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Nakano A, Kawada T, Morita A, Nakahara T. Repeated treatment with VEGF receptor inhibitors induces phenotypic changes in endothelial cells and pericytes in the rat retina. Microvasc Res 2025; 157:104756. [PMID: 39454823 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104756] [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: 08/03/2024] [Revised: 10/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal ocular angiogenesis is a major cause of visual impairment and vision loss in neovascularization-related diseases. Currently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs are used to treat ocular neovascularization, but repeated injections are needed to maintain their therapeutic effects. However, repeated injection of anti-VEGF drugs may affect the retinal blood vessel phenotype and diminish therapeutic effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phenotypic changes in endothelial cells and pericytes caused by the repeated interruption of the VEGF receptor signaling pathway in neonatal rats. KRN633 (10 mg/kg), a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was subcutaneously administered on postnatal day (P)-7 and P8 (first round), P14 and P15 (second round), and P21 and P22 (third round). The rat eyes were collected on P7, P9, P14, P16, P21, P23, P28, and P35. Using retinal flat-mount specimens stained with specific markers for vascular endothelial cells, basement membranes, and pericytes, the arteriolar tortuosity, capillary area density, and distribution of pericytes were evaluated. Significant loss of capillaries was observed the day after the first round of KRN633 treatment, after which aggressive angiogenesis occurred, leading to the formation of tortuous arterioles. Rats that completed second and third rounds of KRN633 treatment showed more severe abnormalities in the retinal vasculature than those that only completed first round treatment. Repeated treatment with KRN633 decreased the anti-angiogenic effects but increased the immunoreactivity of α-smooth muscle actin in the pericytes on veins and capillaries. α-Smooth muscle actin expression was inversely correlated to anti-angiogenic effects. Overall, these results revealed that repeated interruption of VEGF receptor signaling pathway altered the phenotypes of endothelial cells and pericytes and induced anti-VEGF drug resistance. Therefore, careful follow-up is necessary when using anti-VEGF drugs to treat abnormal angiogenesis-associated ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayuki Nakano
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Takaaki Kawada
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Akane Morita
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nakahara
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan.
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Feng X, Zhang L, Jiao K, Li Y, Wu M, Xie Y, Xiao L. Tracking astrocyte polarization in the retina in retinopathy of prematurity. Exp Eye Res 2025; 250:110170. [PMID: 39577607 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110170] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte patterns affect the normal development of the retinal vascular network in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which is associated with VEGF secretion. However, the role of the astrocyte polarization in this process remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to track the status of A1/A2 reactive astrocytes in the retinas of the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model and their association with VEGF expression. The C57BL/6 mouse OIR model was constructed to characterize the pathological changes in ROP. Immunofluorescence of iB4 and GFAP staining was performed to observe changes in the vascular network and astrocyte pattern at different time points (P0, P7, P12, P17, and P21). C3-labeled A1 reactive and S100A10-labeled A2 reactive astrocytes and VEGF were also observed. The pattern of GFAP-labeled astrocyte was altered concurrently with the iB4-positive vascular network during OIR. Astrocyte activity was significantly weakened at P12 and significantly enhanced at P17. Notably, the number of C3-labeled A1 reactive astrocytes was significantly increased at P12, decreased at P17, and normalized at P21 in OIR models. S100A10-labeled A2 reactive astrocytes were significantly increased at P17 but did not change significantly at P12 or P17. VEGF levels were decreased at P7-P12 and increased at P12-P17. The expression pattern of VEGF was opposite to that of C3-labeled A1 reactive astrocytes and identical to that of S100A10-labeled A2 reactive astrocytes. In conclusion, the astrocyte pattern and vascular network exhibited similar changes during the OIR process, and the periods of vaso-obliteration and neo-vascularization display an abnormal activation in A1-and A2-reactive astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No.176, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, China
| | - Liwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No.176, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, China
| | - Kangwei Jiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No.176, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, China
| | - Yunqing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No.176, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No.176, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, China
| | - Yu Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No.176, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, China
| | - Libo Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No.176, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, China.
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Lundgren P, Pivodic A, Nilsson AK, Hellgren G, Danielsson H, Wackernagel D, Pupp IH, Ley D, Sävman K, Uhlén M, Smith LEH, Hellström A. Platelet characteristics in extremely preterm infants after fatty acid supplementation: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03775-3. [PMID: 39702768 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2024] [Accepted: 11/10/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two risk factors for severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely preterm infants are thrombocytopenia and low levels of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). To date, these risk factors have not been linked. METHOD Infants born < 28 weeks gestational age (GA) from 2016 to 2019 were randomized to postnatal enteral AA/DHA supplementation or standard care (controls). Levels of AA and DHA, platelet counts ( < 100 × 109/L defined as thrombocytopenia) and platelet-related proteins in the infants' first four weeks of life were evaluated for their association with severe ROP. RESULTS The mean birthweight of 178 included infants was 806 ± 200 grams, and the mean GA was 25.6 ± 1.4 weeks. During the first four postnatal weeks, 20.2% of AA/DHA-supplemented infants had thrombocytopenia versus 27.7% of controls (p = 0.29). In infants with thrombocytopenia, fewer AA/DHA-supplemented infants developed severe ROP than non-supplemented controls, 29.4% (5/17) versus 65.4% (17/26) (p = 0.031). Thrombocytopenia and serum levels of AA and DHA correlated with several platelet-related proteins involved in angiogenesis and ROP, such as platelet-derived growth factor subunits A and B and vascular endothelial growth factor. CONCLUSIONS AA and DHA supplementation is associated with less severe ROP in thrombocytopenic infants, possibly by modulating platelet activation and function. IMPACT Postnatal enteral supplementation with arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to extremely preterm infants reduces the risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with thrombocytopenia. The impact of AA and DHA might be, at least in part, mediated through altered platelet activation. We found that AA and DHA may reduce the risk of severe ROP, possibly by modulating platelet-related proteins involved in angiogenesis. Our findings strongly support that supplementing AA and DHA to extremely preterm infants is crucial and can significantly impact their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Lundgren
- The Sahlgrenska Centre for Pediatric Ophthalmology Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Aldina Pivodic
- The Sahlgrenska Centre for Pediatric Ophthalmology Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders K Nilsson
- The Sahlgrenska Centre for Pediatric Ophthalmology Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Hellgren
- The Sahlgrenska Centre for Pediatric Ophthalmology Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanna Danielsson
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sach's Children's and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dirk Wackernagel
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hansen Pupp
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Ley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Pediatrics, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Sävman
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Neonatology, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mattias Uhlén
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lois E H Smith
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann Hellström
- The Sahlgrenska Centre for Pediatric Ophthalmology Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Meseguer D, Furtado J, Zapadka T, Rodriguez A, Na D, Grajales-Reyes JG, Demb J, Eichmann A, Schneeberger M. Early exposure to Western Diet exacerbates visual outcomes in female mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.11.27.625688. [PMID: 39677769 PMCID: PMC11642743 DOI: 10.1101/2024.11.27.625688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2024]
Abstract
Obesity, a growing pandemic in Western societies, significantly impacts metabolic health and contributes to visual disorders. While the systemic consequences of obesity, such as chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, are well-studied in adults, its early-life effects on retinal health remain underexplored. Using a maternal Western Diet (WD) exposure model, we investigated the developmental impact of early-life metabolic disturbances on retinal and cognitive function. Our findings reveal that WD exposure from gestation to early adulthood accelerates the onset of features resembling diabetic retinopathy, including increased retinal vascularization, inflammation, and compromised blood-retina barrier integrity, observed within just four months. Females exhibited heightened vulnerability, showing pronounced ocular defects such as anophthalmia, microphthalmia, and congenital cataracts. These results underscore a critical developmental window during which metabolic disruptions predispose to sex-specific retinal and neurovascular pathologies. This work bridges the link between pediatric and adult obesity, highlighting the urgent need for early interventions to mitigate long-term visual impairments that could further impair recognition memory.
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Omar I, Fadle YS, El Bakry NMI. Retinal and choroidal microvascular assessment of children receiving recombinant growth hormone therapy : Study design: a prospective observational comparative study. Int J Retina Vitreous 2024; 10:90. [PMID: 39578934 PMCID: PMC11583502 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-024-00610-z] [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: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvascular state in children with congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) and determine the effect of recombinant human growth hormone treatment on these structures compared with healthy controls. METHODS The study included children with IGHD under recombinant human GH treatment as group one and another group of healthy controls. Both groups were examined using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Data concerning superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC), and retinal thickness were recorded. RESULTS The study included two equal groups of 30 individuals. Both groups had no statistically significant differences in age, gender, weight, or spherical equivalent. However, subjects of group II were taller than those of group I (p = 0.011). OCTA images of the SCP, DCP, and CC vessel density revealed statistically non-significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION Children receiving recombinant growth hormone therapy showed no changes in the retinal and choroidal microvasculature or macular thickness. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 1094/03/2024 by Minia University Faculty of Medicine Institutional Review Board. Another registration number is UMIN000055654.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Omar
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minya, Egypt.
| | - Yousra Samir Fadle
- Pediatric Departement, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minya, Egypt
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Galgani G, Bray G, Martelli A, Calderone V, Citi V. In Vitro Models of Diabetes: Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy. Cells 2024; 13:1864. [PMID: 39594613 PMCID: PMC11592768 DOI: 10.3390/cells13221864] [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: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a major eye complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, and it is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the world. Chronic hyperglycemia induces endothelial damage with consequent vascular lesions, resulting in global vasculitis, which affects the small vessels of the retina. These vascular lesions cause ischemic conditions in certain areas of the retina, with a consequent increase in the release of pro-angiogenic mediators. In addition to pharmacological interventions for controlling the blood glycaemic level, the main strategies for treating diabetic retinopathy are the intravitreal injections of drugs, surgical treatments, and vitrectomies. The complexity of diabetic retinopathy is due to its close interactions with different cell types (endothelial cells, astrocytes, and Müller cells). The evaluation of the efficacy of novel pharmacological strategies is mainly performed through in vivo models. However, the use of different animal species leads to heterogenic results and ethical concerns. For these reasons, the development of new and reliable in vitro models, such as cell co-cultures and eye organoids, represents an urgent need in this area of research. This review features an overview of the in vitro models used to date and highlights the advances in technology used to study this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Galgani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
| | - Giorgia Bray
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of the 3R Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of the 3R Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (V.C.); (V.C.)
- Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of the 3R Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
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Zhang J, Ruan L, Jiang C, Yang Q, Chang Q, Huang X. Midperipheral Microvascular Defects and Their Associations With Vitreoretinal Abnormalities in Early-Stage Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:4. [PMID: 39495182 PMCID: PMC11540021 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.13.4] [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: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate microvascular growth defects in the temporal midperipheral retina and their correlations with vitreoretinal microstructural abnormalities (VRMAs) in early-stage familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Methods We enrolled 127 patients (127 eyes) with early-stage FEVR and 31 healthy subjects (31 eyes). Widefield optical coherence tomography angiography was conducted for all enrolled eyes. Vessel density (VD), vessel diameter index (VDI), and vessel index (VI; VD/VDI) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) in temporal midperiphery were further evaluated. The distance from the vessel sprouting point of the optic disc to the avascular area margin (Optic-AVA) was measured to assess retinal vascular dysplasia. Results In early-stage FEVR, 61.42% of eyes showed retinal microvascular abnormalities (MVAs) in the temporal midperiphery, all combined with VRMAs. Common MVAs presented disordered vascular anastomoses in the SCP and capillary loss in the DCP, corresponding to deficient neuroretina. The preretinal vasculature (PRV) was detected in 36 eyes. VD and VI were lower in FEVR eyes compared to controls, whereas the VDI in the SCP was larger (all P < 0.001). Optic-AVA was positively correlated with VD and VI in both plexuses and negatively correlated with the VDI in the SCP. PRV existence was independently correlated with decreased VI in the DCP (odds ratio [OR] = 0.322; P < 0.001), and VRMA existence was independently correlated with decreased VI in SCP and DCP (SCP OR = 0.282, P = 0.010; DCP OR = 0.562, P = 0.002). Conclusions MVAs in the temporal midperipheral retina were revealed. Microvascular loss may be correlated with Optic-AVA reduction, PRV, and the presence of VRMAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Ruan
- Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang Z, Tan W, Li B, Chen J, Zhu J, Xu F, Tang F, Yoshida S, Zhou Y. LncRNA-MM2P regulates retinal neovascularization through M2 macrophage polarization. Exp Eye Res 2024; 248:110072. [PMID: 39241859 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110072] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of lncRNA-MM2P on retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). The OIR model was established in C57BL/6J mice. RAW264.7 cell line and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from mice were used for in vitro studies. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expressions of lncRNA and mRNAs. The protein expression levels were determined by western blotting. The size of avascular areas and neovascular tufts were assessed based on isolectin B4 immunofluorescence staining images. The human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were used to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. The expression of lncRNA-MM2P was significantly upregulated from P17 to P25 in OIR retinas. Knockdown of lncRNA-MM2P levels in vivo led to a significant reduction in the neovascular tufts and avascular areas in the retinas of OIR mice. Knockdown of lncRNA-MM2P levels in vitro suppressed the expression of M2 markers in macrophages. Moreover, we found a significant inhibition of avascular areas and neovascular tufts in OIR mice injected intravitreally with M2 macrophages treated by shRNA-MM2P. The cellular functions of proliferation, migration, and tube formation were significantly attenuated in HRECs cultured with a supernatant of shRNA-MM2P-treated M2 macrophages. Our results indicate that lncRNA-MM2P regulates retinal neovascularization by inducing M2 polarization of macrophages in OIR mice. Therefore, lncRNA-MM2P may be a potential molecular target for immunoregulation of retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Bingyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Junye Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Fen Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Shigeo Yoshida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yedi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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Dablouk M, Chhabra A, Masoud AT. Recurrence of Retinopathy of Prematurity Following Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF) Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e73286. [PMID: 39524166 PMCID: PMC11550109 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.73286] [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] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neovascular disorder which affects premature infants and can lead to childhood blindness. Treatment includes laser photocoagulation and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, both effective options. However, laser photocoagulation can lead to refractive errors, while anti-VEGF therapy can result in disease recurrence. Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the recurrence rates of ROP following treatment with anti-VEGF agents compared to other anti-VEGF agents and laser photocoagulation. We also aimed to measure the retreatment intervals and assess successful retreatment rates to identify the most effective treatment modality. Our review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized comparative studies (NCS). A thorough search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases was performed. Studies were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB2) tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used to measure pooled estimates. The outcomes were reported as risk ratios (RR) and standardized mean differences (SMD). A total of 21 studies (six RCTs and 15 NCS) with 6,152 eyes were included. Overall, anti-VEGF agents showed a higher risk of recurrence compared to laser photocoagulation (RR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.06-4.33, p=0.03). Conbercept demonstrated a significantly lower risk of recurrence than laser photocoagulation and ranibizumab (RR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.39-0.58, p<0.00001), while aflibercept showed a higher recurrence risk compared to bevacizumab (RR=12.61, 95% CI: 6.43-24.73, p<0.00001). Bevacizumab was associated with a longer retreatment interval than laser photocoagulation (SMD=0.89, 95% CI: 0.61-1.17, p<0.00001). No significant differences in retreatment success rates between bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation were observed. Anti-VEGF therapy is effective in the treatment of ROP; however, it is associated with a higher risk of recurrence compared to laser photocoagulation. Conbercept shows greater efficacy in reducing recurrence risk and prolonging the retreatment interval compared to ranibizumab. Aflibercept demonstrated inconsistent outcomes. No significant difference in recurrence rates was observed between bevacizumab and ranibizumab. Recurrences occurred significantly later when anti-VEGF therapy was used compared to laser photocoagulation. Successful retreatment rates between bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Dablouk
- Internal Medicine, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Merseyside, GBR
| | - Amit Chhabra
- Ophthalmology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, GBR
| | - Ahmed T Masoud
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Fayoum University, Faiyum, EGY
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Chen L, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Li X, Wang M, Shen Y, Cao Y, Xu Y, Yao J. Ganglion cell-derived LysoPS induces retinal neovascularisation by activating the microglial GPR34-PI3K-AKT-NINJ1 axis. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:278. [PMID: 39468551 PMCID: PMC11520652 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03265-7] [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: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal neovascularisation is a major cause of blindness in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). It is mediated by the complex interaction between dysfunctional ganglion cells, microglia, and vascular endothelial cells. Notably, retinal microglia, the intrinsic immune cells of the retina, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy. In this study, we found that lysophosphatidylserines (LysoPS) released from injured ganglion cells induced microglial extracellular trap formation and retinal neovascularisation. Mechanistically, LysoPS activated the GPR34-PI3K-AKT-NINJ1 signalling axis by interacting with the GPR34 receptor on the microglia. This activation upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, VEGFA, and FGF2, and facilitated retinal vascular endothelial cell angiogenesis. As a result, inhibition of the GPR34-PI3K-AKT-NINJ1 axis significantly decreased microglial extracellular trap formation and neovascularisation by suppressing LysoPS-induced microglial inflammatory responses, both in vitro and in vivo. This study reveals the crucial role of apoptotic ganglion cells in activating microglial inflammation in PDR, thereby enhancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of retinal neovascularisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushu Chen
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - HuiYing Zhang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Xiumiao Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - MeiHuan Wang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Yaming Shen
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Cao
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China
| | - Yong Xu
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China.
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China.
| | - Jin Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 138 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China.
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, P. R. China.
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11
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Toma C, Cavallari E, Varano P, Servillo A, Gatti V, Ferrante D, Torti E, Muraca A, De Cillà S. Microvascular changes in eyes with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with or without macular microaneurysms: an OCT-angiography study. Acta Diabetol 2024:10.1007/s00592-024-02394-y. [PMID: 39446160 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-024-02394-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate different quantitative non-invasive retinal biomarkers of microvascular impairment and neurodegeneration in patients affected by mild and moderate non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) with or without macular microaneurysms (MAs). METHODS A cross-sectional case-control study. Ninety-seven eyes with NPDR, 49 with no central MAs and 48 with central MAs, underwent color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT)/OCT-angiography (OCT-A). Thickness of central macula, retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL+) and NFL + GCL + was evaluated on OCT. FAZ metrics (ImageJ), perfusion and vessel density (PD/VD), and fractal dimension (FD) (MATLAB) were evaluated on 3 × 3 OCT-A slabs of both superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP/DCP). All evaluations were performed on the full image and after subdivision in 4 quadrants. RESULTS In the MA group, 77 MAs were detected (45.5% in the DCP). The MA group showed: increased FAZ area and perimeter in the SCP (p < 0.01) and DCP (p = 0.02), and reduced circularity index in the SCP (p = 0.03); reduced VD in the SCP (p < 0.01) and reduced PD, VD (p < 0.01) and FD (p = 0.02) in the DCP; decreased VD and FD in the SCP (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05), and in VD and FD in the DCP in the inferior quadrant (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03); a decrease in VD in the SCP in the nasal quadrant (p = 0.05). No differences have been detected in OCT parameters. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the presence of central MAs in patients with NPDR may correlate with more pronounced macular microvascular impairment, particularly during the mild and moderate stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Toma
- Eye Clinic, University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy.
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy.
