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Zhang Z, Shan X, Li S, Chang J, Zhang Z, Dong Y, Wang L, Liang F. Retinal light damage: From mechanisms to protective strategies. Surv Ophthalmol 2024:S0039-6257(24)00079-1. [PMID: 39053594 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.07.004] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Visible light serves as a crucial medium for vision formation.;however, prolonged or excessive exposure to light is recognized as a significant etiological factor contributing to retinal degenerative diseases. The retina, with its unique structure and adaptability, relies on the homeostasis of cellular functions to maintain visual health. Under normal conditions, the retina can mount adaptive responses to various insults, including light-induced damage. Unfortunately, exposure to intense and excessive light triggers a cascade of pathological alterations in retinal photoreceptor cells, pigment epithelial cells, ganglion cells, and glial cells. These alterations encompass disruption of intracellular REDOX and Ca²⁺ homeostasis, pyroptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and the release of inflammatory cytokines, culminating in irreversible retinal damage. We first delineate the mechanisms of retinal light damage through 4 main avenues: mitochondria function, endoplasmic reticulum stress, cell autophagy, and inflammation. Subsequently, we discuss protective strategies against retinal light damage, aiming to guide research toward the prevention and treatment of light-induced retinal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Xiaoqian Shan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Shujiao Li
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100040, China
| | - Jun Chang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Tongliang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 402560, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Ji'nan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Fengming Liang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China.
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Liu L, Wang Y, Liu F, Yu X, Xie L, Tan S, Liu J, Liu Y, Huang J, Zhang S, Jiang Y. Effects of repeated low-level red-light therapy on macular retinal thickness and microvascular system in children with myopia. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2024; 45:103938. [PMID: 38244655 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to use optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to analyze the effects of repeated low-level red-light (LLLT) therapy on macular retinal thickness and the microvascular system in children with myopia to evaluate the safety of this therapy. METHODS This prospective study included 40 school-age children with myopia (80 eyes), aged 7-14 years, who received therapy using a LLLT instrument. At baseline and therapy for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, all children underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations, including slit-lamp examination, uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent degree, axial length, and OCTA. The vessel densities of the superficial retinal capillary plexus, macular inner retinal thickness, and full-layer retinal thickness were measured. RESULTS The macular inner retinal thickness increased at 1 month and remained unchanged thereafter, It differed significantly in nine areas at 1, 3, and 6 months compared to the thicknesses before therapy (P < 0.05); however, we observed no significant differences between the different time points (P > 0.05). The macular full-layer retinal thickness increased at 1 month and remained unchanged thereafter; the changes showed significant differences at 1 month and 3 months compared to before therapy, for the inner nasal region (P < 0.05). The other eight areas showed significant differences at 1, 3, and 6 months compared with before therapy (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between the different time points after therapy (P > 0.05). The vessel density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus did not differ significantly among the four groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LLLT therapy was safe. The school-aged children exhibited macular thickening after LLLT therapy, which had no significant effect on macular microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- Xixia County People's Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China; The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fang Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinghui Yu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lianfeng Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shuxiang Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yiping Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China.
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Cha Z, Yin Z, A L, Ge L, Yang J, Huang X, Gao H, Chen X, Feng Z, Mo L, He J, Zhu S, Zhao M, Tao Z, Gu Z, Xu H. Fullerol rescues the light-induced retinal damage by modulating Müller glia cell fate. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102911. [PMID: 37816275 PMCID: PMC10570010 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive light exposure can damage photoreceptors and lead to blindness. Oxidative stress serves a key role in photo-induced retinal damage. Free radical scavengers have been proven to protect against photo-damaged retinal degeneration. Fullerol, a potent antioxidant, has the potential to protect against ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced cornea injury by activating the endogenous stem cells. However, its effects on cell fate determination of Müller glia (MG) between gliosis and de-differentiation remain unclear. Therefore, we established a MG lineage-tracing mouse model of light-induced retinal damage to examine the therapeutic effects of fullerol. Fullerol exhibited superior protection against light-induced retinal injury compared to glutathione (GSH) and reduced oxidative stress levels, inhibited gliosis by suppressing the TGF-β pathway, and enhanced the de-differentiation of MG cells. RNA sequencing revealed that transcription candidate pathways, including Nrf2 and Wnt10a pathways, were involved in fullerol-induced neuroprotection. Fullerol-mediated transcriptional changes were validated by qPCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining using mouse retinas and human-derived Müller cell lines MIO-M1 cells, confirming that fullerol possibly modulated the Nrf2, Wnt10a, and TGF-β pathways in MG, which suppressed gliosis and promoted the de-differentiation of MG in light-induced retinal degeneration, indicating its potential in treating retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Cha
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yin
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Luodan A
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Junling Yang
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhou Feng
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lingyue Mo
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Juncai He
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China; Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, No. 927 Hospital, Puer 665000, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuang Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Maoru Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zui Tao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Zhanjun Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Chhatwal S, Antony H, Lamei S, Kovács-Öller T, Klettner AK, Zille M. A systematic review of the cell death mechanisms in retinal pigment epithelium cells and photoreceptors after subretinal hemorrhage - Implications for treatment options. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115572. [PMID: 37742603 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans rely on vision as their most important sense. This is accomplished by photoreceptors (PRs) in the retina that detect light but cannot function without the support and maintenance of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In subretinal hemorrhage (SRH), blood accumulates between the neurosensory retina and the RPE or between the RPE and the choroid. Blood breakdown products subsequently damage PRs and the RPE and lead to poor vision and blindness. Hence, there is a high need for options to preserve the retina and visual functions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to identify the cell death mechanisms in RPE and PRs after SRH to deepen our understanding of the pathways involved. After screening 736 publications published until November 8, 2022, we identified 19 records that assessed cell death in PRs and/or RPE in experimental models of SRH. Among the different cell death mechanisms, apoptosis was the most widely investigated mechanism (11 records), followed by ferroptosis (4), whereas necroptosis, pyroptosis, and lysosome-dependent cell death were only assessed in one study each. We discuss different therapeutic options that were assessed in these studies, including the removal of the hematoma/iron chelation, cytoprotection, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidants. Further systematic investigations will be necessary to determine the exact cell death mechanisms after SRH with respect to different blood breakdown components, cell types, and time courses. This will form the basis for the development of novel treatment options for SRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirjan Chhatwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Henrike Antony
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Saman Lamei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamás Kovács-Öller
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alexa Karina Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Quincke Research Center, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marietta Zille
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria.
