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Barros Ferreira L, Ashander LM, Ma Y, Appukuttan B, Williams KA, Best G, Smith JR. Effects of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β on human retinal endothelial cells. Cytokine 2024; 173:156407. [PMID: 37924741 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Uveitis, or intraocular inflammation, is a potentially blinding condition that mostly affects the working-age population. The cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, play a role in the pathogenesis of non-infectious uveitis and have been linked to the breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier, composed mainly of retinal endothelial cells, leading to macular oedema and vascular leakage. However, the effects of TNF-α and IL-1β on human retinal endothelial function are not fully understood. In this work, we investigated the impact of TNF-α and IL-1β on several aspects of human retinal endothelial cell biology. Through a real-time biosensor, the impact of TNF-α and IL-1β on formation of a retinal endothelial cell barrier was analyzed. Changes in junctional components were assessed via RT-qPCR and immunolabelling. Cell survival, necrosis and apoptosis were appraised via cell proliferation and flow cytometric studies. Tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β impaired the electrical resistance of the retinal endothelial cell barrier, while the addition of a potentially barrier-impairing cytokine, IL-6, did not enhance the effect of TNF-α and IL-1β. Level of the gene transcript encoding zonula occludens (ZO)-1 was diminished, while ZO-1 protein configuration was changed by TNF-α and IL-1β. Both cytokines affected human retinal endothelial cell proliferation and viability, while only TNF-α increased rates of necrosis. These results indicate that TNF-α and IL-1β are important drivers of retinal endothelial dysfunction in non-infectious uveitis, suggesting that targeting these cytokines is critical when treating complications of uveitis, such as macular oedema and vascular leakage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liam M Ashander
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yuefang Ma
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Binoy Appukuttan
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Keryn A Williams
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Giles Best
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Justine R Smith
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia.
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2
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Ferreira LB, Williams KA, Best G, Haydinger CD, Smith JR. Inflammatory cytokines as mediators of retinal endothelial barrier dysfunction in non-infectious uveitis. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1479. [PMID: 38090668 PMCID: PMC10714664 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Characterised by intraocular inflammation, non-infectious uveitis includes a large group of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases that either involve the eye alone or have both ocular and systemic manifestations. When non-infectious uveitis involves the posterior segment of the eye, specifically the retina, there is substantial risk of vision loss, often linked to breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier. This barrier is formed by non-fenestrated retinal vascular endothelial cells, reinforced by supporting cells that include pericytes, Müller cells and astrocytes. Across the published literature, a group of inflammatory cytokines stand out as prominent mediators of intraocular inflammation, with effects on the retinal endothelium that may contribute to breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier, namely tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 and chemokine C-C motif ligand (CCL)2. This article reviews the function of each cytokine and discusses the evidence for their involvement in retinal endothelial barrier dysfunction in non-infectious uveitis, including basic laboratory investigations, studies of ocular fluids collected from patients with non-infectious uveitis, and results of clinical treatment trials. The review also outlines gaps in knowledge in this area. Understanding the disease processes at a molecular level can suggest treatment alternatives that are directed against appropriate biological targets to protect the posterior segment of eye and preserve vision in non-infectious uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keryn A Williams
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Giles Best
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Cameron D Haydinger
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Justine R Smith
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
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3
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Miao Y, Zhao GL, Cheng S, Wang Z, Yang XL. Activation of retinal glial cells contributes to the degeneration of ganglion cells in experimental glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101169. [PMID: 36736070 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for neurodegeneration in glaucoma. Glial cells, which play an important role in normal functioning of retinal neurons, are well involved into retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in experimental glaucoma animal models generated by elevated IOP. In response to elevated IOP, mGluR I is first activated and Kir4.1 channels are subsequently inhibited, which leads to the activation of Müller cells. Müller cell activation is followed by a complex process, including proliferation, release of inflammatory and growth factors (gliosis). Gliosis is further regulated by several factors. Activated Müller cells contribute to RGC degeneration through generating glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity, releasing cytotoxic factors and inducing microglia activation. Elevated IOP activates microglia, and following morphological and functional changes, these cells, as resident immune cells in the retina, show adaptive immune responses, including an enhanced release of pro-inflammatory factors (tumor neurosis factor-α, interleukins, etc.). These ATP and Toll-like receptor-mediated responses are further regulated by heat shock proteins, CD200R, chemokine receptors, and metabotropic purinergic receptors, may aggravate RGC loss. In the optic nerve head, astrogliosis is initiated and regulated by a complex reaction process, including purines, transmitters, chemokines, growth factors and cytokines, which contributes to RGC axon injury through releasing pro-inflammatory factors and changing extracellular matrix in glaucoma. The effects of activated glial cells on RGCs are further modified by the interplay among different types of glial cells. This review is concluded by presenting an in-depth discussion of possible research directions in this field in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guo-Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuo Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiong-Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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4
