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Zhang J, Sheng X, Ding Q, Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhang J. Subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:378-393. [PMID: 38819041 PMCID: PMC11317958 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01642] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It causes local damage to photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal vessels, which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex, and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, there are no effective treatment options. A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments. The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis, including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis; multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis; animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis; cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis; pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis, such as aging, infiltration of macrophages, different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast, and activation of complement system and immune cells; and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10. This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, allow the discovery of molecular targets, and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Quanju Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People’s Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Gill K, Yoo HS, Chakravarthy H, Granville DJ, Matsubara JA. Exploring the role of granzyme B in subretinal fibrosis of age-related macular degeneration. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421175. [PMID: 39091492 PMCID: PMC11291352 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a prevalent and progressive degenerative disease of the macula, is the leading cause of blindness in elderly individuals in developed countries. The advanced stages include neovascular AMD (nAMD), characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), leading to subretinal fibrosis and permanent vision loss. Despite the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in stabilizing or improving vision in nAMD, the development of subretinal fibrosis following CNV remains a significant concern. In this review, we explore multifaceted aspects of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, focusing on its clinical manifestations, risk factors, and underlying pathophysiology. We also outline the potential sources of myofibroblast precursors and inflammatory mechanisms underlying their recruitment and transdifferentiation. Special attention is given to the potential role of mast cells in CNV and subretinal fibrosis, with a focus on putative mast cell mediators, tryptase and granzyme B. We summarize our findings on the role of GzmB in CNV and speculate how GzmB may be involved in the pathological transition from CNV to subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. Finally, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of animal models of subretinal fibrosis and pinpoint potential therapeutic targets for subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanvir Gill
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hyung-Suk Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Harshini Chakravarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Shoda C, Lee D, Miwa Y, Yamagami S, Nakashizuka H, Nimura K, Okamoto K, Kawagishi H, Negishi K, Kurihara T. Inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factors suppresses subretinal fibrosis. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23792. [PMID: 38953555 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400540rrr] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss. The aggressive form of AMD is associated with ocular neovascularization and subretinal fibrosis, representing a responsive outcome against neovascularization mediated by epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. A failure of the current treatment (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy) has also been attributed to the progression of subretinal fibrosis. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) increase gene expressions to promote fibrosis and neovascularization. HIFs act as a central pathway in the pathogenesis of AMD. HIF inhibitors may suppress ocular neovascularization. Nonetheless, further investigation is required to unravel the aspects of subretinal fibrosis. In this study, we used RPE-specific HIFs or von Hippel-Lindau (VHL, a regulator of HIFs) conditional knockout (cKO) mice, along with pharmacological HIF inhibitors, to demonstrate the suppression of subretinal fibrosis. Fibrosis was suppressed by treatments of HIF inhibitors, and similar suppressive effects were detected in RPE-specific Hif1a/Hif2a- and Hif1a-cKO mice. Promotive effects were observed in RPE-specific Vhl-cKO mice, where fibrosis-mediated pathologic processes were evident. Marine products' extracts and their component taurine suppressed fibrosis as HIF inhibitors. Our study shows critical roles of HIFs in the progression of fibrosis, linking them to the potential development of therapeutics for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiho Shoda
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Ophthalmology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Deokho Lee
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Miwa
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Aichi Animal Eye Clinic, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoru Yamagami
- Ophthalmology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kazumi Nimura
- Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Fishery and Ocean, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Okamoto
- Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Fishery and Ocean, Shizuoka, Japan
- Marine Open Innovation Institute, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kawagishi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuno Negishi
