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Shen S, Nan W, Zhang W, Wu H, Zhang Y. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 inhibits corneal neovascularization by blocking NETs-induced disruption to corneal epithelial barrier. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113023. [PMID: 39217886 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113023] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is the second leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and current drugs have certain limitations. Inflammatory response is the core pathological process of CoNV. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are generated after neutrophil activation, which promotes neovascularization. Prior studies demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) could significantly reduce inflammation and CoNV formation, its exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we stimulated human peripheral blood neutrophils with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) to induce or inhibit NETs formation. By using corneal sutures and subconjunctival injections of NETs or DNase I, rat CoNV models were established. Compared with the suture group, NETs formation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the corneal stroma were significantly increased, corneal edema was aggravated, and the length, area and diameter of CoNV were significantly enhanced in the NETs group. Furthermore, by curetting the corneal epithelial apical junctional complexes (AJCs), a crucial component in preserving the function of the corneal epithelial barrier, we discovered that the damage of AJCs had a significant role in inducing CoNV formation. NETs could induce CoNV formation by injuring corneal epithelial AJCs. Finally, by comparing the aforementioned indicators after the intervention of BMP4, BMP4 inhibitor Noggin and NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, we finally demonstrated that BMP4 could inhibit NETs-induced inflammation and corneal epithelial AJC injury, repair corneal epithelial barrier function and eventually inhibit CoNV formation by blocking NOX-2-dependent NETs formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province 130041, China
| | - Weijin Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province 130041, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province 130041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province 130041, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
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Nan W, Shen S, Yang Y, Wu M, He Y, Zhang R, Cui X, Zhang Y. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 thermosensitive hydrogel inhibits corneal neovascularization by repairing corneal epithelial apical junctional complexes. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100944. [PMID: 38269056 PMCID: PMC10806348 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.100944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a heavy attribute of blinding disease changes. Existing medications need numerous infusions and have a limited absorption. Investigating novel drugs with safety, efficacy, and convenience is crucial. In this study, we developed a bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)-loaded poloxamer-oxidized sodium alginate (F127-OSA) thermosensitive hydrogel. The 14 % F127-OSA hydrogel transformed from sol to gel at 31-32 °C, which might extend the application period on the ocular surface. The hydrogel's porous structure and uniform dispersion made it possible for drugs to release gradually. We used a suture-induced rat CNV model to investigate the mechanism of CNV inhibition by hydrogel. We discovered that F127-OSA hydrogel loaded with BMP4 could significantly reduce the length and area of CNV, relieve corneal edema, and stop aberrant epithelial cell proliferation. The hydrogel's efficacy was superior to that of the common solvent group. Additionally, BMP4 thermosensitive hydrogel repaired ultrastructure, including microvilli, intercellular junctions, and damaged apical junctional complexes (AJCs), suggesting a potential mechanism by which the hydrogel prevented CNV formation. In conclusion, our investigation demonstrates that F127-OSA thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with BMP4 can repair corneal epithelial AJCs and is a promising novel medication for the treatment of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, PR China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, PR China
| | - Sitong Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, PR China
| | - Yongyan Yang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China
| | - Meiliang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, PR China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, PR China
| | - Ruiting Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China
| | - Xuejun Cui
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China
- Weihai Institute for Bionics-Jilin University, Weihai, 264400, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, PR China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130041, PR China
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Nan W, He Y, Shen S, Wu M, Wang S, Zhang Y. BMP4 inhibits corneal neovascularization by interfering with tip cells in angiogenesis. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109680. [PMID: 37858608 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) can lead to impaired corneal transparency, resulting in vision loss or blindness. The primary pathological mechanism underlying CNV is an imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, with inflammation playing a crucial role. Notably, a vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-A gradient triggers the selection of single endothelial cells(ECs) into primary tip cells that guide sprouting, while a dynamic balance between tip and stalk cells maintains a specific ratio to promote CNV. Despite the central importance of tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) on VEGF-A-induced lumen formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and CD34-stained tip cell formation. In vivo, BMP4 inhibited CNV caused by corneal sutures. This process was achieved by BMP4 decreasing the protein expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR2 in corneal tissue after corneal suture injury. By observing the ultrastructure of the cornea, BMP4 inhibited the sprouting of tip cells and brought forward the appearance of intussusception. Meanwhile, BMP4 attenuated the inflammatory response by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)formation through the NADPH oxidase-2(NOX-2)pathway. Our results indicate that BMP4 inhibits the formation of tip cells by reducing the generation of NETs, disrupting the dynamic balance of tip and stalk cells and thereby inhibiting CNV, suggesting that BMP4 may be a potential therapeutic target for CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Sitong Shen
- Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Meiliang Wu
- Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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Patnam M, Dommaraju SR, Masood F, Herbst P, Chang JH, Hu WY, Rosenblatt MI, Azar DT. Lymphangiogenesis Guidance Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications in Pathological States of the Cornea. Cells 2023; 12:319. [PMID: 36672254 PMCID: PMC9856498 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020319] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal lymphangiogenesis is one component of the neovascularization observed in several inflammatory pathologies of the cornea including dry eye disease and corneal graft rejection. Following injury, corneal (lymph)angiogenic privilege is impaired, allowing ingrowth of blood and lymphatic vessels into the previously avascular cornea. While the mechanisms underlying pathological corneal hemangiogenesis have been well described, knowledge of the lymphangiogenesis guidance mechanisms in the cornea is relatively scarce. Various signaling pathways are involved in lymphangiogenesis guidance in general, each influencing one or multiple stages of lymphatic vessel development. Most endogenous factors that guide corneal lymphatic vessel growth or regression act via the vascular endothelial growth factor C signaling pathway, a central regulator of lymphangiogenesis. Several exogenous factors have recently been repurposed and shown to regulate corneal lymphangiogenesis, uncovering unique signaling pathways not previously known to influence lymphatic vessel guidance. A strong understanding of the relevant lymphangiogenesis guidance mechanisms can facilitate the development of targeted anti-lymphangiogenic therapeutics for corneal pathologies. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of lymphatic guidance cues, their regulation of inflammatory states in the cornea, and recently discovered anti-lymphangiogenic therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehul Patnam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sunil R. Dommaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Faisal Masood
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Paula Herbst
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wen-Yang Hu
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mark I. Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dimitri T. Azar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Knockdown of bone morphogenetic protein 4 gene induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of bovine cumulus cells. Theriogenology 2022; 188:28-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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