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Heo JI, Ryu J. Natural Products in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Exploring Therapeutic Potentials. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8461. [PMID: 39126030 PMCID: PMC11313229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158461] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vascular disorder affecting the retinas of preterm infants. This condition arises when preterm infants in incubators are exposed to high oxygen levels, leading to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and a downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factors, which causes the loss of retinal microvascular capillaries. Upon returning to room air, the upregulation of vascular growth factors results in abnormal vascular growth of retinal endothelial cells. Without appropriate intervention, ROP can progress to blindness. The prevalence of ROP has risen, making it a significant cause of childhood blindness. Current treatments, such as laser therapy and various pharmacologic approaches, are limited by their potential for severe adverse effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of ROP's pathophysiology and the development of innovative treatments are imperative. Natural products from plants, fungi, bacteria, and marine organisms have shown promise in treating various diseases and have gained attention in ROP research due to their minimal side effects and wide-ranging beneficial properties. This review discusses the roles and mechanisms of natural products that hold potential as therapeutic agents in ROP management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juhee Ryu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea;
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2
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Luo S, Jiang H, Li Q, Qin Y, Yang S, Li J, Xu L, Gou Y, Zhang Y, Liu F, Ke X, Zheng Q, Sun X. An adeno-associated virus variant enabling efficient ocular-directed gene delivery across species. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3780. [PMID: 38710714 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48221-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have emerged as promising gene therapy vectors due to their proven efficacy and safety in clinical applications. In non-human primates (NHPs), rAAVs are administered via suprachoroidal injection at a higher dose. However, high doses of rAAVs tend to increase additional safety risks. Here, we present a novel AAV capsid (AAVv128), which exhibits significantly enhanced transduction efficiency for photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, along with a broader distribution across the layers of retinal tissues in different animal models (mice, rabbits, and NHPs) following intraocular injection. Notably, the suprachoroidal delivery of AAVv128-anti-VEGF vector completely suppresses the Grade IV lesions in a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) NHP model for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Furthermore, cryo-EM analysis at 2.1 Å resolution reveals that the critical residues of AAVv128 exhibit a more robust advantage in AAV binding, the nuclear uptake and endosome escaping. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of AAVv128 as a next generation ocular gene therapy vector, particularly using the suprachoroidal delivery route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Luo
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Yingfei Qin
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Shiping Yang
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Jing Li
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Lingli Xu
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Yan Gou
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China
| | - Fengjiang Liu
- Innovative Center for Pathogen Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Xiao Ke
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China.
- Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group Co Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Chengdu Origen Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Chengdu, 610036, China.
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Biomedicine, Chengdu, 610036, China.
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Fu Y, Zhang Z, Webster KA, Paulus YM. Treatment Strategies for Anti-VEGF Resistance in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration by Targeting Arteriolar Choroidal Neovascularization. Biomolecules 2024; 14:252. [PMID: 38540673 PMCID: PMC10968528 DOI: 10.3390/biom14030252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive use of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) biologics for over a decade, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) continues to be a major cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries. Many nAMD patients demonstrate persistent disease activity or experience declining responses over time despite anti-VEGF treatment. The underlying mechanisms of anti-VEGF resistance are poorly understood, and no effective treatment strategies are available to date. Here we review evidence from animal models and clinical studies that supports the roles of neovascular remodeling and arteriolar CNV formation in anti-VEGF resistance. Cholesterol dysregulation, inflammation, and ensuing macrophage activation are critically involved in arteriolar CNV formation and anti-VEGF resistance. Combination therapy by neutralizing VEGF and enhancing cholesterol removal from macrophages is a promising strategy to combat anti-VEGF resistance in CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbin Fu
- Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.Z.); (K.A.W.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.Z.); (K.A.W.)
| | - Keith A. Webster
- Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Z.Z.); (K.A.W.)
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Yannis M. Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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4
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Ou Z, Wang Y, Yao J, Chen L, Miao H, Han Y, Hu X, Chen J. Astragaloside IV promotes angiogenesis by targeting SIRT7/VEGFA signaling pathway to improve brain injury after cerebral infarction in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115598. [PMID: 37820565 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115598] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral infarction (CI) has become one of the leading causes of death and acquired disability worldwide. Astragaloside IV (AST IV), one of the basic components of Astragalus membranaceus, has a protective effect on CI. However, the underlying mechanism has not been conclusively elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of AST IV improving brain injury after CI. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used to simulate cerebral infarction injury in SD rats and HUVECs cells. Neurologic score, Evans blue, TTC and HE staining were used to observe brain injury in rats. Cell viability and migration were measured in vitro. Angiogenesis was detected by immunofluorescence and tube formation assay, and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to find the expression of related proteins. Molecular docking, virtual mutation, site-directed mutagenesis, MST, and lentivirus silencing were used for target validation. The results showed that AST IV alleviated neurological impairment and promoted angiogenesis after CI. Moreover, AST IV greatly increased the transcription levels of SIRT6 and SIRT7, but had no effect on SIRT1-SIRT5, and promoted cell viability, migration, angiogenesis and S phase ratio in OGD/R-induced HUVECs. Furthermore, AST IV up-regulated the protein expressions of CDK4, cyclin D1, VEGFA and VEGF2R. Interestingly, AST IV not only bound to SIRT7, but also increased the expression of SIRT7. Silencing SIRT7 by lentivirus neutralizes the positive effects of AST IV. Taken together, the present study revealed that AST IV may improve brain tissue damage after CI by targeting SIRT7/VEGFA signaling pathway to promote angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Ou
