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Faes L, Bijon J, Bacci T, Freund KB. Review of type 3 macular neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration: no DRAMA (Deep Retinal Age-related Microvascular Anomalies). Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03343-3. [PMID: 39394372 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03343-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV) is a unique form of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that presents distinct pathogenetic features, clinical manifestations, and prognostic considerations when compared to types 1 and 2 MNV. Insights gained from clinicopathological correlations, bridging in vivo examination techniques with ex vivo histological analysis, have significantly enhanced our comprehension of this MNV phenotype, shaped current management strategies and influenced future directions for therapeutics. The particularities of type 3 MNV, which may largely stem from its origin from the retinal vasculature, are critically important for predicting the disease course. Our current understanding suggests that type 3 MNV occurs in response to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) disruption and photoreceptor loss when neovessels originating from the deep capillary plexus are accompanied by activated Müller glia as they infiltrate sub-retinal pigment epithelium basal laminar deposits. Dysregulation of angiogenic and angiostatic factors are thought to play a key role in its pathogenesis. The prognosis for type 3 MNV is likely bilateral involvement and progression towards macular atrophy. It may be imperative for practitioners to distinguish type 3 MNV from other mimicking pathologies such as intraretinal microvascular anomalies, which are also part of the type 3 disease spectrum. For instance, deep retinal age-related microvascular anomalies (DRAMA) may present with similar features on multimodal imaging yet may necessitate distinct management protocols. Distinguishing between these conditions may be vital for implementing tailored treatment regimens and improving patient outcomes in the diverse landscape of AMD phenotypes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Faes
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, USA
| | - Jacques Bijon
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, USA
| | - Tommaso Bacci
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - K Bailey Freund
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Jonas JB, Panda-Jonas S, Jonas RA. Drusen in the macula and parapapillary region. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:2503-2513. [PMID: 38472430 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06438-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine histological characteristics and differences between drusen beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (small hard drusen) located in the macula and located in the parapapillary region. METHODS We histomorphometrically examined human eyes enucleated due to uveal melanomas or secondary angle-closure glaucoma. RESULTS The study included 106 eyes (age, 62.6 ± 15.2 years) with macular drusen (n = 7 globes) or parapapillary drusen (n = 29 eyes) and 70 eyes without drusen. In all drusen, periodic-acid-Schiff-positive material was located between the RPE basal membrane and the inner collagenous layer of Bruch's membrane (BM). Macular drusen as compared with parapapillary drusen had lower height (15.2 ± 10.1 µm versus 34.3 ± 19.8 µm; P = 0.003), while both groups did not differ significantly in basal drusen width (74.0 ± 36.3 µm versus 108.7 ± 101.0 µm; P = 0.95). Eyes with macular drusen and eyes without drusen did not differ significantly in BM thickness (2.74 ± 0.44 µm versus 2.55 ± 0.88 µm; P = 0.57) or in RPE cell density (35.4 ± 10.4 cells/480 µm versus 32.8 ± 7.5 cells/480 µm; P = 0.53), neither in the drusen region nor in the drusen vicinity, while BM thickness (4.60 ± 1.490 µm; P < 0.001) and RPE cell density (56.9 ± 26.8 cells/480 µm; P = 0.005) were higher at the parapapillary drusen. Eyes with macular drusen, eyes with parapapillary drusen, and eyes without drusen did not differ significantly in choriocapillaris density (all P > 0.10) and thickness (all P > 0.35). Limitations of the study, among others, were a small number and size of drusen examined, diseases leading to enucleation, lack of serial sections, limited resolution of light microscopy, and enucleation-related and histological preparation-associated artefacts. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study, also taking into account its methodological limitations, suggest that macular drusen and parapapillary drusen shared the morphological feature of periodic-acid-Schiff-positive material between the RPE basal membrane and BM and that they did not vary significantly in choriocapillaris thickness and density. RPE cell density and BM thickness were higher in parapapillary drusen than in macular drusen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jost B Jonas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | - Rahul A Jonas
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Berlin A, Fischer NA, Clark ME, Kar D, Swain TA, Martindale RM, McGwin G, Crosson JN, Sloan KR, Owsley C, Curcio CA. Quantitative Autofluorescence at AMD's Beginnings Highlights Retinal Topography and Grading System Differences: ALSTAR2 Baseline. Ophthalmologica 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38599207 DOI: 10.1159/000538696] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims of the study were to describe baseline quantitative (short-wavelength) autofluorescence (qAF) findings in a large pseudophakic cohort at age-related macular degeneration (AMD)'s beginnings and to assess qAF8 as an outcome measure and evaluate Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and Beckman grading systems. METHODS In the ALSTAR2 baseline cohort (NCT04112667), 346 pseudophakic eyes of 188 persons (74.0 ± 5.5 years) were classified as normal (N = 160 by AREDS, 158 by Beckman), early AMD (eAMD) (N = 104, 66), and intermediate AMD (iAMD) (N = 82, 122). Groups were compared via mean qAF intensities in a 6°-8° annulus (qAF8) and maps of differences between observations and the overall mean, divided by standard deviation (Z-score). RESULTS qAF8 did not differ significantly among diagnostic groups by either stratification (p = 0.0869 AREDS; p = 0.0569 by Beckman). Notably, 45 eyes considered eAMD by AREDS became iAMD by Beckman. For AREDS-stratified eyes, Z-score maps showed higher centrally located qAF for normal, near the mean in eAMD, and lower values for iAMD. Maps deviated from this pattern for Beckman-stratified eyes. CONCLUSIONS In a large sample of pseudophakic eyes, qAF8 does not differ overall from normal aging to iAMD but also does not capture the earliest AMD activity in the macula lutea. AREDS classification gives results more consistent with a slow decline in histologic autofluorescence than Beckman classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Berlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA,
- University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,
| | - Nathan A Fischer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Retina Consultants of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mark E Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Thomas A Swain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Richard M Martindale
