Aflibercept regulates retinal inflammation elicited by high glucose via the PlGF/ERK pathway

Exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, suppresses diabetic retinopathy in vivo and in vitro

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness in adults. Studies have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) exerts a protective effect on patients with DR. Here, we investigated the protective effects of Exendin-4, a GLP-1 analogue, on DR. We established a high-glucose-induced HREC cell model and an STZ-induced rat DR Model to study the effect of Exendin-4 in DR in vitro and in vivo. The qRT-PCR, CCK-8, TUNEL, western blotting, tube formation assays, and ELISA were performed. In addition, we overexpressed TGFB2 to observe whether the protective effect of Exendin-4 was reversed. Our results showed that Exendin-4 inhibited the progression of DR. Furthermore, the protective effect of Exendin-4 was suppressed in cells overexpressing TGFB2. Our findings suggest that Exendin-4 may be involved in the regulation of TGFB2 expression levels to inhibit DR. These results indicate that Exendin-4 could be an effective therapy for DR.

From Preformulative Design to in Vivo Tests: A Complex Path of Requisites and Studies for Nanoparticle Ocular Application. Part 2: In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Studies

The incidence of ocular pathologies is constantly increasing, as is the interest of the researchers in developing new strategies to ameliorate the treatment of these conditions. Nowadays, drug delivery systems are considered among the most relevant approaches due to their applicability in the treatment of a great variety of inner and outer eye pathologies through painless topical administrations. The design of such nanocarriers requires a deep study of many aspects related to the administration route but also a consideration of the authorities and pharmacopeial requirements, in order to achieve a clinical outcome. On such bases, the scope of this review is to describe the path of the analyses that could be performed on nanoparticles, along with the assessment of their applicability for ophthalmic treatments. Preformulation studies, physicochemical and technological characterization, and preliminary noncellular in vitro studies have been described in part 1 of this review. Herein, first the in vitro cellular assays are described; subsequently, nonocular organotypic tests and ex vivo studies are reported, as to present the various analyses to which the formulations can be subjected before in vivo studies, described in the last part. In each step, the models that could be used are presented and compared, highlighting the pros and cons. Moreover, their reliability and eventual acceptance by regulatory agencies are discussed. Hence, this review provides an overview of the most relevant assays applicable for nanocarriers intended for ophthalmic administration to guide researchers in the experimental decision process.

Anti-angiogenic and antioxidant effects of axitinib in human retinal endothelial cells: implications in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a secondary microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. This disease progresses from two stages, non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the latter characterized by retinal abnormal angiogenesis. Pharmacological management of retinal angiogenesis employs expensive and invasive intravitreal injections of biologic drugs (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents). To search small molecules able to act as anti-angiogenic agents, we focused our study on axitinib, which is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and represents the second line treatment for renal cell carcinoma. Axitinib is an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, and among the others tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib and sorafenib) is the most selective towards vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2. Besides the well-known anti-angiogenic and immune-modulatory functions, we hereby explored the polypharmacological profile of axitinib, through a bioinformatic/molecular modeling approach and in vitro models of diabetic retinopathy. We showed the anti-angiogenic activity of axitinib in two different in vitro models of diabetic retinopathy, by challenging retinal endothelial cells with high glucose concentration (fluctuating and non-fluctuating). We found that axitinib, along with inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 (1.82 ± 0.10; 0.54 ± 0.13, phosphorylated protein levels in fluctuating high glucose vs . axitinib 1 µM, respectively) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 2 (2.38 ± 0.21; 0.98 ± 0.20, phosphorylated protein levels in fluctuating high glucose vs . axitinib 1 µM, respectively), was able to significantly reduce (p < 0.05) the expression of Nrf2 (1.43 ± 0.04; 0.85 ± 0.01, protein levels in fluctuating high glucose vs . axitinib 1 µM, respectively) in retinal endothelial cells exposed to high glucose, through predicted Keap1 interaction and activation of melanocortin receptor 1. Furthermore, axitinib treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased reactive oxygen species production (0.90 ± 0.10; 0.44 ± 0.06, fluorescence units in high glucose vs . axitinib 1 µM, respectively) and inhibited ERK pathway (1.64 ± 0.09; 0.73 ± 0.06, phosphorylated protein levels in fluctuating high glucose vs . axitinib 1 µM, respectively) in HRECs exposed to high glucose. The obtained results about the emerging polypharmacological profile support the hypothesis that axitinib could be a valid candidate to handle diabetic retinopathy, with ancillary mechanisms of action.

The impact of vitamin D on the etiopathogenesis and the progression of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adults

Diabetes is a common chronic metabolic disease with complex causes and pathogenesis. As an immunomodulator, vitamin D has recently become a research hotspot in the occurrence and development of diabetes and its complications. Many studies have shown that vitamin D can reduce the occurrence of diabetes and delay the progression of diabetes complications, and vitamin D can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit iron apoptosis, promote Ca2+ influx, promote insulin secretion, and reduce insulin resistance. Therefore, the prevention and correction of vitamin D deficiency is very necessary for diabetic patients, but further research is needed to confirm what serum levels of vitamin D3 are maintained in the body. This article provides a brief review of the relationship between vitamin D and diabetes, including its acute and chronic complications.

Aflibercept Off-Target Effects in Diabetic Macular Edema: An In Silico Modeling Approach

Intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) is a treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME), but its mechanism of action (MoA) has not been completely elucidated. Here, we aimed to explore IAI's MoA and its multi-target nature in DME pathophysiology with an in silico (computer simulation) disease model. We used the Therapeutic Performance Mapping System (Anaxomics Biotech property) to generate mathematical models based on the available scientific knowledge at the time of the study, describing the relationship between the modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) by IAI and DME pathophysiological processes. We also undertook an enrichment analysis to explore the processes modulated by IAI, visualized the effectors' predicted protein activity, and specifically evaluated the role of VEGFR1 pathway inhibition on DME treatment. The models simulated the potential pathophysiology of DME and the likely IAI's MoA by inhibiting VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 signaling. The action of IAI through both signaling pathways modulated the identified pathophysiological processes associated with DME, with the strongest effects in angiogenesis, blood-retinal barrier alteration and permeability, and inflammation. VEGFR1 inhibition was essential to modulate inflammatory protein effectors. Given the role of VEGFR1 signaling on the modulation of inflammatory-related pathways, IAI may offer therapeutic advantages for DME through sustained VEGFR1 pathway inhibition.

BMX deletion mitigates neuroinflammation induced by retinal ischemia/reperfusion through modulation of the AKT/ERK/STAT3 signaling cascade

Aims

Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is implicated in the etiology of various ocular disorders. Prior research has demonstrated that bone marrow tyrosine kinase on chromosome X (BMX) contributes to the advancement of ischemic disease and inflammatory reactions. Consequently, the current investigation aims to evaluate BMX's impact on retinal I/R injury and clarify its implied mechanism of action.

Main methods

This study utilized male and female systemic BMX knockout (BMX-/-) mice to conduct experiments. The utilization of Western blot assay and immunofluorescence labeling techniques was employed to investigate variations in the expression of protein and tissue localization. Histomorphological changes were observed through H&E staining and SD-OCT examination. Visual function changes were assessed through electrophysiological experiments. Furthermore, apoptosis in the retina was identified using the TUNEL assay, as well as the ELISA technique, which has been utilized to determine the inflammatory factors level.