- Department of neurology, Changshu Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 6 Huanghe Road, Changshu, Jiangsu 215500, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianxin Yao
- Department of neurology, Changshu Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 6 Huanghe Road, Changshu, Jiangsu 215500, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of neurology, Changshu Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 6 Huanghe Road, Changshu, Jiangsu 215500, China
| | - Hong Miao
- Department of neurology, Changshu Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 6 Huanghe Road, Changshu, Jiangsu 215500, China
| | - Yang Han
- Department of neurology, Changshu Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 6 Huanghe Road, Changshu, Jiangsu 215500, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of neurology, Changshu Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 6 Huanghe Road, Changshu, Jiangsu 215500, China
| | - Juping Chen
- Department of neurology, Changshu Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 6 Huanghe Road, Changshu, Jiangsu 215500, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Bai W, Ren JS, Xia M, Zhao Y, Ding JJ, Chen X, Jiang Q. Targeting FSCN1 with an oral small-molecule inhibitor for treating ocular neovascularization. J Transl Med 2023; 21:555. [PMID: 37596693 PMCID: PMC10436462 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04225-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. While intravitreal anti-VEGF agents can be effective, they do have several drawbacks, such as endophthalmitis and drug resistance. Additional studies are necessary to explore alternative therapeutic targets. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis and quantitative RT-PCR were used to detect and verify the FSCN1 expression levels in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mice model. Transwell, wound scratching, tube formation, three-dimensional bead sprouting assay, rhodamine-phalloidin staining, Isolectin B4 staining and immunofluorescent staining were conducted to detect the role of FSCN1 and its oral inhibitor NP-G2-044 in vivo and vitro. HPLC-MS/MS analysis, cell apoptosis assay, MTT assay, H&E and tunnel staining, visual electrophysiology testing, visual cliff test and light/dark transition test were conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic and security of NP-G2-044 in vivo and vitro. Co-Immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR and western blot were conducted to reveal the mechanism of FSCN1 and NP-G2-044 mediated pathological ocular neovascularization. RESULTS We discovered that Fascin homologue 1 (FSCN1) is vital for angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, and that it is highly expressed in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We found that NP-G2-044, a small-molecule inhibitor of FSCN1 with oral activity, can impede the sprouting, migration, and filopodia formation of cultured endothelial cells. Oral NP-G2-044 can effectively and safely curb the development of OIR and CNV, and increase efficacy while overcoming anti-VEGF resistance in combination with intravitreal aflibercept (Eylea) injection. CONCLUSION Collectively, FSCN1 inhibition could serve as a promising therapeutic approach to block ocular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Bai
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun-Song Ren
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Xia
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing-Juan Ding
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Xie Z, Wu X, Cheng R, Huang J, Wang X, Shi Q, Xu B, Paulus YM, Yuan S, Liu Q. A novel model of subretinal edema induced by DL-alpha aminoadipic acid. Exp Eye Res 2023; 228:109388. [PMID: 36652968 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109388] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study we described a new model of subretinal edema induced by single intraocular injection of DL-alpha-aminoadipic acid (DLAAA) that can be employed to study the mechanism of retinal edema and test the efficacy or potential toxicity of treatments. The progression of subretinal edema was evaluated by fundus photography, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography for up to 4 weeks following DLAAA injection. The VEGF, IL-6, TNF-α, Occludin, ZO-1, AQP4, Kir4.1, GFAP and GS levels were examined in DLAAA models by immunostaining, immumohistochemical staining and Western blot. Additionally, bulk RNA-seq was used to detect the mechanism involved in DLAAA-induced retinal Müller cellular injuries. In vivo and vitro assays were further conducted to confirm the sequencing results. Subretinal edema was successfully induced by DLAAA in New Zealand White rabbits (1.29 mg/eye) and C57BL/6 mice (50 or 100 μg/eye). Our results demonstrated that the disruption of blood-retinal-barrier, including vascular hyperpermeability, inflammation, and Müller cell dysfunction of fluid clearance, was involved in subretinal edema formation in the model. Bulk RNA-seq and in vitro studies indicated the activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in DLAAA models. This DLAAA-induced subretinal edema model can be used for mechanistic studies or drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinjing Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ruiwen Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junlong Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiuying Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qile Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yannis M Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Songtao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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7
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Duan N, Mei L, Hu L, Yin X, Wei X, Li Y, Li Q, Zhao G, Zhou Q, Du Z. Biomimetic, Injectable, and Self-Healing Hydrogels with Sustained Release of Ranibizumab to Treat Retinal Neovascularization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:6371-6384. [PMID: 36700786 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c17626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a typical feature of ischemic retinal diseases that can lead to traction retinal detachment and even blindness in patients, in which the vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role. However, most anti-VEGF drugs currently used for treating RNV, such as ranibizumab, need frequent and repeated intravitreal injections due to their short intravitreal half-life, which increases the incidence of complications. Herein, a hydrogel intravitreal drug delivery system (DDS) is prepared by a dynamic Schiff base reaction between aminated hyaluronic acid and aldehyde-functionalized Pluronic 127 for sustained release of ranibizumab. The prepared hydrogel system named HP@Ran exhibits excellent injectability, self-healing ability, structural stability, cytocompatibility, and blood compatibility. According to an in vitro drug release study, the hydrogel system continuously releases the model drug bovine serum albumin for more than 56 days. Importantly, in an in vivo rabbit persistent RNV model, the HP@Ran hydrogel system continuously releases pharmacologically active ranibizumab for more than 7 weeks and also exhibits superior anti-angiogenic efficacy over ranibizumab treatment by decreasing vascular leakage and neovascularization at 12 weeks. Thus, the developed HP@Ran hydrogel system possesses great potential for intravitreal DDS for the treatment of RNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Li Mei
