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Albanese GM, Gharbiya M, Visioli G, Panigutti M, Margarella A, Romano E, Mastrogiuseppe E, Sepe-Monti M, Bruno G, D'Antonio F. Neuroretinal and microvascular retinal features in dementia with Lewy body assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07683-6. [PMID: 39152330 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07683-6] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore retinal changes in patients with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) using Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA), aiming to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring. METHODS A cross-sectional study analyzed 15 DLB patients and 18 matched controls. Participants underwent physical, neurological, neuropsychological, and ophthalmological evaluations, including SD-OCT and OCTA. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, and inter-eye correlation, was employed to identify retinal alterations in patients affected by DLB. RESULTS OCTA revealed that DLB is associated with reduced superficial and deep vessel densities (SVD and DVD) in the macula (p < 0.01), as well as decreased peripapillary vessel density (ppVD, p < 0.01). SD-OCT parameters showed correlations with DLB, including reduced central macular thickness (CMT, p < 0.001) and thinning of the ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL, p < 0.01). Logistic regression (R²=0.26) identified reduced ppVD as a significant predictor of DLB (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS Impairments in retinal capillaries, especially lower ppVD, might mirror cerebral hypoperfusion in DLB, potentially due to reduced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels and increased α-synuclein. Further investigations are warranted to confirm the causal relationship between these observations, disease severity, and progression, as well as their potential role as biomarkers for DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Maria Albanese
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 155, Viale del Policlinico, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Magda Gharbiya
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 155, Viale del Policlinico, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Giacomo Visioli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 155, Viale del Policlinico, Rome, 00161, Italy.
| | | | - Andrea Margarella
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67010, Italy
| | - Enrico Romano
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 155, Viale del Policlinico, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Elvia Mastrogiuseppe
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 155, Viale del Policlinico, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Micaela Sepe-Monti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bruno
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Fabrizia D'Antonio
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
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Straumann N, Combes BF, Dean Ben XL, Sternke-Hoffmann R, Gerez JA, Dias I, Chen Z, Watts B, Rostami I, Shi K, Rominger A, Baumann CR, Luo J, Noain D, Nitsch RM, Okamura N, Razansky D, Ni R. Visualizing alpha-synuclein and iron deposition in M83 mouse model of Parkinson's disease in vivo. Brain Pathol 2024:e13288. [PMID: 38982662 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13288] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and iron accumulation in the brain play an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD). Herein, we aim to visualize αSyn inclusions and iron deposition in the brains of M83 (A53T) mouse models of PD in vivo. The fluorescent pyrimidoindole derivative THK-565 probe was characterized by means of recombinant fibrils and brains from 10- to 11-month-old M83 mice. Concurrent wide-field fluorescence and volumetric multispectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT) imaging were subsequently performed in vivo. Structural and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 9.4 T as well as scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) were performed to characterize the iron deposits in the perfused brains. Immunofluorescence and Prussian blue staining were further performed on brain slices to validate the detection of αSyn inclusions and iron deposition. THK-565 showed increased fluorescence upon binding to recombinant αSyn fibrils and αSyn inclusions in post-mortem brain slices from patients with PD and M83 mice. Administration of THK-565 in M83 mice showed higher cerebral retention at 20 and 40 min post-intravenous injection by wide-field fluorescence compared to nontransgenic littermate mice, in congruence with the vMSOT findings. SWI/phase images and Prussian blue indicated the accumulation of iron deposits in the brains of M83 mice, presumably in the Fe3+ form, as evinced by the STXM results. In conclusion, we demonstrated in vivo mapping of αSyn by means of noninvasive epifluorescence and vMSOT imaging and validated the results by targeting the THK-565 label and SWI/STXM identification of iron deposits in M83 mouse brains ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Straumann
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin F Combes
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xose Luis Dean Ben
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Juan A Gerez
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ines Dias
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zhenyue Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Watts
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Iman Rostami
- Microscopic Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kuangyu Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jinghui Luo
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Noain
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger M Nitsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nobuyuki Okamura
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Shen Z, Zhang S, Yu W, Yue M, Hong C. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Revolutionizing Clinical Diagnostics and Treatment in Central Nervous System Disease. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0112. [PMID: 38300645 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), as a new generation of non-invasive and efficient fundus imaging technology, can provide non-invasive assessment of vascular lesions in the retina and choroid. In terms of anatomy and development, the retina is referred to as an extension of the central nervous system (CNS). CNS diseases are closely related to changes in fundus structure and blood vessels, and direct visualization of fundus structure and blood vessels provides an effective "window" for CNS research. This has important practical significance for identifying the characteristic changes of various CNS diseases on OCTA in the future, and plays a key role in promoting early screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of disease progression in CNS diseases. This article reviews relevant fundus studies by comparing and summarizing the unique advantages and existing limitations of OCTA in various CNS disease patients, in order to demonstrate the clinical significance of OCTA in the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Shen
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weitao Yu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengmeng Yue
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoyang Hong
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Kundu A, Ma JP, Robbins CB, Pant P, Gunasan V, Agrawal R, Stinnett S, Scott BL, Moore KP, Fekrat S, Grewal DS. Longitudinal Analysis of Retinal Microvascular and Choroidal Imaging Parameters in Parkinson's Disease Compared with Controls. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100393. [PMID: 38223333 PMCID: PMC10786668 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To quantify rate of change of retinal microvascular and choroidal structural parameters in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) compared with controls using OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA). Design Prospective longitudinal study. Participants Seventy-four eyes of 40 participants with PD and 149 eyes of 78 control individuals from the Eye Multimodal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease database. Methods Subjects underwent OCT and OCTA imaging at 2 time points approximately 12 months apart. Main Outcome Measures Imaging parameters included central subfield thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, choroidal vascularity index, superficial capillary plexus perfusion density (PFD), vessel density (VD), and foveal avascular zone area. Results Participants with PD had greater rate of yearly decrease in GC-IPL (PD = -0.403μm, control = + 0.128 μm; P = 0.01), greater yearly decline in PFD in the 3 × 3 mm ETDRS circle (PD = -0.016, control = + 0.002; P < 0.001) and ring (PD = -0.016, control = + 0.002; P < 0.001); 6 × 6 mm ETDRS circle (PD = -0.021, control = 0.00; P = 0.001), and outer ring (PD = -0.022, control = 0.00; P = 0.001). Participants with PD had greater rate of yearly decline in VD in 3 × 3 mm circle (PD = -0.939/mm, control = + 0.006/mm; P < 0.001) and ring (PD = -0.942/mm, control = + 0.013/mm; P < 0.001); 6 × 6 mm circle (PD = -0.72/mm, control = -0.054/mm; P = 0.006), and outer ring (PD = -0.746/mm, control = -0.054/mm; P = 0.005). When stratified by PD severity based on Hoehn and Yahr stage, faster rates of decline were seen in Hoehn and Yahr stages 3 to 4 in the 3 × 3 mm circle PFD and VD as well as 3 × 3 mm ring VD. Conclusions Individuals with PD experience more rapid loss of retinal microvasculature quantified on OCTA and more rapid thinning of the GC-IPL than controls. There may be more rapid loss in patients with greater disease severity. Financial Disclosures The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kundu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Justin P. Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cason B. Robbins
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Praruj Pant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Vithiya Gunasan
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sandra Stinnett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Burton L. Scott
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kathryn P.L. Moore
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sharon Fekrat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Dilraj S. Grewal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- iMIND Research Group, Durham, North Carolina
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Otin S, Ávila FJ, Mallen V, Garcia-Martin E. Detecting Structural Changes in the Choroidal Layer of the Eye in Neurodegenerative Disease Patients through Optical Coherence Tomography Image Processing. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2986. [PMID: 38001986 PMCID: PMC10669633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate alterations of the choroid in patients with a neurodegenerative disease versus healthy controls, a custom algorithm based on superpixel segmentation was used. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted on data obtained in a previous cohort study. SUBJECTS Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan images obtained using a Triton (Topcon, Japan) device were compiled according to current OSCAR IB and APOSTEL OCT image quality criteria. Images were included from three cohorts: multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, Parkinson disease (PD) patients, and healthy subjects. Only patients with early-stage MS and PD were included. METHODS In total, 104 OCT B-scan images were processed using a custom superpixel segmentation (SpS) algorithm to detect boundary limits in the choroidal layer and the optical properties of the image. The algorithm groups pixels with similar structural properties to generate clusters with similar meaningful properties. MAIN OUTCOMES SpS selects and groups the superpixels in a segmented choroidal area, computing the choroidal optical image density (COID), measured as the standard mean gray level, and the total choroidal area (CA), measured as px2. RESULTS The CA and choroidal density (CD) were significantly reduced in the two neurodegenerative disease groups (higher in PD than in MS) versus the healthy subjects (p < 0.001); choroidal area was also significantly reduced in the MS group versus the healthy subjects. The COID increased significantly in the PD patients versus the MS patients and in the MS patients versus the healthy controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The SpS algorithm detected choroidal tissue boundary limits and differences optical density in MS and PD patients versus healthy controls. The application of the SpS algorithm to OCT images potentially acts as a non-invasive biomarker for the early diagnosis of MS and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Otin
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Francisco J. Ávila
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Victor Mallen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (V.M.); (E.G.-M.)
- Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (V.M.); (E.G.-M.)
- Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Salehi MA, Rezagholi F, Mohammadi S, Zakavi SS, Jahanshahi A, Gouravani M, Yazdanpanah G, Seddon I, Jabbehdari S, Singh RP. Optical coherence tomography angiography measurements in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3145-3156. [PMID: 36941403 PMCID: PMC10564940 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02483-2] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is an ocular imaging technology that has emerged as a non-invasive tool to evaluate retinal microvascular changes in neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease. While several studies have reported on the presence of pathologic retinal microvascular alterations in PD, the utility of OCT-A as a biomarker for PD evaluation is still unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to explore the current evidence for the role of OCT-A in PD published up until June 2022. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used to systematically identify relevant papers and a meta-analysis was conducted using Stata16 software according to the level of heterogeneity applying a random- or fixed-effect model. Thirteen studies of 925 eyes in the PD group and 1501 eyes in the control group assessing OCT-A findings in PD patients were included. The meta-analyses revealed that the foveal region of PD patients had a significantly lower vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) compared to healthy controls but that there were no significant differences in the foveal avascular zone, the SCP in whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal regions, and deep capillary plexus. OCT-A metrics may act as a potential biomarker for a more accurate and early PD diagnosis. Still, the OCT-A algorithms and interchangeability between OCT-A devices require further standardization to draw clinical conclusions regarding their utility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fateme Rezagholi
- School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Soheil Mohammadi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Sina Zakavi
- School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Jahanshahi
- School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mahdi Gouravani
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghasem Yazdanpanah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ian Seddon
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Sayena Jabbehdari
- Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Rishi P Singh
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Zhang L, Zhuang C, Wang Y, Wang H, Cui G, Guo J. Clinical Observation of Macular Superficial Capillary Plexus and Ganglion Cell Complex in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:1181-1190. [PMID: 37562366 PMCID: PMC10614441 DOI: 10.1159/000533158] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP) density and the thicknesses of the ganglion cell complex (GCC) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and correlated them. We also observed the correlations between SCP density and clinical parameters of PD patients. The retina might be a novel biomarker of PD and will be useful in the future for the early diagnosis of PD and detecting disease progression. METHODS Seventy-four participants (38 patients with PD and 36 healthy controls) were recruited at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2022 and June 2022 in this study. The macular SCP densities was measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and the GCC thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The parameters were compared between PD patients and healthy controls. The correlation between SCP and clinical parameters was tested. RESULTS Compared with the control group, PD patients showed reduced SCP densities in all areas of the macular region (parafovea-temporal: t = 3.053, p = 0.003; parafovea-superior: t = 3.680, p = 0.001; parafovea-nasal: t = 4.643, p < 0.001; parafovea-inferior: t = 2.254, p = 0.027; perifovea-temporal: t = 3.798, p < 0.001; perifovea-superior: t = 3.014, p = 0.004; perifovea-nasal: t = 2.948, p = 0.004; perifovea-inferior: t = 3.337, p = 0.021). The average GCC thickness in the PD patients was significantly reduced (t = 2.365, p = 0.021). There were positive correlations between the average GCC thickness and the SCP densities in most of the areas of the macular regions in PD patients (parafovea-temporal: r = 0.325, p = 0.005; parafovea-superior: r = 0.295, p = 0.011; parafovea-nasal: r = 0.335, p = 0.003; perifovea-superior: r = 0.362, p = 0.002; perifovea-nasal: r = 0.290, p = 0.012; perifovea-inferior: r = 0.333, p = 0.004). We found significant correlations between SCP densities and Hoehn and Yahr (H and Y) scales, UPDRS III scores, and MMSE scores. No significant correlation was observed between SCP density and PD disease duration (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that the macular SCP density was decreased, and the average GCC thickness was reduced in PD patients. The correlation between SCP density damage and GCC thinning also suggested that the retinal microvascular damage may be associated with retinal structural degeneration in PD patients. OCTA and OCT may be considered objective biomarkers for detecting microvascular impairment and neuronal damage in the early stages of PD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chuchu Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guiyun Cui
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jianxin Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Price DL, Khan A, Angers R, Cardenas A, Prato MK, Bani M, Bonhaus DW, Citron M, Biere AL. In vivo effects of the alpha-synuclein misfolding inhibitor minzasolmin supports clinical development in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:114. [PMID: 37460603 PMCID: PMC10352257 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct targeting of alpha-synuclein (ASYN) has emerged as a disease-modifying strategy for Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies which is being approached using both small molecule compounds and ASYN-targeted biologics. Minzasolmin (UCB0599) is an orally bioavailable and brain-penetrant small molecule ASYN misfolding inhibitor in clinical development as a disease-modifying therapeutic for Parkinson's disease. Herein the results of preclinical evaluations of minzasolmin that formed the basis for subsequent clinical development are described. Pharmacokinetic evaluations of intraperitoneal 1 and 5 mg/kg minzasolmin in wildtype mice revealed parallel and dose-proportional exposures in brain and plasma. Three-month administration studies in the Line 61 transgenic mouse model of PD were conducted to measure ASYN pathology and other PD-relevant endpoints including markers of CNS inflammation, striatal DAT labeling and gait. Reductions in ASYN pathology were correlated with improved aspects of gait and balance, reductions in CNS inflammation marker abundance, and normalized striatal DAT levels. These findings provide support for human dose determinations and have informed the translational strategy for clinical trial design and biomarker selection for the ongoing clinical studies of minzasolmin in patients living with early-stage Parkinson's disease (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04658186; EudraCT Number 2020-003265).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asma Khan
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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9
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Straumann N, Combes BF, Dean Ben XL, Sternke-Hoffmann R, Gerez JA, Dias I, Chen Z, Watts B, Rostami I, Shi K, Rominger A, Baumann CR, Luo J, Noain D, Nitsch RM, Okamura N, Razansky D, Ni R. Visualizing alpha-synuclein and iron deposition in M83 mouse model of Parkinson's disease in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.28.546962. [PMID: 37425954 PMCID: PMC10327184 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Abnormal alpha-synuclein and iron accumulation in the brain play an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD). Herein, we aim at visualizing alpha-synuclein inclusions and iron deposition in the brains of M83 (A53T) mouse models of PD in vivo. Methods Fluorescently labelled pyrimidoindole-derivative THK-565 was characterized by using recombinant fibrils and brains from 10-11 months old M83 mice, which subsequently underwent in vivo concurrent wide-field fluorescence and volumetric multispectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT) imaging. The in vivo results were verified against structural and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 9.4 Tesla and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) of perfused brains. Brain slice immunofluorescence and Prussian blue staining were further performed to validate the detection of alpha-synuclein inclusions and iron deposition in the brain, respectively. Results THK-565 showed increased fluorescence upon binding to recombinant alpha-synuclein fibrils and alpha-synuclein inclusions in post-mortem brain slices from patients with Parkinson's disease and M83 mice. i.v. administration of THK-565 in M83 mice showed higher cerebral retention at 20 and 40 minutes post-injection by wide-field fluorescence compared to non-transgenic littermate mice, in congruence with the vMSOT findings. SWI/phase images and Prussian blue indicated the accumulation of iron deposits in the brains of M83 mice, presumably in the Fe3+ form, as evinced by the STXM results. Conclusion We demonstrated in vivo mapping of alpha-synuclein by means of non-invasive epifluorescence and vMSOT imaging assisted with a targeted THK-565 label and SWI/STXM identification of iron deposits in M83 mouse brains ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Straumann
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin F. Combes
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xose Luis Dean Ben
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Juan A. Gerez
- ETH Zurich, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ines Dias
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zhenyue Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Watts
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Iman Rostami
- Microscopic Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kuangyu Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jinghui Luo
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Noain
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger M. Nitsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nobuyuki Okamura
