-corrected visual acuity improvement from baseline to month 24 (11.8 letters) was observed exclusively in the low fluctuation group despite the indifference in the number of injections and types of anti-VEGF drug used among groups. Patients presenting with central subfield thickness of ≥405 µm or intraretinal fluid coinciding with subretinal fluid showed a significant association with foveal thickness instability during the maintenance phase. Conclusions Apart from the central subfield thickness values, unstable macular thickening represented by the FI was associated with some baseline features and may contribute to substandard visual outcomes. Translational Relevance FI may be a valuable tool for assessing therapeutic adequacy in the treatment of nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yodpong Chantarasorn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paisan Ruamviboonsuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rajavithi Hospital, Rungsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somanus Thoongsuwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sritatath Vongkulsiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Prut Hanutsaha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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20
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Boneva S, Haritoglou C, Schultheiss M, Binder S, Sebag J. [Role of vitreous in the pathogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2023; 120:992-998. [PMID: 37801159 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-023-01934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Age-related changes in vitreous molecular and anatomic morphology begin early in life and involve two major processes: vitreous liquefaction and weakening of vitreo-retinal adhesion. An imbalance in these two processes results in anomalous posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which comprises, among other conditions, vitreo-macular adhesion (VMA) and traction (VMT). VMA is more common in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) than age-matched control patients, with the site of posterior vitreous adherence to the inner retina correlating with location of neovascular complexes. The pernicious effects of an attached posterior vitreous on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression involve mechanical forces, enhanced fluid influx and inflammation in and between the retinal layers, hypoxia leading to an accumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other stimulatory cytokines, and probably an infiltration of hyalocytes. It has been shown that vitrectomy not only mitigates progression to end-stage AMD, but existing choroidal neovascularization regresses after surgery. Thus, surgical PVD induction during vitrectomy or by pharmacologic vitreolysis may be considered in non-responders to anti-VEGF treatment with concomitant VMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaniya Boneva
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
| | | | - Maximilian Schultheiss
- Augenklinik Herzog Carl Theodor, München, Deutschland
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Binder
- Lehrstuhl für Ophthalmologie, Sigmund Freud Universität, Wien, Österreich
| | - J Sebag
- VMR Institute for Vitreous Macula Retina, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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21
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Sotani R, Matsumiya W, Kim KW, Miki A, Yasuda E, Maeda Y, Hara R, Kusuhara S, Nakamura M. Clinical features and associated factors of intraocular inflammation following intravitreal brolucizumab as switching therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:2359-2366. [PMID: 36971800 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06036-x] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to explore the clinical features and associated factors of intraocular inflammation (IOI) following intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) administration for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS This retrospective study included 87 eyes from 87 Japanese patients with nAMD who were followed up for 5 months after the initial administration of IVBr as switching therapy. Clinical pictures of IOI post-IVBr and changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 5 months were evaluated between eyes with and without IOI (non-IOI). The association between IOI and baseline factors (age, sex, BCVA, hypertension, and/or arteriosclerotic changes in the fundus, subretinal hyperreflective material [SHRM], and macular atrophy) was evaluated. RESULTS Of the 87 eyes, 18 (20.6%) developed IOI and 2 (2.3%) developed retinal artery occlusion. There were 9 (50%) cases of posterior or pan-uveitis among eyes with IOI. The mean interval from initial IVBr administration to IOI was 2 months. The mean changes in logMAR BCVA at 5 months were significantly worse in IOI eyes than in non-IOI eyes (0.09 ± 0.22 vs. - 0.01 ± 0.15, P = 0.03). There were 8 (44.4%) and 7 (10.1%) cases of macular atrophy and 11 (61.1%) and 13 (18.8%) cases of SHRM in the IOI and non-IOI groups, respectively. SHRM and macular atrophy were significantly associated with IOI (P = 0.0008 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION In IVBr therapy for nAMD, eyes with SHRM and/or macular atrophy should be observed more meticulously, given the increased risk of developing IOI, which is associated with insufficient BCVA gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Sotani
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Wataru Matsumiya
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Kyung Woo Kim
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Akiko Miki
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Eriko Yasuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kakogawa Central City Hospital, Kakogawa, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kakogawa Central City Hospital, Kakogawa, Japan
| | - Rumiko Hara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kakogawa Central City Hospital, Kakogawa, Japan
| | - Sentaro Kusuhara
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakamura
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
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22
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Sloan LJ, Funk KM, Tamiya S, Song ZH. Effect of N-oleoyl dopamine on myofibroblast trans-differentiation of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 667:127-131. [PMID: 37216828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.040] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells contribute to several clinical conditions resulting in retinal fibrotic scars. Myofibroblast trans-differentiation of RPE cells is a critical step in the process of retinal fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of N-oleoyl dopamine (OLDA), a newer endocannabinoid with a structure distinct from classic endocannabinoids, on TGF-β2-induced myofibroblast trans-differentiation of porcine RPE cells. Using an in vitro collagen matrix contraction assay, OLDA was found to inhibit TGF-β2 induced contraction of collagen matrices by porcine RPE cells. This effect was concentration-dependent, with significant inhibition of contraction observed at 3 μM and 10 μM. OLDA did not affect the proliferation of porcine RPE cells. Immunocytochemistry showed that at 3 μM, OLDA decreased incorporation of α-SMA in the stress fibers of TGF-β2-treated RPE cells. In addition, western blot analysis showed that 3 μM OLDA significantly downregulated TGF-β2-induced α-SMA protein expression. Taken together these results demonstrate that OLDA inhibits TGF-β induced myofibroblast trans-differentiation of RPE cells. It has been established that classic endocannabinoid such as anandamide, by activating the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, promote fibrosis in multiple organ systems. In contrast, this study demonstrates that OLDA, an endocannabinoid with a chemical structure distinct from classic endocannabinoids, inhibits myofibroblast trans-differentiation, an important step in fibrosis. Unlike classic endocannabinoids, OLDA has weak affinity for the CB1 receptor. Instead, OLDA acts on non-classic cannabinoid receptors such as GPR119, GPR6, and TRPV1. Therefore, our study indicates that the newer endocannabinoid OLDA and its non-classic cannabinoid receptors could potentially be novel therapeutic targets for treating ocular diseases involving retinal fibrosis and fibrotic pathologies in other organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Sloan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, United States
| | - Kyle M Funk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, United States
| | - Shigeo Tamiya
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
| | - Zhao-Hui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, United States.