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Retina Consultants of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jason N Crosson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Retina Consultants of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kenneth R Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Christine A Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Antropoli A, Bianco L, Condroyer C, Antonio A, Navarro J, Dagostinoz D, Benadji A, Sahel JA, Zeitz C, Audo I. Extensive Macular Atrophy with Pseudodrusen-like appearance: Progression Kinetics and Late-Stage Findings. Ophthalmology 2024:S0161-6420(24)00209-4. [PMID: 38583493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.04.001] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the clinical outcome and late-stage findings of extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance (EMAP). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-eight patients (156 eyes) affected by EMAP. METHODS We collected data on best-corrected visual acuity, kinetic perimetry, OCT, short-wavelength autofluorescence, and near-infrared autofluorescence findings. Genetic testing for the TIMP3 and C1QTNF5 genes was performed via Sanger sequencing for 58 patients, with no pathogenic variants identified. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity at the last examination, visual field at the last examination, and incidence rates and time-to-event curves for blindness with the United States Social Security Administration and World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, foveal involvement, and atrophy enlargement beyond the 30° and 55° field of view. Imaging findings at the last examination were secondary outcomes. RESULTS At the most recent visit, mean age was 70.9 ± 5.2 years. Using United States criteria, 58.1% of the patients were blind, and 25.8% were blind according to WHO criteria. All eyes showed large central scotomas, which were associated with visual field constriction in 22.2% of eyes. We detected focal openings or large dehiscences of Bruch's membrane (BM) in 25.4% of eyes. Near-infrared autofluorescence showed increased visibility of the choroidal vessels beyond the atrophy in 87.2% of eyes. The incidence rates for blindness were 3.95 per 100 patient-years with United States criteria and 1.54 per 100 patient-years according to WHO criteria. The incidence rates were 22.8 per 100 eye-years for foveal involvement, 12.0 per 100 eye-years for atrophy enlargement beyond 30°, and 6.6 per 100 eye-years for atrophy enlargement beyond 55°. The estimates were not influenced by the age at onset. CONCLUSIONS We identified characteristic imaging findings, including BM ruptures, in elder patients with EMAP and calculated incidence rates for different functional and anatomic outcomes. 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)
- Alessio Antropoli
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bianco
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Aline Antonio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Julien Navarro
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Dorothée Dagostinoz
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Amine Benadji
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France.
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Fu DJ, Glinton S, Lipkova V, Faes L, Liefers B, Zhang G, Pontikos N, McKeown A, Scheibler L, Patel PJ, Keane PA, Balaskas K. Deep-learning automated quantification of longitudinal OCT scans demonstrates reduced RPE loss rate, preservation of intact macular area and predictive value of isolated photoreceptor degeneration in geographic atrophy patients receiving C3 inhibition treatment. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:536-545. [PMID: 37094835 PMCID: PMC10958254 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-322672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of automated optical coherence tomography (OCT) segmentation, using a validated deep-learning model, for assessing the effect of C3 inhibition on the area of geographic atrophy (GA); the constituent features of GA on OCT (photoreceptor degeneration (PRD), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) loss and hypertransmission); and the area of unaffected healthy macula.To identify OCT predictive biomarkers for GA growth. METHODS Post hoc analysis of the FILLY trial using a deep-learning model for spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) autosegmentation. 246 patients were randomised 1:1:1 into pegcetacoplan monthly (PM), pegcetacoplan every other month (PEOM) and sham treatment (pooled) for 12 months of treatment and 6 months of therapy-free monitoring. Only participants with Heidelberg SD-OCT were included (n=197, single eye per participant).The primary efficacy endpoint was the square root transformed change in area of GA as complete RPE and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) in each treatment arm at 12 months, with secondary endpoints including RPE loss, hypertransmission, PRD and intact macular area. RESULTS Eyes treated PM showed significantly slower mean change of cRORA progression at 12 and 18 months (0.151 and 0.277 mm, p=0.0039; 0.251 and 0.396 mm, p=0.039, respectively) and RPE loss (0.147 and 0.287 mm, p=0.0008; 0.242 and 0.410 mm, p=0.00809). PEOM showed significantly slower mean change of RPE loss compared with sham at 12 months (p=0.0313). Intact macular areas were preserved in PM compared with sham at 12 and 18 months (p=0.0095 and p=0.044). PRD in isolation and intact macula areas was predictive of reduced cRORA growth at 12 months (coefficient 0.0195, p=0.01 and 0.00752, p=0.02, respectively) CONCLUSION: The OCT evidence suggests that pegcetacoplan slows progression of cRORA overall and RPE loss specifically while protecting the remaining photoreceptors and slowing the progression of healthy retina to iRORA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Jack Fu
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Sophie Glinton
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Veronika Lipkova
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Livia Faes
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Bart Liefers
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gongyu Zhang
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Alex McKeown
- Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Praveen J Patel
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Pearse A Keane
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Konstantinos Balaskas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
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Grubaugh CR, Dhingra A, Prakash B, Montenegro D, Sparrow JR, Daniele LL, Curcio CA, Bell BA, Hussain MM, Boesze-Battaglia K. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein is necessary to maintain lipid homeostasis and retinal function. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23522. [PMID: 38445789 PMCID: PMC10949407 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302491r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Lipid processing by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is necessary to maintain retinal health and function. Dysregulation of retinal lipid homeostasis due to normal aging or age-related disease triggers lipid accumulation within the RPE, on Bruch's membrane (BrM), and in the subretinal space. In its role as a hub for lipid trafficking into and out of the neural retina, the RPE packages a significant amount of lipid into lipid droplets for storage and into apolipoprotein B (APOB)-containing lipoproteins (Blps) for export. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), encoded by the MTTP gene, is essential for Blp assembly. Herein we test the hypothesis that MTP expression in the RPE is essential to maintain lipid balance and retinal function using the newly generated RPEΔMttp mouse model. Using non-invasive ocular imaging, electroretinography, and histochemical and biochemical analyses we show that genetic depletion of Mttp from the RPE results in intracellular lipid accumulation, increased photoreceptor-associated cholesterol deposits, and photoreceptor cell death, and loss of rod but not cone function. RPE-specific reduction in Mttp had no significant effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. While APOB was decreased in the RPE, most ocular retinoids remained unchanged, with the exception of the storage form of retinoid, retinyl ester. Thus suggesting that RPE MTP is critical for Blp synthesis and assembly but is not directly involved in plasma lipoprotein metabolism. These studies demonstrate that RPE-specific MTP expression is necessary to establish and maintain retinal lipid homeostasis and visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina R. Grubaugh