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Liting Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Xiaoni Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Xiangyang Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
| | - Qihui Zhou
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao266071, China
- Tianjin Enterprise Key Laboratory for Application Research of Hyaluronic Acid, Tianjin300038, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang325000, China
| | - Zhaodong Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, China
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8
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Grondek JF, Huffman K, Lee EJ, Cavichini M, Warter A, P Kalaw FG, Heinke A, Fan R, Cheng L, Sailor MJ, Freeman WR. Effective treatment of retinal neovascular leakage with fusogenic porous silicon nanoparticles delivering VEGF-siRNA. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:2089-2108. [PMID: 36748946 PMCID: PMC10031552 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate an intravitreally injected nanoparticle platform designed to deliver VEGF-A siRNA to inhibit retinal neovascular leakage as a new treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Materials & methods: Fusogenic lipid-coated porous silicon nanoparticles loaded with VEGF-A siRNA, and pendant neovascular integrin-homing iRGD, were evaluated for efficacy by intravitreal injection in a rabbit model of retinal neovascularization. Results: For 12 weeks post-treatment, a reduction in vascular leakage was observed for treated diseased eyes versus control eyes (p = 0.0137), with a corresponding reduction in vitreous VEGF-A. Conclusion: Fusogenic lipid-coated porous silicon nanoparticles siRNA delivery provides persistent knockdown of VEGF-A and reduced leakage in a rabbit model of retinal neovascularization as a potential new intraocular therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel F Grondek
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kristyn Huffman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs Retinal Center at Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ella Jiyoon Lee
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Melina Cavichini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs Retinal Center at Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexandra Warter
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs Retinal Center at Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fritz Gerald P Kalaw
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs Retinal Center at Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anna Heinke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs Retinal Center at Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ruhan Fan
- Materials Science & Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lingyun Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs Retinal Center at Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael J Sailor
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Materials Science & Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - William R Freeman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs Retinal Center at Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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Schubert W, Terjung C, Rafique A, Romano C, Ellinger P, Rittenhouse KD. Evaluation of Molecular Properties versus In Vivo Performance of Aflibercept, Brolucizumab, and Ranibizumab in a Retinal Vascular Hyperpermeability Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:36. [PMID: 36282118 PMCID: PMC9617509 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.10.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the molecular, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacological properties of three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents—aflibercept, brolucizumab, and ranibizumab—and to provide a prediction of the optimal design of an intravitreal VEGF challenge in rabbits to assess the preclinical in vivo activity of the different anti-VEGF agents. Methods Biochemical analyses and cellular and animal models of retinopathy were used to characterize anti-VEGF efficacy. Anti-VEGF biochemical binding affinity was determined through a kinetic exclusion assay. The in vitro potency was investigated by a calcium mobilization assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated for each drug to predict intraocular exposure relationships among the agents. The in silico modeling efforts informed the design of an in vivo rabbit model of VEGF-induced retinal hyperpermeability to determine the extent of VEGF neutralization in vivo. Consequently, data generated from the in vivo study enabled pharmacokinetic analysis and the generation of a logistical model describing the impact of the anti-VEGF agents on the VEGF-induced vascular leakage in rabbits. Results The three anti-VEGF agents ranked from most efficacious to least efficacious as aflibercept, brolucizumab, and ranibizumab, with results consistent and significant within each individual characterization experiment. Conclusions This composite study demonstrated how the molecular properties of aflibercept, brolucizumab, and ranibizumab translate into differences of in vivo efficacy, with results in line with the reported literature. Translational Relevance In silico, in vitro, and in vivo integrated studies provide information that enables the enhanced characterization of translational properties of anti-VEGF agents currently used for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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10
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Gonzalez-Calle A, Li R, Asante I, Martinez-Camarillo JC, Louie S, Zhou Q, Humayun MS. Development of Moderate Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MIFU) for Ocular Drug Delivery. BME FRONTIERS 2022; 2022:9840678. [PMID: 37850188 PMCID: PMC10521715 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9840678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a method for delivering antiinflammatory agents of high molecular weight (e.g., Avastin) into the posterior segment that does not require injections into the eye (i.e., intravitreal injections; IVT). Diseases affecting the posterior segment of the eye are currently treated with monthly to bimonthly intravitreal injections, which can predispose patients to severe albeit rare complications like endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, traumatic cataract, and/or increased intraocular. In this study, we show that one time moderate intensity focused ultrasound (MIFU) treatment can facilitate the penetration of large molecules across the scleral barrier, showing promising evidence that this is a viable method to deliver high molecular weight medications not invasively. To validate the efficacy of the drug delivery system, IVT injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were used to create an animal model of retinopathy. The creation of this model allowed us to test anti-VEGF medications and evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. In vivo testing showed that animals treated with our MIFU device improved on the retinal tortuosity and clinical dilation compared to the control group while evaluating fluorescein angiogram (FA) Images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Gonzalez-Calle
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - Runze Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - Isaac Asante
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez-Camarillo