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Christou EE, Konitsiotis S, Pamporis K, Giannakis A, Asproudis C, Stefaniotou M, Asproudis I. Inner retinal layers' alterations of the microvasculature in early stages of Parkinson's disease: a cross sectional study. Int Ophthalmol 2023:10.1007/s10792-023-02653-x. [PMID: 36869977 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate microcirculation characteristics of the inner retinal layers at the macula and the peripapillary area using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) of patients in early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS 32 PD patients and 46 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this cross sectional study. OCT-A imaging was performed to analyze microcirculation characteristics at each separate macular region (fovea, parafovea, and perifovea) and the peripapillary area of the inner retinal layers. RESULTS Individuals with PD had significantly lower parafoveal, perifoveal and total vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) than controls (all p < 0.001), while foveal VD was higher in PD eyes than that of controls, though not statistically significant. Similarly, individuals with PD had significantly lower parafoveal, perifoveal and total perfusion in the SCP than control eyes (all p < 0.001), while foveal perfusion was significantly higher in PD eyes than that of controls (p = 0.008). PD eyes had significantly smaller FAZ area and perimeter accompanied by decreased circularity at the SCP as compared to controls (all p < 0.001). Concerning the peripapillary area, individuals with PD had significantly lower radial peripapillary capillary perfusion density and flux index at the SCP than controls (all p < 0.001). All p values remained statistically significant even after using the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, except for that of foveal perfusion. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates alterations of the inner retinal layers at the macula and the peripapillary area at the preliminary stages of PD. OCT-A parameters could potentially comprise imaging biomarkers for PD screening and improve the diagnostic algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evita Evangelia Christou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Spiridon Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Pamporis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Giannakis
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christoforos Asproudis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Stefaniotou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Asproudis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
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11
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Lin S, Leitão ADG, Fang S, Gu Y, Barber S, Gilliard-Telefoni R, Castro A, Sung K, Shen R, Florio JB, Mante ML, Ding J, Spencer B, Masliah E, Rissman RA, Wu C. Overexpression of alpha synuclein disrupts APP and Endolysosomal axonal trafficking in a mouse model of synucleinopathy. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106010. [PMID: 36702318 PMCID: PMC10754494 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106010] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations or triplication of the alpha synuclein (ASYN) gene contribute to synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Recent evidence suggests that ASYN also plays an important role in amyloid-induced neurotoxicity, although the mechanism(s) remains unknown. One hypothesis is that accumulation of ASYN alters endolysosomal pathways to impact axonal trafficking and processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). To define an axonal function for ASYN, we used a transgenic mouse model of synucleinopathy that expresses a GFP-human ASYN (GFP-hASYN) transgene and an ASYN knockout (ASYN-/-) mouse model. Our results demonstrate that expression of GFP-hASYN in primary neurons derived from a transgenic mouse impaired axonal trafficking and processing of APP. In addition, axonal transport of BACE1, Rab5, Rab7, lysosomes and mitochondria were also reduced in these neurons. Interestingly, axonal transport of these organelles was also affected in ASYN-/- neurons, suggesting that ASYN plays an important role in maintaining normal axonal transport function. Therefore, selective impairment of trafficking and processing of APP by ASYN may act as a potential mechanism to induce pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzhen Lin
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijing Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - André D G Leitão
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Savannah Fang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yingli Gu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sophia Barber
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Alfredo Castro
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kijung Sung
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ruinan Shen
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijing Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jazmin B Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael L Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jianqing Ding
- Institute of Neurology, Ruijing Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Brian Spencer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Chengbiao Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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12
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Dias SB, de Lemos L, Sousa L, Bitoque DB, Silva GA, Seabra MC, Tenreiro S. Age-Related Changes of the Synucleins Profile in the Mouse Retina. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010180. [PMID: 36671565 PMCID: PMC9855780 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) plays a central role in Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been extensively studied in the brain. This protein is part of the synuclein family, which is also composed of beta-synuclein (bSyn) and gamma-synuclein (gSyn). In addition to its neurotoxic role, synucleins have important functions in the nervous system, modulating synaptic transmission. Synucleins are expressed in the retina, but they have been poorly characterized. However, there is evidence that they are important for visual function and that they can play a role in retinal degeneration. This study aimed to profile synucleins in the retina of naturally aged mice and to correlate their patterns with specific retinal cells. With aging, we observed a decrease in the thickness of specific retinal layers, accompanied by an increase in glial reactivity. Moreover, the aSyn levels decreased, whereas bSyn increased with aging. The colocalization of both proteins was decreased in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the aged retina. gSyn presented an age-related decrease at the inner nuclear layer but was not significantly changed in the ganglion cell layer. The synaptic marker synaptophysin was shown to be preferentially colocalized with aSyn in the IPL with aging. At the same time, aSyn was found to exist at the presynaptic endings of bipolar cells and was affected by aging. Overall, this study suggests that physiological aging can be responsible for changes in the retinal tissue, implicating functional alterations that could affect synuclein family function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Batista Dias
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luísa de Lemos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Sousa
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diogo B. Bitoque
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Araújo Silva
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C. Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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13
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Liu J, Wan J, Kwapong WR, Tao W, Ye C, Liu M, Wu B. Retinal microvasculature and cerebral hemodynamics in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:386. [PMID: 36229769 PMCID: PMC9559035 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02908-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the relationship between retinal microvasculature and cerebral hemodynamics in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Methods Patients with unilateral moderate or severe ICA stenosis(≥50%) from West China hospital, Sichuan university were consecutively and prospectively recruited enrolled in the current study. En face angiograms of the superficial vascular complex (SVC), deep vascular complex (DVC), superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were generated by automatic segmentation using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) to assess the retinal microvascular perfusion. The cerebral blood flow perfusion on bilateral middle cerebral artery territories measured at the basal ganglia level was assessed by brain computed tomography perfusion (CTP). CTP data were postprocessed to generate maps of different perfusion parameters including cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), time to peak (TTP), mean transit time (MTT) and permeability surface(PS). Relative perfusion parameters (rPS, rCBF, etc.) were calculated as the ratio of the value on the contralateral side to that on the ipsilateral side. Results In the final analysis, 31 patients were included, of whom 11 patients had a moderate ICA stenosis (50–69%) and 20 with a severe ICA stenosis(≥70%). A total of 55 eyes were analyzed in the study, 27 eyes from the ipsilateral side (ie, side with stenosis) and 28 eyes from the contralateral side. In the patients with ICA stenosis, there was a strong correlation between the retinal microvascular perfusion of SVC with rCBV(B = 0.45, p = 0.03), rCBF(B = 0.26, p = 0.02) and rPS(B = 0.45, p < 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex and vascular risk factors. Similar correlations were also found between microvasculature in SVP and cerebral perfusion changes. There were no any significant associations of microvascular perfusion in both DVC and DCP with CTP parameters(all p > 0.05). Conclusions Retinal perfusion changes in superficial vascular layer (SVC and SVP) were correlated with brain hemodynamic compromise in patients with unilateral moderate or severe ICA stenosis(≥50%). Given the limited size of our study, future studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jincheng Wan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei Province, China
| | - William Robert Kwapong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Zhang Y, Yang L, Gao Y, Zhang D, Tao Y, Xu H, Chen Y, Xu Y, Zhang M. Choroid and choriocapillaris changes in early-stage Parkinson’s disease: a swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography-based cross-sectional study. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:116. [PMID: 36008844 PMCID: PMC9404633 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01054-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the aging population. Previous literature has reported thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, and photoreceptor layer in PD patients. However, very few studies have used swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) to study the choroid and choriocapillaris vascular changes in PD and their correlations with altered contrast sensitivity. Methods PD patients and controls were enrolled in the current study. We used a CSV-1000E instrument to assess contrast sensitivity and performed SS-OCT and SS-OCTA to measure outer retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, choriocapillaris flow density, choroidal vascular volume (CVV), and choroidal vascular index (CVI). Results One hundred eyes of 52 PD patients and 200 eyes of 100 healthy controls were recruited in the present study. Our study found remarkably impaired contrast sensitivity in PD patients (all P < 0.05). Significant thinning of the outer retinal layer and the choroid was appreciated in the PD group compared with the healthy controls (all P < 0.05). Choriocapillaris flow density, CVI, and CVV were significantly decreased in PD patients compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.05). Contrast sensitivity was weakly associated with outer retina thickness in the 3 mm circular area, with 3 cycles per degree being the most relevant (r = 0.535, P < 0.001). Conclusion Our study indicates that there is a significant decrease in contrast sensitivity, outer retina thickness, choriocapillaris flow density, CVI, and CVV in PD patients. This research has also identified a positive correlation between outer retina thickness and contrast sensitivity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-022-01054-z.