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Pignolo RJ, McCarrick-Walmsley R, Wang H, Qiu S, Hunter J, Barr S, He K, Zhang H, Kaplan FS. Plasma-Soluble Biomarkers for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Reflect Acute and Chronic Inflammatory States. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:475-483. [PMID: 34954853 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a progressive, debilitating genetic disease in which skeletal muscle and connective tissue is episodically replaced by heterotopic bone. Discovery of surrogate biomarkers of disease (genotype)-related and flare-up-associated activity of FOP in a readily accessible matrix, such as plasma, would facilitate an understanding of the complex pathophysiology of FOP, aid patient care, and provide a valuable tool for the development and monitoring of potential therapeutics. In a case-control study, using a carefully collected and curated set of plasma samples from 40 FOP patients with the classic ACVR1R206H mutation and 40 age- and sex-matched controls, we report the identification of disease-related and flare-up-associated biomarkers of FOP using a multiplex analysis of 113 plasma-soluble analytes. Adiponectin (implicated in hypoxia, inflammation, and heterotopic ossification) as well as tenascin-C (an endogenous activator of innate immune signaling through the TLR4 pathway and a substrate for kallikrein-7) were highly correlated with FOP genotype, while kallikrein-7 was highly correlated with acute flare-up status. Plasma-soluble biomarkers for FOP support a flare-up-related acute inflammatory phase of disease activity superimposed on a genotypic background of chronic inflammation. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Pignolo
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology/Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ruth McCarrick-Walmsley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Haitao Wang
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology/Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kevin He
- Blueprint Medicines, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Blueprint Medicines, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Frederick S Kaplan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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5
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Jiang Q, Li Z, Tao T, Duan R, Wang X, Su W. TNF-α in Uveitis: From Bench to Clinic. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:740057. [PMID: 34795583 PMCID: PMC8592912 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.740057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is an inflammation of the iris, ciliary body, vitreous, retina, or choroid, which has been shown to be the first manifestation of numerous systemic diseases. Studies about the immunopathogenesis and treatment of uveitis are helpful to comprehend systemic autoimmune diseases, and delay the progression of systemic autoimmune diseases, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pleiotropic cytokine, plays a pivotal role in intraocular inflammation based on experimental and clinical data. Evidence of the feasibility of using anti-TNF-α agents for uveitis management has increased. Although there are numerous studies on TNF-α in various autoimmune diseases, the pathological mechanism and research progress of TNF-α in uveitis have not been reviewed. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide a background on the role of TNF-α in the immunopathogenesis of uveitis, as well as from bench to clinical research progress, to better guide TNF-α-based therapeutics for uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaohuai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runping Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianggui Wang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Mechanisms of macular edema: Beyond the surface. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 63:20-68. [PMID: 29126927 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Macular edema consists of intra- or subretinal fluid accumulation in the macular region. It occurs during the course of numerous retinal disorders and can cause severe impairment of central vision. Major causes of macular edema include diabetes, branch and central retinal vein occlusion, choroidal neovascularization, posterior uveitis, postoperative inflammation and central serous chorioretinopathy. The healthy retina is maintained in a relatively dehydrated, transparent state compatible with optimal light transmission by multiple active and passive systems. Fluid accumulation results from an imbalance between processes governing fluid entry and exit, and is driven by Starling equation when inner or outer blood-retinal barriers are disrupted. The multiple and intricate mechanisms involved in retinal hydro-ionic homeostasis, their molecular and cellular basis, and how their deregulation lead to retinal edema, are addressed in this review. Analyzing the distribution of junction proteins and water channels in the human macula, several hypotheses are raised to explain why edema forms specifically in the macular region. "Pure" clinical phenotypes of macular edema, that result presumably from a single causative mechanism, are detailed. Finally, diabetic macular edema is investigated, as a complex multifactorial pathogenic example. This comprehensive review on the current understanding of macular edema and its mechanisms opens perspectives to identify new preventive and therapeutic strategies for this sight-threatening condition.