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - Stan Louie
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - Qifa Zhou
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles California, USA
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11
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Huang F, Luo L, Wu Y, Xia D, Xu F, Gao J, Shi J, Gong Q. Trilobatin promotes angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via SIRT7/VEGFA signaling pathway in rats. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2940-2951. [PMID: 35537702 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7487] [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: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the recovery of neurological function after ischemia stroke. Herein, we investigated the effect of trilobatin (TLB) on angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). The effect of TLB on angiogenesis after CIRI were investigated in mouse brain microvascular endothelium bEnd.3 cells and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced CIRI rat model. The cell proliferation and angiogenesis were observed using immunofluorescence staining. The cell cycle, expressions of cell cycle-related proteins and SIRT 1-7 were determined by flow cytometry and western blot, respectively. The binding affinity of TLB with SIRT7 was predicted by molecular docking. The results showed that TLB concentration-dependently promoted bEnd.3 cell proportion in the S-phase. TLB significantly increased the protein expressions of SIRT6, SIRT7, and VEGFA, but not affected SIRT1-SIRT5 protein expressions. Moreover, TLB not only dramatically alleviated neurological impairment after CIRI, but also enhanced post-stroke neovascularization and newly formed functional vessels in cerebral ischemic penumbra. Furthermore, TLB up-regulated the protein expressions of CDK4, cyclin D1, VEGFA and its receptor VEGFR-2. Intriguingly, TLB not only directly bound to SIRT7, but also increased SIRT7 expression at day 28. Our findings reveal that TLB promotes cerebral microvascular endothelial cells proliferation, and facilitates angiogenesis after CIRI via mediating SIRT7/VEGFA signaling pathway in rats. Therefore, TLB might be a novel restorative agent to rescue ischemia stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lingyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yujia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Dianya Xia
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jianmei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jingshan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qihai Gong
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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12
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Tang H, Kong L, Yang Y, Li J, Zou H. Puerarin suppresses hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor upregulation in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells by blocking JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11636-11645. [PMID: 35510332 PMCID: PMC9275891 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2070586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which puerarin regulated the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in humans' retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells under hypoxia. RPE cells (ARPE-19 and D407 cells) and a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy were used in the current study. Western blotting and ELISA were performed to detect the level of JAK2, phosphorylated JAK2, STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, HIF-1α, and VEGF in cells. In addition, the interaction between JAK2 and STAT3 was determined using with a co-immunoprecipitation assay. We found puerarin inhibited hypoxia-induced upregulation of VEGF at both the mRNA and protein level via decreasing HIF-1α expression in RPE cells. Moreover, puerarin attenuated the interaction between JAK2 and STAT3, and subsequently blocking p-STAT3 nucleus translocation in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, puerarin could effectively inhibit hypoxia-induced VEGF upregulation in RPE cells via mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai China
| | - Lingchun Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai China
| | - Yuqin Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai China
| | - Hong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai China
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13
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Qin G, Zhang P, Sun M, Fu W, Cai C. Comprehensive spectral libraries for various rabbit eye tissue proteomes. Sci Data 2022; 9:111. [PMID: 35351915 PMCID: PMC8964796 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01241-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbits have been widely used for studying ocular physiology and pathology due to their relatively large eye size and similar structures with human eyes. Various rabbit ocular disease models, such as dry eye, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, have been established. Despite the growing application of proteomics in vision research using rabbit ocular models, there is no spectral assay library for rabbit eye proteome publicly available. Here, we generated spectral assay libraries for rabbit eye compartments, including conjunctiva, cornea, iris, retina, sclera, vitreous humor, and tears using fractionated samples and ion mobility separation enabling deep proteome coverage. The rabbit eye spectral assay library includes 9,830 protein groups and 113,593 peptides. We present the data as a freely available community resource for proteomic studies in the vision field. Instrument data and spectral libraries are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD031194. Measurement(s) | database type spectral library | Technology Type(s) | ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Oryctolagus cuniculus | Sample Characteristic - Environment | eye | Sample Characteristic - Location | United States of America |
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14
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Carpi-Santos R, de Melo Reis RA, Gomes FCA, Calaza KC. Contribution of Müller Cells in the Diabetic Retinopathy Development: Focus on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040617. [PMID: 35453302 PMCID: PMC9027671 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular complication of diabetes and the main cause of vision loss in adults. Glial cells have a key role in maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis. In the retina, the predominant element is the Müller cell, a specialized cell with radial morphology that spans all retinal layers and influences the function of the entire retinal circuitry. Müller cells provide metabolic support, regulation of extracellular composition, synaptic activity control, structural organization of the blood–retina barrier, antioxidant activity, and trophic support, among other roles. Therefore, impairments of Müller actions lead to retinal malfunctions. Accordingly, increasing evidence indicates that Müller cells are affected in diabetic retinopathy and may contribute to the severity of the disease. Here, we will survey recently described alterations in Müller cell functions and cellular events that contribute to diabetic retinopathy, especially related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review sheds light on Müller cells as potential therapeutic targets of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Carpi-Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (R.C.-S.); (F.C.A.G.)
| | - Ricardo A. de Melo Reis
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Flávia Carvalho Alcantara Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (R.C.-S.); (F.C.A.G.)