- Eye Clinic University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - Elena Cavallari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Paola Varano
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Servillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatti
- Eye Clinic, University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Emanuele Torti
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Muraca
- Eye Clinic, University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefano De Cillà
- Eye Clinic, University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
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12
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Wang X, Wang J, Huang L, Huang G. Capsiate Improves Glucose Metabolism by Improving Insulin Sensitivity in Diabetic Retinopathy Mice. Curr Eye Res 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39431723 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2412296] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Capsiate (cap) is a metabolite that affects a number of biological processes, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is now known to be the primary cause of end-stage eye illness. METHODS In order to examine the effects of the cap intervention on body weight, nutritional intake, changes in body weight composition, glucose metabolism levels, retinopathy, and oxidative stress levels, we proposed using a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy caused by STZ. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that, in addition to increasing lean body mass and lowering fat body mass content, cap intervention significantly improved body weight and dietary consumption in STZ mice. Additionally, our results on glucose metabolism revealed that cap had a significant impact on insulin resistance and the stabilization of OGTT levels. In conclusion, we examined the levels of oxidative stress and retinopathy. We discovered that the cap intervention greatly reduced the levels of MDA and significantly improved the levels of VEGF and retinopathy. In contrast, the STZ group's levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH were significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS According to our research, the Cap intervention improved the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy by reversing the levels of oxidative stress and the disrupted state of glucose metabolism, which in turn decreased the levels of VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Anhui Medical University Affiliated Lu'an People's Hospital, Lu'an City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Guangqian Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
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13
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Baptista FI, Ambrósio AF. Tracing the influence of prenatal risk factors on the offspring retina: Focus on development and putative long-term consequences. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14266. [PMID: 38864773 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy represents a window of vulnerability to fetal development. Disruptions in the prenatal environment during this crucial period can increase the risk of the offspring developing diseases over the course of their lifetime. The central nervous system (CNS) has been shown to be particularly susceptible to changes during crucial developmental windows. To date, research focused on disruptions in the development of the CNS has predominantly centred on the brain, revealing a correlation between exposure to prenatal risk factors and the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, some studies indicate that the retina, which is part of the CNS, is also vulnerable to in utero alterations during pregnancy. Such changes may affect neuronal, glial and vascular components of the retina, compromising retinal structure and function and possibly impairing visual function. METHODS A search in the PubMed database was performed, and any literature concerning prenatal risk factors (drugs, diabetes, unbalanced diet, infection, glucocorticoids) affecting the offspring retina were included. RESULTS This review collects evidence on the cellular, structural and functional changes occurring in the retina triggered by maternal risk factors during pregnancy. We highlight the adverse impact on retinal development and its long-lasting effects, providing a critical analysis of the current knowledge while underlining areas for future research. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate recognition of the prenatal risk factors that negatively impact the developing retina may provide critical clues for the design of preventive strategies and for early therapeutic intervention that could change retinal pathology in the progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa I Baptista
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António F Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Jeltsch BM, Hanson JVM, Füglistaler J, Heyard R, Sisera L, Wehrle FM, Hagmann CF, Fauchère JC, Gerth-Kahlert C. The Effect of Perinatal High-Dose Erythropoietin on Retinal Structural and Vascular Characteristics in Children Born Preterm. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 266:264-273. [PMID: 38880371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.06.005] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the long-term effects of perinatal high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on macular structural and vascular development in preterm children. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind clinical trial follow-up plus cohort study. METHODS Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. STUDY POPULATION extremely or very preterm born children aged 7-15 years from an ongoing neuropediatric study (EpoKids). These had been previously randomized to receive either high-dose rhEPO or placebo perinatally. INCLUSION CRITERIA participation in the EpoKids Study, written informed consent (IC). EXCLUSION CRITERIA previous ocular trauma or surgery; retinal or developmental disease unrelated to prematurity. Term-born children of comparable age were enrolled as a healthy control (HC) group. INCLUSION CRITERIA term birth, IC. EXCLUSION CRITERIA any ocular or visual abnormality, high refractive error. Examiners were blinded regarding intervention status until completion of all analyses. (Participants/guardians remain blinded). OBSERVATION PROCEDURES Spectral-domain OCT scans (Heidelberg Spectralis system) and OCTA imaging (Zeiss PlexElite 9000) were obtained. Ophthalmological and orthoptic examinations excluded ocular comorbidities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES OCT (central retinal thickness, CRT; total macular volume, TMV), superficial plexus OCTA (foveal avascular zone, FAZ; vessel density, VD; vessel length density, VLD) parameters and foveal hypoplasia grade according to published criteria. RESULTS Macular vessel density parameters (VD and VLD) were significantly lower (p =0.015, CI-95: 0.01 to 0.06 and p=0.015, CI-95: 0.74 to 3.64) in the EPO group (n= 52) when compared to placebo (n=35). No other significant differences were observed between the EPO and placebo group. When comparing the intervention subgroups to HC we found six significant differences in OCT and OCTA parameters (FAZ, VD, VLD and CRT comparing HC and EPO group; FAZ and CRT when comparing HC and placebo group). CONCLUSIONS Early high-dose rhEPO in infants born extremely or very preterm affects macular vessel density parameters compared to placebo. Premature birth (regardless of intervention status) affects retinal structure and vascular development. Our findings on macular vascular development do not contraindicate the administration of early high-dose EPO in preterm infants. For further understanding of the role of EPO on macular development and its clinical significance, future studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brida M Jeltsch
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (B.M.J., J.V.M.H., L.S., C.G-K.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James V M Hanson
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (B.M.J., J.V.M.H., L.S., C.G-K.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Füglistaler
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (J.F., R.H.), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Heyard
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (J.F., R.H.), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lorena Sisera
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (B.M.J., J.V.M.H., L.S., C.G-K.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia M Wehrle
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (F.M.W., C.F.H), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia F Hagmann
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (F.M.W., C.F.H), University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Claude Fauchère
- Department of Neonatology (J-C.F.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Gerth-Kahlert
- From the Department of Ophthalmology (B.M.J., J.V.M.H., L.S., C.G-K.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Stark AK, Penn JS. Prostanoid signaling in retinal vascular diseases. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2024; 174:106864. [PMID: 38955261 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2024.106864] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The vasculature of the retina is exposed to systemic and local factors that have the capacity to induce several retinal vascular diseases, each of which may lead to vision loss. Prostaglandin signaling has arisen as a potential therapeutic target for several of these diseases due to the diverse manners in which these lipid mediators may affect retinal blood vessel function. Previous reports and clinical practices have investigated cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to address retinal diseases with varying degrees of success; however, targeting individual prostanoids or their distinct receptors affords more signaling specificity and poses strong potential for therapeutic development. This review offers a comprehensive view of prostanoid signaling involved in five key retinal vascular diseases: retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal occlusive diseases, and uveitis. Mechanistic and clinical studies of these lipid mediators provide an outlook for therapeutic development with the potential to reduce vision loss in each of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - John S Penn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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16
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Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Yang J, Li L, Nasseri MA, Zapp D. AI-based fully automatic analysis of retinal vascular morphology in pediatric high myopia. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:415. [PMID: 39334037 PMCID: PMC11437631 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the changes in retinal vascular structures associated with various stages of myopia by designing automated software based on an artificial intelligence model. METHODS The study involved 1324 pediatric participants from the National Children's Medical Center in China, and 2366 high-quality retinal images and corresponding refractive parameters were obtained and analyzed. Spherical equivalent refraction (SER) degree was calculated. We proposed a data analysis model based on a combination of the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) model and the attention module to classify images, segment vascular structures, and measure vascular parameters, such as main angle (MA), branching angle (BA), bifurcation edge angle (BEA) and bifurcation edge coefficient (BEC). One-way ANOVA compared parameter measurements between the normal fundus, low myopia, moderate myopia, and high myopia groups. RESULTS The mean age was 9.85 ± 2.60 years, with an average SER of -1.49 ± 3.16D in the right eye and - 1.48 ± 3.13D in the left eye. There were 279 (12.38%) images in the normal group and 384 (16.23%) images in the high myopia group. Compared with normal fundus, the MA of fundus vessels in different myopic refractive groups was significantly reduced (P = 0.006, P = 0.004, P = 0.019, respectively), and the performance of the venous system was particularly obvious (P < 0.001). At the same time, the BEC decreased disproportionately (P < 0.001). Further analysis of fundus vascular parameters at different degrees of myopia showed that there were also significant differences in BA and branching coefficient (BC). The arterial BA value of the fundus vessel in the high myopia group was lower than that of other groups (P = 0.032, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-4.86), while the venous BA values increased (P = 0.026). The BEC values of high myopia were higher than those of low and moderate myopia groups. When the loss function of our data classification model converged to 0.09, the model accuracy reached 94.19%. CONCLUSION The progression of myopia is associated with a series of quantitative retinal vascular parameters, particularly the vascular angles. As the degree of myopia increases, the diversity of vascular characteristics represented by these parameters also increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinzheng Zhao
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Ophthalmology Department of Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhihao Zhao
- Faculty of Information Technology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Junjie Yang
- Faculty of Information Technology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Li Li
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Children's National Medical Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - M Ali Nasseri
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Ophthalmology Department of Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Daniel Zapp
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Ophthalmology Department of Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
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17
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Liu W, Li S, Yang M, Ma J, Liu L, Fei P, Xiang Q, Huang L, Zhao P, Yang Z, Zhu X. Dysfunction of Calcyphosine-Like gene impairs retinal angiogenesis through the MYC axis and is associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. eLife 2024; 13:RP96907. [PMID: 39264149 PMCID: PMC11392532 DOI: 10.7554/elife.96907] [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] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a severe genetic disorder characterized by incomplete vascularization of the peripheral retina and associated symptoms that can lead to vision loss. However, the underlying genetic causes of approximately 50% of FEVR cases remain unknown. Here, we report two heterozygous variants in calcyphosine-like gene (CAPSL) that is associated with FEVR. Both variants exhibited compromised CAPSL protein expression. Vascular endothelial cell (EC)-specific inactivation of Capsl resulted in delayed radial/vertical vascular progression, compromised endothelial proliferation/migration, recapitulating the human FEVR phenotypes. CAPSL-depleted human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) exhibited impaired tube formation, decreased cell proliferation, disrupted cell polarity establishment, and filopodia/lamellipodia formation, as well as disrupted collective cell migration. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling revealed that CAPSL abolition inhibited the MYC signaling axis, in which the expression of core MYC targeted genes were profoundly decreased. Furthermore, a combined analysis of CAPSL-depleted HRECs and c-MYC-depleted human umbilical vein endothelial cells uncovered similar transcription patterns. Collectively, this study reports a novel FEVR-associated candidate gene, CAPSL, which provides valuable information for genetic counseling of FEVR. This study also reveals that compromised CAPSL function may cause FEVR through MYC axis, shedding light on the potential involvement of MYC signaling in the pathogenesis of FEVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shujin Li