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23
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Zhang C, Zhang Y, Hu X, Zhao Z, Chen Z, Wang X, Zhang Z, Jin H, Zhang J. Luteolin inhibits subretinal fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in laser-induced mouse model via suppression of Smad2/3 and YAP signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154865. [PMID: 37201365 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subretinal fibrosis (SF) accounts for vision loss in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) even treated with adequate intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. Currently, there is no treatment available to prevent or treat SF caused by nAMD. PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the potential effects of luteolin on SF and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as the underlying molecular pathways both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS Seven-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were employed to establish laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and SF. One day after the laser induction, luteolin was administered intravitreally. SF and CNV were assessed with the immunolabeling of collagen type I (collagen I) and isolectin B4 (IB4), respectively. RPE65 and α-SMA colocalization in the lesions was used to evaluate the extent of EMT in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by using immunofluorescence. In vitro, luteolin was administered to TGFβ1-treated primary human RPE (phRPE) cells. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the change of EMT-related molecules, epithelial markers, and relevant signaling pathways. The functional changes associated with EMT were investigated using the scratch assay, Transwell migration assay, and collagen gel contraction assay. CCK-8 was used to determine the cell viability of phRPE cells. RESULTS On day 7 and 14 after laser induction in mice, intravitreal injection of luteolin dramatically decreased the immunolabeled sizes of both collagen I and IB4, as well as the amount of colocalized double immunostaining of α-SMA and RPE65 in laser-induced SF lesions. In vitro, TGFβ1-treated phRPE cells demonstrated increased cell migration and contraction capacity, accompanied with considerable overexpression of fibronectin, α-SMA, N-cadherin and vimentin, as well as downregulation of E-cadherin and ZO-1. The above changes were largely inhibited by luteolin co-incubation. Mechanistically, luteolin could evidently decrease the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, whereas increase the phosphorylation of YAP in TGFβ1-treated phRPE cells. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that luteolin exhibits the anti-fibrotic effect in a laser-induced mouse model by inhibiting EMT of RPE cells via deactivating Smad2/3 and YAP signaling, which provides a potential natural compound for the prevention and treatment of SF and fibrosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ziang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pharmacology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Haiying Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China.
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24
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Zandi S, Li Y, Jahnke L, Schweri-Olac A, Ishikawa K, Wada I, Nakao S, Zinkernagel MS, Enzmann V. Animal model of subretinal fibrosis without active choroidal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2023; 229:109428. [PMID: 36803995 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis can occur during neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and consequently provokes progressing deterioration of AMD patient's vision. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections decrease choroidal neovascularization (CNV), however, subretinal fibrosis remains principally unaffected. So far, no successful treatment nor established animal model for subretinal fibrosis exists. In order to investigate the impact of anti-fibrotic compounds on solely fibrosis, we refined a time-dependent animal model of subretinal fibrosis without active choroidal neovascularization (CNV). To induce CNV-related fibrosis, wild-type (WT) mice underwent laser photocoagulation of the retina with rupture of Bruch's membrane. The lesions volume was assessed with optical coherence tomography (OCT). CNV (Isolectin B4) and fibrosis (type 1 collagen) were separately quantified with confocal microscopy of choroidal whole-mounts at every time point post laser induction (day 7-49). In addition, OCT, autofluorescence and fluorescence angiography were carried out at designated timepoints (day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49) to monitor CNV and fibrosis transformation over time. From 21 to 49 days post laser lesion leakage in the fluorescence angiography decreased. Correspondingly, Isolectin B4 decreased in lesions of choroidal flat mounts and type 1 collagen increased. Fibrosis markers, namely vimentin, fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type 1 collagen were detected at different timepoints of tissue repair in choroids and retinas post laser. These results prove that the late phase of the CNV-related fibrosis model enables screening of anti-fibrotic compounds to accelerate the therapeutic advancement for the prevention, reduction, or inhibition of subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souska Zandi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of BioMedical Sciences, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Yuebing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of BioMedical Sciences, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laura Jahnke
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of BioMedical Sciences, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anelia Schweri-Olac
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of BioMedical Sciences, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Keijiro Ishikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Iori Wada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shintaro Nakao
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Hospital Organization, Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of BioMedical Sciences, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of BioMedical Sciences, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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25
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Emri E, Cappa O, Kelly C, Kortvely E, SanGiovanni JP, McKay BS, Bergen AA, Simpson DA, Lengyel I. Zinc Supplementation Induced Transcriptional Changes in Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Study to Understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2023; 12:773. [PMID: 36899910 PMCID: PMC10000409 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050773] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc supplementation has been shown to be beneficial to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the molecular mechanism underpinning this benefit is not well understood. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify transcriptomic changes induced by zinc supplementation. Human primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells could mature for up to 19 weeks. After 1 or 18 weeks in culture, we supplemented the culture medium with 125 µM added zinc for one week. RPE cells developed high transepithelial electrical resistance, extensive, but variable pigmentation, and deposited sub-RPE material similar to the hallmark lesions of AMD. Unsupervised cluster analysis of the combined transcriptome of the cells isolated after 2, 9, and 19 weeks in culture showed considerable heterogeneity. Clustering based on 234 pre-selected RPE-specific genes divided the cells into two distinct clusters, we defined as more and less differentiated cells. The proportion of more differentiated cells increased with time in culture, but appreciable numbers of cells remained less differentiated even at 19 weeks. Pseudotemporal ordering identified 537 genes that could be implicated in the dynamics of RPE cell differentiation (FDR < 0.05). Zinc treatment resulted in the differential expression of 281 of these genes (FDR < 0.05). These genes were associated with several biological pathways with modulation of ID1/ID3 transcriptional regulation. Overall, zinc had a multitude of effects on the RPE transcriptome, including several genes involved in pigmentation, complement regulation, mineralization, and cholesterol metabolism processes associated with AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Emri