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15
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Li Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Zhang P, He C, Li R, Wang L, Zhang H, Zhang Y. Retinal microvascular impairment in Parkinson's disease with cognitive dysfunction. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2022; 98:27-31. [PMID: 35427847 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with structural alterations of the retina. However, it remains unknown whether these changes are present in PD with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the retinal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess possible retinal microvascular impairments associated with PD and PD with MCI. METHODS This study included 83 eyes of 45 PD patients and 83 eyes of 42 healthy controls. All subjects underwent complete neurological and ophthalmological examinations before measurements. Cognitive function was also measured in PD patients. Retinal microvasculature was evaluated with OCTA. Vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus (SRCP), deep capillary plexus (DRCP), and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) and intraretinal layer thickness in the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) were analysed. Correlations between vessel density and cognitive function were analysed in the PD group. RESULTS Parafoveal vessel density in the SRCP and DRCP were lower in the eyes of PD patients than healthy controls (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the RPC (P = 0.120), RNFL (P = 0.303) or GCC (P = 0.375) between PD patients and healthy controls. Lower executive function scores were associated with lower vessel density in the DRCP of PD patients (P < 0.05, 95% CI [0.133,1.342]). CONCLUSION OCTA revealed lower macular microvascular density in PD patients and microvascular impairments in the deep retinal capillary layer in PD patients with executive dysfunction. These parameters might have potential utility as early disease diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqiao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Peoples' Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Piao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chentao He
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruitao Li
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Peoples' Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuhu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Lin CW, Lai TT, Chen SJ, Lin CH. Elevated α-synuclein and NfL levels in tear fluids and decreased retinal microvascular densities in patients with Parkinson's disease. GeroScience 2022; 44:1551-1562. [PMID: 35484471 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathognomonic hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), α-synuclein, has been observed in the retina of PD patients. We investigated whether biomarkers in the tears and retinal microvascular changes associate with PD risk and progression. This prospective study enrolled 49 PD patients and 45 age-matched healthy controls. The α-synuclein and neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Retinal vessel density was assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). The Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and Mini-Mental State Examination score were used to assess motor and cognitive progression. The α-synuclein and NfL levels in the tears were higher in PD patients than in controls (α-synuclein: 55.49 ± 8.12 pg/mL vs. 31.71 ± 3.25 pg/mL, P = 0.009; NfL: 2.89 ± 0.52 pg/mL vs. 1.47 ± 0.23 pg/mL, P = 0.02). The vessel densities in the deep plexus of central macula and the radial peripapillary capillary layer of disc region were lower in PD patients with moderate-stage compared with early-stage PD (P < 0.05). The accuracy of predicting PD occurrence using age and sex alone (area under the curve [AUC] 0.612) was significantly improved by adding α-synuclein and NfL levels and retinal vascular densities (AUC 0.752, P = 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 1.5 ± 0.3 years, the accuracy of predicting motor or cognitive progression using age, sex, and baseline motor severity as a basic model was increased by incorporating retinal microvascular and biofluid markers as a full model (P = 0.001). Our results showed that retinal microvascular densities combined with α-synuclein and NfL levels in tears are associated with risk and progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Wen Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ting Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Ju Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hsien Lin
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
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17
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Christinaki E, Kulenovic H, Hadoux X, Baldassini N, Van Eijgen J, De Groef L, Stalmans I, van Wijngaarden P. Retinal imaging biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. Clin Exp Optom 2022; 105:194-204. [PMID: 34751086 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1984179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The timely detection of neurodegenerative diseases is central to improving clinical care as well as enabling the development and deployment of disease-modifying therapies. Retinal imaging is emerging as a method to detect features of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, given the anatomical and functional similarities between the retina and the brain. This review provides an overview of the current status of retinal imaging biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. Whilst research findings are promising, efforts to harmonise study designs and imaging methods will be important in translating these findings into clinical care. Doing so may mean that eye care providers will play important roles in the detection of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Christinaki
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hana Kulenovic
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xavier Hadoux
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Baldassini
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jan Van Eijgen
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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18
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Christou EE, Asproudis I, Asproudis C, Giannakis A, Stefaniotou M, Konitsiotis S. Macular microcirculation characteristics in Parkinson's disease evaluated by OCT-Angiography: a literature review. Semin Ophthalmol 2021; 37:399-407. [PMID: 34612157 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1987482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Given the fact that retina may provide a window into the central nervous system, there has been interest in identifying retinal biomarkers as predicting factors of pathological processes in neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging evidence has suggested that macular microcirculation changes in Parkinson disease (PD) may indicate the alterations of cerebral microvasculature. The use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) has attracted significant attention in recent years as this technique offers a detailed analysis of the existence of changes at the macular capillary plexus. METHODS A detailed review of the literature was performed in PubMed until June 2021. We identified all papers referring to the alterations of the macular capillary plexus in PD using OCT-A. RESULTS A comprehensive update indicates that microvasculature alterations of the macular capillary plexus utilizing OCT-A may comprise useful biomarkers regarding the cerebral vasculature in PD. Since the available evidence is limited, additional studies are warranted to establish the OCT-A parameters as predicting factors in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS A review of the existing literature sheds light on the microvasculature changes of the macular capillary plexus as seen on OCT-A in PD patients. The current article discusses notable aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance of the potential long-term effectiveness of OCT-A biomarkers in PD and proposes the need for further future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evita Evangelia Christou
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Asproudis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christoforos Asproudis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Giannakis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Stefaniotou
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Spiridon Konitsiotis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Veys L, Devroye J, Lefevere E, Cools L, Vandenabeele M, De Groef L. Characterizing the Retinal Phenotype of the Thy1-h[A30P]α-syn Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:726476. [PMID: 34557068 PMCID: PMC8452874 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.726476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, disease-modifying treatments of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, remain out of reach. One of the reasons for this treatment gap is the incomplete understanding of how misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) contributes to PD pathology. The retina, as an integral part of the central nervous system, recapitulates the PD disease processes that are typically seen in the brain, and retinal manifestations have emerged as prodromal symptoms of the disease. The timeline of PD manifestations in the visual system, however, is not fully elucidated and the underlying mechanisms are obscure. This highlights the need for new studies investigating retinal pathology, in order to propel its use as PD biomarker, and to develop validated research models to investigate PD pathogenesis. The present study pioneers in characterizing the retina of the Thy1-h[A30P]α-syn PD transgenic mouse model. We demonstrate widespread α-syn accumulation in the inner retina of these mice, of which a proportion is phosphorylated yet not aggregated. This α-syn expression coincides with inner retinal atrophy due to postsynaptic degeneration. We also reveal abnormal retinal electrophysiological responses. Absence of selective loss of melanopsin retinal ganglion cells or dopaminergic amacrine cells and inflammation indicates that the retinal manifestations in these transgenic mice diverge from their brain phenotype, and questions the specific cellular or molecular alterations that underlie retinal pathology in this PD mouse model. Nevertheless, the observed α-syn accumulation, synapse loss and functional deficits suggest that the Thy1-h[A30P]α-syn retina mimics some of the features of prodromal PD, and thus may provide a window to monitor and study the preclinical/prodromal stages of PD, PD-associated retinal disease processes, as well as aid in retinal biomarker discovery and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Veys
