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Sha L, Zhao Y, Li S, Wei D, Tao Y, Wang Y. Insights to Ang/Tie signaling pathway: another rosy dawn for treating retinal and choroidal vascular diseases. J Transl Med 2024; 22:898. [PMID: 39367441 PMCID: PMC11451039 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05441-y] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurovascular unit (NVU) is a multi-cellular structure that consists of the functional coupling between neural tissue and vascular system. Disrupted NVU will result in the occurrence of retinal and choroidal vascular diseases, which are characterized by the development of neovascularization, increased vascular permeability, and inflammation. This pathological entity mainly includes neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular-AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Emerging evidences suggest that the angopoietin/tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and epidermal growth factor homology domains (Ang/Tie) signaling pathway is essential for the development of retinal and choroidal vascular. Tie receptors and their downstream pathways play a key role in modulating the vascular development, vascular stability, remodeling and angiogenesis. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) is a natural agonist of Tie2 receptor, which can promote vascular stability. On the other hand, angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) is an antagonist of Tie2 receptor that causes vascular instability. Currently, agents targeting the Ang/Tie signaling pathway have been used to inhibit neovascularization and vascular leakage in neovascular-AMD and DR animal models. Particularly, the AKB-9778 and Faricimab have shown promising efficacy in improving visual acuity in patients with neovascular-AMD and DR. These experimental and clinical evidences suggest that activation of Ang/Tie signaling pathway can inhibit the vascular permeability, neovascularization, thereby maintaining the normal function and structure of NVU. This review seeks to introduce the versatile functions and elucidate the modulatory mechanisms of Ang/Tie signaling pathway. Recent pharmacologic therapies targeting this pathway are also elaborated and summarized. Further translation of these findings may afford a new therapeutic strategy from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Sha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yameng Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Dong Wei
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| | - Yange Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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Deissler HL, Rehak M, Lytvynchuk L. VEGF-A 165a and angiopoietin-2 differently affect the barrier formed by retinal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 247:110062. [PMID: 39187056 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to VEGF-A165a over several days leads to a persistent dysfunction of the very tight barrier formed by immortalized endothelial cells of the bovine retina (iBREC). Elevated permeability of the barrier is indicated by low cell index values determined by electric cell-substrate impedance measurements, by lower amounts of claudin-1, and by disruption of the homogenous and continuous staining of vascular endothelial cadherin at the plasma membrane. Because of findings that suggest modulation of VEGF-A's detrimental effects on the inner blood-retina barrier by the angiogenic growth factor angiopoietin-2, we investigated in more detail in vitro whether this growth factor indeed changes the stability of the barrier formed by retinal endothelial cells or modulates effects of VEGF-A. In view of the clinical relevance of anti-VEGF therapy, we also studied whether blocking VEGF-A-driven signaling is sufficient to prevent barrier dysfunction induced by a combination of both growth factors. Although angiopoietin-2 stimulated proliferation of iBREC, the formed barrier was not weakened at a concentration of 3 nM: Cell index values remained high and expression or subcellular localization of claudin-1 and vascular endothelial cadherin, respectively, were not affected. Angiopoietin-2 enhanced the changes induced by VEGF-A165a and this was more pronounced at lower concentrations of VEGF-A165a. Specific inhibition of the VEGF receptors with tivozanib as well as interfering with binding of VEGF-A to its receptors with bevacizumab prevented the detrimental effects of the growth factors; dual binding of angiopoietin-2 and VEGF-A by faricimab was marginally more efficient. Uptake of extracellular angiopoietin-2 by iBREC can be efficiently prevented by addition of faricimab which is also internalized by the cells. Exposure of the cells to faricimab over several days stabilized their barrier, confirming that inhibition of VEGF-A signaling is not harmful to this cell type. Taken together, our results confirm the dominant role of VEGF-A165a in processes resulting in increased permeability of retinal endothelial cells in which angiopoietin-2 might play a minor modulating role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun L Deissler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Matus Rehak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Lyubomyr Lytvynchuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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Hartnett ME, Fickweiler W, Adamis AP, Brownlee M, Das A, Duh EJ, Feener EP, King G, Kowluru R, Luhmann UF, Storti F, Wykoff CC, Aiello LP. Rationale of Basic and Cellular Mechanisms Considered in Updating the Staging System for Diabetic Retinal Disease. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100521. [PMID: 39006804 PMCID: PMC11245984 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2024.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for early lesions of diabetic retinal disease (DRD). Updating the DRD staging system to incorporate relevant basic and cellular mechanisms pertinent to DRD is necessary to better address early disease, disease progression, the use of therapeutic interventions, and treatment effectiveness. Design We sought to review preclinical and clinical evidence on basic and cellular mechanisms potentially pertinent to DRD that might eventually be relevant to update the DRD staging system. Participants Not applicable. Methods The Basic and Cellular Mechanisms Working Group (BCM-WG) of the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative carefully and extensively reviewed available preclinical and clinical evidence through multiple iterations and classified these. Main Outcome Measures Classification was made into evidence grids, level of supporting evidence, and anticipated future relevance to DRD. Results A total of 40 identified targets based on pathophysiology and other parameters for DRD were grouped into concepts or evaluated as specific candidates. VEGFA, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha related pathways, plasma kallikrein, and angiopoietin 2 had strong agreement as promising for use as biomarkers in diagnostic, monitoring, predictive, prognostic, and pharmacodynamic responses as well as for susceptibility/risk biomarkers that could underlie new assessments and eventually be considered within an updated DRD staging system or treatment, based on the evidence and need for research that would fit within a 2-year timeline. The BCM-WG found there was strong reason also to pursue the following important concepts regarding scientific research of DRD acknowledging their regulation by hyperglycemia: inflammatory/cytokines, oxidative signaling, vasoprotection, neuroprotection, mitophagy, and nutrients/microbiome. Conclusion Promising targets that might eventually be considered within an updated DRD staging system or treatment were identified. Although the BCM-WG recognizes that at this stage little can be incorporated into a new DRD staging system, numerous potential targets and important concepts deserve continued support and research, as they may eventually serve as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets with measurable benefits to patients with diabetes. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Elizabeth Hartnett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute of Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Ward Fickweiler
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony P. Adamis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Brownlee
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Einstein Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Arup Das
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Elia J. Duh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Edward P. Feener
- Research Division, KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - George King
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Renu Kowluru
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual & Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ulrich F.O. Luhmann
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Translational Medicine Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Federica Storti
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Translational Medicine Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles C. Wykoff
- Ophthalmology, Retina Consultants of Texas, Houston, Texas
- Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Lloyd Paul Aiello
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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van Leeuwen ALI, Dekker NAM, Ibelings R, Tuip-de Boer AM, van Meurs M, Molema G, van den Brom CE. Modulation of angiopoietin-2 and Tie2: Organ specific effects of microvascular leakage and edema in mice. Microvasc Res 2024; 154:104694. [PMID: 38723844 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Critical illness is associated with organ failure, in which endothelial hyperpermeability and tissue edema play a major role. The endothelial angiopoietin/Tie2 system, a regulator of endothelial permeability, is dysbalanced during critical illness. Elevated circulating angiopoietin-2 and decreased Tie2 receptor levels are reported, but it remains unclear whether they cause edema independent of other critical illness-associated alterations. Therefore, we have studied the effect of angiopoietin-2 administration and/or reduced Tie2 expression on microvascular leakage and edema under normal conditions. METHODS Transgenic male mice with partial deletion of Tie2 (heterozygous exon 9 deletion, Tie2+/-) and wild-type controls (Tie2+/+) received 24 or 72 pg/g angiopoietin-2 or PBS as control (n = 12 per group) intravenously. Microvascular leakage and edema were determined by Evans blue dye (EBD) extravasation and wet-to-dry weight ratio, respectively, in lungs and kidneys. Expression of molecules related to endothelial angiopoietin/Tie2 signaling were determined by ELISA and RT-qPCR. RESULTS In Tie2+/+ mice, angiopoietin-2 administration increased EBD extravasation (154 %, p < 0.05) and wet-to-dry weight ratio (133 %, p < 0.01) in lungs, but not in the kidney compared to PBS. Tie2+/- mice had higher pulmonary (143 %, p < 0.001), but not renal EBD extravasation, compared to wild-type control mice, whereas a more pronounced wet-to-dry weight ratio was observed in lungs (155 %, p < 0.0001), in contrast to a minor higher wet-to-dry weight ratio in kidneys (106 %, p < 0.05). Angiopoietin-2 administration to Tie2+/- mice did not further increase pulmonary EBD extravasation, pulmonary wet-to-dry weight ratio, or renal wet-to-dry weight ratio. Interestingly, angiopoietin-2 administration resulted in an increased renal EBD extravasation in Tie2+/- mice compared to Tie2+/- mice receiving PBS. Both angiopoietin-2 administration and partial deletion of Tie2 did not affect circulating angiopoietin-1, soluble Tie2, VEGF and NGAL as well as gene expression of angiopoietin-1, -2, Tie1, VE-PTP, ELF-1, Ets-1, KLF2, GATA3, MMP14, Runx1, VE-cadherin, VEGFα and NGAL, except for gene and protein expression of Tie2, which was decreased in Tie2+/- mice compared to Tie2+/+ mice. CONCLUSIONS In mice, the microvasculature of the lungs is more vulnerable to angiopoietin-2 and partial deletion of Tie2 compared to those in the kidneys with respect to microvascular leakage and edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoek L I van Leeuwen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole A M Dekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roselique Ibelings
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anita M Tuip-de Boer
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matijs van Meurs
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Critical Care, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Grietje Molema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Charissa E van den Brom