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
- Section Ophthalmogenetics, Department of Human Genetics, Queen Emma Centre for Precision Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oisin Cappa
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Caoimhe Kelly
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Elod Kortvely
- Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - John Paul SanGiovanni
- Biosciences Research Laboratories, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1230 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Brian S. McKay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona, 1656 E. Mabel Street, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Section Ophthalmogenetics, Department of Human Genetics, Queen Emma Centre for Precision Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David A. Simpson
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
| | - Imre Lengyel
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast BT97BL, UK
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26
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Experimental Models to Study Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054509. [PMID: 36901938 PMCID: PMC10003383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferative vitreoretinal diseases (PVDs) encompass proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), epiretinal membranes, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These vision-threatening diseases are characterized by the development of proliferative membranes above, within and/or below the retina following epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or endothelial-mesenchymal transition of endothelial cells. As surgical peeling of PVD membranes remains the sole therapeutic option for patients, development of in vitro and in vivo models has become essential to better understand PVD pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets. The in vitro models range from immortalized cell lines to human pluripotent stem-cell-derived RPE and primary cells subjected to various treatments to induce EMT and mimic PVD. In vivo PVR animal models using rabbit, mouse, rat, and swine have mainly been obtained through surgical means to mimic ocular trauma and retinal detachment, and through intravitreal injection of cells or enzymes to induce EMT and investigate cell proliferation and invasion. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the usefulness, advantages, and limitations of the current models available to investigate EMT in PVD.
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27
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Yi C, Liu J, Deng W, Luo C, Qi J, Chen M, Xu H. Old age promotes retinal fibrosis in choroidal neovascularization through circulating fibrocytes and profibrotic macrophages. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:45. [PMID: 36823538 PMCID: PMC9947907 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal fibrosis affects 40-70% of neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients. This study investigated the effect of ageing on subretinal fibrosis secondary to choroidal neovascularization and the mechanism of action. METHODS Subretinal fibrosis was induced in young (2.5-month) and aged (15-16-month) C57BL/6J mice using the two-stage laser protocol. Five and 30 days later, eyes were collected and stained for CD45 and collagen-1 and observed by confocal microscopy. Fibrocytes (CD45+collagen-1+) were detected in the bone marrow (BM), blood and fibrotic lesions by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, respectively. BM-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were cultured from young and aged mice with or without TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) treatment. The expression of mesenchymal marker αSMA (Acta2), fibronectin (Fn1) and collagen-1 (Col1a1) was examined by qPCR and immunocytochemistry, whereas cytokine/chemokine production was measured using the Luminex multiplex cytokine assay. BM were transplanted from 22-month (Ly5.2) aged mice into 2.5-month (Ly5.1) young mice and vice versa. Six weeks later, subretinal fibrosis was induced in recipient mice and eyes were collected for evaluation of fibrotic lesion size. RESULTS Under normal conditions, the number of circulating fibrocytes (CD45+collagen-1+) and the expression levels of Tgfb1, Col1a1, Acta2 and Fn1 in BMDMs were significantly higher in aged mice compared to young mice. Induction of subretinal fibrosis significantly increased the number of circulating fibrocytes, enhanced the expression of Col1a1, Acta2 and Fn1 and the production of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (suPAR) but decreased the production of CXCL10 in BMDMs. BMDMs from aged subretinal fibrosis mice produced significantly higher levels of VEGF, angiopoietin-2 and osteopontin than cells from young subretinal fibrosis mice. The subretinal fibrotic lesion in 15-16-month aged mice was 62% larger than that in 2.5-month young mice. The lesion in aged mice contained a significantly higher number of fibrocytes compared to that in young mice. The number of circulating fibrocytes positively correlated with the size of subretinal fibrotic lesion. Transplantation of BM from aged mice significantly increased subretinal fibrosis in young mice. CONCLUSIONS A retina-BM-blood-retina pathway of fibrocyte/macrophage recruitment exists during retinal injury. Ageing promotes subretinal fibrosis through higher numbers of circulating fibrocytes and profibrotic potential of BM-derived macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caijiao Yi
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, 410000 China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011 China
- Hunan Province Optometry Engineering and Technology Research Center, Changsha, 410009 China
- Hunan Province International Cooperation Base for Optometry Science and Technology, Changsha, 410009 China
| | - Jian Liu
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, 410000 China
- Hunan Province Optometry Engineering and Technology Research Center, Changsha, 410009 China
- Hunan Province International Cooperation Base for Optometry Science and Technology, Changsha, 410009 China
| | - Wen Deng
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, 410000 China
| | - Chang Luo
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
| | - Jinyan Qi
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, 410000 China
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000 China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, 410000 China
- Hunan Province Optometry Engineering and Technology Research Center, Changsha, 410009 China
- Hunan Province International Cooperation Base for Optometry Science and Technology, Changsha, 410009 China
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL UK
