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Bugara K, Pacwa A, Smedowski A. Molecular pathways in experimental glaucoma models. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1363170. [PMID: 38562304 PMCID: PMC10982327 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1363170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex and progressive disease that primarily affects the optic nerve axons, leading to irreversible vision loss. Although the exact molecular mechanisms underlying glaucoma pathogenesis are not fully understood, it is believed that except increased intraocular pressure, a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disease. Animal models have been widely used in the study of glaucoma, allowing researchers to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease and test potential treatments. Several molecular pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and excitotoxic-induced neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the most important knowledge about molecular mechanisms involved in the glaucoma development. Although much research has been done to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease, there is still much to be learned to develop effective treatments and prevent vision loss in those affected by glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Bugara
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Pacwa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Professor K. Gibinski University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Jamrozik D, Dutczak R, Machowicz J, Wojtyniak A, Smędowski A, Pietrucha-Dutczak M. Metallothioneins, a Part of the Retinal Endogenous Protective System in Various Ocular Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1251. [PMID: 37371981 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061251] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins are the metal-rich proteins that play important roles in metal homeostasis and detoxification. Moreover, these proteins protect cells against oxidative stress, inhibit proapoptotic mechanisms and enhance cell differentiation and survival. Furthermore, MTs, mainly MT-1/2 and MT-3, play a vital role in protecting the neuronal retinal cells in the eye. Expression disorders of these proteins may be responsible for the development of various age-related eye diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. In this review, we focused on the literature reports suggesting that these proteins may be a key component of the endogenous protection system of the retinal neurons, and, when the expression of MTs is disrupted, this system becomes inefficient. Moreover, we described the location of different MT isoforms in ocular tissues. Then we discussed the changes in MT subtypes' expression in the context of the common eye diseases. Finally, we highlighted the possibility of the use of MTs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jamrozik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Radosław Dutczak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Machowicz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Alicja Wojtyniak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrian Smędowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- GlaucoTech Co., Gen., Władysława Sikorskiego 45/177, 40-282 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marita Pietrucha-Dutczak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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Zhang Z, Guo Z, Tu Z, Yang H, Li C, Hu M, Zhang Y, Jin P, Hou S. Cortex-specific transcriptome profiling reveals upregulation of interferon-regulated genes after deeper cerebral hypoperfusion in mice. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1056354. [PMID: 36994418 PMCID: PMC10040763 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1056354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is commonly accompanied by brain injury and glial activation. In addition to white matter lesions, the intensity of CCH greatly affects the degree of gray matter damage. However, little is understood about the underlying molecular mechanisms related to cortical lesions and glial activation following hypoperfusion. Efforts to investigate the relationship between neuropathological alternations and gene expression changes support a role for identifying novel molecular pathways by transcriptomic mechanisms.Methods: Chronic cerebral ischemic injury model was induced by the bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) using 0.16/0.18 mm microcoils. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was evaluated using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system. Spatial learning and memory were assessed by Morris water maze test. Histological changes were evaluated by Hematoxylin staining. Microglial activation and neuronal loss were further examined by immunofluorescence staining. Cortex-specific gene expression profiling analysis was performed in sham and BCAS mice, and then validated by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results: In our study, compared with the sham group, the right hemisphere CBF of BCAS mice decreased to 69% and the cognitive function became impaired at 4 weeks postoperation. Besides, the BCAS mice displayed profound gray matter damage, including atrophy and thinning of the cortex, accompanied by neuronal loss and increased activated microglia. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that hypoperfusion-induced upregulated genes were significantly enriched in the pathways of interferon (IFN)-regulated signaling along with neuroinflammation signaling. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) predicted the importance of type I IFN signaling in regulating the CCH gene network. The obtained RNA-seq data were validated by qRT-PCR in cerebral cortex, showing consistency with the RNA-seq results. Also, IHC staining revealed elevated expression of IFN-inducible protein in cerebral cortex following BCAS-hypoperfusion.Conclusion: Overall, the activation of IFN-mediated signaling enhanced our understanding of the neuroimmune responses induced by CCH. The upregulation of IFN-regulated genes (IRGs) might exert a critical impact on the progression of cerebral hypoperfusion. Our improved understanding of cortex-specific transcriptional profiles will be helpful to explore potential targets for CCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zimin Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhilan Tu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hualan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Mengting Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengpeng Jin