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Chen-Li G, Martinez-Archer R, Coghi A, Roca JA, Rodriguez FJ, Acaba-Berrocal L, Berrocal MH, Wu L. Beyond VEGF: Angiopoietin-Tie Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2778. [PMID: 38792322 PMCID: PMC11122151 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Complications from diabetic retinopathy such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) constitute leading causes of preventable vision loss in working-age patients. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of these complications, VEGF inhibitors have been the cornerstone of their treatment. Anti-VEGF monotherapy is an effective but burdensome treatment for DME. However, due to the intensive and burdensome treatment, most patients in routine clinical practice are undertreated, and therefore, their outcomes are compromised. Even in adequately treated patients, persistent DME is reported anywhere from 30% to 60% depending on the drug used. PDR is currently treated by anti-VEGF, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or a combination of both. Similarly, a number of eyes, despite these treatments, continue to progress to tractional retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Clearly there are other molecular pathways other than VEGF involved in the pathogenesis of DME and PDR. One of these pathways is the angiopoietin-Tie signaling pathway. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) plays a major role in maintaining vascular quiescence and stability. It acts as a molecular brake against vascular destabilization and inflammation that is usually promoted by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Several pathological conditions including chronic hyperglycemia lead to Ang2 upregulation. Recent regulatory approval of the bi-specific antibody, faricimab, may improve long term outcomes in DME. It targets both the Ang/Tie and VEGF pathways. The YOSEMITE and RHINE were multicenter, double-masked, randomized non-inferiority phase 3 clinical trials that compared faricimab to aflibercept in eyes with center-involved DME. At 12 months of follow-up, faricimab demonstrated non-inferior vision gains, improved anatomic outcomes and a potential for extended dosing when compared to aflibercept. The 2-year results of the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials demonstrated that the anatomic and functional results obtained at the 1 year follow-up were maintained. Short term outcomes of previously treated and treatment-naive eyes with DME that were treated with faricimab during routine clinical practice suggest a beneficial effect of faricimab over other agents. Targeting of Ang2 has been reported by several other means including VE-PTP inhibitors, integrin binding peptide and surrobodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesis Chen-Li
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
| | - Rebeca Martinez-Archer
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
| | - Andres Coghi
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
| | | | | | - Luis Acaba-Berrocal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, School of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Lihteh Wu
- Asociados de Mácula Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José 60612, Costa Rica (R.M.-A.); (A.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, School of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Machida A, Oishi A, Ikeda J, Kurihara J, Yoneda A, Tsuiki E, Hirata Y, Murakami R, Kitaoka T. Factors Associated with Success of Switching to Faricimab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Refractory to Intravitreal Aflibercept. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:476. [PMID: 38672747 PMCID: PMC11051354 DOI: 10.3390/life14040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the factors associated with the success of switching to faricimab for type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) refractory to intravitreal aflibercept (IVA). This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 1 MNV who were switched to faricimab because they were refractory to IVA at two centers. The primary endpoint was a more than two-week extension of the treatment interval after 6 months. In addition, factors related to the success or failure of extension and visual and anatomical outcomes were assessed. The analysis included 43 eyes from 43 patients. Extended dosing intervals of >2 weeks were identified in 14 eyes (32.6%). A short dosing interval before switching, absence of polypoidal lesions, and thin central choroidal thickness before switching were identified as factors involved in successful extension. For patients with refractory type 1 MNV, switching to faricimab is a safe and potential option to extend existing dosing intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Machida
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8102, Japan; (A.M.); (J.I.); (E.T.); (Y.H.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Akio Oishi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8102, Japan; (A.M.); (J.I.); (E.T.); (Y.H.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Junichiro Ikeda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8102, Japan; (A.M.); (J.I.); (E.T.); (Y.H.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Junko Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital, Nagasaki 852-8104, Japan
| | - Ai Yoneda
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital, Nagasaki 852-8104, Japan
| | - Eiko Tsuiki
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8102, Japan; (A.M.); (J.I.); (E.T.); (Y.H.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Yuki Hirata
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8102, Japan; (A.M.); (J.I.); (E.T.); (Y.H.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Ryuya Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8102, Japan; (A.M.); (J.I.); (E.T.); (Y.H.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Takashi Kitaoka
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki 852-8102, Japan; (A.M.); (J.I.); (E.T.); (Y.H.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
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Huang Y, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Xie M, Wang F, Qin J, Ye H, Zhang H, Zhang C, Hong J. A Nucleic Acid-Based LYTAC Plus Platform to Simultaneously Mediate Disease-Driven Protein Downregulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306248. [PMID: 38251411 PMCID: PMC10987141 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Protein degradation techniques, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs), have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of diseases. However, the efficacy of current protein degradation methods still needs to be improved to address the complex mechanisms underlying diseases. Herein, a LYTAC Plus hydrogel engineered is proposed by nucleic acid self-assembly, which integrates a gene silencing motif into a LYTAC construct to enhance its therapeutic potential. As a proof-of-concept study, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-binding peptides and mannose-6 phosphate (M6P) moieties into a self-assembled nucleic acid hydrogel are introduced, enabling its LYTAC capability. Small interference RNAs (siRNAs) is then employed that target the angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) gene as cross-linkers for hydrogel formation, giving the final LYTAC Plus hydrogel gene silencing ability. With dual functionalities, the LYTAC Plus hydrogel demonstrated effectiveness in simultaneously reducing the levels of VEGFR-2 and ANG-2 both in vitro and in vivo, as well as in improving therapeutic outcomes in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration in a mouse model. As a general material platform, the LYTAC Plus hydrogel may possess great potential for the treatment of various diseases and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesShanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral DrugsShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Xujiao Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision ScienceShanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200030P. R. China
| | - Yirou Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision ScienceShanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200030P. R. China
| | - Miao Xie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesShanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral DrugsShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Fujun Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesShanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral DrugsShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Jingcan Qin
- Department of RadiologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Han Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision ScienceShanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200030P. R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision ScienceShanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200030P. R. China
- Department of Ophthalmologythe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang550025P. R. China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringFrontiers Science Center for Transformative MoleculesShanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral DrugsShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Jiaxu Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision ScienceShanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200030P. R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Synthetic ImmunologyShanghai200032China
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Lei W, Xu H, Yao H, Li L, Wang M, Zhou X, Liu X. 5α-Hydroxycostic acid inhibits choroidal neovascularization in rats through a dual signalling pathway mediated by VEGF and angiopoietin 2. Mol Med 2023; 29:151. [PMID: 37914992 PMCID: PMC10621151 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00674-x] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5α-Hydroxycostic acid is a eudemane sesquiterpene that is isolated from the natural plant, Laggera alata. It exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects on human breast cancer cells, but its role and underlying mechanism in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are still unclear. We conducted a study to verify that 5α-Hydroxycostic acid can inhibit the formation and leakage of CNV, and describe the possible dual pathway by which it exerts its inhibitory effects in this process. METHODS An in vitro model of choroidal neovascularization was established using VEGF164, while a rat model of choroidal neovascularization was established using a 532 nm laser. In both models, the effects of 5α-Hydroxycostic acid in vivo and in vitro were evaluated to determine its inhibitory effect on abnormal cell proliferation, migration and tubule formation, as well as its effect on pathological changes in choroidal tissues and the area of neovascularization leakage in rats. The levels of components in the VEGF/VEGFR and Ang2/Tie2 signaling pathways were measured in tissues and cells. RESULTS In vitro experiments have shown that 5α-Hydroxycostic acid can inhibit abnormal cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Additionally, 5α-Hydroxycostic acid enhances cell adhesion by inhibiting the phosphorylation pathways of VEGFR2 and Tie2. In vivo experiments demonstrated that 5α-Hydroxycostic acid has a positive therapeutic effect on choroidal neovascularization in rats. It can effectively reduce vascular leakage, consistent with the results of the cell experiments. CONCLUSION 5α-Hydroxycostic acid can inhibit choroidal neovascularization by interfering with the VEGF- and Ang2/Tie2-related pathways, and it may be a good candidate drug for treating CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulong Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Huan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hao Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Lanjiao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Menglei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Xueqin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Takamura Y, Yamada Y, Morioka M, Gozawa M, Matsumura T, Inatani M. Turnover of Microaneurysms After Intravitreal Injections of Faricimab for Diabetic Macular Edema. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:31. [PMID: 37856112 PMCID: PMC10593137 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Microaneurysm (MA) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema (DME) progression and response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of faricimab, a bispecific antibody against angiopoietin-2 and VEGF, on the number of MAs and their turnover in the treatment of DME. Methods We included that patients with DME who underwent three monthly injections of faricimab in one eye, with the other eye as control. We examined central retinal thickness (CRT) based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best-corrected visual acuity. Turnover, including loss and newly formed MAs, and the total number of MAs were counted based on merged images of the OCT map and fluorescein angiography. Results We enrolled 28 patients with DME. After 3 monthly injections of faricimab, CRT significantly improved, 66.0 ± 16.2% of MAs disappeared, and 6.71 ± 5.6% of new MAs were generated, resulting in total reduction to 40.7 ± 15.2%. In the treated eyes, MA disappearance (P < 0.0001) and turnover (P = 0.007) were significantly greater, and new formation was smaller (P < 0.0001) than in non-treated eyes. The size of the retained MAs decreased after treatment. Microaneurysm turnover was not significantly different between areas with and without edema before treatment. Conclusions In the process of improving edema in DME with faricimab, MAs shrink and disappear, and formation of MAs are inhibited, resulting in decreased total number of MAs. Intravitreal administration of faricimab suppresses vascular permeability and improves vascular structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Takamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui-ken, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui-ken, Japan