Key findings

Our investigation results revealed that the knockdown of BMX did not yield a significant effect on mouse retina. In mice, BMX knockdown mitigated the negative impact of I/R injury on retinal tissue structure and visual function. BMX knockdown effectively reduced apoptosis, suppressed inflammatory responses, and decreased inflammatory factors subsequent to I/R injury. The outcomes of the current investigation revealed that BMX knockdown partially protected the retina through downregulating phosphorylation of AKT/ERK/STAT3 pathway.

Significance

Our investigation showed that BMX-/- reduces AKT, ERK, and STAT3 phosphorylation, reducing apoptosis and inflammation. Thus, this strategy protected the retina from structural and functional damage after I/R injury.

eIF4A3-mediated circEHMT1 regulation in retinal microvascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Literature has reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are crucially associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Furthermore, circEHMT1 has been identified to maintain endothelial cell barrier function. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms that regulate aberrant circEHMT1 expression and its role in the pathogenesis of DR.

METHODS

In this study, retinal microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to a high glucose (HG) environment, and subsequently, tube formation and intercellular junction proteins were evaluated. Furthermore, the biological functions of circEHMT1 and its potential regulatory factor, eIF4A3, in microvascular endothelial cells under HG conditions were also assessed. In addition, the regulatory role of eIF4A3 on circEHMT1 expression was confirmed. Moreover, to elucidate the in vivo functions of eIF4A3 and circEHMT1, streptozotocin (STZ) was used to establish a DR model in rats.

RESULTS

It was revealed that HG condition decreased circEHMT1 and eIF4A3 expressions and reduced ZO-1, Claudin-5, and Occludin levels in retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, it was observed that eIF4A3 could regulate the expression of circEHMT1. Overexpression of eIF4A3 or circEHMT1 under HG conditions improved endothelial cell injury and decreased tube-formation ability. Additionally, in the DR rat model, eIF4A3 overexpression restored circEHMT1 levels and ameliorated retinal vasculature changes.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, eIF4A3 regulates circEHMT1 expression, thereby affecting microvascular endothelial cell injury and tube formation. Further understanding the regulatory effect of eIF4A3 on circEHMT1 may provide novel therapeutic targets for DR.

The ideal treatment timing for diabetic retinopathy: the molecular pathological mechanisms underlying early-stage diabetic retinopathy are a matter of concern

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent complication of diabetes, significantly impacting patients' quality of life due to vision loss. No pharmacological therapies are currently approved for DR, excepted the drugs to treat diabetic macular edema such as the anti-VEGF agents or steroids administered by intraocular route. Advancements in research have highlighted the crucial role of early intervention in DR for halting or delaying disease progression. This holds immense significance in enhancing patients' quality of life and alleviating the societal burden associated with medical care costs. The non-proliferative stage represents the early phase of DR. In comparison to the proliferative stage, pathological changes primarily manifest as microangiomas and hemorrhages, while at the cellular level, there is a loss of pericytes, neuronal cell death, and disruption of components and functionality within the retinal neuronal vascular unit encompassing pericytes and neurons. Both neurodegenerative and microvascular abnormalities manifest in the early stages of DR. Therefore, our focus lies on the non-proliferative stage of DR and we have initially summarized the mechanisms involved in its development, including pathways such as polyols, that revolve around the pathological changes occurring during this early stage. We also integrate cutting-edge mechanisms, including leukocyte adhesion, neutrophil extracellular traps, multiple RNA regulation, microorganisms, cell death (ferroptosis and pyroptosis), and other related mechanisms. The current status of drug therapy for early-stage DR is also discussed to provide insights for the development of pharmaceutical interventions targeting the early treatment of DR.

Retinal vein changes in patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with conbercept and panretinal photocoagulation co-therapy: a cohort study

Objective

This study aimed to observe and compare retinal vein diameter changes and other essential indicators in patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated with intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) combined with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) versus PRP monotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from patients with high-risk PDR who received specific treatment and were followed up for 24 months. Among 82 patients with high-risk PDR, 50 eyes received PRP combined with IVC, whereas 32 eyes received PRP alone. During the 24-month follow-up period, changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), retinal vein diameter, number of microaneurysms (MA), neovascularization (NV) area, hard exudate (HE) area, size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), superficial capillary plexus (SCP) blood flow density, and adverse effects were recorded and compared between the two groups at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. The relationship between each observation index and vein diameter was also analyzed.

Results

During the 24-month follow up, significant improvements in the BCVA, CFT, retinal vein diameter, number of MAs, NV area, HE area, FAZ, and SCP were observed in the IVC+PRP group after treatment. The PRP group only showed significant reductions in NV and HE areas. The IVC+PRP group showed significant superiority over the PRP group in improving the vein diameter, number of MA, and HE area. However, no statistically significant difference in NV area reduction was found between the groups.

Conclusion

In the treatment of high-risk PDR, IVC+PRP therapy has a significant advantage over PRP monotherapy. IVC+PRP therapy may reverse diabetes-induced retinal vein changes, restoring morphology and function.

Oxidative Stress: A Suitable Therapeutic Target for Optic Nerve Diseases?

Optic nerve disorders encompass a wide spectrum of conditions characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and subsequent degeneration of the optic nerve. The etiology of these disorders can vary significantly, but emerging research highlights the crucial role of oxidative stress, an imbalance in the redox status characterized by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in driving cell death through apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. This review provides an overview of ROS-related processes underlying four extensively studied optic nerve diseases: glaucoma, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), and optic neuritis (ON). Furthermore, we present preclinical findings on antioxidants, with the objective of evaluating the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting oxidative stress in the treatment of optic neuropathies.

Drug-Repurposing Strategy for Dimethyl Fumarate

In the area of drug discovery, repurposing strategies represent an approach to discover new uses of approved drugs besides their original indications. We used this approach to investigate the effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a drug approved for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and psoriasis treatment, on early injury associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). We used an in vivo streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ in rats, and after 1 week, a group of animals was treated with a daily intraperitoneal injection of DMF or a vehicle. Three weeks after diabetes induction, the retinal expression levels of key enzymes involved in DR were evaluated. In particular, the biomarkers COX-2, iNOS, and HO-1 were assessed via Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. Diabetic rats showed a significant retinal upregulation of COX-2 and iNOS compared to the retina of normal rats (non-diabetic), and an increase in HO-1 was also observed in the STZ group. This latter result was due to a mechanism of protection elicited by the pathological condition. DMF treatment significantly induced the retinal expression of HO-1 in STZ-induced diabetic animals with a reduction in iNOS and COX-2 retinal levels. Taken together, these results suggested that DMF might be useful to counteract the inflammatory process and the oxidative response in DR. In conclusion, we believe that DMF represents a potential candidate to treat diabetic retinopathy and warrants further in vivo and clinical evaluation.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in aging-related eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. With age, antioxidant reparative capacity decreases, and excess levels of reactive oxygen species produce oxidative damage in many ocular cell types underling age-related pathologies. In AMD, loss of central vision in the elderly is caused primarily by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and degeneration and/or choroidal neovascularization that trigger malfunction and loss of photo-sensing photoreceptor cells. Along with various genetic and environmental factors that contribute to AMD, aging and age-related oxidative damage have critical involvement in AMD pathogenesis. To this end, dietary intake of antioxidants is a proven way to scavenge free radicals and to prevent or slow AMD progression. This review focuses on AMD and highlights the pathogenic role of oxidative stress in AMD from both clinical and experimental studies. The beneficial roles of antioxidants and dietary micronutrients in AMD are also summarized.

