1
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Liu Y, Chen X, Chen X, Chen J, Zhang H, Xu H, Jin L, Wang Q, Tang Z. Preparation and in vivo and ex vivo studies of sirolimus nano-in-situ gel ophthalmic formulation. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:417. [PMID: 39014353 PMCID: PMC11253443 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02668-1] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Sirolimus (SR) is a macrolide with antifungal and antitumor immunosuppressant properties, classified as a selective inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In this study, an ionic in situ gel of SR (SR-SUS-ISG) was formulated using gellan gum, exhibiting stability regardless of temperature and pH variations, causing minimal irritation. Harnessing the physiological conditions of the eye, SR-SUS-ISG underwent gelation upon contact with ions, increasing drug viscosity and prolonging retention on the ocular surface. Concurrently, SR-SUS-ISG displayed favorable shear dilution properties, reducing viscosity at ambient temperature, enhancing fluidity, and facilitating convenient packaging and transport. Biocompatibility assessments on both human corneal epithelial cells and rabbit eyes demonstrated that SR-SUS-ISG could well be tolerated. Pharmacokinetic investigations in rabbit ocular aqueous humor revealed sustained release, improved corneal penetration, and enhanced bioavailability. Additionally, in a rat corneal alkali burn model, SR-SUS-ISG exhibited inhibitory effects on corneal neovascularization, associated with decreased levels of the inflammatory factors VEGF and MMPs. These findings suggested that SR-SUS-ISG held promise as an effective ocular drug delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xinghao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Jie Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Han Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Haonan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Lu Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Qiao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Zhan Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
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2
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Liu S, Cao Y, Zhang Y. Regulatory roles of RNA methylation in vascular lesions in ocular and cardiopulmonary diseases. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38957015 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2370267] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
RNA methylation is a widespread regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in physiological processes. In recent years, the mechanisms and functions of RNA methylation under diseased conditions have been increasingly unveiled by RNA sequencing technologies with large scale and high resolution. In this review, the fundamental concept of RNA methylation is introduced, and the common types of transcript methylation and their machineries are described. Then, the regulatory roles of RNA methylation, particularly N6-methyladenosine and 5-methylcytosine, in the vascular lesions of ocular and cardiopulmonary diseases are discussed and compared. The ocular diseases include corneal neovascularization, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, and pathologic myopia; whereas the cardiopulmonary ailments involve atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension. This review hopes to shed light on the common regulatory mechanisms underlying the vascular lesions in these ocular and cardiopulmonary diseases, which may be conducive to developing therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunshan Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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3
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Wen Y, Chen Z, McAlinden C, Zhou X, Huang J. Recent advances in corneal neovascularization imaging. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109930. [PMID: 38750782 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a vision-threatening ocular disease commonly secondary to infectious, inflammatory, and traumatic etiologies. Slit lamp photography, in vivo confocal microscopy, angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) are the primary diagnostic tools utilized in clinical practice to evaluate the vasculature of the ocular surface. However, there is currently a dearth of comprehensive literature that reviews the advancements in imaging technology for CoNV administration. Initially designed for retinal vascular imaging, OCTA has now been expanded to the anterior segment and has shown promising potential for imaging the conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. This expansion allows for the quantitative monitoring of the structural and functional changes associated with CoNV. In this review, we emphasize the impact of algorithm optimization in anterior segment-optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA) on the diagnostic efficacy of CoNV. Through the analysis of existing literature, animal model assessments are further reported to investigate its pathological mechanism and exhibit remarkable therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, AS-OCTA holds broad prospects and extensive potential for clinical diagnostics and research applications in CoNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongxing Chen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Colm McAlinden
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China; Corneo Plastic Unit & Eye Bank, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK
| | - Xingtao Zhou
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhai Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, NHC; Key laboratory of Myopia and Related Eye Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Drzyzga Ł, Śpiewak D, Dorecka M, Wyględowska-Promieńska D. Available Therapeutic Options for Corneal Neovascularization: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5479. [PMID: 38791518 PMCID: PMC11121997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105479] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization can impair vision and result in a poor quality of life. The pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of angiogenic factors, notably vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This review provides a comprehensive overview of potential therapies for corneal neovascularization, covering tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) inhibitors, interleukin-1L receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, galectin-3 inhibitors, retinal pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor inhibitors, and surgical treatments. Conventional treatments include anti-VEGF therapy and laser interventions, while emerging therapies such as immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine and rapamycin) have been explored. Losartan and decorin are potential antifibrotic agents that mitigate TGF-β-induced fibrosis. Ocular nanosystems are innovative drug-delivery platforms that facilitate the targeted release of therapeutic agents. Gene therapies, such as small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides, are promising approaches for selectively inhibiting angiogenesis-related gene expression. Aganirsen is efficacious in reducing the corneal neovascularization area without significant adverse effects. These multifaceted approaches underscore the corneal neovascularization management complexity and highlight ideas for enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, the importance of combination therapies and the need for further research to develop specific inhibitors while considering their therapeutic efficacy and potential adverse effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Drzyzga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Clinical Ophthalmology Center Okolux, 40-754 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Śpiewak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Clinical Ophthalmology Center Okolux, 40-754 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mariola Dorecka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Wyględowska-Promieńska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
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5