| | - Masakazu Morioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui-ken, Japan
| | - Makoto Gozawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui-ken, Japan
| | - Takehiro Matsumura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui-ken, Japan
| | - Masaru Inatani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui-ken, Japan
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Abdul Ghani NA, Abdul Nasir NA, Lambuk L, Sadikan MZ, Agarwal R, Ramli N. The effect of palm oil-derived tocotrienol-rich fraction in preserving normal retinal vascular diameter in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:1587-1596. [PMID: 36622408 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with increased retinal expression of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and protein kinase C (PKC). Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) has been shown to reduce the expression vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in several experimental models. However, its effect against other angiogenic markers such as Ang-2 and PKC in rat model of diabetes remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of TRF on the retinal vascular changes and Ang-2 and PKC expressions in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal control rats (N) which received vehicle, and diabetic rats which either received vehicle (DV) or 100 mg/kg of TRF (DT). Diabetes was induced with intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight). Treatments were given orally, once daily, for 12 weeks after confirmation of hyperglycaemia. Fundus photographs were captured at baseline, 6- and 12-week post-STZ injection and average diameter of retinal veins and arteries were measured. At 12-week post-STZ injection, rats were euthanised, and retinae were collected for measurement of Ang-2 and PKC gene and protein expressions. RESULTS Retinal venous and arterial diameters were significantly greater in DV compared to DT at week 12 post-STZ injection (p < 0.001 and < 0.05, respectively). The vessel diameter measurements in DT were comparable to N and this effect of TRF was associated with significantly lower Ang-2 and PKC gene and protein expressions compared to DV. CONCLUSION Oral TRF reduces the expression of retinal angiogenic markers and preserves the retinal vascular diameter of rats with STZ-induced DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurliyana Ain Abdul Ghani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Eye Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Alimah Abdul Nasir
- Centre for Neuroscience Research, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Lidawani Lambuk
- Centre for Neuroscience Research, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Zulfiqah Sadikan
- Centre for Neuroscience Research, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Bukit Baru, 75150, Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norlina Ramli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Eye Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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11
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Heier JS, Ho AC, Boyer DS, Csaky K, Vitti R, Perlee L, Chu KW, Asmus F, Leal S, Zeitz O, Cheng Y, Schmelter T, Brown DM. Intravitreal Nesvacumab (Anti-Angiopoietin-2) Plus Aflibercept in Neovascular AMD: Phase 2 ONYX Randomized Trial. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2022; 7:8-15. [PMID: 37008402 PMCID: PMC9954160 DOI: 10.1177/24741264221126061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To compare intravitreal nesvacumab (anti-angiopoietin-2) + aflibercept vs intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: Eyes were randomized (1:2:3) to nesvacumab 3 mg + aflibercept 2 mg (LD combo), nesvacumab 6 mg + aflibercept 2 mg (HD combo), or IAI 2 mg at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The LD combo was continued every 8 weeks (q8w). At week 12, the HD combo was re-randomized to q8w or every 12 weeks (q12w) and IAI was re-randomized to q8w, q12w, or HD combo q8w through week 32. Results: The study comprised 365 eyes. At week 12, the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gains from baseline were similar in the LD combo group, HD combo group, and IAI group (5.2 letters, 5.6 letters, and 5.4 letters, respectively); the mean central subfield thickness (CST) reductions were similar (182.2 µm, 200.0 µm, and 178.6 µm, respectively). The mean changes in BCVA and CST through week 36 were similar across groups. At week 12, complete retinal fluid resolution was observed in 49.1% (LD combo), 50.8% (HD combo), and 43.6% (IAI) of eyes; the proportions with a CST of 300 μm or less were similar across groups. Numerical trends at week 32 toward complete retinal fluid resolution with combination treatment were not maintained at week 36. Serious ocular adverse events were infrequent and comparable across groups. Conclusions: In nAMD, nesvacumab + aflibercept showed no additional BCVA or CST benefit over IAI monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David S. Boyer
- Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, Beverly Hills, CA, USA
| | - Karl Csaky
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert Vitti
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Lorah Perlee
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Karen W. Chu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Oliver Zeitz
- Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - David M. Brown
- Retina Consultants of Texas (Retina Consultants of America), Houston, TX, USA
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12
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Boone CV, Wykoff CC, Fine HF. From Bench to Bedside: Faricimab Enters the Clinic. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022; 53:305-309. [PMID: 35724370 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20220516-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Intravitreal Nesvacumab (Anti-Angiopoietin 2) Plus Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Edema: The Phase 2 RUBY Randomized Trial. Retina 2022; 42:1111-1120. [PMID: 35234673 PMCID: PMC9112959 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. In a Phase 2 study of patients with diabetic macular edema, combination treatment with intravitreal nesvacumab (antiangiopoietin 2) plus aflibercept (antivascular endothelial growth factor) demonstrated some evidence of anatomic improvements but did not demonstrate superior visual acuity benefits over intravitreal aflibercept alone. The purpose of this study was to compare intravitreal nesvacumab (anti-angiopoietin 2) plus aflibercept with intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in diabetic macular edema.
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14
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Khanani AM, Russell MW, Aziz AA, Danzig CJ, Weng CY, Eichenbaum DA, Singh RP. Angiopoietins as Potential Targets in Management of Retinal Disease. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15:3747-3755. [PMID: 34511878 PMCID: PMC8427682 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s231801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ang/Tie2 pathway complements VEGF-mediated activity in retinal vascular diseases such as DME, AMD, and RVO by decreasing vascular integrity, increasing neovascularization, and increasing inflammatory signaling. Faricimab is a bispecific antibody that has been developed as an inhibitor of both VEGF and Ang2 that has shown positive results in phase I, II and III trials. Recent Year 1 data from phase III clinical trials YOSEMITE, RHINE, TENAYA, and LUCERNE have confirmed the efficacy, safety, durability, and superiority of faricimab in patients with DME and nAMD. Faricimab, if approved, may significantly decrease treatment burden in patients with retinal vascular diseases to a greater extent than would current standard of care anti-VEGF injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad M Khanani
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA
- The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Matthew W Russell
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aamir A Aziz
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA
- The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Carl J Danzig
- Rand Eye Institute, Deerfield, FLA, USA
- Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | | | - David A Eichenbaum
- Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, St Petersburg, FLA, USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FLA, USA
| | - Rishi P Singh
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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15
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Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema pathways and management: UK Consensus Working Group. Eye (Lond) 2021; 34:1-51. [PMID: 32504038 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-0961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has evolved considerably over the past decade, with the availability of new technologies (diagnostic and therapeutic). As such, the existing Royal College of Ophthalmologists DR Guidelines (2013) are outdated, and to the best of our knowledge are not under revision at present. Furthermore, there are no other UK guidelines covering all available treatments, and there seems to be significant variation around the UK in the management of diabetic macular oedema (DMO). This manuscript provides a summary of reviews the pathogenesis of DR and DMO, including role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and non-VEGF cytokines, clinical grading/classification of DMO vis a vis current terminology (of centre-involving [CI-DMO], or non-centre involving [nCI-DMO], systemic risks and their management). The excellent UK DR Screening (DRS) service has continued to evolve and remains world-leading. However, challenges remain, as there are significant variations in equipment used, and reproducible standards of DMO screening nationally. The interphase between DRS and the hospital eye service can only be strengthened with further improvements. The role of modern technology including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide-field imaging, and working practices including virtual clinics and their potential in increasing clinic capacity and improving patient experiences and outcomes are discussed. Similarly, potential roles of home monitoring in diabetic eyes in the future are explored. The role of pharmacological (intravitreal injections [IVT] of anti-VEGFs and steroids) and laser therapies are summarised. Generally, IVT anti-VEGF are offered as first line pharmacologic therapy. As requirements of diabetic patients in particular patient groups may vary, including pregnant women, children, and persons with learning difficulties, it is important that DR management is personalised in such particular patient groups. First choice therapy needs to be individualised in these cases and may be intravitreal steroids rather than the standard choice of anti-VEGF agents. Some of these, but not all, are discussed in this document.
