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Chen TE, Lo J, Huang SP, Chang KC, Liu PL, Wu HE, Chen YR, Chang YC, Liu CC, Lee PY, Lai YH, Wu PC, Wang SC, Li CY. Glaucine inhibits hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and attenuates LPS-induced inflammation in human retinal pigment epithelial ARPE-19 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176883. [PMID: 39128809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176883] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Glaucine is an aporphine alkaloid with anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and anti-cancer activities. However, the effects of glaucine in the regulation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remain unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the anti-angiogenetic and anti-inflammatory effects of glaucine in ARPE-19 cells. ARPE-19 cells were treated with N-(methoxyoxoacetyl)-glycine, methyl ester (DMOG) and cobalt chloride (CoCl2) for induction of hypoxia, while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment was used for elicitation of inflammatory response. Cell viability was analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by Western blot. The secretion of VEGF, interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for tube formation analysis. Expression of HIF-1α and secretion of VEGF were significantly increased under DMOG and CoCl2 induction, whereas glaucine significantly attenuated both HIF-1α expression and VEGF secretion by DMOG- and CoCl2-induced ARPE-19 cells. In addition, glaucine suppressed the tube formation by DMOG- and CoCl2-induced HUVEC cells. Moreover, glaucine also attenuated the production of IL-6 and MCP-1 by LPS-induced ARPE-19 cells. This study indicated that glaucine exhibited anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that glaucine might have benefits for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-En Chen
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Jung Lo
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Pin Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Science and Technology, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pitts-burgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Po-Len Liu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-En Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ru Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yo-Chen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chih Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hung Lai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chi Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80756, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yang Li
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80756, Taiwan.
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Ahmed CM, Johnson HM, Lewin AS. Corneal application of SOCS1/3 peptides for the treatment of eye diseases mediated by inflammation and oxidative stress. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1416181. [PMID: 39104531 PMCID: PMC11298391 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1416181] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Several blinding diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve are exacerbated by or caused by dysregulated inflammation and oxidative stress. These diseases include uveitis, age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Consequently, despite their divergent symptoms, treatments that reduce oxidative stress and suppress inflammation may be therapeutic. The production of inflammatory cytokines and their activities are regulated by a class of proteins termed Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS). SOCS1 and SOCS3 are known to dampen signaling via pathways employing Janus kinases and signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAK/STAT), Toll-like Receptors (TLR), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). We have developed cell-penetrating peptides from the kinase inhibitory region of the SOCS1 and SOCS3 (denoted as R9-SOCS1-KIR and R9-SOCS3-KIR) and tested them in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and in macrophage cell lines. SOCS-KIR peptides exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-angiogenic properties. In cell culture, both Th1 and Th17 cells were suppressed together with the inhibition of other inflammatory markers. We also observed a decrease in oxidants and a simultaneous rise in neuroprotective and anti-oxidant effectors. In addition, treatment prevented the loss of gap junction proteins and the ensuing drop in transepithelial electrical resistance in RPE cells. When tested in mouse models by eye drop instillation, they showed protection against autoimmune uveitis, as a prophylactic as well as a therapeutic. Mice with endotoxin-induced uveitis were protected by eye drop administration as well. R9-SOCS3-KIR was particularly effective against the pathways acting through STAT3, e.g. IL-6 and VEGF-A mediated responses that lead to macular degeneration. Eye drop administration of R9-SOCS3-KIR stimulated production of antioxidant effectors and reduced clinical symptoms in mouse model of oxidative stress that replicates the RPE injury occurring in AMD. Because these peptides suppress multiple pathogenic stimuli and because they can be delivered topically to the cornea, they are attractive candidates for therapeutics for uveitis, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulbul M. Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Howard M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alfred S. Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Dörschmann P, Hunger F, Schroth H, Chen S, Kopplin G, Roider J, Klettner A. Effects of Fucoidans on Activated Retinal Microglia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6018. [PMID: 38892206 PMCID: PMC11173224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116018] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sulfated marine polysaccharides, so-called fucoidans, have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In this study, we tested the effects of different fucoidans (and of fucoidan-treated RPE cells) on retinal microglia to investigate whether its anti-inflammatory effect can be extrapolated to the innate immune cells of the retina. In addition, we tested whether fucoidan treatment influenced the anti-inflammatory effect of RPE cells on retinal microglia. Three fucoidans were tested (FVs from Fucus vesiculosus, Fuc1 and FucBB04 from Laminaria hyperborea) as well as the supernatant of primary porcine RPE treated with fucoidans for their effects on inflammatory activated (using