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The Molecular Mechanism of Retina Light Injury Focusing on Damage from Short Wavelength Light. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8482149. [PMID: 35498134 PMCID: PMC9042598 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8482149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural visible light is an electromagnetic wave composed of a spectrum of monochromatic wavelengths, each with a characteristic color. Photons are the basic units of light, and their wavelength correlates to the energy of light; short-wavelength photons carry high energy. The retina is a fragile neuronal tissue that senses light and generates visual signals conducted to the brain. However, excessive and intensive light exposure will cause retinal light damage. Within the visible spectrum, short-wavelength light, such as blue light, carries higher energy, and thus the retinal injury, is more significant when exposed to these wavelengths. The damage mechanism triggered by different short-wavelength light varies due to photons carrying different energy and being absorbed by different photosensitive molecules in the retinal neurons. However, photooxidation might be a common molecular step to initiate cell death. Herein, we summarize the historical understanding of light, the key molecular steps related to retinal light injury, and the death pathways of photoreceptors to further decipher the molecular mechanism of retinal light injury and explore potential neuroprotective strategies.
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6
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Rong R, Yang R, Li H, You M, Liang Z, Zeng Z, Zhou R, Xia X, Ji D. The roles of mitochondrial dynamics and NLRP3 inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of retinal light damage. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1508:78-91. [PMID: 34741555 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
With the widespread popularity of electronic products and the diversification of lighting equipment, ocular photochemical damage caused by light has attracted research attention. Although such equipment mainly cause damage to the retina, the specific pathogenesis has not been systematically elucidated. Thus, the goal of this study was to explore the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in retinal cell death caused by light damage. We used a white light-emitting diode source to establish a mouse model of retinal light damage and observed significant changes of retinal structure and an impairment of visual function. Further experiments revealed that dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated excessive mitochondrial fission induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species in the retinal cells, leading to apoptosis, activation of microglia, and formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This, in turn, triggered a series of inflammatory cascade reactions, leading to pyroptosis. We also carried out red light and Drp1 inhibitor treatment and found that retinal damage and the decline in visual function caused by white light could be partially ameliorated. In conclusion, this study clarified the association between mitochondrial dynamics and the NLRP3 inflammasome in retinal light damage and provides opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Rong
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rongliang Yang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mengling You
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuotao Liang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhou Zeng
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Ji
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Nutraceutical Strategy to Counteract Eye Neurodegeneration and Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster Fed with High-Sugar Diet. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081197. [PMID: 34439445 PMCID: PMC8388935 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common feature of damaged retinal neurons in diabetic retinopathy, and antioxidants may exert both preventive and therapeutic action. To evaluate the beneficial and antioxidant properties of food supplementation with Lisosan G, a powder of bran and germ of grain (Triticum aestivum) obtained by fermentation with selected lactobacillus and natural yeast strains, we used an in vivo model of hyperglycemia-induced retinal damage, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster fed with high-sucrose diet. Lisosan G positively affected the visual system of hyperglycemic flies at structural/functional level, decreased apoptosis, and reactivated protective autophagy at the retina internal network. Also, in high sucrose-fed Drosophila, Lisosan G reduced the levels of brain ROS and retina peroxynitrite. The analysis of oxidative stress-related metabolites suggested 7,8-dihydrofolate, uric acid, dihydroorotate, γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteine, allantoin, cysteinyl-glycine, and quinolate as key mediators of Lisosan G-induced inhibition of neuronal ROS, along with the upregulation of glutathione system. Of note, Lisosan G may impact oxidative stress and the ensuing retinal cell death, also independently from autophagy, although the autophagy-ROS cross-talk is critical. This study demonstrated that the continuous supplementation with the alimentary integrator Lisosan G exerts a robust and multifaceted antioxidant effect on retinal neurons, thus providing efficacious neuroprotection of hyperglycemic eye.
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Hass DT, Barnstable CJ. Uncoupling proteins in the mitochondrial defense against oxidative stress. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100941. [PMID: 33422637 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major component of most major retinal diseases. Many extrinsic anti-oxidative strategies have been insufficient at counteracting one of the predominant intrinsic sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria. The proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane is a key driving force for mitochondrial ROS production, and this gradient can be modulated by members of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) family. Of the UCPs, UCP2 shows a widespread distribution and has been shown to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, with concomitant decreases in ROS production. Genetic studies using transgenic and knockout mice have documented the ability of increased UCP2 activity to provide neuroprotection in models of a number of diseases, including retinal diseases, indicating that it is a strong candidate for a therapeutic target. Molecular studies have identified the structural mechanism of action of UCP2 and have detailed the ways in which its expression and activity can be controlled at the transcriptional, translational and posttranslational levels. These studies suggest a number of ways in control of UCP2 expression and activity can be used therapeutically for both acute and chronic conditions. The development of such therapeutic approaches will greatly increase the tools available to combat a broad range of serious retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Colin J Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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