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Van Hove I, Lefevere E, De Groef L, Sergeys J, Salinas-Navarro M, Libert C, Vandenbroucke R, Moons L. MMP-3 Deficiency Alleviates Endotoxin-Induced Acute Inflammation in the Posterior Eye Segment. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17111825. [PMID: 27809288 PMCID: PMC5133826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is known to mediate neuroinflammatory processes by activating microglia, disrupting blood-central nervous system barriers and supporting neutrophil influx into the brain. In addition, the posterior part of the eye, more specifically the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the blood-retinal barrier, is affected upon neuroinflammation, but a role for MMP-3 during ocular inflammation remains elusive. We investigated whether MMP-3 contributes to acute inflammation in the eye using the endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) model. Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide induced an increase in MMP-3 mRNA and protein expression level in the posterior part of the eye. MMP-3 deficiency or knockdown suppressed retinal leukocyte adhesion and leukocyte infiltration into the vitreous cavity in mice subjected to EIU. Moreover, retinal and RPE mRNA levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (Icam1), interleukin 6 (Il6), cytokine-inducible nitrogen oxide synthase (Nos2) and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfα), which are key molecules involved in EIU, were clearly reduced in MMP-3 deficient mice. In addition, loss of MMP-3 repressed the upregulation of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1). These findings suggest a contribution of MMP-3 during EIU, and its potential use as a therapeutic drug target in reducing ocular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Van Hove
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Evy Lefevere
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jurgen Sergeys
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Claude Libert
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Roosmarijn Vandenbroucke
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Ranjbar M, Schneider T, Brand C, Grisanti S, Lüke J, Lüke M. The effect of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs on retinal function in the electrophysiological ex vivo model of the isolated perfused vertebrate retina. Ophthalmic Res 2015; 53:136-40. [PMID: 25720991 DOI: 10.1159/000371731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been suggested in the treatment of inflammatory ophthalmological diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of these DMARDs on bovine retinal function. METHODS Bovine retina preparations were perfused with a standard solution. After recording stable electroretinograms the nutrient solution was substituted by a DMARD medium with varying concentrations of different drugs (etanercept and infliximab) for 30 min. Afterwards b-wave recovery was observed. RESULTS Significant decreases in the b-wave amplitude (p < 0.05) were found for etanercept 0.5 mg/ml (p = 0.0022). Infliximab 2 mg/ml (p = 0.1276) did not result in any statistically significant b-wave reduction. CONCLUSION The presented data suggest that infliximab might have the better safety profile than etanercept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdy Ranjbar
- University Eye Hospital, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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9
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Abnormalities in soluble CD147 / MMPs / TIMPs axis in Ankylosing Spondylitis patients with and without a history of Acute Anterior Uveitis / Anomalii ale axei CD147 solubil / MMPs / TIMPs la pacienții cu spondilită anchilozantă cu sau fără uveită acută anterioară. REV ROMANA MED LAB 2014. [DOI: 10.2478/rrlm-2014-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS) is the prototype of the axial form of spondyloarthritis. Despite extensive studies, complex mechanisms related to abnormal cellular and molecular processes in AS are not completely understood. Among proinflammatory mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines, NOS-2, chemokines, which lead to inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in inflammatory processes that characterize AS. Therefore, we purposed to evaluate whether the disruption of extracellular MMPs inducer (EMMPRIN/CD147), MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) homeostasis play a role in the evolution of AS especially in patients with a history of Acute Anterior Uveitis (AAU). For this purpose sera from AS patients and from healthy donors (HDs) were assessed for soluble CD147 (sCD147), MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for the activity of MMP-2 and -9 gelatinases by gelatin zymography. The experimental results showed that the levels of sCD147, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were significantly increased in AS patients compared to HDs. sCD147 as well as the ratio MMP-2/sCD147 differentiated AS patients with a history of AAU from those without it. The ratios MMP-2/sCD147, MMP-3/sCD147 and MMP-3/TIMP-1 suggested an imbalance between MMPs and their regulators in AS patients. These results suggest that MMPs/sCD147 ratios could be potential biomarkers to strengthen the characterization of AS patients and to predict disease evolution. Positive or negative correlations between some of the experimental and/or clinical features of AS patients and the therapy also highlight the usefulness of the evaluation of these biomarkers to identify an individualized and efficient therapy.