- Research Group of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joyce Devroye
- Research Group of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evy Lefevere
- Research Group of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lien Cools
- Research Group of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjan Vandenabeele
- Research Group of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Research Group of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Zhou M, Wu L, Hu Q, Wang C, Ye J, Chen T, Wan P. Visual Impairments Are Associated With Retinal Microvascular Density in Patients With Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:718820. [PMID: 34475812 PMCID: PMC8406760 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.718820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate retinal microvascular density in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its correlation with visual impairment. Methods This cross-sectional study included 24 eyes of 24 patients with PD and 23 eyes of 23 healthy controls. All participants underwent ophthalmic examination, visual evoked potential (VEP) test, 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) examination. The correlation between retinal microvascular density and visual parameter was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis, and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated. Results Parkinson’s disease patients had prolonged P100 latency (P = 0.041), worse vision-related quality of life (composite score and 3 of 12 subscales in NEI VFQ-25), and decreased vessel density (VD) in all sectors of 3-mm-diameter region (all P < 0.05) compared with healthy controls. There were no statistical differences in the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness between the two groups. A negative correlation was found between P100 latency and nasal and superior sectors of macular VD in a 3-mm-diameter region (r = −0.328, P = 0.030; r = −0.302, and P = 0.047, respectively). Macular VD in a 3-mm-diameter region showed diagnostic capacities to distinguish PD patients from healthy controls (AUROCs, ranging from 0.655 to 0.723). Conclusion This study demonstrated that decreased retinal microvascular density was correlated with visual impairment in PD patients. Retinal microvasculature change may occur earlier than visual decline and retinal structure change and has the potential to be a promising diagnostic marker for early PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinyuan Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congyao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengxia Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Ganguly U, Singh S, Pal S, Prasad S, Agrawal BK, Saini RV, Chakrabarti S. Alpha-Synuclein as a Biomarker of Parkinson's Disease: Good, but Not Good Enough. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:702639. [PMID: 34305577 PMCID: PMC8298029 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.702639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder of the elderly, presenting primarily with symptoms of motor impairment. The disease is diagnosed most commonly by clinical examination with a great degree of accuracy in specialized centers. However, in some cases, non-classical presentations occur when it may be difficult to distinguish the disease from other types of degenerative or non-degenerative movement disorders with overlapping symptoms. The diagnostic difficulty may also arise in patients at the early stage of PD. Thus, a biomarker could help clinicians circumvent such problems and help them monitor the improvement in disease pathology during anti-parkinsonian drug trials. This review first provides a brief overview of PD, emphasizing, in the process, the important role of α-synuclein in the pathogenesis of the disease. Various attempts made by the researchers to develop imaging, genetic, and various biochemical biomarkers for PD are then briefly reviewed to point out the absence of a definitive biomarker for this disorder. In view of the overwhelming importance of α-synuclein in the pathogenesis, a detailed analysis is then made of various studies to establish the biomarker potential of this protein in PD; these studies measured total α-synuclein, oligomeric, and post-translationally modified forms of α-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid, blood (plasma, serum, erythrocytes, and circulating neuron-specific extracellular vesicles) and saliva in combination with certain other proteins. Multiple studies also examined the accumulation of α-synuclein in various forms in PD in the neural elements in the gut, submandibular glands, skin, and the retina. The measurements of the levels of certain forms of α-synuclein in some of these body fluids or their components or peripheral tissues hold a significant promise in establishing α-synuclein as a definitive biomarker for PD. However, many methodological issues related to detection and quantification of α-synuclein have to be resolved, and larger cross-sectional and follow-up studies with controls and patients of PD, parkinsonian disorders, and non-parkinsonian movement disorders are to be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Laboratory, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala, India
| | - Sukhpal Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Laboratory, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala, India
| | - Soumya Pal
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Laboratory, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala, India
| | - Suvarna Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Laboratory, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala, India
| | - Bimal K. Agrawal
- Department of General Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala, India
| | - Reena V. Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala, India
| | - Sasanka Chakrabarti
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Laboratory, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala, India
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22
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Rascunà C, Russo A, Terravecchia C, Castellino N, Avitabile T, Bonfiglio V, Fallico M, Chisari CG, Cicero CE, Grillo M, Longo A, Luca A, Mostile G, Zappia M, Reibaldi M, Nicoletti A. Retinal Thickness and Microvascular Pattern in Early Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2020; 11:533375. [PMID: 33117254 PMCID: PMC7575742 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.533375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A thinning of intraretinal layers has been previously described in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). Few studies evaluated the possible correlation between retinal thickness and retinal microvascularization. Thus, here we assessed the thickness of retinal layers and microvascular pattern in early PD patients and HCs, using, respectively, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and SD-OCT-angiography (SD-OCT-A), and more interestingly, we evaluated a possible correlation between retinal thickness and microvascular pattern. Patients fulfilling criteria for clinically established/clinically probable PD and HCs were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were any ocular, retinal, and systemic disease impairing the visual system. Retinal vascularization was analyzed using SD-OCT-A, and retinal layer thickness was assessed using SD-OCT. Forty-one eyes from 21 PD patients and 33 eyes from 17 HCs were evaluated. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular RNFL, ganglionic cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and inner nuclear layer (INL), resulted to be thinner in PD compared to HCs. Among PD patients, a positive correlation between RNFL, GCL, and IPL thickness and microvascular density was found in the foveal region, also adjusting by age, sex, and, especially, hypertension. Such findings were already present in the early stage of disease and were irrespective of dopaminergic treatment. Thus, the retina might be considered a biomarker of PD and could be a useful instrument for onset and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rascunà
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Terravecchia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Clara Grazia Chisari
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Grillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonina Luca
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mostile
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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23
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α-synuclein overexpression in the retina leads to vision impairment and degeneration of dopaminergic amacrine cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9619. [PMID: 32541823 PMCID: PMC7295803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of α-synuclein aggregates in the retina of Parkinson's disease patients has been associated with vision impairment. In this study we sought to determine the effects of α-synuclein overexpression on the survival and function of dopaminergic amacrine cells (DACs) in the retina. Adult mice were intravitreally injected with an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to overexpress human wild-type α-synuclein in the inner retina. Before and after systemic injections of levodopa (L-DOPA), retinal responses and visual acuity-driven behavior were measured by electroretinography (ERG) and a water maze task, respectively. Amacrine cells and ganglion cells were counted at different time points after the injection. α-synuclein overexpression led to an early loss of DACs associated with a decrease of light-adapted ERG responses and visual acuity that could be rescued by systemic injections of L-DOPA. The data show that α-synuclein overexpression affects dopamine neurons in the retina. The approach provides a novel accessible method to model the underlying mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies and for testing novel treatments.