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Mu Yang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Ma
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Liu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Fei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianchun Xiang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lulin Huang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenglin Yang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Henan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
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18
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Shao A, Jin L, Ge Y, Ye Z, Xu M, Zhou Y, Li Y, Wang L, Xu P, Jin K, Mao Z, Ye J. C176-loaded and phosphatidylserine-modified nanoparticles treat retinal neovascularization by promoting M2 macrophage polarization. Bioact Mater 2024; 39:392-405. [PMID: 38855060 PMCID: PMC11157223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization (RNV), a typical pathological manifestation involved in most neovascular diseases, causes retinal detachment, vision loss, and ultimately irreversible blindness. Repeated intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs were developed against RNV, with limitations of incomplete responses and adverse effects. Therefore, a new treatment with a better curative effect and more prolonged dosage is demanding. Here, we induced macrophage polarization to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype by inhibiting cGAS-STING signaling with an antagonist C176, appreciating the role of cGAS-STING signaling in the retina in pro-inflammatory M1 polarization. C176-loaded and phosphatidylserine-modified dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles were constructed and examined by a single intravitreal injection. The biosafe nanoparticles were phagocytosed by retinal macrophages through a phosphatidylserine-mediated "eat me" signal, which persistently release C176 to suppress STING signaling and thereby promote macrophage M2 polarization specifically. A single dosage can effectively alleviate pathological angiogenesis phenotypes in murine oxygen-induced retinopathy models. In conclusion, these C176-loaded nanoparticles with enhanced cell uptake and long-lasting STING inhibition effects might serve as a promising way for treating RNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Shao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lulu Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yanni Ge
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Ziqiang Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Mingyu Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yingyu Li
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Linyan Wang
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhengwei Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
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19
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Cullen PF, Gammerdinger WJ, Sui SJH, Mazumder AG, Sun D. Transcriptional profiling of retinal astrocytes identifies a specific marker and points to functional specialization. Glia 2024; 72:1604-1628. [PMID: 38785355 PMCID: PMC11262981 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24571] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity is an increasingly prominent research topic, and studies in the brain have demonstrated substantial variation in astrocyte form and function, both between and within regions. In contrast, retinal astrocytes are not well understood and remain incompletely characterized. Along with optic nerve astrocytes, they are responsible for supporting retinal ganglion cell axons and an improved understanding of their role is required. We have used a combination of microdissection and Ribotag immunoprecipitation to isolate ribosome-associated mRNA from retinal astrocytes and investigate their transcriptome, which we also compared to astrocyte populations in the optic nerve. Astrocytes from these regions are transcriptionally distinct, and we identified retina-specific astrocyte genes and pathways. Moreover, although they share much of the "classical" gene expression patterns of astrocytes, we uncovered unexpected variation, including in genes related to core astrocyte functions. We additionally identified the transcription factor Pax8 as a highly specific marker of retinal astrocytes and demonstrated that these astrocytes populate not only the retinal surface, but also the prelaminar region at the optic nerve head. These findings are likely to contribute to a revised understanding of the role of astrocytes in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Cullen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - William J Gammerdinger
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shannan J Ho Sui
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arpan G Mazumder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Daniel Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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20
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Rashidi S, Bagherpour G, Abbasi‐Malati Z, Khosrowshahi ND, Chegeni SA, Roozbahani G, Lotfimehr H, Sokullu E, Rahbarghazi R. Endothelial progenitor cells for fabrication of engineered vascular units and angiogenesis induction. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13716. [PMID: 39051852 PMCID: PMC11503262 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The promotion of vascularization and angiogenesis in the grafts is a crucial phenomenon in the healing process and tissue engineering. It has been shown that stem cells, especially endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), can stimulate blood vessel formation inside the engineered hydrogels after being transplanted into the target sites. The incorporation of EPCs into the hydrogel can last the retention time, long-term survival, on-target delivery effects, migration and differentiation into mature endothelial cells. Despite these advantages, further modifications are mandatory to increase the dynamic growth and angiogenesis potential of EPCs in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Chemical modifications of distinct composites with distinct physical properties can yield better regenerative potential and angiogenesis during several pathologies. Here, we aimed to collect recent findings related to the application of EPCs in engineered vascular grafts and/or hydrogels for improving vascularization in the grafts. Data from the present article can help us in the application of EPCs as valid cell sources in the tissue engineering of several ischemic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayyeh Rashidi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of MedicineZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Ghasem Bagherpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of MedicineZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
- Zanjan Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research CenterZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Zahra Abbasi‐Malati
- Student Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Stem Cell Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | | | - Sara Aghakhani Chegeni
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory MedicineTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Golbarg Roozbahani
- Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural SciencesUniversity of TabrizTabrizIran
| | - Hamid Lotfimehr
- Stem Cell Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Emel Sokullu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM)Koç UniversityIstanbulTurkey
- Biophysics DepartmentKoç University School of MedicineIstanbulTurkey
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical SciencesTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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21
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Kalaw FGP, Sharma P, Walker E, Borooah S. Differences in macular thickness associated with peripheral retinal vessel whitening in diabetic patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19881. [PMID: 39191790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68839-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the difference in macular thickness among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without peripheral retinal vessel whitening (PRVW). PRVW was defined by retinal vessel whitening outside the standard seven ETDRS fields. Subjects were divided into DM with PRVW, DM without PRVW, and normal age-matched controls. Optical coherence tomography scans were divided into total, inner, and outer retinal layer thicknesses and were compared in the macula's central, inner, and outer rings. Forty-seven eyes were included: DM with PRVW = 15, DM without PRVW = 16, and Controls = 16. Overall, the mean retinal thickness in patients with DM with PRVW was lower than in patients with DM without PRVW and controls. In the inner macula, DM patients with PRVW showed a significantly lower mean inner superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal macula compared to DM patients without PRVW (p = 0.014, 0.008, 0.005, < 0.001, respectively). DM patients with PRVW also showed a significantly lower mean outer superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal macula than controls (p = 0.005, 0.005, 0.016, 0.025, respectively). This study demonstrates that PRVW in DM patients may be associated with global structural changes to the macular region, promoting a decrease in inner and outer retinal thickness. Further studies should investigate the functional correlation with PRVW in DM patients in order to better understand its potential implications in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Gerald P Kalaw
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology Informatics and Data Science, The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Paripoorna Sharma
- The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Evan Walker
- The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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22
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Zhou L, Xu Z, Lu H, Cho H, Xie Y, Lee G, Ri K, Duh EJ. Suppression of inner blood-retinal barrier breakdown and pathogenic Müller glia activation in ischemia retinopathy by myeloid cell depletion. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:210. [PMID: 39182142 PMCID: PMC11344463 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic retinopathies including diabetic retinopathy are major causes of vision loss. Inner blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown with retinal vascular hyperpermeability results in macular edema. Although dysfunction of the neurovascular unit including neurons, glia, and vascular cells is now understood to underlie this process, there is a need for fuller elucidation of the underlying events in BRB dysfunction in ischemic disease, including a systematic analysis of myeloid cells and exploration of cellular cross-talk. We used an approach for microglia depletion with the CSF-1R inhibitor PLX5622 (PLX) in the retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model. Under non-IR conditions, PLX treatment successfully depleted microglia in the retina. PLX suppressed the microglial activation response following IR as well as infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages. This occurred in association with reduction of retinal expression of chemokines including CCL2 and the inflammatory adhesion molecule ICAM-1. In addition, there was a marked suppression of retinal neuroinflammation with reduction in expression of IL-1b, IL-6, Ptgs2, TNF-a, and Angpt2, a protein that regulates BRB permeability. PLX treatment significantly suppressed inner BRB breakdown following IR, without an appreciable effect on neuronal dysfunction. A translatomic analysis of Müller glial-specific gene expression in vivo using the Ribotag approach demonstrated a strong suppression of Müller cell expression of multiple pro-inflammatory genes following PLX treatment. Co-culture studies of Müller cells and microglia demonstrated that activated microglia directly upregulates Müller cell-expression of these inflammatory genes, indicating Müller cells as a downstream effector of myeloid cells in retinal IR. Co-culture studies of these two cell types with endothelial cells demonstrated the ability of both activated microglia and Müller cells to compromise EC barrier function. Interestingly, quiescent Müller cells enhanced EC barrier function in this co-culture system. Together this demonstrates a pivotal role for myeloid cells in inner BRB breakdown in the setting of ischemia-associated disease and indicates that myeloid cells play a major role in iBRB dysregulation, through direct and indirect effects, while Müller glia participate in amplifying the neuroinflammatory effect of myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhenhua Xu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haining Lu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hongkwan Cho
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yangyiran Xie
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Grace Lee
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kaoru Ri
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elia J Duh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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23
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Maurya M, Liu CH, Bora K, Kushwah N, Pavlovich MC, Wang Z, Chen J. Animal Models of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Advances and Metabolic Regulators. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1937. [PMID: 39335451 PMCID: PMC11428941 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12091937] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a primary cause of visual impairment and blindness in premature newborns, characterized by vascular abnormalities in the developing retina, with microvascular alteration, neovascularization, and in the most severe cases retinal detachment. To elucidate the pathophysiology and develop therapeutics for ROP, several pre-clinical experimental models of ROP were developed in different species. Among them, the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model has gained the most popularity and critically contributed to our current understanding of pathological retinal angiogenesis and the discovery of potential anti-angiogenic therapies. A deeper comprehension of molecular regulators of OIR such as hypoxia-inducible growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factors as primary perpetrators and other new metabolic modulators such as lipids and amino acids influencing pathological retinal angiogenesis is also emerging, indicating possible targets for treatment strategies. This review delves into the historical progressions that gave rise to the modern OIR models with a focus on the mouse model. It also reviews the fundamental principles of OIR, recent advances in its automated assessment, and a selected summary of metabolic investigation enabled by OIR models including amino acid transport and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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24
