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Otsubo M, Sase K, Tsukahara C, Fujita N, Arizono I, Tokuda N, Kitaoka Y. Axonal protection by combination of ripasudil and brimonidine with upregulation of p-AMPK in TNF-induced optic nerve degeneration. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:173. [PMID: 38598101 PMCID: PMC11006787 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03095-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The ROCK inhibitor ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate was shown to have axonal protective effects in TNF-induced optic nerve degeneration. The α2-adrenoreceptor agonist brimonidine was also shown to exert axonal protection. The current study aimed to elucidate whether additive axonal protection was achieved by the simultaneous injection of ripasudil and brimonidine and examine the association with AMPK activation. METHODS Intravitreal administration was performed in the following groups: PBS, TNF, or TNF with ripasudil, with brimonidine, or with a combination of ripasudil and brimonidine. Axon numbers were counted to evaluate the effects against axon loss. Immunoblot analysis was performed to examine phosphorylated AMPK expression in optic nerves, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate the expression levels of p-AMPK and neurofilament in the optic nerve. RESULTS Both ripasudil alone or brimonidine alone resulted in significant neuroprotection against TNF-induced axon loss. The combination of ripasudil and brimonidine showed additive protective effects. Combined ripasudil and brimonidine plus TNF significantly upregulated p-AMPK levels in the optic nerve compared with the TNF groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that p-AMPK is present in axons and enhanced by combination therapy. CONCLUSION The combination of ripasudil and brimonidine may have additive protective effects compared with single-agent treatment alone. These protective effects may be at least partially associated with AMPK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Otsubo
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kaswasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan.
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kaswasaki, Japan.
| | - Kana Sase
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kaswasaki, Japan
| | - Chihiro Tsukahara
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kaswasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Fujita
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kaswasaki, Japan
| | - Ibuki Arizono
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kaswasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kaswasaki, Japan
| | - Naoto Tokuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kaswasaki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kitaoka
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-Ku, Kaswasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kaswasaki, Japan
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Namekata K, Noro T, Nishijima E, Sotozono A, Guo X, Harada C, Shinozaki Y, Mitamura Y, Nakano T, Harada T. Drug combination of topical ripasudil and brimonidine enhances neuroprotection in a mouse model of optic nerve injury. J Pharmacol Sci 2024; 154:326-333. [PMID: 38485351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2024.02.011] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether combination of topical ripasudil and brimonidine has more effective neuroprotection on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following injury to axons composing the optic nerve. METHODS Topical ripasudil, brimonidine, or mixture of both drugs were administered to adult mice after optic nerve injury (ONI). The influence of drug conditions on RGC health were evaluated by the quantifications of surviving RGCs, phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (phospho-p38), and expressions of trophic factors and proinflammatory mediators in the retina. RESULTS Topical ripasudil and brimonidine suppressed ONI-induced RGC death respectively, and mixture of both drugs further stimulated RGC survival. Topical ripasudil and brimonidine suppressed ONI-induced phospho-p38 in the whole retina. In addition, topical ripasudil suppressed expression levels of TNFα, IL-1β and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), whereas topical brimonidine increased the expression level of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). CONCLUSIONS Combination of topical ripasudil and brimonidine may enhance RGC protection by modulating multiple signaling pathways in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Namekata
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takahiko Noro
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Euido Nishijima
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Sotozono
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chikako Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youichi Shinozaki
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Mitamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tadashi Nakano
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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Kitaoka Y, Sase K. Molecular aspects of optic nerve autophagy in glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101217. [PMID: 37839231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101217] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The optic nerve consists of the glia, vessels, and axons including myelin and axoplasm. Since axonal degeneration precedes retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma, the preceding axonal degeneration model may be helpful for understanding the molecular mechanisms of optic nerve degeneration. Optic nerve samples from these models can provide information on several aspects of autophagy. Autophagosomes, the most typical organelles expressing autophagy, are found much more frequently inside axons than around the glia. Thus, immunoblot findings from the optic nerve can reflect the autophagy state in axons. Autophagic flux impairment may occur in degenerating optic nerve axons, as in other central nervous system neurodegenerative diseases. Several molecular candidates are involved in autophagy enhancement, leading to axonal protection. This concept is an attractive approach to the prevention of further retinal ganglion cell death. In this review, we describe the factors affecting autophagy, including nicotinamide riboside, p38, ULK, AMPK, ROCK, and SIRT1, in the optic nerve and propose potential methods of axonal protection via enhancement of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kitaoka
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan.