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Zhu H, Ye J, Wu Y, Cheng Y, Su M, Dai Q, Han Y, Pan J, Wu Z, Chen C, Qiu C, Li W, Liu G, Chu C. A Synergistic Therapy With Antioxidant and Anti-VEGF: Toward its Safe and Effective Elimination for Corneal Neovascularization. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302192. [PMID: 38018632 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. In clinical practice; however, it remains a challenge to achieve a noninvasive and safe treatment. Herein, a biocompatible shell with excellent antioxidant and antivascularity is prepared by co-assembly of epigallocatechin gallate/gallic acid and Cu (II). After loading glucose oxidase (GOx) inside, the shell is modified with dimeric DPA-Zn for codelivering vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) small interfering RNA (VEGF-siRNA). Meanwhile, the Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (RGD) peptide-engineered cell membranes coating improves angiogenesis-targeting and is biocompatible for the multifunctional nanomedicine (CEGs/RGD). After eye drops administration, CEGs/RGD targets enrichment in neovascularization and CEGs NPs enter cells. Then, the inner GOx consumes glucose with a decrease in local pH, which in turn leads to the release of EGCE and VEGF-siRNA. As a result, the nanomedicines significantly reduce angiogenesis and inhibit CNV formation through synergistic effect of antioxidant and antivascular via down-regulation of cluster of differentiation 31 and VEGF. The nanomedicine represents a safe and efficient CNV treatment through the combined effect of antioxidant/gene, which provides important theoretical and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jinfa Ye
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yiming Wu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yuhang Cheng
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023, China
| | - Qixuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yun Han
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jintao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023, China
| | - Chenyue Qiu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Wei Li
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Shen Zhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Chengchao Chu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- Shen Zhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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6
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Yang Y, Zhong J, Cui D, Jensen LD. Up-to-date molecular medicine strategies for management of ocular surface neovascularization. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 201:115084. [PMID: 37689278 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Ocular surface neovascularization and its resulting pathological changes significantly alter corneal refraction and obstruct the light path to the retina, and hence is a major cause of vision loss. Various factors such as infection, irritation, trauma, dry eye, and ocular surface surgery trigger neovascularization via angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis dependent on VEGF-related and alternative mechanisms. Recent advances in antiangiogenic drugs, nanotechnology, gene therapy, surgical equipment and techniques, animal models, and drug delivery strategies have provided a range of novel therapeutic options for the treatment of ocular surface neovascularization. In this review article, we comprehensively discuss the etiology and mechanisms of corneal neovascularization and other types of ocular surface neovascularization, as well as emerging animal models and drug delivery strategies that facilitate its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Junmu Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan 364000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dongmei Cui
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen 518040, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lasse D Jensen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Unit of Cardiovascular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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7
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Huang J, Zhang Y, Lin T, Yin H, Pan Y, Zhu M, Zhang M. A cell-permeable peptide inhibitor of p55PIK signaling alleviates suture-induced corneal neovascularization and inflammation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14869. [PMID: 37095989 PMCID: PMC10121607 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To prepare an ophthalmic solution with a cell-permeable TAT peptide (TAT-N24) as the main cell-permeable peptide inhibitor of p55PIK signaling and observe its therapeutic effect on suture-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish a corneal suture (CS) model of CNV. The vehicle and 0.9% TAT-N24 ophthalmic solution was topically administered. CNV induction was assessed on the basis of the clinical performance of each group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes, and immunohistochemical staining and confocal immunofluorescence were used to determine the localization of factors associated with corneal tissue. The mRNA expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB p65), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin (IL)-6 were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression levels of HIF-1α and NF-κB p65. TAT-N24 slowed CNV production and reduced the expression of HIF-1α and inflammatory factors in CS models. The mRNA levels of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 significantly decreased. Moreover, the protein levels of HIF-1α and NF-κB p65 were significantly decreased. TAT-N24 can treat CNV and ocular inflammation by inhibiting the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway in CS. In the early treatment of corneal foreign body trauma, topical application of TAT-N24 can not only reduce the inflammatory response but also inhibit corneal neovascularization.
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8
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Diabetic Retinopathy: Soluble and Imaging Ocular Biomarkers. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030912. [PMID: 36769560 PMCID: PMC9917666 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, represents the leading cause of acquired blindness in the working-age population. Due to the potential absence of symptoms in the early stages of the disease, the identification of clinical biomarkers can have a crucial role in the early diagnosis of DR as well as for the detection of prognostic factors. In particular, imaging techniques are fundamental tools for screening, diagnosis, classification, monitoring, treatment planning and prognostic assessment in DR. In this context, the identification of ocular and systemic biomarkers is crucial to facilitate the risk stratification of diabetic patients; moreover, reliable biomarkers could provide prognostic information on disease progression as well as assist in predicting a patient's response to therapy. In this context, this review aimed to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of the soluble and anatomical biomarkers associated with DR.
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Assessment of Corneal Angiography Filling Patterns in Corneal Neovascularization. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020633. [PMID: 36675562 PMCID: PMC9867460 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to describe vascular filling patterns in corneal neovascularization (CoNV) and evaluate the effect of corneal lesion location, CoNV surface area and multi-quadrant CoNV involvement on the filling pattern. It is a retrospective study of patients who were investigated for CoNV using fluorescein angiography (FA) or indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) between January 2010 and July 2020. Angiography images were graded and analyzed multiple independent corneal specialists. The corneal surface was divided into four quadrants and patient information was obtained through electronic records. A total of 133 eyes were analyzed. Corneal lesions were located on the peripheral (72%) or central (28%) cornea. Central lesions were associated with multi-quadrant CoNV more frequently than peripheral lesions (p = 0.15). CoNV located within the same quadrant of the corneal lesion was often first to fill (88.4%). In multi-quadrant CoNV, the physiological inferior-superior-nasal-temporal order of filling was usually respected (61.7%). Central lesions resulted in larger CoNV surface area than peripheral lesions (p = 0.09). In multi-quadrant CoNV, the largest area of neovascularization was also the first to fill in (peripheral lesion 74%, central lesion 65%). Fillings patterns in healthy corneas have previously been reported. Despite CoNV development, these patterns are usually respected. Several factors that may influence filling patterns have been identified, including corneal lesion location, CoNV surface area and aetiology of CoNV. Understanding filling patterns of neovascularization allows for the identification of areas at higher risk of developing CoNV, aiding in earlier detection and intervention of CoNV.