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Yu Y, Qin X, Chen X, Nie H, Li J, Yao J. Suppression of retinal neovascularization by intravitreal injection of cryptotanshinone. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 720:150065. [PMID: 38749188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150065] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Neovascular eye diseases, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, is a major cause of blindness. Laser ablation and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection have shown their limitations in treatment of retinal neovascularization. Identification of a new therapeutic strategies is in urgent need. Our study aims to assess the effects of Cryptotanshinone (CPT), a natural compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, in retina neovascularization and explore its potential mechanism. Our study demonstrated that CPT did not cause retina tissue toxicity at the tested concentrations. Intravitreal injections of CPT reduced pathological angiogenesis and promoted physical angiogenesis in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. CPT improve visual function in OIR mice and reduced cell apoptosis. Moreover, we also revealed that CPT diminishes the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the OIR retina. In vitro, the administration of CPT effectively inhibited endothelial cells proliferation, migration, sprouting, and tube formation induced by the stimulation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs) with VEGF165. Mechanistically, CPT blocking the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and downstream targeting pathway. After all, the findings demonstrated that CPT exhibits potent anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in OIR mice, and it has therapeutic potential for the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xun Qin
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiling Nie
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juxue Li
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Yao
- Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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25
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Hu A, Schmidt MHH, Heinig N. Microglia in retinal angiogenesis and diabetic retinopathy. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:311-331. [PMID: 38564108 PMCID: PMC11303477 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09911-1] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy has a high probability of causing visual impairment or blindness throughout the disease progression and is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels in the retina at an advanced, proliferative stage. Microglia are a resident immune population in the central nervous system, known to play a crucial role in regulating retinal angiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions, including diabetic retinopathy. Physiologically, they are located close to blood vessels and are essential for forming new blood vessels (neovascularization). In diabetic retinopathy, microglia become widely activated, showing a distinct polarization phenotype that leads to their accumulation around neovascular tufts. These activated microglia induce pathogenic angiogenesis through the secretion of various angiogenic factors and by regulating the status of endothelial cells. Interestingly, some subtypes of microglia simultaneously promote the regression of neovascularization tufts and normal angiogenesis in neovascularization lesions. Modulating the state of microglial activation to ameliorate neovascularization thus appears as a promising potential therapeutic approach for managing diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyan Hu
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Fetscherstr 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko H H Schmidt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Fetscherstr 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Nora Heinig
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Fetscherstr 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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26
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Abd El-Khalek AA, Balaha HM, Sewelam A, Ghazal M, Khalil AT, Abo-Elsoud MEA, El-Baz A. A Comprehensive Review of AI Diagnosis Strategies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:711. [PMID: 39061793 PMCID: PMC11273790 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070711] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of computational infrastructure has led to unprecedented growth in machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, fundamentally transforming the analysis of retinal images. By utilizing a wide array of visual cues extracted from retinal fundus images, sophisticated artificial intelligence models have been developed to diagnose various retinal disorders. This paper concentrates on the detection of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a significant retinal condition, by offering an exhaustive examination of recent machine learning and deep learning methodologies. Additionally, it discusses potential obstacles and constraints associated with implementing this technology in the field of ophthalmology. Through a systematic review, this research aims to assess the efficacy of machine learning and deep learning techniques in discerning AMD from different modalities as they have shown promise in the field of AMD and retinal disorders diagnosis. Organized around prevalent datasets and imaging techniques, the paper initially outlines assessment criteria, image preprocessing methodologies, and learning frameworks before conducting a thorough investigation of diverse approaches for AMD detection. Drawing insights from the analysis of more than 30 selected studies, the conclusion underscores current research trajectories, major challenges, and future prospects in AMD diagnosis, providing a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners in the domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya A. Abd El-Khalek
- Communications and Electronics Engineering Department, Nile Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, Mansoura 35511, Egypt;
| | - Hossam Magdy Balaha
- Department of Bioengineering, J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Ashraf Sewelam
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35511, Egypt;
| | - Mohammed Ghazal
- Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering Department, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Abeer T. Khalil
- Communications and Electronics Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35511, Egypt; (A.T.K.); (M.E.A.A.-E.)
| | - Mohy Eldin A. Abo-Elsoud
- Communications and Electronics Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35511, Egypt; (A.T.K.); (M.E.A.A.-E.)
| | - Ayman El-Baz
- Department of Bioengineering, J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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27
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Zhang J, Zhou H, Cai Y, Yoshida S, Li Y, Zhou Y. Melatonin: Unveiling the functions and implications in ocular health. Pharmacol Res 2024; 205:107253. [PMID: 38862072 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin, a versatile hormone produced by the pineal gland, has garnered considerable scientific interest due to its diverse functions. In the eye, melatonin regulates a variety of key processes like inhibiting angiogenesis by reducing vascular endothelial growth factor levels and protecting the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) integrity by enhancing tight junction proteins and pericyte coverage. Melatonin also maintains cell health by modulating autophagy via the Sirt1/mTOR pathways, reduces inflammation, promotes antioxidant enzyme activity, and regulates intraocular pressure fluctuations. Additionally, melatonin protects retinal ganglion cells by modulating aging and inflammatory pathways. Understanding melatonin's multifaceted functions in ocular health could expand the knowledge of ocular pathogenesis, and shed new light on therapeutic approaches in ocular diseases. In this review, we summarize the current evidence of ocular functions and therapeutic potential of melatonin and describe its roles in angiogenesis, BRB integrity maintenance, and modulation of various eye diseases, which leads to a conclusion that melatonin holds promising treatment potential for a wide range of ocular health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Haixiang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yuting Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Shigeo Yoshida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
| | - Yedi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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28
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Yao Y, Wang Q, Yang J, Yan Y, Wei W. Associations of retinal microvascular alterations with diabetes mellitus: an OCTA-based cross-sectional study. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:245. [PMID: 38858679 PMCID: PMC11165894 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03492-9] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes, a health crisis afflicting millions worldwide, is increasing rapidly in prevalence. The microvascular complications triggered by diabetes have emerged as the principal cause of renal disease and blindness. The retinal microvascular network may be sensitive to early systemic vascular structural and functional changes. Therefore, this research endeavored to discern the systemic determinants influencing the retinal microvascular network in patients with and without diabetes. METHODS The Kailuan Eye Study is a cross-sectional study based on the community-based cohort Kailuan Study. Participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) (Zeiss Cirrus 5000; Carl Zeiss Meditec) and comprehensive systemic examination. Metrics such as perfusion density (PD), vascular density (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) in the macula were assessed. RESULTS This study included 860 eligible participants (average age = 62.75 ± 6.52 years; 21.9% female), of which 449 were diabetics. People with diabetes had diminished PD and VD in the entire macular and parafoveal regions compared to people without diabetes. Reduced PD in the whole macular region was correlated with higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG, mmol/L) concentration (Beta = -0.19, 95% CI = -0.42 to -0.36, P < 0.001), longer axial length (AL, mm) (Beta = -0.13, 95%CI = -0.48 to -0.25, P = 0.002), and elevated heart rate (Beta = -0.10, 95%CI = -0.14 to -0.19, P = 0.014), after adjusting for younger age (Beta = -0.18, 95%CI = -0.24 to -0.35, P < 0.001), consistent with VD of the whole macular region. A higher FPG level was significantly correlated with lower SCP density of both PD and VD in the macular and parafoveal region (P < 0.05 for all), as well as increased systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (P < 0.01 for all). CONCLUSIONS In this large-sample cross-sectional study, OCTA evaluation revealed that high prevalence of diabetes and elevated FPG levels were correlated with reduced retinal VD and PD. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are important risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease but have no significant effect on retinal microvascular abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijingkey, 100730, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijingkey, 100730, China
| | - Jingyan Yang
- Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijingkey, 100730, China
| | - Yanni Yan
- Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijingkey, 100730, China
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijingkey, 100730, China.
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Kubota H, Fukushima Y, Nandinanti AB, Endo T, Nishida K. Retinal Blood Vessel Formation in the Macula Following Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection for Aggressive Retinopathy of Prematurity. Cureus 2024; 16:e60005. [PMID: 38854173 PMCID: PMC11162812 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60005] [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] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness. Recently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs have been widely used for ROP to inhibit abnormal retinal angiogenesis. However, there is a concern that such drugs potentially also affect normal retinal vascular development. We report a case of blood vessel growth across the macula after anti-VEGF treatment for zone I aggressive ROP. A 25-week-old female infant was administered 0.2 mg of ranibizumab for bilateral aggressive ROP in both eyes at 33 weeks of postmenstrual age. Under normal development, retinal blood vessels do not grow into the center of the future macular region. After five weeks, however, a horizontal blood vessel sprouted from the optic disc and extended across the macula in the right eye. The blood vessel ran straight to the vascular-avascular juncture by 41 weeks of postmenstrual age during the follow-up period. While the focus has been on arresting retinal vascular development through VEGF inhibition, anti-VEGF treatment may induce vascular abnormalities in patients with severe ROP. Infants with retinal vascular abnormalities should be carefully monitored for their visual prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubota
- Ophthalmology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashiosaka, JPN
| | - Yoko Fukushima
- Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, JPN
| | | | - Takao Endo
- Ophthalmology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, JPN
| | - Kohji Nishida
- Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, JPN
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30
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Lin P, Cao W, Chen X, Zhang N, Xing Y, Yang N. Role of mRNA-binding proteins in retinal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109870. [PMID: 38514023 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109870] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a pathological process that primarily occurs in diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal vein occlusion. It is a common yet debilitating clinical condition that culminates in blindness. Urgent efforts are required to explore more efficient and less limiting therapeutic strategies. Key RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), crucial for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by binding to RNAs, are closely correlated with RNV development. RBP-RNA interactions are altered during RNV. Here, we briefly review the characteristics and functions of RBPs, and the mechanism of RNV. Then, we present insights into the role of the regulatory network of RBPs in RNV. HuR, eIF4E, LIN28B, SRSF1, METTL3, YTHDF1, Gal-1, HIWI1, and ZFR accelerate RNV progression, whereas YTHDF2 and hnRNPA2B1 hinder it. The mechanisms elucidated in this review provide a reference to guide the design of therapeutic strategies to reverse abnormal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Wenye Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Ningzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Yiqiao Xing
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China.
