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Heier JS, Cohen MN, Chao DL, Pepio A, Shiraga Y, Capuano G, Rogers A, Ackert J, Sen HN, Csaky K. Phase 1 Study of JNJ-81201887 Gene Therapy in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology 2024:S0161-6420(24)00368-3. [PMID: 38909914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.06.013] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single intravitreal injection of JNJ-81201887 (JNJ-1887) in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN Phase 1, open-label, single-center, first-in-human clinical study. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients (≥50 years of age) with GA secondary to AMD in the study-treated eye (treated eye) with Snellen best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the treated eye (20/80 or worse after the first 3 patients), a total GA lesion size between 5 and 20 mm2 (2-8 disc area), and best-corrected visual acuity of 20/800 or better in fellow, nontreated eye were included. METHODS Patients (n = 17) were enrolled sequentially into low-dose (3.56 × 1010 viral genome/eye; n = 3), intermediate-dose (1.07 × 1011 viral genome/eye; n = 3), and high-dose (3.56 × 1011 viral genome/eye; n = 11) cohorts without steroid prophylaxis and assessed for safety and tolerability over 24 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Safety and tolerability outcomes included assessment of ocular and nonocular treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) over 24 months. Secondary outcomes included GA lesion size and growth rate. RESULTS Baseline patient characteristics were consistent with the disease under study, and all enrolled patients demonstrated foveal center-involved GA. JNJ-81201887 was well-tolerated across all cohorts, with no dose-limiting AEs. No serious or systemic AEs related to study intervention occurred. Overall, 5 of 17 patients (29%) experienced 5 events of mild ocular inflammation related to study treatment; examination findings in all resolved, and AEs resolved in 4 of 5 patients after topical steroids or observation. One unresolved vitritis event, managed with observation, occurred in a patient with an unrelated fatal AE. No endophthalmitis or new-onset choroidal neovascularization was reported. Geographic atrophy lesion growth rate was similar among all cohorts over 24 months. For treated eyes in the high-dose cohort, GA lesion growth rate showed continued decline through 24 months, with a reduction in mean square root lesion growth from 0.211 mm at months 0 through 6 to 0.056 mm at months 18 through 24. CONCLUSIONS All 3 studied doses of JNJ-1887 showed a manageable safety profile through 24 months of follow-up. Further investigation of JNJ-1887 for the treatment of GA is warranted. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael N Cohen
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel L Chao
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Raritan, New Jersey
| | - Anthony Pepio
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Raritan, New Jersey; Janssen, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Yoko Shiraga
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Raritan, New Jersey
| | - George Capuano
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Raritan, New Jersey
| | - Adam Rogers
- Hemera Biosciences, LLC, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Jessica Ackert
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Raritan, New Jersey
| | - H Nida Sen
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Raritan, New Jersey
| | - Karl Csaky
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas
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Xu H, Yi C, Chen M. The complement pathway as a therapeutic target for neovascular age-related macular degeneration-mediated subretinal fibrosis. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102448. [PMID: 38555699 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102448] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly in developed countries. Intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors is the mainstream therapy for nAMD, although nearly 50% of the patients do not respond or respond poorly to the therapy. One of the main reasons for the poor outcome of the therapy is the development of subretinal macular fibrosis, a process of excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins around the diseased blood vessels. Currently, there is no medication to prevent or treat the condition. Here, we discussed recent advances in the pathogenesis of nAMD-mediated macular fibrosis, with a focus on the role of the complement system. We further proposed approaches to target the complement system for the management of macular fibrosis and highlighted the area of further research for future clinical applications of complement-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heping Xu
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China; Aier Eye Institute, Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Hunan, China; The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom.
| | - Caijiao Yi
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China; Aier Eye Institute, Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Hunan, China; Changsha Xiangjiang Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom.
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Winiarczyk M, Thiede B, Utheim TP, Kaarniranta K, Winiarczyk D, Michalak K, Mackiewicz J. Oxidative Stress, Persistent Inflammation and Blood Coagulation Alterations in Serum Proteome of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:624. [PMID: 38792644 PMCID: PMC11122107 DOI: 10.3390/life14050624] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible blindness in elderly populations in developed countries. AMD's etiopathology is multifactorial, with strong environmental and genetic components, but the exact molecular pathomechanisms underlying the disease are still unknown. In this study, we analyzed blood serum collected from 74 neovascular AMD patients and 58 healthy controls to identify proteins that may serve as potential biomarkers and expand our knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of the disease. The study revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins-11 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated-in neovascular AMD, which are involved in the biological processes previously linked with the disease-oxidative stress and persistent inflammation, impaired cellular transport, lipid metabolism and blood coagulation. In conclusion, the differences in the expressions of the proteins identified in this study may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying AMD and possibly serve in future as promising biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Winiarczyk
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Bernd Thiede
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dagmara Winiarczyk
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, 20-612 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Michalak
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Life Sciences, 20-612 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Mackiewicz
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland;
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Ban N, Shinojima A, Negishi K, Kurihara T. Drusen in AMD from the Perspective of Cholesterol Metabolism and Hypoxic Response. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2608. [PMID: 38731137 PMCID: PMC11084323 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092608] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Drusen are one of the most characteristic pathologies of precursor lesion of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Drusen comprise a yellowish white substance that accumulates typically under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and their constituents are lipids, complement, amyloid, crystallin, and others. In the past, many researchers have focused on drusen and tried to elucidate the pathophysiology of AMD because they believed that disease progression from early AMD to advanced AMD might be based on drusen or drusen might cause AMD. In fact, it is well established that drusen are the hallmark of precursor lesion of AMD and a major risk factor for AMD progression mainly based on their size and number. However, the existence of advanced AMD without drusen has long been recognized. For example, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), which comprises the majority of AMD cases in Asians, often lacks drusen. Thus, there is the possibility that drusen might be no more than a biomarker of AMD and not a cause of AMD. Now is the time to reconsider the relationship between AMD and drusen. In this review, we focus on early AMD pathogenesis based on basic research from the perspective of cholesterol metabolism and hypoxic response in the retina, and we discuss the role of drusen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norimitsu Ban
- Laboratory of Aging and Retinal Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.S.); (K.N.)
| | - Ari Shinojima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.S.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuno Negishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.S.); (K.N.)
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.S.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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Busch C, Rau S, Sekulic A, Perie L, Huber C, Gehrke M, Joussen AM, Zipfel PF, Wildner G, Skerka C, Strauß O. Increased plasma level of terminal complement complex in AMD patients: potential functional consequences for RPE cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200725. [PMID: 37359546 PMCID: PMC10287163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Polymorphisms in complement genes are risk-associated for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Functional analysis revealed a common deficiency to control the alternative complement pathway by risk-associated gene polymorphisms. Thus, we investigated the levels of terminal complement complex (TCC) in the plasma of wet AMD patients with defined genotypes and the impact of the complement activation of their plasma on second-messenger signaling, gene expression, and cytokine/chemokine secretion in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Design Collection of plasma from patients with wet AMD (n = 87: 62% female and 38% male; median age 77 years) and controls (n = 86: 39% female and 61% male; median age 58 years), grouped for risk factor smoking and genetic risk alleles CFH 402HH and ARMS2 rs3750846, determination of TCC levels in the plasma, in vitro analysis on RPE function during exposure to patients' or control plasma as a complement source. Methods Genotyping, measurement of TCC concentrations, ARPE-19 cell culture, Ca2+ imaging, gene expression by qPCR, secretion by multiplex bead analysis of cell culture supernatants. Main outcome measures TCC concentration in plasma, intracellular free Ca2+, relative mRNA levels, cytokine secretion. Results TCC levels in the plasma of AMD patients were five times higher than in non-AMD controls but did not differ in plasma from carriers of the two risk alleles. Complement-evoked Ca2+ elevations in RPE cells differed between patients and controls with a significant correlation between TCC levels and peak amplitudes. Comparing the Ca2+ signals, only between the plasma of smokers and non-smokers, as well as heterozygous (CFH 402YH) and CFH 402HH patients, revealed differences in the late phase. Pre-stimulation with complement patients' plasma led to sensitization for complement reactions by RPE cells. Gene expression for surface molecules protective against TCC and pro-inflammatory cytokines increased after exposure to patients' plasma. Patients' plasma stimulated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the RPE. Conclusion TCC levels were higher in AMD patients but did not depend on genetic risk factors. The Ca2+ responses to patients' plasma as second-messenger represent a shift of RPE cells to a pro-inflammatory phenotype and protection against TCC. We conclude a substantial role of high TCC plasma levels in AMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Saskia Rau
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andjela Sekulic
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luce Perie
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Huber
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miranda Gehrke
- Section of Immunobiology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia M. Joussen
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Gerhild Wildner
- Section of Immunobiology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Strauß
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
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6