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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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17
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Kim D, Choi SW, Cho J, Been JH, Choi K, Jiang W, Han J, Oh J, Park C, Choi S, Seo S, Kim KL, Suh W, Lee SK, Kim S. Discovery of Novel Small-Molecule Antiangiogenesis Agents to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5535-5550. [PMID: 33902285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness which is associated with excessive angiogenesis. Using the structure of wondonin marine natural products, we previously created a scaffold to develop a novel type of antiangiogenesis agent that possesses minimized cytotoxicity. To overcome its poor pharmaceutical properties, we further modified the structure. A new scaffold was derived in which the stereogenic carbon was changed to nitrogen and the 1,2,3-triazole ring was replaced by an alkyl chain. By comparing the bioactivity versus cytotoxicity, compound 31 was selected, which has improved aqueous solubility and an enhanced selectivity index. Mechanistically, 31 suppressed angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) expression induced by high glucose in retinal cells and exhibited in vivo antiangiogenic activity in choroidal neovascularization and oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse models. These results suggest the potential of 31 as a lead to develop antiangiogenic small-molecule drugs to treat diabetic retinopathy and as a chemical tool to elucidate new mechanisms of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwa Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sang Won Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jihee Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jae-Hui Been
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Kyoungsun Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Wenzhe Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jaeho Han
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jedo Oh
- Hana Pharmaceutical Co., Pangyo 13486, Korea
| | | | | | - Songyi Seo
- Department of Global Innovative Drug, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Koung Li Kim
- Department of Global Innovative Drug, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Wonhee Suh
- Department of Global Innovative Drug, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sanghee Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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18
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Karska-Basta I, Pociej-Marciak W, Chrząszcz M, Kubicka-Trząska A, Dębicka-Kumela M, Gawęcki M, Romanowska-Dixon B, Sanak M. Imbalance in the Levels of Angiogenic Factors in Patients with Acute and Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1087. [PMID: 33807809 PMCID: PMC7961803 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) remains a subject of intensive research. We aimed to determine correlations between plasma levels of selected angiogenic factors and different forms of CSC. METHODS Eighty patients were enrolled in the study including 30 with a chronic form of CSC, 30 with acute CSC, and 20 controls. Presence of active CSC was determined by fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Plasma concentrations of angiopoietin-1, endostatin, fibroblast growth factor, placental growth factor (PlGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA), thrombospondin-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-D, and pigment epithelium-derived factor were measured, and the results were compared between groups. Additionally, mean choroidal thickness (CT) was measured in all patients. RESULTS Levels of angiopoietin-1 (p = 0.008), PlGF (p = 0.045), and PDGF-AA (p = 0.033) differed significantly between the three groups. Compared with the controls, VEGF (p = 0.024), PlGF (p = 0.013), and PDGF-AA (p = 0.012) were downregulated in the whole CSC group, specifically PDGF-AA (p = 0.002) in acute CSC and angiopoietin-1 (p = 0.007) in chronic CSC. An inverse correlation between mean CT and VEGF levels was noted in CSC patients (rho = -0.27, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS Downregulated angiopoietin-1, VEGF, PDGF-AA, and PlGF levels may highlight the previously unknown role of the imbalanced levels of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of CSC. Moreover, downregulated VEGF levels may suggest that choroidal neovascularization in CSC is associated with arteriogenesis rather than angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Karska-Basta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-070 Krakow, Poland; (W.P.-M.); (M.C.); (A.K.-T.); (M.D.-K.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Weronika Pociej-Marciak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-070 Krakow, Poland; (W.P.-M.); (M.C.); (A.K.-T.); (M.D.-K.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Michał Chrząszcz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-070 Krakow, Poland; (W.P.-M.); (M.C.); (A.K.-T.); (M.D.-K.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Agnieszka Kubicka-Trząska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-070 Krakow, Poland; (W.P.-M.); (M.C.); (A.K.-T.); (M.D.-K.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Magdalena Dębicka-Kumela
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-070 Krakow, Poland; (W.P.-M.); (M.C.); (A.K.-T.); (M.D.-K.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Maciej Gawęcki
- Dobry Wzrok Ophthalmological Clinic, 80-402 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Bożena Romanowska-Dixon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-070 Krakow, Poland; (W.P.-M.); (M.C.); (A.K.-T.); (M.D.-K.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Marek Sanak
- Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College Faculty of Medicine, 31-066 Krakow, Poland;
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Nguyen QD, Heier JS, Do DV, Mirando AC, Pandey NB, Sheng H, Heah T. The Tie2 signaling pathway in retinal vascular diseases: a novel therapeutic target in the eye. Int J Retina Vitreous 2020; 6:48. [PMID: 33072401 PMCID: PMC7557096 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-020-00250-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal vascular diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion with macular edema—share several key pathophysiologic aspects including neovascularization, vascular permeability, and inflammation. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in these processes, and the therapeutic benefits of VEGF inhibition, have been well characterized. Anti-VEGF therapy is highly effective for many patients but is not uniformly effective in all patients and imposes a significant treatment burden. More recently, the role of the Tie2 signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of retinal vascular diseases has been investigated, and the Tie2 pathway represents a novel therapeutic target for these conditions. Areas covered The index review describes the Tie2 pathway and its complementary role to the VEGF pathway in the angiogenesis cascade and will summarize studies of molecules in development to therapeutically modulate the Tie2 pathway in retinal vascular diseases. Conclusions Activation of the Tie2 pathway leads to downstream signaling that promotes vascular health and stability and decreases vascular permeability and inflammation. AXT107 is a collagen IV–derived synthetic peptide with a dual mechanism of action that involves suppression of VEGF signaling and activation of the Tie2 pathway; these actions are accomplished by AXT107 binding to and disrupting different integrin, leading to blockade of the VEGF receptor and rearrangement of cellular Tie2 rendering it susceptible to Ang2 agonism. Other Tie2 agonist compounds are also in development, including faricimab and razuprotafib. Tie2 activation only modestly impacts angiogenesis on its own but significantly potentiates VEGF suppression. Co-regulation of the VEGF and Tie2 signaling pathways has the potential to improve functional and structural outcomes in eyes with retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Dong Nguyen
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | | | - Diana V Do
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | | | | | - Huan Sheng
- AsclepiX Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD USA
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Darche M, Cossutta M, Caruana L, Houppe C, Gilles ME, Habert D, Guilloneau X, Vignaud L, Paques M, Courty J, Cascone I. Antagonist of nucleolin, N6L, inhibits neovascularization in mouse models of retinopathies. FASEB J 2020; 34:5851-5862. [PMID: 32141122 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901876r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal vascular diseases (RVD) have been identified as a major cause of blindness worldwide. These pathologies, including the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, and diabetic retinopathy are currently treated by intravitreal delivery of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. However, repeated intravitreal injections can lead to ocular complications and resistance to these treatments. Thus, there is a need to find new targeted therapies. Nucleolin regulates the endothelial cell (EC) activation and angiogenesis. In previous studies, we designed a pseudopeptide, N6L, that binds the nucleolin and blocks the tumor angiogenesis. In this study, the effect of N6L was investigated in two experimental models of retinopathies including oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We found that in mouse OIR, intraperitoneal injection of N6L is delivered to activated ECs and induced a 50% reduction of pathological neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic effect of N6L has been tested in CNV model in which the systemic injection of N6L induced a 33% reduction of angiogenesis. This effect is comparable to those obtained with VEGF-trap, a standard of care drug for RVD. Interestingly, with preventive and curative treatments, neoangiogenesis is inhibited by 59%. Our results have potential interest in the development of new therapies targeting other molecules than VEGF for RVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Darche
- CRRET Laboratory, CNRS ERL 9215, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
- Clinical Investigation Center 1423, Centre Hospitalier National des Quinze-Vingts, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ForeSight, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Mélissande Cossutta
- CRRET Laboratory, CNRS ERL 9215, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Laure Caruana
- CRRET Laboratory, CNRS ERL 9215, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Claire Houppe
- CRRET Laboratory, CNRS ERL 9215, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | | | - Damien Habert
- CRRET Laboratory, CNRS ERL 9215, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Xavier Guilloneau
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Lucile Vignaud
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Michel Paques
- Clinical Investigation Center 1423, Centre Hospitalier National des Quinze-Vingts, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ForeSight, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - José Courty
- CRRET Laboratory, CNRS ERL 9215, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Ilaria Cascone
- CRRET Laboratory, CNRS ERL 9215, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
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Vascularity and Angiogenic Signaling in the Dentine-Pulp Complex of Immature and Mature Permanent Teeth. Eur Endod J 2020; 4:80-85. [PMID: 32161892 PMCID: PMC7006546 DOI: 10.14744/eej.2019.26349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT. Objective This study aimed to examine the protein and gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins-1 and 2 in tissue from healthy and inflamed dental pulps. Methods Permanent teeth with pulps diagnosed as healthy or reversible pulpitis were used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and gene expression experiments. For IHC, a whole pulp tissue was excavated from the pulp chamber, and it was formalin-fixed and processed for routine IHC with angiogenic markers anti-VEGF, anti-Ang1, and anti-Ang2. Staining was visualized with diaminobenzidine (DAB), and examined using light microscopy. The distribution of markers in healthy and inflamed pulps was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT qPCR) was used to ascertain the gene expression levels of ANGPT1, ANGPT2, and TEK in the presence of inflammation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test with the statistical significance level set at 0.05. Results There was increased protein and mRNA expression of VEGF and Ang-1 markers in inflamed pulp samples as compared with that in the healthy pulp tissue. IHC demonstrated intense expression of the VEGF protein on endothelial cells (EC) and some non-ECs, and there was significantly more staining on ECs associated with inflamed tissue (P<0.001). Ang-1 and Ang-2 were significantly expressed on ECs and non-ECs (P<0.05). RT qPCR did not show significant differences in gene expression between healthy and inflamed samples although similar trends were observed to IHC. Conclusion The presence of Ang-1, Ang-2, VEGF, and TEK gene in healthy and mildly inflamed pulp tissue associated with reversible pulpitis indicates that these angiogenic factors may participate in physiological and pathological angiogenesis and healing. The inflammatory process may regulate Ang-1/Ang2/Tie2 signaling; and together with VEGF, these growth factors have an important role in modulating pulp angiogenesis.