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Cheong KX, Cheung CMG, Teo KYC. Review of Fibrosis in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 246:192-222. [PMID: 36162537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the diagnosis and definitions, epidemiology, risk factors, and visual outcomes of fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS The review was performed using the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included. RESULTS Identification of fibrosis is challenging. Optical coherence tomography angiography and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography represent novel options in multimodal imaging. The prevalence of fibrosis at baseline, 12, 24, and 60 months was 13%, 32%, 36%, and 56%, respectively. Approximately 60% of the fibrosis burden in nAMD at 5 years was present in the first year of treatment. Fibrosis development was highest in the first 12 months and slowed down over time. The risk factors of fibrosis included classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), intra-retinal fluid, hemorrhage, hyperreflective material, CNV lesion size, and retinal thickness. Sub-retinal fluid and pigment epithelial detachment may be protective. Treatment-associated factors included disease activity and time to diagnosis. At baseline, the best corrected visual acuity in eyes with fibrosis was poorer than in eyes without fibrosis (-18.50 letters); this difference became larger at 12 months despite treatment (-26.86 letters). CONCLUSIONS There is a need to identify effective treatment strategies for fibrosis and to closely monitor at-risk patients. More studies involving multimodal imaging are required to clarify the definitions and grading criteria for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xiong Cheong
- From Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (K.X.C, C.M.G.C, K.Y.C.T)
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- From Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (K.X.C, C.M.G.C, K.Y.C.T); Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (Eye ACP), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore (C.M.G.C, K.Y.C.T)
| | - Kelvin Yi Chong Teo
- From Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (K.X.C, C.M.G.C, K.Y.C.T); Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (Eye ACP), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore (C.M.G.C, K.Y.C.T).
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29
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Kakihara S, Matsuda Y, Hirabayashi K, Imai A, Iesato Y, Sakurai T, Kamiyoshi A, Tanaka M, Ichikawa-Shindo Y, Kawate H, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Guo Q, Li P, Onishi N, Murata T, Shindo T. Role of Adrenomedullin 2/Intermedin in the Pathogenesis of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100038. [PMID: 36870288 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenomedullin 2 (AM2; also known as intermedin) is a member of the adrenomedullin (AM) peptide family. Similarly to AM, AM2 partakes in a variety of physiological activities. AM2 has been reported to exert protective effects on various organ disorders; however, its significance in the eye is unknown. We investigated the role of AM2 in ocular diseases. The receptor system of AM2 was expressed more abundantly in the choroid than in the retina. In an oxygen-induced retinopathy model, physiological and pathologic retinal angiogenesis did not differ between AM2-knockout (AM2-/-) and wild-type mice. In contrast, in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, a model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, AM2-/- mice had enlarged and leakier choroidal neovascularization lesions, with exacerbated subretinal fibrosis and macrophage infiltration. Contrary to this, exogenous administration of AM2 ameliorated the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization-associated pathology and suppressed gene expression associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress, including that of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, CD68, CTGF, and p22-phox. The stimulation of human adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE) cell line 19 cells with TGF-β2 and TNF-α induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas AM2 expression was also elevated. The induction of EMT was suppressed when the ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with AM2. A transcriptome analysis identified 15 genes, including mesenchyme homeobox 2 (Meox2), whose expression was significantly altered in the AM2-treated group compared with that in the control group. The expression of Meox2, a transcription factor that inhibits inflammation and fibrosis, was enhanced by AM2 treatment and attenuated by endogenous AM2 knockout in the early phase after laser irradiation. The AM2 treatment of endothelial cells inhibited endothelial to mesenchymal transition and NF-κB activation; however, this effect tended to be canceled following Meox2 gene knockdown. These results indicate that AM2 suppresses the neovascular age-related macular degeneration-related pathologies partially via the upregulation of Meox2. Thus, AM2 may be a promising therapeutic target for ocular vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Kakihara
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yorishige Matsuda
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Hirabayashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Akira Imai
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Iesato
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sakurai
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Akiko Kamiyoshi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Megumu Tanaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yuka Ichikawa-Shindo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hisaka Kawate
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yunlu Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - QianQian Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Peixuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Naho Onishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Toshinori Murata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shindo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Nagano, Japan; Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan.
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Zysset-Burri DC, Morandi S, Herzog EL, Berger LE, Zinkernagel MS. The role of the gut microbiome in eye diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101117. [PMID: 36075807 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms and their genetic entities colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. When in balanced composition, the gut microbiome is in symbiotic interaction with its host and maintains intestinal homeostasis. It is involved in essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, inhibition of pathogens and regulation of immune function. Through translocation of microbes and their metabolites along the epithelial barrier, microbial dysbiosis induces systemic inflammation that may lead to tissue destruction and promote the onset of various diseases. Using whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing, several studies have shown that the composition and associated functional capacities of the gut microbiome are associated with age-related macular degeneration, retinal artery occlusion, central serous chorioretinopathy and uveitis. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the gut microbiome in eye diseases, with a focus on interactions between the microbiome, specific microbial-derived metabolites and the immune system. We explain how these interactions may be involved in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration, retinal artery occlusion, central serous chorioretinopathy and uveitis and guide the development of new therapeutic approaches by microbiome-altering interventions for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Sophia Morandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Elio L Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Lieselotte E Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland.