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Dubowsky JG, Estevez JJ, Craig JE, Appukuttan B, Carr JM. Disease profiles in the Indigenous Australian population are suggestive of a common complement control haplotype. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023:105453. [PMID: 37245779 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (respectfully referred to as Indigenous Australians herein) are disparately burdened by many infectious and chronic diseases relative to Australians with European genetic ancestry. Some of these diseases are described in other populations to be influenced by the inherited profile of complement genes. These include complement factor B, H, I and complement factor H-related (CFHR) genes that can contribute to a polygenic complotype. Here the focus is on the combined deletion of CFHR1 and 3 to form a common haplotype (CFHR3-1Δ). The prevalence of CFHR3-1Δ is high in people with Nigerian and African American genetic ancestry and correlates to a higher frequency and severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but a lower prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and IgA-nephropathy (IgAN). This pattern of disease is similarly observed among Indigenous Australian communities. Additionally, the CFHR3-1Δ complotype is also associated with increased susceptibility to infection with pathogens, such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pyogenes, which also have high incidences in Indigenous Australian communities. The prevalence of these diseases, while likely influenced by social, political, environmental and biological factors, including variants in other components of the complement system, may also be suggestive of the CFHR3-1Δ haplotype in Indigenous Australians. These data highlight a need to define the Indigenous Australian complotypes, which may lead to the discovery of new risk factors for common diseases and progress towards precision medicines for treating complement-associated diseases in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Herein, the disease profiles suggestive of a common complement CFHR3-1Δ control haplotype are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua G Dubowsky
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine and Public Health, and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jose J Estevez
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Flinders Centre for Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Optometry and Vision Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jamie E Craig
- Flinders Centre for Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Binoy Appukuttan
- Molecular Medical Science, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine and Public Health, and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
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Piri N, Kaplan HJ. Role of Complement in the Onset of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050832. [PMID: 37238702 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the central retina and the leading cause of severe loss of central vision in people over age 50. Patients gradually lose central visual acuity, compromising their ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces, all of which greatly impact daily life activities. Quality of life is significantly affected in these patients, and there are worse levels of depression as a result. AMD is a complex, multifactorial disease in which age and genetics, as well as environmental factors, all play a role in its development and progression. The mechanism by which these risk factors interact and converge towards AMD are not fully understood, and therefore, drug discovery is challenging, with no successful therapeutic attempt to prevent the development of this disease. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of AMD and review the role of complement, which is a major risk factor in the development of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Piri
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Bruno V, Mühlig AK, Oh J, Licht C. New insights into the immune functions of podocytes: the role of complement. Mol Cell Pediatr 2023; 10:3. [PMID: 37059832 PMCID: PMC10104987 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-023-00157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Podocytes are differentiated epithelial cells which play an essential role to ensure a normal function of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). In addition to their adhesive properties in maintaining the integrity of the filtration barrier, they have other functions, such as synthesis of components of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), release of inflammatory proteins, and expression of complement components. They also participate in the glomerular crosstalk through multiple signalling pathways, including endothelin-1, VEGF, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7), latent transforming growth factor β-binding protein 1 (LTBP1), and extracellular vesicles.Growing literature suggests that podocytes share many properties of innate and adaptive immunity, supporting a multifunctional role ensuring a healthy glomerulus. As consequence, the "immune podocyte" dysfunction is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of several glomerular diseases, referred to as "podocytopathies." Multiple factors like mechanical, oxidative, and/or immunologic stressors can induce cell injury. The complement system, as part of both innate and adaptive immunity, can also define podocyte damage by several mechanisms, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cytokine production, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, ultimately affecting the integrity of the cytoskeleton, with subsequent podocyte detachment from the GBM and onset of proteinuria.Interestingly, podocytes are found to be both source and target of complement-mediated injury. Podocytes express complement proteins which contribute to local complement activation. At the same time, they rely on several protective mechanisms to escape this damage. Podocytes express complement factor H (CFH), one of the main regulators of the complement cascade, as well as membrane-bound complement regulators like CD46 or membrane cofactor protein (MCP), CD55 or decay-accelerating factor (DAF), and CD59 or defensin. Further mechanisms, like autophagy or actin-based endocytosis, are also involved to ensure podocyte homeostasis and protection against injury.This review will provide an overview of the immune functions of podocytes and their response to immune-mediated injury, focusing on the pathogenic link between complement and podocyte damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bruno
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Cell Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne Katrin Mühlig
- University Children's Research@Kinder-UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jun Oh
- University Children's Research@Kinder-UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Licht
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Cell Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Antropoli A, Arrigo A, Bianco L, Berni A, Lamberto LF, Saladino A, Bandello F, Battaglia Parodi M. Quantitative multimodal imaging of extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen and geographic atrophy with diffuse trickling pattern. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1822. [PMID: 36725879 PMCID: PMC9889953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28906-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To compare clinical and imaging characteristics of extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance (EMAP) versus diffuse-trickling geographic atrophy (DTGA) and non-diffuse-trickling geographic atrophy (nDTGA) phenotypes of age-related macular degeneration. Prospective, observational study performed in the Ophthalmology Department of IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital between January 2015 and January 2021. Patients examination included fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and optical coherence tomography at baseline and follow-up visits. We measured subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), Sattler/choroid ratio (SCR), choroidal vascularity index and ellipsoid zone disruption distance on OCT scans. We calculated progression rates and circularity of the atrophic lesions on FAF images. These variables were compared between the three groups and correlations with progression rates and visual acuity were assessed. Sixty-three eyes from 63 patients were included: 18 with EMAP, 18 with DTGA and 27 with nDTGA. Mean follow-up was 3.73 ± 2.12 years. EMAP and DTGA shared a faster progression, lower circularity and SCR, and higher EZ disruption distance than nDTGA, while SCT and CVI were similar between the three groups. Baseline circularity and SCR correlated with progression rates. EMAP and DTGA show similar OCT and FAF characteristics, which differ from nDTGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Antropoli
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arrigo
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Bianco
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Berni
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - La Franca Lamberto
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Saladino
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Battaglia Parodi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Gogna N, Hyde LF, Collin GB, Stone L, Naggert JK, Nishina PM. Current Views on Chr10q26 Contribution to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:27-36. [PMID: 37440010 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the global aging population. Familial aggregation and genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified gene variants associated with AMD, implying a strong genetic contribution to AMD development. Two loci, on human Chr 1q31 and 10q26, respectively, represent the most influential of all genetic factors. While the role of CFH at Chr 1q31 is well established, uncertainty remains about the genes ARMS2 and HTRA1, at the Chr 10q26 locus. Since both genes are in strong linkage disequilibrium, assigning individual gene effects is difficult. In this chapter, we review current literature about ARMS2 and HTRA1 and their relevance to AMD risk. Future studies will be necessary to unravel the mechanisms by which they contribute to AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa Stone
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
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11
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Luzzatto L. Closing remarks. Am J Hematol 2022; 98 Suppl 4:S90-S92. [PMID: 36322103 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Luzzatto
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Dar‐es‐Salaam Tanzania
- University of Florence Florence Italy
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Ren C, Yu J. Potential gene identification and pathway crosstalk analysis of age-related macular degeneration. Front Genet 2022; 13:992328. [PMID: 36147504 PMCID: PMC9486309 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.992328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent visual disorder among the elderly, is confirmed as a multifactorial disease. Studies demonstrated that genetic factors play an essential role in its pathogenesis. Our study aimed to make a relatively comprehensive study about biological functions of AMD related genes and crosstalk of their enriched pathways. 1691 AMD genetic studies were reviewed, GO enrichment and pathway crosstalk analyses were conducted to elucidate the biological features of these genes and to demonstrate the pathways that these genes participate. Moreover, we identified novel AMD-specific genes using shortest path algorithm in the context of human interactome. We retrieved 176 significantly AMD-related genes. GO results showed that the most significant term in each of these three GO categories was: signaling receptor binding (PBH = 4.835 × 10−7), response to oxygen-containing compound (PBH = 2.764 × 10−21), and extracellular space (PBH = 2.081 × 10−19). The pathway enrichment analysis showed that complement pathway is the most enriched. The pathway crosstalk study showed that the pathways could be divided into two main modules. These two modules were connected by cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway. 42 unique genes potentially participating AMD development were obtained. The aberrant expression of the mRNA of FASN and LRP1 were validated in AMD cell and mouse models. Collectively, our study carried out a comprehensive analysis based on genetic association study of AMD and put forward several evidence-based genes for future study of AMD.
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13
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Metabolomics and Biomarkers in Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Diseases. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12090814. [PMID: 36144219 PMCID: PMC9503269 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090814] [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] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is one of the most important structures in the eye, and the vascular health of the retina and choroid is critical to visual function. Metabolomics provides an analytical approach to endogenous small molecule metabolites in organisms, summarizes the results of “gene-environment interactions”, and is an ideal analytical tool to obtain “biomarkers” related to disease information. This study discusses the metabolic changes in neovascular diseases involving the retina and discusses the progress of the study from the perspective of metabolomics design and analysis. This study advocates a comparative strategy based on existing studies, which encompasses optimization of the performance of newly identified biomarkers and the consideration of the basis of existing studies, which facilitates quality control of newly discovered biomarkers and is recommended as an additional reference strategy for new biomarker discovery. Finally, by describing the metabolic mechanisms of retinal and choroidal neovascularization, based on the results of existing studies, this study provides potential opportunities to find new therapeutic approaches.
