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Liu L, Wang S, Blanco T, Ge H, Zhu S, Yin J, Chen Y, Dana R. Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonism Reduces Nonallergic Ocular Redness in a Rabbit Model. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2024; 40:445-451. [PMID: 38829162 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2024.0003] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of topical application of a neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist in a rabbit model of nonallergic ocular redness. Methods: Nonallergic ocular redness was induced in rabbits by a single, topical application of dapiparzole hydrochloride eye drops (0.5%, 1%, 2%, or 5%). The NK1R antagonist L-703,606 was topically applied to the eye at the same time of induction or 20 min after induction, and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) treatment served as the control. Superior bulbar conjunctival images were taken every 30 s for the first 2 min, followed by every 4 min for 8 min, and then every 10 min until 1 h. The severity of ocular redness was evaluated on the images using ImageJ-based ocular redness index (ORI) calculations. Results: The ORI scores were significantly increased after the application of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, or 5% dapiparzole at each time point evaluated, with the most severe redness induced by the 5% dapiprazole that led to a maximal mean increase in ORI score of 14 at 20 min post-induction and thus used for subsequent evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of NK1R antagonism. Topical L-703,606, when applied at the same time as dapiprazole induction, significantly suppressed the increase of ORI scores at all time points (∼40% decrease). Furthermore, when applied at 20 min after dapiprazole induction, L-703,606 rapidly and effectively suppressed the increase of ORI scores at 30, 40, 50, and 60 min (∼30% decrease). Conclusions: Topical blockade of NK1R effectively prevents and alleviates nonallergic ocular redness in a novel animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjia Liu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Shudan Wang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tomas Blanco
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongyan Ge
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuyan Zhu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jia Yin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yihe Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Reza Dana
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zheng Y, Wang N, Chen Z, Shi L, Xu X. Blocking SP/NK1R signaling improves spinal cord hemisection by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rabbits. J Spinal Cord Med 2023; 46:848-858. [PMID: 35776091 PMCID: PMC10446800 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.2024029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most common spinal cord injury in clinic, however its mechanism is still not fully understood. DESIGN We constructed the rabbit spinal cord hemisection (SCH) model and used RT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence experiments to explore the potential mechanism of SCI. SETTING The sham operation (SH) group, the observation (OB, which is the SCH) group, the OB+ substance p (SP) inhibitor group, the OB + NK1R inhibitor group, the OB + NK1R agonist group and the OB + SP inhibitor + NK1R agonist group. PARTICIPANTS New Zealand white rabbits. INTERVENTIONS Use NK1R inhibitors, NK1R agonists, SP inhibitors to treat the SCH model. OUTCOME MEASURES IL-1β, IKKγ, IL-6 and NF-κB. RESULTS The results showed that nissl bodies, inflammatory cells and SP increased notably in the spinal cord cells of the rabbit SCH model. Through in vivo experiments with SP or NK1R inhibitors or NK1R agonists, we found that inhibiting SP/NK1R signaling can help improve SCH by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IKKγ, IL-6 and NF-κB. REGISTERED TRIALS Animal experiments were approved by Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehuan Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nannan Wang
- Department of Nursing, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liqiang Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Bonini S, Di Zazzo A, Surico PL, Balzamino BO, Luccarelli V, Niutta M, Coassin M, Micera A. Inflammation and Dry Eye-like Symptoms as Concomitant Manifestations of Laryngo-Pharyngeal Reflux. Curr Eye Res 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37092761 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2207210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common worldwide disease. LPR symptoms may involve distant organs and tissues including the ocular surface with manifestations of a Dry Eye-like disease. We evaluated the concomitant involvement of the ocular surface in patients with LPR. We also defined the clinical signs and the roles of chemical and neuro-inflammatory mediators in the tears of LPR patients. METHODS Seventy-seven patients with LPR (mean age 65.8 ± 16.8 SD) and 25 healthy controls (mean age 56.5 ± 16.3 SD) were recruited from the otorhinolaryngology unit. Each subject was evaluated for the presence of concomitant ocular surface disease through clinical examination, including the measurement of tear break-up time (TBUT) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Tears and conjunctival imprints were collected. The presence of pepsin in tears was detected by ELISA. HLA-DR in conjunctival imprints were imaged by immunofluorescence microscopy. RT-PCR quantified conjunctival mRNA transcripts of HLA-DR, IL-8, MUC5AC, NADPH, VIP, and NPY. RESULTS Patients with LPR had significantly increased OSDI and reduced TBUT scores compared to control subjects (p < 0.05 each). Pepsin was detected in 51% of patient tears while it was not measurable in the controls (p < 0.01). Immunoreactivity for HLA-DR in the conjunctival impressions was greater than for the controls with an increased mRNA expression (p < 0.05). mRNA transcripts for IL-8, NADPH, and VIP were significantly increased in LPR patients (p < 0.05 each), but neither MUC5AC nor NPY were different from controls. CONCLUSIONS LPR can adversely affect the ocular surface, leading to moderate signs and symptoms of dry eye. This study provides evidence that the presence of pepsin, HLA-DR immunoreactivity, and increased mRNA expression of neuro-inflammatory markers in the tears and conjunctival imprints of LPR patients suggests a potential link between LPR inflammation and ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bonini
