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Agafonova A, Cosentino A, Romano IR, Giurdanella G, D’Angeli F, Giuffrida R, Lo Furno D, Anfuso CD, Mannino G, Lupo G. Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications of Human Pericyte-like Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in an In Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1774. [PMID: 38339053 PMCID: PMC10855418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031774] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-retinal barrier (BRB) is strongly compromised in diabetic retinopathy (DR) due to the detachment of pericytes (PCs) from retinal microvessels, resulting in increased permeability and impairment of the BRB. Western blots, immunofluorescence and ELISA were performed on adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and pericyte-like (P)-ASCs by co-cultured human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) under hyperglycemic conditions (HG), as a model of DR. Our results demonstrated that: (a) platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and its activated form were more highly expressed in monocultured P-ASCs than in ASCs, and this expression increased when co-cultured with HRECs under high glucose conditions (HG); (b) the transcription factor Nrf2 was more expressed in the cytoplasmic fraction of ASCs and in the P-ASC nuclear fraction, under normal glucose and, even more, under HG conditions; (c) cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity and prostaglandin E2 release, stimulated by HG, were significantly reduced in P-ASCs co-cultured with HRECs; (d) HO-1 protein content was significantly higher in HG-P-ASCs/HRECs than P-ASCs/HRECs; and (e) VEGF-A levels in media from HG-co-cultures were reduced in P-ASCs/HRECs with respect to ASCs/HRECs. The data obtained highlighted the potential of autologous differentiated ASCs in future clinical applications based on cell therapy to counteract the damage induced by DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Agafonova
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (A.C.); (I.R.R.); (R.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Alessia Cosentino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (A.C.); (I.R.R.); (R.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Ivana Roberta Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (A.C.); (I.R.R.); (R.G.); (G.L.)
| | | | - Floriana D’Angeli
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosario Giuffrida
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (A.C.); (I.R.R.); (R.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Debora Lo Furno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (A.C.); (I.R.R.); (R.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (A.C.); (I.R.R.); (R.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuliana Mannino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (A.C.); (I.R.R.); (R.G.); (G.L.)
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25-hydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits oxidative stress and ferroptosis in retinal microvascular endothelial cells induced by high glucose through down-regulation of miR-93. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:22. [PMID: 36639741 PMCID: PMC9840274 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02762-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decrease of vitamin D plays a critical role in diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced oxidative stress and vascular endothelial injury. Therefore, we investigated the effect and mechanism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25 (OH) D3) on oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by high glucose in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMVECs). And the objective of this paper was to propose a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS First, hRMVECs were transfected with mimics NC or miR-93. After that, cells were treated with 100 nM / 500 nM 25 (OH) D3 and then cultured in a high glucose (30 mM) environment. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was employed to detect the expression level of miR-93; CCK-8 for the proliferation of cells in each group; biochemical tests for the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and ferrous ion (Fe2+); and Western blot for the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and SLC7A11). RESULTS Under a high glucose environment, 25 (OH) D3 at 100 nM/500 nM could significantly promote the proliferation of hRMVECs, remarkably decrease the level of intracellular ROS/MDA, and up-regulate the level of GSH. Besides, 25 (OH) D3 greatly reduced Fe2+ level in the cells while increased protein level of GPX4 and SLC7A11. Subsequently, we found that high glucose induced miR-93 expression, while 25 (OH) D3 markedly decreased high glucose-induced miR-93 overexpression. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-93 inhibited the functions of 25 (OH) D3 by activating ROS (ROS and MDA were up-regulated while GSH was down-regulated) and inducing Fe2+ (Fe2+ level was up-regulated while GPX4 and SLC7A11 level was down-regulated) in cells. CONCLUSION 25 (OH) D3 may inhibit oxidative stress and ferroptosis in hRMVECs induced by high glucose via down-regulation of miR-93.
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Protective Effects of Human Pericyte-like Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Human Retinal Endothelial Cells in an In Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy: Evidence for Autologous Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020913. [PMID: 36674425 PMCID: PMC9860961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by morphologic and metabolic alterations in endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes (PCs) of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). The loss of interendothelial junctions, increased vascular permeability, microaneurysms, and finally, EC detachment are the main features of DR. In this scenario, a pivotal role is played by the extensive loss of PCs. Based on previous results, the aim of this study was to assess possible beneficial effects exerted by adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and their pericyte-like differentiated phenotype (P-ASCs) on human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) in high glucose conditions (25 mM glucose, HG). P-ASCs were more able to preserve BRB integrity than ASCs in terms of (a) increased transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER); (b) increased expression of adherens junction and tight junction proteins (VE-cadherin and ZO-1); (c) reduction in mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9; (d) reduction in the angiogenic factor VEGF and in fibrotic TGF-β1. Moreover, P-ASCs counteracted the HG-induced activation of the pro-inflammatory phospho-ERK1/2/phospho-cPLA2/COX-2 pathway. Finally, crosstalk between HRECs and ASCs or P-ASCs based on the PDGF-B/PDGFR-β axis at the mRNA level is described herein. Thus, P-ASCs might be considered valuable candidates for therapeutic approaches aimed at countering BRB disruption in DR.
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Luo R, Li L, Xiao F, Fu J. LncRNA FLG-AS1 Mitigates Diabetic Retinopathy by Regulating Retinal Epithelial Cell Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis via miR-380-3p/SOCS6 Axis. Inflammation 2022; 45:1936-1949. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-022-01665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Qin Y, Zhang J, Babapoor-Farrokhran S, Applewhite B, Deshpande M, Megarity H, Flores-Bellver M, Aparicio-Domingo S, Ma T, Rui Y, Tzeng SY, Green JJ, Canto-Soler MV, Montaner S, Sodhi A. PAI-1 is a vascular cell-specific HIF-2-dependent angiogenic factor that promotes retinal neovascularization in diabetic patients. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm1896. [PMID: 35235351 PMCID: PMC8890718 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm1896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
For patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) who do not respond adequately to pan-retinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, we hypothesized that vascular cells within neovascular tissue secrete autocrine/paracrine angiogenic factors that promote disease progression. To identify these factors, we performed multiplex ELISA angiogenesis arrays on aqueous fluid from PDR patients who responded inadequately to anti-VEGF therapy and/or PRP and identified plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). PAI-1 expression was increased in vitreous biopsies and neovascular tissue from PDR eyes, limited to retinal vascular cells, regulated by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α, and necessary and sufficient to stimulate angiogenesis. Using a pharmacologic inhibitor of HIF-2α (PT-2385) or nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference targeting Pai1, we demonstrate that the HIF-2α/PAI-1 axis is necessary for the development of retinal neovascularization in mice. These results suggest that targeting HIF-2α/PAI-1 will be an effective adjunct therapy for the treatment of PDR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowu Qin
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- EENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510064, China
| | | | - Brooks Applewhite
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Monika Deshpande
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Haley Megarity
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Miguel Flores-Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Silvia Aparicio-Domingo
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Yuan Rui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Silvia Montaner
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Akrit Sodhi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Qin Q, Hu K, He Z, Chen F, Zhang W, Liu Y, Xie Z. Resolvin D1 protects against Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis in diabetes by blocking the MAPK-NF-κB pathway. Exp Eye Res 2022; 216:108941. [PMID: 35077754 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is one of the main causes of blindness in China. People with diabetes are susceptible to corneal epithelial disease, even fungal keratitis. At present, there are few studies on this disease. Resolvins (Rv) has been reported as a mediators that exert crucial anti-inflammatory and immune regulation roles in serval diseases. In order to investigate the roles and underlying mechanism of Resolvins D1 (RvD1) on the Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis in diabetes, we established in vivo and in vitro models of A. fumigatus keratitis, which were then exposed to high glucose. The expression levels of RvD1, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) in A. fumigatus keratitis patients with diabetes were determined through Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, ELISA, flow cytometry, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and fungal loading determination were conducted to evaluate the severity of A. fumigatus infection. Lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis were examined by immunofluorescence assay. Western blot was applied to detect the proteins of the MAPK-NF-κB pathway. The results showed that RvD1 diminished the high glucose-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response, as evidenced by the reduction of ROS production, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Heme Oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1), and the elevation of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD-1), and Glutathione Peroxidase-2 (GPX2) levels in A. fumigatus-infected Human Corneal Endothelial Cells (HCECs). Additionally, lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis prominently decreased after intervention with RvD1. Furthermore, RvD1 significantly reduced the levels of p-MEK1/2 and p-ERK1/2, and restrained the NF-κB and GPR32 activation. The above results showed that RvD1 protects against A. fumigatus keratitis in diabetes by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammatory response, fungal growth, and immunoreaction via modulating MAPK-NF-κB pathway. RvD1 provides clues for the therapeutic targets of Fungal keratitis complicated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China; Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China; Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
| | - Kai Hu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Zifang He
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Feifei Chen
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Yajun Liu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Zhenggao Xie
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
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Qin X, Zou H. The role of lipopolysaccharides in diabetic retinopathy. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:86. [PMID: 35193549 PMCID: PMC8862382 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of DM and the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population of the Western world. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) is an essential ingredient of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, which induces systemic inflammatory responses and cellular apoptotic changes in the host. High-level serum LPS has been found in diabetic patients at the advanced stages, which is mainly due to gut leakage and dysbiosis. In this light, increasing evidence points to a strong correlation between systemic LPS challenge and the progression of DR. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated yet, LPS-related pathobiological events in the retina may contribute to the exacerbation of vasculopathy and neurodegeneration in DR. In this review, we focus on the involvement of LPS in the progression of DR, with emphasis on the blood-retina barrier dysfunction and dysregulated glial activation. Eventually, we summarize the recent advances in the therapeutic strategies for antagonising LPS activity, which may be introduced to DR treatment with promising clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haidong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Eye Diseases Prevention & Treatment Center, Shanghai Eye Hospital, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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Pöstyéni E, Ganczer A, Kovács-Valasek A, Gabriel R. Relevance of Peptide Homeostasis in Metabolic Retinal Degenerative Disorders: Curative Potential in Genetically Modified Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:808315. [PMID: 35095518 PMCID: PMC8793341 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.808315] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian retina contains approximately 30 neuropeptides that are synthetized by different neuronal cell populations, glia, and the pigmented epithelium. The presence of these neuropeptides leaves a mark on normal retinal molecular processes and physiology, and they are also crucial in fighting various pathologies (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, ischemia, age-related pathologies, glaucoma) because of their protective abilities. Retinal pathologies of different origin (metabolic, genetic) are extensively investigated by genetically manipulated in vivo mouse models that help us gain a better understanding of the molecular background of these pathomechanisms. These models offer opportunities to manipulate gene expression in different cell types to help reveal their roles in the preservation of retinal health or identify malfunction during diseases. In order to assess the current status of transgenic technologies available, we have conducted a literature survey focused on retinal disorders of metabolic origin, zooming in on the role of retinal neuropeptides in diabetic retinopathy and ischemia. First, we identified those neuropeptides that are most relevant to retinal pathologies in humans and the two clinically most relevant models, mice and rats. Then we continued our analysis with metabolic disorders, examining neuropeptide-related pathways leading to systemic or cellular damage and rescue. Last but not least, we reviewed the available literature on genetically modified mouse strains to understand how the manipulation of a single element of any given pathway (e.g., signal molecules, receptors, intracellular signaling pathways) could lead either to the worsening of disease conditions or, more frequently, to substantial improvements in retinal health. Most attention was given to studies which reported successful intervention against specific disorders. For these experiments, a detailed evaluation will be given and the possible role of converging intracellular pathways will be discussed. Using these converging intracellular pathways, curative effects of peptides could potentially be utilized in fighting metabolic retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etelka Pöstyéni