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anuradha Dhingra
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Binu Prakash
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, 11501 USA
| | - Diego Montenegro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
| | - Lauren L. Daniele
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Brent A. Bell
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - M. Mahmood Hussain
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, 11501 USA
| | - Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Curcio CA, Kar D, Owsley C, Sloan KR, Ach T. Age-Related Macular Degeneration, a Mathematically Tractable Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:4. [PMID: 38466281 PMCID: PMC10916886 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A progression sequence for age-related macular degeneration onset may be determinable with consensus neuroanatomical nomenclature augmented by drusen biology and eye-tracked clinical imaging. This narrative review proposes to supplement the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (sETDRS) grid with a ring to capture high rod densities. Published photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) densities in flat mounted aged-normal donor eyes were recomputed for sETDRS rings including near-periphery rich in rods and cumulatively for circular fovea-centered regions. Literature was reviewed for tissue-level studies of aging outer retina, population-level epidemiology studies regionally assessing risk, vision studies regionally assessing rod-mediated dark adaptation (RMDA), and impact of atrophy on photopic visual acuity. The 3 mm-diameter xanthophyll-rich macula lutea is rod-dominant and loses rods in aging whereas cone and RPE numbers are relatively stable. Across layers, the largest aging effects are accumulation of lipids prominent in drusen, loss of choriocapillary coverage of Bruch's membrane, and loss of rods. Epidemiology shows maximal risk for drusen-related progression in the central subfield with only one third of this risk level in the inner ring. RMDA studies report greatest slowing at the perimeter of this high-risk area. Vision declines precipitously when the cone-rich central subfield is invaded by geographic atrophy. Lifelong sustenance of foveal cone vision within the macula lutea leads to vulnerability in late adulthood that especially impacts rods at its perimeter. Adherence to an sETDRS grid and outer retinal cell populations within it will help dissect mechanisms, prioritize research, and assist in selecting patients for emerging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Kenneth R. Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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8
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Greferath U, Fletcher E, Savige J, Mack HG. Drusen and Other Retinal Findings in People With IgA Glomerulonephritis. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 257:247-253. [PMID: 37757996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.09.019] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal drusen have been described in people with IgA nephropathy. We examined the frequency of drusen in IgA nephropathy and compared their location and composition with those for drusen in age-related macular degeneration. DESIGN Immunohistological case series of eyes of patients with IgA nephropathy, and a comparison eye with age-related macular degeneration. METHODS Donor eyes from 4 individuals (3 male, 1 female, aged 40-80 years) with biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy and kidney failure were examined for the presence of drusen, and location and composition using antibodies for vitronectin, IgA, IgM, IgG, C3, and C1q. Results were compared with those for drusen in macular degeneration without IgA nephropathy. RESULTS All 4 donors had sparse, subretinal pigment epithelium drusen of 55-65 mm diameter that stained for vitronectin but not for IgA or complement. All donors had retinal capillaries and choriocapillaris staining for IgA. The youngest donor (female, 40) had rare deposits in the outer nuclear layer that stained for IgA, but not for vitronectin. The oldest donor (male, 82) had large cystlike spaces in the inner nuclear and plexiform layers, and smaller cysts in the outer nuclear layer, with no staining for IgA or complement. CONCLUSIONS Retinal drusen are uncommon in IgA nephropathy, even with kidney failure. Drusen in IgA nephropathy resemble drusen found in age-related macular degeneration. IgA-staining deposits in the outer nuclear layer were likely due to systemic deposition of IgA and complement activation. The nature of cystic spaces is unknown. Further analysis of the retinas of people with glomerulonephritis is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Greferath
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (U.G., E.F., J.S., H.G.M.)
| | - Erica Fletcher
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (U.G., E.F., J.S., H.G.M.)
| | - Judy Savige
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (U.G., E.F., J.S., H.G.M.)
| | - Heather G Mack
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (U.G., E.F., J.S., H.G.M.).
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Cheng AMS, Chalam KV, Brar VS, Yang DTY, Bhatt J, Banoub RG, Gupta SK. Recent Advances in Imaging Macular Atrophy for Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3635. [PMID: 38132220 PMCID: PMC10742961 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In late-stage AMD, geographic atrophy (GA) of dry AMD or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of neovascular AMD eventually results in macular atrophy (MA), leading to significant visual loss. Despite the development of innovative therapies, there are currently no established effective treatments for MA. As a result, early detection of MA is critical in identifying later central macular involvement throughout time. Accurate and early diagnosis is achieved through a combination of clinical examination and imaging techniques. Our review of the literature depicts advances in retinal imaging to identify biomarkers of progression and risk factors for late AMD. Imaging methods like fundus photography; dye-based angiography; fundus autofluorescence (FAF); near-infrared reflectance (NIR); optical coherence tomography (OCT); and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can be used to detect and monitor the progression of retinal atrophy. These evolving diverse imaging modalities optimize detection of pathologic anatomy and measurement of visual function; they may also contribute to the understanding of underlying mechanistic pathways, particularly the underlying MA changes in late AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny M. S. Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33064, USA; (A.M.S.C.); (R.G.B.)
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Kakarla V. Chalam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Vikram S. Brar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - David T. Y. Yang
- College of Biological Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Jineel Bhatt
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
| | - Raphael G. Banoub
- Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33064, USA; (A.M.S.C.); (R.G.B.)
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
| | - Shailesh K. Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33064, USA; (A.M.S.C.); (R.G.B.)