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
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Wijesinghe RE, Kahatapitiya NS, Lee C, Han S, Kim S, Saleah SA, Seong D, Silva BN, Wijenayake U, Ravichandran NK, Jeon M, Kim J. Growing Trend to Adopt Speckle Variance Optical Coherence Tomography for Biological Tissue Assessments in Pre-Clinical Applications. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:564. [PMID: 38793137 PMCID: PMC11122893 DOI: 10.3390/mi15050564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Speckle patterns are a generic feature in coherent imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT). Although speckles are granular like noise texture, which degrades the image, they carry information that can be benefited by processing and thereby furnishing crucial information of sample structures, which can serve to provide significant important structural details of samples in in vivo longitudinal pre-clinical monitoring and assessments. Since the motions of tissue molecules are indicated through speckle patterns, speckle variance OCT (SV-OCT) can be well-utilized for quantitative assessments of speckle variance (SV) in biological tissues. SV-OCT has been acknowledged as a promising method for mapping microvasculature in transverse-directional blood vessels with high resolution in micrometers in both the transverse and depth directions. The fundamental scope of this article reviews the state-of-the-art and clinical benefits of SV-OCT to assess biological tissues for pre-clinical applications. In particular, focus on precise quantifications of in vivo vascular response, therapy assessments, and real-time temporal vascular effects of SV-OCT are primarily emphasized. Finally, SV-OCT-incorporating pre-clinical techniques with high potential are presented for future biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchire Eranga Wijesinghe
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe 10115, Sri Lanka;
- Center for Excellence in Intelligent Informatics, Electronics & Transmission (CIET), Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe 10115, Sri Lanka
| | - Nipun Shantha Kahatapitiya
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (N.S.K.); (U.W.)
| | - Changho Lee
- Department of Artificial Intelligence Convergence, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School & Hwasun Hospital, 264, Seoyang-ro, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyeob Han
- ICT Convergence Research Center, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinheon Kim
- ICT Convergence Research Center, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sm Abu Saleah
- ICT Convergence Research Center, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Daewoon Seong
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, College of IT Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhagya Nathali Silva
- Center for Excellence in Intelligent Informatics, Electronics & Transmission (CIET), Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe 10115, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe 10115, Sri Lanka
| | - Udaya Wijenayake
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (N.S.K.); (U.W.)
| | - Naresh Kumar Ravichandran
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, 169-148, Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Mansik Jeon
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, College of IT Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeehyun Kim
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, College of IT Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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32
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Tonellato MH, Cates VC, Dickenson JA, Day TA, Strzalkowski NDJ. The effects of acute normobaric hypoxia on standing balance while dual-tasking with and without visual input. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024:10.1007/s00421-024-05469-4. [PMID: 38573534 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05469-4] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the influence of acute normobaric hypoxia on standing balance under single and dual-task conditions, both with and without visual input. METHODS 20 participants (7 female, 20-31 years old) stood on a force plate for 16, 90-s trials across four balance conditions: single-task (quiet stance) or dual-task (auditory Stroop test), with eyes open or closed. Trials were divided into four oxygen conditions where the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) was manipulated (normoxia: 0.21 and normobaric hypoxia: 0.16, 0.145 and 0.13 FIO2) to simulate altitudes of 1100, 3,400, 4300, and 5200 m. Participants breathed each FIO2 for ~ 3 min before testing, which lasted an additional 7-8 min per oxygen condition. Cardiorespiratory measures included heart rate, peripheral blood oxygen saturation, and pressure of end tidal (PET) CO2 and O2. Center of pressure measures included total path length, 95% ellipse area, and anteroposterior and mediolateral velocity. Auditory Stroop test performance was measured as response accuracy and latency. RESULTS Significant decreases in oxygen saturation and PETO2, and increased heart rate were observed between normoxia and normobaric hypoxia (P < 0.0001). Total path length was higher at 0.13 compared to 0.21 FIO2 for the eyes closed no Stoop test condition (P = 0.0197). No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that acute normobaric hypoxia has a minimal impact on standing balance and does not influence auditory Stroop test or dual-task performance. Further investigation with longer exposure is required to understand the impact and time course of normobaric hypoxia on standing balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall H Tonellato
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mount Royal University, 4826Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - Valerie C Cates
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mount Royal University, 4826Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - Jessica A Dickenson
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mount Royal University, 4826Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - Trevor A Day
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mount Royal University, 4826Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - Nicholas D J Strzalkowski
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mount Royal University, 4826Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada.
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33
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Krasley A, Li E, Galeana JM, Bulumulla C, Beyene AG, Demirer GS. Carbon Nanomaterial Fluorescent Probes and Their Biological Applications. Chem Rev 2024; 124:3085-3185. [PMID: 38478064 PMCID: PMC10979413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescent carbon nanomaterials have broadly useful chemical and photophysical attributes that are conducive to applications in biology. In this review, we focus on materials whose photophysics allow for the use of these materials in biomedical and environmental applications, with emphasis on imaging, biosensing, and cargo delivery. The review focuses primarily on graphitic carbon nanomaterials including graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes, as well as carbon dots and carbon nanohoops. Recent advances in and future prospects of these fields are discussed at depth, and where appropriate, references to reviews pertaining to older literature are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew
T. Krasley
- Janelia
Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Eugene Li
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Jesus M. Galeana
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Chandima Bulumulla
- Janelia
Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Abraham G. Beyene
- Janelia
Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Gozde S. Demirer
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
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34
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Almutairi M, Chechalk K, Deane E, Fox R, Janes A, Maguire-Henry T, McCabe D, O'Connor C, Quirk J, Swan E, White K, McCreery K, Isweisi E, Stewart P, Branagan A, Roche EF, Meehan J, Molloy EJ. Biomarkers in retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1371776. [PMID: 38571701 PMCID: PMC10987861 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1371776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim Retinopathy of prematurity is a significant global cause of childhood blindness. This study aims to identify serum biomarkers that are associated with the development of ROP. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science) from 2003 to March 2023. Only studies investigating serum biomarker levels in preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation) were included. Results Meta-analysis suggests that low serum IGF-1 levels have a strong association with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of -.46 [-.63, -.30], p < .001]. Meta-analysis suggests that higher serum glucose levels were associated with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of 1.25 [.94, 1.55], p < .001]. Meta-analysis suggests that thrombocytopenia is associated with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of -.62 [-.86, -.37], p < .001]. Conclusion Low levels of serum IGF-1, high levels of serum glucose and thrombocytopenia all appear to have the strongest association with the development of ROP out of the 63 biomarkers investigated in this review. These associations highlight their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers in ROP, though further research is needed to establish the exact relationship between these biomarkers and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Almutairi
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katherine Chechalk
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emelia Deane
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Fox
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ava Janes
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tidgh Maguire-Henry
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Devin McCabe
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cole O'Connor
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joseph Quirk
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Evan Swan
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katherine White
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathryn McCreery
- Paediatric Ophthalmology, Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eman Isweisi
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip Stewart
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife Branagan
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Paediatrics, Coombe Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Edna F. Roche
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Research in Childhood Centre (TRiCC), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Endocrinology, Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Judith Meehan
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Research in Childhood Centre (TRiCC), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eleanor J. Molloy
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Paediatrics, Coombe Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Research in Childhood Centre (TRiCC), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Endocrinology, Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James Hospital, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Neurodisability, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
- Neonatology, Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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35
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Zhang H, Mao Y, Nie Z, Li Q, Wang M, Cai C, Hao W, Shen X, Gu N, Shen W, Song H. Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Engineered Macrophage-Derived Exosomes for Targeted Pathological Angiogenesis Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:7644-7655. [PMID: 38412252 PMCID: PMC10938920 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Engineering exosomes with nanomaterials usually leads to the damage of exosomal membrane and bioactive molecules. Here, pathological angiogenesis targeting exosomes with magnetic imaging, ferroptosis inducing, and immunotherapeutic properties is fabricated using a simple coincubation method with macrophages being the bioreactor. Extremely small iron oxide nanoparticle (ESIONPs) incorporated exosomes (ESIONPs@EXO) are acquired by sorting the secreted exosomes from M1-polarized macrophages induced by ESIONPs. ESIONPs@EXO suppress pathological angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo without toxicity. Furthermore, ESIONPs@EXO target pathological angiogenesis and exhibit an excellent T1-weighted contrast property for magnetic resonance imaging. Mechanistically, ESIONPs@EXO induce ferroptosis and exhibit immunotherapeutic ability toward pathological angiogenesis. These findings demonstrate that a pure biological method engineered ESIONPs@EXO using macrophages shows potential for targeted pathological angiogenesis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haorui Zhang
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yu Mao
- Nanjing
Key Laboratory for Cardiovascular Information and Health Engineering
Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,
Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Nie
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Mengzhu Wang
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Chang Cai
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Weiju Hao
- University
of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, P.R. China
| | - Xi Shen
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai
Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200020, P.R. China
| | - Ning Gu
- Nanjing
Key Laboratory for Cardiovascular Information and Health Engineering
Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,
Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P.R. China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Hongyuan Song
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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36
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Heo JI, Ryu J. Exosomal noncoding RNA: A potential therapy for retinal vascular diseases. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102128. [PMID: 38356865 PMCID: PMC10865410 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that can contain DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites. They are secreted by cells and play a regulatory role in various biological responses by mediating cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, exosomes are of interest in developing therapies for retinal vascular disorders because they can deliver various substances to cellular targets. According to recent research, exosomes can be used as a strategy for managing retinal vascular diseases, and they are being investigated for therapeutic purposes in eye conditions, including glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, retinal ischemia, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. However, the role of exosomal noncoding RNA in retinal vascular diseases is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the latest research on the biological role of exosomal noncoding RNA in treating retinal vascular diseases. Research has shown that noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs, circular RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs play a significant role in the regulation of retinal vascular diseases. Furthermore, through exosome engineering, the expression of relevant noncoding RNAs in exosomes can be controlled to regulate retinal vascular diseases. Therefore, this review suggests that exosomal noncoding RNA could be considered as a biomarker for diagnosis and as a therapeutic target for treating retinal vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Ik Heo