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14
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Waksmunski AR, Miskimen K, Song YE, Grunin M, Laux R, Fuzzell D, Fuzzell S, Adams LD, Caywood L, Prough M, Stambolian D, Scott WK, Pericak-Vance MA, Haines JL. Consequences of a Rare Complement Factor H Variant for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Amish. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:8. [PMID: 35930268 PMCID: PMC9363678 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.9.8] [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 Genetic variants in the complement factor H gene (CFH) have been consistently implicated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk. However, their functional effects are not fully characterized. We previously identified a rare, AMD-associated variant in CFH (P503A, rs570523689) in 19 Amish individuals, but its functional consequences were not investigated. Methods We performed genotyping for CFH P503A in 1326 Amish individuals to identify additional risk allele carriers. We examined differences for age at AMD diagnosis between carriers and noncarriers. In blood samples from risk allele carriers and noncarriers, we quantified (i) CFH RNA expression, (ii) CFH protein expression, and (iii) C-reactive protein (CRP) expression. Potential changes to the CFH protein structure were interrogated computationally with Phyre2 and Chimera software programs. Results We identified 39 additional carriers from Amish communities in Ohio and Indiana. On average, carriers were younger than noncarriers at AMD diagnosis, but this difference was not significant. CFH transcript and protein levels in blood samples from Amish carriers and noncarriers were also not significantly different. CRP levels were also comparable in plasma samples from carriers and noncarriers. Computational protein modeling showed slight changes in the CFH protein conformation that were predicted to alter interactions between the CFH 503 residue and other neighboring residues. Conclusions In total, we have identified 58 risk allele carriers for CFH P503A in the Ohio and Indiana Amish. Although we did not detect significant differences in age at AMD diagnosis or expression levels of CFH in blood samples from carriers and noncarriers, we observed modest structural changes to the CFH protein through in silico modeling. Based on our functional and computational observations, we hypothesize that CFH P503A may affect CFH binding or function rather than expression, which would require additional research to confirm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R Waksmunski
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Kristy Miskimen
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Yeunjoo E Song
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Michelle Grunin
- Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Renee Laux
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Denise Fuzzell
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Sarada Fuzzell
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Larry D Adams
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Laura Caywood
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Michael Prough
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Dwight Stambolian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William K Scott
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Margaret A Pericak-Vance
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Jonathan L Haines
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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15
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Genetic Variants of Complement Factor H Y402H (rs1061170), C2 R102G (rs2230199), and C3 E318D (rs9332739) and Response to Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Treatment in Patients with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58050658. [PMID: 35630075 PMCID: PMC9145696 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding complement factors CFH, C2, and C3 (Y402H rs1061170, R102G rs2230199, and E318D rs9332739, respectively) and response to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and Methods: The study included 111 patients with exudative AMD treated with intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab injections. Response to therapy was assessed on the basis of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) measured every 4 weeks for 12 months. The control group included 58 individuals without AMD. The SNPs were genotyped by a real-time polymerase chain reaction in genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples. Results: The CC genotype in SNP rs1061170 of the CFH gene was more frequent in patients with AMD than in controls (p = 0.0058). It was also more common among the 28 patients (25.2%) with poor response to therapy compared with good responders (p = 0.0002). Poor responders, especially those without this genotype, benefited from switching to another anti-VEGF drug. At the last follow-up assessment, carriers of this genotype had significantly worse BCVA (p = 0.0350) and greater CRT (p = 0.0168) than noncarriers. TT genotype carriers showed improved BCVA (p = 0.0467) and reduced CRT compared with CC and CT genotype carriers (p = 0.0194). No associations with AMD or anti-VEGF therapy outcomes for SNP rs9332739 in the C2 gene and SNP rs2230199 in the C3 gene were found. Conclusions: The CC genotype for SNP rs1061170 in the CFH gene was associated with AMD in our population. Additionally, it promoted a poor response to anti-VEGF therapy. On the other hand, TT genotype carriers showed better functional and anatomical response to anti-VEGF therapy at 12 months than carriers of the other genotypes for this SNP.
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16
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Mulfaul K, Mullin NK, Giacalone JC, Voigt AP, DeVore M, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Local Factor H production by human choroidal endothelial cells mitigates complement deposition: implications for macular degeneration. J Pathol 2022; 257:29-38. [PMID: 35038170 PMCID: PMC9007903 DOI: 10.1002/path.5867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the alternative complement pathway is an initiating event in the pathology of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Unchecked complement activation leads to the formation of a pro-lytic pore, the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC). MAC deposition is observed on the choriocapillaris of AMD patients and likely causes lysis of choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Complement factor H (FH, encoded by the gene CFH), is an inhibitor of complement. Both loss of function of FH and reduced choroidal levels of FH have been reported in AMD. It is plausible that reduced local FH availability promotes MAC deposition on CECs. FH is produced primarily in the liver; however, cells including the retinal pigment epithelium can produce FH locally. We hypothesized that CECs produce FH locally to protect against MAC deposition. We aimed to investigate the effect of reduced FH levels in the choroid to determine whether increasing local FH could protect CECs from MAC deposition. We demonstrated that siRNA knockdown of FH (CFH) in human immortalized CECs results in increased MAC deposition. We generated AMD iPSC-derived CECs and found that overexpression of FH protects against MAC deposition. These results suggest that local CEC-produced FH protects against MAC deposition, and that increasing local FH protein may be beneficial in limiting MAC deposition in AMD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Mulfaul
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nathaniel K Mullin
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joseph C Giacalone
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Melette DeVore
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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17
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Liisborg C, Skov V, Kjær L, Hasselbalch HC, Sørensen TL. Patients with MPNs and retinal drusen show signs of complement system dysregulation and a high degree of chronic low-grade inflammation. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 43:101248. [PMID: 35128362 PMCID: PMC8808164 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hematopoietic stem cell disorders, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), are characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation (CLI). Recently, we showed that patients with MPNs have an increased prevalence of drusen and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and drusen prevalence seemed associated with higher CLI. Studying MPNs may reveal more about drusen pathophysiology. This study investigated CLI further by measuring cytokine levels and complement system markers, comparing these between patients with MPNs and AMD. METHODS This cross-sectional study, between July 2018 and November 2020 conducted at Zealand University Hospital (ZUH) - Roskilde, Denmark, included 29 patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD), 28 with intermediate-stage AMD (iAMD), 62 with MPNs (35 with drusen - MPNd and 27 with healthy retinas - MPNn). With flow cytometry, we measured complement-regulatory-proteins (Cregs). With immunoassays, we investigated cytokine levels combined into a summary-inflammation-score (SIS). FINDINGS The MPNd and nAMD groups had similar SIS, significantly higher than the MPNn and iAMD groups. Additionally, we found SIS to increase over the MPN biological continuum from early cancer stage, essential thrombocytaemia (ET), over polycythaemia vera (PV) to the late-stage primary myelofibrosis (PMF). MPNs showed signs of complement dysregulation, with Cregs expression lower in PV than ET and PMF and even lower in PV patients with drusen. INTERPRETATION This study suggests that MPNd have a higher CLI than MPNn and may indicate systemic CLI to play a greater part in, and even initiate drusen formation. We suggest using MPNs as a "Human Inflammation Model" of drusen development. The CLI in MPNs elicits drusen formation, triggering more CLI creating a vicious cycle, increasing the risk of developing AMD. FUNDING Fight for Sight, Denmark, and Region Zealand's research promotion fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Liisborg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 23, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
- Corresponding author.
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Haematology, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 15-17, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Lasse Kjær
- Department of Haematology, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 15-17, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Hans Carl Hasselbalch
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
- Department of Haematology, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 15-17, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Torben Lykke Sørensen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Vestermarksvej 23, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
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18
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Lauwen S, Baerenfaenger M, Ruigrok S, de Jong EK, Wessels HJCT, den Hollander AI, Lefeber DJ. Loss of the AMD-associated B3GLCT gene affects glycosylation of TSP1 without impairing secretion in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2021; 213:108798. [PMID: 34695439 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been associated with protective genetic variants in the β1-3 glucosyltransferase (B3GLCT) locus through genome-wide association studies. B3GLCT mediates modification of proteins with thrombospondin type I repeats (TSR) that contain O-linked glucose β1-3 fucose and C-linked mannose glycosylation motifs. B3GLCT-mediated modification is required for proper secretion of TSR-containing proteins. We aimed to start understanding the role of B3GLCT in AMD by evaluating its effect on glycosylation and secretion of proteins from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. We generated B3GLCT knockout (KO) RPE cells and analyzed glycosylation and secretion of thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), a protein involved in cellular processes highly relevant to AMD. Glycopeptide analysis confirmed the presence of the glucose-β1,3-fucose product of B3GLCT on TSP1 in wildtype (WT) cells and its absence in KO cells. C-mannosylation was variably present on WT TSP1 and increased on TSR domains 1 and 3 in KO cells. Secretion of TSP1 was not affected by the absence of B3GLCT, even not when TSP1 was upregulated by TNFα treatment or when TSP1 was overexpressed in HEK293T cells. Future research is needed to elucidate the effect of the observed glycosylation defects in the context of AMD, which might involve functional loss of TSP1 or effects on other TSR proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susette Lauwen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Philips van Leydenlaan 15, 6525 EX, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Baerenfaenger
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Sanne Ruigrok
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Philips van Leydenlaan 15, 6525 EX, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Eiko K de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Philips van Leydenlaan 15, 6525 EX, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Hans J C T Wessels
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Philips van Leydenlaan 15, 6525 EX, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Dirk J Lefeber
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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19
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Cipriani V, Tierney A, Griffiths JR, Zuber V, Sergouniotis PI, Yates JRW, Moore AT, Bishop PN, Clark SJ, Unwin RD. Beyond factor H: The impact of genetic-risk variants for age-related macular degeneration on circulating factor-H-like 1 and factor-H-related protein concentrations. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:1385-1400. [PMID: 34260948 PMCID: PMC8387294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss; there is strong genetic susceptibility at the complement factor H (CFH) locus. This locus encodes a series of complement regulators: factor H (FH), a splice variant factor-H-like 1 (FHL-1), and five factor-H-related proteins (FHR-1 to FHR-5), all involved in the regulation of complement factor C3b turnover. Little is known about how AMD-associated variants at this locus might influence FHL-1 and FHR protein concentrations. We have used a bespoke targeted mass-spectrometry assay to measure the circulating concentrations of all seven complement regulators and demonstrated elevated concentrations in 352 advanced AMD-affected individuals for all FHR proteins (FHR-1, p = 2.4 × 10-10; FHR-2, p = 6.0 × 10-10; FHR-3, p = 1.5 × 10-5; FHR-4, p = 1.3 × 10-3; FHR-5, p = 1.9 × 10-4) and FHL-1 (p = 4.9 × 10-4) when these individuals were compared to 252 controls, whereas no difference was seen for FH (p = 0.94). Genome-wide association analyses in controls revealed genome-wide-significant signals at the CFH locus for all five FHR proteins, and univariate Mendelian-randomization analyses strongly supported the association of FHR-1, FHR-2, FHR-4, and FHR-5 with AMD susceptibility. These findings provide a strong biochemical explanation for how genetically driven alterations in circulating FHR proteins could be major drivers of AMD and highlight the need for research into FHR protein modulation as a viable therapeutic avenue for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cipriani
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom; UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Anna Tierney
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NY, United Kingdom
| | - John R Griffiths
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NY, United Kingdom
| | - Verena Zuber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Panagiotis I Sergouniotis
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - John R W Yates
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom; Ophthalmology Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Paul N Bishop
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom; Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Clark
- University Eye Clinic, Department for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, 72076, Germany; Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, 72076, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Richard D Unwin
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre and Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NQ, United Kingdom.