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi 24210-201, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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15
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Kumar S, Quach J, Cook N, Gum G, Naageshwaran V. Characterization and validation of a chronic retinal neovascularization rabbit model by evaluating the efficacy of anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Int J Ophthalmol 2022; 15:15-22. [PMID: 35047351 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2022.01.03] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To establish a rabbit model with chronic condition of retinal neovascularization (RNV) induced by intravitreal (IVT) injection of DL-2-aminoadipic acid (DL-AAA), a retinal glial (Müller) cell toxin, extensive characterization of DL-AAA induced angiographic features and the suitability of the model to evaluate anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory therapies for ocular vascular diseases. METHODS DL-AAA (80 mmol/L) was administered IVT into both eyes of Dutch Belted rabbit. Post DL-AAA delivery, clinical ophthalmic examinations were performed weekly following modified McDonald-Shadduck Scoring System. Color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) procedures were performed every 2 or 4wk until stable retinal vascular leakage was observed. Once stable retinal leakage (12wk post DL-AAA administration) was established, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (bevacizumab, ranibizumab and aflibercept) and anti-inflammatory (triamcinolone, TAA) drugs were tested for their efficacy after IVT administration. Fluorescein angiograms were scored before and after treatment following a novel grading system, developed for the DL-AAA rabbit model. RESULTS Post DL-AAA administration, eyes were presented with moderate to severe retinal/choroidal inflammation which was accompanied by intense vitreous flare and presence of inflammatory cells in the vitreous humor. Retinal hemorrhage was restricted to the tips of neo-retinal vessels. FA revealed maximum retinal vascular leakage at 2wk after DL-AAA injection and then persisted as evidenced by stable mean FA scores in weeks 8 and 12. Retinal vascular angiographic and tomographic features were stable and consistent up to 36mo among two different staggers induced for RNV at two different occasions. Day 7, mean FA scores showed that 1 µg/eye of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept and 2 µg/eye of TAA suppress 65%, 90%, 100% and 50% retinal vascular leakage, respectively. Day 30, bevacizumab and TAA continued to show 66% and 44% suppression while ranibizumab effect was becoming less effective (68%). In contrast, aflibercept was still able to fully (100%) suppress vascular leakage on day 30. On day 60, bevacizumab, ranibizumab and TAA showed suppression of 7%, 12%, and 9% retinal vascular leakage, respectively, however, aflibercept continued to be more effective showing 50% suppression of vascular leakage. CONCLUSION The DL-AAA rabbit model mimics RNV angiographic features like RNV and chronic retinal leakage. Based on these features the DL-AAA rabbit model provides an invaluable tool that could be used to test the therapeutic efficacy and duration of action of novel anti-angiogenic formulations, alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Absorption Systems: a Pharmaron company, 7901 Vickers St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - John Quach
- Department of Ophthalmology, Absorption Systems: a Pharmaron company, 7901 Vickers St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Nicholas Cook
- Department of Ophthalmology, Absorption Systems: a Pharmaron company, 7901 Vickers St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Glenwood Gum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Absorption Systems: a Pharmaron company, 7901 Vickers St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Vatsala Naageshwaran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Absorption Systems: a Pharmaron company, 7901 Vickers St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
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16
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Huang WC, Cheng F, Chen CC, Kuo PH, Wang YJ, Yin SC, Tu CM, Wu MH, Wang WY, Chen SE. A Novel Eye Drop Formulation for Potential Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:23. [PMID: 34932116 PMCID: PMC8711013 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.14.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Drug delivery to posterior ocular tissues via topical eye drop administration is arduous due to the unique anatomy and physiology of the eye. Therefore, treatments for posterior eye disease have to be administered via intravitreal injection or systemic route, both of which have their drawbacks. Herein, the objective of this work was to demonstrate that a specially designed eye drop formulation could effectively deliver small-molecule vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor to posterior ocular tissues for antiangiogenic therapy. Methods The unique eye drop formulation, termed ITRI AXN eye drops, was obtained from self-assembly of (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin with a VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a hydrophilic polymer, hypromellose, and a complex stabilizer, caffeine. In vivo ocular pharmacokinetics studies were performed with New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits and Non Human Primates (NHP). The antiangiogenesis effect was evaluated on the Long-Evans rat with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization and pigmented Dutch-Belted rabbits with VEGF-induced retinal neovascularization. Results The successful drug transport from ocular surface to posterior ocular cavity was indicated by a drug biodistribution pattern in pharmacokinetic studies. Excellent drug exposure in the choroid and retina with the concentrations of 900- and 750-fold greater than drug IC50 0.5 hours post the eye drop administration (drug level: 0.8%) was observed on the NHP study. The obtained formulation also demonstrated a comparable antiangiogenic outcome with the intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF antibody on rat and rabbit disease models. Conclusions Our eye drop formulation has demonstrated great promise in antiangiogenic therapy against retinal and choroidal neovascularization in animal models. The results suggest that the aim of this work can be successfully achieved by the novel eye drop formulation. Translational Relevance The preclinical results provide evidence that ITRI AXN eye drops could effectively deliver therapeutics to the choroid and retina for antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chia Huang
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Felice Cheng
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Ching Chen
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Po-Hsien Kuo
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yen-Jen Wang
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shao-Chan Yin
- Department of Drug Delivery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Mu Tu
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hsi Wu
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Yu Wang
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Sung-En Chen
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Target Drug and Delivery Technology Division, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan, Republic of China
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17
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Lysophosphatidylcholine Offsets the Protective Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress Injury of Retinal Endothelial Cells via TLR4/NF- κB Signaling. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:2389029. [PMID: 34692851 PMCID: PMC8531799 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2389029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), as a major cause of blindness worldwide, is one common complication of diabetes mellitus. Inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury of endothelial cells play significant roles in the pathogenesis of DR. The study is aimed at investigating the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on the dysfunction of high glucose- (HG-) treated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) after being cocultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and the underlying regulatory mechanism. Coculture of BMSCs and HRMECs was performed in transwell chambers. The activities of antioxidant-related enzymes and molecules of oxidative stress injury and the contents of inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. Flow cytometry analyzed the apoptosis of treated HRMECs. HRMECs were further treated with 10-50 μg/ml LPC to investigate the effect of LPC on the dysfunction of HRMECs. Western blotting was conducted to evaluate levels of TLR4 and p-NF-κB proteins. We found that BMSCs alleviated HG-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury of HRMECs. Importantly, LPC offsets the protective effects of BMSCs on inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury of HRMECs. Furthermore, LPC upregulated the protein levels of TLR4 and p-NF-κB, activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, our study demonstrated that LPC offsets the protective effects of BMSCs on inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury of HRMECs via TLR4/NF-κB signaling.
