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Chen J, Ni Y, Yao W, Ding X. Clinical observations and mechanistic insights of traditional Chinese medicine in the management of diabetic retinopathy. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2024; 62:529-543. [PMID: 38921697 PMCID: PMC11210421 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2369292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness among diabetic patients globally. Despite advancements in conventional treatments, the quest for more holistic approaches and fewer side effects persists. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries in managing various diseases, including diabetes and its complications. OBJECTIVE This review evaluated the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of TCM in the management of DR, providing information on its potential integration with conventional treatment methods. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the search terms 'traditional Chinese medicine', 'diabetic retinopathy', 'clinical efficacies' and their combinations. Studies published before 2023 without language restriction were included, focusing on clinical trials and observational studies that assessed the effectiveness of TCM in DR treatment. RESULTS The review synthesized evidence of empirical traditional Chinese formulas, traditional Chinese patent medicines, and isolated phytochemicals on DR treatment. The key mechanisms identified included the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and neovascularization, as well as the improvement in neurovascular functionality and integrity of the retinal blood barrier. CONCLUSIONS TCM shows promising potential to manage DR. More large-scale, randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate these findings and facilitate the integration of TCM into mainstream DR treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yadong Ni
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Yao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuansheng Ding
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Precision Medicine Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Xue R, Wu H, Li S, Pu N, Wei D, Zhao N, Cui Y, Li H, Song Z, Tao Y. Biodegradable microspheres come into sight: A promising biomaterial for delivering drug to the posterior segment of the eyeball. Mater Today Bio 2024; 27:101126. [PMID: 38994470 PMCID: PMC11237977 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Posterior segment disease acts as a major cause of irreversible visual impairments. Successful treatment of posterior segment disease requires the efficient delivery of therapeutic substances to the targeted lesion. However, the complex ocular architecture makes the bioavailability of topically applied drugs extremely low. Invasive delivery approaches like intravitreal injection may cause adverse complications. To enhance the efficiency, several biomedical engineering systems have been developed to increase the penetration efficiency and improve the bioavailability of drugs at the posterior segments. Advantageously, biodegradable microspheres are found to deliver the therapeutic agents in a controlled fashion. The microspheres prepared from novel biomaterials can realize the prolonged release at the posterior segment with minimum side effects. Moreover, it will be degraded automatically into products that are non-toxic to the human body without the necessity of secondary operation to remove the residual polymer matrix. Additionally, biodegradable microspheres have decent thermoplasticity, adjustable hydrophilicity, controlled crystallinity, and high tensile strength, which make them suitable for intraocular delivery. In this review, we introduce the latest advancements in microsphere production technology and elaborate on the biomaterials that are used to prepare microspheres. We discuss systematically the pharmacological characteristics of biodegradable microspheres and compare their potential advantages and limitations in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. These findings would enrich our knowledge of biodegradable microspheres and cast light into the discovery of effective biomaterials for ocular drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyue Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ning Pu
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongheng Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haoyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zongming Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
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Ren Y, Liang H, Xie M, Zhang M. Natural plant medications for the treatment of retinal diseases: The blood-retinal barrier as a clue. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155568. [PMID: 38795692 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal diseases significantly contribute to the global burden of visual impairment and blindness. The occurrence of retinal diseases is often accompanied by destruction of the blood‒retinal barrier, a vital physiological structure responsible for maintaining the stability of the retinal microenvironment. However, detailed summaries of the factors damage the blood‒retinal barrier and treatment methods involving natural plant medications are lacking. PURPOSE To comprehensively summarize and analyze the protective effects of active substances in natural plant medications on damage to the blood-retina barrier that occurs when retinal illnesses, particularly diabetic retinopathy, and examine their medicinal value and future development prospects. METHODS In this study, we searched for studies published in the ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used included natural plant medications, plants, natural herbs, blood retinal barrier, retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and uveitis. Chinese herbal compound articles, non-English articles, warning journals, and duplicates were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS The blood‒retinal barrier is susceptible to high glucose, aging, immune responses, and other factors that destroy retinal homeostasis, resulting in pathological changes such as apoptosis and increased vascular permeability. Existing studies have shown that the active compounds or extracts of many natural plants have the effect of repairing blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. Notably, berberine, puerarin, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides exhibited remarkable therapeutic effects. Additionally, curcumin, astragaloside IV, hesperidin, resveratrol, ginsenoside Rb1, luteolin, and Panax notoginseng saponins can effectively protect the blood‒retinal barrier by interfering with distinct pathways. The active ingredients found in natural plant medications primarily repair the blood‒retinal barrier by modulating pathological factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and autophagy, thereby alleviating retinal diseases. CONCLUSION This review summarizes a series of plant extracts and plant active compounds that can treat retinal diseases by preventing and treating blood‒retinal barrier damage and provides reference for the research of new drugs for treating retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Huan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Mengjun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China.
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China.
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Zhang Y, Xu J, Li P, Luo B, Tang H. Activation of Wnt signaling mitigates blood-brain barrier disruption by inhibiting vesicular transcytosis after traumatic brain injury in mice. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114782. [PMID: 38641126 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Elevated transport of Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) vesicles within vascular endothelial cells constitutes a significant secondary pathogenic event contributing to the compromise of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). While Wnt/β-catenin signaling is recognized for its critical involvement in angiogenesis and the maintenance of BBB integrity, its influence on vascular endothelial transcytosis in the aftermath of TBI is not well-defined. This study aims to elucidate the impact of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on cerebrovascular vesicular transcytosis following TBI. In this experiment, adult male wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice underwent various interventions. TBI was induced utilizing the controlled cortical impact technique. Post-TBI, mice were administered either an inhibitor or an agonist of Wnt signaling via intraperitoneal injection. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) was administered intracerebroventricularly to modulate the expression of the CAV-1 inhibitory protein, Major facilitator superfamily domain-containing 2a (Mfsd2a). This research utilized Evans blue assay, Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and neurobehavioral assessments. Post-TBI observations revealed substantial increases in macromolecule (Evans blue and albumin) leakage, CAV-1 transport vesicle count, astrocyte end-feet edema, and augmented aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression, culminating in BBB disruption. The findings indicate that Wnt signaling pathway inhibition escalates CAV-1 transport vesicle activity and aggravates BBB compromise. Conversely, activating this pathway could alleviate BBB damage by curtailing CAV-1 vesicle presence. Post-TBI, there is a diminution in Mfsd2a expression, which is directly influenced by the modulation of WNT signals. Employing a viral approach to regulate Mfsd2a, we established that its down-regulation undermines the protective benefits derived from reducing CAV-1 transport vesicles through WNT signal enhancement. Moreover, we verified that the WNT signaling agonist LiCl notably ameliorates neurological deficits following TBI in mice. Collectively, our data imply that Wnt/β-catenin signaling presents a potential therapeutic target for safeguarding against BBB damage and enhancing neurological function after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Neurosurgery of the Third People's Hospital of Mianyang/Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Bo Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
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Sheng X, Zhang C, Zhao J, Xu J, Zhang P, Ding Q, Zhang J. Microvascular destabilization and intricated network of the cytokines in diabetic retinopathy: from the perspective of cellular and molecular components. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:85. [PMID: 38937783 PMCID: PMC11212265 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Microvascular destabilization is the primary cause of the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) breakdown and increased vascular leakage in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Microvascular destabilization results from the combinational effects of increased levels of growth factors and cytokines, involvement of inflammation, and the changed cell-to-cell interactions, especially the loss of endothelial cells and pericytes, due to hyperglycemia and hypoxia. As the manifestation of microvascular destabilization, the fluid transports via paracellular and transcellular routes increase due to the disruption of endothelial intercellular junctional complexes and/or the altered caveolar transcellular transport across the retinal vascular endothelium. With diabetes progression, the functional and the structural changes of the iBRB components, including the cellular and noncellular components, further facilitate and aggravate microvascular destabilization, resulting in macular edema, the neuroretinal damage and the dysfunction of retinal inner neurovascular unit (iNVU). Although there have been considerable recent advances towards a better understanding of the complex cellular and molecular network underlying the microvascular destabilization, some still remain to be fully elucidated. Recent data indicate that targeting the intricate signaling pathways may allow to against the microvascular destabilization. Therefore, efforts have been made to better clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are involved in the microvascular destabilization in DR. In this review, we discuss: (1) the brief introduction of DR and microvascular destabilization; (2) the cellular and molecular components of iBRB and iNVU, and the breakdown of iBRB; (3) the matrix and cell-to-cell contacts to maintain microvascular stabilization, including the endothelial glycocalyx, basement membrane, and various cell-cell interactions; (4) the molecular mechanisms mediated cell-cell contacts and vascular cell death; (5) the altered cytokines and signaling pathways as well as the intricate network of the cytokines involved in microvascular destabilization. This comprehensive review aimed to provide the insights for microvascular destabilization by targeting the key molecules or specific iBRB cells, thus restoring the function and structure of iBRB and iNVU, to treat DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Sheng
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Quanju Ding
- People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- The International Eye Research Institute of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China.
- C-MER (Shenzhen) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
- C-MER International Eye Care Group, C-MER Dennis Lam & Partners Eye Center, Hong Kong, China.