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
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10
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Grubaugh CR, Dhingra A, Prakash B, Montenegro D, Sparrow JR, Daniele LL, Curcio CA, Bell BA, Hussain MM, Boesze-Battaglia K. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein is necessary to maintain lipid homeostasis and retinal function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.06.570418. [PMID: 38105975 PMCID: PMC10723417 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Lipid processing by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is necessary to maintain retinal health and function. Dysregulation of retinal lipid homeostasis due to normal aging or to age-related disease triggers lipid accumulation within the RPE, on Bruch's membrane (BrM), and in the subretinal space. In its role as a hub for lipid trafficking into and out of the neural retina, the RPE packages a significant amount of lipid into lipid droplets for storage and into apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins (Blps) for export. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), encoded by the MTTP gene, is essential for Blp assembly. Herein we test the hypothesis that MTP expression in the RPE is essential to maintain lipid balance and retinal function using the newly generated RPEΔMttp mouse model. Using non-invasive ocular imaging, electroretinography, and histochemical and biochemical analyses we show that genetic deletion of Mttp from the RPE results in intracellular lipid accumulation, increased photoreceptor -associated cholesterol deposits and photoreceptor cell death, and loss of rod but not cone function. RPE-specific ablation of Mttp had no significant effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. While, apoB was decreased in the RPE, ocular retinoid concentrations remained unchanged. Thus suggesting that RPE MTP is critical for Blp synthesis and assembly but not directly involved in ocular retinoid and plasma lipoprotein metabolism. These studies demonstrate that RPE-specific MTP expression is necessary to establish and maintain retinal lipid homeostasis and visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina R. Grubaugh
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anuradha Dhingra
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Binu Prakash
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, 11501 USA
| | - Diego Montenegro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY,10027 USA
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY,10027 USA
| | - Lauren L. Daniele
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Brent A. Bell
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - M. Mahmood Hussain
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, 11501 USA
| | - Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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11
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Radun V, Berlin A, Tarau IS, Kleefeldt N, Reichel C, Hillenkamp J, Holz FG, Sloan KR, Saßmannshausen M, Ach T. Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence in Systemic Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine Therapy: One Year Follow-Up. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:8. [PMID: 37418250 PMCID: PMC10337803 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.7.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Systemic chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (CQ/HCQ) can cause severe ocular side effects including bull's eye maculopathy (BEM). Recently, we reported higher quantitative autofluorescence (QAF) levels in patients with CQ/HCQ intake. Here, QAF in patients taking CQ/HCQ in a 1-year follow-up is reported. Methods Fifty-eight patients currently or previously treated with CQ/HCQ (cumulative doses 94-2435 g) and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects underwent multimodal retinal imaging (infrared, red free, fundus autofluorescence [FAF], QAF [488 nm], and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). For analysis, custom written FIJI plugins were used for image processing, multimodal image stacks assembling, and QAF calculation. Results Thirty patients (28 without BEM and 2 with BEM, age range = 25-69 years) were followed up (370 ± 63 days). QAF values in patients taking CQ/HCQ showed a significant increase between baseline and follow-up examination: 282.0 ± 67.9 to 297.7 ± 70.0 (QAF a.u.), P = 0.002. An increase up to 10% was observed in the superior macular hemisphere. Eight individuals (including 1 patient with BEM) had a pronounced QAF increase of up to 25%. Compared to healthy controls, QAF levels in patients taking CQ/HCQ were significantly increased (P = 0.04). Conclusions Our study confirms our previous finding of increased QAF in patients taking CQ/HCQ with a further significant QAF increase from baseline to follow-up. Whether pronounced QAF increase might predispose for rapid progression toward structural changes and BEM development is currently investigated in ongoing studies. Translational Relevance In addition to standard screening tools during systemic CQ/HCQ treatment, QAF imaging might be useful in CQ/HCQ monitoring and could serve as a screening tool in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Radun
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Berlin
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ioana-Sandra Tarau
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Würzburg, Germany
- Asklepios Hospital Hamburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nikolai Kleefeldt
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Clara Reichel
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jost Hillenkamp
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- University Hospital Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kenneth R Sloan
- Asklepios Hospital Hamburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Ach
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Ophthalmology, Würzburg, Germany
- University Hospital Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany
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12
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McGwin G, Kar D, Berlin A, Clark ME, Swain TA, Crosson JN, Sloan KR, Owsley C, Curcio CA. Macular and Plasma Xanthophylls Are Higher in Age-related Macular Degeneration than in Normal Aging: Alabama Study on Early Age-related Macular Degeneration 2 Baseline. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100263. [PMID: 36864830 PMCID: PMC9972499 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Quantification of retinal xanthophyll carotenoids in eyes with and without age-related macular degeneration (AMD) via macular pigment optical volume (MPOV), a metric for xanthophyll abundance from dual wavelength autofluorescence, plus correlations to plasma levels, could clarify the role of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) in health, AMD progression, and supplementation strategies. Design Cross-sectional observational study (NCT04112667). Participants Adults ≥ 60 years from a comprehensive ophthalmology clinic, with healthy maculas or maculas meeting fundus criteria for early or intermediate AMD. Methods Macular health and supplement use was assessed by the Age-related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 9-step scale and self-report, respectively. Macular pigment optical volume was measured from dual wavelength autofluorescence emissions (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering). Non-fasting blood draws were assayed for L and Z using high-performance liquid chromatography. Associations among plasma xanthophylls and MPOV were assessed adjusting for age. Main Outcome Measures Age-related macular degeneration presence and severity, MPOV in fovea-centered regions of radius 2.0° and 9.0°; plasma L and Z (μM/ml). Results Of 809 eyes from 434 persons (89% aged 60-79, 61% female), 53.3% eyes were normal, 28.2% early AMD, and 18.5% intermediate AMD. Macular pigment optical volume 2° and 9° were similar in phakic and pseudophakic eyes, which were combined for analysis. Macular pigment optical volume 2° and 9° and plasma L and Z were higher in early AMD than normal and higher still in intermediate AMD (P < 0.0001). For all participants, higher plasma L was correlated with higher MPOV 2° (Spearman correlation coefficient [Rs] = 0.49; P < 0.0001). These correlations were significant (P < 0.0001) but lower in normal (Rs = 0.37) than early and intermediate AMD (Rs = 0.52 and 0.51, respectively). Results were similar for MPOV 9°. Plasma Z, MPOV 2°, and MPOV 9° followed this same pattern of associations. Associations were not affected by supplement use or smoking status. Conclusions A moderate positive correlation of MPOV with plasma L and Z comports with regulated xanthophyll bioavailability and a hypothesized role for xanthophyll transfer in soft drusen biology. An assumption that xanthophylls are low in AMD retina underlies supplementation strategies to reduce progression risk, which our data do not support. Whether higher xanthophyll levels in AMD are due to supplement use cannot be determined in this study.