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alma Ganczer
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Andrea Kovács-Valasek
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Robert Gabriel
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Ebrahimi M, Balibegloo M, Rezaei N. Monoclonal antibodies in diabetic retinopathy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:163-178. [PMID: 35105268 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2037420] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetic retinopathy (DR), as one of the main complications of diabetes, is among the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. AREAS COVERED Current clinical therapies include photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies. Bevacizumab and ranibizumab are two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibiting angiogenesis. Intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab can decrease the rate of blindness and retinal thickness, and improve visual acuity whether as monotherapy or combined with other treatments. They can increase the efficacy of other treatments and decrease their adverse events. Although administered intravitreally, they also might enter the circulation and cause systemic effects. This study is aimed to review our current knowledge about mAbs, bevacizumab and ranibizumab, in DR including superiorities, challenges, and limitations. Meanwhile, we tried to shed light on new ideas to overcome these limitations. Our latest search was done in April 2021 mainly through PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant clinical studies were imported. EXPERT OPINION Future direction includes detection of more therapeutic targets considering other components of DR pathophysiology and shared pathogenesis of DR and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, the treat-and-extend regimen, and new ways of drug delivery and other routes of ocular drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Ebrahimi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA),Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Balibegloo
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA),Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA),Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhang MY, Zhu L, Zheng X, Xie TH, Wang W, Zou J, Li Y, Li HY, Cai J, Gu S, Yao Y, Wei TT. TGR5 Activation Ameliorates Mitochondrial Homeostasis via Regulating the PKCδ/Drp1-HK2 Signaling in Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:759421. [PMID: 35096809 PMCID: PMC8795816 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.759421] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most important microvascular diseases of diabetes. Our previous research demonstrated that bile acid G-protein-coupled membrane receptor (TGR5), a novel cell membrane receptor of bile acid, ameliorates the vascular endothelial cell dysfunction in DR. However, the precise mechanism leading to this alteration remains unknown. Thus, the mechanism of TGR5 in the progress of DR should be urgently explored. Methods: In this study, we established high glucose (HG)-induced human retinal vascular endothelial cells (RMECs) and streptozotocin-induced DR rat in vitro and in vivo. The expression of TGR5 was interfered through the specific agonist or siRNA to study the effect of TGR5 on the function of endothelial cell in vitro. Western blot, immunofluorescence and fluorescent probes were used to explore how TGR5 regulated mitochondrial homeostasis and related molecular mechanism. The adeno-associated virus serotype 8-shTGR5 (AAV8-shTGR5) was performed to evaluate retinal dysfunction in vivo and further confirm the role of TGR5 in DR by HE staining, TUNEL staining, PAS staining and Evans Blue dye. Results: We found that TGR5 activation alleviated HG-induced endothelial cell apoptosis by improving mitochondrial homeostasis. Additionally, TGR5 signaling reduced mitochondrial fission by suppressing the Ca2+-PKCδ/Drp1 signaling and enhanced mitophagy through the upregulation of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Furthermore, our result indicated that Drp1 inhibited mitophagy by facilitating the hexokinase (HK) 2 separation from the mitochondria and HK2-PINK1/Parkin signaling. In vivo, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, including retinal vascular leakage, acellular capillaries and apoptosis, were poor in AAV8-shTGR5-treated group under DR, but this effect was reversed by pretreatment with the mitochondrial fission inhibitor Mdivi-1 or autophagy agonist Rapamycin. Conclusion: Overall, our findings indicated that TGR5 inhibited mitochondrial fission and enhanced mitophagy in RMECs by regulating the PKCδ/Drp1-HK2 signaling pathway. These results revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of TGR5 and suggested that activation of TGR5 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lingpeng Zhu
- Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xinhua Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Tian-Hua Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hong-Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jiping Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shun Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ting-Ting Wei
- Center of Clinical Research, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
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Mahon N, Slater K, O'Brien J, Alvarez Y, Reynolds A, Kennedy B. Discovery and Development of the Quininib Series of Ocular Drugs. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2022; 38:33-42. [PMID: 35089801 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2021.0074] [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: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The quininib series is a novel collection of small-molecule drugs with antiangiogenic, antivascular permeability, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activity. Quininib was initially identified as a drug hit during a random chemical library screen for determinants of developmental ocular angiogenesis in zebrafish. To enhance drug efficacy, novel quininib analogs were designed by applying medicinal chemistry approaches. The resulting quininib drug series has efficacy in in vitro and ex vivo models of angiogenesis utilizing human cell lines and tissues. In vivo, quininib drugs reduce pathological angiogenesis and retinal vascular permeability in rodent models. Quininib acts as a cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptor antagonist, revealing new roles of these G-protein-coupled receptors in developmental angiogenesis of the eye and unexpectedly in uveal melanoma (UM). The quininib series highlighted the potential of CysLT receptors as therapeutic targets for retinal vasculopathies (e.g., neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema) and ocular cancers (e.g., UM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Mahon
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kayleigh Slater
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Justine O'Brien
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yolanda Alvarez
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alison Reynolds
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Sciences Center, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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Conti F, Lazzara F, Romano GL, Platania CBM, Drago F, Bucolo C. Caffeine Protects Against Retinal Inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:824885. [PMID: 35069225 PMCID: PMC8773454 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.824885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine, one of the most consumed central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, is an antagonist of A1 and A2A adenosine receptors. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of this methylxanthine in the retinal tissue. We tested caffeine by using in vitro and in vivo paradigms of retinal inflammation. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without caffeine. This latter was able to reduce the inflammatory response in ARPE-19 cells exposed to LPS, attenuating the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and the nuclear translocation of p-NFκB. Additionally, caffeine treatment restored the integrity of the ARPE-19 monolayer assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the sodium fluorescein permeability test. Finally, the ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury model was used in C57BL/6J mice to induce retinal inflammation and investigate the effects of caffeine treatment. Mouse eyes were treated topically with caffeine, and a pattern electroretinogram (PERG) was used to assess the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function; furthermore, we evaluated the levels of IL-6 and BDNF in the retina. Retinal BDNF dropped significantly (p < 0.05) in the I/R group compared to the control group (normal mice); on the contrary, caffeine treatment maintained physiological levels of BDNF in the retina of I/R eyes. Caffeine was also able to reduce IL-6 mRNA levels in the retina of I/R eyes. In conclusion, these findings suggest that caffeine is a good candidate to counteract inflammation in retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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13
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Canovai A, Amato R, Melecchi A, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Preventive Efficacy of an Antioxidant Compound on Blood Retinal Barrier Breakdown and Visual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:811818. [PMID: 35046830 PMCID: PMC8762314 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.811818] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In diabetic retinopathy (DR), high blood glucose drives chronic oxidative stress and inflammation that trigger alterations of the neurovascular balance finally resulting in vascular abnormalities and retinal cell death, which converge towards altered electroretinogram (ERG). In the last years, a growing body of preclinical evidence has suggested that nutrients with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties can be able to hamper DR progression since its very early stages. In the present study, we used a streptozotocin-induced rat model of DR, which mimics most aspects of the early stages of human DR, to test the preventive efficacy of a novel compound containing cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), verbascoside and zinc as nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Western blot, immunofluorescence and electroretinographic analyses demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of oxidative stress- and inflammation-related mechanisms, with a significant counterpart in preventing molecular mechanisms leading to DR-associated vasculopathy and its related retinal damage. Preventive efficacy of the compound on dysfunctional a- and b-waves was also demonstrated by electroretinography. The present demonstration that natural compounds, possibly as a consequence of vascular rescue following ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation, may prevent the apoptotic cascade leading to ERG dysfunction, adds further relevance to the potential application of antioxidants as a preventive therapy to counteract DR progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Shi ZH, Han XY, Yao MD, Liu C, Jiang Q, Yan B. Differential MicroRNA Expression Pattern in Endothelial Progenitor Cells During Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:773050. [PMID: 34977023 PMCID: PMC8717624 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.773050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in the pathogenesis of microvascular dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy (DR). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as crucial regulators in many biological process and human diseases. Herein, to investigate the expression profile and possible role of miRNAs in EPCs, small RNA sequencing was conducted to identify EPC dysfunction-related miRNAs in DR. A total of 72 miRNAs were differentially expressed in EPCs following high glucose stress. Based on Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were targeted to “protein binding,” “cell differentiation,” and “cytoskeleton.” Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that cGMP-PKG signaling pathway was tightly associated with miRNA-mediated EPC function. Furthermore, miR-375–3p was verified to be up-regulated in the clinical samples of DR patients. Inhibition of miR-375–3p protected against hyperglycemic stress- or hypoxic stress-induced EPC injury, which increased the viability, proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of EPCs and retarded the development of apoptosis. Collectively, this study provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis of EPC dysfunction in DR. miR-375–3p is a potential target for the diagnosis or treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Hui Shi
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Han
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mu-Di Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Biao Yan
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
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15
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Yu M, Zhang L, Sun S, Zhang Z. Gliquidone improves retinal injury to relieve diabetic retinopathy via regulation of SIRT1/Notch1 pathway. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:451. [PMID: 34961513 PMCID: PMC8711144 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-02215-8] [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: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common and potentially devastating microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The main features of DR are inflammation and oxidative damage. Gliquidone (GLI) is confirmed to be a hypoglycemic drug by oral administration. The current study is aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of GLI on the pathogenesis of DR. Methods High glucose (HG)-induced human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were used to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of GLI on DR in vitro. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM rats were used to investigate the effects of GLI on retinal structures, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The levels of SIRT1/Notch1 pathway-related proteins were determined by western blotting. Results GLI treatment promoted the viability and inhibited the apoptosis of HG-induced HRECs. Meanwhile, the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor alpha and reactive oxygen species were suppressed, while both catalase and superoxide dismutase were elevated after GLI treatment in HG-induced HRECs. Furthermore, we found that Silencing information regulator 2 related enzyme 1 (SIRT1) silencing reversed the inhibiting effects of GLI on the levels of protein Notch1 and effector genes Hes1 and Hey2. Similar anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of GLI in STZ-induced DM rats were observed. Additionally, GLI administration also repressed vascular hyperpermeability in vivo. Conclusion GLI may be an effective agent to improve DR through repression of inflammation and oxidative stress via SIRT1/Notch1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdan Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, No. 127, Siliu South Road, Qingdao City, 266042, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, No. 127, Siliu South Road, Qingdao City, 266042, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shasha Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, No. 127, Siliu South Road, Qingdao City, 266042, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, No. 127, Siliu South Road, Qingdao City, 266042, Shandong Province, China.