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22
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Rojo Arias JE, Economopoulou M, Juárez López DA, Kurzbach A, Au Yeung KH, Englmaier V, Merdausl M, Schaarschmidt M, Ader M, Morawietz H, Funk RHW, Jászai J. VEGF-Trap is a potent modulator of vasoregenerative responses and protects dopaminergic amacrine network integrity in degenerative ischemic neovascular retinopathy. J Neurochem 2019; 153:390-412. [PMID: 31550048 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinal hypoxia triggers abnormal vessel growth and microvascular hyper-permeability in ischemic retinopathies. Whereas vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) inhibitors significantly hinder disease progression, their benefits to retinal neurons remain poorly understood. Similar to humans, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice exhibit severe retinal microvascular malformations and profound neuronal dysfunction. OIR mice are thus a phenocopy of human retinopathy of prematurity, and a proxy for investigating advanced stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Hence, the OIR model offers an excellent platform for assessing morpho-functional responses of the ischemic retina to anti-angiogenic therapies. Using this model, we investigated the retinal responses to VEGF-Trap (Aflibercept), an anti-angiogenic agent recognizing ligands of VEGF receptors 1 and 2 that possesses regulatory approval for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular edema. Our results indicate that Aflibercept not only reduces the severity of retinal microvascular aberrations but also significantly improves neuroretinal function. Aflibercept administration significantly enhanced light-responsiveness, as revealed by electroretinographic examinations, and led to increased numbers of dopaminergic amacrine cells. Additionally, retinal transcriptional profiling revealed the concerted regulation of both angiogenic and neuronal targets, including transcripts encoding subunits of transmitter receptors relevant to amacrine cell function. Thus, Aflibercept represents a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of further progressive ischemic retinal neurovasculopathies beyond the set of disease conditions for which it has regulatory approval. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14743.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús E Rojo Arias
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Matina Economopoulou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - David A Juárez López
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Anica Kurzbach
- Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kwan H Au Yeung
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Vanessa Englmaier
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Marie Merdausl
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Martin Schaarschmidt
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Cluster of Excellence, Saxony, Germany
| | - Henning Morawietz
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Richard H W Funk
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - József Jászai
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
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Jászai J, Schmidt MHH. Trends and Challenges in Tumor Anti-Angiogenic Therapies. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091102. [PMID: 31540455 PMCID: PMC6770676 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive abnormal angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and is a hallmark of solid tumors. This process is driven by an imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors dominated by the tissue hypoxia-triggered overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF-mediated signaling has quickly become one of the most promising anti-angiogenic therapeutic targets in oncology. Nevertheless, the clinical efficacy of this approach is severely limited in certain tumor types or shows only transient efficacy in patients. Acquired or intrinsic therapy resistance associated with anti-VEGF monotherapeutic approaches indicates the necessity of a paradigm change when targeting neoangiogenesis in solid tumors. In this context, the elaboration of the conceptual framework of “vessel normalization” might be a promising approach to increase the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies and the survival rates of patients. Indeed, the promotion of vessel maturation instead of regressing tumors by vaso-obliteration could result in reduced tumor hypoxia and improved drug delivery. The implementation of such anti-angiogenic strategies, however, faces several pitfalls due to the potential involvement of multiple pro-angiogenic factors and modulatory effects of the innate and adaptive immune system. Thus, effective treatments bypassing relapses associated with anti-VEGF monotherapies or breaking the intrinsic therapy resistance of solid tumors might use combination therapies or agents with a multimodal mode of action. This review enumerates some of the current approaches and possible future directions of treating solid tumors by targeting neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Jászai
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Mirko H H Schmidt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 61920 Heidelberg, Germany.
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24
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Yuan J, Fang W, Lin A, Ni Z, Qian J. Angiopoietin-2/Tie2 Signaling Involved in TNF-α Induced Peritoneal Angiogenesis. Int J Artif Organs 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/039139881203500905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangzi Yuan
- Renal Division, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Center for Peritoneal Dialysis Research, Shanghai - China
| | - Wei Fang
- Renal Division, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Center for Peritoneal Dialysis Research, Shanghai - China
| | - Aiwu Lin
- Renal Division, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Center for Peritoneal Dialysis Research, Shanghai - China
| | - Zhaohui Ni
- Renal Division, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Center for Peritoneal Dialysis Research, Shanghai - China
| | - Jiaqi Qian
- Renal Division, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Center for Peritoneal Dialysis Research, Shanghai - China
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25
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Khalaf N, Helmy H, Labib H, Fahmy I, El Hamid MA, Moemen L. Role of Angiopoietins and Tie-2 in Diabetic Retinopathy. Electron Physician 2017; 9:5031-5035. [PMID: 28979738 PMCID: PMC5614288 DOI: 10.19082/5031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), soluble vascular endothelial tyrosine kinase receptor (Tie-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients having non-proliferative (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS One hundred patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were involved in this cross-sectional study. They were classified into 25 diabetic patients without retinopathy, 35 patients with NPDR and 40 PDR patients. The study was carried out in the outpatients clinic of the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt from August 2016 through May 2017. Serum VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2 receptor levels were assayed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel (Version 10) using ANOVA, Harman's single factor test, and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation. RESULTS The serum levels of Ang-2 and VEGF were significantly elevated in NPDR groups and PDR group compared to diabetics without retinopathy groups (p<0.001). The serum levels of Ang-1 were significantly higher in the NPDR group compared to the diabetics without retinopathy groups (p<0.01), while no significant difference was observed between the PDR and diabetics without retinopathy groups. Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio was the lowest in the PDR group compared to the NPDR and diabetics without retinopathy groups. The serum levels of Tie-2 were not significantly changed among the three studied groups, serum Ang-2 was positively correlated with VEGF and Tie-2 in the PDR and NPDR groups. CONCLUSION The angiopoietin/Tie system and VEGF are essential features in the commencement and development of PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nervana Khalaf
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hazem Helmy
- Ophthalmology Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hany Labib
- Ophthalmology Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Iman Fahmy
- Ophthalmology Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Abd El Hamid
- Medical Biochemistry Unit, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Leqaa Moemen
- Medical Biochemistry Unit, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
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Blecharz KG, Frey D, Schenkel T, Prinz V, Bedini G, Krug SM, Czabanka M, Wagner J, Fromm M, Bersano A, Vajkoczy P. Autocrine release of angiopoietin-2 mediates cerebrovascular disintegration in Moyamoya disease. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2017; 37:1527-1539. [PMID: 27381827 PMCID: PMC5453470 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x16658301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Moyamoya disease is a rare steno-occlusive cerebrovascular disorder often resulting in hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Although sharing the same ischemic stimulus with atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease, Moyamoya disease is characterized by a highly instable cerebrovascular system which is prone to rupture due to pathological neovascularization. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this instability, angiopoietin-2 gene expression was analyzed in middle cerebral artery lesions obtained from Moyamoya disease and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease patients. Angiopoietin-2 was significantly up-regulated in Moyamoya vessels, while serum concentrations of soluble angiopoietins were not changed. For further evaluations, cerebral endothelial cells incubated with serum from these patients in vitro were applied. In contrast to atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease serum, Moyamoya disease serum induced an angiopoietin-2 overexpression and secretion, accompanied by loss of endothelial integrity. These effects were absent or inverse in endothelial cells of non-brain origin suggesting brain endothelium specificity. The destabilizing effects on brain endothelial cells to Moyamoya disease serum were partially suppressed by the inhibition of angiopoietin-2. Our findings define brain endothelial cells as the potential source of vessel-destabilizing factors inducing the high plasticity state and disintegration in Moyamoya disease in an autocrine manner. We also provide new insights into Moyamoya disease pathophysiology that may be helpful for preventive treatment strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga G Blecharz
- 1 Department of Experimental Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Frey
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Schenkel
- 1 Department of Experimental Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vincent Prinz
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gloria Bedini
- 3 Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Neurology Unit, UCV, Milan, Italy.,4 Neurological Institute "C. Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Susanne M Krug
- 5 Institute of Clinical Physiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Czabanka
- 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephin Wagner
- 1 Department of Experimental Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Fromm
- 5 Institute of Clinical Physiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Bersano
- 6 Neurology Unit, UCV, Milan, Italy.,7 Neurological Institute "C. Besta", IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter Vajkoczy
- 1 Department of Experimental Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,2 Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,8 Center of Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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27
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Elevated angiopoietin 2 in aqueous of patients with neovascular age related macular degeneration correlates with disease severity at presentation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45081. [PMID: 28345626 PMCID: PMC5366858 DOI: 10.1038/srep45081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin 2 (ANG2) is a proangiogenic cytokine which may have an implication in neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD). In 24 eyes of 24 subjects presenting with treatment naïve nAMD and 26 eyes of 26 control patients, aqueous humor samples were collected at the time of intervention (intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or cataract extraction). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with and central macular thickness (CMT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) were measured before each injection in the nAMD group. Aqueous cytokine levels were determined by immunoassay using a multiplex array (Quansys Biosciences, Logan, UT). Levels of ANG2 in the aqueous were significantly higher in nAMD patients than those of the control group (p < 0.0001), so were hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP 1), all with p < 0.001. ANG2 correlated with worse BCVA (r = 0.44, p-value = 0.027) and greater CMT (r = 0.66, p-value < 0.0001) on optical coherence tomography (OCT). ANG2 is upregulated in patients with nAMD and correlates with severity of disease at presentation.
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28
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Therapeutic efficacy of neural stem cells originating from umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic retinopathy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:408. [PMID: 28341839 PMCID: PMC5412648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00298-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravitreal injection of neural stem cells (NSCs) originating from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) on neurodegeneration of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rats. UC-MSCs were isolated and passaged, followed by induction to NSCs in neural differentiation medium. Four weeks following NSC transplantation, treatment attenuated retinal vascular dysfunction compared with non-treated rats, and BDNF and Thy-1 expression was significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with NSCs prevented the decrease in BDNF levels caused by diabetes. The average leakage of Evans Blue (EB) dye in the treated group was significantly less than that in the control group. These morphological improvements were accompanied by a restoration of vision, as documented by F-ERG. NSCs originating from MSCs demonstrated a neuroprotective effect by increasing the number of surviving RGCs and significantly reducing the progression of DR. Thus, transplantation of NSCs could be a novel strategy for the treatment of neurodegeneration in DR.