lipopolysaccharide, LPS) microglia cell line SIM-A9 and primary porcine retinal microglia. Cell viability was detected with a tetrazolium assay (MTT), and morphology by Coomassie staining. Secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) and interleukin 8 (IL8) was detected with ELISA, gene expression (NOS2 (Nitric oxide synthase 2), and CXCL8 (IL8)) with qPCR. Phagocytosis was detected with a fluorescence assay. FucBB04 and FVs slightly reduced the viability of SIM-A9 and primary microglia, respectively. Treatment with RPE supernatants increased the viability of LPS-treated primary microglia. FVs and FucBB04 reduced the size of LPS-activated primary microglia, indicating an anti-inflammatory phenotype. RPE supernatant reduced the size of LPS-activated SIM-A9 cells. Proinflammatory cytokine secretion and gene expression in SIM-A9, as well as primary microglia, were not significantly affected by fucoidans, but RPE supernatants reduced the secretion of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine secretion in SIM-A9 and primary microglia. The phagocytosis ability of primary microglia was reduced by FucBB04. In conclusion, fucoidans exhibited only modest effects on inflammatorily activated microglia by maintaining their cell size under stimulation, while the anti-inflammatory effect of RPE cells on microglia irrespective of fucoidan treatment could be confirmed, stressing the role of RPE in regulating innate immunity in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Dörschmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Florentine Hunger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Hannah Schroth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Sibei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Georg Kopplin
- Alginor ASA, Haraldsgata 162, 5525 Haugesund, Norway;
| | - Johann Roider
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 25, 24105 Kiel, Germany (A.K.)
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Radu M, Brănișteanu DC, Pirvulescu RA, Dumitrescu OM, Ionescu MA, Zemba M. Exploring Stem-Cell-Based Therapies for Retinal Regeneration. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:668. [PMID: 38929652 PMCID: PMC11204673 DOI: 10.3390/life14060668] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of retinal diseases-notably, age-related macular degeneration and hereditary retinal disorders-poses an intimidating challenge to ophthalmic medicine, often culminating in irreversible vision loss. Current treatments are limited and often fail to address the underlying loss of retinal cells. This paper explores the potential of stem-cell-based therapies as a promising avenue for retinal regeneration. We review the latest advancements in stem cell technology, focusing on embryonic stem cells (ESCs), pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and their ability to differentiate into retinal cell types. We discuss the challenges in stem cell transplantation, such as immune rejection, integration into the host retina, and functional recovery. Previous and ongoing clinical trials are examined to highlight the therapeutic efficacy and safety of these novel treatments. Additionally, we address the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks governing stem cell research. Our analysis suggests that while stem-cell-based therapies offer a groundbreaking approach to treating retinal diseases, further research is needed to ensure long-term safety and to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the clinical evidence of stem cell therapy and current limitations in utilizing stem cells for retinal degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Radu
- Department of Ophthalmology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Ruxandra Angela Pirvulescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Otilia Maria Dumitrescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Alexandru Ionescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihail Zemba
- Department of Ophthalmology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Khan AM, Steffensen MA, Paskeviciute E, Abduljabar AB, Sørensen TL, Vorum H, Nissen MH, Honoré B. Neuroretinal degeneration in a mouse model of systemic chronic immune activation observed by proteomics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1374617. [PMID: 38665911 PMCID: PMC11043527 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1374617] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Blindness or vision loss due to neuroretinal and photoreceptor degeneration affects millions of individuals worldwide. In numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, dysregulated immune response-mediated retinal degeneration has been found to play a critical role in the disease pathogenesis. To better understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the retinal degeneration, we used a mouse model of systemic immune activation where we infected mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) clone 13. Here, we evaluated the effects of LCMV infection and present a comprehensive discovery-based proteomic investigation using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Changes in protein regulation in the posterior part of the eye, neuroretina, and RPE/choroid were compared to those in the spleen as a secondary lymphoid organ and to the kidney as a non-lymphoid but encapsulated organ at 1, 8, and 28 weeks of infection. Using bioinformatic tools, we found several proteins responsible for maintaining normal tissue homeostasis to be differentially regulated in the neuroretina and the RPE/choroid during the degenerative process. Additionally, in the organs we observed, several important protein pathways contributing to cellular homeostasis and tissue development were perturbed and associated with LCMV-mediated inflammation, promoting disease progression. Our findings suggest that the response to a systemic chronic infection differs between the neuroretina and the RPE/choroid, and the processes induced by chronic systemic infection in the RPE/choroid are not unlike those induced in non-immune-privileged organs such as the kidney and spleen. Overall, our data provide detailed insight into several molecular mechanisms of neuroretinal degeneration and highlight various novel protein pathways that further suggest that the posterior part of the eye is not an isolated immunological entity despite the existence of neuroretinal immune privilege.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Egle Paskeviciute
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Torben Lykke Sørensen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Vorum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mogens Holst Nissen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bent Honoré