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16
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Guo J, Zhou P, Liu Z, Dai F, Pan M, An G, Han J, Du L, Jin X. The Aflibercept-Induced MicroRNA Profile in the Vitreous of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients Detected by Next-Generation Sequencing. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:781276. [PMID: 34938191 PMCID: PMC8685391 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.781276] [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: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is an important pathogenic factor in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and aflibercept (Eylea) is one of the widely used anti-VEGF agents. This study investigated the microRNA (miRNA) profiles in the vitreous of 5 idiopathic macular hole patients (non-diabetic controls), 5 untreated PDR patients (no-treatment group), and 5 PDR patients treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection (treatment group). Methods: Next-generation sequencing was performed to determine the miRNA profiles. Deregulated miRNAs were validated with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in another cohort. The mRNA profile data (GSE160310) of PDR patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The function of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs was annotated by bioinformatic analysis and literature study. Results: Twenty-nine miRNAs were significantly dysregulated in the three groups, of which 19,984 target mRNAs were predicted. Hsa-miR-3184-3p, hsa-miR-24-3p, and hsa-miR-197-3p were validated to be remarkably upregulated in no-treatment group versus controls, and significantly downregulated in treatment group versus no-treatment group. In the GSE160310 profile, 204 deregulated protein-coding mRNAs were identified, and finally 179 overlapped mRNAs between the 19,984 target mRNAs and 204 deregulated mRNAs were included for further analysis. Function analysis provided several roles of aflibercept-induced miRNAs, promoting the alternation of drug sensitivity or resistance-related mRNAs, and regulating critical mRNAs involved in angiogenesis and retinal fibrosis. Conclusion: Hsa-miR-3184-3p, hsa-miR-24-3p, and hsa-miR-197-3p were highly expressed in PDR patients, and intravitreal aflibercept injection could reverse this alteration. Intravitreal aflibercept injection may involve in regulating cell sensitivity or resistance to drug, angiogenesis, and retinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengyi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenhui Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Dai
- People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangqi An
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinfeng Han
- People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuemin Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Province Eye Hospital, Henan International Joint Research Laboratory for Ocular Immunology and Retinal Injury Repair, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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17
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Giurdanella G, Longo A, Distefano A, Olivieri M, Cristaldi M, Cosentino A, Agafonova A, Caporarello N, Lupo G, Anfuso CD. The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the β1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist Metoprolol on High Glucose Treated Human Microvascular Retinal Endothelial Cells. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010051. [PMID: 35011613 PMCID: PMC8750370 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia-induced impairment of the blood-retinal barrier represents the main pathological event in diabetic retinopathy that is elicited by a reduced cellular response to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased inflammation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the selective β1-adrenoreceptor (β1-AR) antagonist metoprolol could modulate the inflammatory response to hyperglycemic conditions. For this purpose, human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) were treated with normal (5 mM) or high glucose (25 mM, HG) in the presence of metoprolol (10 μM), epinephrine (1 μM), or both compounds. Metoprolol prevented both the HG-induced reduction of cell viability (MTT assays) and the modulation of the angiogenic potential of HREC (tube formation assays) reducing the TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF mRNA levels (qRT-PCR). Moreover, metoprolol prevented the increase in phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-cPLA2, COX2, and protein levels (Western blot) as well as counteracting the translocation of ERK1/2 and cPLA2 (high-content screening). Metoprolol reduced ROS accumulation in HG-stimulated HREC by activating the anti-oxidative cellular response mediated by the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. In conclusion, metoprolol exerted a dual effect on HG-stimulated HREC, decreasing the activation of the pro-inflammatory ERK1/2/cPLA2/COX2 axis, and counteracting ROS accumulation by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Giurdanella
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (C.D.A.)
| | - Anna Longo
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (C.D.A.)
| | - Alfio Distefano
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (C.D.A.)
| | - Melania Olivieri
- U.O. Clinical Pathology, Department of Hematology, AUSL Romagna, 47522 Cesena, Italy;
| | | | - Alessia Cosentino
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (C.D.A.)
| | - Aleksandra Agafonova
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (C.D.A.)
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (C.D.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Biochemistry Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (A.L.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (C.D.A.)
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18
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Hypoxic Processes Induce Complement Activation via Classical Pathway in Porcine Neuroretinas. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123575. [PMID: 34944083 PMCID: PMC8700265 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the fact that many retinal diseases are yet to be cured, the pathomechanisms of these multifactorial diseases need to be investigated in more detail. Among others, oxidative stress and hypoxia are pathomechanisms that take place in retinal diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. In consideration of these diseases, it is also evidenced that the immune system, including the complement system and its activation, plays an important role. Suitable models to investigate neuroretinal diseases are organ cultures of porcine retina. Based on an established model, the role of the complement system was studied after the induction of oxidative stress or hypoxia. Both stressors led to a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) accompanied by apoptosis. Hypoxia activated the complement system as noted by higher C3+ and MAC+ cell numbers. In this model, activation of the complement cascade occurred via the classical pathway and the number of C1q+ microglia was increased. In oxidative stressed retinas, the complement system had no consideration, but strong inflammation took place, with elevated TNF, IL6, and IL8 mRNA expression levels. Together, this study shows that hypoxia and oxidative stress induce different mechanisms in the porcine retina inducing either the immune response or an inflammation. Our findings support the thesis that the immune system is involved in the development of retinal diseases. Furthermore, this study is evidence that both approaches seem suitable models to investigate undergoing pathomechanisms of several neuroretinal diseases.
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19
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Alhakamy NA, Badr-Eldin SM, Alharbi WS, Alfaleh MA, Al-hejaili OD, Aldawsari HM, Eid BG, Bakhaidar R, Drago F, Caraci F, Caruso G. Development of an Icariin-Loaded Bilosome-Melittin Formulation with Improved Anticancer Activity against Cancerous Pancreatic Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121309. [PMID: 34959710 PMCID: PMC8703505 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer currently represents a severe issue for the entire world. Therefore, much effort has been made to develop an effective treatment against it. Emerging evidence has shown that icariin, a flavonoid glycoside, is an effective anti-pancreatic cancer drug. Melittin, as a natural active biomolecule, has also shown to possess anticancer activities. In the present study, with the aim to increase its effectiveness against cancerous cells, icariin-loaded bilosome-melittin (ICA-BM) was developed. For the selection of an optimized ICA-BM, an experimental design was implemented, which provided an optimized formulation with a particle size equal to 158.4 nm. After estimation of the release pattern, the anti-pancreatic cancer efficacy of this new formulation was evaluated. The MTT assay was employed for the determination of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), providing smaller IC50 for ICA-BM (2.79 ± 0.2 µM) compared to blank-BM and ICA-Raw (free drug) against PNAC1, a human pancreatic cancer cell line isolated from a pancreatic carcinoma of ductal cell origin. Additionally, cell cycle analysis for ICA-BM demonstrated cell arrest at the S-phase and pre-G1 phase, which indicated a pro-apoptotic behavior of the new developed formulation. The pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity of the optimized ICA-BM against PNAC1 cells was also demonstrated through annexin V staining as well as estimation of caspase-3 and p53 protein levels. It can be concluded that the optimized ICA-BM formulation significantly improved the efficacy of icariin against cancerous pancreatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaimaa M. Badr-Eldin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Waleed S. Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Mohamed A. Alfaleh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar D. Al-hejaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Hibah M. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Basma G. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rana Bakhaidar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (S.M.B.-E.); (W.S.A.); (M.A.A.); (O.D.A.-h.); (H.M.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (G.C.)