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29
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Carter RN, Casillo SM, Mazzocchi AR, DesOrmeaux JPS, Roussie JA, Gaborski TR. Ultrathin transparent membranes for cellular barrier and co-culture models. Biofabrication 2017; 9:015019. [PMID: 28140345 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aa5ba7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Typical in vitro barrier and co-culture models rely upon thick semi-permeable polymeric membranes that physically separate two compartments. Polymeric track-etched membranes, while permeable to small molecules, are far from physiological with respect to physical interactions with co-cultured cells and are not compatible with high-resolution imaging due to light scattering and autofluorescence. Here we report on an optically transparent ultrathin membrane with porosity exceeding 20%. We optimize deposition and annealing conditions to create a tensile and robust porous silicon dioxide membrane that is comparable in thickness to the vascular basement membrane (100-300 nm). We demonstrate that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) spread and proliferate on these membranes similarly to control substrates. Additionally, HUVECs are able to transfer cytoplasmic cargo to adipose-derived stem cells when they are co-cultured on opposite sides of the membrane, demonstrating its thickness supports physiologically relevant cellular interactions. Lastly, we confirm that these porous glass membranes are compatible with lift-off processes yielding membrane sheets with an active area of many square centimeters. We believe that these membranes will enable new in vitro barrier and co-culture models while offering dramatically improved visualization compared to conventional alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert N Carter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, United States of America. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, United States of America
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30
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Kang MK, Park SH, Kim YH, Lee EJ, Antika LD, Kim DY, Choi YJ, Kang YH. Dietary Compound Chrysin Inhibits Retinal Neovascularization with Abnormal Capillaries in db/db Mice. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8120782. [PMID: 27918469 PMCID: PMC5188437 DOI: 10.3390/nu8120782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) develops in a significant proportion of patients with chronic diabetes, characterized by retinal macular edema and abnormal retinal vessel outgrowth leading to vision loss. Chrysin, a naturally-occurring flavonoid found in herb and honeycomb, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This study sought to determine the protective effects of chrysin on retinal neovascularization with abnormal vessels and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown in 33 mM glucose-exposed human retinal endothelial cells and in db/db mouse eyes. High glucose caused retinal endothelial apoptotic injury, which was inhibited by submicromolar chrysin. This compound diminished the enhanced induction of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) in high glucose-exposed retinal endothelial cells. Consistently, oral administration of 10 mg/kg chrysin reduced the induction of these proteins in db/db mouse eye tissues. In addition, chrysin restored the decrement of VE-cadherin and ZO-1 junction proteins and PECAM-1 in hyperglycemia-stimulated retinal endothelial cells and diabetic mouse retina, possibly maintaining tight cell-cell interactions of endothelial cells and pericytes. Anti-apoptotic chrysin reduced the up-regulation of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie-2 crucial to retinal capillary occlusion and BRB permeability. Furthermore, orally treating chrysin inhibited acellular capillary formation, neovascularization, and vascular leakage observed in diabetic retinas. These observations demonstrate, for the first time, that chrysin had a capability to encumber diabetes-associated retinal neovascularization with microvascular abnormalities and BRB breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Kyung Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Sin-Hye Park
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Yun-Ho Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Eun-Jung Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Lucia Dwi Antika
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Dong Yeon Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Yean-Jung Choi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
| | - Young-Hee Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea.
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31
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Saban R. Angiogenic factors, bladder neuroplasticity and interstitial cystitis-new pathobiological insights. Transl Androl Urol 2016; 4:555-62. [PMID: 26816854 PMCID: PMC4708555 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2015.08.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential for normal embryonic development, and maintenance of adult vascular function. Originally described as a vascular permeability factor, VEGF alters tight cell junctions and contributes to maintenance of bladder permeability. VEGF and its receptors are not only expressed in bladder blood vessels but also in apical cells and intramural ganglia. VEGF receptors are fundamentally altered by inflammation and bladder diseases such as interstitial cystitis (IC). Experimental results indicate that VEGF exerts direct effects on bladder nerve density and function. Regardless of the etiology or initiating cause for IC, it is hypothesized that the urinary bladder responds to injury by increasing the production of VEGF that acts initially as a survival mechanism. However, VEGF also has the capacity to increase vascular permeability leading to glomerulations, edema, and inflammation. Moreover, due to elevated numbers of VEGF receptors in the urothelium, the increased levels of VEGF further increase bladder permeability and establish a vicioCus cycle of disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Saban
- 1 University Anhembi Morumbi, S.Paulo, SP 03164-000, Brazil ; 2 Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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32
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Fogli S, Mogavero S, Egan CG, Del Re M, Danesi R. Pathophysiology and pharmacological targets of VEGF in diabetic macular edema. Pharmacol Res 2016; 103:149-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Agarwal A, Afridi R, Hassan M, Sadiq MA, Sepah YJ, Do DV, Nguyen QD. Novel Therapies in Development for Diabetic Macular Edema. Curr Diab Rep 2015; 15:75. [PMID: 26294336 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-015-0652-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) secondary to diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause for functional visual loss in the developed world. Laser photocoagulation has been used for decades in the treatment of DME. However, the advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) has revolutionized the treatment of DME. Three important anti-VEGF agents whose efficacy has been well established via phase III clinical trials include ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept. However, even in the era of anti-VEGF therapies, there are some challenges that retina specialists have to confront in managing patients with DME. These include the need for frequent treatment and an unpredictable response to therapy. There is evidence to suggest that pathways other than the VEGF pathway may be playing a role in the development of DME. Thus, extensive research is focused on development of novel agents that target these pathways. This review focuses on novel therapeutic agents in development, which may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with anti-VEGF agents, for the management of DME in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Agarwal
- Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center (OIRRC), Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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A review of therapies for diabetic macular oedema and rationale for combination therapy. Eye (Lond) 2015; 29:1115-30. [PMID: 26113500 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2015.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is responsible for significant visual impairment in diabetic patients. The primary cause of DMO is fluid leakage resulting from increased vascular permeability through contributory anatomical and biochemical changes. These include endothelial cell (EC) death or dysfunction, pericyte loss or dysfunction, thickened basement membrane, loss or dysfunction of glial cells, and loss/change of EC Glycocalyx. The molecular changes include increased reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory changes: advanced glycation end products, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, Complement 5-9 deposition and cytokines, which result in increased paracellular permeability, tight junction disruption, and increased transcellular permeability. Laser photocoagulation has been the mainstay of treatment until recently when pharmacological treatments were introduced. The current treatments for DMO target reducing vascular leak in the macula once it has occurred, they do not attempt to treat the underlying pathology. These pharmacological treatments are aimed at antagonising vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or non-VEGF inflammatory pathways, and include intravitreal injections of anti-VEGFs (ranibizumab, aflibercept or bevacizumab) or steroids (fluocinolone, dexamethasone or triamcinolone) as single therapies. The available evidence suggests that each individual treatment modality in DMO does not result in a completely dry macula in most cases. The ideal treatment for DMO should improve vision and improve morphological changes in the macular (eg, reduce macular oedema) for a significant duration, reduced adverse events, reduced treatment burden and costs, and be well tolerated by patients. This review evaluates the individual treatments available as monotherapies, and discusses the rationale and potential for combination therapy in DMO. A comprehensive review of clinical trials related to DMO and their outcomes was completed. Where phase III randomised control trials were available, these were referenced, if not available, phase II trials have been included.
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Chen W, Guo Y, Yang W, Zheng P, Zeng J, Tong W. Protective effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on integrity of blood-brain barrier following cerebral ischemia. Exp Brain Res 2015; 233:2823-31. [PMID: 26070903 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-015-4352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ginsenosides, the major bioactive compounds in ginseng root, have been found to have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether and how ginsenoside Rb1 (GS-Rb1), the most abundant ginsenoside, can protect blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity following cerebral ischemia in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. ICR mice underwent MCAO and received GS-Rb1 by intraperitoneal injection at 3 h after reperfusion. We evaluated infarction, neurological scores, brain edema, Evans blue (EB) extravasation, and tight junction protein expression at 48 h after MCAO. We further examined whether GS-Rb1 protected BBB integrity by suppressing post-ischemic inflammation-induced activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX). First, GS-Rb1 decreased infarction and improved neurological deficits in MCAO animals. In addition, GS-Rb1 reduced EB extravasation and brain edema and preserved expression of tight junction proteins in the ischemic brain. Moreover, GS-Rb1 inhibited expression of pro-inflammatory factors including nitric oxide synthase and IL-1β, but increased expression of anti-inflammatory markers arginase 1 and IL-10 in the ischemic brain. Consistently, GS-Rb1 attenuated ischemia-induced expression and activity of MMP9. Finally, GS-Rb1 reduced NOX-4 mRNA expression and NOX activity in ischemic brain. These results suggest that GS-Rb1 protects loss of BBB integrity in ischemic stroke by suppressing neuroinflammation induction of MMP-9 and NOX4-derived free radicals, and indicate its potential for treating brain injuries, such as ischemia and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- The People's Hospital of Pu Dong New Area, 490 South Chuanhuan Road, Chuansha New Town, Shanghai, 201299, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Guo
- The People's Hospital of Pu Dong New Area, 490 South Chuanhuan Road, Chuansha New Town, Shanghai, 201299, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjin Yang
- The People's Hospital of Pu Dong New Area, 490 South Chuanhuan Road, Chuansha New Town, Shanghai, 201299, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zheng
- The People's Hospital of Pu Dong New Area, 490 South Chuanhuan Road, Chuansha New Town, Shanghai, 201299, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsong Zeng
- The People's Hospital of Pu Dong New Area, 490 South Chuanhuan Road, Chuansha New Town, Shanghai, 201299, People's Republic of China
| | - Wusong Tong
- The People's Hospital of Pu Dong New Area, 490 South Chuanhuan Road, Chuansha New Town, Shanghai, 201299, People's Republic of China.