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Romano V, Romano D, Semeraro P, Forbice E, Iaria A, Pizzolante T, Frassi M, Franceschini F, Semeraro F. Therapeutic Hyper-CL soft contact lens in Sjögren's syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 28:101685. [PMID: 36051188 PMCID: PMC9424940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Observations Conclusions and importance
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11
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Zhang C, Yin Y, Zhao J, Li Y, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Niu L, Zheng Y. An Update on Novel Ocular Nanosystems with Possible Benefits in the Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4911-4931. [PMID: 36267540 PMCID: PMC9578304 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s375570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an ocular pathological change that results from an imbalance between angiogenic factors and antiangiogenic factors as a result of various ocular insults, including infection, inflammation, hypoxia, trauma, corneal degeneration, and corneal transplantation. Current clinical strategies for the treatment of CNV include pharmacological treatment and surgical intervention. Despite some degree of success, the current treatment strategies are restricted by limited efficacy, adverse effects, and a short duration of action. Recently, gene-based antiangiogenic therapy has become an emerging strategy that has attracted considerable interest. However, potential complications with the use of viral vectors, such as potential genotoxicity resulting from long-term expression and nonspecific targeting, cannot be ignored. The use of ocular nanosystems (ONS) based on nanotechnology has emerged as a great advantage in ocular disease treatment during the last two decades. The potential functions of ONS range from nanocarriers, which deliver drugs and genes to target sites in the eye, to therapeutic agents themselves. Various preclinical studies conducted to date have demonstrated promising results of the use of ONS in the treatment of CNV. In this review, we provide an overview of CNV and its current therapeutic strategies and summarize the properties and applications of various ONS related to the treatment of CNV reported to date. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive review of these considerable advances in ONS in the field of CNV therapy over the past two decades to fill the gaps in previous related reports. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and future perspectives of the use of ONS in CNV therapy, with the goal of providing a theoretical contribution to facilitate future practical growth in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanxia Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanping Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaoying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingzhi Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajuan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Yajuan Zheng, Email
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12
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Romano D, Semeraro F, Romano V. Comments on: Fine-needle diathermy for corneal vascularization. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:3740. [PMID: 36190097 PMCID: PMC9789877 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1192_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy,Correspondence to: Dr. Davide Romano, Eye Clinic, Department of Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1,25125, Brescia, Italy. E-mail:
| | - Francesco Semeraro
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
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13
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Ferrara M, Zheng Y, Romano V. Editorial: Imaging in Ophthalmology. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185433. [PMID: 36143079 PMCID: PMC9503085 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, ophthalmology has significantly benefited from advances in vivo non-invasive ophthalmic imaging techniques that play currently a fundamental role in the clinical assessment, diagnosis, management, and monitoring of a wide variety of conditions involving both the anterior and posterior segment [...]
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yalin Zheng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
- St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Vito Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Civil Hospital of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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14
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Using Convolutional Neural Network as a Statistical Algorithm to Explore the Therapeutic Effect of Insulin Liposomes on Corneal Inflammation. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:1169438. [PMID: 35958780 PMCID: PMC9357760 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1169438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aiming at the disadvantages of easy recurrence of keratitis, difficult eradication by surgery, and easy bacterial resistance, insulin-loaded liposomes were prepared, and convolutional neural network was used as a statistical algorithm to build SD rat corneal inflammation model and study insulin-loaded liposomes, alleviating effect on corneal inflammatory structure in SD rats. The INS/PFOB@LIP was developed by means of thin-film dispersive phacoemulsification, its structure was monitored using a transmission electron microscope, particle size and appearance potential were monitored using a Malvern particle sizer, and ultraviolet consumption spectrum was monitored using a UV spectrophotometer. The encapsulation rate, drug loading, and distribution of insulin liposomes in rat corneal inflammatory model were measured and calculated. The cytotoxicity of liposome materials was evaluated by CCK-8 assay, and the toxic effects of insulin and insulin liposomes on cells were detected. The cornea of SD rats was burned with NaOH solution (1 mol/L), and the SD rat corneal inflammation model was created. The insulin liposome was applied to the corneal inflammation model, and the therapeutic effect of insulin liposome on corneal inflammation was evaluated by slit lamp, corneal immunohistochemistry, corneal HE staining, and corneal Sirius red staining. Insulin-loaded liposomes were successfully constructed with an average particle size of (130.69 ± 3.87) nm and a surface potential of (−38.24 ± 2.57) mV. The encapsulation rate of insulin liposomes was (48.89 ± 1.24)%, and the drug loading rate was (24.45 ± 1.24)%. The SD rat corneal inflammation model was successfully established. After insulin liposome treatment, the staining area of corneal fluorescein sodium was significantly reduced, the corneal epithelium was significantly thickened, the content of corneal collagen was increased, the expression of inflammatory factors was significantly reduced, and new blood vessels (corneal neovascularization, CNV) growth was inhibited.