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Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Like NFE2L2/PGC-1α -/- Mouse Model Evoke Complement Component C5a Independent of C3. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070622. [PMID: 34356477 PMCID: PMC8301195 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aging-associated chronic oxidative stress and inflammation are known to be involved in various diseases, e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Previously, we reported the presence of dry AMD-like signs, such as elevated oxidative stress, dysfunctional mitophagy and the accumulation of detrimental oxidized materials in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (NFE2L2/PGC1α) double knockout (dKO) mouse model. Here, we investigated the dynamics of inflammatory markers in one-year-old NFE2L2/PGC1α dKO mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase in levels of Toll-like receptors 3 and 9, while those of NOD-like receptor 3 were decreased in NFE2L2/PGC1α dKO retinal specimens as compared to wild type animals. Further analysis showed a trend towards an increase in complement component C5a independent of component C3, observed to be tightly regulated by complement factor H. Interestingly, we found that thrombin, a serine protease enzyme, was involved in enhancing the terminal pathway producing C5a, independent of C3. We also detected an increase in primary acute phase C-reactive protein and receptor for advanced glycation end products in NFE2L2/PGC1α dKO retina. Our main data show C5 and thrombin upregulation together with decreased C3 levels in this dry AMD-like model. In general, the retina strives to mount an orchestrated inflammatory response while attempting to maintain tissue homeostasis and resolve inflammation.
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21
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Park YG, Park YS, Kim IB. Complement System and Potential Therapeutics in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136851. [PMID: 34202223 PMCID: PMC8269056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial disease characterized in its late form by neovascularization (wet type) or geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium cell layer (dry type). The complement system is an intrinsic component of innate immunity. There has been growing evidence that the complement system plays an integral role in maintaining immune surveillance and homeostasis in AMD. Based on the association between the genotypes of complement variants and AMD occurrence and the presence of complement in drusen from AMD patients, the complement system has become a therapeutic target for AMD. However, the mechanism of complement disease propagation in AMD has not been fully understood. This concise review focuses on an overall understanding of the role of the complement system in AMD and its ongoing clinical trials. It provides further insights into a strategy for the treatment of AMD targeting the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gun Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Yong Soo Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - In-Beom Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2258-7263
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García-Gen E, Penadés M, Mérida S, Desco C, Araujo-Miranda R, Navea A, Bosch-Morell F. High Myopia and the Complement System: Factor H in Myopic Maculopathy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122600. [PMID: 34204630 PMCID: PMC8231207 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
High myopia (HM) is both a medical problem and refractive error of the eye owing to excessive eyeball length, which progressively makes eye tissue atrophic, and is one of the main causes for diminishing visual acuity in developed countries. Despite its high prevalence and many genetic and proteomic studies, no molecular pattern exists that explain the degenerative process underlying HM, which predisposes patients to other diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment and chorioretinal atrophy that affect the macular area. To determine the relation between complement Factors H (CFH) and D (CFD) and the maculopathy of patients with degenerative myopia, we studied aqueous humor samples that were collected by aspiration from 122 patients during cataract surgery. Eyes were classified according to eyeball axial length as high myopia (axial length > 26 mm), low myopia (axial length 23.5–25.9 mm) and control (axial length ˂ 23.4 mm). The degree of maculopathy was classified according to fundus oculi findings following IMI’s classification. Subfoveal choroid thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography. CFH and CFD measurements were taken by ELISA. CFH levels were significantly high in the high myopia group vs. the low myopia and control groups (p ˂ 0.05). Significantly high CFH values were found in those eyes with choroid atrophy and neovascularization (p ˂ 0.05). In parallel, the CFH concentration correlated inversely with choroid thickness (R = −0.624). CFD levels did not correlate with maculopathy. All the obtained data seem to suggest that CFH plays a key role in myopic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique García-Gen
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-G.); (M.P.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Mariola Penadés
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-G.); (M.P.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (A.N.)
- Thematic Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos II Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Mérida
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-G.); (M.P.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Carmen Desco
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-G.); (M.P.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (A.N.)
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO), 46020 València, Spain;
| | - Rafael Araujo-Miranda
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO), 46020 València, Spain;
| | - Amparo Navea
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-G.); (M.P.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (A.N.)
- Thematic Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos II Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - F. Bosch-Morell
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (E.G.-G.); (M.P.); (S.M.); (C.D.); (A.N.)
- Thematic Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology (Oftared), Carlos II Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO), 46020 València, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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23
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Demirs JT, Yang J, Crowley MA, Twarog M, Delgado O, Qiu Y, Poor S, Rice DS, Dryja TP, Anderson K, Liao SM. Differential and Altered Spatial Distribution of Complement Expression in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:26. [PMID: 34160562 PMCID: PMC8237111 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.7.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway is a major pathogenic mechanism in age-related macular degeneration. We investigated whether locally synthesized complement components contribute to AMD by profiling complement expression in postmortem eyes with and without AMD. Methods AMD severity grade 1 to 4 was determined by analysis of postmortem acquired fundus images and hematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections. TaqMan (donor eyes n = 39) and RNAscope/in situ hybridization (n = 10) were performed to detect complement mRNA. Meso scale discovery assay and Western blot (n = 31) were used to measure complement protein levels. Results The levels of complement mRNA and protein expression were approximately 15- to 100-fold (P < 0.0001-0.001) higher in macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid tissue than in neural retina, regardless of AMD grade status. Complement mRNA and protein levels were modestly elevated in vitreous and the macular neural retina in eyes with geographic atrophy (GA), but not in eyes with early or intermediate AMD, compared to normal eyes. Alternative and classical pathway complement mRNAs (C3, CFB, CFH, CFI, C1QA) identified by RNAscope were conspicuous in areas of atrophy; in those areas C3 mRNA was observed in a subset of IBA1+ microglia or macrophages. Conclusions We verified that RPE/choroid contains most ocular complement; thus RPE/choroid rather than the neural retina or vitreous is likely to be the key site for complement inhibition to treat GA or earlier stage of the disease. Outer retinal local production of complement mRNAs along with evidence of increased complement activation is a feature of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T. Demirs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Junzheng Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Maura A. Crowley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Michael Twarog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Omar Delgado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Yubin Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Stephen Poor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dennis S. Rice
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | | | - Sha-Mei Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
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24
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Boyer DS, Gonzalez VH, Kunimoto DY, Maturi RK, Roe RH, Singer MA, Xavier S, Kornfield JA, Kuppermann BD, Quiroz-Mercado H, Aubel J, Karageozian HL, Park JY, Karageozian VH, Karageozian L, Sarayba MA, Kaiser PK. Safety and Efficacy of Intravitreal Risuteganib for Non-Exudative AMD: A Multicenter, Phase 2a, Randomized, Clinical Trial. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2021; 52:327-335. [PMID: 34185587 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20210528-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1.0 mg risuteganib in subjects with nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a phase 2a, prospective, double-masked, sham-controlled study. Eyes with nonexudative (dry) AMD and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/40 and 20/200 were included. Subjects were randomized to intravitreal 1.0 mg risuteganib or sham injection. At Week 16, subjects in the risuteganib group received a second 1.0-mg dose and the sham group crossed over to receive a dose of 1.0 mg risuteganib and were evaluated at Week 28. The primary endpoint was proportion of subjects with 8 letters ETDRS or more BCVA gain from baseline to Week 28 in the risuteganib group versus baseline to Week 12 for the sham group. BCVA was tested and subjects were observed for adverse events (AEs) every 4 weeks until completion of the study at 32 weeks. RESULTS Forty-five subjects (risuteganib, n = 29; sham, n = 16) were enrolled in the study, of whom 39 (risuteganib, n = 25; sham, n = 14) completed the study and were included in the per protocol efficacy analysis. At baseline, mean age was 78.8 and 75.9 years and mean BCVA was 67.1 and 64.4 letters in the sham and risuteganib groups, respectively. The primary endpoint was met by 48% of the risuteganib group at Week 28 and 7% of the sham group at Week 12 (P = .013). Of the risuteganib subjects, 20% gained 15 letters or more at Week 28, whereas no patients in the sham group at Week 12 achieved this visual acuity gain. The only ocular treatment-related treatment-emergent AE was vitreous floaters, which spontaneously recovered without sequelae. No drug-related serious AE was reported. CONCLUSIONS Risuteganib demonstrated significant BCVA improvement in patients with non-exudative AMD. No drug-related AEs were seen during a 32-week observation period. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:327-335.].