The Slow Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy Is Associated with Transient Protection of Retinal Vessels from Death

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reason that diabetic retinopathy (DR) is delayed from the onset of diabetes (DM) in diabetic mice. To this end, we tested the hypothesis that the deleterious effects of DM are initially tolerated because endogenous antioxidative defense is elevated and thereby confers resistance to oxidative stress-induced death. We found that this was indeed the case in both type 1 DM (T1D) and type 2 DM (T2D) mouse models. The retinal expression of antioxidant defense genes was increased soon after the onset of DM. In addition, ischemia/oxidative stress caused less death in the retinal vasculature of DM versus non-DM mice. Further investigation with T1D mice revealed that protection was transient; it waned as the duration of DM was prolonged. Finally, a loss of protection was associated with the manifestation of both neural and vascular abnormalities that are diagnostic of DR in mice. These observations demonstrate that DM can transiently activate protection from oxidative stress, which is a plausible explanation for the delay in the development of DR from the onset of DM.

Spermidine Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Damage in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells by Inhibiting Production of ROS and NF-κB/NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss and a critical complication of diabetes with a very complex etiology. The build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to hyperglycemia is recognized as a primary risk factor for DR. Although spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine, has been reported to have antioxidant effects, its effectiveness in DR has not yet been examined. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether spermidine could inhibit high glucose (HG)-promoted oxidative stress in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The results demonstrated that spermidine notably attenuated cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HG-treated RPE ARPE-19 cells, which was related to the inhibition of mitochondrial ROS production. Under HG conditions, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18's release levels were markedly increased, coupled with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling activation. However, spermidine counteracted the HG-induced effects. Moreover, the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome multiprotein complex molecules, including TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, increased in hyperglycemic ARPE-19 cells, but spermidine reversed these molecular changes. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that spermidine can protect RPE cells from HG-caused injury by reducing ROS and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway activation, indicating that spermidine could be a potential therapeutic compound for DR treatment.

High VEGF Concentrations Accelerate Human Trabecular Meshwork Fibrosis in a TAZ-Dependent Manner

We aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrotic proteins in human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. We also explored how the Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway modulates VEGF-induced fibrosis. We determined cross-linked actin network (CLAN) formation using TM cells. Changes in fibrotic and ECM protein expression were determined. High VEGF concentrations (10 and 30 ng/mL) increased TAZ and decreased p-TAZ/TAZ expression in TM cells. Western blotting and real-time PCR revealed no YAP expression changes. Fibrotic and ECM protein expression decreased at low VEGF concentrations (1 and 10 ρg/mL) and significantly increased at high VEGF concentrations (10 and 30 ng/mL). CLAN formation increased in TM cells treated with high VEGF concentrations. Moreover, TAZ inhibition by verteporfin (1 μM) rescued TM cells from high-VEGF-concentration-induced fibrosis. Low VEGF concentrations reduced fibrotic changes, whereas high VEGF concentrations accelerated fibrosis and CLAN formations in TM cells in a TAZ-dependent manner. These findings reflect the dose-dependent influences of VEGF on TM cells. Moreover, TAZ inhibition might be a therapeutic target for VEGF-induced TM dysfunction.

Retinal Cell Damage in Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common microvascular complication that occurs in diabetes mellitus (DM), is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is approximately 30% of the diabetic population and untreated DR can eventually cause blindness. For decades, diabetic retinopathy was considered a microvascular complication and clinically staged by its vascular manifestations. In recent years, emerging evidence has shown that diabetic retinopathy causes early neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration that may precede vascular pathology and affect retinal neurons as well as glial cells. This knowledge leads to new therapeutic strategies aiming to prevent dysfunction of retinal neurons at the early stage of DR. Early detection and timely treatment to protect retinal neurons are critical to preventing visual loss in DR. This review provides an overview of DR and the structural and functional changes associated with DR, and discusses neuronal degeneration during diabetic retinopathy, the mechanisms underlying retinal neurodegeneration and microvascular complications, and perspectives on current and future clinic therapies.

Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers in Predicting Treatment Outcomes of Diabetic Macular Edema after Ranibizumab Injections

Background and Objectives: The identification of possible biomarkers that can predict treatment response among DME eyes is important for the individualization of treatment plans. We investigated optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based biomarkers that may predict the one-year real-life outcomes among diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes following treatment by intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 eyes from 35 treatment-naïve patients with DME treated with ranibizumab injection were recruited. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and OCT scans were retrospectively recorded at baseline before treatment and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. The OCT scans were evaluated for biomarkers of interest, which included central retinal thickness (CRT), amount and locations of hyperreflective foci (HRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), intraretinal cysts (IRC), large outer nuclear layer cyst (LONLC), ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD), disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), hard exudates (HE), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and vitreomacular interface (VMI). Correlations between these OCT biomarkers and outcome measures (visual and structural) were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 65 eyes from 35 patients with DME were enrolled. The mean age was 64.2 ± 10.9 years old. Significant improvement in terms of mean BCVA (p < 0.005) and mean CRT was seen at final follow-up compared to baseline. The biomarkers of DRIL, LONLC, and SRF were found to be predictive for at least 50 μm CRT reduction after treatment (with odds ratio of 8.69, 8.5, and 17.58, respectively). The biomarkers of IRC, LONLC, and SRF were predictive for significant improvement in terms of BCVA and CRT after treatment. Finally, the number of HRF was predictive for both BCVA improvement and a CRT reduction of less than 100 μm after treatment. No serious complications were reported during the study. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the utility of OCT biomarkers as therapeutic predictors of ranibizumab treatment among DME eyes.

Retinal vein changes after treatment with aflibercept and PRP in high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of aflibercept and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 59 patients (59 eyes) with high-risk PDR who were treated with aflibercept and PRP between January 2018 and December 2019. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and retinal vein diameter post-treatment were compared to those before the treatment.

Results

The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months (0.49 ± 0.14 logMAR), 12 months (0.54 ± 0.15 logMAR), 18 months (0.48 ± 0.15 logMAR), and 24 months (0.51 ± 0.15 logMAR) post-treatment were superior to the pre-treatment measurement (0.65 ± 0.18 logMAR). The central foveal thickness (CFT) at 6 months (310.67 ± 52.53 μm), 12 months (295.98 ± 45.65 μm), 18 months (282.56 ± 43.57 μm), and 24 months (281.53 ± 51.16 μm) post-treatment were lower than the pre-treatment measurement (456.53 ± 51.49 μm); the retinal vein diameter at 12 months (310.13 ± 24.60 μm), 18 months (309.50 ± 31.58 μm), and 24 months (317.00 ± 27.54 μm) post-treatment were lower than the pre-treatment measurement (361.81 ± 30.26 μm).