| | - Kana Sase
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan
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Tsai NW, Lin CC, Yeh TY, Chiu YA, Chiu HH, Huang HP, Hsieh ST. An induced pluripotent stem cell-based model identifies molecular targets of vincristine neurotoxicity. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049471. [PMID: 36518084 PMCID: PMC10655812 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To model peripheral nerve degeneration and investigate molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, we established a cell system of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived sensory neurons exposed to vincristine, a drug that frequently causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Sensory neurons differentiated from iPSCs exhibit distinct neurochemical patterns according to the immunocytochemical phenotypes, and gene expression of peripherin (PRPH, hereafter referred to as Peri) and neurofilament heavy chain (NEFH, hereafter referred to as NF). The majority of iPSC-derived sensory neurons were PRPH positive/NEFH negative, i.e. Peri(+)/NF(-) neurons, whose somata were smaller than those of Peri(+)/NF(+) neurons. On exposure to vincristine, projections from the cell body of a neuron, i.e. neurites, were degenerated quicker than somata, the lethal concentration to kill 50% (LC50) of neurites being below the LC50 for somata, consistent with the clinical pattern of length-dependent neuropathy. We then examined the molecular expression in the MAP kinase signaling pathways of, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (MAPK1/3, hereafter referred to as ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK11/12/13/14, hereafter referred to as p38) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (MAPK8/9/10, hereafter referred to as JNK). Regarding these three cascades, only phosphorylation of JNK was upregulated but not that of p38 or ERK1/2. Furthermore, vincristine-treatment resulted in impaired autophagy and reduced autophagic flux. Rapamycin-treatment reversed the effect of impaired autophagy and JNK activation. These results not only established a platform to study peripheral degeneration of human neurons but also provide molecular mechanisms for neurodegeneration with the potential for therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng-Wei Tsai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chen Lin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Ti-Yen Yeh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Yu-An Chiu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hui Chiu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Po Huang
- Department of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Tsang Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Department of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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Strickland RG, Garner MA, Gross AK, Girkin CA. Remodeling of the Lamina Cribrosa: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Approaches for Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158068. [PMID: 35897642 PMCID: PMC9329908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. The chronic disease is characterized by optic nerve degeneration and vision field loss. The reduction of intraocular pressure remains the only proven glaucoma treatment, but it does not prevent further neurodegeneration. There are three major classes of cells in the human optic nerve head (ONH): lamina cribrosa (LC) cells, glial cells, and scleral fibroblasts. These cells provide support for the LC which is essential to maintain healthy retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. All these cells demonstrate responses to glaucomatous conditions through extracellular matrix remodeling. Therefore, investigations into alternative therapies that alter the characteristic remodeling response of the ONH to enhance the survival of RGC axons are prevalent. Understanding major remodeling pathways in the ONH may be key to developing targeted therapies that reduce deleterious remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan G. Strickland
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (R.G.S.); (M.A.G.); (A.K.G.)
| | - Mary Anne Garner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (R.G.S.); (M.A.G.); (A.K.G.)
| | - Alecia K. Gross
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (R.G.S.); (M.A.G.); (A.K.G.)
| | - Christopher A. Girkin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-205-325-8620
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Brahma MM, Takahashi K, Namekata K, Harada T, Goshima Y, Ohshima T. Genetic inhibition of collapsin response mediator protein-2 phosphorylation ameliorates retinal ganglion cell death in normal-tension glaucoma models. Genes Cells 2022; 27:526-536. [PMID: 35703119 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12971] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a cause of glaucoma. However, glaucoma often develops with normal IOP and is known as normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Glutamate neurotoxicity is considered as one of the significant causes of NTG, resulting in excessive stimulation of retinal neurons via the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The present study examined the phosphorylation of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2), a protein that is abundantly expressed in neurons and involved in their development. In two mouse models, NMDA-injection and glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) mutant, CRMP2 phosphorylation at the cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5) site was elevated in RGCs. We confirmed that the decrease in the number of RGCs and thickness of the inner retinal layer (IRL) could be suppressed after NMDA administration in CRMP2KI/KI mice with genetically inhibited CRMP2 phosphorylation. Next, we investigated GLAST heterozygotes (GLAST+/-) with CRMP2KI/KI (GLAST+/-;CRMP2KI/KI) and GLAST knockout (GLAST-/-) mice with CRMP2KI/KI (GLAST-/-;CRMP2KI/KI) mice and compared them with GLAST+/- and GLAST-/- mice. pCRMP2 (S522) inhibition significantly reduced RGC loss and IRL thinning. These results suggest that the inhibition of CRMP2 phosphorylation could be a novel strategy for treating NTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musukha Mala Brahma
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bio-Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuya Takahashi
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bio-Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Namekata
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshio Goshima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Toshio Ohshima
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bio-Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Shen J, Wang Y, Yao K. Protection of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma: Current status and future. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108506. [PMID: 33609512 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neuropathic disease that causes optic nerve damage, loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and visual field defects. Most glaucoma patients have no early signs or symptoms. Conventional pharmacological glaucoma medications and surgeries that focus on lowering intraocular pressure are not sufficient; RGCs continue to die, and the patient's vision continues to decline. Recent evidence has demonstrated that neuroprotective approaches could be a promising strategy for protecting against glaucoma. In the case of glaucoma, neuroprotection aims to prevent or slow down disease progression by mitigating RGCs death and optic nerve degeneration. Notably, new pharmacologic medications such as antiglaucomatous agents, antibiotics, dietary supplementation, novel neuroprotective molecules, neurotrophic factors, translational methods such as gene therapy and cell therapy, and electrical stimulation-based physiotherapy are emerging to attenuate the death of RGCs, or to make RGCs resilient to attacks. Understanding the roles of these interventions in RGC protection may offer benefits over traditional pharmacological medications and surgeries. In this review, we summarize the recent neuroprotective strategy for glaucoma, both in clinical trials and in laboratory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Shen
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Yuanqi Wang
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China; Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.
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