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Kesler CT, Pereira ER, Cui CH, Nelson GM, Masuck DJ, Baish JW, Padera TP. Angiopoietin-4 increases permeability of blood vessels and promotes lymphatic dilation. FASEB J 2015; 29:3668-77. [PMID: 25977256 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-268920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The angiopoietin (Ang) ligands are potential therapeutic targets for lymphatic related diseases, which include lymphedema and cancer. Ang-1 and Ang-2 functions are established, but those of Ang-4 are poorly understood. We used intravital fluorescence microscopy to characterize Ang-4 actions on T241 murine fibrosarcoma-associated vessels in mice. The diameters of lymphatic vessels draining Ang-4- or VEGF-C (positive control)-expressing tumors increased to 123 and 135 μm, respectively, and parental, mock-transduced (negative controls) and tumors expressing Ang-1 or Ang-2 remained at baseline (∼60 μm). Ang-4 decreased human dermal lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) monolayer permeability by 27% while increasing human dermal blood endothelial cell (BEC) monolayer permeability by 200%. In vivo, Ang-4 stimulated a 4.5-fold increase in tumor-associated blood vessel permeability compared with control when measured using intravital quantitative multiphoton microscopy. Ang-4 activated receptor signaling in both LECs and BECs, evidenced by tyrosine kinase with Ig and endothelial growth factor homology domains-2 (TIE2) receptor, protein kinase B, and Erk1,2 phosphorylation detectable by immunoblotting. These data suggest that Ang-4 actions are mediated through cell-type-specific networks and that lymphatic vessel dilation occurs secondarily to increased vascular leakage. Ang-4 also promoted survival of LECs. Thus, blocking Ang-4 may prune the draining lymphatic vasculature and decrease interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) by reducing vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina T Kesler
- *Edwin Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ethel R Pereira
- *Edwin Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cheryl H Cui
- *Edwin Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory M Nelson
- *Edwin Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David J Masuck
- *Edwin Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James W Baish
- *Edwin Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy P Padera
- *Edwin Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
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You QY, Zhuge FY, Zhu QQ, Si XW. Effects of laser photocoagulation on serum angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, angiopoietin-1/angiopoietin-2 ratio, and soluble angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 levels in type 2 diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Int J Ophthalmol 2014; 7:648-53. [PMID: 25161936 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2014.04.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine the effects of laser photocoagulation on serum levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), soluble angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 (Tie-2), Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). We also explored the role of the Ang/Tie system in PDR. METHODS 160 patients with T2DM, including 50 patients with non-diabetic retinopathy (NDR), 58 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 52 patients with PDR were enrolled in this study. Serum Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2 receptor and VEGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for all patients and were repeated in 26 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation two months after the procedure. RESULTS The median levels of Ang-2 and VEGF in serum were significantly higher in the NPDR group (4.23 ng/mL and 303.2 pg/mL, respectively) compared to the NDR group (2.67 ng/mL and 159.8 pg/mL, respectively, P<0.01), with the highest level in the PDR group (6.26 ng/mL and 531.2 pg/mL, respectively, P<0.01). The median level of Ang-1 was significantly higher in the NPDR group (10.77 ng/mL) compared to the NDR group (9.31 ng/mL) and the PDR groups (9.54 ng/mL) (P<0.05), while no difference was observed between the PDR and NDR groups. Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio of PDR group was lowest in three groups (1.49 vs 2.69 and 2.90, both P<0.01). The median level of Tie-2 was not significantly different among three groups (P>0.05). Ang-2 was positively correlated with VEGF and Tie-2 in the PDR and NPDR groups (both P<0.05). Among the 26 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation, serum Ang-2 and VEGF levels significantly decreased (both P<0.05), whereas serum Ang-1 level and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were weakly increased (P>0.05). The median levels of Ang-2 and VEGF in serum were highest in PDR group, however, Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio of PDR group was lowest in three groups. CONCLUSION Laser photocoagulation can reduce serum Ang-2 and VEGF levels. The Ang/Tie system and VEGF play an important role in the development and progression of T2DM patients with PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Ying You
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolism, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fu-Yuan Zhuge
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolism, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi-Qian Zhu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolism, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xu-Wei Si
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolism, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Venter PC, Malan L, Schutte AE. Psychosocial stress but not hypertensive status associated with angiogenesis in Africans. Blood Press 2014; 23:307-14. [PMID: 24786777 DOI: 10.3109/08037051.2014.901008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Increased angiogenic factors [vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2)] have been associated with vascular dysfunction and hypertension. Black Africans undergoing rapid urbanization present with elevated blood pressure (BP) and we aimed to determine whether angiogenic factors are elevated in urban versus rural Africans with normal and elevated BP. METHODS AND MATERIALS Africans (n = 272), matched for gender and age, were recruited from rural and urban communities in South Africa. Omron HEM-757 BP data were obtained and angiogenic markers in plasma and serum were determined. RESULTS Urban African men displayed a higher (43.90%) hypertension prevalence compared with their rural counterparts (18.52%) and disturbed angiongenic factors. Adjusted VEGF-A concentrations were higher in urban men and women compared with their rural counterparts. Similar VEGF-A levels were observed in rural and urban hypertensives. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that VEGF-A and Ang-2 levels were associated with psychosocial stress but not with hypertensive status in Africans [odds ratios 1.01-1.09 (95% CI 1.01-1.15), p ≤ 0.05]. CONCLUSION Psychosocial stress per se was associated with disturbed VEGF-A and Ang-2. We suggest that hyperkinetic BP may act as compensatory mechanism when chronic psychosocial stress prevails, affecting vascular functioning and subsequent increased cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cristiaan Venter
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus , Private Bag X6001, North-West, 2520 , South Africa
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Chowdhury HR, Patel N, Sivaprasad S. Ocular neovascularization: potential for the angiopoietin/Tie-2 pathway. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/17469899.4.1.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Ong SP, Ng ML, Chu JJH. Differential regulation of angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 during dengue virus infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells: implications for endothelial hyperpermeability. Med Microbiol Immunol 2013; 202:437-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-013-0310-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Butler CJ, Schutte R, Glyn MC, van der Westhuizen FH, Gona P, Schutte AE. Exploring the link between serum peroxides and angiogenesis in a bi-ethnic population from South Africa: The SAfrEIC study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 7:267-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jash.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Milne R, Brownstein S. Advanced glycation end products and diabetic retinopathy. Amino Acids 2013; 44:1397-407. [PMID: 21909978 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-1071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Retinopathy is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes and a major cause of blindness in young adults, worldwide. Early diabetic retinopathy is characterized by a loss of pericytes from retinal capillaries, the appearance of acellular capillaries and microaneurysms, and a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. In later stages, this can evolve into the proliferative phase in which there is neovascularization of the retina, which greatly increases the probability of vision loss. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which accumulate under hyperglycemic conditions are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. AGEs arise primarily by the modification of amine groups of proteins by reactive dicarbonyls such as methylglyoxal. Intracellular proteins including anti-oxidant enzymes, transcription factors and mitochondrial proteins are targets of dicarbonyl modification and this can modify their functional properties and thus compromise cellular physiology. Likewise, modification of extracellular proteins by dicarbonyls can impair cell adhesion and can generate ligands that can potentially bind to cell surface AGE receptors that activate pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. AGE inhibitors have been shown to provide protection in animal models of diabetic retinopathy and currently are being evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Milne
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada.
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Bharadwaj AS, Appukuttan B, Wilmarth PA, Pan Y, Stempel AJ, Chipps TJ, Benedetti EE, Zamora DO, Choi D, David LL, Smith JR. Role of the retinal vascular endothelial cell in ocular disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 32:102-80. [PMID: 22982179 PMCID: PMC3679193 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinal endothelial cells line the arborizing microvasculature that supplies and drains the neural retina. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of these endothelial cells are consistent with nutritional requirements and protection of a tissue critical to vision. On the one hand, the endothelium must ensure the supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the metabolically active retina, and allow access to circulating cells that maintain the vasculature or survey the retina for the presence of potential pathogens. On the other hand, the endothelium contributes to the blood-retinal barrier that protects the retina by excluding circulating molecular toxins, microorganisms, and pro-inflammatory leukocytes. Features required to fulfill these functions may also predispose to disease processes, such as retinal vascular leakage and neovascularization, and trafficking of microbes and inflammatory cells. Thus, the retinal endothelial cell is a key participant in retinal ischemic vasculopathies that include diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal inflammation or infection, as occurs in posterior uveitis. Using gene expression and proteomic profiling, it has been possible to explore the molecular phenotype of the human retinal endothelial cell and contribute to understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. In addition to providing support for the involvement of well-characterized endothelial molecules, profiling has the power to identify new players in retinal pathologies. Findings may have implications for the design of new biological therapies. Additional progress in this field is anticipated as other technologies, including epigenetic profiling methods, whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing, and metabolomics, are used to study the human retinal endothelial cell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Phillip A. Wilmarth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Yuzhen Pan
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
| | | | | | | | | | - Dongseok Choi
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Larry L. David
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Justine R. Smith
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Oregon Health & Science University