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Key Words
- ALSTAR2, Alabama Study on Early Age-related Macular Degeneration 2
- AMD, age-related macular degeneration
- AREDS, age-related eye disease studies
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Autofluorescence
- BrM, Bruch’s membrane
- HDL, high density lipoprotein
- L, Lutein
- Lutein
- MP, macular pigment
- MPOD, macular pigment optical density
- MPOV, macular pigment optical volume
- Macular xanthophyll pigment
- RPE, retinal pigment epithelium
- Z, Zeaxanthin
- Zeaxanthin
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald McGwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Andreas Berlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Mark E. Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Thomas A. Swain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jason N. Crosson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Retina Consultants of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kenneth R. Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Computer Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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13
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Schwanengel LS, Weber S, Simon R, Lehmann T, Augsten R, Meller D, Hammer M. Changes in drusen-associated autofluorescence over time observed by fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy in age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2023; 101:e154-e166. [PMID: 36017579 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15238] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To observe fundus autofluorescence (FAF) lifetimes and peak emission wavelength (PEW) of drusen with respect to the pathology of the overlying RPE in the follow-up of AMD-patients. METHODS Forty eyes of 38 patients (age: 75.1 ± 7.1 years) with intermediate AMD were included. FAF lifetimes and PEW were recorded by fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). Twenty-six eyes had a follow-up investigation between months 12 and 36, and 10 at months 37-72. AMD progression was retrieved from color fundus photography (CFP) and OCT. Drusen were classified with respect to changes in the overlying RPE into groups no, questionable or faint, and apparent hyperpigmentation based on CFP. RESULTS Among the 210 hyperautofluorescent drusen found at baseline, those with hyperpigmentation had longer lifetimes and shorter PEW than those without. Drusen without hyperpigmentation had shorter lifetimes and PEW than neighboring RPE (all p < 0.001) at baseline, but drusen lifetimes increased, and PEW shortened further over follow-up. Eyes, showing AMD progression, had significantly longer FAF lifetimes at baseline than non-progressing eyes: 282 ± 102 ps versus 245 ± 98 ps, p < 0.001 and 365 ± 44 ps vs. 336 ± 48 ps, p = 0.025 for short and long wavelength FLIO channel, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Depending on hyperpigmentation properties, drusen show lifetimes and PEW different from that of adjacent RPE which change over the natural history of AMD. This difference and change, however, might reflect progressive dysmorphia of the RPE rather than representing fluorescence of drusen material itself. Nevertheless, the observed FAF changes could make FLIO a useful tool for the early detection of AMD progression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian Weber
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Rowena Simon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Lehmann
- Institute for Medical Statistics, Informatics, und Data Sciences, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Regine Augsten
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniel Meller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Hammer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Center for Medical Optics and Photonics, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
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14
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Choi KE, Cha S, Yun C, Ahn J, Hwang S, Kim YJ, Jung H, Eom H, Shin D, Oh J, Goo YS, Kim SW. Outer retinal degeneration in a non-human primate model using temporary intravitreal tamponade with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in cynomolgus monkeys. J Neural Eng 2023; 20. [PMID: 36603218 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acb085] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective:The main objective of this study was to induce and evaluate drug-dose-dependent outer retinal degeneration in cynomolgus monkeys by application of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU).Approach:Intravitreal temporary tamponade induced outer retinal degeneration with MNU solutions (2-3 mg ml-1) after vitrectomy in five cynomolgus monkeys. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), full-field electroretinography (ffERG), and visual evoked potentials (VEP) were performed at baseline and weeks 2, 6, and 12 postoperatively. At week 12, OCT angiography, histology, and immunohistochemistry were performed.Main results:Outer retinal degeneration was observed in four monkeys, especially in the peripheral retina. Anatomical and functional changes occurred at week 2 and persisted until week 12. FAF images showed hypoautofluorescence dots, similar to AF patterns seen in human retinitis pigmentosa. Hyperautofluorescent lesions in the pericentral area were also observed, which corresponded to the loss of the ellipsoid zone on OCT images. OCT revealed thinning of the outer retinal layer adding to the loss of the ellipsoid zone outside the vascular arcade. Histological findings confirmed that the abovementioned changes resulted from a gradual loss of photoreceptors from the perifovea to the peripheral retina. In contrast, the inner retina, including ganglion cell layers, was preserved. Functionally, a decrease or extinction of scotopic ffERGs was observed, which indicated rod-dominant loss. Nevertheless, VEPs were relatively preserved.Significance:Therefore, we can conclude that temporary exposure to intravitreal MNU tamponade after vitrectomy induces rod-dominant outer retinal degeneration in cynomolgus monkeys, especially in the peripheral retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Eon Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08373, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongkwang Cha
- Department of Physiology, Chungbuk National University School of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08373, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungryul Ahn
- Department of Physiology, Chungbuk National University School of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seil Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08373, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Kim
- Medical Device Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju 28160, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hachul Jung
- Medical Device Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju 28160, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejong Eom
- Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju 28160, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongkwan Shin
- Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju 28160, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeryung Oh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08373, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sook Goo
- Department of Physiology, Chungbuk National University School of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Woo Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08373, Republic of Korea
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15
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Differentiating drusen and drusenoid deposits subtypes on multimodal imaging and risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2023; 67:1-13. [PMID: 36477878 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-022-00943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Drusen are extracellular material considered a precursor lesion to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), located either on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or the sub-RPE; they contain various proteins associated with inflammation and lipids. Previous studies suggest that the lifecycle of drusen varies depending on drusen type and size. In general, conventional drusen grow and aggregate/coalesce in the first stage, and in the second stage, they regress with or without showing RPE atrophy. The risk of advanced AMD also varies depending on the drusen and drusenoid deposit types' along with their size and RPE abnormalities. In eyes with macular neovascularization (MNV), specific drusen/drusenoid deposits are closely associated with the MNV subtype. Recently, pachychoroid-associated drusen (pachydrusen) were proposed and clinical findings regarding this entity have been accumulating, as more attention is focused on drusen as well as pachychoroid diseases. With the advance in imaging modalities, various modalities can show specific characteristics depending on drusen types. To assess the risk of advanced AMD, it is essential for physicians to have accurate clinical knowledge about each druse/drusenoid lesion and correctly evaluate its imaging characteristics using multimodal imaging. This review summarizes the latest clinical knowledge about each druse/drusenoid lesions and documents their imaging characteristics on multimodal imaging, allowing clinicians to better manage patients and stratify the risk of developing advanced AMD. The most representative cases are illustrated, which can be helpful in the differential diagnosis of drusen and drusenoid deposits.
