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Chen X, Liu X, He H, Guo X, Li S, Huang Y, Wang X, She H. Stem cell factor protects against chronic ischemic retinal injury by modulating on neurovascular unit. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116318. [PMID: 38401522 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116318] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal ischemia is a significant factor in various vision-threatening diseases, but effective treatments are currently lacking. This study explores the potential of stem cell factor (SCF) in regulating the neurovascular unit as a therapeutic intervention for retinal ischemic diseases. A chronic retinal ischemia model was established in Brown Norway rats using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). Subsequent SCF treatment resulted in a remarkable recovery of retinal function, as indicated by electroretinogram, light/dark transition test, and optokinetic head tracking test results. Histological examination demonstrated a significant increase in the number of retinal neurons and an overall thickening of the retina. Immunofluorescence confirmed these findings and further demonstrated that SCF treatment regulated retinal remodeling. Notably, SCF treatment ameliorated the disrupted expression of synaptic markers in the control group's BCCAO rats and suppressed the activation of Müller cells and microglia. Retinal whole-mount analysis revealed a significant improvement in the abnormalities in retinal vasculature following SCF treatment. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that SCF-induced transcriptome changes were closely linked to the Wnt7 pathway. Key members of the Wnt7 pathway, exhibited significant upregulation following SCF treatment. These results underscore the protective role of SCF in the neurovascular unit of retinal ischemia rats by modulating the Wnt7 pathway. SCF administration emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for retinal ischemia-related diseases, offering potential avenues for future clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Han He
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxiang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Haicheng She
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Shi J, Song S, Wu K, Liang G, Wang A, Xu X. Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in endotoxaemia-induced acute lung injury. Exp Physiol 2023; 108:1456-1465. [PMID: 37909847 PMCID: PMC10988478 DOI: 10.1113/ep091228] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a pulmonary manifestation of a systemic reactive inflammatory syndrome, is a serious disease with high mortality, and sepsis is an important risk factor in the development of ALI. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the nerve growth factor family. It plays an essential role in the regulation of the modification of synaptic efficacy and brain metabolic activity and enhances neuronal survival. However, the role and underlying mechanism of BDNF in sepsis-induced ALI remain unclear. Here, we sought to observe the expression of BDNF in the lung tissues of mice. C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into two groups: saline (n = 4) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (n = 4). We found that BDNF expression was elevated in the lung tissues of septic mice. Furthermore, we found that BDNF colocalized with aquaporin 5, a marker for type I alveolar epithelial cells, by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, we also found that tropomyosin-related kinase B, the specific receptor of BDNF, colocalized with surfactant protein C, a marker for type II alveolar epithelial cells, by immunofluorescence staining. Finally, the present study indicated that BDNF may alleviate excessive LPS-induced autophagy in alveolar epithelial cells. Overall, we hypothesize that BDNF expression increases in the lung tissues of septic mice as a compensatory mechanism to ameliorate sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting excessive alveolar epithelial cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinye Shi
- College of Fisheries and Life ScienceShanghai Ocean UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuang Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Kaixuan Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Gui Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Aizhong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaotao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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Tribble JR, Hui F, Quintero H, El Hajji S, Bell K, Di Polo A, Williams PA. Neuroprotection in glaucoma: Mechanisms beyond intraocular pressure lowering. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 92:101193. [PMID: 37331129 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common, complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive dysfunction and then loss of retinal ganglion cells, the output neurons of the retina. Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness and affects ∼80 million people worldwide with many more undiagnosed. The major risk factors for glaucoma are genetics, age, and elevated intraocular pressure. Current strategies only target intraocular pressure management and do not directly target the neurodegenerative processes occurring at the level of the retinal ganglion cell. Despite strategies to manage intraocular pressure, as many as 40% of glaucoma patients progress to blindness in at least one eye during their lifetime. As such, neuroprotective strategies that target the retinal ganglion cell and these neurodegenerative processes directly are of great therapeutic need. This review will cover the recent advances from basic biology to on-going clinical trials for neuroprotection in glaucoma covering degenerative mechanisms, metabolism, insulin signaling, mTOR, axon transport, apoptosis, autophagy, and neuroinflammation. With an increased understanding of both the basic and clinical mechanisms of the disease, we are closer than ever to a neuroprotective strategy for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Flora Hui