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Yamada H, Yoneda M, Inaguma S, Watanabe D, Banno S, Yoshikawa K, Mizutani K, Iwaki M, Zako M. Infliximab counteracts tumor necrosis factor-α-enhanced induction of matrix metalloproteinases that degrade claudin and occludin in non-pigmented ciliary epithelium. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 85:1770-82. [PMID: 23603294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), effectively treats anterior uveitis, which can accompany Behçet's disease. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanism of this action. We examined human, non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells (HNPCECs), which make up the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) in the uvea. We measured the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs in the presence or absence of TNF-α using quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 increased in the presence of TNF-α, and the addition of infliximab reversed the increase. The TNF-α effects were more attenuated when infliximab was added before than when it was added after TNF-α exposure. Gelatin zymography demonstrated that the protease activity of these MMPs was also increased in the presence of TNF-α and attenuated with infliximab. Immunostaining showed that MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 degraded claudin-1 and occludin in HNPCECs and in non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells of the swine ciliary body. In a monolayer of HNPCECs, we found that permeability was significantly increased with MMP treatment. Thus, TNF-α increased levels of MMPs in cells that form the BAB, and MMPs degraded components of the tight junctions in the BAB, which increased permeability through the cellular barrier. Furthermore, infliximab effectively attenuated the TNF-α-induced increases in MMP expression in cells that make up the BAB. These findings might suggest a basis for the clinical prevention of anterior uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
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11
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Bharadwaj AS, Appukuttan B, Wilmarth PA, Pan Y, Stempel AJ, Chipps TJ, Benedetti EE, Zamora DO, Choi D, David LL, Smith JR. Role of the retinal vascular endothelial cell in ocular disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 32:102-80. [PMID: 22982179 PMCID: PMC3679193 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinal endothelial cells line the arborizing microvasculature that supplies and drains the neural retina. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of these endothelial cells are consistent with nutritional requirements and protection of a tissue critical to vision. On the one hand, the endothelium must ensure the supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the metabolically active retina, and allow access to circulating cells that maintain the vasculature or survey the retina for the presence of potential pathogens. On the other hand, the endothelium contributes to the blood-retinal barrier that protects the retina by excluding circulating molecular toxins, microorganisms, and pro-inflammatory leukocytes. Features required to fulfill these functions may also predispose to disease processes, such as retinal vascular leakage and neovascularization, and trafficking of microbes and inflammatory cells. Thus, the retinal endothelial cell is a key participant in retinal ischemic vasculopathies that include diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal inflammation or infection, as occurs in posterior uveitis. Using gene expression and proteomic profiling, it has been possible to explore the molecular phenotype of the human retinal endothelial cell and contribute to understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. In addition to providing support for the involvement of well-characterized endothelial molecules, profiling has the power to identify new players in retinal pathologies. Findings may have implications for the design of new biological therapies. Additional progress in this field is anticipated as other technologies, including epigenetic profiling methods, whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing, and metabolomics, are used to study the human retinal endothelial cell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Phillip A. Wilmarth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Yuzhen Pan
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
| | | | | | | | | | - Dongseok Choi
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Larry L. David
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Justine R. Smith
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Oregon Health & Science University
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