Conclusion

Aflibercept intravitreal injection and panretinal photocoagulation may morphologically reverse retinal vein diameter and venous beading in high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Efficacy and safety of Aflibercept for the treatment of inflammatory choroidal neovascularization: The ALINEA study

PURPOSE

To evaluate mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 52 weeks in patients with inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with aflibercept.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective non-comparative open-label trial. Following one mandatory intravitreal injection of aflibercept, patients were treated under a pro re nata (PRN) dosing regimen with monthly visits.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients were included, but one presented exclusion criteria; 16 patients were followed for the whole 52-week study, and data for the primary endpoint analysis were available for 14. At baseline, mean BCVA and mean central retinal thickness (CRT) were 64.53 (±19.64) letters and 351.79 (±97.77) μm, respectively. At 52 weeks, the mean change in BCVA was +9.50 (±12.90) letters [95%CI = +2.05-+16.95]. One patient had lost more than 15-letters at 24 weeks, and another one at 52 weeks. CRT change was -62.77 (±100.73) μm at 24 weeks and -66.53 (±97.47) μm at 52 weeks. There was a mean number of 3.56 (±3.29) intravitreal injections at 52 weeks (min = 1; max = 12). No serious ocular adverse events related to the treatment were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that aflibercept is clinically effective, both anatomically and functionally in the treatment of inflammatory CNV. Following the first injection, the PRN strategy appears sufficient for treating most choroidal neovessels.

Comparison of intravitreal ranibizumab, aflibercept and bevacizumab therapies in diabetic macular edema with serous retinal detachment

Purpose

To compare the effects of ranibizumab, aflibercept and bevacizumab treatments in treatment-naive diabetic macular edema(DME) patients with serous retinal detachment(SRD).

Material and methods

This is a retrospective, comparative study. In a sample of 86 eyes of 86 untreated DME patients with accompanying SRD, 23 patients were treated with ranibizumab (IVR), 28 patients with aflibercept (IVA), and 35 patients with bevacizumab (IVB). All were injected intravitreally once a month for a 3-month loading dose. Subsequently, all participants were evaluated every months and if neccessary they received additional intravitreal treatments.Mean changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and SRD height over the 6-months study period were compared.

Results

At baseline, the groups did not differ in mean BCVA,CRT and SRD height. During the first 3 months, in IVA group the mean decrease in CRT and SRD height were significantly more than in the other two groups ( p < 0.05 for all). However, these differences disappeared at 6 months.The number of injections was similar between the groups during the study period.

Conclusion

In patients with DME accompanied by SRD, IVA is a more advantageous option in terms of reduction in CRT and SRD height from baseline to 3 months. In the 6-month period of treatment, IVR, IVA and IVB therapies areanatomically and functionally similar and significant effective modalities.

Role of inflammatory cells in pathophysiology and management of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Several inflammatory cells and proteins, including macrophages and microglia, cytokines, and vascular endothelial growth factors, are found to play a significant role in the development and progression of DR. Inflammatory cells play a significant role in the earliest changes seen in DR including the breakdown of the blood retinal barrier leading to leakage of blood into the retina. They also have an important role in the pathogenesis of more advanced stage of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, leading to neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachment. In this review, we examine the function of numerous inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis, progression, and role as a potential therapeutic target in DR. Additionally, we explore the role of inflammation following treatment of DR.

New Directions in the Therapy of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most common histologic type of all gliomas and contributes to 57.3% of all cases. Despite the standard management based on surgical resection and radiotherapy, it is related to poor outcome, with a 5-year relative survival rate below 6.9%. In order to improve the overall outcome for patients, the new therapeutic strategies are needed. Herein, we describe the current state of knowledge on novel targeted therapies in glioblastoma. Based on recent studies, we compared treatment efficacy measured by overall survival and progression-free survival in patients treated with selected potential antitumor drugs. The results of the application of the analyzed inhibitors are highly variable despite the encouraging conclusions of previous preclinical studies. This paper focused on drugs that target major glioblastoma kinases. As far, the results of some BRAF inhibitors are favorable. Vemurafenib demonstrated a long-term efficacy in clinical trials while the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib improves PFS compared with both vemurafenib and dabrafenib alone. There is no evidence that any MEK inhibitor is effective in monotherapy. According to the current state of knowledge, BRAF and MEK inhibition are more advantageous than BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. Moreover, mTOR inhibitors (especially paxalisib) may be considered a particularly important group. Everolimus demonstrated a partial response in a significant proportion of patients when combined with bevacizumab, however its actual role in the treatment is unclear. Neither nintedanib nor pemigatinib were efficient in treatment of GBM. Among the anti-VEGF drugs, bevacizumab monotherapy was a well-tolerated option, significantly associated with anti-GBM activity in patients with recurrent GBM. The efficacy of aflibercept and pazopanib in monotherapy has not been demonstrated. Apatinib has been proven to be effective and tolerable by a single clinical trial, but more research is needed. Lenvatinib is under trial. Finally, promising results from a study with regorafenib may be confirmed by the ongoing randomized AGILE trial. The studies conducted so far have provided a relatively wide range of drugs, which are at least well tolerated and demonstrated some efficacy in the randomized clinical trials. The comprehensive understanding of the molecular biology of gliomas promises to further improve the treatment outcomes of patients.

Design, construction and in vivo functional assessment of a hinge truncated sFLT01

Gene therapy for the treatment of ocular neovascularization has reached clinical trial phases. The AAV2-sFLT01 construct was already evaluated in a phase 1 open-label trial administered intravitreally to patients with advanced neovascular age-related macular degeneration. SFLT01 protein functions by binding to VEGF and PlGF molecules and inhibiting their activities simultaneously. It consists of human VEGFR1/Flt-1 (hVEGFR1), a polyglycine linker, and the Fc region of human IgG1. The IgG1 upper hinge region of the sFLT01 molecule makes it vulnerable to radical attacks and prone to causing immune reactions. This study pursued two goals: (i) minimizing the immunogenicity and vulnerability of the molecule by designing a truncated molecule called htsFLT01 (hinge truncated sFLT01) that lacked the IgG1 upper hinge and lacked 2 amino acids from the core hinge region; and (ii) investigating the structural and functional properties of the aforesaid chimeric molecule at different levels (in silico, in vitro, and in vivo). Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular mechanics energies combined with Poisson-Boltzmann and surface area continuum solvation calculations revealed comparable free energy of binding and binding affinity for sFLT01 and htsFLT01 to their cognate ligands. Conditioned media from human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells that expressed htsFLT01 significantly reduced tube formation in HUVECs. The AAV2-htsFLT01 virus suppressed vascular development in the eyes of newborn mice. The htsFLT01 gene construct is a novel anti-angiogenic tool with promising improvements compared to existing treatments.

Vitamin D3 preserves blood retinal barrier integrity in an in vitro model of diabetic retinopathy

The impairment of the blood retinal barrier (BRB) represents one of the main features of diabetic retinopathy, a secondary microvascular complication of diabetes. Hyperglycemia is a triggering factor of vascular cells damage in diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin D₃ on BRB protection, and to investigate its regulatory role on inflammatory pathways. We challenged human retinal endothelial cells with high glucose (HG) levels. We found that vitamin D₃ attenuates cell damage elicited by HG, maintaining cell viability and reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and ICAM-1. Furthermore, we showed that vitamin D₃ preserved the BRB integrity as demonstrated by trans-endothelial electrical resistance, permeability assay, and cell junction morphology and quantification (ZO-1 and VE-cadherin). In conclusion this in vitro study provided new insights on the retinal protective role of vitamin D₃, particularly as regard as the early phase of diabetic retinopathy, characterized by BRB breakdown and inflammation.