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Zhou Y, Zhao C, Shi Z, Heger Z, Jing H, Shi Z, Dou Y, Wang S, Qiu Z, Li N. A Glucose-Responsive Hydrogel Inhibits Primary and Secondary BRB Injury for Retinal Microenvironment Remodeling in Diabetic Retinopathy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402368. [PMID: 39031576 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Current diabetic retinopathy (DR) treatment involves blood glucose regulation combined with laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies. However, due to the complex pathogenesis and cross-interference of multiple biochemical pathways, these interventions cannot block disease progression. Recognizing the critical role of the retinal microenvironment (RME) in DR, it is hypothesized that reshaping the RME by simultaneously inhibiting primary and secondary blood-retinal barrier (BRB) injury can attenuate DR. For this, a glucose-responsive hydrogel named Cu-PEI/siMyD88@GEMA-Con A (CSGC) is developed that effectively delivers Cu-PEI/siMyD88 nanoparticles (NPs) to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The Cu-PEI NPs act as antioxidant enzymes, scavenging ROS and inhibiting RPE pyroptosis, ultimately blocking primary BRB injury by reducing microglial activation and Th1 differentiation. Simultaneously, MyD88 expression silence in combination with the Cu-PEI NPs decreases IL-18 production, synergistically reduces VEGF levels, and enhances tight junction proteins expression, thus blocking secondary BRB injury. In summary, via remodeling the RME, the CSGC hydrogel has the potential to disrupt the detrimental cycle of cross-interference between primary and secondary BRB injury, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300122, P. R. China
| | - Chan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Shi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, CZ-61300, Czech Republic
| | - HuaQing Jing
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Zhengming Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
| | - Yunsheng Dou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Zitong Qiu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Nan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
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Reddy SK, Devi V, Seetharaman ATM, Shailaja S, Bhat KMR, Gangaraju R, Upadhya D. Cell and molecular targeted therapies for diabetic retinopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1416668. [PMID: 38948520 PMCID: PMC11211264 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1416668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) stands as a prevalent complication in the eye resulting from diabetes mellitus, predominantly associated with high blood sugar levels and hypertension as individuals age. DR is a severe microvascular complication of both type I and type II diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of vision impairment. The critical approach to combatting and halting the advancement of DR lies in effectively managing blood glucose and blood pressure levels in diabetic patients; however, this is seldom achieved. Both human and animal studies have revealed the intricate nature of this condition involving various cell types and molecules. Aside from photocoagulation, the sole therapy targeting VEGF molecules in the retina to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth is intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. However, a substantial portion of cases, approximately 30-40%, do not respond to this treatment. This review explores distinctive pathophysiological phenomena of DR and identifiable cell types and molecules that could be targeted to mitigate the chronic changes occurring in the retina due to diabetes mellitus. Addressing the significant research gap in this domain is imperative to broaden the treatment options available for managing DR effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivakumar K. Reddy
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vasudha Devi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Amritha T. M. Seetharaman
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - S. Shailaja
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Kumar M. R. Bhat
- Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rajashekhar Gangaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Johnson DA, Doble N, Choi SS. Quantitative Analysis of the Vasculature and Cone Photoreceptors in Subjects With Diabetes Without Diabetic Retinopathy. Curr Eye Res 2024; 49:650-662. [PMID: 38407181 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2320787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize any differences in the vasculature and cone photoreceptor packing geometry (CPG) between subjects with diabetes without/no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) and healthy controls. METHODS Eight NDR and five controls were enrolled. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) taken at the macula was used to measure vessel density, vessel length density, and vessel density index (VDI) in three vascular plexuses, namely, the superficial vascular plexus, intermediate capillary plexus, and deep capillary plexus (DCP). The choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficit (FD) was also measured. OCTA images were binarized and processed to extrapolate the parafovea and parafoveal quadrants and the OCTA indices mentioned above. The CC was processed with six different radii to quantify FD. Adaptive optics - scanning laser ophthalmoscopy images were acquired and processed to extract CPG indices, i.e., cone density (CD), cone-to-cone spacing (CS), linear dispersion index, heterogeneity packing index and percent of cells with six neighbors at 3.6° in the temporal retina. RESULTS In all eyes, statistically significant differences were found (i) in parafoveal FD across the six radii (p < 0.001) and (ii) in the correlation between the parafoveal temporal quadrant (PTQ) DCP VDI and CS (r = 0.606, p = 0.048). No other significant correlations were found. For OCTA or CPG indices, no significant differences were found between the cohorts in the parafovea or parafoveal quadrants. CONCLUSIONS CS is the most sensitive CPG index for detecting alterations in the cone mosaic. The DCP and the cone photoreceptors are significantly correlated, indicating that alterations in the DCP can affect the cones. Future work elucidating the vascular alterations and neurodegeneration present in diabetic eyes should focus on the DCP and multiple CPG indices, not solely CD. Moreover, such alterations are highly localized, hence using larger regions e.g. parafovea versus smaller areas, such as the PTQ, will potentially mask significant correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae A Johnson
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nathan Doble
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Havener Eye Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stacey S Choi
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Havener Eye Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Patterson EJ, Bounds AD, Wagner SK, Kadri-Langford R, Taylor R, Daly D. Oculomics: A Crusade Against the Four Horsemen of Chronic Disease. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:1427-1451. [PMID: 38630354 PMCID: PMC11109082 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00942-x] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic, non-communicable diseases present a major barrier to living a long and healthy life. In many cases, early diagnosis can facilitate prevention, monitoring, and treatment efforts, improving patient outcomes. There is therefore a critical need to make screening techniques as accessible, unintimidating, and cost-effective as possible. The association between ocular biomarkers and systemic health and disease (oculomics) presents an attractive opportunity for detection of systemic diseases, as ophthalmic techniques are often relatively low-cost, fast, and non-invasive. In this review, we highlight the key associations between structural biomarkers in the eye and the four globally leading causes of morbidity and mortality: cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and metabolic disease. We observe that neurodegenerative disease is a particularly promising target for oculomics, with biomarkers detected in multiple ocular structures. Cardiovascular disease biomarkers are present in the choroid, retinal vasculature, and retinal nerve fiber layer, and metabolic disease biomarkers are present in the eyelid, tear fluid, lens, and retinal vasculature. In contrast, only the tear fluid emerged as a promising ocular target for the detection of cancer. The retina is a rich source of oculomics data, the analysis of which has been enhanced by artificial intelligence-based tools. Although not all biomarkers are disease-specific, limiting their current diagnostic utility, future oculomics research will likely benefit from combining data from various structures to improve specificity, as well as active design, development, and optimization of instruments that target specific disease signatures, thus facilitating differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Siegfried K Wagner
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Robin Taylor
- Occuity, The Blade, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BE, UK
| | - Dan Daly
- Occuity, The Blade, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BE, UK
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Peng X, Zhang T, Liu R, Jin X. Potential in exosome-based targeted nano-drugs and delivery vehicles for posterior ocular disease treatment: from barriers to therapeutic application. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1319-1333. [PMID: 37402019 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04798-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Posterior ocular disease, a disease that accounts for 55% of all ocular diseases, can contribute to permanent vision loss if left without treatment. Due to the special structure of the eye, various obstacles make it difficult for drugs to reach lesions in the posterior ocular segment. Therefore, the development of highly permeable targeted drugs and delivery systems is particularly important. Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles at 30-150 nm, which are secreted by various cells, tissues, and body fluids. They carry various signaling molecules, thus endowing them with certain physiological functions. In this review, we describe the ocular barriers and the biogenesis, isolation, and engineering of exosomes, as exosomes not only have pharmacological effects but also are good nanocarriers with targeted properties. Moreover, their biocompatibility and immunogenicity are better than synthetic nanocarriers. Most importantly, they may have the ability to pass through the blood-eye barrier. Thus, they may be developed as both targeted nano-drugs and nano-delivery vehicles for the treatment of posterior ocular diseases. We focus on the current status and potential application of exosomes as targeted nano-drugs and nano-delivery vehicles in posterior ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingru Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Component‑based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component‑based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component‑based Chinese Medicine, Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Health Services, Logistics University of People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, Chenlin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162, China.