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24
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Wu G, Lu ZH, Seo JH, Alselehdar SK, DeFrees S, Ledeen RW. Mice deficient in GM1 manifest both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease; successful treatment with synthetic GM1 ganglioside. Exp Neurol 2020; 329:113284. [PMID: 32165255 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a variety of non-motor symptoms in addition to the well-recognized motor dysfunctions that have commanded primary interest. We previously described a new PD mouse model based on heterozygous disruption of the B4galnt1 gene leading to partial deficiency of the GM1 family of gangliosides that manifested several nigrostriatal neuropathological features of PD as well as movement impairment. We now show this mouse also suffers three non-motor symptoms characteristic of PD involving the gastrointestinal, sympathetic cardiac, and cerebral cognitive systems. Treatment of these animals with a synthetic form of GM1 ganglioside, produced by transfected E. coli, proved ameliorative of these symptoms as well as the motor defect. These findings further suggest subnormal GM1 to be a systemic defect constituting a major risk factor in sporadic PD and indicate the B4galnt1(+/-) (HT) mouse to be a true neuropathological model that recapitulates both motor and non-motor lesions of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gusheng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Zi-Hua Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Joon Ho Seo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Samar K Alselehdar
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | | | - Robert W Ledeen
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
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25
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Kwapong WR, Ye H, Peng C, Zhuang X, Wang J, Shen M, Lu F. Retinal Microvascular Impairment in the Early Stages of Parkinson's Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4115-4122. [PMID: 30098201 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To detect the retinal microvascular impairment using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and find a correlation between the microvascular impairment and the neuronal damage. Methods This is a prospective, observational study including 49 eyes from 38 PD patients in their early stages and 34 eyes from 28 healthy controls with comparable age range. Macula microvasculature was evaluated with the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) angiography and intraretinal layer thickness evaluated with the SD-OCT. A custom algorithm was used for custom segmentation of retinal thickness and quantification of the superficial and deep microvascular density of the macula, respectively. Results PD patients showed reduced microvascular density in most of the areas of the whole retina. In the superficial retinal capillary plexus, statistical difference (P < 0.01) was seen in the total annular zone (TAZ), superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal zones. In PD patients, there was a strong correlation between the average ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform (GCIP) thickness and the TAZ of the superficial microvascular density (r = 0.062, P = 0.032). Conclusion We demonstrated that retinal microvascular density decreased in PD patients. The correlation between microvascular impairment in the superficial retinal capillary layer and GCIP thinning also revealed that the retinal microvascular abnormality may contribute to the neurodegeneration in PD patients. OCT-A with quantitative analysis offers a new path of study and will likely be useful in the future as an objective biomarker for detecting vessel impairment in early stages of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Robert Kwapong
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Ye
- The Neurology Department, Wenzhou Peoples' Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenlei Peng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiran Zhuang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Meixiao Shen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan Lu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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26
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Veys L, Vandenabeele M, Ortuño-Lizarán I, Baekelandt V, Cuenca N, Moons L, De Groef L. Retinal α-synuclein deposits in Parkinson's disease patients and animal models. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 137:379-395. [PMID: 30721408 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-01956-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease remains a challenge, and disease-modifying treatments are still lacking. Research into the early (presymptomatic) stages of Parkinson's disease and the discovery of novel biomarkers is of utmost importance to reduce this burden and to come to a more accurate diagnosis at the very onset of the disease. Many have speculated that non-motor symptoms could provide a breakthrough in the quest for early biomarkers of Parkinson's disease, including the visual disturbances and retinal abnormalities that are seen in the majority of Parkinson's disease patients. An expanding number of clinical studies have investigated the use of in vivo assessments of retinal structure, electrophysiological function, and vision-driven tasks as novel means for identifying patients at risk that need further neurological examination and for longitudinal follow-up of disease progression in Parkinson's disease patients. Often, the results of these studies have been interpreted in relation to α-synuclein deposits and dopamine deficiency in the retina, mirroring the defining pathological features of Parkinson's disease in the brain. To better understand the visual defects seen in Parkinson's disease patients and to propel the use of retinal changes as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, however, more conclusive neuropathological evidence for the presence of retinal α-synuclein aggregates, and its relation to the cerebral α-synuclein burden, is urgently needed. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the research conducted to unveil α-synuclein aggregates in the retina of Parkinson's disease patients and animal models, and thereby aims to aid the ongoing discussion about the potential use of the retinal changes and/or visual symptoms as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease.
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27
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Ma LY, Liu GL, Wang DX, Zhang MM, Kou WY, Feng T. Alpha-Synuclein in Peripheral Tissues in Parkinson's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:812-823. [PMID: 30714719 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. To date, the diagnosis of PD relies mainly on clinical manifestations whereas neuropathological confirmation of the brain is only possible with postmortem studies. Neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) associated with Lewy bodies/neurites is the pathological hallmark feature of PD. The major component of Lewy pathology (LP) is misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-SYN). There is evidence that the distribution of LP is not only limited to the brain but extends to peripheral tissues, including gastrointestinal tract, salivary glands, olfactory mucosa, skin, retina, adrenal gland, and heart. Sensitivity and specificity of α-SYN detection in PD vary greatly among studies due to methodological heterogeneity, such as sampling sites and size, tissue preparation, staining techniques, and antibodies used. Of note, α-SYN has also been found in preclinical and prodromal PD. Further in vivo studies focusing on favorable biopsy sites and standard techniques are needed to get better understanding of α-SYN deposits in preclinical, prodromal, and clinical PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yan Ma
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Gen-Liang Liu
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Dong-Xu Wang
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Mei-Mei Zhang
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Wen-Yi Kou
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Tao Feng
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Parkinson’s Disease Center, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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28
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Autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson disease and animal models. Clin Auton Res 2019; 29:397-414. [PMID: 30604165 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-018-00584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson disease has traditionally been classified as a movement disorder, despite patients' accounts of diverse symptoms stemming from impairments in numerous body systems. Today, Parkinson disease is increasingly recognized by clinicians and scientists as a complex neurodegenerative disorder featuring both motor and nonmotor manifestations concomitant with pathology throughout all major branches of the nervous system. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, or dysautonomia, is a common feature of Parkinson disease. It produces signs and symptoms that severely affect patients' quality of life, such as blood pressure dysregulation, hyperhidrosis, and constipation. Treatment options for dysautonomia are limited to symptom alleviation because the cause of these symptoms and Parkinson disease overall are still unknown. Animal models provide a platform to interrogate mechanisms of Parkinson disease-related autonomic nervous system dysfunction and test novel treatment strategies. Several animal models of Parkinson disease are available, each with different effects on the autonomic nervous system. This review critically analyses key dysautonomia signs and symptoms and associated pathology in Parkinson disease patients and relevant findings in animal models. We focus on the cardiovascular system, adrenal medulla, skin/thermoregulation, bladder, pupils, and gastrointestinal tract, to assess the contribution of animal models to the understanding of Parkinson disease autonomic dysfunction.