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31
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MiR-302d inhibits TGFB-induced EMT and promotes MET in primary human RPE cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278158. [PMID: 36441751 PMCID: PMC9704570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB)-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of retinal fibrosis, which is one of the leading causes of impaired vision. Current approaches to treating retinal fibrosis focus, among other things, on inhibiting the TGFB signaling pathway. Transient expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is one way to inhibit the TGFB pathway post-transcriptionally. Our previous study identified the miRNA miR-302d as a regulator of multiple TGFB-related genes in ARPE-19 cells. To further explore its effect on primary cells, the effect of miR-302d on TGFB-induced EMT in primary human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) was investigated in vitro. METHODS hRPE cells were extracted from patients receiving enucleation. Transfection of hRPE cells with miR-302d was performed before or after TGFB1 stimulation. Live-cell imaging, immunocytochemistry staining, Western blot, and ELISA assays were utilized to identify the alterations of cellular morphology and EMT-related factors expressions in hRPE cells. RESULTS hRPE cells underwent EMT by TGFB1 exposure. The transfection of miR-302d inhibited the transition with decreased production of mesenchymal markers and increased epithelial factors. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of SMAD2 activated by TGFB1 was suppressed. Moreover, miR-302d expression promoted TGFB1-induced fibroblast-like hRPE cells to revert towards an epithelial stage. As confirmed by ELISA, miR-302d reduced TGFB receptor 2 (TGFBR2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels 48 hours after transfection. CONCLUSIONS The protective effect of miR-302d might be a promising approach for ameliorating retinal fibrosis and neovascularization. MiR-302d suppresses TGFB-induced EMT in hRPE cells via downregulation of TGFBR2, even reversing the process. Furthermore, miR-302d reduces the constitutive secretion of VEGFA from hRPE cells.
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Faatz H, Rothaus K, Ziegler M, Book M, Spital G, Lange C, Lommatzsch A. The Architecture of Macular Neovascularizations Predicts Treatment Responses to Anti-VEGF Therapy in Neovascular AMD. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112807. [PMID: 36428867 PMCID: PMC9688972 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Anti-VEGF therapy is an effective option for improving and stabilizing the vision in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). However, the response to treatment is markedly heterogeneous. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the vascular characteristics of type 1,2, and 3 macular neovascularizations (MNV) in order to identify biomarkers that predict treatment response, especially with regard to changes in intraretinal and subretinal fluid. Materials and Methods: Overall, 90 treatment-naive eyes with nAMD confirmed by optic coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, and OCT angiography (OCTA) were included in this retrospective study. The MNV detected by OCTA were subjected to quantitative vascular analysis by binarization and skeletonization of the vessel using ImageJ. We determined their area, total vascular length (sumL), fractal dimension (FD), flow density, number of vascular nodes (numN), and average vascular diameter (avgW). The results were correlated with the treatment response to the initial three injections of anti-VEGF and the changes in intraretinal (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) and the occurrence of pigment epithelial detachements (PED). Results: All patients found to have no subretinal or intraretinal fluid following the initial three injections of anti-VEGF showed a significantly smaller MNV area (p < 0.001), a lower sumL (p < 0.0005), and lesser FD (p < 0.005) before treatment than those who still exhibited signs of activity. These parameters also showed a significant influence in the separate analysis of persistent SRF (p < 0.005) and a persistent PED (p < 0.05), whereas we could not detect any influence on changes in IRF. The vascular parameters avgW, numN, and flow density showed no significant influence on SRF/IRF or PED changes. Conclusions: The size, the total vessel length, and the fractal dimension of MNV at baseline are predictors for the treatment response to anti-VEGF therapy. Therefore, particularly regarding the development of new classes of drugs, these parameters could yield new insights into treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Faatz
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Münster, Germany
- Achim Wessing Institute for Diagnostic Ophthalmology, Duisburg–Essen University, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Kai Rothaus
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Ziegler
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Münster, Germany
| | - Marius Book
- AugenZentrum Siegburg, MVZ ADTC Siegburg GmbH, 53721 Siegburg, Germany
| | - Georg Spital
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Münster, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Münster, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Freiburg University Hospital, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Lommatzsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Münster, Germany
- Achim Wessing Institute for Diagnostic Ophthalmology, Duisburg–Essen University, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Essen University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany
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33
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Heloterä H, Kaarniranta K. A Linkage between Angiogenesis and Inflammation in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213453. [PMID: 36359849 PMCID: PMC9654543 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the aging population with a limited understanding of its pathogenesis and the number of patients are all the time increasing. AMD is classified into two main forms: dry and neovascular AMD (nAMD). Dry AMD is the most prevalent form (80–90%) of AMD cases. Neovascular AMD (10–20% of AMD cases) is treated with monthly or more sparsely given intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, but unfortunately, not all patients respond to the current treatments. A clinical hallmark of nAMD is choroidal neovascularization. The progression of AMD is initially characterized by atrophic alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium, as well as the formation of lysosomal lipofuscin and extracellular drusen deposits. Cellular damage caused by chronic oxidative stress, protein aggregation and inflammatory processes may lead to advanced geographic atrophy and/or choroidal neovascularization and fibrosis. Currently, it is not fully known why different AMD phenotypes develop. In this review, we connect angiogenesis and inflammatory regulators in the development of nAMD and discuss therapy challenges and hopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Heloterä
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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34