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Sana El Hajji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Katharina Bell
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Australia; Eye ACP Duke-NUS, Singapore
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Garner MA, Strickland RG, Girkin CA, Gross AK. Mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell injury following acute increases in intraocular pressure. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:1007103. [PMID: 38983517 PMCID: PMC11182138 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.1007103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The maintenance of intraocular pressure (IOP) is critical to preserving the pristine optics required for vision. Disturbances in IOP can directly impact the optic nerve and retina, and inner retinal injury can occur following acute and chronic IOP elevation. There are a variety of animal models that have been developed to study the effects of acute and chronic elevation of IOP on the retina, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) morphology, intracellular signaling, gene expression changes, and survival. Acute IOP models induce injury that allows for the study of RGC response to well characterized injury and potential recovery. This review will focus on the initial impact of acute IOP elevation on RGC injury and recovery as these early responses may be the best targets for potential therapeutic interventions to promote RGC survival in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Anne Garner
- Department of Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ryan G. Strickland
- Department of Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Christopher A. Girkin
- Department of Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Alecia K. Gross
- Department of Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Cui B, Zhu Y, Zhang X, He K, Shi Y, Yu J, Zhou W, Zhu Y, Yan H. Association of Physical Activity with Retinal Thickness and Vascular Structure in Elderly Chinese Population. Ophthalmic Res 2022; 66:281-292. [PMID: 36252557 DOI: 10.1159/000527448] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to assess the association of physical activity (PA) with retinal thickness and vascular structure in an elderly Chinese population. METHODS This study enrolled 220 retirees aged 50 years and above from Tianjin University of Sport, China. PA data gathered through the International Physical Activity Questionnaires were computed for metabolic equivalent of task-minutes per week. All participants underwent full ophthalmic examination including optical coherence tomography angiography. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of PA with retinal thickness and vascular structure. RESULTS A high amount of total PA was associated with smaller size of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) (high vs. low: area, β = -0.04; circumference β = -0.14) and greater central vessel density (VD) (β = 1.04) and perfusion density (PD) (β = 0.02). For domain-specific PA, participants with high and moderate recreational PA levels were found to have greater central VDs and PDs. Nonleisure activities demonstrated negative relationship with FAZ perimeter ratio (moderate vs. low: β = -0.08; high vs. low: β = -0.13) and, counter-intuitively, negative relation with VDs measured at the inner (high vs. low: β = -0.98) and outer retinal layers (high vs. low: β = -0.38). Additionally, higher levels of total PA were related to increased macular fovea thickness and average thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer. CONCLUSIONS High PA level, particularly recreational PA, was associated with smaller FAZ and greater VD and PD in senior adults. Nonleisure-time PA might not confer the same health benefits as leisure-time PA. Our data support a possible protective role of recreational PA in the retina against microvascular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohao Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanfang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinguo Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Chen H, Zheng G, Chen H, Li L, Xu Z, Xu L. Evaluations of aqueous humor protein markers in different types of glaucoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31048. [PMID: 36254076 PMCID: PMC9575751 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To compare the concentrations of protein markers in aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG), acute primary angle closure (APAC), and cataract without glaucoma as the control group. AH samples were collected at the beginning of surgery from 82 eyes of 82 patients who were divided into POAG (n = 23), CACG (n = 21), APAC (n = 19), and cataract groups (n = 19). The expression levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), lymphotoxin-alpha (LT-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in AH were detected using a microsphere-based immunoassay. The AH levels of TNF-α, MMP-2, MCP-1, IFN-γ, and TIMP-1 in the APAC and CACG groups were significantly higher than those in control eyes. Additionally, the AH levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and VEGF in the APAC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (CG). The interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in patients with POAG were significantly higher than those in control eyes, whereas the LT-α levels were significantly lower than those in control eyes. IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with the coefficient of variation (CV), whereas IL-6 levels were significantly negatively correlated with the frequency of hexagonal cells (HEX) and corneal endothelial cell density (CD). The levels of TNF-α, MMP-2, MCP-1, IFN-γ, TIMP-1, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, and LT-α were different among the three types of glaucoma. These different types of glaucoma may be caused by various pathogeneses, which opens avenues for further investigation into the pathogenesis of glaucoma and discoveries new targets and pathways for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Chen
- Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Huijie Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Li
- Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Zhuojun Xu
- Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Li Xu
- Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
- *Correspondence: Li Xu, Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Haikou, 570311, Hainan Province, China (e-mail: )
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Dias MS, Luo X, Ribas VT, Petrs-Silva H, Koch JC. The Role of Axonal Transport in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073935. [PMID: 35409291 PMCID: PMC8999615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and leads to progressive vision loss. The first pathological signs can be seen at the optic nerve head (ONH), the structure where RGC axons leave the retina to compose the optic nerve. Besides damage of the axonal cytoskeleton, axonal transport deficits at the ONH have been described as an important feature of glaucoma. Axonal transport is essential for proper neuronal function, including transport of organelles, synaptic components, vesicles, and neurotrophic factors. Impairment of axonal transport has been related to several neurodegenerative conditions. Studies on axonal transport in glaucoma include analysis in different animal models and in humans, and indicate that its failure happens mainly in the ONH and early in disease progression, preceding axonal and somal degeneration. Thus, a better understanding of the role of axonal transport in glaucoma is not only pivotal to decipher disease mechanisms but could also enable early therapies that might prevent irreversible neuronal damage at an early time point. In this review we present the current evidence of axonal transport impairment in glaucomatous neurodegeneration and summarize the methods employed to evaluate transport in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Santana Dias
- Intermediate Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vectors, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.S.D.); (H.P.-S.)
| | - Xiaoyue Luo
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Vinicius Toledo Ribas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Intermediate Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vectors, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.S.D.); (H.P.-S.)
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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Chen X, Li S, Liu X, Zhao J, Wu L, You R, Wang Y. Stimulation of C-Kit+ Retinal Progenitor Cells by Stem Cell Factor Confers Protection Against Retinal Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:796380. [PMID: 35431956 PMCID: PMC9008784 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.796380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
C-kit/CD117, expressed in a series of tissue-specific progenitor cells, plays an important role in tissue regeneration and tissue homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that organoid-derived c-kit+ retinal progenitor cells can facilitate the restoration of degenerated retina. Meanwhile, we have identified a population of endogenous c-kit+ cells in retinas of adult mouse. However, the exact role of these cells in retinal degeneration remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that stimulation of endogenous c-kit+ cells by stem cell factor (SCF) conferred protection against retinal degeneration. Retinal degeneration was induced by intravitreal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). NMDA challenge increased the total number of c-kit+ cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL), while deregulated the protein level of SCF, which was mainly expressed in Müller cells. Both flash electroretinogram (fERG) and light/dark transition tests showed that intravitreal injection of SCF effectively improved the visual function of NMDA-treated mice. Mechanistically, SCF administration not only prevented the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but also maintained the function of RGCs as quantified by fERG. Further, we performed transcriptome sequencing analysis of the retinal cells isolated from SCF-treated mice and the parallel control. Gene Ontology analysis showed that SCF-induced transcriptome changes were closely correlated with eye development-related pathways. Crystallins and several protective factors such as Pitx3 were significantly upregulated by SCF treatment. Our results revealed the role of SCF stimulated c-kit+ cells in the protection of RGCs in NMDA-treated mice, via inhibiting the loss of RGCs. Administration of SCF can act as a potent strategy for treating retinal degeneration-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Chen, ; Yanling Wang,
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jingjie Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lanting Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran You
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Chen, ; Yanling Wang,
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Keilhoff G, Titze M, Ebmeyer U. Immuno-histological detection of resistant columnar units and vulnerable networks in the rat retina after asphyxia-induced transient cardiac arrest. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2021; 39:267-289. [PMID: 34334436 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-211174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke-related loss of vision is one of the residual impairments, restricting the quality of life. However, studies of the ocular manifestations of asphyxia cardiac arrest/resuscitation (ACA/R) have reported very heterogeneous results. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the ACA/R-induced degeneration pattern of the different retinal cell populations in rats using different immuno-histological stainings. METHODS The staining pattern of toluidine blue and the ganglion cell markers β-III-tubulin and NeuN; the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin, indicating ganglion, amacrine, and horizontal cells; calretinin D28k, indicating ganglion and amacrine cells; calbindin, indicating horizontal cells; Chx 10, indicating cone bipolar cells; PKCα, indicating ON-type rod bipolar cells; arrestin, indicating cones; and rhodopsin, a marker of rods, as well as the glial cell markers GFAP (indicating astroglia and Müller cells) and IBA1 (indicating microglia), were evaluated after survival times of 7 and 21 days in an ACA/R rat model. Moreover, quantitative morphological analysis of the optic nerve was performed. The ACA/R specimens were compared with those from sham-operated and completely naïve rats. RESULTS ACA/R-induced effects were: (i) a significant reduction of retinal thickness after long-term survival; (ii) ganglion cell degeneration, including their fiber network in the inner plexiform layer; (iii) degeneration of amacrine and cone bipolar cells; (iv) degeneration of cone photoreceptors; (v) enhanced resistance to ACA/R by rod photoreceptors, ON-type rod bipolar and horizontal cells, possibly caused by the strong upregulation of the calcium-binding proteins calretinin, parvalbumin, and calbindin, counteracting the detrimental calcium overload; (vi) significant activation of Müller cells as further element of retinal anti-stress self-defense mechanisms; and (vii) morphological alterations of the optic nerve in form of deformed fibers. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the many defects, the surviving neuronal structures seemed to be able to maintain retinal functionality, which can be additionally improved by regenerative processes true to the "use it or lose it" dogma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerburg Keilhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Titze
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Ebmeyer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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7,8-Dihydroxyflavone protects retinal ganglion cells against chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced oxidative stress damage via activation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. Sleep Breath 2021; 26:287-295. [PMID: 33993395 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-021-02400-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) plays a key role in the complications of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is strongly associated with retinal and optic nerve diseases. Additionally, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway plays an important protective role in neuronal injury. In the present study, we investigated the role of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) in regulating CIH-induced injury in mice retinas and rat primary retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). METHODS C57BL/6 mice and in vitro primary RGCs were exposed to CIH or normoxia and treated with or without 7,8-DHF. The mice eyeballs or cultured cells were then taken for histochemistry, immunofluorescence or biochemistry, and the protein expression of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that CIH induced oxidative stress (OS) in in vivo and in vitro models and inhibited the conversion of BDNF precursor (pro-BDNF) to a mature form of BDNF, which increased neuronal cell apoptosis. 7,8-DHF reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by CIH and effectively activated TrkB signals and downstream protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) survival signaling pathways, which upregulated the expression of mature BDNF. ANA-12 (a TrkB specific inhibitor) blocked the protective effect of 7,8-DHF. CONCLUSION In short, the activation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway alleviated CIH-induced oxidative stress damage of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells. 7,8-DHF may serve as a promising agent for OSA related neuropathy.
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Khatib TZ, Osborne A, Yang S, Ali Z, Jia W, Manyakin I, Hall K, Watt R, Widdowson PS, Martin KR. Receptor-ligand supplementation via a self-cleaving 2A peptide-based gene therapy promotes CNS axonal transport with functional recovery. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabd2590. [PMID: 33789891 PMCID: PMC8011959 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd2590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene replacement approaches are leading to a revolution in the treatment of previously debilitating monogenic neurological conditions. However, the application of gene therapy to complex polygenic conditions has been limited. Down-regulation or dysfunction of receptor expression in the disease state or in the presence of excess ligand has been shown to compromise therapeutic efficacy. Here, we offer evidence that combined overexpression of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B, is more effective in stimulating axonal transport than either receptor administration or ligand administration alone. We also show efficacy in experimental glaucoma and humanized tauopathy models. Simultaneous administration of a ligand and its receptor by a single gene therapy vector overcomes several problems relating to ligand deficiency and receptor down-regulation that may be relevant to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. This approach shows promise as a strategy to target intrinsic mechanisms to improve neuronal function and facilitate repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Z Khatib
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Eye Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Osborne
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Quethera Ltd., Cambridge, UK
- Ikarovec Ltd., Norwich Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Sujeong Yang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zara Ali
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wanyi Jia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ilya Manyakin
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katie Hall
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert Watt
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter S Widdowson
- Quethera Ltd., Cambridge, UK
- Ikarovec Ltd., Norwich Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK
| | - Keith R Martin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Eye Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Quethera Ltd., Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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