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16
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Berlin A, Clark ME, Swain TA, Fischer NA, McGwin G, Sloan KR, Owsley C, Curcio CA. Impact of the Aging Lens and Posterior Capsular Opacification on Quantitative Autofluorescence Imaging in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:23. [PMID: 36239964 PMCID: PMC9586138 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.10.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate quantitative autofluorescence (qAF8) in patients with and without early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD); to determine the impact of the aged crystalline lens and posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Methods In phakic and pseudophakic eyes ≥60 years, AMD status was determined by the Beckman system. PCO presence and severity was extracted from clinical records. qAF8 was calculated using custom FIJI plugins. Differences in qAF8, stratified by lens status, PCO severity, and AMD status, were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results In 210 eyes of 115 individuals (mean age = 75.7 ± 6.6 years), qAF8 was lower in intermediate AMD compared to early AMD (P = 0.05). qAF8 did not differ between phakic and pseudophakic eyes (P = 0.8909). In phakic (n = 83) and pseudophakic (n = 127) eyes considered separately, qAF8 did not differ by AMD status (P = 0.0936 and 0.3494, respectively). Qualitative review of qAF images in phakic eyes illustrated high variability. In pseudophakic eyes, qAF8 did not differ with PCO present versus absent (54.5% vs. 45.5%). Review of implanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) revealed that 43.9% were blue-filter IOLs. Conclusions qAF8 was not associated with AMD status, up to intermediate AMD, considering only pseudophakic eyes to avoid noisy images in phakic eyes. In pseudophakic eyes, qAF8 was not affected by PCO. Because blue-filter IOLs may reduce levels of exciting light for qAF8, future studies investigating qAF in eyes with different IOL types are needed. Translational Relevance To reduce variability in observational studies and clinical trials requiring qAF8, pseudophakic participants without blue-filter IOLs or advanced PCO should be preferentially enrolled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Berlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mark E. Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Thomas A. Swain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nathan A. Fischer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kenneth R. Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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17
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Lewandowski D, Sander CL, Tworak A, Gao F, Xu Q, Skowronska-Krawczyk D. Dynamic lipid turnover in photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium throughout life. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 89:101037. [PMID: 34971765 PMCID: PMC10361839 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium-photoreceptor interphase is renewed each day in a stunning display of cellular interdependence. While photoreceptors use photosensitive pigments to convert light into electrical signals, the RPE supports photoreceptors in their function by phagocytizing shed photoreceptor tips, regulating the blood retina barrier, and modulating inflammatory responses, as well as regenerating the 11-cis-retinal chromophore via the classical visual cycle. These processes involve multiple protein complexes, tightly regulated ligand-receptors interactions, and a plethora of lipids and protein-lipids interactions. The role of lipids in maintaining a healthy interplay between the RPE and photoreceptors has not been fully delineated. In recent years, novel technologies have resulted in major advancements in understanding several facets of this interplay, including the involvement of lipids in phagocytosis and phagolysosome function, nutrient recycling, and the metabolic dependence between the two cell types. In this review, we aim to integrate the complex role of lipids in photoreceptor and RPE function, emphasizing the dynamic exchange between the cells as well as discuss how these processes are affected in aging and retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Lewandowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Christopher L Sander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aleksander Tworak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Fangyuan Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qianlan Xu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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18
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Schultz R, Hasan S, Curcio CA, Smith RT, Meller D, Hammer M. Spectral and lifetime resolution of fundus autofluorescence in advanced age-related macular degeneration revealing different signal sources. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e841-e846. [PMID: 34258885 PMCID: PMC8764557 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) lifetimes and spectral characteristics of individual drusen and hyperpigmentation independent of those with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in geographic atrophy (GA) areas in late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS Three consecutive patients with complete RPE and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) exhibiting drusen that were calcified or associated with hyperpigmentation were investigated with multimodal non-invasive ophthalmic imaging including colour fundus photography (CFP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), near-infrared reflectance (NIR), blue FAF and fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). Fluorescence lifetimes were measured in two spectral channels (short-wavelength spectral channel (SSC): 500-560 nm and long-wavelength spectral channel (LSC): 560-720 nm). RESULTS Drusen lacking RPE coverage, as confirmed by CFP and OCT, had longer FAF lifetimes than surrounding cRORA by 127 ± 66 ps (SSC) and 113 ± 48 ps (LSC, both p = 0.008 in Wilcoxon test, N = 9) and by 209 ± 100 ps (SSC) and 121 ± 56 ps (LSC, p < 0.001, N = 14) in two patients. Hyperpigmentation in CFP in a third patient shows strong FAF with prolonged lifetimes. In the SSC, persistent FAF was found inside cRORA. A crescent-shaped hyperfluorescence in an area of continuous RPE but lacking outer retina was seen in one eye with a history of anti-VEGF treatment. CONCLUSIONS Short-wavelength fluorescence in cRORA points to fluorophores beyond RPE organelles. Fluorescence properties of drusen within cRORA differ from in vivo drusen covered by RPE. These limited findings from three patients give new insight into the sources of FAF that can be further elucidated in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Schultz
- Department of Ophthalmology University Hospital Jena Jena Germany
| | - Somar Hasan
- Department of Ophthalmology University Hospital Jena Jena Germany
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences School of Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham AL USA
| | - Roland T. Smith
- The Mount Sinai Hospital New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai New York NY USA
| | - Daniel Meller
- Department of Ophthalmology University Hospital Jena Jena Germany
| | - Martin Hammer
- Department of Ophthalmology University Hospital Jena Jena Germany
- Center for Medical Optics and Photonics University of Jena Jena Germany
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19
