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Del Negro I, Pauletto G, Verriello L, Spadea L, Salati C, Ius T, Zeppieri M. Uncovering the Genetics and Physiology behind Optic Neuritis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2192. [PMID: 38137014 PMCID: PMC10742654 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve, leading to vision impairment and potential vision loss. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of ON, including its definition, epidemiology, physiology, genetics, molecular pathways, therapy, ongoing clinical studies, and future perspectives. ON is characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve, often resulting from an autoimmune response. Epidemiological studies have shown a higher incidence in females and an association with certain genetic factors. The physiology of ON involves an immune-mediated attack on the myelin sheath surrounding the optic nerve, leading to demyelination and subsequent impairment of nerve signal transmission. This inflammatory process involves various molecular pathways, including the activation of immune cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Genetic factors play a significant role in the susceptibility to ON. Several genes involved in immune regulation and myelin maintenance have been implicated in the disease pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic basis can provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Therapy for ON focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting nerve regeneration. Future perspectives involve personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiling, regenerative therapies to repair damaged myelin, and the development of neuroprotective strategies. Advancements in understanding molecular pathways, genetics, and diagnostic tools offer new opportunities for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Del Negro
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Giada Pauletto
- Neurology Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy; (G.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Verriello
- Neurology Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy; (G.P.)
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Tamara Ius
- Neurosurgery Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Habek M, Blazekovic A, Gotovac Jercic K, Pivac N, Outero TF, Borovecki F, Brinar V. Genome-Wide Expression Profile in People with Optic Neuritis Associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2209. [PMID: 37626706 PMCID: PMC10452153 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a genome-wide expression analysis of whole-blood samples from people with optic neuritis (ON) and to determine differentially expressed mRNAs compared to healthy control subjects. The study included eight people with acute ON and six healthy control subjects. Gene expression was analyzed using DNA microarrays for whole-human-genome analysis, which contain 54,675 25-base pairs. The additional biostatistical analysis included gene ontology analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) was used to confirm selected differentially expressed genes. In total, 722 differently expressed genes were identified, with 377 exhibiting increased, and 345 decreased, expression. Gene ontology analysis and GSEA revealed that protein phosphorylation and intracellular compartment, apoptosis inhibition, pathways involved in cell cycles, T and B cell functions, and anti-inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) pathways are implicated in ON pathology. qPCR confirmed the differential expression of eight selected genes, with SLPI, CR3, and ITGA4 exhibiting statistically significant results. In conclusion, whole-blood gene expression analysis showed significant differences in the expression profiles of people with ON compared to healthy control subjects. Additionally, pathways involved in T cell regulation and anti-inflammatory pathways within CNS were identified as important in the early phases of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Habek
- Department of Neurology, Referral Center for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antonela Blazekovic
- Department for Functional Genomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department for Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Gotovac Jercic
- Department for Functional Genomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Bošković Institute, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tiago Fleming Outero
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Centre for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Centre Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 17475 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fran Borovecki
- Department for Functional Genomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Brinar
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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