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Zhao X, Hu L, Liu G, Yin X, Gong Q, Li Y, Li Q, Zhou Y, Sun Y, Guo C, Du Z. Fibronectin binds integrin α5β1 to regulate macular neovascularization through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109880. [PMID: 38552713 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109880] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the macula. The formation of macular neovascularization (MNV) and subretinal fibrosis of AMD is the most classic cause of the loss of vision in older adults worldwide. While the underlying causes of MNV and subretinal fibrosis remain elusive, the common feature of many common retinal diseases is changes the proportions of protein deposition in extracellular matrix (ECM) when compared to normal tissue. In ECM, fibronectin (FN) is a crucial component and plays a pivotal part not only in fibrotic diseases but also in the process of angiogenesis. The study aims to understand the role of ligand FN and its common integrin receptor α5β1 on MNV, and to understand the molecular mechanism involved. To study this, the laser-induced MNV mouse model and the rhesus macaque choroid-retinal endothelial cell line (RF/6A) chemical hypoxia mode were established, and the FN-α5β1 expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qRT-PCR). Fibronectin expression was silenced using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting FN. The tube formation and vitro scratch assays were used to assess the ability to form blood vessels and cell migration. To measure the formation of MNV, immunofluorescence, and Western blot assays were used. These results revealed that the expressions of FN and integrin α5β1 were distinctly increased in the laser-induced MNV mouse model and in the RF/6A cytochemically induced hypoxia model, and the expression tendency was identical. After the use of FN siRNA, the tube formation and migration abilities of the RF/6A cells were lower, the ability of endothelial cells to proliferate was confined and the scope of damage caused by the laser in animal models was significantly cut down. In addition, FN gene knockdown dramatically inhibited the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signal. The interaction of FN with the integrin receptor α5β1 in the constructed model, which may act through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was confirmed in this study. In conclusion, FN may be a potential new molecular target for the prevention and treatment of subretinal fibrosis and MNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Liting Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Guibo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiaoni Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qingyun Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linyi People's Hospital, Jiefang Road Number 27, Lanshan District, Linyi, 276003, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yibin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chunyan Guo
- People's Hospital of Dingxi, Dingxi, 743000, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Zhaodong Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Künzel SE, Pompös IM, Flesch LTM, Frentzel DP, Knecht VA, Winkler S, Skosyrski S, Rübsam A, Dreher F, Kociok N, Schütte M, Dubrac A, Lange B, Yaspo ML, Lehrach H, Strauß O, Joussen AM, Zeitz O. Exploring the Impact of Saccharin on Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Comprehensive Study in Patients and Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:5. [PMID: 38558091 PMCID: PMC10996979 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.5] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to determine the impact of artificial sweeteners (AS), especially saccharin, on the progression and treatment efficacy of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) under anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF-A) treatment. Methods In a cross-sectional study involving 46 patients with nAMD undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, 6 AS metabolites were detected in peripheral blood using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Disease features were statistically tested against these metabolite levels. Additionally, a murine choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model, induced by laser, was used to evaluate the effects of orally administered saccharin, assessing both imaging outcomes and gene expression patterns. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were used to evaluate functional expression of sweet taste receptors in a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line. Results Saccharin levels in blood were significantly higher in patients with well-controlled CNV activity (P = 0.004) and those without subretinal hyper-reflective material (P = 0.015). In the murine model, saccharin-treated mice exhibited fewer leaking laser scars, lesser occurrence of bleeding, smaller fibrotic areas (P < 0.05), and a 40% decrease in mononuclear phagocyte accumulation (P = 0.06). Gene analysis indicated downregulation of inflammatory and VEGFR-1 response genes in the treated animals. Human RPE cells expressed taste receptor type 1 member 3 (TAS1R3) mRNA and reacted to saccharin stimulation with changes in mRNA expression. Conclusions Saccharin appears to play a protective role in patients with nAMD undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment, aiding in better pathological lesion control and scar reduction. The murine study supports this observation, proposing saccharin's potential in mitigating pathological VEGFR-1-induced immune responses potentially via the RPE sensing saccharin in the blood stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen E. Künzel
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inga-Marie Pompös
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonie T. M. Flesch
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik P. Frentzel
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vitus A. Knecht
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Winkler
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sergej Skosyrski
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Rübsam
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Dreher