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11
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Nakamura S, Ueda E, Ohara T, Hata J, Honda T, Fujiwara K, Furuta Y, Shibata M, Hashimoto S, Nakazawa T, Nakao T, Kitazono T, Sonoda KH, Ninomiya T. Association between retinopathy and risk of dementia in a general Japanese population: the Hisayama Study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12017. [PMID: 38797729 PMCID: PMC11128440 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62688-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the association of retinopathy with the risk of dementia in a general older Japanese population. A total of 1709 population-based residents aged 60 years or older without dementia were followed prospectively for 10 years (2007-2017). They underwent color fundus photography in 2007. Retinopathy was graded according to the Modified Airlie House Classification. Main outcome was the Incidence of dementia. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of dementia by the presence of retinopathy. During the follow-up period, 374 participants developed all-cause dementia. The cumulative incidence of dementia was significantly higher in those with retinopathy than those without (p < 0.05). Individuals with retinopathy had significantly higher risk of developing dementia than those without after adjustment for potential confounding factors (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.19-2.25). Regarding the components of retinopathy, the presence of microaneurysms was significantly associated with a higher multivariable-adjusted HR for incident dementia (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.37-2.74). Our findings suggest that, in addition to systemic risk factors, retinal microvascular signs from fundus photography provide valuable information for estimating the risk of developing dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Nakamura
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Emi Ueda
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Tomoyuki Ohara
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Hata
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanori Honda
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohta Fujiwara
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Furuta
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mao Shibata
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sawako Hashimoto
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Taro Nakazawa
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakao
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanari Kitazono
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Ninomiya
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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12
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Shahror RA, Morris CA, Mohammed AA, Wild M, Zaman B, Mitchell CD, Phillips PH, Rusch NJ, Shosha E, Fouda AY. Role of myeloid cells in ischemic retinopathies: recent advances and unanswered questions. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:65. [PMID: 38454477 PMCID: PMC10918977 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells including microglia and macrophages play crucial roles in retinal homeostasis by clearing cellular debris and regulating inflammation. These cells are activated in several blinding ischemic retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy, where they may exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on neurovascular function and angiogenesis. Myeloid cells impact the progression of retinal pathologies and recent studies suggest that targeting myeloid cells is a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate diabetic retinopathy and other ischemic retinal diseases. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of the role of microglia and macrophages in retinal diseases and focuses on the effects of myeloid cells on neurovascular injury and angiogenesis in ischemic retinopathies. We highlight gaps in knowledge and advocate for a more detailed understanding of the role of myeloid cells in retinal ischemic injury to fully unlock the potential of targeting myeloid cells as a therapeutic strategy for retinal ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Shahror
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Carol A Morris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Aya A Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Melissa Wild
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Bushra Zaman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Christian D Mitchell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Paul H Phillips
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nancy J Rusch
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Esraa Shosha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman Y Fouda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 611, BIOMED-1, B306, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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13
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Tomkins-Netzer O, Niederer R, Greenwood J, Fabian ID, Serlin Y, Friedman A, Lightman S. Mechanisms of blood-retinal barrier disruption related to intraocular inflammation and malignancy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101245. [PMID: 38242492 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) disruption is a common accompaniment of intermediate, posterior and panuveitis causing leakage into the retina and macular oedema resulting in vision loss. It is much less common in anterior uveitis or in patients with intraocular lymphoma who may have marked signs of intraocular inflammation. New drugs used for chemotherapy (cytarabine, immune checkpoint inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, bispecific anti-EGFR inhibitors, MET receptor inhibitors and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors) can also cause different types of uveitis and BRB disruption. As malignant disease itself can cause uveitis, particularly from breast, lung and gastrointestinal tract cancers, it can be clinically difficult to sort out the cause of BRB disruption. Immunosuppression due to malignant disease and/or chemotherapy can lead to infection which can also cause BRB disruption and intraocular infection. In this paper we address the pathophysiology of BRB disruption related to intraocular inflammation and malignancy, methods for estimating the extent and effect of the disruption and examine why some types of intraocular inflammation and malignancy cause BRB disruption and others do not. Understanding this may help sort and manage these patients, as well as devise future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Tomkins-Netzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Centre, Haifa, Israel; Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Rachael Niederer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Te Whatu Ora, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John Greenwood
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ido Didi Fabian
- The Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Centre, Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yonatan Serlin
- Department of Medical Neuroscience and the Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Alon Friedman
- Department of Medical Neuroscience and the Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, NS, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Cell Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Zlotowski Centre for Neuroscience, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sue Lightman
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Appell MB, Pejavar J, Pasupathy A, Rompicharla SVK, Abbasi S, Malmberg K, Kolodziejski P, Ensign LM. Next generation therapeutics for retinal neurodegenerative diseases. J Control Release 2024; 367:708-736. [PMID: 38295996 PMCID: PMC10960710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affecting the visual system encompass glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinopathies, and inherited genetic disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa. These ocular pathologies pose a serious burden of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Current treatment modalities include small molecule drugs, biologics, or gene therapies, most of which are administered topically as eye drops or as injectables. However, the topical route of administration faces challenges in effectively reaching the posterior segment and achieving desired concentrations at the target site, while injections and implants risk severe complications, such as retinal detachment and endophthalmitis. This necessitates the development of innovative therapeutic strategies that can prolong drug release, deliver effective concentrations to the back of the eye with minimal systemic exposure, and improve patient compliance and safety. In this review, we introduce retinal degenerative diseases, followed by a discussion of the existing clinical standard of care. We then delve into detail about drug and gene delivery systems currently in preclinical and clinical development, including formulation and delivery advantages/drawbacks, with a special emphasis on potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Appell
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jahnavi Pejavar
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ashwin Pasupathy
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Sri Vishnu Kiran Rompicharla
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Saed Abbasi
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Kiersten Malmberg
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Patricia Kolodziejski
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Laura M Ensign
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Biomedical Engineering, Oncology, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
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15
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Zou Y, Jiang J, Li Y, Ding X, Fang F, Chen L. Quercetin Regulates Microglia M1/M2 Polarization and Alleviates Retinal Inflammation via ERK/STAT3 Pathway. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-01997-5. [PMID: 38411775 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-01997-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Retinal inflammation is a pivotal characteristic observed in various retinal degenerative disorders, notably age-related macular degeneration (AMD), primarily orchestrated by the activation of microglia. Targeting the inhibition of microglial activation has emerged as a therapeutic focal point. Quercetin (Qu), ubiquitously present in dietary sources and tea, has garnered attention for its anti-neuroinflammatory properties. However, the impact of Qu on retinal inflammation and the associated mechanistic pathways remains incompletely elucidated. In this study, retinal inflammation was induced in adult male C57BL/6 J mice through intraperitoneal administration of LPS. The results revealed that Qu pre-treatment induces a phenotypic shift in microglia from M1 phenotype to M2 phenotype. Furthermore, Qu attenuated retinal inflammation and stabilized the integrity of the blood-retina barrier (BRB). In vitro experiments revealed that Qu impedes microglial activation, proliferation, and migration, primarily via modulation the ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Notably, these actions of Qu significantly contributed to the preservation of photoreceptors. Consequently, Qu pre-treatment holds promise as an effective strategy for controlling retinal inflammation and preserving visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zou
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, China NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) Key Laboratory of Myopia Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Disease Clinical Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Junliang Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yunqin Li
- Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Disease Clinical Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xinyi Ding
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, China NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) Key Laboratory of Myopia Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Disease Clinical Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, China NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) Key Laboratory of Myopia Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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16
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Maurissen TL, Spielmann AJ, Schellenberg G, Bickle M, Vieira JR, Lai SY, Pavlou G, Fauser S, Westenskow PD, Kamm RD, Ragelle H. Modeling early pathophysiological phenotypes of diabetic retinopathy in a human inner blood-retinal barrier-on-a-chip. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1372. [PMID: 38355716 PMCID: PMC10866954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45456-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular disorder characterized by inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) breakdown and irreversible vision loss. While the symptoms of DR are known, disease mechanisms including basement membrane thickening, pericyte dropout and capillary damage remain poorly understood and interventions to repair diseased iBRB microvascular networks have not been developed. In addition, current approaches using animal models and in vitro systems lack translatability and predictivity to finding new target pathways. Here, we develop a diabetic iBRB-on-a-chip that produces pathophysiological phenotypes and disease pathways in vitro that are representative of clinical diagnoses. We show that diabetic stimulation of the iBRB-on-a-chip mirrors DR features, including pericyte loss, vascular regression, ghost vessels, and production of pro-inflammatory factors. We also report transcriptomic data from diabetic iBRB microvascular networks that may reveal drug targets, and examine pericyte-endothelial cell stabilizing strategies. In summary, our model recapitulates key features of disease, and may inform future therapies for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Maurissen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alena J Spielmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Schellenberg
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bickle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Institute of Human Biology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jose Ricardo Vieira
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Si Ying Lai
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter D Westenskow
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Héloïse Ragelle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
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17
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Yu HT, Gong JY, Xu WH, Chen YR, Li YT, Chen YF, Liu GL, Zhang HY, Xie L. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Remodels the Fetal Brain Fatty Acid Profile Through Placenta-Brain Lipid Axis in C57BL/6J Mice. J Nutr 2024; 154:590-599. [PMID: 38159812 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.12.045] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are critical for proper fetal brain growth and development. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) could affect maternal-fetal fatty acid metabolism. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the effect of GDM and high-fat (HF) diet on the DHA transport signaling pathway in the placenta-brain axis and fatty acid concentrations in the fetal brain. METHODS Insulin receptor antagonist (S961) and HF diet were used to establish an animal model of GDM. Eighty female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control (CON), GDM, HF, and HF+GDM groups. The fatty acid profiles of the maternal liver and fetal brain were analyzed by gas chromatography. In addition, we analyzed the protein amounts of maternal liver fatty acid desaturase (FADS1/3), elongase (ELOVL2/5) and the regulatory factor sterol-regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, and the DHA transport signaling pathway (Wnt3/β-catenin/MFSD2a) of the placenta and fetal brain using western blotting. RESULTS GDM promoted the decrease of maternal liver ELOVL2, ELOVL5, and SREBP-1c. Accordingly, we observed a significant decrease in the amount of maternal liver arachidonic acid (AA), DHA, and total n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA induced by GDM. GDM also significantly decreased the amount of DHA and n-3 PUFA in the fetal brain. GDM downregulated the Wnt3/β-catenin/MFSD2a signaling pathway, which transfers n-3 PUFA in the placenta and fetal brain. The HF diet increased n-6 PUFA amounts in the maternal liver, correspondingly increasing linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, AA, and total n-6 PUFA in the fetal brain, but decreased DHA amount in the fetal brain. However, HF diet only tended to decrease placental β-catenin and MFSD2a amounts (P = 0.074 and P = 0.098, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Maternal GDM could affect the fatty acid profile of the fetal brain both by downregulating the Wnt3/β-catenin/MFSD2a pathway of the placental-fetal barrier and by affecting maternal fatty acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jia-Yu Gong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wen-Hui Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yi-Ru Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yue-Ting Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yi-Fei Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guo-Liang Liu