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Park YG, Lee JY, Kim C, Park YH. Early Microglial Changes Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2021; 2021:4920937. [PMID: 34926698 PMCID: PMC8674052 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4920937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although morphological changes in microglia have been reported to be associated with diabetic retinopathy, little is known about the early changes in the microglia and macrophages during the progression of this condition. The present study was aimed at characterizing retinal microglial activation in the early stages of experimental diabetic retinopathy. Toward this end, a model of diabetic retinopathy was generated by intraperitoneally injecting male Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin. No apparent histological changes were observed during the early stages of experimental diabetic retinopathy. However, at 4 to 16 weeks after the onset of diabetes, the retinas from diabetic rats exhibited higher density of microglia than those from age-matched normal controls, with microglial density peaking at 12 weeks. In particular, the proportion of the activated microglia increased significantly in the diabetic rats, specifically in the nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers, whereas it decreased in the inner plexiform layer within 12 weeks. Furthermore, the resident retinal microglial cells were activated immediately after diabetes induction, peaked at 12 weeks, and remained for up to 16 weeks after disease onset. Thus, experimental diabetic retinopathy causes gradual hypoxia and neuroinflammation, followed by the activation of microglia and the migration of macrophages. The distribution and density of retinal microglial activation changed typically with the progression of the disease in early-stage diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gun Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Lee
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chongtae Kim
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Institute for Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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21
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Do Extracellular RNAs Provide Insight into Uveal Melanoma Biology? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235919. [PMID: 34885029 PMCID: PMC8657116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235919] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The study of RNAs in the extracellular environment in physiological and pathological conditions has become a growing field of research with intriguing applications in diagnostics and prognostics. Such extracellular RNAs are passively or actively released by all cells into biological fluids to spread biological signals to other cells. The perturbation of such RNA-based cell-to-cell communications in cancer can be easily identified by molecular analysis of liquid biopsies, even if source cells secreting RNAs are often elusive. In uveal melanoma (UM), extracellular RNAs can be assayed in serum, plasma, and vitreous and aqueous humor. In this review, we explore the possibility that extracellular RNA alterations in UM could partially match with RNA dysregulations observed in tumor tissues and provide information to better understand UM biology. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults, showing a high mortality due to metastasis. Although it is considered a rare disease, a growing number of papers have reported altered levels of RNAs (i.e., coding and non-coding RNAs) in cancerous tissues and biological fluids from UM patients. The presence of circulating RNAs, whose dysregulation is associated with UM, paved the way to the possibility of exploiting it for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. However, the biological meaning and the origin of such RNAs in blood and ocular fluids of UM patients remain unexplored. In this review, we report the state of the art of circulating RNAs in UM and debate whether the amount and types of RNAs measured in bodily fluids mirror the RNA alterations from source cancer cells. Based on literature data, extracellular RNAs in UM patients do not represent, with rare exceptions, a snapshot of RNA dysregulations occurring in cancerous tissues, but rather the complex and heterogeneous outcome of a systemic dysfunction, including immune system activity, that modifies the mechanisms of RNA delivery from several cell types.
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22
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Lazzara F, Conti F, Platania CBM, Eandi CM, Drago F, Bucolo C. Effects of Vitamin D 3 and Meso-Zeaxanthin on Human Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells in Three Integrated in vitro Paradigms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:778165. [PMID: 34803719 PMCID: PMC8602342 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.778165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative retinal disease and one of major causes of irreversible vision loss. AMD has been linked to several pathological factors, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, Aβ (1-42) oligomers have been found in drusen, the extracellular deposits that accumulate beneath the retinal pigmented epithelium in AMD patients. Hereby, we investigated the hypothesis that treatment with 1,25(OH) 2D3 (vitamin D3) and meso-zeaxathin, physiologically present in the eye, would counteract the toxic effects of three different insults on immortalized human retinal pigmented epithelial cells (ARPE-19). Specifically, ARPE-19 cells have been challenged with Aβ (1-42) oligomers, H2O2, LPS, and TNF-α, respectively. In the present study, we demonstrated that the combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and meso-zeaxanthin significantly counteracted the cell damage induced by the three insults, at least in these in vitro integrated paradigms of AMD. These results suggest that combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and meso-zeaxathin could be a useful approach to contrast pathological features of AMD, such as retinal inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara M Eandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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23
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Li M, Ge Q, Du H, Lin S. Tricholoma matsutake-Derived Peptides Ameliorate Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in RAW264.7 Macrophages by Modulating the NF-κB/COX-2 Pathway. Foods 2021; 10:foods10112680. [PMID: 34828964 PMCID: PMC8621704 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tricholoma matsutake is an edible fungus that contains various bioactive substances, some of them with immunostimulatory properties. Presently, there is limited knowledge about the functional components of T. matsutake. Our aim was to evaluate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of two T. matsutake-derived peptides, SDLKHFPF and SDIKHFPF, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Tricholoma matsutake peptides significantly ameliorated the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the expression of COX-2, iNOS, IKKβ, p-IκB-α, and p-NF-κB. Immunofluorescence assays confirmed the inhibitory effect of T. matsutake peptides on NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, the treatment with T. matsutake peptides prevented the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reversed the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and rescued abnormalities in cellular energy metabolism. These findings indicate that T. matsutake peptides can effectively inhibit the activation of NF-κB/COX-2 and may confer an overall protective effect against LPS-induced cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Songyi Lin
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18840821971; Fax: +86-411-86318655
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24
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Hsu ML, Huang WC, Zhou YR, Hu S, Huang CH, Wu SJ. Oleuropein Protects Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells from IL-1β-Induced Inflammation by Blocking MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways. Inflammation 2021; 45:297-307. [PMID: 34613549 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-021-01546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Proinflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β cause retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) inflammation, which is related to visual deterioration, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Oleuropein is a polyphenol compound that shows potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities, but its effects on IL-1β-induced inflammation have not been examined in the adult RPE cell line ARPE-19. Here, we assessed the ability of oleuropein to attenuate this inflammation in ARPE-19 cells. IL-1β induced secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP)-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1. As measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, oleuropein significantly inhibited levels of all three proteins and led to decreased monocyte adhesiveness to ARPE-19 cells. To clarify the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms, we used western blots to evaluate the effect of oleuropein on inactivation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The results showed that oleuropein significantly decreased levels of the inflammatory mediator cyclooxygenase-2 and increased anti-inflammatory protein HO-1 expression. We next examined if the anti-inflammatory activity of oleuropein arises via inactivated NF-κB. We found that suppressing phosphorylation of the JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways inhibited IL-6, MCP-1, and sICAM-1 secretion, implicating these pathways and NF-κB suppression in the effects of oleuropein. These results indicate that oleuropein shows potential for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lung Hsu
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Guishan Dist, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd, Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chung Huang
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Guishan Dist, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd, Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Guishan Dist, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 33303, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Rong Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Guishan Dist, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd, Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan
| | - Sindy Hu
- Aesthetic Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan Dist, Taoyuan, 33303, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsun Huang
- Aesthetic Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan Dist, Taoyuan, 33303, Taiwan.
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Guishan Dist, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd, Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan.
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Ju Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Guishan Dist, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd, Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan.
- Aesthetic Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan Dist, Taoyuan, 33303, Taiwan.
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, No.261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City, 33303, Taiwan.
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Marchesi N, Fahmideh F, Boschi F, Pascale A, Barbieri A. Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases: Interconnection between Retina and Cortical Areas. Cells 2021; 10:2394. [PMID: 34572041 PMCID: PMC8469605 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The possible interconnection between the eye and central nervous system (CNS) has been a topic of discussion for several years just based on fact that the eye is properly considered an extension of the brain. Both organs consist of neurons and derived from a neural tube. The visual process involves photoreceptors that receive light stimulus from the external environment and send it to retinal ganglionic cells (RGC), one of the cell types of which the retina is composed. The retina, the internal visual membrane of the eye, processes the visual stimuli in electric stimuli to transfer it to the brain, through the optic nerve. Retinal chronic progressive neurodegeneration, which may occur among the elderly, can lead to different disorders of the eye such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Mainly in the elderly population, but also among younger people, such ocular pathologies are the cause of irreversible blindness or impaired, reduced vision. Typical neurodegenerative diseases of the CSN are a group of pathologies with common characteristics and etiology not fully understood; some risk factors have been identified, but they are not enough to justify all the cases observed. Furthermore, several studies have shown that also ocular disorders present characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases and, on the other hand, CNS pathologies, i.e., Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD), which are causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, show peculiar alterations at the ocular level. The knowledge of possible correlations could help to understand the mechanisms of onset. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms of these heterogeneous disorders are still debated. This review discusses the characteristics of the ocular illnesses, focusing on the relationship between the eye and the brain. A better comprehension could help in future new therapies, thus reducing or avoiding loss of vision and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Annalisa Barbieri
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.M.); (F.F.); (F.B.); (A.P.)
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Kim ID, Cave JW, Cho S. Aflibercept, a VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)-Trap, Reduces Vascular Permeability and Stroke-Induced Brain Swelling in Obese Mice. Stroke 2021; 52:2637-2648. [PMID: 34192895 PMCID: PMC8312568 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.034362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose Brain edema is an important underlying pathology in acute stroke, especially when comorbidities are present. VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling is implicated in edema. This study investigated whether obesity impacts VEGF signaling and brain edema, as well as whether VEGF inhibition alters stroke outcome in obese subjects. Methods High-fat diet-induced obese mice were subjected to a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. VEGF-A and VEGFR2 (receptor) expression, infarct volume, and swelling were measured 3 days post-middle cerebral artery occlusion. To validate the effect of an anti-VEGF strategy, we used aflibercept, a fusion protein that has a VEGF-binding domain and acts as a decoy receptor, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with rVEGF (recombinant VEGF; 50 ng/mL) for permeability and tube formation. In vivo, aflibercept (10 mg/kg) or IgG control was administered in obese mice 3 hours after transient 30 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion. Blood-brain barrier integrity was assessed by IgG staining and dextran extravasation in the postischemic brain. A separate cohort of nonobese (lean) mice was subjected to 40 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion to test the effect of aflibercept on malignant infarction. Results Compared with lean mice, obese mice had increased mortality, infarct volume, swelling, and blood-brain barrier disruption. These outcomes were also associated with increased VEGF-A and VEGFR2 expression. Aflibercept reduced VEGF-A-stimulated permeability and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Compared with the IgG-treated controls, mice treated with aflibercept had reduced mortality rates (40% versus 17%), hemorrhagic transformation (43% versus 27%), and brain swelling (28% versus 18%), although the infarct size was similar. In nonobese mice with large stroke, aflibercept neither improved nor exacerbated stroke outcomes. Conclusions The study demonstrates that aflibercept selectively attenuates stroke-induced brain edema and vascular permeability in obese mice. These findings suggest the repurposing of aflibercept to reduce obesity-enhanced brain edema in acute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-doo Kim
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY (I.-d.K., S.C.)
| | | | - Sunghee Cho
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY (I.-d.K., S.C.)