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Almeida I, Dias L, Jesus J, Fonseca I, Matias MJ, Pedro JC. Optical coherence tomography angiography in herpetic leucoma. BMC Med Imaging 2022; 22:17. [PMID: 35114961 PMCID: PMC8812036 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-022-00747-z] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis remains a leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Although all forms of HSV keratitis are commonly recurrent, the risk is greatest in stromal keratitis, which is the most likely to result in corneal scarring, thinning, and neovascularization. Recent studies showed the ability of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) to detect and study vascular abnormalities in the anterior segment, including abnormal corneal vessels. This study intends to investigate the potential of OCTA device to image and describe quantitatively the vascularization in eyes diagnosed with herpetic leucoma and to discuss and review the usefulness of this technique in this pathology. METHODS A Cross-sectional study was made, including 17 eyes of 15 patients with leucoma secondary to herpetic keratitis. All eyes underwent anterior segment Slit-Lamp photography (SLP), and OCTA with en-face, b-scans and c-scans imaging. The vessel density (VD) was analyzed in the inferior, nasal and temporal corneal margin in all patients, and in the central area, in eyes with central corneal neovascularization (CoNV). The measurements were calculated after binarization with ImageJ software, using OCTA scans with 6 × 6 mm in a depth of 800 μm. RESULTS Patients included had a mean age 53.267 ± 21.542 (years ± SD). The mean total vessel area was 50.907% ± 3.435%. VD was higher in the nasal quadrant (51.156% ± 4.276%) but there were no significant differences between the three analyzed areas (p = 0.940). OCTA was able to identify abnormal vessels when SLP apparently showed no abnormal vessels; OCTA was able to distinguish between larger and smaller vessels even in central cornea; OCTA scans allowed the investigation of several corneal planes and the relation of them with clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS OCTA can be useful in both qualitative and quantitative follow-up of patients and may become a non-invasive alternative to objectively monitor treatment response in eyes with corneal vascularization due to herpetic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Almeida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Rua Dr. Cândido de Pinho, 4520-211, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal.
| | - Libânia Dias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Rua Dr. Cândido de Pinho, 4520-211, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal.,Department of Orthoptics, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jeniffer Jesus
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Rua Dr. Cândido de Pinho, 4520-211, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | - Inês Fonseca
- Department of Orthoptics, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Matias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Rua Dr. Cândido de Pinho, 4520-211, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Pedro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Rua Dr. Cândido de Pinho, 4520-211, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
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16
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Pan J, Luo X, Zhao S, Li J, Jiang Z. miR-340-5p mediates the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on corneal neovascularization. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 260:497-507. [PMID: 34495369 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05394-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study revealed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) inhibited angiogenesis via miRNA-mediated repression of prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1). This study aimed to verify whether miR-340-5p participates in the therapeutic effect of MSCs on corneal neovascularization (CNV) via repressing PROX1 and epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2). MATERIALS AND METHODS The rat CNV model was established by corneal alkali burn. The binding relationship between miR-340-5p and 3'-untranslational regions (3'UTRs) of EMP2 and PROX1 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. After culturing corneal epithelial cells (CECs) using MSC supernatants, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in CEC supernatants and the CEC viability were detected. The role of miR-340-5p in the therapeutic effect of MSC on CNV was determined via lentivirus-mediated miR-340-5p intervention in vivo. RESULTS The expression of miR-340-5p was reduced and EMP2 and PROX1 were increased in CNV corneal tissues. The lentivirus-mediated overexpression of miR-340-5p inhibited the expressions of EMP2 and PROX1. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-340-5p could bind with the 3'UTRs of EMP2 and PROX1. miR-340-5p was enriched in MSC supernatants and the culture of CECs using MSC supernatants increased the miR-340-5p expression in CECs. After being cultured in miR-340-5p-knocking down MSC supernatants, the expressions of EMP2 and PROX1 were increased, and the VEGF level and CEC viability were restored. The in vivo experiments also indicated that the therapeutic effect of MSCs was mediated by miR-340-5p. CONCLUSIONS miR-340-5p mediates the therapeutic effect of MSCs on CNV via binding and repressing the expressions of EMP2 and PROX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Luo
- Burn and Wound Healing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.,Wound Repair Department, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No. 2 Zhongloudi Street, Kecheng District, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shujue Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zipei Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
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17
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Steger B. Ocular surface angiography: from neovessels to neoplasia. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2021; 6:e000829. [PMID: 34485703 PMCID: PMC8378387 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2021-000829] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface vascular system plays a key role in corneal and conjunctival inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic pathology. Angiographic vessel analysis using intravenous dyes and optical coherence tomography technology allow both the quantitative and functional assessment of conjunctival vasculature and corneal neovessels. Based on a thorough understanding of vascular alterations in ocular surface disease, angiographic assessment facilitates the clinical management of corneal neovascularisation, the grading of ocular surface inflammation and the identification of tumour angiogenesis in dysplastic or malignant lesions. This review summarises key aspects of the clinical application of corneal and conjunctival angiography as presented at the 2021 virtual Bowman Club meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Steger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medizinische Universitat Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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Romano V, Steger B, Ahmad M, Coco G, Pagano L, Ahmad S, Zhao Y, Zheng Y, Kaye SB. Imaging of vascular abnormalities in ocular surface disease. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 67:31-51. [PMID: 33992663 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The vascular system of the ocular surface plays a central role in infectious, autoimmune, inflammatory, traumatic and neoplastic diseases. The development, application, and monitoring of treatments for vascular abnormalities depends on the in vivo analysis of the ocular surface vasculature. Until recently, ocular surface vascular imaging was confined to biomicroscopic and color photographic assessment, both limited by poor reproducibility and the inability to image lymphatic vasculature in vivo. The evolvement and clinical implementation of innovative imaging modalities including confocal microscopy, intravenous, and optical coherence tomography-based angiography now allows standardized quantitative and functional vascular assessment with potential applicability to automated analysis algorithms and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Romano
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Service, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Bernhard Steger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mohammad Ahmad
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Service, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Giulia Coco
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Service, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pagano
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Service, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Humanitas Clinical and Research, Rozzano (Mi) Italy
| | | | - Yitian Zhao
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Yalin Zheng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Service, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Wang Y, Gao Y, Huang Y, Pan Y, Yu Y, Zhou Y, Wan SS, Yang YN. The potential protective effects of miR-497 on corneal neovascularization are mediated via macrophage through the IL-6/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107745. [PMID: 33984719 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow in the transparent cornea, leading to various sight-threatening eye diseases. MicroRNAs are known to play essential roles in the regulation of numerous biological functions. We try to clarify the role of a specific microRNA, miR‑497, which has been shown to regulate the growth of tumor cells and angiogenesis on the basis of available data. However, the association between miR-497 and vascularized cornea remains unclear. Therefore, it is urgently needed to understand the molecular mechanism of miR497 in the progress of corneal neovascularization. Animal model of CoNV was established in wildtype (WT) C57BL/6 mice, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated miR-497 knockout (KO) and overexpressed (TG) C57BL/6 mice. MiR-497, expressed in corneas, was actively involved in alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization via targeting STAT3 and negatively regulating its expression, attenuating macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization. Knockdown of miR-497 enhanced the formation of corneal angiogenesis through targeting STAT3 and facilitating its expression, promoting recruitment of macrophages, while overexpression of miR-497 restrained blood vessel sprouting via regulating downstream STAT3 and VEGFA expression, reducing macrophage activation and inhibiting M2 polarization. Moreover, miR-497 knockout-mediated damage effect can be rescued through the inhibition of STAT3 signaling. Mechanically, miR-497 might serve as a potential strategy for pathological corneal neovascularization via macrophage through the IL-6/STAT3/VEGFA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yuelan Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yuqing Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yumiao Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Shan-Shan Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China.