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18
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Yu Y, Qin Y, Fu J, Li Y, Zhang W, Zhu T, Jiang L, Wang X, Paulus YM. Long-term multimodal imaging characterization of persistent retinal neovascularization using DL-alpha-aminoadipic acid in pigmented and white rabbits. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108577. [PMID: 33864785 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intravitreal (IVT) injection of DL-alpha-aminoadipic acid (AAA) is a new animal model for retinal neovascularization (RNV) reported in rabbits. This study performs longitudinal multimodal imaging for up to 1 year to evaluate DL-AAA RNV in both New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits and Dutch-Belted pigmented (DBP) rabbits. METHOD Detailed characterization and quantification of this model were performed in these two strains in 32 eyes by optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography (FA) for up to 16 weeks following DL-AAA administration in 32 eyes and up to 52 weeks in 5 eyes. H & E histology was also performed in these two strains 8 weeks after injection of DL-AAA. RESULT RNV was successfully generated using 50 μL 80 mM DL-AAA solution for DBP rabbits and 80 μL 80 mM DL-AAA for NZW rabbits. The incidence of persistent vascular leakage is 100% (15/15) for DBP rabbits and 70.6% (12/17) for NZW rabbits at 16 weeks. Complications with NZW rabbits ultimately decreased the efficiency in NZW rabbits to 58.8% (10/17) of NZW rabbits getting persistent (to 16 weeks) vascular leakage without ocular complications as compared with 100% (15/15) in DBP rabbits. Five eyes (2 DBP and 3 NZW) were selected from those demonstrating RNV at 16 weeks and were monitored for up to 52 weeks. All 5 demonstrated persistent RNV to 52 weeks. Quantification of the mean leakage area (MLA) in DBP rabbits is more accurate than in NZW rabbits since the reduced contrast between the leakage and background in NZW rabbits makes it more challenging to quantify. CONCLUSION DL-AAA can induce persistent and quantifiable RNV in both DBP and NZW rabbits. DBP rabbits have a higher success rate, lower required volume of DL-AAA, and more accurate method for quantification that could be more desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julia Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yanxiu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tianye Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Longtan Jiang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yannis M Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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19
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Buck TM, Vos RM, Alves CH, Wijnholds J. AAV- CRB2 protects against vision loss in an inducible CRB1 retinitis pigmentosa mouse model. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 20:423-441. [PMID: 33575434 PMCID: PMC7848734 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Loss of Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) or CRB2 proteins in Müller cells or photoreceptors in the mouse retina results in a CRB dose-dependent retinal phenotype. In this study, we present a novel Müller cell-specific Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC retinitis pigmentosa mouse model (complete loss of CRB1 and reduced levels of CRB2 specifically in Müller cells). The Crb double mutant mice showed deficits in electroretinography, optokinetic head tracking, and retinal morphology. Exposure of retinas to low levels of dl-α-aminoadipate acid induced gliosis and retinal disorganization in Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC retinas but not in wild-type or Crb1-deficient retinas. Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC mice showed a substantial decrease in inner/outer photoreceptor segment length and optokinetic head-tracking response. Intravitreal application of rAAV vectors expressing human CRB2 (hCRB2) in Müller cells of Crb1KOCrb2LowMGC mice subsequently exposed to low levels of dl-α-aminoadipate acid prevented loss of vision, whereas recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors expressing human CRB1 (hCRB1) did not. Both rAAV vectors partially protected the morphology of the retina. The results suggest that hCRB expression in Müller cells is vital for control of retinal cell adhesion at the outer limiting membrane, and that the rAAV-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-hCRB2 vector is more potent than rAAV-minimal CMV (CMVmin)-hCRB1 in protection against loss of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier M Vos
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Henrique Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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20
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Zhang W, Li Y, Yu Y, Derouin K, Qin Y, Nguyen VP, Xia X, Wang X, Paulus YM. Simultaneous photoacoustic microscopy, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein microscopy multi-modality retinal imaging. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2020; 20:100194. [PMID: 32566480 PMCID: PMC7298671 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2020.100194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to further develop a multi-modality eye imaging system and evaluate its feasibility of acquiring images of different modalities simultaneously. An integrated multimodality imaging system combining spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), and fluorescence microscopy (FM) was developed, and its performance for eye imaging was validated on multiple clinically-relevant retinal disease models in vivo in rabbits. OCT imaging allows for visualization of the different anatomic retinal layers with high axial resolution. PAM can be used to image vasculature, angiogenesis, and hemorrhages. The leakage of neovascularization can be verified with FM and fluorescein dye. Simultaneous imaging with OCT, PAM, and FM ensures co-registration of the three modalities without being affected by motion artifacts caused by breathing, body or eye movements, and heartbeat. This simultaneous multi-modality eye imaging system could be a new tool for applications both in ophthalmology and other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Yanxiu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Yixin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Katherine Derouin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - V. Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Yannis M. Paulus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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Sodium Butyrate Inhibits Neovascularization Partially via TNXIP/VEGFR2 Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6415671. [PMID: 33274003 PMCID: PMC7700023 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6415671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Control of neovascularization with small molecules is a promising tactics. Here, we tested the roles of sodium butyrate (NaBu) on the neovascularization and primary explained its underlining molecular links. We used models including cell and ex vivo culture of choroid and mouse, as well as the biochemical and cellular techniques, to confirm our hypothesis. We found that treating HUVEC cells with NaBu (both 2.5 mM and 5 mM) significantly inhibited its ability in tube formation and proliferation. This inhibitory effect was also observed in choroid sprouting experiments, compared to the control. Interestingly, the choroid sprouting suppressed by NaBu can proliferate again after removing it, indicating that the cell cycle progression might be arrested. The laser-induced choroid neovascularization (CNV) was significantly alleviated by assessing the CNV size (decreased to 0.73 fold) in contrast with the vehicle control group after 2.5 mM NaBu injection for 7 days. Mechanistically, we found an enhanced TXNIP expression in response to NaBu treatment in all the three models. Overexpressing TXNIP in HUVEC cells blocked its tube formation and inhibited its proliferation; on the other hand, knocking down its expression with shRNA reversed those phenotypes in context of NaBu treatment. Further investigation showed the expression of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in HUVEC cells was regulated by TXNIP undergoing NaBu treatment. We therefore argued that NaBu inhibited neovascularization partially through TXNIP-regulated VEGFR2 signal pathway.