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Zhang C, Qin S, Xie H, Qiu Q, Wang H, Zhang J, Luo D, Zhang J. RO4929097, a Selective γ-Secretase Inhibitor, Inhibits Subretinal Fibrosis Via Suppressing Notch and ERK1/2 Signaling in Laser-Induced Mouse Model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:14. [PMID: 36155746 PMCID: PMC9526367 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.10.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore whether RO4929097 (RO), a specific γ-secretase inhibitor, could inhibit the subretinal fibrosis in laser-induced mouse model and the relevant molecular mechanisms. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were used to produce choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and subretinal fibrosis by laser photocoagulation, and RO was administered intravitreally 1 day after laser induction. The sizes of CNV and subretinal fibrosis were measured and quantified in both 2D and 3D constructions. The ARPE-19 cell line and primary human RPE (phRPE) cells were treated with TGFβ1, in combination with or without RO, to examine Notch related molecules, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell viability, migration, and contractile function, as well as the crosstalk between Notch and other EMT relevant signaling pathways. Results Intravitreal injection of RO reduced the sizes of both CNV and subretinal fibrosis in laser-induced young and old mice at day 7 and day 14 after laser induction. Moreover, EMT and Notch activation in RPE-choroid complexes from laser-induced mice were significantly attenuated by RO. In vitro, TGFβ1 activated Notch signaling and induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells, accompanied by enhanced EMT-related function, which were inhibited by RO. The inhibition of RO on EMT was further confirmed in TGFβ1-treated phRPE cells. Blockage of Notch signaling by RO could inhibit ERK1/2 signaling; whereas ERK1/2 inhibition had no effect on Notch. The action of RO was independent of Smad2/3 or p38, and co-inhibition of Notch and Smad2/3 showed synergistic effect on EMT inhibition. Conclusions RO exerts its antifibrotic effect by directly inhibiting Notch signaling and indirectly suppressing ERK1/2 signaling. Targeting Notch signaling might provide a therapeutic strategy in prevention and treatment of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyue Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Xizang, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dawei Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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35
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Boneva SK, Wolf J, Wieghofer P, Sebag J, Lange CAK. Hyalocyte functions and immunology. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2022.2100763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefaniya K Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - J Sebag
- Doheny Eye Institute, UCLA, Pasadena, CA, USA
- UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- VMR Institute for Vitreous Macula Retina, Huntington Beach, California, USA
| | - Clemens AK Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
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36
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Yang X, Zou R, Dai X, Wu X, Yuan F, Feng Y. YAP is critical to inflammation, endothelial-mesenchymal transition and subretinal fibrosis in experimental choroidal neovascularization. Exp Cell Res 2022; 417:113221. [PMID: 35623419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113221] [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: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis causes local damage to the retina and irreversible vision loss, as the final stage of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). More recently, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) has been considered one of the most significant sources of myofibroblasts in subretinal fibrosis, though the underpinning molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a series of experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that Yes-associated protein (YAP) may be involved in EndoMT and subretinal fibrosis. We demonstrated that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 stimulation induces YAP dephosphorylation (activated) and nuclear transcription in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Moreover, TGF-β2-mediated EndoMT and proinflammatory cytokine production in HUVECs were reduced by ROS clearance or YAP knockdown. Furthermore, the severity of subretinal fibrosis was markedly relieved by intravitreal administration of a small interfering RNA targeting YAP in the mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model. Our findings provide novel insights into a previously unknown effect of YAP on the EndoMT process and reveal YAP as a potential target for suppressing CNV-related subretinal fibrosis and protect vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaochan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinyuan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yifan Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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37
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Laich Y, Wolf J, Hajdu RI, Schlecht A, Bucher F, Pauleikhoff L, Busch M, Martin G, Faatz H, Killmer S, Bengsch B, Stahl A, Lommatzsch A, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Boneva S, Lange C. Single-Cell Protein and Transcriptional Characterization of Epiretinal Membranes From Patients With Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:17. [PMID: 35579905 PMCID: PMC9123517 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.5.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains an unresolved clinical challenge and can lead to frequent revision surgery and blindness vision loss. The aim of this study was to characterize the microenvironment of epiretinal PVR tissue, in order to shed more light on the complex pathophysiology and to unravel new treatment options. Methods A total of 44 tissue samples were analyzed in this study, including 19 epiretinal PVRs, 13 epiretinal membranes (ERMs) from patients with macular pucker, as well as 12 internal limiting membranes (ILMs). The cellular and molecular microenvironment was assessed by cell type deconvolution analysis (xCell), RNA sequencing data and single-cell imaging mass cytometry. Candidate drugs for PVR treatment were identified in silico via a transcriptome-based drug-repurposing approach. Results RNA sequencing of tissue samples demonstrated distinct transcriptional profiles of PVR, ERM, and ILM samples. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 3194 upregulated genes in PVR compared with ILM, including FN1 and SPARC, which contribute to biological processes, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The xCell and IMC analyses showed that PVR membranes were composed of macrophages, retinal pigment epithelium, and α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts, the latter predominantly characterized by the co-expression of immune cell signature markers. Finally, 13 drugs were identified as potential therapeutics for PVR, including aminocaproic acid and various topoisomerase-2A inhibitors. Conclusions Epiretinal PVR membranes exhibit a unique and complex transcriptional and cellular profile dominated by immune cells and myofibroblasts, as well as a variety of ECM components. Our findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of PVR and suggest potential targeted therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannik Laich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdu
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Faatz
- Achim Wessing Institute for Imaging in Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Saskia Killmer
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Albrecht Lommatzsch
- Achim Wessing Institute for Imaging in Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