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25
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Kerr H, Herbert AP, Makou E, Abramczyk D, Malik TH, Lomax-Browne H, Yang Y, Pappworth IY, Denton H, Richards A, Marchbank KJ, Pickering MC, Barlow PN. Murine Factor H Co-Produced in Yeast With Protein Disulfide Isomerase Ameliorated C3 Dysregulation in Factor H-Deficient Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:681098. [PMID: 34054871 PMCID: PMC8149785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.681098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant human factor H (hFH) has potential for treating diseases linked to aberrant complement regulation including C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and dry age-related macular degeneration. Murine FH (mFH), produced in the same host, is useful for pre-clinical investigations in mouse models of disease. An abundance of FH in plasma suggests high doses, and hence microbial production, will be needed. Previously, Pichia pastoris produced useful but modest quantities of hFH. Herein, a similar strategy yielded miniscule quantities of mFH. Since FH has 40 disulfide bonds, we created a P. pastoris strain containing a methanol-inducible codon-modified gene for protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) and transformed this with codon-modified DNA encoding mFH under the same promoter. What had been barely detectable yields of mFH became multiple 10s of mg/L. Our PDI-overexpressing strain also boosted hFH overproduction, by about tenfold. These enhancements exceeded PDI-related production gains reported for other proteins, all of which contain fewer disulfide-stabilized domains. We optimized fermentation conditions, purified recombinant mFH, enzymatically trimmed down its (non-human) N-glycans, characterised its functions in vitro and administered it to mice. In FH-knockout mice, our de-glycosylated recombinant mFH had a shorter half-life and induced more anti-mFH antibodies than mouse serum-derived, natively glycosylated, mFH. Even sequential daily injections of recombinant mFH failed to restore wild-type levels of FH and C3 in mouse plasma beyond 24 hours after the first injection. Nevertheless, mFH functionality appeared to persist in the glomerular basement membrane because C3-fragment deposition here, a hallmark of C3G, remained significantly reduced throughout and beyond the ten-day dosing regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kerr
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Herbert
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Elisavet Makou
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dariusz Abramczyk
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Talat H. Malik
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Lomax-Browne
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Yang
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Y. Pappworth
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Denton
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Richards
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J. Marchbank
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C. Pickering
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N. Barlow
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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26
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Armento A, Ueffing M, Clark SJ. The complement system in age-related macular degeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4487-4505. [PMID: 33751148 PMCID: PMC8195907 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03796-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and progressive degenerative disease of the retina, which culminates in blindness and affects mainly the elderly population. AMD pathogenesis and pathophysiology are incredibly complex due to the structural and cellular complexity of the retina, and the variety of risk factors and molecular mechanisms that contribute to disease onset and progression. AMD is driven by a combination of genetic predisposition, natural ageing changes and lifestyle factors, such as smoking or nutritional intake. The mechanism by which these risk factors interact and converge towards AMD are not fully understood and therefore drug discovery is challenging, where no therapeutic attempt has been fully effective thus far. Genetic and molecular studies have identified the complement system as an important player in AMD. Indeed, many of the genetic risk variants cluster in genes of the alternative pathway of the complement system and complement activation products are elevated in AMD patients. Nevertheless, attempts in treating AMD via complement regulators have not yet been successful, suggesting a level of complexity that could not be predicted only from a genetic point of view. In this review, we will explore the role of complement system in AMD development and in the main molecular and cellular features of AMD, including complement activation itself, inflammation, ECM stability, energy metabolism and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Armento
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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27
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Yu HJ, Wykoff CC. Investigational Agents in Development for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. BioDrugs 2021; 35:303-323. [PMID: 33893984 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-021-00481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, a late-onset, complex, genetic degenerative disease of the retina. Multiple environmental and genetic factors have been implicated in the development of GA, a pathology ultimately defined by loss of photoreceptors and the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris. The personal burden of GA has been documented to have a substantial negative impact on quality of life, with progressive and cumulative loss of visual function each year. Currently, there are no treatments to prevent or slow the development or progression of GA. Multiple genetic and histopathologic studies have implicated dysregulation of the complement cascade in GA pathogenesis, leading to the development of several investigational pharmaceuticals targeting key factors in this inflammatory pathway. Several other biochemical pathways have also been implicated in GA development and progression, such as mitochondrial components, mediators of apoptosis and molecules involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, many of which are also being investigated for their potential value as therapeutic targets for GA treatment. Recent advancements in our understanding of GA pathogenesis and the progression of multiple potential therapeutics into later-stage human clinical trials hold great promise for a clinically effective therapeutic for patients with GA to emerge within the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Yu
- Retina Consultants of Texas, Retina Consultants of America, 4460 Bissonnet St., Suite 200, Bellaire, Texas, 77401, United States
| | - Charles C Wykoff
- Retina Consultants of Texas, Retina Consultants of America, 4460 Bissonnet St., Suite 200, Bellaire, Texas, 77401, United States.
- Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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28
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Lage SL, Wong CS, Amaral EP, Sturdevant D, Hsu DC, Rupert A, Wilson EMP, Qasba SS, Naqvi NS, Laidlaw E, Lisco A, Manion M, Sereti I. Classical complement and inflammasome activation converge in CD14highCD16- monocytes in HIV associated TB-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009435. [PMID: 33788899 PMCID: PMC8041190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasome-derived cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18, and complement cascade have been independently implicated in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB)-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS), a complication affecting HIV+ individuals starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although sublytic deposition of the membrane attack complex (MAC) has been shown to promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation, it is unknown whether these pathways may cooperatively contribute to TB-IRIS. To evaluate the activation of inflammasome, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-TB co-infected patients prior to ART and at the IRIS or equivalent timepoint were incubated with a probe used to assess active caspase-1/4/5 followed by screening of ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain) specks as a readout of inflammasome activation by imaging flow cytometry. We found higher numbers of monocytes showing spontaneous caspase-1/4/5+ASC-speck formation in TB-IRIS compared to TB non-IRIS patients. Moreover, numbers of caspase-1/4/5+ASC-speck+ monocytes positively correlated with IL-1β/IL-18 plasma levels. Besides increased systemic levels of C1q and C5a, TB-IRIS patients also showed elevated C1q and C3 deposition on monocyte cell surface, suggesting aberrant classical complement activation. A clustering tSNE analysis revealed TB-IRIS patients are enriched in a CD14highCD16- monocyte population that undergoes MAC deposition and caspase-1/4/5 activation compared to TB non-IRIS patients, suggesting complement-associated inflammasome activation during IRIS events. Accordingly, PBMCs from patients were more sensitive to ex-vivo complement-mediated IL-1β secretion than healthy control cells in a NLRP3-dependent manner. Therefore, our data suggest complement-associated inflammasome activation may fuel the dysregulated TB-IRIS systemic inflammatory cascade and targeting this pathway may represent a novel therapeutic approach for IRIS or related inflammatory syndromes. Tuberculosis (TB) associated-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is a clinical complication affecting HIV+ individuals previously co-infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), upon antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. TB-IRIS is characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory response and can be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in resource-limited countries with high TB prevalence. So far, there is no targeted TB-IRIS therapy, and corticosteroids are frequently used to prevent or alleviate IRIS related-symptoms. Here we found inflammasome activation (i.e. caspase1/4/5+ASC speck complex formation) on circulating classical CD14highCD16- monocytes may contribute to TB-IRIS immunopathology, since it correlates with pro-inflammatory cytokine plasma levels and its decay is associated with dampening in IRIS-related symptoms promoted by anti-inflammatory therapy. We also found TB-IRIS monocytes display higher surface complement deposition, being more sensitive to external complement-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation than healthy control cells. In fact, complement MAC molecule C9 and caspase-1/4/5 activation were associated on classical monocytes in TB-IRIS patients, suggesting complement-mediated inflammasome activation may lead to a positive feedback loop in the inflammatory responses observed in TB-IRIS. Therefore, our findings support that complement-NLRP3/ASC/caspase1/4/5 axis may be considered as a potential target for host-directed therapy of TB-IRIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lucena Lage
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SLL); (IS)
| | - Chun-Shu Wong
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Eduardo Pinheiro Amaral
- Immunobiology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Daniel Sturdevant
- RML Genomics Unit, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Denise C. Hsu
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Adam Rupert
- Applied and Developmental Research Directorate, AIDS Monitoring Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Eleanor M. P. Wilson
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - S. Sonia Qasba
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Nuha Sultana Naqvi
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Laidlaw
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Andrea Lisco
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Maura Manion
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Irini Sereti
- HIV Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SLL); (IS)
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Too LK, Hunt N, Simunovic MP. The Role of Inflammation and Infection in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: Lessons From Bacterial Meningitis Applied to Alzheimer Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:635486. [PMID: 33867940 PMCID: PMC8044768 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.635486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are multifactorial and have diverse genetic and environmental risk factors. Despite the complex nature of the diseases, there is long-standing, and growing, evidence linking microbial infection to the development of AD dementia, which we summarize in this article. Also, we highlight emerging research findings that support a role for parainfection in the pathophysiology of AMD, a disease of the neurosensory retina that has been shown to share risk factors and pathological features with AD. Acute neurological infections, such as Bacterial Meningitis (BM), trigger inflammatory events that permanently change how the brain functions, leading to lasting cognitive impairment. Neuroinflammation likewise is a known pathological event that occurs in the early stages of chronic age-related neurodegenerative diseases AD and AMD and might be triggered as a parainfectious event. To date, at least 16 microbial pathogens have been linked to the development of AD; on the other hand, investigation of a microbe-AMD relationship is in its infancy. This mini-review article provides a synthesis of existing evidence indicating a contribution of parainfection in the aetiology of AD and of emerging findings that support a similar process in AMD. Subsequently, it describes the major immunopathological mechanisms that are common to BM and AD/AMD. Together, this evidence leads to our proposal that both AD and AMD may have an infectious aetiology that operates through a dysregulated inflammatory response, leading to deleterious outcomes. Last, it draws fresh insights from the existing literature about potential therapeutic options for BM that might alleviate neurological disruption associated with infections, and which could, by extension, be explored in the context of AD and AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay Khoon Too
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Hunt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew P. Simunovic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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30
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Chen M, Yang N, Lechner J, Toth L, Hogg R, Silvestri G, Chakravarthy U, Xu H. Plasma level of lipocalin 2 is increased in neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients, particularly those with macular fibrosis. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2020; 17:35. [PMID: 33292361 PMCID: PMC7666483 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-00205-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Previously, we and others have reported higher populations of circulating neutrophils in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL, also known as lipocalin-2, LCN2), an important innate immune mediator, is known to be critically involved in sterile inflammation-mediated organ failure, fibrosis, cancer progression and retinal degeneration. This study investigated the plasma levels of LCN2, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and LCN2/MMP9 complex in different types of nAMD and examined whether the levels were related to patients’ responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy. Results One hundred and seventy-four nAMD patients, including 108 with choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), 32 with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), 23 with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 11 unclassified patients, and 43 healthy controls were recruited to this case-control study. Fifty-eight nAMD patients had macular fibrosis and 110 patients did not. Out of the 174 nAMD patients, 80 patients responded completely, 90 responded partially, and 4 did not respond to the anti-VEGF therapy. The plasma levels of LCN2 in nAMD patients (181.46 ± 73.62 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (152.24 ± 49.55 ng/ml, P = 0.047). However, the difference disappeared after adjusting for age. A positive correlation between plasma level of LCN2 and age was observed in nAMD patients (r = 0.29, P = 0.0002) but not in healthy controls. The plasma level of LCN2 was also positively correlated with circulating neutrophils in nAMD patients (r = 0.34, p = 0.0007) but not in healthy controls (r = 0.057, p = 0.77). No correlation was observed between age and circulating neutrophils. Further analysis of nAMD subtypes uncovered a significantly higher level of LCN2 in patients with macular fibrosis even after adjusting for age. No relationship was observed between plasma levels of LCN2 and patients’ responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy. The plasma levels of MMP9 and LCN2/MMP9 complex were comparable between nAMD and controls. Conclusions Our results suggest that higher plasma levels of LCN2 in nAMD are related to ageing and increased population of circulating neutrophils. Our results also suggest that higher levels of LCN2 may increase the risk of macular fibrosis in nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Nan Yang
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Judith Lechner
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Levente Toth
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ruth Hogg
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Usha Chakravarthy
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Cell-Type-Specific Complement Profiling in the ABCA4 -/- Mouse Model of Stargardt Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228468. [PMID: 33187113 PMCID: PMC7697683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stargardt macular degeneration is an inherited retinal disease caused by mutations in the ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 4 (ABCA4) gene. Here, we characterized the complement expression profile in ABCA4−/− retinae and aligned these findings with morphological markers of retinal degeneration. We found an enhanced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) autofluorescence, cell loss in the inner retina of ABCA4−/− mice and demonstrated age-related differences in complement expression in various retinal cell types irrespective of the genotype. However, 24-week-old ABCA4−/− mice expressed more c3 in the RPE and fewer cfi transcripts in the microglia compared to controls. At the protein level, the decrease of complement inhibitors (complement factor I, CFI) in retinae, as well as an increased C3b/C3 ratio in the RPE/choroid and retinae of ABCA4−/−, mice was confirmed. We showed a corresponding increase of the C3d/C3 ratio in the serum of ABCA4−/− mice, while no changes were observed for CFI. Our findings suggest an overactive complement cascade in the ABCA4−/− retinae that possibly contributes to pathological alterations, including microglial activation and neurodegeneration. Overall, this underpins the importance of well-balanced complement homeostasis to maintain retinal integrity.