- Feil Brain Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (S.C.)
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Maugeri G, Bucolo C, Drago F, Rossi S, Di Rosa M, Imbesi R, D'Agata V, Giunta S. Attenuation of High Glucose-Induced Damage in RPE Cells through p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway Inhibition. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:684680. [PMID: 34025440 PMCID: PMC8138305 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.684680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the high glucose damage on human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, the role of p38 MAPK signaling pathway and how dimethyl fumarate can regulate that. We carried out in vitro studies on ARPE-19 cells exposed to physiological and high glucose (HG) conditions, to evaluate the effects of DMF on cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers such as COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, and VEGF. Our data have demonstrated that DMF treatment attenuated HG-induced apoptosis, as confirmed by reduction of BAX/Bcl-2 ratio. Furthermore, in RPE cells exposed to HG we observed a significant increase of iNOS, COX-2, and IL-1β expression, that was reverted by DMF treatment. Moreover, DMF reduced the VEGF levels elicited by HG, inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling pathway. The present study demonstrated that DMF provides a remarkable protection against high glucose-induced damage in RPE cells through p38 MAPK inhibition and the subsequent down-regulation of VEGF levels, suggesting that DMF is a small molecule that represents a good candidate for diabetic retinopathy treatment and warrants further in vivo and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology (CERFO), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology (CERFO), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Imbesi
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Effects of High Glucose Concentration on Pericyte-Like Differentiated Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094604. [PMID: 33925714 PMCID: PMC8125146 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A pericyte-like differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) was tested in in vitro experiments for possible therapeutic applications in cases of diabetic retinopathy (DR) to replace irreversibly lost pericytes. For this purpose, pericyte-like ASCs were obtained after their growth in a specific pericyte medium. They were then cultured in high glucose conditions to mimic the altered microenvironment of a diabetic eye. Several parameters were monitored, especially those particularly affected by disease progression: cell proliferation, viability and migration ability; reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; inflammation-related cytokines and angiogenic factors. Overall, encouraging results were obtained. In fact, even after glucose addition, ASCs pre-cultured in the pericyte medium (pmASCs) showed high proliferation rate, viability and migration ability. A considerable increase in mRNA expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) was observed, associated with reduction in ROS production, and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and angiogenic factors. Finally, a pmASC-induced better organization of tube-like formation by retinal endothelial cells was observed in three-dimensional co-culture. The pericyte-like ASCs obtained in these experiments represent a valuable tool for the treatment of retinal damages occurring in diabetic patients.
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Hamid MA, Moustafa MT, Nashine S, Costa RD, Schneider K, Atilano SR, Kuppermann BD, Kenney MC. Anti-VEGF Drugs Influence Epigenetic Regulation and AMD-Specific Molecular Markers in ARPE-19 Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040878. [PMID: 33921543 PMCID: PMC8069662 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study assesses the effects of anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) drugs and Trichostatin A (TSA), an inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, on cultured ARPE-19 (Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial-19) cells that are immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial cells. ARPE-19 cells were treated with the following anti-VEGF drugs: aflibercept, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab at 1× and 2× concentrations of the clinical intravitreal dose (12.5 μL/mL and 25 μL/mL, respectively) and analyzed for transcription profiles of genes associated with the pathogenesis age-related macular degeneration (AMD). HDAC activity was measured using the Fluorometric Histone Deacetylase assay. TSA downregulated HIF-1α and IL-1β genes, and upregulated BCL2L13, CASPASE-9, and IL-18 genes. TSA alone or bevacizumab plus TSA showed a significant reduction of HDAC activity compared to untreated ARPE-19 cells. Bevacizumab alone did not significantly alter HDAC activity, but increased gene expression of SOD2, BCL2L13, CASPASE-3, and IL-18 and caused downregulation of HIF-1α and IL-18. Combination of bevacizumab plus TSA increased gene expression of SOD2, HIF-1α, GPX3A, BCL2L13, and CASPASE-3, and reduced CASPASE-9 and IL-β. In conclusion, we demonstrated that anti-VEGF drugs can: (1) alter expression of genes involved in oxidative stress (GPX3A and SOD2), inflammation (IL-18 and IL-1β) and apoptosis (BCL2L13, CASPASE-3, and CASPASE-9), and (2) TSA-induced deacetylation altered transcription for angiogenesis (HIF-1α), apoptosis, and inflammation genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Hamid
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia 61111, Egypt
| | - M. Tarek Moustafa
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia 61111, Egypt
| | - Sonali Nashine
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
| | - Rodrigo Donato Costa
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
- Instituto Donato Oftalmologia, Poςos de Caldas, MG 37701-528, Brazil
| | - Kevin Schneider
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
| | - Shari R. Atilano
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
| | - Baruch D. Kuppermann
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - M. Cristina Kenney
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (M.A.H.); (M.T.M.); (S.N.); (R.D.C.); (K.S.); (S.R.A.); (B.D.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-949-824-7603
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Chang X, Zhu G, Cai Z, Wang Y, Lian R, Tang X, Ma C, Fu S. miRNA, lncRNA and circRNA: Targeted Molecules Full of Therapeutic Prospects in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:771552. [PMID: 34858342 PMCID: PMC8631471 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.771552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic complication and the main cause of blindness worldwide, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Studies have shown that noncoding RNA (ncRNA) has distinct differentiated expression in DR and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of DR. ncRNAs represented by microRNAs (miRNAs), lncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circRNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to be widely involved in the regulation of gene expression and affect multiple biological processes of retinopathy. This article will review three RNAs related to the occurrence and development of DR on the basis of previous studies (especially their effects on retinal microangiopathy, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and retinal nerve cells) and discuss their underlying mechanisms and connections. Overall, this review will help us better understand the role of ncRNAs in the occurrence and development of DR and provide ideas for exploring potential therapeutic directions and targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Chang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guomao Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zongyan Cai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rongna Lian
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xulei Tang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Endocrine Disease, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chengxu Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Songbo Fu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Endocrine Disease, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Songbo Fu,
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Activation of the VEGF-A/ERK/PLA2 Axis Mediates Early Retinal Endothelial Cell Damage Induced by High Glucose: New Insight from an In Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207528. [PMID: 33065984 PMCID: PMC7589177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early blood retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia was related to increased pro-inflammatory activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Here, we tested the role of VEGF-A in high glucose (HG)-induced damage of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) mediated by Ca++-dependent (cPLA2) and Ca++-independent (iPLA2) PLA2s. HRECs were treated with normal glucose (5 mM, NG) or high glucose (25 mM, HG) for 48 h with or without the VEGF-trap Aflibercept (Afl, 40 µg/mL), the cPLA2 inhibitor arachidonoyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3; 15 µM), the iPLA2 inhibitor bromoenol lactone (BEL; 5 µM), or VEGF-A (80 ng/mL). Both Afl and AACOCF3 prevented HG-induced damage (MTT and LDH release), impairment of angiogenic potential (tube-formation), and expression of VEGF-A mRNA. Furthermore, Afl counteracted HG-induced increase of phospho-ERK and phospho-cPLA2 (immunoblot). VEGF-A in HG-medium increased glucose toxicity, through upregulation of phospho-ERK, phospho-cPLA2, and iPLA2 (about 55%, 45%, and 50%, respectively); immunocytochemistry confirmed the activation of these proteins. cPLA2 knockdown by siRNA entirely prevented cell damage induced by HG or by HG plus VEGF-A, while iPLA2 knockdown produced a milder protective effect. These data indicate that VEGF-A mediates the early glucose-induced damage in retinal endothelium through the involvement of ERK1/2/PLA2 axis activation.