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Zhao Z, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhang J, Luo X, Qiu Q, Luo D, Zhang J. TGF-β promotes pericyte-myofibroblast transition in subretinal fibrosis through the Smad2/3 and Akt/mTOR pathways. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:673-684. [PMID: 35624154 PMCID: PMC9166792 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00778-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis remains a major obstacle to the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Choroidal pericytes were found to be a significant source of subretinal fibrosis, but the underlying mechanisms of pericyte-myofibroblast transition (PMT) remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to explore the role and potential mechanisms by which PMT contributes to subretinal fibrosis. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was induced by laser photocoagulation in transgenic mice with the collagen1α1-green fluorescent protein (Col1α1-GFP) reporter, and recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2)-mediated TGF-β2 (rAAV2-TGF-β2) was administered intravitreally to further induce PMT. Primary mouse choroidal GFP-positive pericytes were treated with TGF-β2 in combination with siRNAs targeting Smad2/3, the Akt inhibitor MK2206 or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin to examine cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myofibroblasts. The involvement of the Akt/mTOR pathway in PMT in subretinal fibrosis was further investigated in vivo. Intraocular TGF-β2 overexpression induced GFP-positive pericyte infiltration and PMT in subretinal fibrosis, which was mimicked in vitro. Knockdown of Smad2/3 or inhibition of Akt/mTOR decreased cell proliferation, PMT and migration in primary mouse pericytes. Combined inhibition of Smad2/3 and mTOR showed synergistic effects on attenuating α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and cell proliferation. In mice with laser-induced CNV, the administration of the Akt/mTOR inhibitors suppressed pericyte proliferation and alleviated the severity of subretinal fibrosis. Our results showed that PMT plays a pivotal role in subretinal fibrosis, which was induced by TGF-β2 through the Smad2/3 and Akt/mTOR pathways. Thus, inhibiting PMT may be a novel strategy for the treatment of subretinal fibrosis. The identification of a new cell type that plays a crucial role in causing fibrosis under the retina could improve treatment of eye disease. Effective treatments exist for diseases that cause impairment and loss of vision in elderly people, but success can be limited by the development of subretinal fibrosis. Jingfa Zhang at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, and co-workers used mice with laser-induced retinal damage to explore how subretinal fibrosis may result from transition of pericytes, multi-functional cells in the capillaries, into myofibroblasts, cells associated with fibrosis. The overexpression of a growth factor called TGF-β2 induced pericytes to infiltrate the subretinal area and pericyte-myofibroblast transition via two signalling pathways. Inhibiting these pathways may help to treat subretinal fibrosis, and one option is the use of inhibitors of AKT/mTOR which may slow the ageing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueting Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Xizang, China
| | - Dawei Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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Yi C, Liu J, Deng W, Luo C, Qi J, Chen M, Xu H. Macrophage elastase (MMP12) critically contributes to the development of subretinal fibrosis. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:78. [PMID: 35382832 PMCID: PMC8985356 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02433-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Macular subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage complication of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). We previously developed a mouse model of two-stage laser-induced subretinal fibrosis that mimics closely the dynamic course of macular fibrosis in nAMD patients. This study was aimed to understand the molecular mechanism of subretinal fibrosis. Methods Subretinal fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6J mice using the two-stage laser-induced protocol. Twenty days later, eyes were collected and processed for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. DESeq2 was used to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG were used to analyze the enriched pathways. The expression of the selected DEGs including Mmp12 was verified by qPCR. The expression of MMP12 in subretinal fibrosis of mouse and nAMD donor eyes was examined by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The expression of collagen 1, αSMA and fibronectin and cytokines in bone marrow-derived macrophages from control and subretinal fibrosis mice were examined by qPCR, immunocytochemistry and Luminex multiplex cytokine assay. The MMP12 specific inhibitor MMP408 was used to evaluate the effect of MMP12 on TGFβ-induced macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in vitro and its role in subretinal fibrosis in vivo. Results RNA-seq analysis of RPE-choroid from subretinal fibrosis eyes uncovered 139 DEGs (fold change log2(fc) ≥ 0.5, FDR < 0.05), including 104 up-regulated and 35 were down-regulated genes. The top 25 enrichment GO terms were related to inflammation, blood vessels/cardiovascular development and angiogenesis. One of the most significantly upregulated genes, Mmp12, contributed to 12 of the top 25 GO terms. Higher levels of MMP12 were detected in subretinal fibrotic lesions in nAMD patients and the mouse model, including in F4/80+ or Iba1+ macrophages. BMDMs from subretinal fibrosis mice expressed higher levels of MMP12, collagen-1, αSMA and fibronectin. MMP408 dose-dependently suppressed TGFβ-induced MMT in BMDMs. In vivo treatment with MMP408 (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced subretinal fibrosis accompanied by reduced F4/80+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions MMP12 critically contributes to the development of subretinal fibrosis, partially through promoting MMT. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02433-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caijiao Yi
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Chang Luo
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Jinyan Qi
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China. .,Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, 410000, China. .,The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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40
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Rosmus DD, Lange C, Ludwig F, Ajami B, Wieghofer P. The Role of Osteopontin in Microglia Biology: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040840. [PMID: 35453590 PMCID: PMC9027630 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune landscape of the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and the retina, consists of different myeloid cell populations with distinct tasks to fulfill. Whereas the CNS borders harbor extraparenchymal CNS-associated macrophages whose main duty is to build up a defense against invading pathogens and other damaging factors from the periphery, the resident immune cells of the CNS parenchyma and the retina, microglia, are highly dynamic cells with a plethora of functions during homeostasis and disease. Therefore, microglia are constantly sensing their environment and closely interacting with surrounding cells, which is in part mediated by soluble factors. One of these factors is Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional protein that is produced by different cell types in the CNS, including microglia, and is upregulated in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions. In this review, we discuss the current literature about the interaction between microglia and OPN in homeostasis and several disease entities, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s and cerebrovascular diseases (AD, CVD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), in the context of the molecular pathways involved in OPN signaling shaping the function of microglia. As nearly all CNS diseases are characterized by pathological alterations in microglial cells, accompanied by the disturbance of the homeostatic microglia phenotype, the emergence of disease-associated microglia (DAM) states and their interplay with factors shaping the DAM-signature, such as OPN, is of great interest for therapeutical interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (C.L.); (F.L.)