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Evidence of complement dysregulation in outer retina of Stargardt disease donor eyes. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101787. [PMID: 33214125 PMCID: PMC7767765 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Stargardt macular degeneration (STGD) is a central blinding disease caused by loss of or dysfunctional ABCA4 transporter in both photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Toxic bisretinoid-lipofuscin buildup in the RPE cells is a pathological hallmark of STGD patients and its mouse model, the Abca4-/-. These vitamin A-derived fluorophores have been shown to induce oxidative stress, stimulate complement activity, and cause chronic inflammation of the RPE. In vivo modulation of complement regulatory pathway in the STGD mouse model has partially rescued the STGD phenotype suggesting that complement attack on the RPE is an important etiologic factor in disease pathogenesis. While bisretinoid-dependent complement activation was further evidenced in cultured RPE cells, this pathway has never been investigated directly in the context of RPE from STGD donor eyes. In the current study, we evaluate the complement reactivity in postmortem donor eyes of clinically diagnosed STGD patients. All three STGD donor eyes RPE displayed strong immunoreactivity for an antibody specific to 4-Hydroxynonenal, a lipid peroxidation byproduct. Also, unlike the control eyes, all three STGD donor eyes showed significantly increased membrane attack complex deposition on the RPE cells. In STGD eyes, increased MAC accumulation was mirrored by elevated C3 fragments internalized by the RPE and inversely correlated with the levels of complement factor H, a major complement regulatory protein. Here, we report the first direct evidence of RPE complement dysregulation as a causative factor in developing Stargardt phenotype.
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Dharamdasani Detaram H, Liew G, Russell J, Vu KV, Burlutsky G, Mitchell P, Gopinath B. Dietary antioxidants are associated with presence of intra- and sub-retinal fluid in neovascular age-related macular degeneration after 1 year. Acta Ophthalmol 2020; 98:e814-e819. [PMID: 32162461 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess whether dietary intake of antioxidants, fruits, vegetables and fish is associated with 12-month treatment outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. METHODS A total of 547 participants were diagnosed with nAMD at baseline, of whom 494 were followed up after 12 months of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Dietary intakes were determined using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Presence of intra-retinal and sub-retinal fluid (IRF, SRF), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded from optical coherence tomography images. Best-corrected visual acuity was recorded using log of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) charts. RESULTS Participants in the upper three quartiles combined compared to those in the first quartile of baseline dietary zinc intake had 49% reduced odds of SRF 12 months later, multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-0.89]. The upper three quartiles combined compared to the first quartile of β-carotene intake had 90% greater odds of IRF presence at 12-month follow-up, multivariable-adjusted OR 1.90 (95% CI 1.04-3.46). The highest versus lowest quartile of dietary β-carotene intake had a nearly twofold greater odds of PED presence, multivariable-adjusted OR 1.99 (95% CI 1.03-3.84). CONCLUSION A higher intake of dietary zinc was associated with a reduced likelihood of SRF at 1 year. Conversely, a higher intake of dietary β-carotene was associated with an increased risk of IRF and PED. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing nutritional advice for nAMD patients presenting for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshil Dharamdasani Detaram
- Centre for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Gerald Liew
- Centre for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Joanna Russell
- Faculty of Social Sciences School of Health and Society University of Wollongong Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kim Van Vu
- Centre for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - George Burlutsky
- Centre for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul Mitchell
- Centre for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Bamini Gopinath
- Centre for Vision Research Department of Ophthalmology and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Complement System: Promoter or Suppressor of Cancer Progression? Antibodies (Basel) 2020; 9:antib9040057. [PMID: 33113844 PMCID: PMC7709131 DOI: 10.3390/antib9040057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Constituent of innate immunity, complement is present in the tumor microenvironment. The functions of complement include clearance of pathogens and maintenance of homeostasis, and as such could contribute to an anti-tumoral role in the context of certain cancers. However, multiple lines of evidence show that in many cancers, complement has pro-tumoral actions. The large number of complement molecules (over 30), the diversity of their functions (related or not to the complement cascade), and the variety of cancer types make the complement-cancer topic a very complex matter that has just started to be unraveled. With this review we highlight the context-dependent role of complement in cancer. Recent studies revealed that depending of the cancer type, complement can be pro or anti-tumoral and, even for the same type of cancer, different models presented opposite effects. We aim to clarify the current knowledge of the role of complement in human cancers and the insights from mouse models. Using our classification of human cancers based on the prognostic impact of the overexpression of complement genes, we emphasize the strong potential for therapeutic targeting the complement system in selected subgroups of cancer patients.
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Cholesterol Regulation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Framework for Mathematical Modelling of Drusen Biogenesis. Bull Math Biol 2020; 82:135. [PMID: 33044644 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-020-00812-0] [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: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there is, in common with many other age-related diseases, the need to distinguish between changes in the ageing eye that lead to disease and those changes that are considered part of a healthy, ageing eye. Various studies investigating the multitude of mechanisms involved in the aetiology of AMD exist within the field of ophthalmology and related medical fields, yet many aspects of it remain poorly understood and only a limited number of therapies are available. A recent study relates drusen's topographically cellular characteristics to the neural retina's metabolic needs and associated cholesterol involvement within the retina. In particular, there is a need to fully understand the maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis in the retina to prevent normal ageing processes from being perturbed towards maculopathy. Here, we present an extensive review of the clinical and physiological features of the ageing retina, as well as mechanisms implicated in pathology, synthesised from a vast body of the published literature. We use this novel synthesis to construct a comprehensive process schematic, encompassing all key species and physiological processes such as nutrients, waste and lipoprotein management. We are therefore able to express these processes in a mathematical language via a comprehensive modelling framework, comprising a set of twenty-three equations spanning three distinct biological compartments. This very general modelling framework may now be adapted to more focused studies on individual mechanisms, processes or components underlying of the many facets of AMD. As an example of such a focused application, we conclude this article with a one-compartment, four-species model of the retinal pigment epithelium, which considers the parametric conditions under which either cholesterol homeostasis or unregulated accumulation of cholesterol may obtain in the ageing eye.
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Matušková V, Zeman T, Ewerlingová L, Hlinomazová Z, Souček J, Vlková E, Goswami N, Balcar VJ, Šerý O. An association of neovascular age-related macular degeneration with polymorphisms of CFH, ARMS2, HTRA1 and C3 genes in Czech population. Acta Ophthalmol 2020; 98:e691-e699. [PMID: 31970928 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated associations between neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and rs10490924 polymorphism of ARMS2 gene (age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2), rs1061170 polymorphism of gene for complement factor H (CFH), rs2230199 polymorphism of gene for complement component C3 and rs11200638 polymorphism of gene for serine protease high-temperature requirement A1 (HTRA1) in the Czech population. METHODS We analysed samples of DNA from 307 patients diagnosed with neovascular form of late AMD (average age: 73.7 ± 7.7 years) and 191 control subjects, recruited from patients awaiting cataract surgery (average age, 73.6 ± 8.7 years). RESULTS HTRA1, CFH and ARMS2 genes polymorphisms were found to be related to neovascular AMD in the Czech population. All analysed polymorphisms were statistically significantly associated with neovascular AMD, with stronger associations in females than in males. In whole group, CC genotype of CFH gene polymorphism, TT genotype of ARMS2 gene polymorphism and AA genotype of HTRA1 gene polymorphism showed the greatest risk for neovascular AMD with odds ratios equal to 8.43, 10.07, 9.83, respectively (p < 0.0001). Only CG polymorphism of C3 gene showed statistically significant risk for neovascular AMD. In addition, we observed an association between waist circumference and neovascular AMD in both sexes, which further suggests the significance of excessive abdominal fat as a risk factor of AMD. We found a statistically significant association between polymorphisms in HTRA1, CFH and ARMS2 genes and neovascular AMS in the Czech population. The association was stronger in females than in males. CONCLUSION We demonstrated a relationship between neovascular AMD and genes for HTRA1, CFH, ARMS2 and C3 in Czech population. To our knowledge, the relationship between these polymorphisms and neovascular AMD in Czech population has never been investigated before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Matušková
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Zeman
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Ewerlingová
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Hlinomazová
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Souček
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Vlková
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Vladimir J Balcar
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
- Bosch Institute and Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Omar Šerý
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Pathological Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
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Autophagy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Regulatory Mechanism of Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:2896036. [PMID: 32831993 PMCID: PMC7429811 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2896036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe visual loss and irreversible blindness in the elderly population worldwide. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are the major site of pathological alterations in AMD. They are responsible for the phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor outer segments (POSs) and clearance of cellular waste under physiological conditions. Age-related, cumulative oxidative stimuli contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. Excessive oxidative stress induces RPE cell degeneration and incomplete digestion of POSs, leading to the continuous accumulation of cellular waste (such as lipofuscin). Autophagy is a major system of degradation of damaged or unnecessary proteins. However, degenerative RPE cells in AMD patients cannot perform autophagy sufficiently to resist oxidative damage. Increasing evidence supports the idea that enhancing the autophagic process can properly alleviate oxidative injury in AMD and protect RPE and photoreceptor cells from degeneration and death, although overactivated autophagy may lead to cell death at early stages of retinal degenerative diseases. The crosstalk among the NFE2L2, PGC-1, p62, AMPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways may play a crucial role in improving disturbed autophagy and mitigating the progression of AMD. In this review, we discuss how autophagy prevents oxidative damage in AMD, summarize potential neuroprotective strategies for therapeutic interventions, and provide an overview of these neuroprotective mechanisms.