- Alacris Theranostics, Max-Planck-Straße 3, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Kociok
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Moritz Schütte
- Alacris Theranostics, Max-Planck-Straße 3, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bodo Lange
- Alacris Theranostics, Max-Planck-Straße 3, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Laure Yaspo
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Lehrach
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Strauß
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia M. Joussen
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Zeitz
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, Department of Ophthalmology, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany
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Liu D, Du J, Xie H, Tian H, Lu L, Zhang C, Xu GT, Zhang J. Wnt5a/β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a key driver of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38532410 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03068-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), accounts for up to 90% of AMD-associated vision loss, ultimately resulting in the formation of fibrotic scar in the macular region. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD involves the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the Wnt signaling during the EMT of RPE cells and in the pathological process of subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD. METHODS In vivo, the induction of subretinal fibrosis was performed in male C57BL/6J mice through laser photocoagulation. Either FH535 (a β-catenin inhibitor) or Box5 (a Wnt5a inhibitor) was intravitreally administered on the same day or 14 days following laser induction. The RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex (RBCC) tissues were collected and subjected to Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence to examine fibrovascular and Wnt-related markers. In vitro, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)-treated ARPE-19 cells were co-incubated with or without FH535, Foxy-5 (a Wnt5a-mimicking peptide), Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA, respectively. The changes in EMT- and Wnt-related signaling molecules, as well as cell functions were assessed using qRT-PCR, nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence, scratch assay or transwell migration assay. The cell viability of ARPE-19 cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8. RESULTS The in vivo analysis demonstrated Wnt5a/ROR1, but not Wnt3a, was upregulated in the RBCCs of the laser-induced CNV mice compared to the normal control group. Intravitreal injection of FH535 effectively reduced Wnt5a protein expression. Both FH535 and Box5 effectively attenuated subretinal fibrosis and EMT, as well as the activation of β-catenin in laser-induced CNV mice, as evidenced by the significant reduction in areas positive for fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and active β-catenin labeling. In vitro, Wnt5a/ROR1, active β-catenin, and some other Wnt signaling molecules were upregulated in the TGFβ1-induced EMT cell model using ARPE-19 cells. Co-treatment with FH535, Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA markedly suppressed the activation of Wnt5a, nuclear translocation of active β-catenin, as well as the EMT in TGFβ1-treated ARPE-19 cells. Conversely, treatment with Foxy-5 independently resulted in the activation of abovementioned molecules and subsequent induction of EMT in ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a reciprocal activation between Wnt5a and β-catenin to mediate EMT as a pivotal driver of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. This positive feedback loop provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to treat subretinal fibrosis in nAMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxiao Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
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Jahnke L, Perrenoud V, Zandi S, Li Y, Conedera FM, Enzmann V. Modulation of Extracellular Matrix Composition and Chronic Inflammation with Pirfenidone Promotes Scar Reduction in Retinal Wound Repair. Cells 2024; 13:164. [PMID: 38247855 PMCID: PMC10814251 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020164] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Wound repair in the retina is a complex mechanism, and a deeper understanding of it is necessary for the development of effective treatments to slow down or even prevent degenerative processes leading to photoreceptor loss. In this study, we harnessed a laser-induced retinal degeneration model (532-nm laser photocoagulation with 300 μm spot size, 60 ms duration and 60 mV pulse), enabling a profound molecular elucidation and a comprehensive, prolonged observation of the wound healing sequence in a murine laser-induced degeneration model (C57BL/6J mice, 6-12 weeks) until day 49 post-laser. Our observations included the expression of specific extracellular matrix proteins and myofibroblast activity, along with an analysis of gene expression related to extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules through RNA measurements. Furthermore, the administration of pirfenidone (10 mg/kg via drinking water), an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic compound, was used to modulate scar formation after laser treatment. Our data revealed upregulated collagen expression in late regenerative phases and sustained inflammation in the damaged tissue. Notably, treatment with pirfenidone was found to mitigate scar tissue formation, effectively downregulating collagen production and diminishing the presence of inflammatory markers. However, it did not lead to the regeneration of the photoreceptor layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jahnke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Perrenoud
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Souska Zandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuebing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Federica Maria Conedera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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