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - Franziska Ludwig
- Eye Center, Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (C.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Bahareh Ajami
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Augsburg University, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Transcriptional and Distributional Profiling of Microglia in Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073443. [PMID: 35408803 PMCID: PMC8998238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Macular neovascularization type 3, formerly known as retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), is a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration and is associated with an accumulation of myeloid cells, such as microglia (MG) and infiltrating blood-derived macrophages (MAC). However, the contribution of MG and MAC to the myeloid cell pool at RAP sites and their exact functions remain unknown. In this study, we combined a microglia-specific reporter mouse line with a mouse model for RAP to identify the contribution of MG and MAC to myeloid cell accumulation at RAP and determined the transcriptional profile of MG using RNA sequencing. We found that MG are the most abundant myeloid cell population around RAP, whereas MAC are rarely, if ever, associated with late stages of RAP. RNA sequencing of RAP-associated MG showed that differentially expressed genes mainly contribute to immune-associated processes, including chemotaxis and migration in early RAP and proliferative capacity in late RAP, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, MG upregulated only a few angiomodulatory factors, suggesting a rather low angiogenic potential. In summary, we showed that MG are the dominant myeloid cell population at RAP sites. Moreover, MG significantly altered their transcriptional profile during RAP formation, activating immune-associated processes and exhibiting enhanced proliferation, however, without showing substantial upregulation of angiomodulatory factors.
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42
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Wolf J, Boneva S, Rosmus DD, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Schlecht A, Lange C. Deciphering the Molecular Signature of Human Hyalocytes in Relation to Other Innate Immune Cell Populations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:9. [PMID: 35266958 PMCID: PMC8934546 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.3.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hyalocytes are the tissue-resident innate immune cell population of the vitreous body with important functions in health and vitreoretinal disease. The purpose of this study is to gain new insights into the biology and function of human hyalocytes in comparison to other innate immune cells. Methods The present study applies fluorescence-activated cell sorting and RNA sequencing to compare the transcriptional profiles of human hyalocytes, retinal microglia (rMG) and classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes isolated from the same patients. Immunohistochemistry was applied for morphological characterization of human hyalocytes. Results Pairwise analysis indicates distinct differences between hyalocytes and monocytes, whereas a high degree of similarity to rMG is apparent, with comparable expression levels of established microglia markers, such as TREM2, P2RY12, and TMEM119. Among the top expressed genes in hyalocytes, SPP1, CD74, and C3, were significantly upregulated when compared with monocytes. Despite the high level of similarity of hyalocytes and rMG, ten highly expressed genes in hyalocytes compared to microglia were identified, among them FOS, DUSP1, and EGR2. Conclusions This study reveals a high degree of similarity between hyalocytes and retinal microglia. Nevertheless, hyalocytes exhibit some expression differences that may adapt them to the specific needs of the vitreous and provide the basis for deciphering the multiple roles of this fascinating cell population in health and vitreoretinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | | | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany.,Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
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Schachtrup C. Modulating scar formation for improving brain repair: from coagulation and inflammation to cell therapy. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:315-318. [PMID: 35226205 PMCID: PMC8975772 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03601-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schachtrup
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 17, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. .,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Immunosenescence in Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV)-Transcriptional Profiling of Naïve and CNV-Associated Retinal Myeloid Cells during Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413318. [PMID: 34948115 PMCID: PMC8707893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosenescence is considered a possible factor in the development of age-related macular degeneration and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). However, age-related changes of myeloid cells (MCs), such as microglia and macrophages, in the healthy retina or during CNV formation are ill-defined. In this study, Cx3cr1-positive MCs were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting from six-week (young) and two-year-old (old) Cx3cr1GFP/+ mice, both during physiological aging and laser-induced CNV development. High-throughput RNA-sequencing was performed to define the age-dependent transcriptional differences in MCs during physiological aging and CNV development, complemented by immunohistochemical characterization and the quantification of MCs, as well as CNV size measurements. These analyses revealed that myeloid cells change their transcriptional profile during both aging and CNV development. In the steady state, senescent MCs demonstrated an upregulation of factors contributing to cell proliferation and chemotaxis, such as Cxcl13 and Cxcl14, as well as the downregulation of microglial signature genes. During CNV formation, aged myeloid cells revealed a significant upregulation of angiogenic factors such as Arg1 and Lrg1 concomitant with significantly enlarged CNV and an increased accumulation of MCs in aged mice in comparison to young mice. Future studies need to clarify whether this observation is an epiphenomenon or a causal relationship to determine the role of immunosenescence in CNV formation.
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