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Droho S, Cuda CM, Lavine JA. Digestion of Whole Mouse Eyes for Multi-Parameter Flow Cytometric Analysis of Mononuclear Phagocytes. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32628177 DOI: 10.3791/61348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system plays important roles in ocular pathophysiology including uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Innate immune cells, specifically mononuclear phagocytes, express overlapping cell surface markers, which makes identifying these populations a challenge. Multi-parameter flow cytometry allows for the simultaneous, quantitative analysis of multiple cell surface markers in order to differentiate monocytes, macrophages, microglia, and dendritic cells in mouse eyes. This protocol describes the enucleation of whole mouse eyes, ocular dissection, digestion into a single cell suspension, and staining of the single cell suspension for myeloid cell markers. Additionally, we explain the proper methods for determining voltages using single color controls and for delineating positive gates using fluorescence minus one controls. The major limitation of multi-parameter flow cytometry is the absence of tissue architecture. This limitation can be overcome by multi-parameter flow cytometry of individual ocular compartments or complimentary immunofluorescence staining. However, immunofluorescence is limited by its lack of quantitative analysis and reduced number of fluorophores on most microscopes. We describe the use of multi-parametric flow cytometry to provide highly quantitative analysis of mononuclear phagocytes in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Additionally, multi-parameter flow cytometry can be used for the identification of macrophage subsets, fate mapping, and cell sorting for transcriptomic or proteomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Droho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
| | - Carla M Cuda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
| | - Jeremy A Lavine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University;
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Dörschmann P, Mikkelsen MD, Thi TN, Roider J, Meyer AS, Klettner A. Effects of a Newly Developed Enzyme-Assisted Extraction Method on the Biological Activities of Fucoidans in Ocular Cells. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E282. [PMID: 32466624 PMCID: PMC7344579 DOI: 10.3390/md18060282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fucoidans from brown seaweeds are promising substances as potential drugs against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The heterogeneity of fucoidans requires intensive research in order to find suitable species and extraction methods. Ten different fucoidan samples extracted enzymatically from Laminaria digitata (LD), Saccharina latissima (SL) and Fucus distichus subsp. evanescens (FE) were tested for toxicity, oxidative stress protection and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibition. For this study crude fucoidans were extracted from seaweeds using different enzymes and SL fucoidans were further separated into three fractions (SL_F1-F3) by ion-exchange chromatography (IEX). Fucoidan composition was analyzed by high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) after acid hydrolysis. The crude extracts contained alginate, while two of the fractionated SL fucoidans SL_F2 and SL_F3 were highly pure. Cell viability was assessed with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay in OMM-1 and ARPE-19. Protective effects were investigated after 24 h of stress insult in OMM-1 and ARPE-19. Secreted VEGF was analyzed via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in ARPE-19 cells. Fucoidans showed no toxic effects. In OMM-1 SL_F2 and several FE fucoidans were protective. LD_SiAT2 (Cellic®CTec2 + Sigma-Aldrich alginate lyase), FE_SiAT3 (Cellic® CTec3 + Sigma-Aldrich alginate lyase), SL_F2 and SL_F3 inhibited VEGF with the latter two as the most effective. We could show that enzyme treated fucoidans in general and the fractionated SL fucoidans SL_F2 and SL_F3 are very promising for beneficial AMD relevant biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Dörschmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.R.); (A.K.)
| | - Maria Dalgaard Mikkelsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (M.D.M.); (T.N.T.); (A.S.M.)
| | - Thuan Nguyen Thi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (M.D.M.); (T.N.T.); (A.S.M.)
| | - Johann Roider
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.R.); (A.K.)
| | - Anne S. Meyer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (M.D.M.); (T.N.T.); (A.S.M.)
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.R.); (A.K.)
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Harrison RES, Zewde NT, Narkhede YB, Hsu RV, Morikis D, Vullev VI, Palermo G. Factor H-Inspired Design of Peptide Biomarkers of the Complement C3d Protein. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1054-1059. [PMID: 32435425 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
C3d is a hallmark protein of the complement system, whose presence is critical to measure the progression of several immune diseases. Here, we propose to directly target C3d through small peptides mimicking the binding of its natural ligand, the complement regulator Factor H (FH). Through iterative computational analysis and binding affinity experiments, we establish a rationale for the structure-based design of FH-inspired peptides, leading to low-micromolar affinity for C3d and stable binding over microsecond-length simulations. Our FH-inspired peptides call now for further optimization toward high-affinity binding and suggest that small peptides are promising as novel C3d biomarkers and therapeutic tools.
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Murali A, Krishnakumar S, Subramanian A, Parameswaran S. Bruch's membrane pathology: A mechanistic perspective. Eur J Ophthalmol 2020; 30:1195-1206. [PMID: 32345040 DOI: 10.1177/1120672120919337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bruch's membrane, an extracellular matrix located between the retinal pigment epithelium and the choroid, plays a vital role as structural and functional support to the retinal pigment epithelium. Dysfunction of Bruch's membrane in both age-related macular degeneration and other ocular diseases is caused mostly by extracellular matrix degeneration, deposit formation, and angiogenesis. Although these factors are dealt in greater detail with respect to the cells that are degenerated such as the retinal pigment epithelium and the endothelial cells, the pathology involving the Bruch's membrane is often underrated. Since in most of the macular degenerations early degenerative changes are also observed in the Bruch's membrane, addressing only the cellular component without the underlying membrane will not yield an ideal clinical benefit. This review aims to discuss the factors and the mechanisms affecting the integrity of the Bruch's membrane, which would aid in developing an effective therapy for these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Murali
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, India
| | - Subramanian Krishnakumar
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, India
| | - Anuradha Subramanian
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Sowmya Parameswaran
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, India
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Wang X, Shang QL, Ma JX, Liu SX, Wang CX, Ma C. Complement factor B knockdown by short hairpin RNA inhibits laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats. Int J Ophthalmol 2020; 13:382-389. [PMID: 32309173 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2020.03.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate whether recombinant complement factor B (CFB) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) reduces laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats. METHODS Laser-induced rat CNV model was established, and then the animals underwent fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. On day 3 and 7 after photocoagulation, the expression of CFB and membrane attack complex (MAC) was detected by immunhischemistry. A recombinant CFB-shRNA plasmid was constructed. CFB and scrambled shRNA plasmids were intravenous injected into rats via the tail vein on the day of laser treatment, respectively. On day 7, the incidence of CNV was determined by FFA, and the expression of CFB and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroidal tissues was detected by immunhischemistry, Western blot and/or semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in CFB and scrambled shRNA groups. The possible adverse effects of CFB-shRNA injection were assessed by transmission electron microscopy and electroretinography. RESULTS FFA and HE results indicated that a laser-induced rat CNV model was successfully established on day 7 after photocoagulation. The expression of CFB and MAC was extremely weak in normal retina and choroid, and increased on day 3 after photocoagulation. However, it started to reduce on day 7. CFB shRNA plasmid was successfully constructed and induced CFB knockdown in the retinal and choroidal tissues. FFA showed CFB knockdown significantly inhibited incidence of CNV in rats. Moreover, CFB knockdown significantly inhibited the expression of VEGF in RPE/choroidal tissues. CFB shRNA caused no obvious side effects in eyes. CONCLUSION CFB knockdown significantly inhibits the formation and development of CNV in vivo through reducing the expression of VEGF, which is a potential therapy target. The alternative pathway of complement activation plays an important role in CNV formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Qing-Li Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jing-Xue Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shu-Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Cai-Xia Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
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Cipriani V, Lorés-Motta L, He F, Fathalla D, Tilakaratna V, McHarg S, Bayatti N, Acar İE, Hoyng CB, Fauser S, Moore AT, Yates JRW, de Jong EK, Morgan BP, den Hollander AI, Bishop PN, Clark SJ. Increased circulating levels of Factor H-Related Protein 4 are strongly associated with age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2020; 11:778. [PMID: 32034129 PMCID: PMC7005798 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness. Genetic variants at the chromosome 1q31.3 encompassing the complement factor H (CFH, FH) and CFH related genes (CFHR1-5) are major determinants of AMD susceptibility, but their molecular consequences remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that FHR-4 plays a prominent role in AMD pathogenesis. We show that systemic FHR-4 levels are elevated in AMD (P-value = 7.1 × 10-6), whereas no difference is seen for FH. Furthermore, FHR-4 accumulates in the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane and drusen, and can compete with FH/FHL-1 for C3b binding, preventing FI-mediated C3b cleavage. Critically, the protective allele of the strongest AMD-associated CFH locus variant rs10922109 has the highest association with reduced FHR-4 levels (P-value = 2.2 × 10-56), independently of the AMD-protective CFHR1-3 deletion, and even in those individuals that carry the high-risk allele of rs1061170 (Y402H). Our findings identify FHR-4 as a key molecular player contributing to complement dysregulation in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cipriani
- William Harvey Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacology, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Laura Lorés-Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Fan He
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Dina Fathalla
- Systems Immunity URI, Division of Infection and Immunity, and UK DRI Cardiff, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Viranga Tilakaratna
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Selina McHarg
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nadhim Bayatti
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - İlhan E Acar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, 50924, Germany
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, 4070, Switzerland
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John R W Yates
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Eiko K de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - B Paul Morgan
- Systems Immunity URI, Division of Infection and Immunity, and UK DRI Cardiff, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, 6525 HR, The Netherlands
| | - Paul N Bishop
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Simon J Clark