- Department of Chronic Disease Management, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangxing Hou, ; Pengpeng Jin,
| | - Shuangxing Hou
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangxing Hou, ; Pengpeng Jin,
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Pacwa A, Machowicz J, Akhtar S, Rodak P, Liu X, Pietrucha-Dutczak M, Lewin-Kowalik J, Amadio M, Smedowski A. Deficiency of the RNA-binding protein ELAVL1/HuR leads to the failure of endogenous and exogenous neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1131356. [PMID: 36874215 PMCID: PMC9982123 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1131356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction ELAVL1/HuR is a keystone regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, including stress response and homeostasis maintenance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hur silencing on the age-related degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), which potentially describes the efficiency of endogenous neuroprotection mechanisms, as well as to assess the exogenous neuroprotection capacity of hur-silenced RGC in the rat glaucoma model. Methods The study consisted of in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro, we used rat B-35 cells to investigate, whether AAV-shRNA-HuR delivery affects survival and oxidative stress markers under temperature and excitotoxic insults. In vivo approach consisted of two different settings. In first one, 35 eight-week-old rats received intravitreal injection of AAV-shRNA-HuR or AAV-shRNA scramble control. Animals underwent electroretinography tests and were sacrificed 2, 4 or 6 months after injection. Retinas and optic nerves were collected and processed for immunostainings, electron microscopy and stereology. For the second approach, animals received similar gene constructs. To induce chronic glaucoma, 8 weeks after AAV injection, unilateral episcleral vein cauterization was performed. Animals from each group received intravitreal injection of metallothionein II. Animals underwent electroretinography tests and were sacrificed 8 weeks later. Retinas and optic nerves were collected and processed for immunostainings, electron microscopy and stereology. Results Silencing of hur induced apoptosis and increased oxidative stress markers in B-35 cells. Additionally, shRNA treatment impaired the cellular stress response to temperature and excitotoxic insults. In vivo, RGC count was decreased by 39% in shRNA-HuR group 6 months after injection, when compared to shRNA scramble control group. In neuroprotection study, the average loss of RGCs was 35% in animals with glaucoma treated with metallothionein and shRNA-HuR and 11.4% in animals with glaucoma treated with metallothionein and the scramble control shRNA. An alteration in HuR cellular content resulted in diminished photopic negative responses in the electroretinogram. Conclusions Based on our findings, we conclude that HuR is essential for the survival and efficient neuroprotection of RGC and that the induced alteration in HuR content accelerates both the age-related and glaucoma-induced decline in RGC number and function, further confirming HuR's key role in maintaining cell homeostasis and its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pacwa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Machowicz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Saeed Akhtar
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Inaya Medical Colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Piotr Rodak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marita Pietrucha-Dutczak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Lewin-Kowalik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, The University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
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Aranaz M, Costas-Rodríguez M, Lobo L, García M, González-Iglesias H, Pereiro R, Vanhaecke F. Homeostatic alterations related to total antioxidant capacity, elemental concentrations and isotopic compositions in aqueous humor of glaucoma patients. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 414:515-524. [PMID: 34173037 PMCID: PMC8748375 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial eye disease, characterized by progressive optic neurodegeneration. Elevation of the intraocular pressure is the main risk factor for glaucoma and is a consequence of an imbalance in the aqueous humor hydrodynamics, the physiology of which is influenced by the homeostatic equilibrium of essential elements, oxidative stress, and antioxidants. The aim of this work was to study local alterations in glaucomatous patients from two different, but connected, points of view: (i) the total antioxidant capacity (as an indicator of oxidative damage) and (ii) the concentration of mineral elements and their isotopic composition. Such objective was pursued using aqueous humor from patients diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG, n = 17) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, n = 5) and age-matched control subjects (n = 16). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was examined in both aqueous humor and 60 serum samples (n = 20 controls, n = 20 for PEXG, and n = 20 for POAG), both showing higher TAC for the glaucoma population. The concentrations of the essential mineral elements (Cu, Fe, Mg, Na, P, and Zn) and the isotopic compositions of Cu and Zn were determined in aqueous humor using single-collector and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, respectively. Significant differences were established for Mg and P levels when comparing the results for glaucomatous patients with those for the control population (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 for Mg and P respectively, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis). The Zn isotopic composition was significantly shifted from that for the control population for PEXG patients. A significant difference in the isotopic composition of Zn was also established between the PEXG and POAG glaucoma cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Aranaz