- Experimental Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hai-Ying Zhang
- Experimental Teaching Center for Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
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18
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Che X, Wang L, Ma W, Wang R, Wang Z. Discordance of Aqueous/Plasma HIV Replication on ART. Curr HIV Res 2024; 22:27-30. [PMID: 38151835 DOI: 10.2174/011570162x268730231212112119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study was conducted to analyze HIV dynamics across blood-retinal barrier (BRB) and the relevant risk factors for HIV-associated ocular complications. METHODS This study included a case series of 40 HIV-positive patients with ocular lesions, which were studied retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory examinations included plasma and intraocular viral load (VL). RESULTS HIV VL on paired aqueous/plasma samples was available for 40 patients. Aqueous VL was negatively associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) duration (p = 0.02 and p < 0.05), and plasma VL was independent of ART duration (p = 0.53). An aqueous/plasma discordance was found in 19/40 (47.5%) patients, eight of whom (20%) had detectable aqueous VL despite a suppressed plasma VL (escape). There were significant differences in CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels (p = 0.011 and p < 0.05) and ART duration (p = 0.007 and p < 0.05) between the patients with HIV-associated ocular complications and the patients without. CONCLUSION This study provides a rationale for initiating ART early in the course of infection to reduce HIV VL in the aqueous humor, and raises the possibility of the ocular sanctuary where HIV replicates. Meanwhile, early and standard ART would be an optimal option to protect against ocular opportunistic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) of Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Luoziyi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weimei Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) of Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) of Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhiliang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Finnie JW. Clostridium perfringens Type D Epsilon Toxin Causes Blood-Retinal Barrier Microvascular Damage and Diffuse Retinal Vasogenic Oedema. Vet Sci 2023; 11:2. [PMID: 38275918 PMCID: PMC10818779 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010002] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon toxin (ETX) causes severe retinal microvascular endothelial injury in the rat. The resulting blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown leads to increased vascular permeability, which was detected immunohistochemically by the extravasation of plasma albumin as a vascular tracer, and ensuing severe, diffuse, vasogenic retinal oedema. This microvascular damage was also confirmed by a loss of endothelial barrier antigen, a marker of an intact BRB in rats. Since similar microvascular lesions are found in EXT-exposed laboratory rodent and sheep brains, and the BRB resembles the BBB, they are also likely to occur in the eyes of naturally epsilon-intoxicated sheep and goats, but this remains to be determined. Moreover, while retinal oedema is a common and important component of many human and veterinary ocular disorders, more effective treatments are required. Accordingly, the retinal vasogenic oedema reliably and reproducibly induced by ETX in rats provides a useful model in which to study the pathogenesis of retinal oedema development and evaluate its prevention or amelioration by putative pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Finnie
- Division of Research and Innovation, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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20
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Oska N, Eltanani S, Shawky M, Naghdi A, Gregory A, Yumnamcha T, Ibrahim AS. Upper glycolytic components contribute differently in controlling retinal vascular endothelial cellular behavior: Implications for endothelial-related retinal diseases. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294909. [PMID: 38033124 PMCID: PMC10688887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degenerative diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema are characterized by impaired retinal endothelial cells (RECs) functionality. While the role of glycolysis in glucose homeostasis is well-established, its contributions to REC barrier assembly and cell spreading remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the importance of upper glycolytic components in regulating the behavior of human RECs (HRECs). METHODS Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) technology was employed to analyze the real-time impact of various upper glycolytic components on maintaining barrier functionality and cell spreading of HRECs by measuring cell resistance and capacitance, respectively. Specific inhibitors were used: WZB117 to inhibit Glut1/3, lonidamine to inhibit hexokinases, PFK158 to inhibit the PFKFB3-PFK axis, and TDZD-8 to inhibit aldolases. Additionally, the viability of HRECs was evaluated using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS The most significant reduction in electrical resistance and increase in capacitance of HRECs resulted from the dose-dependent inhibition of PFKFB3/PFK using PFK158, followed by aldolase inhibition using TDZD-8. LDH level analysis at 24- and 48-hours post-treatment with PFK158 (1 μM) or TDZD-8 (1 and 10 μM) showed no significant difference compared to the control, indicating that the disruption of HRECs functionality was not attributed to cell death. Conversely, inhibiting Glut1/3 with WZB117 had minimal impact on HREC behavior, except at higher concentrations (10 μM) and prolonged exposure. Lastly, inhibiting hexokinase with lonidamine did not noticeably alter HREC cell behavior. CONCLUSION This study illustrates the unique impacts of components within upper glycolysis on HREC functionality, emphasizing the crucial role of the PFKFB3/PFK axis in regulating HREC behavior. Understanding the specific contributions of each glycolytic component in preserving normal REC functionality will facilitate the development of targeted interventions for treating endothelial cell dysfunction in retinal disorders while minimizing effects on healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Oska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Shaimaa Eltanani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Shawky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - Armaan Naghdi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Andrew Gregory
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Thangal Yumnamcha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Ahmed S. Ibrahim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
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21
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Imakiire A, Morimoto H, Suzuki H, Masuda T, Yoden E, Inoue A, Morioka H, Konaka T, Mori A, Shirasaka R, Kato R, Hirato T, Sonoda H, Minami K. Transferrin Receptor-Targeted Iduronate-2-sulfatase Penetrates the Blood-Retinal Barrier and Improves Retinopathy in Mucopolysaccharidosis II Mice. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:5901-5909. [PMID: 37860991 PMCID: PMC10630942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) make up a group of lysosomal storage diseases characterized by the aberrant accumulation of glycosaminoglycans throughout the body. Patients with MPSs display various signs and symptoms, such as retinopathy, which is also observed in patients with MPS II. Unfortunately, retinal disorders in MPS II are resistant to conventional intravenous enzyme-replacement therapy because the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) impedes drug penetration. In this study, we show that a fusion protein, designated pabinafusp alfa, consisting of an antihuman transferrin receptor antibody and iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), crosses the BRB and reaches the retina in a murine model of MPS II. We found that retinal function, as assessed by electroretinography (ERG) in MPS II mice, deteriorated with age. Early intervention with repeated intravenous treatment of pabinafusp alfa decreased heparan sulfate deposition in the retina, optic nerve, and visual cortex, thus preserving or even improving the ERG response in MPS II mice. Histological analysis further revealed that pabinafusp alfa mitigated the loss of the photoreceptor layer observed in diseased mice. In contrast, recombinant nonfused IDS failed to reach the retina and hardly affected the retinal disease. These results support the hypothesis that transferrin receptor-targeted IDS can penetrate the BRB, thereby ameliorating retinal dysfunction in MPS II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Imakiire
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hideto Morimoto
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Suzuki
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Tomomi Masuda
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Eiji Yoden
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hiroki Morioka
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Takashi Konaka
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Ayaka Mori
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Ryoji Shirasaka
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Ryo Kato
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Tohru Hirato
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sonoda
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
| | - Kohtaro Minami
- Research Division, JCR Pharmaceuticals, 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2241, Japan
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22
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Barros Ferreira L, Ashander LM, Appukuttan B, Ma Y, Williams KA, Smith JR. Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Activated Human Retinal Vascular Endothelial Cells. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:1813-1818. [PMID: 36194865 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2122512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal endothelial cell activation is a central event in non-infectious posterior uveitis. There is recent interest in long non-coding (lnc)RNA-targeted therapeutics for retinal diseases. We aimed to identify human retinal endothelial cell lncRNAs that might be involved in activation. METHODS Eleven candidate lncRNAs were identified: GAS5, KCNQ1OT1, LINC00294, MALAT1, MEG3, MIR155HG, NEAT1, NORAD, OIP5-AS1, SENCR, TUG1. Expression was assessed by RT-PCR in human retinal endothelial cells, at baseline and following activation with interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. RESULTS IL-1β significantly upregulated MEG3 and SENCR at 4 and 24 hours; LINC00294, NORAD, OIP5-AS1 and TUG1 at 24 hours; and MIR155HG at 4, 24 and 48 hours; but downregulated GAS5 at 24 and 48 hours. TNF-α significantly upregulated KCNQ1OT1, LINC00294, MEG3, NORAD and SENCR at 4 hours; SENCR and TUG1 at 24 hours; and MIR155HG at all time points. CONCLUSIONS Future studies involving manipulation of MIR155HG may be warranted to explore potential therapeutic applications for non-infectious posterior uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liam M Ashander
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Binoy Appukuttan
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yuefang Ma
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Keryn A Williams
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Justine R Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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23
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Shi H, Koronyo Y, Fuchs DT, Sheyn J, Jallow O, Mandalia K, Graham SL, Gupta VK, Mirzaei M, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV, Hawes D, Miller CA, Black KL, Carare RO, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Retinal arterial Aβ 40 deposition is linked with tight junction loss and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in MCI and AD patients. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5185-5197. [PMID: 37166032 PMCID: PMC10638467 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vascular amyloid beta (Aβ) protein deposits were detected in retinas of mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We tested the hypothesis that the retinal vascular tight junctions (TJs) were compromised and linked to disease status. METHODS TJ components and Aβ expression in capillaries and larger blood vessels were determined in post mortem retinas from 34 MCI or AD patients and 27 cognitively normal controls and correlated with neuropathology. RESULTS Severe decreases in retinal vascular zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-5 correlating with abundant arteriolar Aβ40 deposition were identified in MCI and AD patients. Retinal claudin-5 deficiency was closely associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, whereas ZO-1 defects correlated with cerebral pathology and cognitive deficits. DISCUSSION We uncovered deficiencies in blood-retinal barrier markers for potential retinal imaging targets of AD screening and monitoring. Intense retinal arteriolar Aβ40 deposition suggests a common pathogenic mechanism of failed Aβ clearance via intramural periarterial drainage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoshen Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ousman Jallow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Krishna Mandalia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Macquarie Medical school, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Vivek K. Gupta
- Macquarie Medical school, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical school, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Andrei A. Kramerov
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Alexander V. Ljubimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Debra Hawes
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Carol A. Miller
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Keith L. Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Roxana O. Carare
- Department of Clinical Neuroanatomy, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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24
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Biswas A, Choudhury AD, Bisen AC, Agrawal S, Sanap SN, Verma SK, Mishra A, Kumar S, Bhatta RS. Trends in Formulation Approaches for Sustained Drug Delivery to the Posterior Segment of the Eye. AAPS PharmSciTech 2023; 24:217. [PMID: 37891392 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye, an intricate organ comprising physical and physiological barriers, poses a significant challenge for ophthalmic physicians seeking to treat serious ocular diseases affecting the posterior segment, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Despite extensive efforts, the delivery of therapeutic drugs to the rear part of the eye remains an unresolved issue. This comprehensive review delves into conventional and innovative formulation strategies for drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. By utilizing alternative nanoformulation approaches such as liposomes, nanoparticles, and microneedle patches, researchers and clinicians can overcome the limitations of conventional eye drops and achieve more effective drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. These innovative strategies offer improved drug penetration, prolonged residence time, and controlled release, enhancing therapeutic outcomes for ocular diseases. Moreover, this article explores recently approved delivery systems that leverage diverse polymer technologies, such as chitosan and hyaluronic acid, to regulate drug-controlled release over an extended period. By offering a comprehensive understanding of the available formulation strategies, this review aims to empower researchers and clinicians in their pursuit of developing highly effective treatments for posterior-segment ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpon Biswas
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Abhijit Deb Choudhury
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Amol Chhatrapati Bisen
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sristi Agrawal
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sachin Nashik Sanap
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Sarvesh Kumar Verma
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Anjali Mishra
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Shivansh Kumar
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
| | - Rabi Sankar Bhatta
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetic Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India.