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Simvastatin increases circulating endothelial progenitor cells and reduces the formation and progression of diabetic retinopathy in rats. Exp Eye Res 2012; 105:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2012.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Gao W, Sweeney C, Walsh C, Rooney P, McCormick J, Veale DJ, Fearon U. Notch signalling pathways mediate synovial angiogenesis in response to vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin 2. Ann Rheum Dis 2012; 72:1080-8. [PMID: 23161900 PMCID: PMC3664379 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-201978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective Notch signalling pathways are critical for angiogenesis and endothelial cell (EC) fate; however the mechanisms regulating these processes in the inflamed joint remain to be elucidated. Here, we examine whether Notch signalling mediates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2)-induced vascular function. Methods Notch-1 intracellular domain (Notch-1 IC), Notch-4 IC, Delta-like-ligand 4, Hes-related transcriptional repressors-1 and 2 (Hrt-1, Hrt-2) mRNA and/or protein expression was measured by Real-time PCR and/or western blot. VEGF/Ang2 induced EC function was assessed using transwell invasion chambers, matrigel tube formation assays and wound repair scratch assays ± Notch-1 siRNA or an γ-secretase inhibitor N-(N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl-L-alanly))-S-phenylglycine-t-Butyl Ester (DAPT) in RA synovial explants or human microvascular EC. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were measured by ELISA and MMP2 and 9 by gelatine zymography. Results Notch-1 IC and Notch-4 IC protein expressions were demonstrated in RA and psoriatic arthritis synovial biopsies, with minimal expression observed in Osteoarthritis (OA). VEGF and Ang2 induced Notch-1 IC/ Notch-4 IC protein expression in synovial explant cultures and human microvascular EC levels were further potentiated by VEGF/Ang2 stimulation in combination. Notch-1, Delta-like-ligand 4, and Hrt-2 mRNA expression were significantly induced by VEGF and Ang2 alone and in combination. Furthermore VEGF/Ang2-induced EC invasion, angiogenesis and migration were inhibited by Notch-1 siRNA or DAPT. Conditioned media from VEGF/Ang2 stimulated RA synovial explants induced EC tube formation, an effect that was inhibited by DAPT. Finally, DAPT significantly decreased VEGF/Ang2 induced IL-6, IL-8, MMP2 and 9 expressions in RA synovial explants. Conclusions Notch-1 mediates VEGF/Ang2-induced angiogenesis and EC invasion in inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Department of Rheumatology, Translational Research Group, Dublin Academic Medical Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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van der Heijden M, van Nieuw Amerongen GP, van Bezu J, Paul MA, Groeneveld ABJ, van Hinsbergh VWM. Opposing effects of the angiopoietins on the thrombin-induced permeability of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23448. [PMID: 21858121 PMCID: PMC3156229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is associated with lung injury in ALI/ARDS. As endothelial activation by thrombin plays a role in the permeability of acute lung injury and Ang-2 may modulate the kinetics of thrombin-induced permeability by impairing the organization of vascular endothelial (VE-)cadherin, and affecting small Rho GTPases in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs), we hypothesized that Ang-2 acts as a sensitizer of thrombin-induced hyperpermeability of HPMVECs, opposed by Ang-1. Methodology/Principal Findings Permeability was assessed by measuring macromolecule passage and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Angiopoietins did not affect basal permeability. Nevertheless, they had opposing effects on the thrombin-induced permeability, in particular in the initial phase. Ang-2 enhanced the initial permeability increase (passage, P = 0.010; TEER, P = 0.021) in parallel with impairment of VE-cadherin organization without affecting VE-cadherin Tyr685 phosphorylation or increasing RhoA activity. Ang-2 also increased intercellular gap formation. Ang-1 preincubation increased Rac1 activity, enforced the VE-cadherin organization, reduced the initial thrombin-induced permeability (TEER, P = 0.027), while Rac1 activity simultaneously normalized, and reduced RhoA activity at 15 min thrombin exposure (P = 0.039), but not at earlier time points. The simultaneous presence of Ang-2 largely prevented the effect of Ang-1 on TEER and macromolecule passage. Conclusions/Significance Ang-1 attenuated thrombin-induced permeability, which involved initial Rac1 activation-enforced cell-cell junctions, and later RhoA inhibition. In addition to antagonizing Ang-1, Ang-2 had also a direct effect itself. Ang-2 sensitized the initial thrombin-induced permeability accompanied by destabilization of VE-cadherin junctions and increased gap formation, in the absence of increased RhoA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie van der Heijden
- Department of Intensive Care, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geerten P. van Nieuw Amerongen
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Jan van Bezu
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus A. Paul
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. B. Johan Groeneveld
- Department of Intensive Care, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Victor W. M. van Hinsbergh
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Rangasamy S, Srinivasan R, Maestas J, McGuire PG, Das A. A potential role for angiopoietin 2 in the regulation of the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:3784-91. [PMID: 21310918 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although VEGF has been identified as an important mediator of the blood-retinal barrier alteration in diabetic retinopathy, the hypothesis for this study was that that other molecules, including the angiopoietins (Ang-1 and -2), may play a role. The expression of angiopoietins was analyzed in an animal model of diabetic retinopathy, and the role of Ang-2 in the regulation of diabetes-induced alterations of vascular permeability was characterized. METHODS Diabetes was induced in rats, and human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were grown in media with 5.5 or 30.5 mM glucose. Levels of Ang-1 and -2 mRNA and protein were analyzed. Fluorescence-based assays were used to assess the effect of Ang-2 on vascular permeability in vivo and in vitro. The effect of Ang-2 on VE-cadherin function was assessed by measuring the extent of tyrosine phosphorylation. RESULTS Ang-2 mRNA and protein increased in the retinal tissues after 8 weeks of diabetes and in high-glucose-treated cells. Intravitreal injection of Ang-2 in rats produced a significant increase in retinal vascular permeability. Ang-2 increased HREC monolayer permeability that was associated with a decrease in VE-cadherin and a change in monolayer morphology. High glucose and Ang-2 produced a significant increase in VE-cadherin phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS; Ang-2 is upregulated in the retina in an animal model of diabetes, and hyperglycemia induces the expression of Ang-2 in isolated retinal endothelial cells. Increased Ang-2 alters VE-cadherin function, leading to increased vascular permeability. Thus, Ang-2 may play an important role in increased vasopermeability in diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampathkumar Rangasamy
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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Hu J, Wan J, Hackler L, Zack DJ, Qian J. Computational analysis of tissue-specific gene networks: application to murine retinal functional studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 26:2289-97. [PMID: 20616386 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btq408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
MOTIVATION The vertebrate retina is a complex neuronal tissue, and its development, normal functioning and response to injury and disease is subject to a variety of genetic factors. To understand better the regulatory and functional relationships between the genes expressed within the retina, we constructed an interactive gene network of the mouse retina by applying a Bayesian statistics approach to information derived from a variety of gene expression, protein-protein interaction and gene ontology annotation databases. RESULTS The network contains 673 retina-related genes. Most of them are obtained through manual literature-based curation, while the others are the genes preferentially expressed in the retina. These retina-related genes are linked by 3403 potential functional associations in the network. The prediction on the gene functional association using the Bayesian approach outperforms predictions using only one source of information. The network includes five major gene clusters, each enriched in different biological activities. There are several applications to this network. First, we identified approximately 50 hub genes that are predicted to play particularly important roles in the function of the retina. Some of them are not yet well studied. Second, we can predict novel gene functions using 'guilt by association' method. Third, we also predicted novel retinal disease-associated genes based on the network analysis. AVAILABILITY To provide easy access to the retinal network, we constructed an interactive web tool, named MoReNet, which is available at http://bioinfo.wilmer.jhu.edu/morenet/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Hu
- Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Chae SS, Kamoun WS, Farrar CT, Kirkpatrick ND, Niemeyer E, de Graaf AMA, Sorensen AG, Munn LL, Jain RK, Fukumura D. Angiopoietin-2 interferes with anti-VEGFR2-induced vessel normalization and survival benefit in mice bearing gliomas. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:3618-27. [PMID: 20501615 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-3073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In brain tumors, cerebral edema is a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling induces transient vascular normalization and reduces cerebral edema, resulting in a modest survival benefit in glioblastoma patients. During anti-VEGF treatment, circulating levels of angiopoietin (Ang)-2 remained high after an initial minor reduction. It is not known, however, whether Ang-2 can modulate anti-VEGF treatment of glioblastoma. Here, we used an orthotopic glioma model to test the hypothesis that Ang-2 is an additional target for improving the efficacy of current anti-VEGF therapies in glioma patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To recapitulate high levels of Ang-2 in glioblastoma patients during anti-VEGF treatment, Ang-2 was ectopically expressed in U87 glioma cells. Animal survival and tumor growth were assessed to determine the effects of Ang-2 and anti-VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) treatment. We also monitored morphologic and functional vascular changes using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Ectopic expression of Ang-2 had no effect on vascular permeability, tumor growth, or survival, although it resulted in higher vascular density, with dilated vessels and reduced mural cell coverage. On the other hand, when combined with anti-VEGFR2 treatment, Ang-2 destabilized vessels without affecting vessel regression and compromised the survival benefit of VEGFR2 inhibition by increasing vascular permeability. VEGFR2 inhibition normalized tumor vasculature whereas ectopic expression of Ang-2 diminished the beneficial effects of VEGFR2 blockade by inhibiting vessel normalization. CONCLUSION Cancer treatment regimens combining anti-VEGF and anti-Ang-2 agents may be an effective strategy to improve the efficacy of current anti-VEGF therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Suk Chae
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Trager Cabrera MJ, Borirakchanyavat S, De Juan E. Effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on intraocular pressure in a case of severe chronic hypotony. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2010; 4:300-302. [PMID: 25390903 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0b013e3181b5f2c2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic severe hypotony is associated with many serious ocular consequences, including phthisis. This case illustrates a possible new therapy for chronic hypotony. METHODS This study is a case report of a 75-year-old man who had undergone trabeculectomy followed by multiple retinal surgeries and developed chronic hypotony in the left eye for more than 1 year. RESULTS Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab led to an elevation of intraocular pressure to 8 mmHg 1 week later. Hypotony returned within 2 weeks (2 mmHg) and variably remained for 2 months (0-10 mmHg) until a repeat injection of intravitreal bevacizumab resulted in another elevation in intraocular pressure, which was sustained (5-8 mmHg over 2 months). We postulate that antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy may influence aqueous production through restoration of tight junctions in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. Vascular endothelial growth factor and antivascular endothelial growth factor therapies have been demonstrated to modulate tight junctions in many other tissues in the body, including retinal pigment epithelium, ovarian tissue, vascular endothelium, liver, and brain vasculature. CONCLUSION We postulate that antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy may play a role in treating hypotony by enhancing the function of tight junctions in the ciliary body and restoring aqueous production. Further studies are necessary to better clarify the influence of antivascular endothelial growth factor on intraocular pressure and aqueous production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Trager Cabrera
- From the *Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California; and †The Permanente Medical Group, San Francisco, California
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