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Avda. Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta Costas-Rodríguez
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281 - S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lara Lobo
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Avda. Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Montserrat García
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Avda. Fernández-Vega 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avda. Fernández-Vega 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Iglesias
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Avda. Fernández-Vega 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avda. Fernández-Vega 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rosario Pereiro
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Avda. Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avda. Fernández-Vega 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Frank Vanhaecke
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281 - S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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Huang X, Deng J, Xu T, Xin W, Zhang Y, Ruan X. Downregulation of metallothionein-2 contributes to oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:91. [PMID: 33849565 PMCID: PMC8045403 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02139-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously reported a correlation between small doses of oxaliplatin penetrating onto the spinal cord and acute pain after chemotherapy. Here, we propose that MT2 within the spinal dorsal horns participates in the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain and may be a pharmacological target for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods The rat model of CIPN was established by 5 consecutive injections of oxaliplatin (0.4 mg/100 g/day). Genetic restoration of neuron-specific metallothionein-2 was implemented 21 days before oxaliplatin treatment, and also, genetic inhibition by metallothionein-2 siRNA was performed. Mechanical allodynia and locomotor activity were assayed. Cell-specific expression of metallothionein-2, the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, the protein levels of expression of IκB-α, and interaction between IκB-α and P65 were evaluated in the spinal dorsal horns. Also, in vitro interaction of sequentially deleted IκB-α promoter with metallothionein-2 was used to assess the signal transduction mechanism. Results We found that oxaliplatin induced downregulation of metallothionein-2 in rat spinal cord neurons. By contrast, genetic restoration of metallothionein-2 in the spinal dorsal horn neuron blocked and reversed neuropathic pain in oxaliplatin-treated rats of both sexes, whereas genetic inhibition of metallothionein-2 triggered neuropathic pain in normal rats. Overall locomotor activity was not impaired after the genetic alterations of metallothionein-2. At the molecular level, metallothionein-2 modulated oxaliplatin-induced neuroinflammation, activation of NF-κB, and inactive transcriptional expression of IκB-α promoter, and these processes could be blocked by genetic restoration of metallothionein-2 in the spinal dorsal horn neurons. Conclusions Metallothionein-2 is a potential target for the prevention and treatment of CIPN. A reduction of NF-κB activation and inflammatory responses by enhancing the transcription of IκB-α promoter is proposed in the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Huang
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Wenjun Xin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yuehong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, 602 Renminbei Road, Guangzhou, 510180, China.
| | - Xiangcai Ruan
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, 602 Renminbei Road, Guangzhou, 510180, China.
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New perspectives of immunomodulation and neuroprotection in glaucoma. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:105-110. [PMID: 33897291 PMCID: PMC8056344 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.104329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the neurodegenerative disease of retinal ganglion cells. The main risk factor for glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure. The processes leading to cell death due to presence of the injury factor comprise multiple molecular mechanisms, as well as the immunological response. The knowledge of immunological mechanisms occurring in glaucomatous degeneration makes it possible to introduce glaucoma treatment modulating the cellular degradation. The glaucoma treatment of the future will make it possible not only to lower the intraocular pressure, but also to moderate the intracellular mechanisms in order to prevent retinal cell degeneration. Citicoline is a drug modulating glutamate excitotoxicity that is already in use. Rho kinase inhibitors were found to stimulate neurite growth and axon regeneration apart from lowering intraocular pressure. The complementary action of brimonidine is to increase neurotrophic factor (NTF) concentrations and inhibit glutamate toxicity. Immunomodulatory therapies with antibodies and gene therapies show promising effects in the current studies. The supplementation of NTFs prevents glaucomatous damage. Resveratrol and other antioxidants inhibit reactive oxygen species formation. Cell transplantation of stem cells, Schwann cells and nerve extracts was reported to be successful so far. Our review presents the most promising new strategies of neuroprotection and immunomodulation in glaucoma.