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25
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Bora K, Kushwah N, Maurya M, Pavlovich MC, Wang Z, Chen J. Assessment of Inner Blood-Retinal Barrier: Animal Models and Methods. Cells 2023; 12:2443. [PMID: 37887287 PMCID: PMC10605292 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202443] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper functioning of the neural retina relies on the unique retinal environment regulated by the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which restricts the passage of solutes, fluids, and toxic substances. BRB impairment occurs in many retinal vascular diseases and the breakdown of BRB significantly contributes to disease pathology. Understanding the different molecular constituents and signaling pathways involved in BRB development and maintenance is therefore crucial in developing treatment modalities. This review summarizes the major molecular signaling pathways involved in inner BRB (iBRB) formation and maintenance, and representative animal models of eye diseases with retinal vascular leakage. Studies on Wnt/β-catenin signaling are highlighted, which is critical for retinal and brain vascular angiogenesis and barriergenesis. Moreover, multiple in vivo and in vitro methods for the detection and analysis of vascular leakage are described, along with their advantages and limitations. These pre-clinical animal models and methods for assessing iBRB provide valuable experimental tools in delineating the molecular mechanisms of retinal vascular diseases and evaluating therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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26
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Fagian Pansani V, Dolfini Celim LB, Amorim Oliveira G, Rosa Degasperi G. Adiponectin: A "Friendly adipokine" in Diabetic Retinopathy? Semin Ophthalmol 2023; 38:602-609. [PMID: 37157861 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2023.2205929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adiponectin has also been associated with diabetic retinopathy, a diabetic microvascular complication. However, the mechanism of action of adiponectin in retinopathy is still under investigation. This review summarizes emerging evidence on the association with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes. METHODS We reviwed papers from 2004 to 2022 and included studies related to retinopathy and its association with blood and intraocular adiponectin in type 2 diabetes. RESULTS Most of the studies analyzed in this review suggested an association between the diabetic retinopathy progression and intraocular, serum, or plasma adiponectin levels. Increased levels of adiponectin contributed to the development of the disease in diabetic patients. In a minority of studies, it was indicated an inversely proportional relationship between adiponectin concentration and diabetic retinopathy severity. CONCLUSION The high levels of adiponectin in diabetic patients may be related to the decrease in renal clearance. Under this situation, if the predominant isoform is globular adiponectin, this may explain the retinopathy progression, considering a pro-inflammatory response induced by this isoform. However, the actions of adiponectin in diabetic retinopathy pathophysiology are still controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Fagian Pansani
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Nijim W, Moustafa M, Humble J, Al-Shabrawey M. Endothelial to mesenchymal cell transition in diabetic retinopathy: targets and therapeutics. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1230581. [PMID: 38983088 PMCID: PMC11182279 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1230581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a result of neurovacular insults from hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus (DM), and it is one of the top causes of vision loss throughout the modern world. This review article explores the role endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has on the pathogenesis of DR. EndMT contributes to the disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, vascular leakage, neovascularization, and fibrosis observed in DR. Risk factors and biomarkers associated with DR severity are discussed, highlighting the importance of early detection and targeted therapies. Current treatments primarily focus on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, corticosteroids, and laser photocoagulation. However, emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting EndMT and its downstream effects show promise in preventing the development and progression of DR. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying EndMT in DR provides valuable insights into the disease process and offers potential options for the development of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasef Nijim
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mohamed Moustafa
- Eye Research Center, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Julia Humble
- Eye Research Center, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
- Eye Research Center, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States
- Foundation Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
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28
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Hammer SS, Dorweiler TF, McFarland D, Adu-Agyeiwaah Y, Mast N, El-Darzi N, Fortmann SD, Nooti S, Agrawal DK, Pikuleva IA, Abela GS, Grant MB, Busik JV. Cholesterol crystal formation is a unifying pathogenic mechanism in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetologia 2023; 66:1705-1718. [PMID: 37311879 PMCID: PMC10390399 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05949-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Hyper-reflective crystalline deposits found in retinal lesions have been suggested to predict the progression of diabetic retinopathy, but the nature of these structures remains unknown. METHODS Scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used to identify cholesterol crystals (CCs) in human donor, pig and mouse tissue. The effects of CCs were analysed in bovine retinal endothelial cells in vitro and in db/db mice in vivo using quantitative RT-PCR, bulk RNA sequencing, and cell death and permeability assays. Cholesterol homeostasis was determined using 2H2O and 2H7-cholesterol. RESULTS We identified hyper-reflective crystalline deposits in human diabetic retina as CCs. Similarly, CCs were found in the retina of a diabetic mouse model and a high-cholesterol diet-fed pig model. Cell culture studies demonstrated that treatment of retinal cells with CCs can recapitulate all major pathogenic mechanisms leading to diabetic retinopathy, including inflammation, cell death and breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. Fibrates, statins and α-cyclodextrin effectively dissolved CCs present in in vitro models of diabetic retinopathy, and prevented CC-induced endothelial pathology. Treatment of a diabetic mouse model with α-cyclodextrin reduced cholesterol levels and CC formation in the retina, and prevented diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION We established that cholesterol accumulation and CC formation are a unifying pathogenic mechanism in the development of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra S Hammer
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Tim F Dorweiler
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Delaney McFarland
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Yvonne Adu-Agyeiwaah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Natalia Mast
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nicole El-Darzi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Seth D Fortmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sunil Nooti
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Irina A Pikuleva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - George S Abela
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Maria B Grant
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Julia V Busik
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Villafán H, Gutiérrez-Ospina G. Looking beyond Self-Protection: The Eyes Instruct Systemic Immune Tolerance Early in Life. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1261. [PMID: 37759864 PMCID: PMC10526493 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091261] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The eyes provide themselves with immune tolerance. Frequent skin inflammatory diseases in young blind people suggest, nonetheless, that the eyes instruct a systemic immune tolerance that benefits the whole body. We tested this premise by using delayed skin contact hypersensitivity (DSCH) as a tool to compare the inflammatory response developed by sighted (S) and birth-enucleated (BE) mice against oxazolone or dinitrofluorobenzene at the ages of 10, 30 and 60 days of life. Adult mice enucleated (AE) at 60 days of age were also assessed when they reached 120 days of life. BE mice displayed exacerbated DSCH at 60 but not at 10 or 30 days of age. AE mice, in contrast, show no exacerbated DSCH. Skin inflammation in 60-day-old BE mice was hapten exclusive and supported by distinct CD8+ lymphocytes. The number of intraepidermal T lymphocytes and migrating Langerhans cells was, however, similar between S and BE mice by the age of 60 days. Our observations support the idea that the eyes instruct systemic immune tolerance that benefits organs outside the eyes from an early age. The higher prevalence of inflammatory skin disorders reported in young people might then reflect reduced immune tolerance associated with the impaired functional morphology of the eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horacio Villafán
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio D, 1piso, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Gutiérrez-Ospina
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Coordinación de Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Department of Zoology and Physiology and Wyoming Sensory Biology Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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30
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Zhang L, Abedin M, Jo HN, Levey J, Dinh QC, Chen Z, Angers S, Junge HJ. A Frizzled4-LRP5 agonist promotes blood-retina barrier function by inducing a Norrin-like transcriptional response. iScience 2023; 26:107415. [PMID: 37559903 PMCID: PMC10407957 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Norrin (NDP) and WNT7A/B induce and maintain the blood-brain and blood-retina barrier (BBB, BRB) by stimulating the Frizzled4-LDL receptor related protein 5/6 (FZD4-LRP5/6) complex to induce beta-catenin-dependent signaling in endothelial cells (ECs). Recently developed agonists for the FZD4-LRP5 complex have therapeutic potential in retinal and neurological diseases. Here, we use the tetravalent antibody modality F4L5.13 to identify agonist activities in Tspan12-/- mice, which display a complex retinal pathology due to impaired NDP-signaling. F4L5.13 administration during development alleviates BRB defects, retinal hypovascularization, and restores neural function. In mature Tspan12-/- mice F4L5.13 partially induces a BRB de novo without inducing angiogenesis. In a genetic model of impaired BRB maintenance, administration of F4L5.13 rapidly and substantially restores the BRB. scRNA-seq reveals perturbations of key mediators of barrier functions in juvenile Tspan12-/- mice, which are in large parts restored after F4L5.13 administration. This study identifies transcriptional and functional activities of FZD4-LRP5 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Md. Abedin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ha-Neul Jo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jacklyn Levey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Quynh Chau Dinh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Stephane Angers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harald J. Junge
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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31
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Coats JP, Cochereau R, Dinu IA, Messmer D, Sciortino F, Palivan CG. Trends in the Synthesis of Polymer Nano- and Microscale Materials for Bio-Related Applications. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200474. [PMID: 36949011 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric nano- and microscale materials bear significant potential in manifold applications related to biomedicine. This is owed not only to the large chemical diversity of the constituent polymers, but also to the various morphologies these materials can achieve, ranging from simple particles to intricate self-assembled structures. Modern synthetic polymer chemistry permits the tuning of many physicochemical parameters affecting the behavior of polymeric nano- and microscale materials in the biological context. In this Perspective, an overview of the synthetic principles underlying the modern preparation of these materials is provided, aiming to demonstrate how advances in and ingenious implementations of polymer chemistry fuel a range of applications, both present and prospective.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Peter Coats
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Rémy Cochereau
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Ionel Adrian Dinu
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Messmer
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Flavien Sciortino
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
- National Centre for Competence in Research - Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute, Klingelbergstrasse 82, Basel, CH-4056, Switzerland
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32