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Chen L, Cao D, Messinger JD, Ach T, Ferrara D, Freund KB, Curcio CA. Histology and clinical imaging lifecycle of black pigment in fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 214:108882. [PMID: 34890604 PMCID: PMC8809488 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melanotic cells with large spherical melanosomes, thought to originate from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), are found in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). To generate hypotheses about RPE participation in fibrosis, we correlate histology to clinical imaging in an eye with prominent black pigment in fibrotic scar secondary to nvAMD. METHODS Macular findings in a white woman with untreated inactive subretinal fibrosis due to nvAMD in her right eye were documented over 9 years with color fundus photography (CFP), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). After death (age 90 years), this index eye was prepared for light and electron microscopy to analyze 7 discrete zones of pigmentation in the fibrotic scar. In additional donor eyes with nvAMD, we determined the frequency of black pigment (n = 36 eyes) and immuno-labeled for retinoid, immunologic, and microglial markers (RPE65, CD68, Iba1, TMEM119; n = 3 eyes). RESULTS During follow-up of the index eye, black pigment appeared and expanded within a hypoautofluorescent fibrotic scar. The blackest areas correlated to melanotic cells (containing large spherical melanosomes), some in multiple layers. Pale areas had sparse pigmented cells. Gray areas correlated to cells with RPE organelles entombed in the scar and multinucleate cells containing sparse large spherical melanosomes. In 94% of nvAMD donor eyes, hyperpigmentation was visible. Certain melanotic cells expressed some RPE65 and mostly CD68. Iba1 and TMEM119 immunoreactivity, found both in retina and scar, did not co-localize with melanotic cells. CONCLUSION Hyperpigmentation in CFP results from both organelle content and optical superimposition effects. Black fundus pigment in nvAMD is common and corresponds to cells containing numerous large spherical melanosomes and superimposition of cells containing sparse large melanosomes, respectively. Melanotic cells are molecularly distinct from RPE, consistent with a process of transdifferentiation. The subcellular source of spherical melanosomes remains to be determined. Detailed histology of nvAMD eyes will inform future studies using technologies for spatially resolved molecular discovery to generate new therapies for fibrosis. The potential of black pigment as a biomarker for fibrosis can be investigated in clinical multimodal imaging datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, PR China,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dongfeng Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Messinger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - K. Bailey Freund
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, NY, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Vision Research Laboratories, 1670 University Boulevard Room 360; University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0099, USA. (C.A. Curcio)
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20
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Retinal Progression Biomarkers of Early and Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2021; 12:life12010036. [PMID: 35054429 PMCID: PMC8779095 DOI: 10.3390/life12010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Early and intermediate AMD patients represent a heterogeneous population with an important but variable risk of progression to more advanced stages of the disease. The five-year progression from early and intermediate AMD to late disease is known to range from 0.4% to 53%. This wide variation explains the particular interest in searching predictive AMD biomarkers. Clinical parameters such as drusen size, presence of pigmentary abnormalities, and fellow eye status were, traditionally, the more important predictive elements. Multimodal retinal assessment (Color Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography, Optical Coherence Angiography and Fundus Autofluorescence) is providing new and accurate image biomarkers, useful in research and in daily practice. If individual progression risk could be anticipated, then management plans should be adapted accordingly, considering follow-up intervals and therapeutic interventions. Here, we reviewed the most important image progression biomarkers of early and intermediate AMD with relevant interest in clinical practice.
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21
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Rossi EA, Norberg N, Eandi C, Chaumette C, Kapoor S, Le L, Snyder VC, Martel JN, Gautier J, Gocho K, Dansingani KK, Chhablani J, Arleo A, Mrejen S, Sahel JA, Grieve K, Paques M. A New Method for Visualizing Drusen and Their Progression in Flood-Illumination Adaptive Optics Ophthalmoscopy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:19. [PMID: 34928325 PMCID: PMC8709936 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.14.19] [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 Drusen are dynamic sub-RPE deposits that are risk factors for late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we show a new imaging method using flood-illumination adaptive optics (FIAO) that reveal drusen with high contrast and resolution. Methods A fovea-centered 4° × 4° FIAO image and eight surrounding images with gaze displaced by ±2° vertically and horizontally were acquired. Clinical color fundus and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were acquired for clinical grading and comparison. Custom software registered overlapping FIAO images and fused the data statistically to generate a fovea-centered 4° × 4° gaze-dependent image. Our dataset included 15 controls (aged 31-72) and 182 eyes from 104 AMD patients (aged 56-92), graded as either normal aging (n = 7), and early (n = 12), intermediate (n = 108) and late AMD (n = 42); 27 had subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs), and 83 were imaged longitudinally. Results No gaze varying structures were detected in young eyes. In aging eyes with no evidence of age-related changes, putative drusen <20 µm in diameter were visible. Gaze-dependent images revealed more drusen and many smaller drusen than visible in color fundus images. Longitudinal images showed expansion and fusion of drusen. SDDs were lower contrast, and RPE atrophy did not yield a consistent signal. Conclusions Gaze-dependent imaging in a commercially available FIAO fundus camera combined with image registration and postprocessing permits visualization of drusen and their progression with high contrast and resolution. Translational Relevance This new technique offers promise as a robust and sensitive method to detect, map, quantify, and monitor the dynamics of drusen in aging and AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A Rossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nathaniel Norberg
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Chiara Eandi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France.,Department of Surgical Science, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Celine Chaumette
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Saloni Kapoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Laura Le
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Valerie C Snyder
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joseph N Martel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Josselin Gautier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Kiyoko Gocho
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Kunal K Dansingani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jay Chhablani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angelo Arleo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Mrejen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Kate Grieve
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Michel Paques