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Neuroprotective Strategies for Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration: Current Status and Challenges Ahead. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072262. [PMID: 32218163 PMCID: PMC7177277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the output cells of the retina into the brain. In mammals, these cells are not able to regenerate their axons after optic nerve injury, leaving the patients with optic neuropathies with permanent visual loss. An effective RGCs-directed therapy could provide a beneficial effect to prevent the progression of the disease. Axonal injury leads to the functional loss of RGCs and subsequently induces neuronal death, and axonal regeneration would be essential to restore the neuronal connectivity, and to reestablish the function of the visual system. The manipulation of several intrinsic and extrinsic factors has been proposed in order to stimulate axonal regeneration and functional repairing of axonal connections in the visual pathway. However, there is a missing point in the process since, until now, there is no therapeutic strategy directed to promote axonal regeneration of RGCs as a therapeutic approach for optic neuropathies.
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Yadav KS, Sharma S, Londhe VY. Bio-tactics for neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells in the treatment of glaucoma. Life Sci 2020; 243:117303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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10
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Rashid M, Yousaf S, Sheikh SA, Sajid Z, Shabbir AS, Kausar T, Tariq N, Usman M, Shaikh RS, Ali M, Bukhari SA, Waryah AM, Qasim M, Riazuddin S, Ahmed ZM. Identities and frequencies of variants in CYP1B1 causing primary congenital glaucoma in Pakistan. Mol Vis 2019; 25:144-154. [PMID: 30820150 PMCID: PMC6386514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease. The present study was undertaken to find the genetic causes of PCG segregating in 36 large consanguineous Pakistani families. Methods Ophthalmic examination including fundoscopy, or slit-lamp microscopy was performed to clinically characterize the PCG phenotype. Genomic nucleotide sequences of the CYP1B1 and LTBP2 genes were analyzed with either Sanger or whole exome sequencing. In silico prediction programs were used to assess the pathogenicity of identified alleles. ClustalW alignments were performed to determine evolutionary conservation, and three-dimensional (3D) modeling was performed using HOPE and Phyre2 software. Results Among the known loci, mutations in CYP1B1 and LTBP2 are the common causes of PCG. Therefore, we analyzed the genomic nucleotide sequences of CYP1B1 and LTBP2, and detected probable pathogenic variants cosegregating with PCG in 14 families. These included the three novel (c.542T>A, c.1436A>G, and c.1325delC) and five known (c.868dupC, c.1168C>T, c.1169G>A, c.1209InsTCATGCCACC, and c.1310C>T) variants in CYP1B1. Two of the novel variants are missense substitutions [p.(Leu181Gln), p.(Gln479Arg)], which replaced evolutionary conserved amino acids, and are predicted to be pathogenic by various in silico programs, while the third variant (c.1325delC) is predicted to cause reading frameshift and premature truncation of the protein. A single mutation, p.(Arg390His), causes PCG in six (~43%) of the 14 CYP1B1 mutations harboring families, and thus, is the most common variant in this cohort. Surprisingly, we did not find any LTBP2 pathogenic variants in the families, which further supports the genetic heterogeneity of PCG in the Pakistani population. Conclusions In conclusion, results of the present study enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of PCG, support the notion of a genetic modifier of CYP1B1, and contribute to the development of genetic testing protocols and genetic counseling for PCG in Pakistani families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rashid
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD,Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sairah Yousaf
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shakeel A. Sheikh
- Molecular Biology & Genetics Department, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Zureesha Sajid
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD,Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Asra S. Shabbir
- University College of Pharmacy, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tasleem Kausar
- Zoology Department, Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Nabeela Tariq
- Zoology Department, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehan S. Shaikh
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shazia A. Bukhari
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali M. Waryah
- Molecular Biology & Genetics Department, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Saima Riazuddin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
| | - Zubair M. Ahmed
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