| | - Yan-Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, PR China.
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20
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Amador C, Shah R, Ghiam S, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV. Gene therapy in the anterior eye segment. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:104-131. [PMID: 33902406 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210423084233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Amador
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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21
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Nicholas MP, Mysore N. Corneal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108363. [PMID: 33221371 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The optical clarity of the cornea is essential for maintaining good visual acuity. Corneal neovascularization, which is a major cause of vision loss worldwide, leads to corneal opacification and often contributes to a cycle of chronic inflammation. While numerous factors prevent angiogenesis within the cornea, infection, inflammation, hypoxia, trauma, corneal degeneration, and corneal transplantation can all disrupt these homeostatic safeguards to promote neovascularization. Here, we summarize its etiopathogenesis and discuss the molecular biology of angiogenesis within the cornea. We then review the clinical assessment and diagnostic evaluation of corneal neovascularization. Finally, we describe current and emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Nicholas
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, 210 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Naveen Mysore
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, 210 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY, USA.
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22
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Supe S, Upadhya A, Singh K. Role of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in targeting ocular neovascularization: A review. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108329. [PMID: 33198953 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ocular neovascularization (NV) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various ocular diseases including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinoblastoma, retinitis pigmentosa and may lead to loss of vision if not controlled in time. Several clinical trials elucidate the central role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of the ocular neovascularization. The advent and extensive use of ocular anti-VEGF therapy heralded a new age in the treatment of retinal vascular and exudative diseases. RNA interference (RNAi) can be used to inhibit the in-vitro and in-vivo expression of specific genes and thus provides an extremely useful method for investigating gene activity with minimal toxicity. siRNA targeting VEGF overcomes many drawbacks associated with the conventional treatment available for the treatment of ocular neovascularization. However, delivery methods that protect the siRNA against degradation and are appropriate for long-term care will help increase the effectiveness of RNAi-based anti-VEGF ocular therapies. Several nanotechnology approaches have been explored by formulation scientists for delivery of siRNA to the eye; targeting particularly VEGF for the treatment of NV. This review mainly focuses on current updates in various pre-clinical and clinical siRNA strategies for targeting VEGF involved in the development of ocular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibani Supe
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Archana Upadhya
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kavita Singh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
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23
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Bengani LC, Kobashi H, Ross AE, Zhai H, Salvador-Culla B, Tulsan R, Kolovou PE, Mittal SK, Chauhan SK, Kohane DS, Ciolino JB. Steroid-eluting contact lenses for corneal and intraocular inflammation. Acta Biomater 2020; 116:149-161. [PMID: 32814140 PMCID: PMC8040324 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ocular inflammation is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and steroids in topical ophthalmic solutions (e.g. dexamethasone eye drops) are the mainstay of therapy for ocular inflammation. For many non-infectious ocular inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis, eye drops are administered as often as once every hour. The high frequency of administration coupled with the side effects of eye drops leads to poor adherence for patients. Drug-eluting contact lenses have long been sought as a potentially superior alternative for sustained ocular drug delivery; but loading sufficient drug into contact lenses and control the release of the drug is still a challenge. A dexamethasone releasing contact lens (Dex-Lens) was previously developed by encapsulating a dexamethasone-polymer film within the periphery of a hydrogel-based contact lens. Here, we demonstrate safety and efficacy of the Dex-Lens in rabbit models in the treatment of anterior ocular inflammation. The Dex-Lens delivered drug for 7 days in vivo (rabbit model). In an ocular irritation study (Draize test) with Dex-Lens extracts, no adverse events were observed in normal rabbit eyes. Dex-Lenses effectively inhibited suture-induced corneal neovascularization and inflammation for 7 days and lipopolysaccharide-induced anterior uveitis for 5 days. The efficacy of Dex-Lenses was similar to that of hourly-administered dexamethasone eye drops. In the corneal neovascularization study, substantial corneal edema was observed in rabbit eyes that received no treatment and those that wore a vehicle lens as compared to rabbit eyes that wore the Dex-Lens. Throughout these studies, Dex-Lenses were well tolerated and did not exhibit signs of toxicity. Dexamethasone-eluting contact lenses may be an option for the treatment of ocular inflammation and a platform for ocular drug delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Inflammation of the eye can happen either on the ocular surface (i.e. the cornea) or inside the eye, both of which can result in loss of vision or even blindness. Ocular inflammation is normally treated by steroid eye drops. Depending on the type and severity of inflammation, patients may have to take drops every hour for days at a time. Such severe dosing regimen can lead to patients missing doses. Also, more than 95% drug in an eye drop never goes inside the eye. Here we present a contact lens that release a steroid (dexamethasone) for seven days at a time. It is much more efficient than eye drops and a significant improvement since once worn, the patient will avoid missing doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokendrakumar C Bengani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States
| | - Hidenaga Kobashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States
| | - Amy E Ross
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States
| | - Hualei Zhai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States
| | - Borja Salvador-Culla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rekha Tulsan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paraskevi E Kolovou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sharad K Mittal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States
| | - Sunil K Chauhan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States
| | - Daniel S Kohane
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Joseph B Ciolino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 325 Charles Street, Boston 02114, MA, United States.