CPSF1 mediates retinal vascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus via the MAPK/ERK pathway

This study investigated the expression and underlying molecular mechanism of CPSF1 in diabetic retinopathy. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were employed as a diabetic model, and high-glucose (HG)-induced human retinal vascular endothelial cells （HRVECs）were used as an in vitro experimental model to explore the effect of CPSF1. The results showed that CPSF1 was downregulated in diabetic retinopathy (DR) tissues and HRVECs under HG conditions. Adeno-associated viral CPSF1 attenuated histological abnormalities of retinas. CPSF1 regulates the apoptosis, migration, and vascularisation of HRVECs under HG conditions in vitro. CPSF1 mediates retinal vascular dysfunction by suppressing the phosphorylation mechanism in the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway in DR. In conclusion, CPSF1 may be associated with the development of DR, and upregulated CPSF1 alleviates apoptosis and migration via MAPK/ERK pathway.

Downregulation of angiogenic factors in aqueous humor associated with less intraoperative bleeding in PDR patients with NVG receiving conbercept: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To analyze the level changes of 28 cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) coexisting neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC), and to investigate whether these cytokines are associated with intraoperative bleeding (IOB).

METHODS

Totally 34 eyes with NVG secondary to PDR were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups, and all of them underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with trabeculectomy. Group I, 18 eyes received IVC 3 days before PPV, and 100 µL aqueous humor was collected at the time of IVC pretreatment and 3 days later at the beginning of PPV respectively. Group II, 16 eyes received IVC after PPV, and 100 µL aqueous humor was collected only at the beginning of PPV. Aqueous humor from 19 eyes with age-matched cataract patients served as controls. Luminex bead-based multiplex array was used to measure the levels of 28 cytokines in aqueous humor. The baseline cytokine levels were compared among the three groups. All NVG patients were divided into IOB and non-bleeding (INB) groups. The cytokine levels of aqueous humor at the beginning of PPV were compared between group I and II, also between IOB and INB groups. IOB in NVG patients was graded according to vitreous bleeding amount. The correlation between cytokine levels and the grades of IOB were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, the baseline levels of 18 cytokines associated with inflammation and angiogenesis showed significantly increased in group I and group II (all, P < 0.0167). The IOB rate as well as the levels of IL-4, IL-22, Ang-2, PLGF and VEGF-A in group I were significantly lower than in group II (all, P < 0.05). The levels of IL-4, IL-22, Ang-2, PLGF and VEGF-A were significantly lower in INB group than in IOB group (all, P < 0.05). The levels of IL-4, Ang-2, PLGF and VEGF-A were positively correlated with the grades of IOB in NVG patients (all, r_s > 0.4, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IVC 3 days before PPV combined with trabeculectomy reduces IOB in NVG patients, in which the downregulation of IL-4, Ang-2, PLGF and VEGF-A after IVC may be an underlying mechanism.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2100048118 , retrospectively registered on 2 July 2021.

Three-dimensional spheroids of choroid-retinal vascular endothelial cells as an in-vitro model for diabetic retinopathy: Proof-of-concept investigation

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a primary microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a vision-threatening condition. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces neovascularization and causes metabolic damage to the retinal and choroidal vasculature in diabetic patients. Existing drug screening models and treatment strategies for DR need to be refined through the establishment of relevant pre-clinical models, which may enable development of effective and safe therapies. The present study discusses the development of an in-vitro three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model, using RF/6A choroid-retinal vascular endothelial cells, to closely mimic the in-vivo disease condition. Compact, reproducibly-sized, viable and proliferating RF/6A spheroids were fabricated, as confirmed by microscopy, live/dead assay, cell proliferation assay and histological staining. In-vitro angiogenesis was studied by evaluating individual effects of VEGF and an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, Bevacizumab, and their combination on cellular proliferation and 3D endothelial sprout formation. VEGF stimulated angiogenic sprouting while Bevacizumab demonstrated a dose-dependent anti-angiogenic effect, as determined from the cellular proliferation observed and extent and length of sprouting. These investigations validated the potential of RF/6A spheroids in providing an alternative-to-animal, pathophysiologically-relevant model to facilitate pre-clinical and biomedical research related to DR.

•

Matrix-free three-dimensional RF/6A spheroids were developed and characterized.

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VEGF-induced sprouting in RF/6A spheroids mimicked in-vivo vascular angiogenesis.

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Bevacizumab showed clinically-relevant anti-angiogenic responses in spheroid model.

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Proof-of-concept for in-vitro diabetic retinopathy model was developed.

Safety and outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept in diabetic macular edema - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of ischemia and microvascular hyperpermeability leading to macular edema has brought anti-VEGF intravitreal therapy into the limelight.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic literature review focusing on the outcomes and safety of the intravitreal use of aflibercept in diabetic macular edema.

METHODS

The studies documented cases with at least three consecutive intravitreal injections of aflibercept (IVA) repeated monthly with a follow-up period of at least one year. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of reported functional and anatomical improvement of the macula, as reflected by changes in visual acuity and macular thickness measured by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). In addition, for safety assessment, all reported local and general adverse effects were analyzed.

RESULTS

All studies showed an overall significant anatomical and functional improvement. In patients with the 5 IVA monthly at the beginning of the therapy, the visual gain at 52 weeks varied widely between 5 and 18.9 EDRS letters, with a mean value of 9.48 letters. The higher gain was obtained in treatment naïve patients, with worse VA and increased CST at baseline. The lower gain was obtained in patients previously treated with anti-VEGF. Anti-Platelet Trialists' Collaboration-defined arterial thromboembolic events were not statistically different between the aflibercept group and the laser group.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal aflibercept therapy provides significant improvement in visual acuity and a good safety profile. Randomized studies are needed to document the optimal frequency of intravitreal injections for optimal treatment.

Monoclonal antibodies in diabetic retinopathy

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.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF AFLIBERCEPT FOR THE TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN YOUNG PATIENTS: The INTUITION Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mean change in visual acuity at 52 weeks in patients with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization treated with aflibercept.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective noncomparative open-label Phase-II trial. The dosage regimen evaluated in this study was structured into two periods: (1) from inclusion to 20 weeks: a treat-and-extend period composed of three mandatory intravitreal injections, and complementary intravitreal injections performed if needed; (2) from 21 weeks to 52 weeks: a pro re nata period composed of intravitreal injections performed only if needed.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients were included, and 16 completed the 52-week study. At baseline, the mean best corrected visual acuity was 66.56 (±20.72) letters (≈20/50 Snellen equivalent), and the mean central retinal thickness was 376.74 µm (±93.77). At 52 weeks, the mean change in the best-corrected visual acuity was +19.50 (±19.36) letters [95% confidence interval = +9.18 to +29.82]. None of the patients included lost ≥15 letters at 24 weeks or 52 weeks. The mean change in central retinal thickness was -96.78 µm (±104.29) at 24 weeks and -86.22 µm (±112.27) at 52 weeks. The mean number of intravitreal injections was 5.4 (±3.0) at 52-weeks. No ocular serious adverse events related to the treatment were reported.

CONCLUSION

The present analysis shows clinically significant functional and anatomical treatment effect of aflibercept in case of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization. The treat-and-extend regimen proposed after the first injection seems adequate to treat most neovessels.