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Juhee Ryu
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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37
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Wong KY, Phan CM, Chan YT, Yuen ACY, Zhang H, Zhao D, Chan KY, Do CW, Lam TC, Qiao JH, Wulff D, Hui A, Jones L, Wong MS. A review of using Traditional Chinese Medicine in the management of glaucoma and cataract. Clin Exp Optom 2024; 107:156-170. [PMID: 37879342 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2023.2246480] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history in ophthalmology in China. Over 250 kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine have been recorded in ancient books for the management of eye diseases, which may provide an alternative or supplement to current ocular therapies. However, the core holistic philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine that makes it attractive can also hinder its understanding from a scientific perspective - in particular, determining true cause and effect. This review focused on how Traditional Chinese Medicine could be applied to two prevalent ocular diseases, glaucoma, and cataract. The literature on preclinical and clinical studies in both English and Chinese on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat these two diseases was reviewed. The pharmacological effects, safety profile, and drug-herb interaction of selected herbal formulas were also investigated. Finally, key considerations for conducting future Traditional Chinese Medicine studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Ying Wong
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Chemistry, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Water Institute, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Chau-Minh Phan
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Yat-Tin Chan
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
| | - Ailsa Chui-Ying Yuen
- Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Huan Zhang
- Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Danyue Zhao
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Yin Chan
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Wai Do
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Chuen Lam
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Joanne Han Qiao
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - David Wulff
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Alex Hui
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Lyndon Jones
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Man-Sau Wong
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, China
- Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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38
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Wu J, Jo DH, Fruttiger M, Kim JH. Cone cell dysfunction attenuates retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25316. [PMID: 38415926 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25316] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant neovascularization is the most common feature in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which leads to the retinal detachment and visual defects in neonates with a low gestational age eventually. Understanding the regulation of inappropriate angiogenic signaling benefits individuals at-risk. Recently, neural activity originating from the specific neural activity has been considered to contribute to retinal angiogenesis. Here, we explored the impact of cone cell dysfunction on oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), a mouse model commonly employed to understand retinal diseases associated with abnormal blood vessel growth, using the Gnat2cpfl3 (cone photoreceptor function loss-3) strain of mice (regardless of the sex), which is known for its inherent cone cell dysfunction. We found that the retinal avascular area, hypoxic area, and neovascular area were significantly attenuated in Gnat2cpfl3 OIR mice compared to those in C57BL/6 OIR mice. Moreover, the HIF-1α/VEGF axis was also reduced in Gnat2cpfl3 OIR mice. Collectively, our results indicated that cone cell dysfunction, as observed in Gnat2cpfl3 OIR mice, leads to attenuated retinal neovascularization. This finding suggests that retinal neural activity may precede and potentially influence the onset of pathological neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Jo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jeong Hun Kim
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Global Excellence Center for Gene & Cell Therapy (GEC-GCT), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Chen X, Sun X, Ge Y, Zhou X, Chen JF. Targeting adenosine A 2A receptors for early intervention of retinopathy of prematurity. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-09986-x. [PMID: 38329708 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-09986-x] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) continues to pose a significant threat to the vision of numerous children worldwide, primarily owing to the increased survival rates of premature infants. The pathologies of ROP are mainly linked to impaired vascularization as a result of hyperoxia, leading to subsequent neovascularization. Existing treatments, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, have thus far been limited to addressing pathological angiogenesis at advanced ROP stages, inevitably leading to adverse side effects. Intervention to promote physiological angiogenesis during the initial stages could hold the potential to prevent ROP. Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) have been identified in various ocular cell types, exhibiting distinct densities and functionally intricate connections with oxygen metabolism. In this review, we discuss experimental evidence that strongly underscores the pivotal role of A2AR in ROP. In particular, A2AR blockade may represent an effective treatment strategy, mitigating retinal vascular loss by reversing hyperoxia-mediated cellular proliferation inhibition and curtailing hypoxia-mediated neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). These effects stem from the interplay of endothelium, neuronal and glial cells, and novel molecular pathways (notably promoting TGF-β signaling) at the hyperoxia phase. We propose that pharmacological targeting of A2AR signaling may confer an early intervention for ROP with distinct therapeutic benefits and mechanisms than the anti-VEGF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhao Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Sun
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ge
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xuzhao Zhou
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China.
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40
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Maruko I, Irie K, Hasegawa T, Takagi M, Iida T. Misalignment of center of foveal avascular zone and center of photoreceptors in eyes with history of retinopathy of prematurity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2017. [PMID: 38263428 PMCID: PMC10805909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52407-7] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To determine the relationship between the center of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and the center of the foveal photoreceptors in eyes with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). To accomplish this, we reviewed the medical records of patients with ROP who were examined at the ROP Clinic of the Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital. We studied 43 eyes of 23 children with ROP and 67 eyes of 36 control children without any fundus abnormalities. The optical coherence tomography angiographic (OCTA) en face images were used to measure the size and location of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and cross-sectional OCT images to measure the central retinal thickness (CRT). Our results showed that the size of the FAZ was significantly smaller in the ROP group (0.200 ± 0.142 mm2) than in the control group (0.319 ± 0.085 mm2; P < 0.01). The CRT was significantly thicker in the ROP group (228 ± 30 µm) than in the control group (189 ± 13 µm; P < 0.01). The mean length of the foveal bulge was not significantly different between the two groups. The actual distance of the misalignment between the center of the FAZ and the center of the photoreceptors was significantly greater in the ROP group (50.4 ± 29.5 µm) than in the control group (39.6 ± 21.9 µm; P = 0.001). The correlations between the actual distance of misalignment and the size of the FAZ, CRT, and length of the foveal bulge in both groups were not significant. Despite the significant misalignment in eyes with a history of ROP, the center of the foveal photoreceptors was consistently located within the narrow FAZ which indicates that the development of the FAZ and photoreceptor formation are interrelated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Maruko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan.
| | - Kotaro Irie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Taiji Hasegawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Manami Takagi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Iida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
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41
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Harry GJ. Developmental Associations between Neurovascularization and Microglia Colonization. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1281. [PMID: 38279280 PMCID: PMC10816009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021281] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The temporal and spatial pattern of microglia colonization and vascular infiltration of the nervous system implies critical associated roles in early stages of nervous system development. Adding to existing reviews that cover a broad spectrum of the various roles of microglia during brain development, the current review will focus on the developmental ontogeny and interdependency between the colonization of the nervous system with yolk sac derived macrophages and vascularization. Gaining a better understanding of the timing and the interdependency of these two processes will significantly contribute to the interpretation of data generated regarding alterations in either process during early development. Additionally, such knowledge should provide a framework for understanding the influence of the early gestational environmental and the impact of genetics, disease, disorders, or exposures on the early developing nervous system and the potential for long-term and life-time effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Jean Harry
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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Pascarella F, Scaramuzzo RT, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Ciantelli M, Filippi L. Propranolol: a new pharmacologic approach to counter retinopathy of prematurity progression. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1322783. [PMID: 38292211 PMCID: PMC10824858 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1322783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the evident progress in neonatal medicine, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a serious threat to the vision of premature infants, due to a still partial understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of this disease and the lack of drugs capable of arresting its progression. Although ROP is a multifactorial disease, retinal vascularization is strictly dependent on oxygen concentration. The exposition of the retina of a preterm newborn, still incompletely vascularized, to an atmosphere relatively hyperoxic, as the extrauterine environment, induces the downregulation of proangiogenic factors and therefore the interruption of vascularization (first ischemic phase of ROP). However, over the following weeks, the growing metabolic requirement of this ischemic retina produces a progressive hypoxia that specularly promotes the surge of proangiogenic factors, finally leading to proliferative retinopathy (second proliferative phase of ROP). The demonstration that the noradrenergic system is actively involved in the coupling between hypoxia and the induction of vasculogenesis paved the way for a pharmacologic intervention aimed at counteracting the interaction of noradrenaline with specific receptors and consequently the progression of ROP. A similar trend has been observed in infantile hemangiomas, the most common vascular lesion of childhood induced by pre-existing hypoxia, which shares similar characteristics with ROP. The fact that propranolol, an unselective antagonist of β1/2 adrenoceptors, counteracts the growth of infantile hemangiomas, suggested the idea of testing the efficacy of propranolol in infants with ROP. From preclinical studies, ongoing clinical trials demonstrated that topical administration of propranolol likely represents the optimal approach to reconcile its efficacy and maximum safety. Given the strict relationship between vessels and neurons, recovering retinal vascularization with propranolol may add further efficacy to prevent retinal dysfunction. In conclusion, the strategy of contrasting precociously the progression of the disease appears to be more advantageous than the current wait-and-see therapeutic approach, which instead is mainly focused on avoiding retinal detachment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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43
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Tang X, Cui K, Wu P, Hu A, Fan M, Lu X, Yang F, Lin J, Yu S, Xu Y, Liang X. Acrizanib as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Fundus Neovascularization via Inhibitory Phosphorylation of VEGFR2. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38165719 PMCID: PMC10768700 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.1] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of acrizanib, a small molecule inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), on physiological angiogenesis and pathological neovascularization in the eye and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We investigated the potential role of acrizanib in physiological angiogenesis using C57BL/6J newborn mice, and pathological angiogenesis using the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as an in vitro model for studying the molecular mechanism underlying acrizanib's antiangiogenic effects. Results The intravitreal injection of acrizanib did not show a considerable impact on physiological angiogenesis and retinal thickness, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile. In the mouse models of OIR and CNV, acrizanib showed promising results in reducing pathological neovascularization, inflammation, and vascular leakage, indicating its potential efficacy against pathological angiogenesis. Consistent with in vivo results, acrizanib blunted angiogenic events in VEGF-treated HUVECs such as proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Furthermore, acrizanib inhibited the multisite phosphorylation of VEGFR2 to varying degrees and the activation of its downstream signal pathways in VEGF-treated HUVECs. Conclusions This study suggested the potential efficacy and safety of acrizanib in suppressing fundus neovascularization. Acrizanib functioned through inhibiting multiple phosphorylation sites of VEGFR2 in endothelial cells to different degrees. Translational Relevance These results indicated that acrizanib might hold promise as a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andina Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Matthew Fan