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24
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Chu C, Yu J, Ren E, Ou S, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Wu H, Zhang Y, Zhu J, Dai Q, Wang X, Zhao Q, Li W, Liu Z, Chen X, Liu G. Multimodal Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Regression of Corneal Neovascularization: A Non-Invasive and Safe Strategy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2000346. [PMID: 32714751 PMCID: PMC7375239 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202000346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the main factors that induce blindness worldwide. However, current medical treatments cannot achieve non-invasive and safe inhibition of CNV. A noninvasive photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided method is purposed for the regression of CNV. PAI can monitor the oxygen saturation of cornea blood vessels through the endogenous contrast of hemoglobin and trace administrated drugs by themselves as exogenous contrast agents. An indocyanine green (ICG)-based nanocomposite (R-s-ICG) is prepared for CNV treatment via eye drops and subconjunctival injections. It is demonstrated that R-s-ICG can enrich corneal tissues and pathological blood vessels rapidly with minor residua in normal eyeball tissues. Anti-CNV treatment-driven changes in the blood vessels are assessed by real-time multimodal PAI in vivo, and then a safe laser irradiation strategy through the canthus is developed for phototherapy and gene therapy synergistic treatment. The treatment leads to the efficient inhibition of CNV with faint damages to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchao Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Jingwen Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - En Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Shangkun Ou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Yunming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Yiming Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Han Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Jing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Qixuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Xiaoyong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Qingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Wei Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceSchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and NanomedicineNational Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)National Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaMD20892USA
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineSchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102China
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25
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Lu XX, Zhao SZ. Gene-based Therapeutic Tools in the Treatment of Cornea Disease. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:7-19. [PMID: 30543166 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666181213120634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As one of the main blinding ocular diseases, corneal blindness resulted from neovascularization that disrupts the angiogenic privilege of corneal avascularity. Following neovascularization, inflammatory cells are infiltrating into cornea to strengthen corneal injury. How to maintain corneal angiogenic privilege to treat corneal disease has been investigated for decades. METHODOLOGY Local administration of viral and non-viral-mediated anti-angiogenic factors reduces angiogenic protein expression in situ with limited or free of off-target effects upon gene delivery. Recently, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been studied to treat corneal diseases. Once MSCs are manipulated to express certain genes of interest, they could achieve superior therapeutic efficacy after transplantation. DISCUSSION In the text, we first introduce the pathological development of corneal disease in the aspects of neovascularization and inflammation. We summarize how MSCs become an ideal candidate in cell therapy for treating injured cornea, focusing on cell biology, property and features. We provide an updated review of gene-based therapies in animals and preclinical studies in the aspects of controlling target gene expression, safety and efficacy. Gene transfer vectors are potent to induce candidate protein expression. Delivered by vectors, MSCs are equipped with certain characters by expressing a protein of interest, which facilitates better for MSC-mediated therapeutic intervention for the treatment of corneal disease. CONCLUSION As the core of this review, we discuss how MSCs could be engineered to be vector system to achieve enhanced therapeutic efficiency after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiao Lu
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital and Institute, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Shao-Zhen Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital and Institute, Tianjin 300384, China
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26
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Zhang QY, Tao SY, Lu C, Li JJ, Li XM, Yao J, Jiang Q, Yan B. SKLB1002, a potent inhibitor of VEGF receptor 2 signaling, inhibits endothelial angiogenic function in vitro and ocular angiogenesis in vivo. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:2571-2579. [PMID: 32323773 PMCID: PMC7185286 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular angiogenesis is a major cause of severe vision loss, which can affect several parts of the eye, including the retina, choroid and cornea. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitors have demonstrated great potential for treating ocular angiogenesis and SKLB1002 is a potent inhibitor of VEGF receptor 2 signaling. The present study investigated the effects of SKLB1002 administration on ocular angiogenesis. SKLB1002 administration did not show obvious cytotoxicity and tissue toxicity at the tested concentrations. In an alkali-burn corneal model, SKLB1002 administration significantly decreased the mean length and number of new corneal blood vessels. SKLB1002 administration significantly reduced endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro. Mechanistically, SKLB1002 inhibited endothelial angiogenic functions by blocking the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and p38. Thus, selective inhibition of VEGFR-2 through SKLB1002 administration is a promising therapy for ocular angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yang Zhang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Ya Tao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Chang Lu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Jing Li
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Miao Li
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Biao Yan
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
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27
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Chau VQ, Hu J, Gong X, Hulleman JD, Ufret-Vincenty RL, Rigo F, Prakash TP, Corey DR, Mootha VV. Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides to the Cornea. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 30:207-214. [PMID: 32202944 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are synthetic nucleic acids that recognize complementary RNA sequences inside cells and modulate gene expression. In this study, we explore the feasibility of ASO delivery to the cornea. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to test the efficacy of a benchmark ASO targeting a noncoding nuclear RNA, Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1), in a human corneal endothelial cell line, ex vivo human corneas, and in vivo in mice. In vivo delivery was via intravitreal or intracameral injections as well as topical administration. The anti-MALAT1 ASO significantly reduced expression of MALAT1 in a corneal endothelial cell line. We achieved a dose-dependent reduction of target gene expression in endothelial tissue from ex vivo human donor corneas. In vivo mouse experiments confirmed MALAT1 reduction in whole corneal tissue via intravitreal and intracameral routes, 82% and 71% knockdown, respectively (P < 0.001). Effects persisted up to at least 21 days, 32% (P < 0.05) and 43% (P < 0.05) knockdown, respectively. We developed protocols for the isolation and analysis of mouse corneal endothelium and observed reduction in MALAT1 expression upon both intravitreal and intracameral administrations, 64% (P < 0.05) and 63% (P < 0.05) knockdown, respectively. These data open the possibility of using ASOs to treat corneal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet Q Chau
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jiaxin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, and UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xin Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - John D Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | - David R Corey