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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6
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Abcouwer SF, Miglioranza Scavuzzi B, Kish PE, Kong D, Shanmugam S, Le XA, Yao J, Hager H, Zacks DN. The mouse retinal pigment epithelium mounts an innate immune defense response following retinal detachment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:74. [PMID: 38528525 PMCID: PMC10964713 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) maintains photoreceptor viability and function, completes the visual cycle, and forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Loss of RPE function gives rise to several monogenic retinal dystrophies and contributes to age-related macular degeneration. Retinal detachment (RD) causes separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying RPE, disrupting the functional and metabolic relationships between these layers. Although the retinal response to RD is highly studied, little is known about how the RPE responds to loss of this interaction. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to compare normal and detached RPE in the C57BL6/J mouse. The naïve mouse RPE transcriptome was compared to previously published RPE signature gene lists and from the union of these 14 genes (Bmp4, Crim1, Degs1, Gja1, Itgav, Mfap3l, Pdpn, Ptgds, Rbp1, Rnf13, Rpe65, Slc4a2, Sulf1 and Ttr) representing a core signature gene set applicable across rodent and human RPE was derived. Gene ontology enrichment analysis (GOEA) of the mouse RPE transcriptome identified expected RPE features and functions, such as pigmentation, phagocytosis, lysosomal and proteasomal degradation of proteins, and barrier function. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) at 1 and 7 days post retinal detachment (dprd) were defined as mRNA with a significant (padj≤0.05) fold change (FC) of 0.67 ≥ FC ≥ 1.5 in detached versus naïve RPE. The RPE transcriptome exhibited dramatic changes at 1 dprd, with 2297 DEG identified. The KEGG pathways and biological process GO groups related to innate immune responses were significantly enriched. Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and several chemokines were upregulated, while numerous genes related to RPE functions, such as pigment synthesis, visual cycle, phagocytosis, and tight junctions were downregulated at 1 dprd. The response was largely transient, with only 18 significant DEG identified at 7 dprd, including upregulation of complement gene C4b. Validation studies confirmed RNA-Seq results. Thus, the RPE quickly downregulates cell-specific functions and mounts an innate immune defense response following RD. Our data demonstrate that the RPE contributes to the inflammatory response to RD and may play a role in attraction of immune cells to the subretinal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Abcouwer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
| | - Bruna Miglioranza Scavuzzi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Phillip E Kish
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Dejuan Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Sumathi Shanmugam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Xuan An Le
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Jingyu Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Heather Hager
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
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Visnyaiová K, Varga I, Feitscherová C, Pavlíková L, Záhumenský J, Mikušová R. Morphology of the immune cells in the wall of the human uterine tube and their possible impact on reproduction-uterine tube as a possible immune privileged organ. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1325565. [PMID: 38516130 PMCID: PMC10955054 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1325565] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The uterine tube, as well as other parts of the upper female reproductive system, is immunologically unique in its requirements for tolerance to allogenic sperm and semi-allogenic embryos, yet responds to an array of sexually transmitted pathogens. To understand this dichotomy, there is a need to understand the functional morphology of immune cells in the wall of the uterine tube. Thus, we reviewed scientific literature regarding immune cells and the human uterine tube by using the scientific databases. The human uterine tube has a diverse population of immunocompetent cells representing both the innate and adaptive immune systems. We describe in detail the possible roles of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (macrophages and dendritic cells), T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, neutrophils and mast cells in association with the reproductive functions of uterine tubes. We are also discussing about the possible "immune privilege" of the uterine tube, as another mechanism to tolerate sperm and embryo without eliciting an inflammatory immune response. In uterine tube is not present an anatomical blood-tissue barrier between antigens and circulation. However, the immune cells of the uterine tube probably represent a type of "immunological barrier," which probably includes the uterine tube among the immunologically privileged organs. Understanding how immune cells in the female reproductive tract play roles in reproduction is essential to understand not only the mechanisms of gamete transport and fertilization as well as embryo transport through the uterine tube, but also in improving results from assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Visnyaiová
- Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Claudia Feitscherová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lada Pavlíková
- Department of Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of Western Bohemia, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Jozef Záhumenský
- Second Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Renáta Mikušová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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8