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Li S, Chen L, Fu Y. Nanotechnology-based ocular drug delivery systems: recent advances and future prospects. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:232. [PMID: 37480102 PMCID: PMC10362606 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01992-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular drug delivery has constantly challenged ophthalmologists and drug delivery scientists due to various anatomical and physiological barriers. Static and dynamic ocular barriers prevent the entry of exogenous substances and impede therapeutic agents' active absorption. This review elaborates on the anatomy of the eye and the associated constraints. Followed by an illustration of some common ocular diseases, including glaucoma and their current clinical therapies, emphasizing the significance of drug therapy in treating ocular diseases. Subsequently, advances in ocular drug delivery modalities, especially nanotechnology-based ocular drug delivery systems, are recommended, and some typical research is highlighted. Based on the related research, systematic and comprehensive characterizations of the nanocarriers are summarized, hoping to assist with future research. Besides, we summarize the nanotechnology-based ophthalmic drugs currently on the market or still in clinical trials and the recent patents of nanocarriers. Finally, inspired by current trends and therapeutic concepts, we provide an insight into the challenges faced by novel ocular drug delivery systems and further put forward directions for future research. We hope this review can provide inspiration and motivation for better design and development of novel ophthalmic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiding Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liangbo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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33
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Robles-Osorio ML, Sabath E. Tight junction disruption and the pathogenesis of the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus: A narrative review. World J Diabetes 2023; 14:1013-1026. [PMID: 37547580 PMCID: PMC10401447 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i7.1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The chronic complications of diabetes mellitus constitute a major public health problem. For example, diabetic eye diseases are the most important cause of blindness, and diabetic nephropathy is the most frequent cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of these chronic complications are still poorly understood, preventing the development of effective treatment strategies. Tight junctions (TJs) are epithelial intercellular junctions located at the most apical region of cell-cell contacts, and their main function is to restrict the passage of molecules through the paracellular space. The TJs consist of over 40 proteins, and the most important are occludin, claudins and the zonula occludens. Accumulating evidence suggests that TJ disruption in different organs, such as the brain, nerves, retina and kidneys, plays a fundamental pathophysiological role in the development of chronic complications. Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier has been demonstrated in diabetic neuropathy, brain injury and diabetic retinopathy. The consequences of TJ disruption on kidney function or progression of kidney disease are currently unknown. In the present review, we highlighted the molecular events that lead to barrier dysfunction in diabetes. Further investigation of the mechanisms underlying TJ disruption is expected to provide new insights into therapeutic approaches to ameliorate the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernesto Sabath
- Renal and Metabolism Unit, Hospital General de Querétaro, Queretaro 76180, Mexico
- Department of Nutrition, Universidad Autónoma de Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
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34
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Liu H, Ghosh S, Vaidya T, Bammidi S, Huang C, Shang P, Nair AP, Chowdhury O, Stepicheva NA, Strizhakova A, Hose S, Mitrousis N, Gadde SG, Mb T, Strassburger P, Widmer G, Lad EM, Fort PE, Sahel JA, Zigler JS, Sethu S, Westenskow PD, Proia AD, Sodhi A, Ghosh A, Feenstra D, Sinha D. Activated cGAS/STING signaling elicits endothelial cell senescence in early diabetic retinopathy. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e168945. [PMID: 37345657 PMCID: PMC10371250 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults and remains an important public health issue worldwide. Here we demonstrate that the expression of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is increased in patients with DR and animal models of diabetic eye disease. STING has been previously shown to regulate cell senescence and inflammation, key contributors to the development and progression of DR. To investigate the mechanism whereby STING contributes to the pathogenesis of DR, diabetes was induced in STING-KO mice and STINGGT (loss-of-function mutation) mice, and molecular alterations and pathological changes in the retina were characterized. We report that retinal endothelial cell senescence, inflammation, and capillary degeneration were all inhibited in STING-KO diabetic mice; these observations were independently corroborated in STINGGT mice. These protective effects resulted from the reduction in TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB phosphorylation in the absence of STING. Collectively, our results suggest that targeting STING may be an effective therapy for the early prevention and treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tanuja Vaidya
- GROW Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sridhar Bammidi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chao Huang
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peng Shang
- Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Olivia Chowdhury
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nadezda A Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anastasia Strizhakova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nikolaos Mitrousis
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Thirumalesh Mb
- GROW Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pamela Strassburger
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Widmer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora M Lad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patrice E Fort
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institut De La Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - J Samuel Zigler
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Peter D Westenskow
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alan D Proia
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pathology, Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Akrit Sodhi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bengaluru, India
| | - Derrick Feenstra
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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35
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Inague A, Alecrim LC, Monteiro JS, Yoshinaga MY, Setubal JC, Miyamoto S, Giordano RJ. Oxygen-induced pathological angiogenesis promotes intense lipid synthesis and remodeling in the retina. iScience 2023; 26:106777. [PMID: 37213234 PMCID: PMC10199268 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106777] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is a notable tissue with high metabolic needs which relies on specialized vascular networks to protect the neural retina while maintaining constant supplies of oxygen, nutrients, and dietary essential fatty acids. Here we analyzed the lipidome of the mouse retina under healthy and pathological angiogenesis using the oxygen-induced retinopathy model. By matching lipid profiles to changes in mRNA transcriptome, we identified a lipid signature showing that pathological angiogenesis leads to intense lipid remodeling favoring pathways for neutral lipid synthesis, cholesterol import/export, and lipid droplet formation. Noteworthy, it also shows profound changes in pathways for long-chain fatty acid production, vital for retina homeostasis. The net result is accumulation of large quantities of mead acid, a marker of essential fatty acid deficiency, and a potential marker for retinopathy severity. Thus, our lipid signature might contribute to better understand diseases of the retina that lead to vision impairment or blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Inague
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lilian Costa Alecrim
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jhonatas Sirino Monteiro
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcos Yukio Yoshinaga
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Setubal
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Sayuri Miyamoto
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
- Corresponding author
| | - Ricardo José Giordano
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
- Corresponding author
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36
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Ramos H, Hernández C, Simó R, Simó-Servat O. Inflammation: The Link between Neural and Vascular Impairment in the Diabetic Retina and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108796. [PMID: 37240138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is complex, multifactorial and compromises all the elements of the retinal neurovascular unit (NVU). This diabetic complication has a chronic low-grade inflammatory component involving multiple inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules. The diabetic milieu promotes reactive gliosis, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and leukocyte recruitment, which contribute to the disruption of the blood retinal barrier. The understanding and the continuous research of the mechanisms behind the strong inflammatory component of the disease allows the design of new therapeutic strategies to address this unmet medical need. In this context, the aim of this review article is to recapitulate the latest research on the role of inflammation in DR and to discuss the efficacy of currently administered anti-inflammatory treatments and those still under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Ramos
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernández
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Simó
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Simó-Servat
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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37
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Malan L, van Wyk R, von Känel R, Ziemssen T, Vilser W, Nilsson PM, Magnusson M, Jujic A, Mak D, Steyn F, Malan NT. The chronic stress risk phenotype mirrored in the human retina as a neurodegenerative condition. Stress 2023:1-43. [PMID: 37154816 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2210687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is the key organ that orchestrates the stress response which translates to the retina. The retina is an extension of the brain and retinal symptoms in subjects with neurodegenerative diseases substantiated the eye as a window to the brain. The retina is used in this study to determine whether chronic stress reflects neurodegenerative signs indicative of neurodegenerative conditions. A 3-year prospective cohort (n = 333; aged 46 ± 9 years) was stratified into stress-phenotype cases (n = 212) and controls (n = 121) by applying the Malan stress-phenotype index. Neurodegenerative risk markers included ischemia (astrocytic S100 calcium-binding protein B/S100B); 24h blood pressure, proteomics; inflammation (tumor-necrosis-factor-α/TNF-α); neuronal damage (neuron-specific-enolase); anti-apoptosis of retinal-ganglion-cells (beta-nerve-growth-factor), astrocytic activity (glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein); hematocrit (viscosity) and retinal follow-up data [vessels; stress-optic-neuropathy]. Stress-optic-neuropathy risk was calculated from two indices: a newly derived diastolic-ocular-perfusion-pressure cut-point ≥68 mmHg relating to the stress-phenotype; combined with an established cup-to-disc ratio cut-point ≥0.3. Higher stress-optic-neuropathy (39% vs. 17%) and hypertension (73% vs. 16%) prevalence was observed in the stress-phenotype cases vs. controls. Elevated diastolic-ocular-perfusion-pressure, indicating hypoperfusion, was related to arterial narrowing and trend for ischemia increases in the stress-phenotype. Ischemia in the stress-phenotype at baseline, follow-up and 3-yr changes was related to consistent inflammation (TNF-α and cytokine-interleukin-17-receptor-A), neuron-specific-enolase increases, consistent apoptosis (chitinase 3-like-1, low beta-nerve-growth-factor), glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein decreases, elevated viscosity, vein widening as risk marker of endothelial dysfunction in the blood-retinal-barrier, lower vein count, and elevated stress-optic-neuropathy. The stress-phenotype and related neurodegenerative signs of ongoing brain ischemia, apoptosis and endothelial dysfunction compromised blood-retinal-barrier permeability and optic nerve integrity. In fact, the stress-phenotype could identify persons at high risk of neurodegeneration to indicate a neurodegenerative condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoné Malan
- Technology Transfer and Innovation-Support Office; Private Bag X1290, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Roelof van Wyk
- Surgical Ophthalmologist; 85 Peter Mokaba Street, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Autonomic and Neuroendocrinological Laboratory Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus; Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Walthard Vilser
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and informatics; Technical University Ilmenau, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Section Neonatalogy; University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter M Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University; Malmö, Sweden
| | - Martin Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University; Malmö, Sweden
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART); North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Department of Cardiology; Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University; Malmö Sweden
| | - Amra Jujic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University; Malmö, Sweden
| | - Daniel Mak
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health; Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Faans Steyn
- Statistical Consultation Services; North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Nico T Malan
- Technology Transfer and Innovation-Support Office; Private Bag X1290, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
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38