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, and UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - V Vinod Mootha
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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28
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Zhang J, Wang S, He Y, Yao B, Zhang Y. Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in corneal neovascularization. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 95:485-492. [PMID: 31002472 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV), a pathological process of angiogenesis, can lead to serious consequences in the cornea. CNV is generally proved to associate with inflammation in the cornea closely, which is mainly elicited by the disruption of equilibrium between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Angiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGFs), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are vital factors in the formation of CNV. Especially VEGFs are convinced to be the core angiogenic factors in CNV, and MMPs are proved to exert dual effects on the process. Strikingly, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) are determined to play key roles in the formation of CNV, while the mechanism is still vague. In this review, the latest researches are reviewed to discuss the role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CNV, respectively, and some inhibitors of them are presented. We hope to provide a new direction of drug research for CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Boyuan Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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29
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Therapeutic Strategies for Corneal Wound Angiogenesis. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40139-020-00206-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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30
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Cissé Y, Bai L, Chen MT. LncRNAs in ocular neovascularizations. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:1959-1965. [PMID: 31850182 PMCID: PMC6901876 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.12.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of eye diseases worldwide is dramatically increasing and represents a major concern in underdeveloped and developed regions. Ocular diseases, previously associated with a higher depression risk, also impose a substantial economic burden on affected families, thus early detection and/or accurate treatment in order to avoid and prevent blindness should be emphasized. Ocular neovascularization (NV), the leading cause of blindness in a variety of eye diseases, is a pathologic process characterized by the formation, proliferation and infiltration of anomalous, tiny and leaky fragile blood vessels within the eye. Genetics have been suspected to play an important role in the occurrence of eye diseases, with the detection of a numbers of specific gene mutations. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) are novel class of regulatory molecules previously associated with various biological processes and diseases, however the nature of the relation and pathways by which they might contribute to the development of corneal, choroidal and retinal NV have not yet been completely elucidated. In this review, we focus on the regulation and characteristics of lncRNAs, summarize results from ocular NV-related studies and discuss the implication of lncRNAs in ocular NV development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacouba Cissé
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lang Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min-Ting Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
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31
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Korntner S, Lehner C, Gehwolf R, Wagner A, Grütz M, Kunkel N, Tempfer H, Traweger A. Limiting angiogenesis to modulate scar formation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 146:170-189. [PMID: 29501628 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation from existing blood vessels, is a key aspect of virtually every repair process. During wound healing an extensive, but immature and leaky vascular plexus forms which is subsequently reduced by regression of non-functional vessels. More recent studies indicate that uncontrolled vessel growth or impaired vessel regression as a consequence of an excessive inflammatory response can impair wound healing, resulting in scarring and dysfunction. However, in order to elucidate targetable factors to promote functional tissue regeneration we need to understand the molecular and cellular underpinnings of physiological angiogenesis, ranging from induction to resolution of blood vessels. Especially for avascular tissues (e.g. cornea, tendon, ligament, cartilage, etc.), limiting rather than boosting vessel growth during wound repair potentially is beneficial to restore full tissue function and may result in favourable long-term healing outcomes.
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32
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Torrecilla J, Gómez-Aguado I, Vicente-Pascual M, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Solinís MÁ, Rodríguez-Gascón A. MMP-9 Downregulation with Lipid Nanoparticles for Inhibiting Corneal Neovascularization by Gene Silencing. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9040631. [PMID: 31003493 PMCID: PMC6523231 DOI: 10.3390/nano9040631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gene silencing targeting proangiogenic factors have been shown to be a useful strategy in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). Among interference RNA (RNAi) molecules, short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) is a plasmid-coded RNA able to down-regulate the expression of the desired gene. It is continuously produced in the host cell, inducing a durable gene silencing effect. The aim of this work was to develop a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based shRNA delivery system to downregulate metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), a proangiogenic factor, in corneal cells for the treatment of CNV associated with inflammation. The nanovectors were prepared using a solvent emulsification-evaporation technique, and after physicochemical evaluation, they were evaluated in different culture cell models. Transfection efficacy, cell internalization, cell viability, the effect on MMP-9 expression, and cell migration were evaluated in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2). The inhibition of tube formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was also assayed. The non-viral vectors based on SLN were able to downregulate the MMP-9 expression in HCE-2 cells via gene silencing, and, consequently, to inhibit cell migration and tube formation. These results demonstrate the potential of lipid nanoparticles as gene delivery systems for the treatment of CNV-associated inflammation by RNAi technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josune Torrecilla
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology & Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01015 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Itziar Gómez-Aguado
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology & Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01015 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Mónica Vicente-Pascual
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology & Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01015 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology & Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01015 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology & Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01015 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology & Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01015 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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33