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Schnabolk G, Rohrer B, Simpson KN. Increased Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnosis Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3520-3526. [PMID: 31412111 PMCID: PMC6694737 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. The role of secondary inflammatory disease on AMD progression is largely unknown. Here we investigate the association between AMD and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using MarketScan data for patients aged ≥65 years on Medicare. Methods Baseline data were extracted for subjects with at least two International Classification, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes of RA and control subjects (no RA) and were matched at baseline by propensity score. Matched cohort data were extracted post-baseline time and examined up to 4.5 years of follow-up for ICD-9 diagnosis code AMD records. Multivariable regression models compared risk of an AMD diagnosis post-baseline for RA subjects and matched controls. Days until first AMD diagnosis between RA patients and controls was examined using survival analysis. Results Risk of new AMD diagnosis was elevated in RA patients (odds ratio [OR] 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98–2.18), with an increase in nonexudative AMD patients (P < 0.0001). Risk was elevated in female (n = 27,548) (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05–1.17) compared with male (n = 9704; P < 0.001) patients. The time to first AMD diagnosis was shorter for RA subjects than controls (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our analysis provides support of association between RA diagnosis and increased nonexudative AMD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloriane Schnabolk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States.,Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Kit N Simpson
- Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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Lipecz A, Miller L, Kovacs I, Czakó C, Csipo T, Baffi J, Csiszar A, Tarantini S, Ungvari Z, Yabluchanskiy A, Conley S. Microvascular contributions to age-related macular degeneration (AMD): from mechanisms of choriocapillaris aging to novel interventions. GeroScience 2019; 41:813-845. [PMID: 31797238 PMCID: PMC6925092 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-019-00138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging of the microcirculatory network plays a central role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of age-related diseases, from heart failure to Alzheimer's disease. In the eye, changes in the choroid and choroidal microcirculation (choriocapillaris) also occur with age, and these changes can play a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In order to develop novel treatments for amelioration of choriocapillaris aging and prevention of AMD, it is essential to understand the cellular and functional changes that occur in the choroid and choriocapillaris during aging. In this review, recent advances in in vivo analysis of choroidal structure and function in AMD patients and patients at risk for AMD are discussed. The pathophysiological roles of fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired resistance to molecular stressors in the choriocapillaris are also considered in terms of their contribution to the pathogenesis of AMD. The pathogenic roles of cardiovascular risk factors that exacerbate microvascular aging processes, such as smoking, hypertension, and obesity as they relate to AMD and choroid and choriocapillaris changes in patients with these cardiovascular risk factors, are also discussed. Finally, future directions and opportunities to develop novel interventions to prevent/delay AMD by targeting fundamental cellular and molecular aging processes are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Lipecz
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Josa Andras Hospital, Nyiregyhaza, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lauren Miller
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd. BMSB553, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Illes Kovacs
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Cecília Czakó
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamas Csipo
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Baffi
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shannon Conley
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd. BMSB553, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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Dörschmann P, Kopplin G, Roider J, Klettner A. Effects of Sulfated Fucans from Laminaria hyperborea Regarding VEGF Secretion, Cell Viability, and Oxidative Stress and Correlation with Molecular Weight. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E548. [PMID: 31557816 PMCID: PMC6835690 DOI: 10.3390/md17100548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfated fucans show interesting effects in the treatment of ocular diseases (e.g., age-related macular degeneration), depending on their chemical structure. Here, we compared three purified sulfated fucans from Laminaria hyperborea (LH) regarding cell viability, oxidative stress protection, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in ocular cells. METHODS High-molecular-weight sulfated fucan (Mw = 1548.6 kDa, Fuc1) was extracted with warm water and purified through ultrafiltration. Lower-molecular-weight samples (Mw = 499 kDa, Fuc2; 26.9 kDa, Fuc3) were obtained by mild acid hydrolysis of ultrapurified sulfated fucan and analyzed (SEC-MALS (Size-exclusion chromatography-Multi-Angle Light Scattering), ICP-MS, and GC). Concentrations between 1 and 100 µg/mL were tested. Cell viability was measured after 24 h (uveal melanoma cell line (OMM-1), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line ARPE-19, primary RPE cells) via MTT/MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide/3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay. Oxidative stress protection was determined after 24 h (OMM-1, ARPE-19). VEGF secretion was analyzed via ELISA after three days (ARPE-19, RPE). RESULTS Fuc2 and Fuc3 were antiproliferative for OMM-1, but not for ARPE. Fuc1 protected OMM-1. VEGF secretion was lowered with all fucans except Fuc3 in ARPE-19 and RPE. The results suggest a correlation between molecular weight and biological activity, with efficiency increasing with size. CONCLUSION The LH sulfated fucan Fuc1 showed promising results regarding VEGF inhibition and protection, encouraging further medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Dörschmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Georg Kopplin
- Alginor ASA, Haraldsgata 162, 5525 Haugesund, Norway.
- Norwegian Biopolymer Laboratory (NOBIPOL), Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Johann Roider
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
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Schröder-Braunstein J, Kirschfink M. Complement deficiencies and dysregulation: Pathophysiological consequences, modern analysis, and clinical management. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:299-311. [PMID: 31421540 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Complement defects are associated with an enhanced risk of a broad spectrum of infectious as well as systemic or local inflammatory and thrombotic disorders. Inherited complement deficiencies have been described for virtually all complement components but can be mimicked by autoantibodies, interfering with the activity of specific complement components, convertases or regulators. While being rare, diseases related to complement deficiencies are often severe with a frequent but not exclusive manifestation during childhood. Whereas defects of early components of the classical pathway significantly increase the risk of autoimmune disorders, lack of components of the terminal pathway as well as of properdin are associated with an enhanced susceptibility to meningococcal infections. The impaired synthesis or function of C1 inhibitor results in the development of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Furthermore, complement dysregulation causes renal disorders such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) or C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) but also age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) results from the combined deficiency of the regulatory complement proteins CD55 and CD59, which is caused by somatic mutation of a common membrane anchor, isolated CD55 or CD59 deficiency is associated with the CHAPLE syndrome and polyneuropathy, respectively. Here, we provide an overview on clinical disorders related to complement deficiencies or dysregulation and describe diagnostic strategies required for their comprehensive molecular characterization - a prerequisite for informed decisions on the therapeutic management of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Schröder-Braunstein
- University of Heidelberg, Institute of Immunology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kirschfink
- University of Heidelberg, Institute of Immunology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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48
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Efendieva MH, Budzinskaya MV, Kadyshev VV, Zinchenko RA, Savochkina OA, Pupysheva AD. [Molecular and genetic aspects of age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma]. Vestn Oftalmol 2019; 135:121-127. [PMID: 31393456 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2019135031121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In most cases, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are considered multi-factor diseases that lead to irreversible blindness in senior population of developed countries. Among different types of these diseases, around 5% are monogenic. Studying their molecular and genetic aspects can lay the basis for improvement of diagnostic methods, prognosis of the risks of development, manner of progression and treatment outcomes, as well as creation of new therapy methods. The article reviews modern understanding of the etiopathogenesis of AMD and glaucoma and describes their interrelations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Efendieva
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 11A Rossolimo St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 119021
| | - M V Budzinskaya
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 11A Rossolimo St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 119021
| | - V V Kadyshev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechie St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 115478
| | - R A Zinchenko
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechie St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 115478; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997
| | - O A Savochkina
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 11A Rossolimo St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 119021
| | - A D Pupysheva
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Department of Ophthalmology, 8-2 Trubetskaya St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 119991
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49
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Wu J, Sun X. Complement system and age-related macular degeneration: drugs and challenges. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:2413-2425. [PMID: 31409975 PMCID: PMC6650090 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s206355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is directly attributable to vision loss, posing significant pressure on public health. AMD is recognized to be a multi-factorial disease and among them, complement system is under heated discussion in recent years. In this review, we start with an overview of complement pathways involved in AMD and their therapies correspondingly. Finally, we discuss the development of the therapeutics existed now. Also, we enclose a list of drugs undergoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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50
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Akhtar-Schäfer I, Wang L, Krohne TU, Xu H, Langmann T. Modulation of three key innate immune pathways for the most common retinal degenerative diseases. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 10:emmm.201708259. [PMID: 30224384 PMCID: PMC6180304 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the role of three key immune pathways in the pathophysiology of major retinal degenerative diseases including diabetic retinopathy, age‐related macular degeneration, and rare retinal dystrophies. We first discuss the mechanisms how loss of retinal homeostasis evokes an unbalanced retinal immune reaction involving responses of local microglia and recruited macrophages, activity of the alternative complement system, and inflammasome assembly in the retinal pigment epithelium. Presenting these key mechanisms as complementary targets, we specifically emphasize the concept of immunomodulation as potential treatment strategy to prevent or delay vision loss. Promising molecules are ligands for phagocyte receptors, specific inhibitors of complement activation products, and inflammasome inhibitors. We comprehensively summarize the scientific evidence for this strategy from preclinical animal models, human ocular tissue analyses, and clinical trials evolving in the last few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Akhtar-Schäfer
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luping Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tim U Krohne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany .,Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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