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22
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Dave V, Sharma R, Gupta C, Sur S. Folic acid modified gold nanoparticle for targeted delivery of Sorafenib tosylate towards the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 194:111151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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23
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Patel C, Goody R, Hu W, Kurian A, James D, Torres R, Christie LA, Hohman T, Lawrence M. Primate model of chronic retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage. Exp Eye Res 2020; 195:108031. [PMID: 32275921 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize and develop a primate model of chronic retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage that can be employed to assess efficacy of experimental therapeutics targeting retinal ischemic and neovascular diseases. African green monkeys received bilateral intravitreal (IVT) injection of DL-alpha-aminoadipic acid (DLAAA; 5 mg) following ophthalmic examination, color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Imaging was repeated to evaluate progression and subsequent stabilization of retinal vascular pathology elicited by DLAAA. Aflibercept (Eylea) was administered IVT (1.4 mg) to assess effects on vascular leakage. Ocular tissue was collected for histopathology and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), von Willebrand Factor (vWF), CD105/endoglin, VEGF and CD68 immunohistochemistry to study retinal degeneration and vascular remodeling. IVT DLAAA administration resulted in telangiectatic vessel formation as early as two-weeks post-injection, followed by retinal vascular leakage and inner retinal edema. Neovascular lesion progression was evident up to 8-10 weeks post-injection before stabilizing into a vascular leakage state that persisted beyond 90 weeks. Histopathology and immunostaining revealed retinal degeneration and neovascularization, increased expression of vWF, CD105/endoglin, VEGF and CD68 immunoreactivities in addition to Müller cell loss. Aflibercept significantly attenuated vascular leakage for 2-4 weeks before progressive return of leakage from weeks 4-8. Lesions remained responsive to anti-VEGF administration at 90 weeks after DLAAA injection. Findings support application of the primate DLAAA-induced retinal vascular leakage model for efficacy evaluations of candidate therapeutics and sustained release strategies targeting exudative AMD, diabetic retinopathy, macular telangiectasia and other retinal ischemic and neovascular diseases. Findings confirm relevance of the DLAAA primate phenotype to understanding shared retinal vascular disease mechanisms and macular susceptibility to vascular and metabolic insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chintan Patel
- Virscio, Inc., 4 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Robin Goody
- Virscio, Inc., 4 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Wenzheng Hu
- Virscio, Inc., 4 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Anish Kurian
- Virscio, Inc., 4 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | - Richard Torres
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lori-Ann Christie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, USA
| | - Thomas Hohman
- Envision Consulting, LLC, 2009 Glenwood Dr, Ocean City, NJ 08226, USA
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24
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Nagaraj R, Stack T, Yi S, Mathew B, Shull KR, Scott EA, Mathew MT, Bijukumar DR. High Density Display of an Anti-Angiogenic Peptide on Micelle Surfaces Enhances Their Inhibition of αvβ3 Integrin-Mediated Neovascularization In Vitro. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E581. [PMID: 32235802 PMCID: PMC7153711 DOI: 10.3390/nano10030581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), Retinopathy of Pre-maturity (ROP), and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are multifactorial manifestations associated with abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. These three diseases account for 5% of the total blindness and vision impairment in the US alone. The current treatment options involve heavily invasive techniques such as frequent intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) antibodies, which pose serious risks of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment and a multitude of adverse effects stemming from the diverse physiological processes that involve VEGF. To overcome these limitations, this current study utilizes a micellar delivery vehicle (MC) decorated with an anti-angiogenic peptide (aANGP) that inhibits αvβ3 mediated neovascularization using primary endothelial cells (HUVEC). Stable incorporation of the peptide into the micelles (aANGP-MCs) for high valency surface display was achieved with a lipidated peptide construct. After 24 h of treatment, aANGP-MCs showed significantly higher inhibition of proliferation and migration compared to free from aANGP peptide. A tube formation assay clearly demonstrated a dose-dependent angiogenic inhibitory effect of aANGP-MCs with a maximum inhibition at 4 μg/mL, a 1000-fold lower concentration than that required for free from aANGP to display a biological effect. These results demonstrate valency-dependent enhancement in the therapeutic efficacy of a bioactive peptide following conjugation to nanoparticle surfaces and present a possible treatment alternative to anti-VEGF antibody therapy with decreased side effects and more versatile options for controlled delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajini Nagaraj
- 1601 Parkveiw Ave, Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
| | - Trevor Stack
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sijia Yi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Benjamin Mathew
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kenneth R Shull
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Evan A Scott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Mathew T Mathew
- 1601 Parkveiw Ave, Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
| | - Divya Rani Bijukumar
- 1601 Parkveiw Ave, Regenerative Medicine and Disability Research Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
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25
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Qiu B, Tan A, Veluchamy AB, Li Y, Murray H, Cheng W, Liu C, Busoy JM, Chen QY, Sistla S, Hunziker W, Cheung CMG, Wong TY, Hong W, Luesch H, Wang X. Apratoxin S4 Inspired by a Marine Natural Product, a New Treatment Option for Ocular Angiogenic Diseases. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3254-3263. [PMID: 31361305 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-26936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Abnormal blood vessel formation is a defining feature of many blinding eye diseases. Targeting abnormal angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGF has revolutionized the treatment of many ocular angiogenic diseases over the last decade. However, a substantial number of patients are refractory to anti-VEGF treatment or may develop resistance over time. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and the mechanism of action of Apratoxin S4 in ocular angiogenesis. Methods Retinal vascular cell proliferation, migration, and the ability to form tube-like structure were studied in vitro. Ex vivo aortic ring, choroid, and metatarsal assays were used to study Apratoxin S4's impact on vessel outgrowth in a multicellular environment. Apratoxin S4 was also tested in mouse models of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and in a rabbit model of persistent retinal neovascularization (PRNV). Western blot and ELISA were used to determine the expression of key angiogenic regulators after Apratoxin S4 treatment. Results Apratoxin S4 strongly inhibits retinal vascular cell activation by suppressing multiple angiogenic pathways. VEGF-activated vascular cells and angiogenic vessels are more susceptible to Apratoxin S4 treatment than quiescent vascular cells and vessels. Both intraperitoneal and intravitreal delivery of Apratoxin S4 are able to impede ocular neovascularization in vivo. Apratoxin S4 specifically attenuates pathological ocular angiogenesis and exhibits a combinatorial inhibitory effect with standard-of-care VEGF inhibitor drug (aflibercept). Conclusions Apratoxin S4 is a potent antiangiogenic drug that inhibits the activation of retinal endothelial cells and pericytes through mediating multiple angiogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beiying Qiu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore