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Li L, Wang Y, Qin X, Zhang J, Zhang Z. Echinacoside protects retinal ganglion cells from ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in the rat retina. Mol Vis 2018; 24:746-758. [PMID: 30581281 PMCID: PMC6279312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether echinacoside (ECH) protects the retina against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, sham plus ECH, I/R plus vehicle, and I/R plus ECH. Before the retinal I/R injury produced by high intraocular pressure (HOP), ECH was administered (20 mg/kg daily) for 7 days. The level of retinal cell damage was evaluated using Fluoro-Gold (FG) retrograde labeling and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) analysis 7 days after I/R. Optic nerve histology was analyzed with transmission electron microscopy. Levels of retinal malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined. The expression of apoptosis-associated factors (Apaf-1, Parp, and Bad) were analyzed with western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNFα], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], and IL-6) was analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 7 days after the I/R injury as well. Results The administration of ECH not only preserved retinal morphology but also attenuated retinal inflammation and apoptosis at 7 days after the I/R injury and decreased I/R-induced oxidative stress in the retina statistically significantly. Conclusions ECH protected against I/R-induced retinal injury, via activation of antioxidant enzymes and suppression of inflammation. Therefore, ECH could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment and management of I/R retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - YeFei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - XiuHong Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, DaLian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - ZhenZhen Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Pietrucha-Dutczak M, Amadio M, Govoni S, Lewin-Kowalik J, Smedowski A. The Role of Endogenous Neuroprotective Mechanisms in the Prevention of Retinal Ganglion Cells Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:834. [PMID: 30524222 PMCID: PMC6262299 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurons are not able to undergo spontaneous regeneration in response to damage. A variety of stressors, i.e., UV radiation, high temperature, ischemia, allergens, and others, induce reactive oxygen species production, resulting in consecutive alteration of stress-response gene expression and finally can lead to cell apoptosis. Neurons have developed their own endogenous cellular protective systems. Some of them are preventing cell death and others are allowing functional recovery after injury. The high efficiency of these mechanisms is crucial for cell survival. In this review we focus on the contribution of the most recently studied endogenous neuroprotective factors involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival, among which, neurotrophic factors and their signaling pathways, processes regulating the redox status, and different pathways regulating cell death are the most important. Additionally, we summarize currently ongoing clinical trials for therapies for RGC degeneration and optic neuropathies, including glaucoma. Knowledge of the endogenous cellular protective mechanisms may help in the development of effective therapies and potential novel therapeutic targets in order to achieve progress in the treatment of retinal and optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Pietrucha-Dutczak
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Joanna Lewin-Kowalik
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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FluoroGold-Labeled Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture for Neurotoxicity Screening Studies. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:2487473. [PMID: 29560079 PMCID: PMC5831603 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2487473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical toxicity screening of the new retinal compounds is an absolute requirement in the pathway of further drug development. Since retinal neuron cultivation and in vivo studies are relatively expensive and time consuming, we aimed to create a fast and reproducible ex vivo system for retinal toxicity screening. For this purpose, we used rat retinal explant culture that was retrogradely labeled with the FluoroGold before the isolation. Explants were exposed to a toxic concentration of gentamicin and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a known neuroprotective agent. The measured outcomes showed the cell density in retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture medium. Gentamicin-induced oxidative stress resulted in retinal cell damage and rapid LDH release to the culture medium (p < 0.05). Additional CNTF supplementation minimized the cell damage, and the increase of LDH release was insignificant when compared to LDH levels before gentamicin insult (p > 0.05). As well as this, the LDH activity was directly correlated with the cell count in GCL (R = −0.84, p < 0.00001), making a sensitive marker of retinal neuron damage. The FLOREC protocol could be considered as a fast, reproducible, and sensitive method to detect neurotoxicity in the screening studies of the retinal drugs.
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