- Yale College, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jicheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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44
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Zhang K, Cai W, Hu L, Chen S. Generating Retinas through Guided Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation and Direct Somatic Cell Reprogramming. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:1251-1262. [PMID: 37807418 DOI: 10.2174/011574888x255496230923164547] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration diseases affect millions of people worldwide but are among the most difficult eye diseases to cure. Studying the mechanisms and developing new therapies for these blinding diseases requires researchers to have access to many retinal cells. In recent years there has been substantial advances in the field of biotechnology in generating retinal cells and even tissues in vitro, either through programmed sequential stem cell differentiation or direct somatic cell lineage reprogramming. The resemblance of these in vitro-generated retinal cells to native cells has been increasingly utilized by researchers. With the help of these in vitro retinal models, we now have a better understanding of human retinas and retinal diseases. Furthermore, these in vitro-generated retinal cells can be used as donor cells which solves a major hurdle in the development of cell replacement therapy for retinal degeneration diseases, while providing a promising option for patients suffering from these diseases. In this review, we summarize the development of pluripotent stem cell-to-retinal cell differentiation methods, the recent advances in generating retinal cells through direct somatic cell reprogramming, and the translational applications of retinal cells generated in vitro. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the current protocols and possible future directions for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Wenwen Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Leyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510623, China
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45
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Liu Z, Zhang J, Li X, Hu Q, Chen X, Luo L, Ai L, Ye J. Astrocytic expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) regulates retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Microvasc Res 2024; 151:104611. [PMID: 37774941 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104611] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Pathological neovascularization is the hallmark of many vascular oculopathies. There is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding retinal neovascularization research. A working hypothesis that astrocytic Yes-associated protein (YAP) act as a key factor in retinal neovascularization was proposed. And our study was conducted to verified this hypothesis. In vivo, we successfully generated mice deficient in YAP in astrocytes (YAPf/f GFAP-Cre mice) and set up oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Pathological neovascularization was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. In vitro, cultured retinal astrocytes were transfected with YAP siRNA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot were used to determine the proteins in the supernatants and cells. The results showed that YAP was upregulated and activated in the OIR mice retinas. Conditional ablation of YAP aggravated pathological neovascularization, along with the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Studies in vitro confirmed that the knockdown of YAP in astrocytes lead to increases in VEGF-A and MCP-1 levels, thus enhancing pro-angiogenic capability of YAP-deficit astrocytes. In conclusion, astrocytic YAP alleviates retinal pathological angiogenesis by inhibiting the over-activation of astrocytes, which suppresses excessive VEGF-A production and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiumei Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linlin Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liqianyu Ai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Surgery & Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Zhang R, Dang Y. The Recent Advances in the Function and Mechanism of Caveolin-1 in Retinal Neovascularization. Curr Drug Targets 2024; 25:465-472. [PMID: 38591209 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501310201240403065930] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization diseases have relatively high rates of evitable blindness. Abnormal retinal neovascularization is their main hallmark, which can damage the structure and function of the eye and lead to impaired vision. Caveolin-1 is a membrane protein that is expressed in many types of retinal cells and is involved in retinal neovascularization. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of global research on specific functions of caveolin-1 in retinal neovascularization. We believe that the mechanism of action of caveolin-1 might be related to the regulation of relevant signal pathways and looked ahead the application prospects of modulating caveolin- 1 in retinal neovascularization diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sanmenxia Eye Hospital/Sanmenxia Central Hospital Affiliated to Henan University of Science and Technology, Sanmenxia, 472000, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Outflow Engineering, Sanmenxia Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Sanmenxia, 47200, China
| | - Yalong Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sanmenxia Eye Hospital/Sanmenxia Central Hospital Affiliated to Henan University of Science and Technology, Sanmenxia, 472000, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Outflow Engineering, Sanmenxia Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Sanmenxia, 47200, China
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Krimpenfort LT, Garcia-Collado M, van Leeuwen T, Locri F, Luik AL, Queiro-Palou A, Kanatani S, André H, Uhlén P, Jakobsson L. Anatomy of the complete mouse eye vasculature explored by light-sheet fluorescence microscopy exposes subvascular-specific remodeling in development and pathology. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109674. [PMID: 37838300 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Eye development and function rely on precise establishment, regression and maintenance of its many sub-vasculatures. These crucial vascular properties have been extensively investigated in eye development and disease utilizing genetic and experimental mouse models. However, due to technical limitations, individual studies have often restricted their focus to one specific sub-vasculature. Here, we apply a workflow that allows for visualization of complete vasculatures of mouse eyes of various developmental stages. Through tissue depigmentation, immunostaining, clearing and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) entire vasculatures of the retina, vitreous (hyaloids) and uvea were simultaneously imaged at high resolution. In silico dissection provided detailed information on their 3D architecture and interconnections. By this method we describe successive remodeling of the postnatal iris vasculature, involving sprouting and pruning, following its disconnection from the embryonic feeding hyaloid vasculature. In addition, we demonstrate examples of conventional and LSFM-mediated analysis of choroidal neovascularization after laser-induced wounding, showing added value of the presented workflow in analysis of modelled eye disease. These advancements in visualization and analysis of the respective eye vasculatures in development and complex eye disease open for novel observations of their functional interplay at a whole-organ level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Thomas Krimpenfort
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Garcia-Collado
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tom van Leeuwen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Molecular Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 12, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Liisa Luik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Queiro-Palou
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shigeaki Kanatani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Molecular Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 12, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Uhlén
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Molecular Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Jakobsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Div. of Vascular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
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48
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Xiao Y, Yang J, Deng Y, Zhang L, Xu Q, Li H. Tartary buckwheat protein-derived peptide AFYRW alleviates H 2O 2-induced vascular injury via the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2023; 169:106768. [PMID: 37597762 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2023.106768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Tartary buckwheat protein-derived peptide (Ala-Phe-Tyr-Arg-Trp, AFYRW) is a natural active peptide that hampers the atherosclerosis process, but the underlying role of AFYRW in angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, we present a system-based study to evaluate the effects of AFYRW on H2O2-induced vascular injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were co-incubated with H2O2 for 2 h in the vascular injury model, and AFYRW was added 24 h in advance to investigate the protective mechanism of vascular injury. We identified that AFYRW inhibits oxidative stress, cell migration, cell invasion, and angiogenesis in H2O2-treated HUVECs. In addition, we found H2O2-induced upregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB decreased by AFYRW. Taken together, AFYRW attenuated H2O2-induced vascular injury through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Thereby, AFYRW may serve as a therapeutic option for vascular injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, PR China
| | - Jiajun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, PR China; Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethenic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, PR China
| | - Lilin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, PR China
| | - Qingzhong Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, PR China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, PR China; Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethenic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China.
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49
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Le V, Abdelmessih G, Dailey WA, Pinnock C, Jobczyk V, Rashingkar R, Drenser KA, Mitton KP. Mechanisms Underlying Rare Inherited Pediatric Retinal Vascular Diseases: FEVR, Norrie Disease, Persistent Fetal Vascular Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:2579. [PMID: 37947657 PMCID: PMC10647367 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), Norrie disease, and persistent fetal vascular syndrome (PFVS) are extremely rare retinopathies that are clinically distinct but are unified by abnormal retinal endothelial cell function, and subsequent irregular retinal vascular development and/or aberrant inner blood-retinal-barrier (iBRB) function. The early angiogenesis of the retina and its iBRB is a delicate process that is mediated by the canonical Norrin Wnt-signaling pathway in retinal endothelial cells. Pathogenic variants in genes that play key roles within this pathway, such as NDP, FZD4, TSPAN12, and LRP5, have been associated with the incidence of these retinal diseases. Recent efforts to further elucidate the etiology of these conditions have not only highlighted their multigenic nature but have also resulted in the discovery of pathological variants in additional genes such as CTNNB1, KIF11, and ZNF408, some of which operate outside of the Norrin Wnt-signaling pathway. Recent discoveries of FEVR-linked variants in two other Catenin genes (CTNND1, CTNNA1) and the Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Complex Subunit-1 gene (EMC1) suggest that we will continue to find additional genes that impact the neural retinal vasculature, especially in multi-syndromic conditions. The goal of this review is to briefly highlight the current understanding of the roles of their encoded proteins in retinal endothelial cells to understand the essential functional mechanisms that can be altered to cause these very rare pediatric retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Le
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | | | - Wendy A. Dailey
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Cecille Pinnock
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Victoria Jobczyk
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Revati Rashingkar
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Drenser
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Associated Retinal Consultants P.C., Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Kenneth P. Mitton
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
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50
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Li S, Yang M, Zhao R, Peng L, Liu W, Jiang X, He Y, Dai E, Zhang L, Yang Y, Shi Y, Zhao P, Yang Z, Zhu X. Defective EMC1 drives abnormal retinal angiogenesis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling and may be associated with the pathogenesis of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. Genes Dis 2023; 10:2572-2585. [PMID: 37554197 PMCID: PMC10404869 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein complex (EMC) is required for the co-translational insertion of newly synthesized multi-transmembrane proteins. Compromised EMC function in different cell types has been implicated in multiple diseases. Using inducible genetic mouse models, we revealed defects in retinal vascularization upon endothelial cell (EC) specific deletion of Emc1, the largest subunit of EMC. Loss of Emc1 in ECs led to reduced vascular progression and vascular density, diminished tip cell sprouts, and vascular leakage. We then performed an unbiased transcriptomic analysis on human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) and revealed a pivotal role of EMC1 in the β-catenin signaling pathway. Further in-vitro and in-vivo experiments proved that loss of EMC1 led to compromised β-catenin signaling activity through reduced expression of Wnt receptor FZD4, which could be restored by lithium chloride (LiCl) treatment. Driven by these findings, we screened genomic DNA samples from familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) patients and identified one heterozygous variant in EMC1 that co-segregated with FEVR phenotype in the family. In-vitro expression experiments revealed that this variant allele failed to facilitate the expression of FZD4 on the plasma membrane and activate the β-catenin signaling pathway, which might be a main cause of FEVR. In conclusion, our findings reveal that variants in EMC1 gene cause compromised β-catenin signaling activity, which may be associated with the pathogenesis of FEVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Li
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Mu Yang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Rulian Zhao
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Li Peng
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yunqi He
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Erkuan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yeming Yang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yi Shi
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhenglin Yang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
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