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29
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Price DL, Koike MA, Khan A, Wrasidlo W, Rockenstein E, Masliah E, Bonhaus D. The small molecule alpha-synuclein misfolding inhibitor, NPT200-11, produces multiple benefits in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16165. [PMID: 30385782 PMCID: PMC6212487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34490-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of alpha-synuclein (ASYN) in neurons and other CNS cell types may contribute to the underlying pathology of synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). In support of this hypothesis for PD, ASYN immunopositive aggregates are a prominent pathological feature of PD, and mutations and gene multiplications of human wild type (WT) ASYN cause rare familial autosomal-dominant forms of PD. Targeted therapeutics that reduce the accumulation of ASYN could prevent or slow the neurodegenerative processes in PD and other synucleinopathies. NPT200-11 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of ASYN misfolding and aggregation. The effects of NPT200-11 on ASYN neuropathology were evaluated in animal models over expressing human alpha synuclein. Longitudinal studies using retinal imaging in mice expressing a hASYN::GFP fusion protein revealed that 2 months of once daily administration of NPT200-11 (5 mg/kg IP) resulted in a time-dependent and progressive reduction in retinal ASYN pathology. The effects of NPT200-11 on ASYN pathology in cerebral cortex and on other disease-relevant endpoints was evaluated in the Line 61 transgenic mouse model overexpressing human wild type ASYN. Results from these studies demonstrated that NPT200-11 reduced alpha-synuclein pathology in cortex, reduced associated neuroinflammation (astrogliosis), normalized striatal levels of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and improved motor function. To gain insight into the relationship between dose, exposure, and therapeutic benefit pharmacokinetic studies were also conducted in mice. These studies demonstrated that NPT200-11 is orally bioavailable and brain penetrating and established target plasma and brain exposures for future studies of potential therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L Price
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Maya A Koike
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.,Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 11010 Torreyana Road, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Asma Khan
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | | | - Edward Rockenstein
- University of California, San Diego, Departments of Neuroscience and Pathology, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- University of California, San Diego, Departments of Neuroscience and Pathology, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Mammadova N, Summers CM, Kokemuller RD, He Q, Ding S, Baron T, Yu C, Valentine RJ, Sakaguchi DS, Kanthasamy AG, Greenlee JJ, Heather West Greenlee M. Accelerated accumulation of retinal α-synuclein (pSer129) and tau, neuroinflammation, and autophagic dysregulation in a seeded mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 121:1-16. [PMID: 30218757 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein within the central nervous system (CNS). Visual problems in PD patients are common, although retinal pathology associated with PD is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate retinal pathology in a transgenic mouse model (TgM83) expressing the human A53T α-synuclein mutation and assess the effect of α-synuclein "seeding" on the development of retinal pathology. Two-month-old TgM83 mice were intracerebrally inoculated with brain homogenate from old (12-18 months) TgM83 mice. Retinas were then analyzed at 5 months of age. We analyzed retinas from 5-month-old and 8-month-old uninoculated healthy TgM83 mice, and old (12-18 months) mice that were euthanized following the development of clinical signs. Retinas of B6C3H mice (genetic background of the TgM83 mouse) served as control. We used immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis to detect accumulation of α-synuclein, pTauThr231, inflammation, changes in macroautophagy, and cell death. Raman spectroscopy was used to test the potential to differentiate between retinal tissues of healthy mice and diseased mice. This work demonstrates retinal changes associated with the A53T mutation. Retinas of non-inoculated TgM83 mice had accumulation of α-synuclein, "pre-tangle" tau, activation of retinal glial cells, and photoreceptor cell loss by 8 months of age. The development of these changes is accelerated by inoculation with brain homogenate from clinically ill TgM83 mice. Compared to non-inoculated 5-month-old TgM83 mice, retinas of inoculated 5-month-old mice had increased accumulation of α-synuclein (pSer129) and pTauThr231 proteins, upregulated microglial activation, and dysregulated macroautophagy. Raman spectroscopic analysis was able to discriminate between healthy and diseased mice. This study describes retinal pathology resulting from the A53T mutation. We show that seeding with brain homogenates from old TgM83 mice accelerates retinal pathology. We demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can be used to accurately identify a diseased retina based on its biochemical profile, and that α-synuclein accumulation may contribute to accumulation of pTauThr231 proteins, neuroinflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and photoreceptor cell death. Our work provides insight into retinal changes associated with Parkinson's disease, and may contribute to a better understanding of visual symptoms experienced by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najiba Mammadova
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States; Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States.
| | - Corey M Summers
- Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, United States.
| | - Robyn D Kokemuller
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, United States.
| | - Qing He
- Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.
| | - Shaowei Ding
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.
| | - Thierry Baron
- Anses, Laboratoire de Lyon, Unité Maladies Neurodégénératives, Lyon, France.
| | - Chenxu Yu
- Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.
| | - Rudy J Valentine
- Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, United States.
| | - Donald S Sakaguchi
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States.
| | - Anumantha G Kanthasamy
- Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, United States.
| | - Justin J Greenlee
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States.
| | - M Heather West Greenlee
- Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Iowa State University, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, United States.
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Ahn J, Lee JY, Kim TW, Yoon EJ, Oh S, Kim YK, Kim JM, Woo SJ, Kim KW, Jeon B. Retinal thinning associates with nigral dopaminergic loss in de novo Parkinson disease. Neurology 2018; 91:e1003-e1012. [PMID: 30111550 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationship between retinal thinning and nigral dopaminergic loss in de novo Parkinson disease (PD). METHODS Forty-nine patients with PD and 54 age-matched controls were analyzed. Ophthalmologic examination and macula optical coherence tomography scans were performed with additional microperimetry, N-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-2-carbomethoxy-3-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane PET, and 3T MRI scans were done in patients with PD only. Retinal layer thickness and volume were measured in subfields of the 1-, 2.22-, and 3.45-mm Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study circle and compared in patients with PD and controls. Correlation of inner retinal layer thinning with microperimetric response was examined in patients with PD, and the relationships between retinal layer thickness and dopamine transporter densities in the ipsilateral caudate, anterior and posterior putamen, and substantia nigra were analyzed. RESULTS Retinal layer thinning was observed in the temporal and inferior 2.22-mm sectors (false discovery rate-adjusted p < 0.05) of drug-naive patients with PD, particularly the inner plexiform and ganglion cell layers. The thickness of these layers in the inferior 2.22-mm sector showed a negative correlation with the Hoehn and Yahr stage (p = 0.032 and 0.014, respectively). There was positive correlation between macular sensitivity and retinal layer thickness in all 3.45-mm sectors, the superior 2.22-mm sector, and 1-mm circle (p < 0.05 for all). There was an association between retinal thinning and dopaminergic loss in the left substantia nigra (false discovery rate-adjusted p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Retinal thinning is present in the early stages of PD, correlates with disease severity, and may be linked to nigral dopaminergic degeneration. Retinal imaging may be useful for detection of pathologic changes occurring in early PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeyun Ahn
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Jee-Young Lee
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea.
| | - Tae Wan Kim
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea.