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Tomkins-Netzer O, Niederer R, Greenwood J, Fabian ID, Serlin Y, Friedman A, Lightman S. Mechanisms of blood-retinal barrier disruption related to intraocular inflammation and malignancy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101245. [PMID: 38242492 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101245] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) disruption is a common accompaniment of intermediate, posterior and panuveitis causing leakage into the retina and macular oedema resulting in vision loss. It is much less common in anterior uveitis or in patients with intraocular lymphoma who may have marked signs of intraocular inflammation. New drugs used for chemotherapy (cytarabine, immune checkpoint inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, bispecific anti-EGFR inhibitors, MET receptor inhibitors and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors) can also cause different types of uveitis and BRB disruption. As malignant disease itself can cause uveitis, particularly from breast, lung and gastrointestinal tract cancers, it can be clinically difficult to sort out the cause of BRB disruption. Immunosuppression due to malignant disease and/or chemotherapy can lead to infection which can also cause BRB disruption and intraocular infection. In this paper we address the pathophysiology of BRB disruption related to intraocular inflammation and malignancy, methods for estimating the extent and effect of the disruption and examine why some types of intraocular inflammation and malignancy cause BRB disruption and others do not. Understanding this may help sort and manage these patients, as well as devise future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Tomkins-Netzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Centre, Haifa, Israel; Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Rachael Niederer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Te Whatu Ora, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John Greenwood
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ido Didi Fabian
- The Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Centre, Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yonatan Serlin
- Department of Medical Neuroscience and the Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Alon Friedman
- Department of Medical Neuroscience and the Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, NS, Canada; Departments of Physiology and Cell Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Zlotowski Centre for Neuroscience, Ben- Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Sue Lightman
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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Fietz A, Schnichels S, Hurst J. Co-cultivation of primary porcine RPE cells and neuroretina induces inflammation: a potential inflammatory AMD-model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19345. [PMID: 37935821 PMCID: PMC10630302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46029-8] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One common aspect in the pathology of many retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the death of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. RPE cells are essential for photoreceptor survival as they recycle and remove compounds of the visual cycle and secrete protective cytokines. Studying RPE cells is crucial to improve our understanding of retinal pathologies, yet only a few retinal ex vivo models include them or do so only indirectly. Besides the positive effects in indirect co-cultivation models, also a slight inflammation was observed. In this study we developed an ex vivo model consisting of a primary porcine RPE monolayer directly co-cultured with porcine retinal organ cultures, to investigate and simulate inflammatory retinal diseases, such as (dry) AMD. The direct co-cultivation resulted in immune reactivity (enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and cell death. These effects were evaluated for the retinal explant as well as for the RPE-monolayer to further understand the complex interactions between these two compartments. Taken together, this ex vivo model can be used to study inflammatory retinal diseases like AMD as well as the rejection observed after RPE-transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Fietz
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sven Schnichels
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - José Hurst
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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Chhatwal S, Antony H, Lamei S, Kovács-Öller T, Klettner AK, Zille M. A systematic review of the cell death mechanisms in retinal pigment epithelium cells and photoreceptors after subretinal hemorrhage - Implications for treatment options. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115572. [PMID: 37742603 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115572] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans rely on vision as their most important sense. This is accomplished by photoreceptors (PRs) in the retina that detect light but cannot function without the support and maintenance of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In subretinal hemorrhage (SRH), blood accumulates between the neurosensory retina and the RPE or between the RPE and the choroid. Blood breakdown products subsequently damage PRs and the RPE and lead to poor vision and blindness. Hence, there is a high need for options to preserve the retina and visual functions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to identify the cell death mechanisms in RPE and PRs after SRH to deepen our understanding of the pathways involved. After screening 736 publications published until November 8, 2022, we identified 19 records that assessed cell death in PRs and/or RPE in experimental models of SRH. Among the different cell death mechanisms, apoptosis was the most widely investigated mechanism (11 records), followed by ferroptosis (4), whereas necroptosis, pyroptosis, and lysosome-dependent cell death were only assessed in one study each. We discuss different therapeutic options that were assessed in these studies, including the removal of the hematoma/iron chelation, cytoprotection, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidants. Further systematic investigations will be necessary to determine the exact cell death mechanisms after SRH with respect to different blood breakdown components, cell types, and time courses. This will form the basis for the development of novel treatment options for SRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirjan Chhatwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Henrike Antony
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Saman Lamei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamás Kovács-Öller
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alexa Karina Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Quincke Research Center, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marietta Zille
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Austria.