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France and CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
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22
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Shen LL, Sun M, Ahluwalia A, Park MM, Young BK, Del Priore LV. Local Progression Kinetics of Geographic Atrophy Depends Upon the Border Location. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:28. [PMID: 34709347 PMCID: PMC8558522 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the influence of lesion morphology and location on geographic atrophy (GA) growth rate. Methods We manually delineated GA on color fundus photographs of 237 eyes in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. We calculated local border expansion rate (BER) as the linear distance that a point on the GA border traveled over 1 year based on a Euclidean distance map. Eye-specific BER was defined as the mean local BER of all points on the GA border in an eye. The percentage area affected by GA was defined as the GA area divided by the total retinal area in the region. Results GA enlarged 1.51 ± 1.96 mm2 in area and 0.13 ± 0.11 mm in distance over 1 year. The GA area growth rate (mm2/y) was associated with the baseline GA area (P < 0.001), perimeter (P < 0.001), lesion number (P < 0.001), and circularity index (P < 0.001); in contrast, eye-specific BER (mm/y) was not significantly associated with any of these factors. As the retinal eccentricity increased from 0 to 3.5 mm, the local BER increased from 0.10 to 0.24 mm/y (P < 0.001); in contrast, the percentage of area affected by GA decreased from 49.3% to 2.3%. Conclusions Using distance-based measurements allows GA progression evaluation without significant confounding effects from baseline GA morphology. Local GA progression rates increased as a function of retinal eccentricity within the macula which is opposite of the trend for GA distribution, suggesting that GA initiation and enlargement may be mediated by different biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangbo L Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Mengyuan Sun
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Gladstone Institute, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Aneesha Ahluwalia
- Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Michael M Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Benjamin K Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Lucian V Del Priore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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23
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Cao D, Leong B, Messinger JD, Kar D, Ach T, Yannuzzi LA, Freund KB, Curcio CA. Hyperreflective Foci, Optical Coherence Tomography Progression Indicators in Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Include Transdifferentiated Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:34. [PMID: 34448806 PMCID: PMC8399556 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.10.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose By optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, hyperreflective foci (HRF) indicate progression risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and are in part attributable to ectopic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We hypothesized that ectopic RPE are molecularly distinct from in-layer cells and that their cross-retinal course follows Müller glia. Methods In clinical OCT (61 eyes, 44 patients with AMD, 79.4 ± 7.7 years; 29 female; follow-up = 4.7 ± 0.9 years), one HRF type, RPE plume (n = 129 in 4 morphologies), was reviewed. Twenty eyes of 20 donors characterized by ex vivo OCT were analyzed by histology (normal, 4; early/intermediate AMD, 7; geographic atrophy, 6; neovascular AMD, 3). Cryosections were stained with antibodies to retinoid (RPE65, CRALPB) and immune (CD68, CD163) markers. In published RPE cellular phenotypes, red immunoreactivity was assessed semiquantitatively by one observer (none, some cells, all cells). Results Plume morphology evolved over time and many resolved (40%). Trajectories of RPE plume and cellular debris paralleled Müller glia, including near atrophy borders. RPE corresponding to HRF lost immunoreactivity for retinoid markers and gained immunoreactivity for immune markers. Aberrant immunoreactivity appeared in individual in-layer RPE cells and extended to all abnormal phenotypes. Müller glia remained CRALBP positive. Plume cells approached and contacted retinal capillaries. Conclusions HRF are indicators not predictors of overall disease activity. Gain and loss of function starts with individual in-layer RPE cells and extends to all abnormal phenotypes. Evidence for RPE transdifferentiation, possibly due to ischemia, supports a proposed process of epithelial–mesenchyme transition. Data can propel new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfeng Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Belinda Leong
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States.,Retina Associates, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Messinger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lawrence A Yannuzzi
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States.,LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, United States
| | - K Bailey Freund
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States.,LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Christine A Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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24
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Chen L, Messinger JD, Kar D, Duncan JL, Curcio CA. Biometrics, Impact, and Significance of Basal Linear Deposit and Subretinal Drusenoid Deposit in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:33. [PMID: 33512402 PMCID: PMC7846955 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Basal linear deposit (BLinD) is a thin layer of soft drusen material. To elucidate the biology of extracellular deposits conferring age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression risk and inform multimodal clinical imaging based on optical coherence tomography (OCT), we examined lipid content and regional prevalence of BLinD, soft drusen, pre-BLinD, and subretinal drusenoid deposit (SDD) in AMD and non-AMD aged eyes. We estimated BLinD volume and illustrated its relation to type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV). Methods Donor eyes were classified as early to intermediate AMD (n = 25) and age-matched controls (n = 54). In high-resolution histology, we assessed BLinD/soft drusen thickness at 836 and 1716 locations in AMD and control eyes, respectively. BLinD volume was estimated using solid geometry in donor eyes, one clinically characterized. Results BLinD, drusen, type 1 MNV, and fluid occupy the sub-RPE-basal laminar space. BLinD volume in a 3-mm diameter circle may be as much as 0.0315 mm3. Osmophilic lipid was more concentrated in BLinD/drusen than SDD. In the fovea, BLinD/drusen was prevalent in AMD eyes; pre-BLinD was prevalent in control eyes. SDD was low in the fovea and high in perifovea, especially in AMD eyes. Conclusions Although invisible, BLinD may presage type 1 MNV. BLinD volume approaches the criterion OCT drusen volume of 0.03 mm3 for AMD progression risk. BLinD culminates years of subfoveal lipid accumulation. SDD is detected relatively late in life, with currently unknown precursors. Deposit topography suggests one outer retinal lipid recycling system serving specialized cone and rod physiology, and its dysregulation in AMD is due to impaired transfer to the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Messinger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Deepayan Kar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Jacque L. Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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