| | - Eun Jin Yoon
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Sohee Oh
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Yu Kyeong Kim
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Jong-Min Kim
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Se Joon Woo
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Ki Woong Kim
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Beomseok Jeon
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology (J.A., T.W.K.), Neurology (J.-Y.L.), Nuclear Medicine (E.J.Y., Y.K.K.), and Biomedical Statistics (S.O.), Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University College of Medicine; Departments of Neurology (J.M.K.), Ophthalmology (S.J.W.), and Psychiatry (K.W.K.), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine; and Department of Neurology (B.J.), Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
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Ortuño-Lizarán I, Beach TG, Serrano GE, Walker DG, Adler CH, Cuenca N. Phosphorylated α-synuclein in the retina is a biomarker of Parkinson's disease pathology severity. Mov Disord 2018; 33:1315-1324. [PMID: 29737566 PMCID: PMC6146055 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD patients often have visual alterations, for example, loss of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity or motion perception, and diminished electroretinogram responses. PD pathology is mainly characterized by the accumulation of pathological α-synuclein deposits in the brain, but little is known about how synucleinopathy affects the retina. OBJECTIVE To study the correlation between α-synuclein deposits in the retina and brain of autopsied subjects with PD and incidental Lewy body disease. METHODS We evaluated the presence of phosphorylated α-synuclein in the retina of autopsied subjects with PD (9 subjects), incidental Lewy body disease (4 subjects), and controls (6 subjects) by immunohistochemistry and compared the retinal synucleinopathy with brain disease severity indicators. RESULTS Whereas controls did not show any phosphorylated α-synuclein immunoreactivity in their retina, all PD subjects and 3 of 4 incidental Lewy body disease subjects had phosphorylated α-synuclein deposits in ganglion cell perikarya, dendrites, and axons, some of them resembling brain Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The Lewy-type synucleinopathy density in the retina significantly correlated with Lewy-type synucleinopathy density in the brain, with the Unified Parkinson's disease pathology stage and with the motor UPDRS. CONCLUSION These data suggest that phosphorylated α-synuclein accumulates in the retina in parallel with that in the brain, including in early stages preceding development of clinical signs of parkinsonism or dementia. Therefore, the retina may provide an in vivo indicator of brain pathology severity, and its detection could help in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas G. Beach
- Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain
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Leinonen H, Tanila H. Vision in laboratory rodents-Tools to measure it and implications for behavioral research. Behav Brain Res 2017; 352:172-182. [PMID: 28760697 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Mice and rats are nocturnal mammals and their vision is specialized for detection of motion and contrast in dim light conditions. These species possess a large proportion of UV-sensitive cones in their retinas and the majority of their optic nerve axons target superior colliculus rather than visual cortex. Therefore, it was a widely held belief that laboratory rodents hardly utilize vision during day-time behavior. This dogma is being questioned as accumulating evidence suggests that laboratory rodents are able to perform complex visual functions, such as perceiving subjective contours, and that declined vision may affect their performance in many behavioral tasks. For instance, genetic engineering may have unexpected consequences on vision as mouse models of Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases have declined visual function. Rodent vision can be tested in numerous ways using operant training or reflex-based behavioral tasks, or alternatively using electrophysiological recordings. In this article, we will first provide a summary of visual system and explain its characteristics unique to rodents. Then, we present well-established techniques to test rodent vision, with an emphasis on pattern vision: visual water test, optomotor reflex test, pattern electroretinography and pattern visual evoked potentials. Finally, we highlight the importance of visual phenotyping in rodents. As the number of genetically engineered rodent models and volume of behavioral testing increase simultaneously, the possibility of visual dysfunctions needs to be addressed. Neglect in this matter potentially leads to crude biases in the field of neuroscience and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Leinonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Heikki Tanila
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Animal models of α-synucleinopathy for Parkinson disease drug development. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:515-529. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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El-Agnaf O, Overk C, Rockenstein E, Mante M, Florio J, Adame A, Vaikath N, Majbour N, Lee SJ, Kim C, Masliah E, Rissman RA. Differential effects of immunotherapy with antibodies targeting α-synuclein oligomers and fibrils in a transgenic model of synucleinopathy. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 104:85-96. [PMID: 28476636 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders with progressive accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) are a common cause of dementia and parkinsonism in the aging population. Accumulation and propagation of α-syn play a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Previous studies have shown that immunization with antibodies that recognize C-terminus of α-syn reduces the intra-neuronal accumulation of α-syn and related deficits in transgenic models of synucleinopathy. These studies employed antibodies that recognize epitopes within monomeric and aggregated α-syn that were generated through active immunization or administered via passive immunization. However, it is possible that more specific effects might be achieved with antibodies recognizing selective species of the α-syn aggregates. In this respect we recently developed antibodies that differentially recognized various oligomers (Syn-O1, -O2, and -O4) and fibrilar (Syn-F1 and -F2) forms of α-syn. For this purpose wild-type α-syn transgenic (line 61) mice were immunized with these 5 different antibodies and neuropathologically and biochemically analyzed to determine which was most effective at reducing α-syn accumulation and related deficits. We found that Syn-O1, -O4 and -F1 antibodies were most effective at reducing accumulation of α-syn oligomers in multiple brain regions and at preventing neurodegeneration. Together this study supports the notion that selective antibodies against α-syn might be suitable for development new treatments for synucleinopathies such as PD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar El-Agnaf
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, PO Box 5825, Doha, Qatar; Life Sciences Division, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Education City, Qatar Foundation, PO Box 5825, Doha, Qatar
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Edward Rockenstein
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Anthony Adame
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Nishant Vaikath
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, PO Box 5825, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nour Majbour
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, PO Box 5825, Doha, Qatar
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyoun Kim
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States.
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Hart NJ, Koronyo Y, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Ocular indicators of Alzheimer's: exploring disease in the retina. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 132:767-787. [PMID: 27645291 PMCID: PMC5106496 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although historically perceived as a disorder confined to the brain, our understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has expanded to include extra-cerebral manifestation, with mounting evidence of abnormalities in the eye. Among ocular tissues, the retina, a developmental outgrowth of the brain, is marked by an array of pathologies in patients suffering from AD, including nerve fiber layer thinning, degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, and changes to vascular parameters. While the hallmark pathological signs of AD, amyloid β-protein (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) comprising hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) protein, have long been described in the brain, identification of these characteristic biomarkers in the retina has only recently been reported. In particular, Aβ deposits were discovered in post-mortem retinas of advanced and early stage cases of AD, in stark contrast to non-AD controls. Subsequent studies have reported elevated Aβ42/40 peptides, morphologically diverse Aβ plaques, and pTau in the retina. In line with the above findings, animal model studies have reported retinal Aβ deposits and tauopathy, often correlated with local inflammation, retinal ganglion cell degeneration, and functional deficits. This review highlights the converging evidence that AD manifests in the eye, especially in the retina, which can be imaged directly and non-invasively. Visual dysfunction in AD patients, traditionally attributed to well-documented cerebral pathology, can now be reexamined as a direct outcome of retinal abnormalities. As we continue to study the disease in the brain, the emerging field of ocular AD warrants further investigation of how the retina may faithfully reflect the neurological disease. Indeed, detection of retinal AD pathology, particularly the early presenting amyloid biomarkers, using advanced high-resolution imaging techniques may allow large-scale screening and monitoring of at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav J Hart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048, CA, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048, CA, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048, CA, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048, CA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 110 George Burns Rd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
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Larrick JW, Alfenito MR, Scott JK, Parren PWHI, Burton DR, Bradbury ARM, Lemere CA, Messer A, Huston JS, Carter PJ, Veldman T, Chester KA, Schuurman J, Adams GP, Reichert JM. Antibody Engineering & Therapeutics 2016: The Antibody Society's annual meeting, December 11-15, 2016, San Diego, CA. MAbs 2016; 8:1425-1434. [PMID: 27557809 PMCID: PMC5098447 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1227665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody Engineering & Therapeutics, the largest meeting devoted to antibody science and technology and the annual meeting of The Antibody Society, will be held in San Diego, CA on December 11-15, 2016. Each of 14 sessions will include six presentations by leading industry and academic experts. In this meeting preview, the session chairs discuss the relevance of their topics to current and future antibody therapeutics development. Session topics include bispecifics and designer polyclonal antibodies; antibodies for neurodegenerative diseases; the interface between passive and active immunotherapy; antibodies for non-cancer indications; novel antibody display, selection and screening technologies; novel checkpoint modulators / immuno-oncology; engineering antibodies for T-cell therapy; novel engineering strategies to enhance antibody functions; and the biological Impact of Fc receptor engagement. The meeting will open with keynote speakers Dennis R. Burton (The Scripps Research Institute), who will review progress toward a neutralizing antibody-based HIV vaccine; Olivera J. Finn, (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine), who will discuss prophylactic cancer vaccines as a source of therapeutic antibodies; and Paul Richardson (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute), who will provide a clinical update on daratumumab for multiple myeloma. In a featured presentation, a representative of the World Health Organization's INN expert group will provide a perspective on antibody naming. “Antibodies to watch in 2017” and progress on The Antibody Society's 2016 initiatives will be presented during the Society's special session. In addition, two pre-conference workshops covering ways to accelerate antibody drugs to the clinic and the applications of next-generation sequencing in antibody discovery and engineering will be held on Sunday December 11, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Larrick
- a Panorama Research Institute and Velocity Pharmaceutical Development , South San Francisco , CA , USA
| | | | | | - Paul W H I Parren
- d Genmab , Utrecht , the Netherlands.,e Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden , the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Cynthia A Lemere
- h Brigham and Woman's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston MA , USA
| | - Anne Messer
- i Regenerative Research Foundation , Rensselaer , NY , USA
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