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Braunger BM, Gießl A, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U. The Blood-ocular Barriers and their Dysfunction: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:650-661. [PMID: 37207638 DOI: 10.1055/a-2063-8957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Complex barriers comprise the blood-aqueous (BAB) and the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), and separate anterior and posterior eye chambers, vitreous body, and sensory retina from the circulation. They prevent pathogens and toxins from entering the eye, control movement of fluid, proteins, and metabolites, and contribute to the maintenance of the ocular immune status. Morphological correlates of blood-ocular barriers are tight junctions between neighboring endothelial and epithelial cells, which function as gatekeepers of the paracellular transport of molecules, thereby limiting their uncontrolled access to ocular chambers and tissues. The BAB is composed of tight junctions between endothelial cells of the iris vasculature, endothelial cells of Schlemm's canal inner wall, and cells of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. The BRB consists of tight junctions between endothelial cells of the retinal vessels (inner BRB) and epithelial cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (outer BRB). These junctional complexes respond rapidly to pathophysiological changes, thus enabling vascular leakage of blood-derived molecules and inflammatory cells into ocular tissues and chambers. Blood-ocular barrier function, which can be clinically measured by laser flare photometry or fluorophotometry, is compromised in traumatic, inflammatory, or infectious processes, but also frequently contributes to the pathophysiology of chronic diseases of the anterior eye segment and the retina, as exemplified by diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara M Braunger
- Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Gießl
- Augenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Medizinische Fakultät, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Augenklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Medizinische Fakultät, Erlangen, Deutschland
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Ahmad S, Wright KN, VonCannon JL, Ferrario CM, Ola MS, Choudhary M, Malek G, Gustafson JR, Sappington RM. Internalization of Angiotensin-(1-12) in Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial-19 Cells. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:290-299. [PMID: 36944130 PMCID: PMC10178934 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2022.0139] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Angiotensin-(1-12) [Ang-(1-12)] serves as a primary substrate to generate angiotensin II (Ang II) by angiotensin-converting enzyme and/or chymase suggests it may be an unrecognized source of Ang II-mediated microvascular complication in hypertension-mediated retinopathy. We investigated Ang-(1-12) expression and internalization in adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 (ARPE-19) cultured cells. We performed the internalization of Ang-(1-12) in ARPE-19 cells in the presence of a highly specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed against the C-terminal end of the Ang-(1-12) sequence. Methods: All experiments were performed in confluent ARPE-19 cells (passage 28-35). We employed high-performance liquid chromatography to purify radiolabeled, 125I-Ang-(1-12) and immuno-neutralization with Ang-(1-12) mAb to demonstrate Ang-(1-12)'s internalization in ARPE-19 cells. Internalization was also demonstrated by immunofluorescence (IF) method. Results: These procedures revealed internalization of an intact 125I-Ang-(1-12) in ARPE-19 cells. A significant reduction (∼53%, P < 0.0001) in 125I-Ang-(1-12) internalization was detected in APRE-19 cells in the presence of the mAb. IF staining experiments further confirms internalization of Ang-(1-12) into the cells from the extracellular culture medium. No endogenous expression was detected in the ARPE-19 cells. An increased intensity of IF staining was detected in cells exposed to 1.0 μM Ang-(1-12) compared with 0.1 μM. Furthermore, we found hydrolysis of Ang-(1-12) into Ang II by ARPE-19 cells' plasma membranes. Conclusions: Intact Ang-(1-12) peptide is internalized from the extracellular spaces in ARPE-19 cells and metabolized into Ang II. The finding that a selective mAb blocks cellular internalization of Ang-(1-12) suggests alternate therapeutic approaches to prevent/reduce the RPE cells Ang II burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarfaraz Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kendra N. Wright
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica L. VonCannon
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carlos M. Ferrario
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mohammad S. Ola
- Department of Biochemistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mayur Choudhary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Goldis Malek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jenna R. Gustafson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Sappington
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Chan YJ, Hsiao G, Wan WN, Yang TM, Tsai CH, Kang JJ, Lee YC, Fang TC, Cheng YW, Li CH. Blue light exposure collapses the inner blood-retinal barrier by accelerating endothelial CLDN5 degradation through the disturbance of GNAZ and the activation of ADAM17. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:31. [PMID: 37095509 PMCID: PMC10124034 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00430-7] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Blue light is part of the natural light spectrum that emits high energy. Currently, people are frequently exposed to blue light from 3C devices, resulting in a growing incidence of retinopathy. The retinal vasculature is complex, and retinal vessels not only serve the metabolic needs of the retinal sublayers, but also maintain electrolyte homeostasis by forming the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB). The iBRB, which is primarily composed of endothelial cells, has well-developed tight junctions. However, with exposure to blue light, the risks of targeting retinal endothelial cells are currently unknown. We found that endothelial claudin-5 (CLDN5) was rapidly degraded under blue light, coinciding with the activation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), even at non-cytotoxic lighting. An apparently broken tight junction and a permeable paracellular cleft were observed. Mice exposed to blue light displayed iBRB leakage, conferring attenuation of the electroretinogram b-wave and oscillatory potentials. Both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of ADAM17 remarkably alleviated CLDN5 degradation induced by blue light. Under untreated condition, ADAM17 is sequestered by GNAZ (a circadian-responsive, retina-enriched inhibitory G protein), whereas ADAM17 escapes from GNAZ by blue light illuminance. GNAZ knockdown led to ADAM17 hyperactivation, CLDN5 downregulation, and paracellular permeability in vitro, and retinal damage mimicked blue light exposure in vivo. These data demonstrate that blue light exposure might impair the iBRB by accelerating CLDN5 degradation through the disturbance of the GNAZ-ADAM17 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ju Chan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - George Hsiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Nok Wan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Min Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hao Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jaw-Jou Kang
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Chao Fang
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- TMU Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Hao Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- TMU Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Gugleva V, Andonova V. Recent Progress of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as Ocular Drug Delivery Platforms. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030474. [PMID: 36986574 PMCID: PMC10058782 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sufficient ocular bioavailability is often considered a challenge by the researchers, due to the complex structure of the eye and its protective physiological mechanisms. In addition, the low viscosity of the eye drops and the resulting short ocular residence time further contribute to the observed low drug concentration at the target site. Therefore, various drug delivery platforms are being developed to enhance ocular bioavailability, provide controlled and sustained drug release, reduce the number of applications, and maximize therapy outcomes. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) exhibit all these benefits, in addition to being biocompatible, biodegradable, and susceptible to sterilization and scale-up. Furthermore, their successive surface modification contributes to prolonged ocular residence time (by adding cationic compounds), enhanced penetration, and improved performance. The review highlights the salient characteristics of SLNs and NLCs concerning ocular drug delivery, and updates the research progress in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viliana Gugleva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 55 Marin Drinov Str., 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Velichka Andonova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 55 Marin Drinov Str., 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
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Shinozaki Y, Tega Y, Akanuma SI, Hosoya KI. The Structural Characteristics of Compounds Interacting with the Amantadine-Sensitive Drug Transport System at the Inner Blood–Retinal Barrier. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030435. [PMID: 36986534 PMCID: PMC10053584 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-to-retina transport across the inner blood–retinal barrier (BRB) is a key determinant of retinal drug concentration and pharmacological effect. Recently, we reported on the amantadine-sensitive drug transport system, which is different from well-characterized transporters, at the inner BRB. Since amantadine and its derivatives exhibit neuroprotective effects, it is expected that a detailed understanding of this transport system would lead to the efficient retinal delivery of these potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of retinal diseases. The objective of this study was to characterize the structural features of compounds for the amantadine-sensitive transport system. Inhibition analysis conducted on a rat inner BRB model cell line indicated that the transport system strongly interacts with lipophilic amines, especially primary amines. In addition, lipophilic primary amines that have polar groups, such as hydroxy and carboxy groups, did not inhibit the amantadine transport system. Furthermore, certain types of primary amines with an adamantane skeleton or linear alkyl chain exhibited a competitive inhibition of amantadine uptake, suggesting that these compounds are potential substrates for the amantadine-sensitive drug transport system at the inner BRB. These results are helpful for producing the appropriate drug design to improve the blood-to-retina delivery of neuroprotective drugs.
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Lasak M, Ciepluch K. Overview of mechanism and consequences of endothelial leakiness caused by metal and polymeric nanoparticles. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 14:329-338. [PMID: 36925613 PMCID: PMC10012047 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.14.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unique physicochemical properties that enable them to overcome biological barriers and to be considered one of the best materials with anticancer properties. Most of the administered NPs that end up in the bloodstream interact with the endothelial layer. The interaction of the NPs with the endothelium widens the existing gaps or induces new ones in the monolayer of vascular endothelial cells, thus increasing the access to the target sites in the organism. This type of interaction can lead to NP-modulated endothelial leakiness (NanoEL). The most important factors determining NanoEL are the physicochemical properties of the NPs. NP-modulated endothelial leakiness can lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and strategies to improve drug delivery through controlling and regulating NanoEL. Nevertheless, the NanoEL mechanism also carries some limitations that result from an incomplete understanding of NP metabolism and toxicity, and the possibility of their participation in the unintended bidirectional vascular permeability, which may contribute to the formation of cancer metastases. In this review we are focusing on the effect of metal and polymeric NPs on mechanism and degree of induction of NanoEL, as well as on the benefits and risks of using NPs that induce endothelial leakiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Lasak
- Division of Medical Biology, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Uniwersytecka Street 7, Kielce, Poland
| | - Karol Ciepluch
- Division of Medical Biology, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Uniwersytecka Street 7, Kielce, Poland
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The Pathological Activation of Microglia Is Modulated by Sexually Dimorphic Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054739. [PMID: 36902168 PMCID: PMC10003784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the primary immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Their ability to survey, assess and respond to perturbations in their local environment is critical in their role of maintaining CNS homeostasis in health and disease. Microglia also have the capability of functioning in a heterogeneous manner depending on the nature of their local cues, as they can become activated on a spectrum from pro-inflammatory neurotoxic responses to anti-inflammatory protective responses. This review seeks to define the developmental and environmental cues that support microglial polarization towards these phenotypes, as well as discuss sexually dimorphic factors that can influence this process. Further, we describe a variety of CNS disorders including autoimmune disease, infection, and cancer that demonstrate disparities in disease severity or diagnosis rates between males and females, and posit that microglial sexual dimorphism underlies these differences. Understanding the mechanism behind differential CNS disease outcomes between men and women is crucial in the development of more effective targeted therapies.