- Ophthalmology Complex Operative Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Zazzo
- Ophthalmology Complex Operative Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Surico
- Ophthalmology Complex Operative Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Sciences; Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Vitaliana Luccarelli
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Complex Operative Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Niutta
- Ophthalmology Complex Operative Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Coassin
- Ophthalmology Complex Operative Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Sciences; Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
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Kalangara JP, Vanijcharoenkarn K, Chisolm S, Kuruvilla ME. Neuropathic pain and itch: mechanisms in allergic conjunctivitis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 22:298-303. [PMID: 35916592 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000843] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Allergic conjunctivitis is highly prevalent and affects up to one third of the general population. The current understanding of the pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies center around the type 2 inflammatory pathway. However, there is an increasing body of evidence that suggests neurogenic mechanisms also play a role in allergic inflammation, with a substantial proportion of allergic conjunctivitis patients experiencing both ocular itch and pain. RECENT FINDINGS Unmyelinated C fibres on the ocular surface transmit histaminergic itch and can be directly activated by mast cell mediators. The conjunctival mucosa also contains TRPV1+ (histamine-dependent) and TRPA1+ (histamine-independent) neurons that enhance ocular pain and itch in allergic conjunctivitis. Allergen-complexed IgE also binds directly to FcεRI expressed on peripheral neurons. Environmental aeroallergens can also directly stimulate neuronal nociceptors to release inflammatory substances. Allergic inflammation thus stimulates nerve terminals to release vasoactive and inflammatory neuropeptides, leading to a cyclical neuronal dysregulation that augments mast cell activity. These repetitive cycles lead to both peripheral and central sensitization and neuronal plasticity, resulting in decreased itch/pain thresholds and a heightened itch/pain response. SUMMARY Neurogenic mechanisms including peripheral and central sensitization may drive chronic ocular itch and pain secondary to allergic inflammation. Research into these pathways may help to identify therapeutic targets in allergic conjunctivitis patients with refractory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Chisolm
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Tear film and ocular surface neuropeptides: Characteristics, synthesis, signaling and implications for ocular surface and systemic diseases. Exp Eye Res 2022; 218:108973. [PMID: 35149082 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Ocular surface neuropeptides are vital molecules primarily involved in maintaining ocular surface integrity and homeostasis. They also serve as communication channels between the nervous system and the immune system, maintaining the homeostasis of the ocular surface. Tear film and ocular surface neuropeptides have a role in disease often due to abnormalities in their synthesis (either high or low production), signaling through defective receptors, or both. This creates imbalances in otherwise normal physiological processes. They have been observed to be altered in many ocular surface and systemic diseases including dry eye disease, ocular allergy, keratoconus, LASIK-induced dry eye, pterygium, neurotrophic keratitis, corneal graft rejection, microbial keratitis, headaches and diabetes. This review examines the characteristics of neuropeptides, their synthesis and their signaling through G-protein coupled receptors. The review also explores the types of neuropeptides within the tears and ocular surface, and how they change in ocular and systemic diseases.
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Neurotrophic factors and nerve growth factor in ocular allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 19:510-516. [PMID: 31145195 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW During allergic reaction, nervous and immune systems mutually interact through release of mediators, including neurotrophic factors and nerve growth factor (NGF). These mediators modulate allergic reaction through binding their receptors expressed by immune and structural cells and by stimulating neuropeptide release by nerves. The role of neuropeptides and NGF has been demonstrated in allergic asthma and rhinitis, and, to a lesser extent, in allergic conjunctivitis. The aim of this review are to elucidate the evidence of the role of NGF and neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of allergic conjunctivitis. RECENT FINDINGS NGF modulates allergic reaction by stimulating release of cytokines, inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides by immune and structural cells and nerve endings at the site of inflammation. Evidence showed that local and systemic NGF levels increase in patients with allergic conjunctivitis, including allergic rhinoconjuncivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. We recently described an increase of conjunctival p75NTR expression in patients with allergic rhinoconjuncivitis, and an increase of tear levels of NGF after conjunctival provocation test with allergen. SUMMARY NGF modulates ocular allergic reaction. Increasing understanding of the role of neuropeptides in allergic conjunctivitis may pave the way to the development of novel therapeutic approaches and improvement of patients' management.
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