Retinal SHP2 silencing alleviates diabetic retinopathy via suppressing inflammatory response and oxidative stress by regulating YAP1 activity

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and it may lead to permanent blindness. The previous publication has indicated that both inflammatory response and oxidative stress are critical factors involved in DR progression, however, the accurate regulatory mechanism remains to be revealed. Src homology region 2 (SH2)-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2), a member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family, was reported to play a role in diabetic nephropathy, whereas its function in DR was unknown and required further exploration. The level of phosphorylated, not the total, SHP2 increased in the retinas of rats with streptozotocin injection-induced DM. Further, the intravitreal injection of SHP2 shRNA lentivirus alleviated retinal pathological changes, and inhibited inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which were accompanied with Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) deactivation in DR rats. Additional co-immunoprecipitation results confirmed the interaction of SHP2 and YAP1. Collectively, our data preliminarily show that DR amelioration-induced by SHP2 inhibition in rats may attribute to the deactivation of YAP1 pathway.

Gliquidone improves retinal injury to relieve diabetic retinopathy via regulation of SIRT1/Notch1 pathway

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.

Early Microglial Changes Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

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.

Conbercept for Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Visual Impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema or Pathologic Myopia Choroidal Neovascularization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Conbercept is a new anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug. Here, we systematically conducted the efficacy, safety, compliance, and pharmacoeconomic evaluation of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) compared with other treatments in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), or pathologic myopia choroidal neovascularization (pmCNV). Methods: Databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang Data were systematically searched from the inception to July 27, 2021. Randomized clinical trials and pharmacoeconomic studies comparing IVC with control groups in adults with nAMD, DME, or pmCNV were reviewed and selected. Meta-analyses were performed using the fixed-effects model when pooled data were homogeneous. Heterogeneous data were analyzed using the random-effects model. Primary outcomes included visual improvement rate, mean change in visual acuity or best corrected visual acuity, and pharmacoeconomic outcomes. Additional outcomes were the mean change in fundus examination values, adverse events (AEs), quality-of-life measures, and number of injections. Results: Among 3,591 screened articles, 22 original studies with 1,910 eyes of patients were finally included. For nAMD and DME, IVC was significantly associated with better visual acuity or best corrected visual acuity improvement and fundus quantitative measures than placebo, laser photocoagulation (LP), or intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVT). However, IVC showed non-inferior efficacy to intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) according to low quality of evidence, and there was lack of trials comparing the priority of IVC to other anti-VEGF regimens. No definitive increased risk of ocular or non-ocular AEs were observed in the study groups. All patients with AEs recovered after symptomatic treatments, and no severe AEs occurred. Patients treated with IVC might have higher quality-of-life scores than those in IVR in nAMD or LP in DME. Additionally, IVC showed cost-utility advantages in nAMD and cost-effectiveness advantages than IVR in pmCNV in China. Conclusion: IVC is well-tolerated and effective for improving vision acuity and quantitative measures in fundus condition in patients with nAMD and DME compared with LP, IVT, and placebo, but gains comparable efficacy to IVR. However, well-designed, large-sample, and long-term evaluation of IVC shall be conducted in additional studies worldwide.

Fingolimod and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Drug Repurposing Study

This study aimed to investigate the interactions between fingolimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) agonist, and melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 (MCR1, MCR5). In particular, we investigated the effects of fingolimod, a drug approved to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, on retinal angiogenesis in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We showed, by a molecular modeling approach, that fingolimod can bind with good-predicted affinity to MC1R and MC5R. Thereafter, we investigated the fingolimod actions on retinal MC1Rs/MC5Rs in C57BL/6J mice. Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6J mice through streptozotocin injection. Diabetic and control C57BL/6J mice received fingolimod, by oral route, for 12 weeks and a monthly intravitreally injection of MC1R antagonist (AGRP), MC5R antagonist (PG20N), and the selective S1PR1 antagonist (Ex 26). Diabetic animals treated with fingolimod showed a decrease of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), compared to diabetic control group. Fingolimod co-treatment with MC1R and MC5R selective antagonists significantly (p < 0.05) increased retinal VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFA levels compared to mice treated with fingolimod alone. Diabetic animals treated with fingolimod plus Ex 26 (S1PR1 selective blocker) had VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFA levels between diabetic mice group and the group of diabetic mice treated with fingolimod alone. This vascular protective effect of fingolimod, through activation of MC1R and MC5R, was evidenced also by fluorescein angiography in mice. Finally, molecular dynamic simulations showed a strong similarity between fingolimod and the MC1R agonist BMS-470539. In conclusion, the anti-angiogenic activity exerted by fingolimod in DR seems to be mediated not only through S1P1R, but also by melanocortin receptors.

Ocular Therapeutics and Molecular Delivery Strategies for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in geriatric population. Intravitreal (IVT) injections are popular clinical option. Biologics and small molecules offer efficacy but relatively shorter half-life after intravitreal injections. To address these challenges, numerous technologies and therapies are under development. Most of these strategies aim to reduce the frequency of injections, thereby increasing patient compliance and reducing patient-associated burden. Unlike IVT frequent injections, molecular therapies such as cell therapy and gene therapy offer restoration ability hence gained a lot of traction. The recent approval of ocular gene therapy for inherited disease offers new hope in this direction. However, until such breakthrough therapies are available to the majority of patients, antibody therapeutics will be on the shelf, continuing to provide therapeutic benefits. The present review aims to highlight the status of pre-clinical and clinical studies of neovascular AMD treatment modalities including Anti-VEGF therapy, upcoming bispecific antibodies, small molecules, port delivery systems, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, gene therapy, cell therapy, and combination therapies.

VEGFR1 signaling in retinal angiogenesis and microinflammation

Five vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ligands (VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor [PlGF]) constitute the VEGF family. VEGF-A binds VEGF receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2), whereas VEGF-B and PlGF only bind VEGFR1. Although much research has been conducted on VEGFR2 to elucidate its key role in retinal diseases, recent efforts have shown the importance and involvement of VEGFR1 and its family of ligands in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and microinflammatory cascades within the retina. Expression of VEGFR1 depends on the microenvironment, is differentially regulated under hypoxic and inflammatory conditions, and it has been detected in retinal and choroidal endothelial cells, pericytes, retinal and choroidal mononuclear phagocytes (including microglia), Müller cells, photoreceptor cells, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Whilst the VEGF-A decoy function of VEGFR1 is well established, consequences of its direct signaling are less clear. VEGFR1 activation can affect vascular permeability and induce macrophage and microglia production of proinflammatory and proangiogenic mediators. However the ability of the VEGFR1 ligands (VEGF-A, PlGF, and VEGF-B) to compete against each other for receptor binding and to heterodimerize complicates our understanding of the relative contribution of VEGFR1 signaling alone toward the pathologic processes seen in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Clinically, anti-VEGF drugs have proven transformational in these pathologies and their impact on modulation of VEGFR1 signaling is still an opportunity-rich field for further research.

Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Review of the Literature

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population. The purpose of this review is to gather the existing literature regarding the use of the approved anti-vascular endothelial growth (anti-VEGF) agents in the treatment of DR. Methods: A comprehensive literature review in PubMed engine search was performed for articles written in English language up to 1 July 2021, using the keywords “diabetic retinopathy”, “ranibizumab”, “aflibercept”, and “anti-VEGF”. Emphasis was given on pivotal trials and recent robust studies. Results: Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents have been found to significantly improve visual acuity and reduce retinal thickness in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) in a long-term follow-up ranging from 1 to 5 years and are considered the standard-of-care in such patients. Regarding DR, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents provided ≥2-step improvement in DR severity on color fundus photography in about 30–35% of patients with NPDR at baseline, in the majority of clinical trials originally designed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents in patients with DME. Protocol S and CLARITY study have firstly reported that intravitreal anti-VEGF agents are non-inferior to panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with proliferative DR (PDR). However, the use of new imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography-angiography and wide-field fluorescein angiography, reveals conflicting results about the impact of anti-VEGF agents on the regression of retinal non-perfusion in patients with DR. Furthermore, one should consider the high “loss to follow-up” rate and its devastating consequences especially in patients with PDR, when deciding to treat the latter with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents alone compared to PRP. In patients with PDR, combination of treatment of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and PRP has been also supported. Moreover, in the specific case of vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment as complications of PDR, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents have been found to be beneficial as an adjunct to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), most commonly given 3–7 days before PPV, offering reduction in the recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage. Conclusions: There is no general consensus regarding the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents in patients with DR. Although anti-VEGF agents are the gold standard in the treatment of DME and seem to improve DR severity, challenges in their use exist and should be taken into account in the decision of treatment, based on an individualized approach.

Glucose-impaired Corneal Re-epithelialization Is Promoted by a Novel Derivate of Dimethyl Fumarate

Glucose induces corneal epithelial dysfunctions characterized by delayed wound repair. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mediates cell protection mechanisms even through the Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) up-regulation. Here, we synthesized new HO-1 inducers by modifying dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and used docking studies to select VP13/126 as a promising compound with the best binding energy to Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (keap1), which is the the regulator of Nrf2 nuclear translocation. We verified if VP13/126 protects SIRC cells from hyperglycemia compared to DMF. SIRC were cultured in normal (5 mM) or high glucose (25 mM, HG) in presence of DMF (1–25 μM) or VP13/126 (0.1–5 μM) with or without ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (15 μM). VP13/126 was more effective than DMF in the prevention of HG-induced reduction of cell viability and proliferation. Reduction of wound closure induced by HG was similarly counteracted by 1 μM VP13/126 and 10 μM DMF. VP13/126 strongly increased phospho/total ERK1/2 and restored HO-1 protein in HG-treated SIRC; these effects are completely counteracted by PD98059. Moreover, high-content screening analysis showed a higher rate of Nrf2 nuclear translocation induced by VP13/126 than DMF in HG-stimulated SIRC. These data indicate that VP13/126 exerts remarkable pro-survival properties in HG-stimulated SIRC, promoting the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

Lactucaxanthin protects retinal pigment epithelium from hyperglycemia-regulated hypoxia/ER stress/VEGF pathway mediated angiogenesis in ARPE-19 cell and rat model

Hyperglycemia mediated perturbations in biochemical pathways induce angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of lactucaxanthin, a predominant lettuce carotenoid, on hyperglycemia-mediated activation of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo diabetic model. ARPE-19 cells cultured in 30 mM glucose concentration were treated with lactucaxanthin (5 μM and 10 μM) for 48 h. They were assessed for antioxidant enzyme activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, and cell migration. In the animal experiment, streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were gavaged with lactucaxanthin (200 μM) for 8 weeks. Parameters like animal weight gain, feed intake, water intake, urine output, and fasting blood glucose level were monitored. In both models, lutein-treated groups were considered as a positive control. Hyperglycemia-mediated angiogenic marker expressions in ARPE-19 and retina of diabetic rats were quantified through the western blot technique. Expression of hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, and vascular endothelial growth factor were found to be augmented in the hyperglycemia group compared to control (P < 0.05). Hyperglycemia plays a crucial role in increasing cellular migration and reactive oxygen species besides disrupting tight junction protein. Compared to lutein, lactucaxanthin aids retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function from hyperglycemia-induced stress conditions via downregulating angiogenesis markers expression. Lactucaxanthin potentiality observed in protecting tight junction protein expression via modulating reactive oxygen species found to conserve RPE integrity. Results demonstrate that lactucaxanthin exhibits robust anti-angiogenic activity for the first time and, therefore, would be useful as an alternative therapy to prevent or delay DR progression.

Assessment of a New Nanostructured Microemulsion System for Ocular Delivery of Sorafenib to Posterior Segment of the Eye

Eye drop formulations allowing topical treatment of retinal pathologies have long been sought as alternatives to intravitreal administration. This study aimed to assess whether a novel nanostructured microemulsions system (NaMESys) could be usefully employed to deliver sorafenib to the retina following topical instillation. NaMESys carrying 0.3% sorafenib (NaMESys-SOR) proved to be cytocompatible in vitro on rabbit corneal cells, and well-tolerated following b.i.d. ocular administration to rabbits during a 3-month study. In rats subject to retinal ischemia-reperfusion, NaMESys-SOR significantly inhibited retinal expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα, 20.7%) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNos, 87.3%) mRNAs in comparison to controls. Similarly, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, NaMESys-SOR inhibited retinal expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), TNFα, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1), IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and 2 (VEGFR2) mRNAs by three-fold on average compared to controls. Furthermore, a reduction in TNFα, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 protein expression was observed by western blot. Moreover, in mice subject to laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, NaMESys-SOR significantly inhibited neovascular lesions by 54%. In conclusion, NaMESys-SOR was shown to be a well-tolerated ophthalmic formulation able to deliver effective amounts of sorafenib to the retina, reducing proinflammatory and pro-angiogenic mediators in reliable models of proliferative retinopathies. These findings warrant further investigations on the full therapeutic potential of NaMESys-SOR eye drops, aiming to address unmet needs in the pharmacotherapy of retinal neovascular diseases.

Decreased expression of TIPE2 in the eye under high-glucose conditions tested in vivo and in vitro

AIMS

Inflammation is important in the development of angiogenesis diabetic retinopathy (DR). Anti-inflammation is promising strategy in early DR management. This study aimed to evaluate the level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced protein-8 like-2 (TIPE2), a formerly anti-inflammatory factor, under high-glucose conditions.

METHODS

TIPE2 was detected in the ① retina from db/db and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice; ② vitreous fluid of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and ③ mouse retinal microendothelial cells (RMEC) cultured in glucose of varying concentrations. In situ expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assay. The expression of protein was analysed by Western blot or ELISA and mRNA by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

TIPE2 was down-regulated in the retina of the mice with diabetes. TIPE2 was present in the cytoplasm of RMEC and down-regulated in high-glucose conditions in line with concentration and time. The expression of TIPE2 in the vitreous fluid of patients with PDR was significantly lower than that without diabetes. Silencing TIPE2 by an siRNA resulted in increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (a vital factor in the development of DR), TNF-α and IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPE2 down-expressed and exerted anti-VEGF and anti-inflammatory function in the high-glucose environment. TIPE2 was verified to be involved in the process of DR and might be a potential regulator for DR development.

Circulating miRNAs in diabetic retinopathy patients: Prognostic markers or pharmacological targets?

In this study we analyzed the expression of circulating miRNAs, in the serum of diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-27b-3p and hsa-miR-451a) were validated as biomarkers for stratification of DR stages, from the early non-proliferative (NPDR) to the late proliferative (PDR) phase. Furthermore, circulating levels of these miRNAs correlated with retinal hyper-reflective spots (HRS), assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The number of HRS increased with worsening of DR stages. On the contrary, no significant vascular density differences between NPDR and PDR patients were detected by angio-OCT (OCTA). A post-hoc bioinformatics analysis associated these five miRNAs to target genes belonging to the "Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa signaling" pathway, and several molecules were predicted to modify miRNAs expression. In conclusion, correlation between specific circulating miRNAs and intraretinal hyper-reflective spots was demonstrated, confirming that these miRNAs were validated as prognostic biomarkers, and also as potential pharmacological targets, warranting further clinical evaluation to explore novel therapeutics for diabetic retinopathy.