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Nikooharf A, Arezumand R, Mansouri K, Khoshi AH, Namdar Ahmadabad H. Development of a Recombinant Monospecific Anti-PLGF Bivalent Nanobody and Evaluation of it in Angiogenesis Modulation. Mol Biotechnol 2020; 62:580-588. [PMID: 32975735 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-020-00275-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During the past two decades, tumor therapy based on monoclonal antibody has been found as a confident therapeutic approach in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Nanobodies are the smallest fragment of an antigen-binding domain in heavy chain-only antibody originated from the Camelidae family. Accordingly, they are being recently developed rapidly as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this regard, targeting of angiogenic factors like Placenta growth factor (PLGF) via nanobodies show a high effectiveness. In the current study, we developed a recombinant anti-PLGF bivalent nanobody based on the affinity enhancement mutant form of anti-PLGF nanobody to suppress the angiogenesis progression. Thereafter, the bivalent nanobody (bi-Nb) was cloned and then expressed into a bacterial system. Afterward, the purity was authorized using western blot assay and the affinity was assessed using ELISA. In this regard, proliferation, 3D capillary tube formation, and migration assays were employed as functional assays. The obtained data were analyzed using t-test and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results indicate that the bivalent nanobody could inhibit proliferation, mobility, and formation of endothelial cell capillary-like structure. Moreover, the EC50 was estimated for endothelial cell's proliferation and capillary tube's formation to be about 100 ng/ml and 65 ng/ml, respectively. Migration of MCF-7 was inhibited as about 69%, rather than the control. Accumulation of data have shown that targeting of angiogenic factors like VEGF via monoclonal antibodies or nanobodies can be useful in the suppression of tumor progression. Also, the inhibition of PLGF with monoclonal antibody indicated that it is significant in angiogenesis suppression. However, due to intrinsic properties of nanobodies, they are suggested to be used. Since the small size is rapidly removed through liver or kidney system, so it is important to use bivalent or polymeric forms for extending the half-life. Our findings indicated that the inhibition of PLGF can prevent growth and proliferation of endothelial cells and tumor cells through the bivalent nanobody. So, it is suggested as a novel therapeutic agent for angiogenesis suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Nikooharf
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Science, North Khorasan University of Medical Science, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Roghaye Arezumand
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Science, North Khorasan University of Medical Science, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Khoshi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Science, North Khorasan University of Medical Science, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hassan Namdar Ahmadabad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Science, North Khorasan University of Medical Science, Bojnurd, Iran
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Song XL, Li MJ, Liu Q, Hu ZX, Xu ZY, Li JH, Zheng WL, Huang XM, Xiao F, Cui YH, Pan HW. Cyanidin-3- O-glucoside Protects Lens Epithelial Cells against High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis and Prevents Cataract Formation via Suppressing NF-κB Activation and Cox-2 Expression. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:8286-8294. [PMID: 32640796 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic cataract is one of the most important causes of blindness worldwide. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is found to exert beneficial effects on many diabetic complications. However, its effect on diabetic cataract is not well known. Herein, we investigated the effect of C3G on high glucose-induced lens epithelial cell (SRA01/04) apoptosis and cataract formation as well as the involved mechanisms. We found C3G (20 μM) could preserve cell viability in SRA01/04 cells exposed to high glucose (100 μM). Meanwhile, C3G inhibited SRA01/04 cell apoptosis and regulated the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Additionally, C3G suppressed NF-κB activation and subsequent cyclooxygenases-2 (Cox-2) expression, which are associated with the protection against apoptosis. Moreover, C3G attenuated lens opacity and protein aggregation in lens culture exposed to high glucose. In conclusion, C3G protected against high glucose-induced SRA01/04 cell apoptosis and cataract formation, which indicated the potential protection of anthocyanins on diabetic cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Ling Song
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Mei-Jun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Hu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- West Campus, University of Chinese Acadamy of Sciences Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jia-Hui Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wen-Lin Zheng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu-Hong Cui
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hong-Wei Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Uveal Melanoma Cells Elicit Retinal Pericyte Phenotypical and Biochemical Changes in an in Vitro Model of Coculture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155557. [PMID: 32756477 PMCID: PMC7432414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular pericytes are an important cellular component in the tumor microenvironment, however, their role in supporting cancer invasion is poorly understood. We hypothesized that PDGF-BB could be involved in the transition of human retinal pericytes (HRPC) in cancer-activated fibroblasts (CAF), induced by the 92.1 uveal melanoma (UM) cell line. In our model system, HRPC were conditioned by co-culturing with 92.1UM for 6 days (cHRPC), in the presence or absence of imatinib, to block PDGF receptor-β (PDGFRβ). The effects of the treatments were tested by wound healing assay, proliferation assay, RT-PCR, high-content screening, Western blot analysis, and invasion assay. Results showed profound changes in cHRPC shape, with increased proliferation and motility, reduction of NG2 and increase of TGF-β1, α-SMA, vimentin, and FSP-1 protein levels, modulation of PDGF isoform mRNA levels, phospho-PDGFRβ, and PDGFRβ, as well as phospho-STAT3 increases. A reduction of IL-1β and IFNγ and an increase in TNFα, IL10, and TGF-β1, CXCL11, CCL18, and VEGF mRNA in cHRPC were found. Imatinib was effective in preventing all the 92.1UM-induced changes. Moreover, cHRPC elicited a significant increase of 92.1UM cell invasion and active MMP9 protein levels. Our data suggest that retinal microvascular pericytes could promote 92.1UM growth through the acquisition of the CAF phenotype.
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Beharry KD, Cai CL, Siddiqui F, D’Agrosa C, Zangaladze A, Mustafa G, Qadri A, Duggan TJ, Aranda JV. Combination Antioxidant/NSAID Therapies and Oral/Topical Ocular Delivery Modes for Prevention of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy in a Rat Model. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12071980. [PMID: 32635350 PMCID: PMC7400869 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the complexity of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), we tested the hypothesis that combination therapies and modes of administration would synergistically optimize efficacy for prevention of OIR. Newborn rats were exposed to neonatal intermittent hypoxia (IH) from the first day of life (P0) until P14 during which they received: (1) oral glutathione nanoparticles (nGSH) with topical ocular phosphate buffered saline (PBS); (2) nGSH with topical ocular Acuvail (ACV); (3) oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) + ACV; (4) oral omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) + ACV; (5) CoQ10 + n-3 PUFAs + PBS; or (6) CoQ10 + n-3 PUFAs + ACV. Treated groups raised in room air (RA) served as controls. At P14, pups were placed in RA with no treatment until P21. Retinal vascular pathology, ocular angiogenesis biomarkers, histopathology, and morphometry were determined. All combination treatments in IH resulted in the most beneficial retinal outcomes consistent with suppression of angiogenesis growth factors during reoxygenation/reperfusion and no significant adverse effects on somatic growth. nGSH + PBS also reversed IH-induced retinopathy, but had negative effects on growth. Simultaneously targeting oxidants, inflammation, and poor growth mitigates the damaging effects of neonatal IH on the developing retina. Therapeutic synergy with combination delivery methods enhance individual attributes and simultaneously target multiple pathways involved in complex diseases such as OIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay D. Beharry
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-718-270-1475
| | - Charles L. Cai
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
| | - Faisal Siddiqui
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
| | - Christina D’Agrosa
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
| | - Anano Zangaladze
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
| | - Ghassan Mustafa
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
| | - Areej Qadri
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
| | - Thomas J. Duggan
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
| | - Jacob V. Aranda
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (C.L.C.); (F.S.); (A.Z.); (G.M.); (A.Q.); (T.J.D.); (J.V.A.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
- SUNY Eye Institute, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Therapeutic Effect of Abelmoschus manihot on Type 2 Diabetic Nonproliferative Retinopathy and the Involvement of VEGF. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:5204917. [PMID: 32419808 PMCID: PMC7210540 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5204917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Abelmoschus manihot in treating type 2 diabetic nonproliferative retinopathy. Methods It was a randomized controlled clinical trial. The recruited eighty subjects with type 2 diabetic nonproliferative retinopathy were randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The two groups received basic treatments including control of blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipid, management of diet, exercise and health education, and monitoring of relevant indicators. Additionally, the treatment group was given oral administration of Abelmoschus manihot. All subjects were followed up on monthly basis for consecutive six months. The related parameters including diabetic retinopathy (DR) incidence rates, “Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study” (ETDRS) vision scores, retinal thicknesses in macular region, serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and biochemical indicators of both groups before and after treatment were accurately collected and statistically analyzed. Results There were no significant differences of DR severity levels, ETDRS vision scores, macular retinal thicknesses such as cube average thickness (CAT), central subfield thickness (CST), and cube volume (CV), and serum VEGF levels between two groups before treatment. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences of demographic characteristics, case terminations, blood glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure, biochemical indicators of hepatorenal function, hypoglycemic drugs, hypotensive drugs, and other basic treatments between two groups during six months treatment. The present study suggested that the remission rate of DR and the ETDRS vision score in the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group (remission rate: 25.4% vs 9.3%, P=0.01; ETDRS score: 78 (72, 82) vs 72 (67, 80), P=0.0002) while the progression rate of DR in the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (progression rate: 4.2% vs 18.7%, P=0.007) after six months treatment. In addition, the CAT, CST, CV, and serum VEGF levels of the treatment group were significantly improved after the treatment (CAT: 286 (278, 302) vs 282 (270, 295) μm, P < 0.0001; CST: 251 (239, 274) vs 248 (235, 265) μm, P < 0.0001; CV: 10.3 (10.0, 10.9) vs 10.1 (9.7, 10.6) mm3, P < 0.0001; VEGF: 0.21 (0.14, 0.58) vs 0.16 (0.10, 0.23) ng/ml, P=0.0026), while there were no significant differences of the control group before and after treatment (CAT: 287 (279, 294) vs 287 (279, 295) μm, P=0.27; CST: 250 (240, 266) vs 252 (238, 266) μm, P=0.72; CV: 10.4 (10.1, 10.6) vs 10.4 (10.1, 10.7) mm3, P=0.53; VEGF: 0.21 (0.13, 0.66) vs 0.23 (0.12, 0.64) ng/ml, P=0.85). Conclusion The study offered the novel evidence for the therapeutic effect of Abelmoschus manihot on type 2 diabetic nonproliferative retinopathy, which was associated with improved VEGF. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800019292.
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Caporarello N, D’Angeli F, Cambria MT, Candido S, Giallongo C, Salmeri M, Lombardo C, Longo A, Giurdanella G, Anfuso CD, Lupo G. Pericytes in Microvessels: From "Mural" Function to Brain and Retina Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246351. [PMID: 31861092 PMCID: PMC6940987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are branched cells located in the wall of capillary blood vessels that are found throughout the body, embedded within the microvascular basement membrane and wrapping endothelial cells, with which they establish a strong physical contact. Pericytes regulate angiogenesis, vessel stabilization, and contribute to the formation of both the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers by Angiopoietin-1/Tie-2, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF) signaling pathways, regulating pericyte-endothelial cell communication. Human pericytes that have been cultured for a long period give rise to multilineage progenitor cells and exhibit mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) features. We focused our attention on the roles of pericytes in brain and ocular diseases. In particular, pericyte involvement in brain ischemia, brain tumors, diabetic retinopathy, and uveal melanoma is described. Several molecules, such as adenosine and nitric oxide, are responsible for pericyte shrinkage during ischemia-reperfusion. Anti-inflammatory molecules, such as IL-10, TGFβ, and MHC-II, which are increased in glioblastoma-activated pericytes, are responsible for tumor growth. As regards the eye, pericytes play a role not only in ocular vessel stabilization, but also as a stem cell niche that contributes to regenerative processes in diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, pericytes participate in melanoma cell extravasation and the genetic ablation of the PDGF receptor reduces the number of pericytes and aberrant tumor microvessel formation with important implications for therapy efficacy. Thanks to their MSC features, pericytes could be considered excellent candidates to promote nervous tissue repair and for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Floriana D’Angeli
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (M.T.C.); (A.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Teresa Cambria
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (M.T.C.); (A.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Saverio Candido
- Section of General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Section of Haematology, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Mario Salmeri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Cinzia Lombardo
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Anna Longo
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (M.T.C.); (A.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (M.T.C.); (A.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (M.T.C.); (A.L.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (C.D.A.); Tel.: +39-095-4781158 (G.L.); +39-095-4781170 (C.D.A.)
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (M.T.C.); (A.L.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (C.D.A.); Tel.: +39-095-4781158 (G.L.); +39-095-4781170 (C.D.A.)