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TRPV4 channels promote vascular permeability in retinal vascular disease. Exp Eye Res 2023; 228:109405. [PMID: 36773739 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a calcium (Ca2+)-permeable cation channel, in the pathophysiology of retinal vascular disease. The retinal vein occlusion (RVO) murine model was created by irradiating retinal veins using lasers. TRPV4 expression and localization were evaluated in RVO mice retinas. In addition, we examined the effects of TRPV4 antagonists (RQ-00317310, HC-067047, GSK2193874, and GSK2798745) on retinal edema, blood flow, and ischemic areas in RVO mice. Furthermore, changes in the retinal expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and aquaporin4 (AQP4) by RQ-00317310 were analyzed using Western blot. We also assessed the barrier integrity of epithelial cell monolayers using trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) in Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HRMECs). The expression of TRPV4 was significantly increased and co-localized with glutamine synthetase (GS), a Müller glial marker, in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) of the RVO mice. Moreover, RQ-00317310 administration ameliorated the development of retinal edema and ischemia in RVO mice. In addition, the up regulation of TNF-α and down-regulation of AQP4 were lessened by the treatment with RQ-00317310. Treatment with GSK1016790A, a TRPV4 agonist, increased vascular permeability, while RQ-00317310 treatment decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- or TRPV4-induced retinal vascular hyperpermeability in HRMECs. These findings suggest that TRPV4 plays a role in the development of retinal edema and ischemia. Thus, TRPV4 could be a new therapeutic target against the pathological symptoms of retinal vascular diseases.
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Tomasoni M, Beyeler MJ, Vela SO, Mounier N, Porcu E, Corre T, Krefl D, Button AL, Abouzeid H, Lazaros K, Bochud M, Schlingemann R, Bergin C, Bergmann S. Genome-Wide Association Studies of Retinal Vessel Tortuosity Identify Numerous Novel Loci Revealing Genes and Pathways Associated with Ocular and Cardiometabolic Diseases. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100288. [PMID: 37131961 PMCID: PMC10149284 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To identify novel susceptibility loci for retinal vascular tortuosity, to better understand the molecular mechanisms modulating this trait, and reveal causal relationships with diseases and their risk factors. Design Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) of vascular tortuosity of retinal arteries and veins followed by replication meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR). Participants We analyzed 116 639 fundus images of suitable quality from 63 662 participants from 3 cohorts, namely the UK Biobank (n = 62 751), the Swiss Kidney Project on Genes in Hypertension (n = 397), and OphtalmoLaus (n = 512). Methods Using a fully automated retina image processing pipeline to annotate vessels and a deep learning algorithm to determine the vessel type, we computed the median arterial, venous and combined vessel tortuosity measured by the distance factor (the length of a vessel segment over its chord length), as well as by 6 alternative measures that integrate over vessel curvature. We then performed the largest GWAS of these traits to date and assessed gene set enrichment using the novel high-precision statistical method PascalX. Main Outcome Measure We evaluated the genetic association of retinal tortuosity, measured by the distance factor. Results Higher retinal tortuosity was significantly associated with higher incidence of angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and hypertension. We identified 175 significantly associated genetic loci in the UK Biobank; 173 of these were novel and 4 replicated in our second, much smaller, metacohort. We estimated heritability at ∼25% using linkage disequilibrium score regression. Vessel type specific GWAS revealed 116 loci for arteries and 63 for veins. Genes with significant association signals included COL4A2, ACTN4, LGALS4, LGALS7, LGALS7B, TNS1, MAP4K1, EIF3K, CAPN12, ECH1, and SYNPO2. These tortuosity genes were overexpressed in arteries and heart muscle and linked to pathways related to the structural properties of the vasculature. We demonstrated that retinal tortuosity loci served pleiotropic functions as cardiometabolic disease variants and risk factors. Concordantly, MR revealed causal effects between tortuosity, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein. Conclusions Several alleles associated with retinal vessel tortuosity suggest a common genetic architecture of this trait with ocular diseases (glaucoma, myopia), cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Our results shed new light on the genetics of vascular diseases and their pathomechanisms and highlight how GWASs and heritability can be used to improve phenotype extraction from high-dimensional data, such as images. Financial Disclosures The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Tomasoni
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Johannes Beyeler
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Ortin Vela
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ninon Mounier
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Porcu
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tanguy Corre
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Krefl
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Luke Button
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hana Abouzeid
- Division of Ophthalmology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinical Eye Research Center Memorial Adolphe de Rothschild, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Murielle Bochud
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Reinier Schlingemann
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sven Bergmann
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Correspondence: Sven Bergmann, PhD, University of Lausanne, Genopode, Lausanne 1016, Switzerland.
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Haydinger CD, Ferreira LB, Williams KA, Smith JR. Mechanisms of macular edema. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1128811. [PMID: 36960343 PMCID: PMC10027768 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1128811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Macular edema is the pathological accumulation of fluid in the central retina. It is a complication of many retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions and uveitis, among others. Macular edema causes decreased visual acuity and, when chronic or refractory, can cause severe and permanent visual impairment and blindness. In most instances, it develops due to dysregulation of the blood-retinal barrier which permits infiltration of the retinal tissue by proteins and other solutes that are normally retained in the blood. The increase in osmotic pressure in the tissue drives fluid accumulation. Current treatments include vascular endothelial growth factor blockers, corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These treatments target vasoactive and inflammatory mediators that cause disruption to the blood-retinal barrier. In this review, a clinical overview of macular edema is provided, mechanisms of disease are discussed, highlighting processes targeted by current treatments, and areas of opportunity for future research are identified.
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de Almeida Faria ACR, Dall'Agnol JF, Gouveia AM, De Paiva CI, Segalla VC, Ogata FE, Baena CP. Cognitive Performance and Diabetic Retinopathy: What Your Eyes Can Reveal About Your Brain. Curr Diabetes Rev 2023; 19:e050822207323. [PMID: 35929625 PMCID: PMC10617788 DOI: 10.2174/1573399819666220805154638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic diabetes complication. People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) have two times the risk for dementia, suggesting it is a new chronic diabetes complication. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the association of DR with cognitive performance in a T2DM population. METHODS Cross-sectional study with 400 T2DM adults from whom socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory data were collected, and screening test for depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionaire- 9 (PHQ-9)), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Semantic Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test A and B, Word Memory test were performed. All cognitive test scores were converted into Global Cognition z-Score (GCS(z)). The association between GCS(z) < 0 with DR was performed using a multivariate binary logistic regression model adjusted for age ≥ 65 years, school years ≤ 6 years, DM duration ≥ 10 years, depression symptoms score > 9 at PHQ-9, arterial hypertension, physical activity, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and cardiovascular disease. RESULTS After exclusions, the 251 eligible patients were 56.6% female, with a mean age of 61.1 (±9.8) years, DM duration of 12.6 (±8.9) years, and 7.6 (±4.2) years of school education. DR prevalence was 46.5%. Multivariate Logistic Regression Model showed an association between DR and GCS(z) < 0, with odds ratio (CI95%) of 2.50 (1.18-5.34), adjusted for age, low education level, arterial hypertension and depression symptoms (OD and CI95% respectively: 5.46(2.42-12.34); 12.19 (5.62-26.46); 2.55 (0.88-7.39); 3.53 (1.55-8.07)). CONCLUSION In this T2DM population, having DR increased the chance for worse cognitive performance even when adjusted for age, low education level, presence of arterial hypertension, and depression symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Ravazzani de Almeida Faria
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Joceline Franco Dall'Agnol
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Aline Maciel Gouveia
- Department of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Clara Inácio De Paiva
- Department of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cristina Pellegrino Baena
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Pathologically high intraocular pressure disturbs normal iron homeostasis and leads to retinal ganglion cell ferroptosis in glaucoma. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:69-81. [PMID: 35933500 PMCID: PMC9883496 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01046-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma can result in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and permanently damaged vision. Pathologically high intraocular pressure (ph-IOP) is the leading cause of damaged vision during glaucoma; however, controlling ph-IOP alone does not entirely prevent the loss of glaucomatous RGCs, and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we reported an increase in ferric iron in patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (the most typical glaucoma with ph-IOP damage) compared with the average population by analyzing free iron levels in peripheral serum. Thus, iron metabolism might be involved in regulating the injury of RGCs under ph-IOP. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that ph-IOP led to abnormal accumulation of ferrous iron in cells and retinas at 1-8 h post-injury and elevation of ferric iron in serum at 8 h post-injury. Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated degradation of ferritin heavy polypeptide 1(FTH1) is essential to disrupt iron metabolism in the retina after ph-IOP injury. Furthermore, knockdown of Ncoa4 in vivo inhibited FTH1 degradation and reduced the retinal ferrous iron level. Elevated ferrous iron induced by ph-IOP led to a marked accumulation of pro-ferroptotic factors (lipid peroxidation and acyl CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4) and a depletion of anti-ferroptotic factors (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These biochemical changes resulted in RGC ferroptosis. Deferiprone can pass through the blood-retinal barrier after oral administration and chelated abnormally elevated ferrous iron in the retina after ph-IOP injury, thus inhibiting RGC ferroptosis and protecting visual function. In conclusion, this study revealed the role of NCOA4-FTH1-mediated disturbance of iron metabolism and ferroptosis in RGCs during glaucoma. We demonstrate the protective effect of Deferiprone on RGCs via inhibition of ferroptosis, providing a research direction to understand and treat glaucoma via the iron homeostasis and ferroptosis pathways.
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Dillinger AE, Tamm ER. Retinal Pigmented Epithelium-Derived Ectopic Norrin Does Not Promote Intraretinal Angiogenesis in Transgenic Mice. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:241-248. [PMID: 37440040 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Formation of intraretinal capillaries and inner blood-retinal barrier during development requires norrin, a ligand of the canonical wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway. Here we addressed the question whether retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE)-derived overexpression of norrin in transgenic mice rescues the vascular phenotype caused by norrin deficiency. To this end, we generated NdpKO/Rpe65-Norrin mice and analyzed the activation of β-catenin signaling, the development of intraretinal capillaries, and the expression of blood-retinal barrier marker molecules. RPE-derived norrin induced retinal β-catenin signaling but failed to rescue the vascular developmental defects and the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier in norrin-deficient mice. Sites of ectopic norrin expression and the amounts of secreted transgenic protein are critical factors to enable the angiogenic properties of norrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Dillinger
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Ernst R Tamm
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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