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Palme C, Romano V, Brunner M, Vinciguerra R, Kaye SB, Steger B. Functional Staging of Corneal Neovascularization Using Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green Angiography. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018; 7:15. [PMID: 30280000 PMCID: PMC6166904 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.7.5.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a major risk factor for corneal graft rejection and other corneal conditions. The maturity of CoNV is important to guide treatment. This study investigated associations between clinical and angiographic characteristics of CoNV. Methods In a prospective cross-sectional study patients with CoNV of variable but known duration and etiology were included. All cases were clinically staged according to a simplified three-grade scale as active, inactive, and regressed and assessed using color photography, anterior-segment optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. Outcome parameters included age and depth of CoNV, perfusion times and time to leakage of fluorescein and ICG. Results Forty eyes of 39 patients with CoNV were included, active (14), inactive (22), and regressed CoNV (4). There were significant associations between the time to fluorescein or ICG leakage and clinical staging of CoNV (R2 = 0.24; P = 0.0011, and R2 = 0.3; P = 0.0001). In addition, there was a significant association between the time to fluorescein leakage and the age of CoNV (R2 = 0.32; P = 0.0002). ICG leakage within 10 minutes was observed significantly more frequently in active than the inactive group and was not observed in regressed cases (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Simplification of the staging of CoNV to active, inactive, and regressed to is significantly associated with the time to extravascular leakage of fluorescein and indocyanine and may be useful to guide the selection of appropriate treatments. Translational Relevance The association between clinical and angiographic characteristics of CoNV may provide guidance to the treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Palme
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Corneal and External Eye Diseases, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool, University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthias Brunner
- Department of Corneal and External Eye Diseases, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool, University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Riccardo Vinciguerra
- Department of Corneal and External Eye Diseases, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool, University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- Department of Corneal and External Eye Diseases, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool, University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bernhard Steger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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34
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Torrecilla J, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Vicente-Pascual M, Solinís MÁ, Rodríguez-Gascón A. Targeting corneal inflammation by gene therapy: Emerging strategies for keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2018; 176:130-140. [PMID: 29981344 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is the underlying process of several diseases within the eye, specifically in the cornea. Current treatment options for corneal inflammation or keratitis, and related neovascularization, are restricted by limited efficacy, adverse effects, and short duration of action. Gene therapy has shown great potential for the treatment of diseases affecting the ocular surface, and major efforts are being targeted to inflammatory mediators and neovascularization, in order to develop potential treatments for corneal inflammation. Gene therapy to treat ocular disorders is still starting, and current therapies are primarily experimental, with most human clinical trials still in research state, although some of them have already shown encouraging results. In this review, we focus on the progress and challenges of gene therapy to treat corneal inflammation. After introducing the inflammation process, we present the main nucleic acid delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors, and the most studied strategies to address the therapy: control of neovascularization and regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josune Torrecilla
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Mónica Vicente-Pascual
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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35
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Roshandel D, Eslani M, Baradaran-Rafii A, Cheung AY, Kurji K, Jabbehdari S, Maiz A, Jalali S, Djalilian AR, Holland EJ. Current and emerging therapies for corneal neovascularization. Ocul Surf 2018; 16:398-414. [PMID: 29908870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cornea is unique because of its complete avascularity. Corneal neovascularization (CNV) can result from a variety of etiologies including contact lens wear; corneal infections; and ocular surface diseases due to inflammation, chemical injury, and limbal stem cell deficiency. Management is focused primarily on the etiology and pathophysiology causing the CNV and involves medical and surgical options. Because inflammation is a key factor in the pathophysiology of CNV, corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications remain the mainstay of treatment. Anti-VEGF therapies are gaining popularity to prevent CNV in a number of etiologies. Surgical options including vessel occlusion and ocular surface reconstruction are other options depending on etiology and response to medical therapy. Future therapies should provide more effective treatment options for the management of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Roshandel
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Medi Eslani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Albert Y Cheung
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Khaliq Kurji
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sayena Jabbehdari
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alejandra Maiz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Setareh Jalali
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Edward J Holland
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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36
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Türker E, Garreis F, Khajavi N, Reinach PS, Joshi P, Brockmann T, Lucius A, Ljubojevic N, Turan E, Cooper D, Schick F, Reinholz R, Pleyer U, Köhrle J, Mergler S. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Induced Downstream Responses to Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and 3-Iodothyronamine (3-T 1AM) in Human Corneal Keratocytes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:670. [PMID: 30524369 PMCID: PMC6262029 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine if crosstalk among the transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin 8 (TRPM8), TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor triad modulates VEGF-induced Ca2+ signaling in human corneal keratocytes. Using RT-PCR, qPCR and immunohistochemistry, we determined TRPV1 and TRPM8 gene and protein coexpression in a human corneal keratocyte cell line (HCK) and human corneal cross sections. Fluorescence Ca2+ imaging using both a photomultiplier and a single cell digital imaging system as well as planar patch-clamping measured relative intracellular Ca2+ levels and underlying whole-cell currents. The TRPV1 agonist capsaicin increased both intracellular Ca2+ levels and whole-cell currents, while the antagonist capsazepine (CPZ) inhibited them. VEGF-induced Ca2+ transients and rises in whole-cell currents were suppressed by CPZ, whereas a selective TRPM8 antagonist, AMTB, increased VEGF signaling. In contrast, an endogenous thyroid hormone-derived metabolite 3-Iodothyronamine (3-T1AM) suppressed increases in the VEGF-induced current. The TRPM8 agonist menthol increased the currents, while AMTB suppressed this response. The VEGF-induced increases in Ca2+ influx and their underlying ionic currents stem from crosstalk between VEGFR and TRPV1, which can be impeded by 3-T1AM-induced TRPM8 activation. Such suppression in turn blocks VEGF-induced TRPV1 activation. Therefore, crosstalk between TRPM8 and TRPV1 inhibits VEGFR-induced activation of TRPV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersal Türker
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Garreis
- Department of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Noushafarin Khajavi
- Institut für Experimentelle Pädiatrische Endokrinologie, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Walter Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter S. Reinach
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Pooja Joshi
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Brockmann
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Lucius
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Ljubojevic
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Turan
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Drew Cooper
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Schick
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rob Reinholz
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Köhrle
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Mergler
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stefan Mergler
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