| | - Alison Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore
| | - Amutha Barathi Veluchamy
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore
| | - Hannah Murray
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore
| | - Wei Cheng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore
| | - Chenghao Liu
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanna Marie Busoy
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore
| | - Qi-Yin Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Srivani Sistla
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore
| | - Walter Hunziker
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore
| | - Hendrik Luesch
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States.,Oceanyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Woburn, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
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26
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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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27
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Nashine S, Nesburn AB, Kuppermann BD, Kenney MC. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) mitochondria modulate epigenetic mechanisms in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2019; 189:107701. [PMID: 31226340 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial damage and epigenetic modifications have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This study was designed to investigate the effects of AMD/normal mitochondria on epigenetic regulation in human transmitochondrial retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro. Human RPE cybrid cell lines were created by fusing mitochondria-deficient (Rho0) ARPE-19 cells with platelets obtained from either AMD patients (AMD cybrids) or normal subjects (normal cybrids). Therefore, all cybrids had identical nuclei (derived from ARPE-19 cells) but mitochondria derived from either AMD patients or age-matched normal subjects. AMD cybrids demonstrated increased RNA/protein levels for five methylation-related and four acetylation-related genes, along with lower levels of two methylation and three acetylation genes compared to normal cybrids. Demethylation using 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC) led to decreased expression of VEGF-A gene in AMD cells. Trichostatin A (TSA), an HDAC inhibitor, also influenced protein levels of VEGF-A, HIF1α, NFκB, and CFH in AMD cells. Our findings suggest that retrograde signaling leads to mitochondria-nucleus interactions that influence the epigenetic status of the RPE cells and this may help in the identification of future potential therapeutic targets for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Nashine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anthony B Nesburn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Baruch D Kuppermann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - M Cristina Kenney
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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28
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Long L, Li Y, Yu S, Li X, Hu Y, Long T, Wang L, Li W, Ye X, Ke Z, Xiao H. Scutellarin Prevents Angiogenesis in Diabetic Retinopathy by Downregulating VEGF/ERK/FAK/Src Pathway Signaling. J Diabetes Res 2019; 2019:4875421. [PMID: 31976335 PMCID: PMC6949683 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4875421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. This study demonstrates the antiangiogenic effects of scutellarin (SCU) on high glucose- and hypoxia-stimulated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and on a diabetic rat model by oral administration. The antiangiogenic mechanisms of SCU in vitro and in vivo were investigated. METHOD HRECs were cultured in high glucose- (30 mM D-glucose) and hypoxia (cobalt chloride-treated)-stimulated diabetic condition to evaluate the antiangiogenic effects of SCU by CCK-8 test, cell migration experiment (wound healing and transwell), and tube formation experiment. A streptozotocin-induced type II diabetic rat model was established to measure the effects of oral administration of SCU on protecting retinal microvascular dysfunction by Doppler waveforms and HE staining. We further used western blot, luciferase reporter assay, and immunofluorescence staining to study the antiangiogenic mechanism of SCU. The protein levels of phospho-ERK, phospho-FAK, phospho-Src, VEGF, and PEDF were examined in HRECs and retina of diabetic rats. RESULT Our results indicated that SCU attenuated diabetes-induced HREC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and decreased neovascularization and resistive index in the retina of diabetic rats by oral administration. SCU suppressed the crosstalk of phospho-ERK, phospho-FAK, phospho-Src, and VEGF in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that SCU can be an oral drug to alleviate microvascular dysfunction of DR and exerts its antiangiogenic effects by inhibiting the expression of the crosstalk of VEGF, p-ERK, p-FAK, and p-Src.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Long
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Translation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yubin Li
- The Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Translation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Tengfei Long
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Liqin Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoxin Ye
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, High St. Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haipeng Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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29
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Xue K, Zhao X, Zhang Z, Qiu B, Tan QSW, Ong KH, Liu Z, Parikh BH, Barathi VA, Yu W, Wang X, Lingam G, Hunziker W, Su X, Loh XJ. Sustained delivery of anti-VEGFs from thermogel depots inhibits angiogenesis without the need for multiple injections. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:4603-4614. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01049a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polyurethane thermogels show sustained delivery of bioactive anti-VEGFs therapeutics to the eye.
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30
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Rodrigues GA, Mason M, Christie LA, Hansen C, Hernandez LM, Burke J, Luhrs KA, Hohman TC. Functional Characterization of Abicipar-Pegol, an Anti-VEGF DARPin Therapeutic That Potently Inhibits Angiogenesis and Vascular Permeability. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:5836-5846. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - James Burke
- Allergan plc, Irvine, California, United States
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