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Zeng J, Zhao H, Chen B. DJ-1/PARK7 inhibits high glucose-induced oxidative stress to prevent retinal pericyte apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Exp Eye Res 2019; 189:107830. [PMID: 31593688 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act through multiple pathways to induce apoptosis of retinal capillary pericytes, which is an early marker and the primary cause of the progression of diabetic retinopathy. However, the specific molecular mechanisms behind ROS-induced retinal capillary pericyte loss in diabetic retinopathy remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the molecular regulation and effects of DJ-1/PARK7 on oxidative stress and injury of rat retinal pericytes (RRPs). To perform the research, RRPs were isolated from rat retina and cultured in medium with for 2 days: control group (5.6 mM glucose), high glucose group (30 mM glucose), hypertonic group (5.6 mM glucose + 24.4 mM mannitol). We found decreased expression of DJ-1 and increased apoptosis of RRPs in high glucose group. To further study the role of DJ-1, four groups were divided as follows: normal control group (5.6 mM glucose), high glucose (30 mM glucose), empty vector control group (pcDNA3.1,30 mM glucose), DJ-1 overexpression group (pcDNA3.1-myc-DJ-1,30 mM glucose). DJ-1, P53, p-P53, cleaved caspase-3, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in each group was detected by Western Blot. RRPs apoptosis was detected by Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase mediated Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) and 4'6- diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Mitochondrial function was detected by jc-1 and fluorescent probes DCFH-DA was used to determine reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that high glucose (30 mM) lasting two days can induce significant apoptosis of RRPs, increase ROS production and expressions of p-p53 and active caspase-3, impair mitochondrial function, decrease the activities of MnSOD and CAT, and decrease expression of DJ-1, p-AKT and p-mTOR. In contrast, DJ-1/PARK7 overexpression significantly increases expression of DJ-1, p-AKT and p-mTOR, increases expression and activities of MnSOD and CAT, improves mitochondrial function, decreases expression of apoptotic gene protein p-p53 and active caspase-3, reduces ROS production and reduces the apoptotic rate of RRPs induced by high glucose. These results suggest that DJ-1 may play a role in protecting RRPs from high glucose induced-oxidative injury. DJ-1 might improve mitochondrial function, inhibit ROS production and enhance antioxidant capacity to reduce apoptosis of retinal pericytes through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway which may be related to early pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, 528000, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Baihua Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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Lazzara F, Fidilio A, Platania CBM, Giurdanella G, Salomone S, Leggio GM, Tarallo V, Cicatiello V, De Falco S, Eandi CM, Drago F, Bucolo C. Aflibercept regulates retinal inflammation elicited by high glucose via the PlGF/ERK pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:341-351. [PMID: 31351870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a secondary complication of diabetes. DR can cause irreversible blindness, and its pathogenesis is considered multifactorial. DR can progress from non-proliferative DR to proliferative DR, characterized by retinal neovascularization. The main cause of vision loss in diabetic patients is diabetic macular edema, caused by vessel leakage and blood retinal barrier breakdown. Currently, aflibercept is an anti-VEGF approved for diabetic macular edema. Aflibercept can bind several members of vascular permeability factors, namely VEGF-A, B, and PlGF. We analyzed the aflibercept-PlGF complex at molecular level, through an in silico approach. In order to explore the role of PlGF in DR, we treated primary human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and mouse retinal epithelial cells (RPEs) with aflibercept and an anti-PlGF antibody. We explored the hypothesis that aflibercept has anti-inflammatory action through blocking of PlGF signaling and the ERK axis in an in vitro and in vivo model of DR. Both aflibercept and the anti-PlGF antibody exerted protective effects on retinal cells, by inhibition of the ERK pathway. Moreover, aflibercept significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the expression of TNF-α in an in vitro and in vivo model of DR. Therefore, our data suggest that inhibition of PlGF signaling, or a selective blocking, may be useful in the management of early phases of DR when the inflammatory process is largely involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Tarallo
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Cicatiello
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, Naples, Italy; ANBITION s.r.l, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Eandi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Ciloglu E, Yıldırım Celikdemir A. The short-term effects of intravitreal aflibercept injections and dexamethasone implant on ocular hemodynamics in retinal vein occlusions. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2019; 15:823-830. [PMID: 31308680 PMCID: PMC6614584 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s200658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the early effects of intravitreal anti-VEGF and dexamethasone application on blood flow velocities in patients with retinal vein occlusions. Methods The ophthalmic (OA) and the central retinal arteries (CRAs) of the affected and unaffected eyes of 21 patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and 26 patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) were investigated by Color Doppler imaging (CDI). Peak systolic volume (PSV), end diastolic volume (EDV), and average blood velocity (Vmean) of the CRA and OA were measured and resistive indexes (RI) were calculated at pre-injection and the 1st week and 1st month post-injection. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the OA values for affected and unaffected eyes in the CRVO group before treatment. The CRA, EDV, and Vmean values were significantly lower in affected eyes. Blood flow velocities of both CRA and OA were not significantly different than in the fellow unaffected eyes in the BRVO group. The differences between PSV, EDV, and Vmean measurements of OA and CRA at different times pre- and post-injection in response to anti-VEGF and dexamethasone treatment in the CRVO group were significant; but there was no difference in RI value. OA blood flow velocity measurements were not statistically different post-injection in the BRVO group; however, the values of PSV and EDV of CRA decreased post-injection. Conclusion Intravitreal anti-VEGF and dexamethasone implant may induce retinal arteriolar vasoconstriction in patients with retinal vein occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Ciloglu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
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Tenconi PE, Bermúdez V, Oresti GM, Giusto NM, Salvador GA, Mateos MV. High glucose-induced phospholipase D activity in retinal pigment epithelium cells: New insights into the molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2019; 184:243-257. [PMID: 31059692 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and inflammation are key players in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this work we study the role of phospholipase D (PLD) pathway in an in vitro model of high glucose (HG)-induced damage. To this end, we exposed human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell lines (ARPE-19 and D407) to HG concentrations (16.5 or 33 mM) or to normal glucose concentration (NG, 5.5 mM) for 4, 24 or 72 h. Exposure to HG increased reactive oxygen species levels and caspase-3 cleavage and reduced cell viability after 72 h of incubation. In addition, short term HG exposure (4 h) induced the activation of early events, that involve PLD and ERK1/2 signaling, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) nuclear translocation and IκB phosphorylation. The increment in pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-6 and IL-8) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA levels was observed after 24 h of HG exposure. The effect of selective pharmacological PLD1 (VU0359595) and PLD2 (VU0285655-1) inhibitors demonstrated that ERK1/2 and NFκB activation were downstream events of both PLD isoforms. The increment in IL-6 and COX-2 mRNA levels induced by HG was reduced to control levels in cells pre-incubated with both PLD inhibitors. Furthermore, the inhibition of PLD1, PLD2 and MEK/ERK pathway prevented the loss of cell viability and the activation of caspase-3 induced by HG. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that PLD1 and PLD2 mediate the inflammatory response triggered by HG in RPE cells, pointing to their potential use as a therapeutic target for DR treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E Tenconi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina
| | - Vicente Bermúdez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina
| | - Gerardo M Oresti
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina
| | - Norma M Giusto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina
| | - Gabriela A Salvador
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina
| | - Melina V Mateos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), 8000, Bahía, Blanca, Argentina.
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Platania CBM, Leggio GM, Drago F, Salomone S, Bucolo C. Computational systems biology approach to identify novel pharmacological targets for diabetic retinopathy. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:13-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Giurdanella G, Montalbano G, Gennuso F, Brancati S, Lo Furno D, Augello A, Bucolo C, Drago F, Salomone S. Isolation, cultivation, and characterization of primary bovine cochlear pericytes: A new in vitro model of stria vascularis. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:1978-1986. [PMID: 30317595 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The study of strial pericytes has gained great interest as they are pivotal for the physiology of stria vascularis. To provide an easily accessible in vitro model, here we described a growth medium-based approach to obtain and cultivate primary bovine cochlear pericytes (BCP) from the stria vascularis of explanted bovine cochleae. We obtained high-quality pericytes in 8-10 days with a > 90% purity after the second passage. Immunocytochemical analysis showed a homogeneous population of cells expressing typical pericyte markers, such as neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2), platelet-derived growth factor receptorβ (PDGFRβ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and negative for the endothelial marker von Willebrand factor. When challenged with tumor necrosis factor or lipopolysaccharide, BCP changed their shape, similarly to human retinal pericytes (HRPC). The sensitivity of BCP to ototoxic drugs was evaluated by challenging with cisplatin or gentamicin for 48 hr. Compared to human retinal endothelial cells and HRPC, cell viability of BCP was significantly lower ( p < 0.05) after the treatment with gentamicin or cisplatin. These data indicate that our protocol provides a simple and reliable method to obtain highly pure strial BCP. Furthermore, BCP are suitable to assess the safety profile of molecules which supposedly exert ototoxic activity, and may represent a valid alternative to in vivo tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, University of Messina, Messina, Italia
| | - Florinda Gennuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Brancati
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Debora Lo Furno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Augello