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Dempsey MP, Conrady CD. The Host-Pathogen Interplay: A Tale of Two Stories within the Cornea and Posterior Segment. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2074. [PMID: 37630634 PMCID: PMC10460047 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082074] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular infectious diseases are an important cause of potentially preventable vision loss and blindness. In the following manuscript, we will review ocular immunology and the pathogenesis of herpesviruses and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of the cornea and posterior segment. We will highlight areas of future research and what is currently known to promote bench-to-bedside discoveries to improve clinical outcomes of these debilitating ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Dempsey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Christopher D. Conrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Wu CLS, Cioanca AV, Gelmi MC, Wen L, Di Girolamo N, Zhu L, Natoli R, Conway RM, Petsoglou C, Jager MJ, McCluskey PJ, Madigan MC. The multifunctional human ocular melanocortin system. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101187. [PMID: 37217094 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Immune privilege in the eye involves physical barriers, immune regulation and secreted proteins that together limit the damaging effects of intraocular immune responses and inflammation. The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) normally circulates in the aqueous humour of the anterior chamber and the vitreous fluid, secreted by iris and ciliary epithelium, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). α-MSH plays an important role in maintaining ocular immune privilege by helping the development of suppressor immune cells and by activating regulatory T-cells. α-MSH functions by binding to and activating melanocortin receptors (MC1R to MC5R) and receptor accessory proteins (MRAPs) that work in concert with antagonists, otherwise known as the melanocortin system. As well as controlling immune responses and inflammation, a broad range of biological functions is increasingly recognised to be orchestrated by the melanocortin system within ocular tissues. This includes maintaining corneal transparency and immune privilege by limiting corneal (lymph)angiogenesis, sustaining corneal epithelial integrity, protecting corneal endothelium and potentially enhancing corneal graft survival, regulating aqueous tear secretion with implications for dry eye disease, facilitating retinal homeostasis via maintaining blood-retinal barriers, providing neuroprotection in the retina, and controlling abnormal new vessel growth in the choroid and retina. The role of melanocortin signalling in uveal melanocyte melanogenesis however remains unclear compared to its established role in skin melanogenesis. The early application of a melanocortin agonist to downregulate systemic inflammation used adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-based repository cortisone injection (RCI), but adverse side effects including hypertension, edema, and weight gain, related to increased adrenal gland corticosteroid production, impacted clinical uptake. Compared to ACTH, melanocortin peptides that target MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and/or MC5R, but not adrenal gland MC2R, induce minimal corticosteroid production with fewer amdverse systemic effects. Pharmacological advances in synthesising MCR-specific targeted peptides provide further opportunities for treating ocular (and systemic) inflammatory diseases. Following from these observations and a renewed clinical and pharmacological interest in the diverse biological roles of the melanocortin system, this review highlights the physiological and disease-related involvement of this system within human eye tissues. We also review the emerging benefits and versatility of melanocortin receptor targeted peptides as non-steroidal alternatives for inflammatory eye diseases such as non-infectious uveitis and dry eye disease, and translational applications in promoting ocular homeostasis, for example, in corneal transplantation and diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Lin Stanley Wu
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Optometry, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Adrian V Cioanca
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia
| | - Maria C Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Li Wen
- New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, ACT, Australia
| | - R Max Conway
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Constantinos Petsoglou
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; New South Wales Organ and Tissue Donation Service, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Martine J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J McCluskey
- Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Save Sight Institute and Ophthalmology, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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