Imaging Hyperreflective Foci as an Inflammatory Biomarker after Anti-VEGF Treatment in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose

To investigate the hyperreflective foci (HRF) as an inflammatory biomarker using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients after antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment and its association with the retinal microcapillary density.

Methods

Twenty-five eyes from 25 patients with neovascular AMD were included in the study. All eyes were imaged with OCTA at baseline (M0) and after 3 consecutive injections (M3; injection performed each month) of anti-VEGF. The number of HRF in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and outer retina was counted. The vascular density of the fovea, parafovea, and the whole macula, as well as the area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), was measured.

Results

The mean interval between baseline and follow-up with OCTA was 93.08 ± 5.00 (range, 85-101) days. Compared with the baseline, the number of HRF significantly decreased in DCP (7.52 ± 3.06 vs. 3.76 ± 1.48, P < 0.01) and outer retina (12.04 ± 4.91 vs. 5.88 ± 3.32, P < 0.01) after treatment. There was no significant difference for HRF number in the SCP, the vascular density (containing foveal, parafoveal, and whole macular), and FAZ area before and after treatments.

Conclusion

The number of HRF in DCP and outer retina might serve as an inflammatory biomarker in patients with neovascular AMD. The reduced HRF possibly represents the alleviation of inflammation after anti-VEGF treatment in patients with AMD.

Neovascular Macular Degeneration: A Review of Etiology, Risk Factors, and Recent Advances in Research and Therapy

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (exudative or wet AMD) is a prevalent, progressive retinal degenerative macular disease that is characterized by neovascularization of the choroid, mainly affecting the elderly population causing gradual vision impairment. Risk factors such as age, race, genetics, iris color, smoking, drinking, BMI, and diet all play a part in nvAMD's progression, with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy being the mainstay of treatment. Current therapeutic advancements slow the progression of the disease but do not cure or reverse its course. Newer therapies such as gene therapies, Rho-kinase inhibitors, and levodopa offer potential new targets for treatment.

TGF-β Serum Levels in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients and the Role of Anti-VEGF Therapy

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), particularly in the late phase of disease. The aim of the present study was to validate serum TGFβ1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of DR stages. Thirty-eight subjects were enrolled and, after diagnosis and evaluation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, were assigned to six groups: (1) healthy age-matched control, (2) diabetic without DR, (3) non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) naïve to treatment, (4) NPDR treated with intravitreal (IVT) aflibercept, (5) proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) naïve to treatment and (6) PDR treated with IVT aflibercept. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PlGF) and TGFβ1 were measured by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Foveal macular thickness (FMT) in enrolled subjects was evaluated by means of structural-optical coherence tomography (S-OCT). VEGF-A serum levels decreased in NPDR and PDR patients treated with aflibercept, compared to naïve DR patients. PlGF serum levels were modulated only in aflibercept-treated NPDR patients. Particularly, TGFβ1 serum levels were predictive of disease progression from NPDR to PDR. A Multivariate ANOVA analysis (M-ANOVA) was also carried out to assess the effects of fixed factors on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, TGFβ1, and diabetes duration. In conclusion, our data have strengthened the hypothesis that TGFβ1 would be a biomarker and pharmacological target of diabetic retinopathy.

Synergistic interactions of PlGF and VEGF contribute to blood-retinal barrier breakdown through canonical NFκB activation

To investigate the role of placental growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (PlGF-VEGF) heterodimers are involved in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and the associated mechanism, human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were treated with recombinant human (rh)PlGF-VEGF heterodimers and rhPlGF and studied in normal and high-glucose conditions. HREC barrier function was evaluated by the measurement of trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5 (AAV5) vectors overexpressed PlGF in the retina by intravitreal injection into the C57BL6 mouse eye. AAV5-GFP vector and naïve animals were used as controls. Immunofluorescence (IF) and western blots examined the protein expression of PlGF-VEGF heterodimers, VEGF, PlGF, NFκB, p-IκBα, ZO-1, and VE-cadherin in HREC and mouse retina. PlGF-VEGF heterodimers were detected predominantly in the HREC cell nuclei based on IF and cytoplasmic and nuclear fractionation experiments. High glucose treatment increased PlGF-VEGF nuclear abundance. Dot immunoblotting demonstrated a strong affinity of the 5D11D4 antibody to PlGF-VEGF heterodimers. rhPlGF-VEGF disrupted the barrier function of HREC, which was prevented by the neutralization of PlGF-VEGF by the 5D11D4 antibody. Stimulation of HRECs with rhPlGF also led to an increase in the nuclear signals for PlGF-VEGF, p-IκBα, and colocalization of NFκB p65 and PlGF-VEGF in the nuclei. The selective IKK2 inhibitor IMD0354 disrupted the nuclear colocalization. Treatment with IMD0354 restored the barrier function of HREC, as indicated by the ZO-1 and VE-cadherin expression. In the mouse retinas, PlGF overexpression by AAV5 vector reduced ZO-1 expression and increased abundance of pIκBα. PIGF/VEGF heterodimers mediate BRB breakdown potentially through the canonical NFκB activation.

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

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.

Aflibercept ameliorates retinal pericyte loss and restores perfusion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

INTRODUCTION

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are used worldwide for advanced-stage diabetic retinopathy (DR). In contrast, apart from blood glucose control, there are no specific treatments that can limit the progression of early-stage DR that starts with pericyte loss and the destruction of the blood-retinal barrier. Here, we examined the efficacy of aflibercept, a potent anti-VEGF agent, against early-DR pathologies in a murine model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

STZ was intraperitoneally administered in 8-week-old C57BL/6N male mice. After 4 weeks, the mice were divided into aflibercept-treated and saline-treated groups. Eight weeks after the STZ injection, vascular permeability/leakage was measured with fluorescein angiography in live mice. At 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the STZ injection, the eyes were enucleated, flat-mounted, and stained for platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β to assess pericyte abundance, CD45 to assess leukocyte recruitment, and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran to assess perfusion. VEGF levels were quantified in each group. The effects of aflibercept on pericyte number, perfusion status, and leukocyte recruitment/accumulation on mice with diabetes retina were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our murine model successfully replicated the salient pathologies of DR such as pericytes loss, hyperpermeability, and perfusion blockage. Interestingly, numerous leukocytes and leukocyte clumps were found in diabetic retinal capillaries, especially in the non-perfused border area of the retina, suggesting a possible mechanism for non-perfusion and related pericyte damage. Treatment with aflibercept in mice with diabetes inhibited the upregulation of VEGF and the associated adhesion molecules while reducing the defects in perfusion. Aflibercept also attenuated pericyte loss in the diabetic retina.

CONCLUSION

VEGF inhibition through aflibercept treatment decreased leukocyte recruitment and aggregation, perfusion blockage, retinal hypoperfusion, and hyperpermeability in mice with diabetes and ultimately attenuated pericyte loss. Our findings suggest that anti-VEGF strategies may prove useful as possible therapies for limiting the progression of early-stage DR.

Development of a Recombinant Monospecific Anti-PLGF Bivalent Nanobody and Evaluation of it in Angiogenesis Modulation

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.