- ASP Catania Dipartimento di Prevenzione Veterinaria, Servizio Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale (SIAOA), Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Platania CBM, Fidilio A, Lazzara F, Piazza C, Geraci F, Giurdanella G, Leggio GM, Salomone S, Drago F, Bucolo C. Retinal Protection and Distribution of Curcumin in Vitro and in Vivo. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:670. [PMID: 30013474 PMCID: PMC6036289 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a secondary complication of diabetes, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness accounting for 5% of world blindness cases in working age. Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered causes of DR. Curcumin, a product with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is currently proposed as oral supplementation therapy for retinal degenerative diseases, including DR. In this study we predicted the pharmacodynamic profile of curcumin through an in silico approach. Furthermore, we tested the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin on human retinal pigmented epithelial cells exposed to oxidative stress, human retinal endothelial and human retinal pericytes (HRPCs) cultured with high glucose. Because currently marketed curcumin nutraceutical products have not been so far evaluated for their ocular bioavailability; we assessed retinal distribution of curcumin, following oral administration, in rabbit eye. Curcumin (10 μM) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) ROS concentration and TNF-α release in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and retinal endothelial cells, respectively. The same curcumin concentration significantly (p < 0.01) protected retinal pericytes from high glucose damage as assessed by cell viability and LDH release. Among the tested formulations, only that containing a hydrophilic carrier provided therapeutic levels of curcumin in rabbit retina. In conclusion, our data suggest that curcumin, when properly formulated, may be of value in clinical practice to manage retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara B M Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Caporarello N, Olivieri M, Cristaldi M, Rusciano D, Lupo G, Anfuso CD. Melanogenesis in uveal melanoma cells: Effect of argan oil. Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:1277-1284. [PMID: 28849034 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying cutaneous melanogenesis have been widely studied; however, very little is known about uveal melanogenesis. Melanin is normally produced by uveal melanocytes and gives the color to the iris. A derangement from this normal production may occur, for instance, by iatrogenic events, such as glaucoma therapy with prostaglandins that may enhance cutaneous and iris pigmentation. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms that regulate uveal melanogenesis in human uveal melanoma cells (92.1) and murine cutaneous melanoma cells (B16-F1). In the first part of the study, we compared the effects of known cutaneous pigmenting agents on the B16-F1 and 92.1 cells, showing an opposite response of the two cell lines. Subsequently, using argan oil, a known depigmenting agent for murine cutaneous melanoma cells, on 92.1 cells, we found that in these cells, it also functioned as an inhibitor of melanogenesis and tyrosinase expression. From a molecular perspective, treatment of the 92.1 cells with argan oil decreased melanogenesis-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene expression by inducing MITF phosphorylation at Ser73, thus leading to MITF ubiquitination and disposal. It also led to the downregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and Akt pathways, also known to be involved in cutaneous melanogenesis, although with an opposing function. Taken together, our data indicate that: ⅰ) some differences exist in the regulation of melanogenesis between cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells; and ⅱ) argan oil exerts a depigmenting effect on 92.1 cells through its action on the ERK1/2 and Akt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Olivieri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Cristaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
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Caporarello N, Lupo G, Olivieri M, Cristaldi M, Cambria MT, Salmeri M, Anfuso CD. Classical VEGF, Notch and Ang signalling in cancer angiogenesis, alternative approaches and future directions (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:4393-4402. [PMID: 28791360 PMCID: PMC5646999 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the formation of new vessels starting from pre-existing vasculature. Tumour environment is characterized by 'aberrant angiogenesis', whose main features are tortuous and permeable blood vessels, heterogeneous both in their structure and in efficiency of perfusion and very different from normal vessels. Therapeutic strategies targeting the three pathways chiefly involved in tumour angiogenesis, VEGF, Notch and Ang signalling, have been identified to block the vascular supply to the tumour. However, phenomena of toxicity, development of primary and secondary resistance and hypoxia significantly blunted the effects of anti-angiogenic drugs in several tumour types. Thus, different strategies aimed to overcome these problems are imperative. The focus of the present review was some principal 'alternative' approaches to classic antiangiogenic therapies, including the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) blockade, the use of oligonucleotide complementary to the miRNA to compete with the mRNA target (antimiRs) and the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The role of blood soluble VEGFA as a predictive biomarker during antiangiogenic therapy in gastric, ovarian and colorectal cancer was also examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Olivieri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Cristaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Cambria
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Salmeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
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Villari A, Giurdanella G, Bucolo C, Drago F, Salomone S. Apixaban Enhances Vasodilatation Mediated by Protease-Activated Receptor 2 in Isolated Rat Arteries. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:480. [PMID: 28769809 PMCID: PMC5513931 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Apixaban (APX) is a direct inhibitor of factor X (FXa) approved for prophylaxis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis and atrial fibrillation. Because FXa activates protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) in endothelium and vascular smooth muscle, inhibition of FXa by APX may affect vasomotor function. The effect of APX was assessed in vitro, by wire myography, in rat mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs) and basilar arteries challenged with vasoconstrictors [phenylephrine (PE); 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)], vasodilators [acetylcholine (ACh); sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] or with the PAR-2 peptide agonist SLIGRL. APX (10 μM) reduced the vasoconstriction to PE and 5-HT while did not change the vasodilatation to ACh or SNP. SLIGRL induced concentration-dependent vasodilation in pre-constricted arteries, that was reduced by incubation with the NO inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and abolished by endothelium removal. APX enhanced vasodilation to SLIGRL either in the presence or in the absence of L-NNA, but was ineffective in endothelium-denuded vessels. In preparations from heparin-treated rats (to inhibit FXa) APX did not change the vasodilation to SLIGRL. FXa enzymatic activity, detected in mesentery homogenates from controls, was inhibited by APX, whereas APX-sensitive enzymatic activity was undetectable in homogenates from heparin-treated rats. Immunoblot analysis showed that incubation of MRA or aorta with APX increased the abundance of PAR-2, an effect not seen in MRA from heparin-treated rats or in endothelium-denuded aortas. In conclusion, inhibition of FXa by APX increases vasodilatation mediated by PAR-2. APX may act by inhibiting PAR-2 desensitization induced by endogenous FXa. This effect could be useful in the context of endothelial dysfunction associated to cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Villari
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of CataniaCatania, Italy
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George PM, Bliss TM, Hua T, Lee A, Oh B, Levinson A, Mehta S, Sun G, Steinberg GK. Electrical preconditioning of stem cells with a conductive polymer scaffold enhances stroke recovery. Biomaterials 2017; 142:31-40. [PMID: 28719819 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Exogenous human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) are promising stroke therapeutics, but optimal delivery conditions and exact recovery mechanisms remain elusive. To further elucidate repair processes and improve stroke outcomes, we developed an electrically conductive, polymer scaffold for hNPC delivery. Electrical stimulation of hNPCs alters their transcriptome including changes to the VEGF-A pathway and genes involved in cell survival, inflammatory response, and synaptic remodeling. In our experiments, exogenous hNPCs were electrically stimulated (electrically preconditioned) via the scaffold 1 day prior to implantation. After in vitro stimulation, hNPCs on the scaffold are transplanted intracranially in a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model. Electrically preconditioned hNPCs improved functional outcomes compared to unstimulated hNPCs or hNPCs where VEGF-A was blocked during in vitro electrical preconditioning. The ability to manipulate hNPCs via a conductive scaffold creates a new approach to optimize stem cell-based therapy and determine which factors (such as VEGF-A) are essential for stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M George
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Stroke Center and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Tonya M Bliss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Stroke Center and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thuy Hua
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Stroke Center and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alex Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Byeongtaek Oh
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexa Levinson
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Swapnil Mehta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Guohua Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Stroke Center and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gary K Steinberg
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Stroke Center and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Giurdanella G, Lazzara F, Caporarello N, Lupo G, Anfuso CD, Eandi CM, Leggio GM, Drago F, Bucolo C, Salomone S. Sulodexide prevents activation of the PLA2/COX-2/VEGF inflammatory pathway in human retinal endothelial cells by blocking the effect of AGE/RAGE. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 142:145-154. [PMID: 28651842 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.06.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the breakdown of endothelial blood-retinal barrier. We tested the hypothesis that sulodexide (SDX), a highly purified glycosaminoglycan composed of 80% iduronylglycosaminoglycan sulfate and 20% dermatan sulfate, protects human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) from high glucose (HG)-induced damage, through the suppression of inflammatory ERK/cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 pathway, by blocking the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). HREC were treated with HG (25mM) or AGEs (glycated-BSA, 2mg/ml) for 48h, with or without SDX (60μg/ml) or aflibercept (AFL, 40μg/ml), a VEGF-trap. SDX protected HREC from HG-induced damage (MTT and LDH release) and preserved their blood-retinal barrier-like properties (Trans Endothelial Electrical Resistance and junction proteins, claudin-5, VE-cadherin and occludin, immunofluorescence and immunoblot) as well as their angiogenic potential (Tube Formation Assay). Both HG and AGEs increased phosphoERK and phospho-cPLA2, an effect counteracted by SDX and, less efficiently, by AFL. Both HG and exogenous VEGF (80ng/ml) increased PGE2 release, an effect partially reverted by SDX for HG and by AFL for VEGF. Analysis of NFκB activity revealed that HG increased the abundance of p65 in the nuclear fraction (nuclear translocation), an effect entirely reverted by SDX, but only partially by AFL. SDX, AFL and SDX+AFL protected HREC even when added 24h after HG. These data show that SDX protects HREC from HG damage and suggest that it counteracts the activation of ERK/cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 pathway by reducing AGE-related signaling and downstream NFκB activity. This mechanism, partially distinct from VEGF blockade, may contribute to the therapeutic effect of SDX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Chiara M Eandi
- Institut de la Vision, UMRS_968 Inserm/Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Equipe 14, Paris, France; Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Desjardins DM, Yates PW, Dahrouj M, Liu Y, Crosson CE, Ablonczy Z. Progressive Early Breakdown of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Function in Hyperglycemic Rats. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:2706-13. [PMID: 27191823 PMCID: PMC4874474 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-18397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic macular edema (DME), an accumulation of fluid in the subretinal space, is a significant cause of vision loss. The impact of diabetes on the breakdown of the inner blood-retina barrier (BRB) is an established event that leads to DME. However, the role of the outer BRB in ocular diabetes has received limited attention. We present evidence that the breakdown of normal RPE function in hyperglycemia facilitates conditions conducive to DME pathogenesis. METHODS Brown Norway rats (130-150 g) were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg) to induce hyperglycemia. After 4 weeks, Evans blue (EB) dye was injected intravenously to determine whether there was leakage of albumin into the retina. Subretinal saline blebs (0.5-1 μL) were placed 4 and 9 weeks after STZ injection, and time-lapse optical coherence tomography tracked the resorption rate. In a subset of rats, intravitreal bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted to VEGF, was given at 5 weeks and resorption was measured at 9 weeks. RESULTS The ability of the RPE to transport fluid was reduced significantly after 4 and 9 weeks of hyperglycemia with a reduction of over 67% at 9 weeks. No EB dye leakage from inner retinal vessels was measured in hyperglycemic animals compared to control. The intravitreal administration of bevacizumab at week 5 significantly increased the rate of fluid transport in rats subjected to hyperglycemia for 9 weeks. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that chronic hyperglycemia altered RPE fluid transport, in part dependent on the actions of VEGF. These results support the idea that RPE dysfunction is an early event associated with hyperglycemia that contributes to fluid accumulation in DME.
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