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Sharma P, Kalaw FGP, Lin A, Walker EH, Borooah S. Developing an image-based grading scale for peripheral drusen to investigate associations of peripheral drusen type with age-related macular degeneration. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20041. [PMID: 39198593 PMCID: PMC11358136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70352-3] [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: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness. It is associated with peripheral drusen which has not been categorized. We investigated peripheral drusen to validate an image grading system and to understand possible associations between peripheral drusen and AMD. We collated clinical data, ultra-widefield (UWF) pseudocolor fundus images and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) scans from consecutive retinal patients. SD-OCT scans were used to determine AMD stage. A masked retinal specialist recorded the types of peripheral drusen observed in UWF images. Eyes whose UWF images did not pass quality screening and those without AMD and peripheral drusen were excluded from the study. Statistical tests were utilized to determine the validity of our grading system and associations of peripheral drusen with AMD. A total of 481 eyes (283 subjects) were included in the study (mean age 73.1 ± 1.2years, 64.3% female). Interobserver and test-retest statistical analyses to evaluate the UWF image grading system resulted in Cohen's Kappa 0.649 (p < 0.001) and 0.922 (p < 0.001) respectively. A total of 284 (59.0%), 28 (5.8%), 15 (3.1%), 22 (4.6%), 4 (0.8%), 39 (8.1%), and 32 (6.7%) eyes had hard, soft, reticular, cuticular, atrophic, mixed drusen, and mixed drusen and atrophy respectively in at least one peripheral retinal quadrant. Hard peripheral drusen was significantly associated with the presence of AMD (p = 0.010). Peripheral drusen types were variably seen in retinal patients with and without AMD. We validated a peripheral drusen grading system and provided an image library to assist in the identification of peripheral drusen. Our study found an association between peripheral hard drusen and an AMD diagnosis but did not find a link between peripheral drusen and severity of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paripoorna Sharma
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | | | - Andrew Lin
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | | | - Shyamanga Borooah
- Jacobs Retina Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, 9415 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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2
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Finocchio L, Zeppieri M, Gabai A, Toneatto G, Spadea L, Salati C. Recent Developments in Gene Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3221. [PMID: 38137442 PMCID: PMC10740940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123221] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex and multifactorial disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly population. The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has revolutionized the management and prognosis of neovascular AMD (nAMD) and is currently the standard of care for this disease. However, patients are required to receive repeated injections, imposing substantial social and economic burdens. The implementation of gene therapy methods to achieve sustained delivery of various therapeutic proteins holds the promise of a single treatment that could ameliorate the treatment challenges associated with chronic intravitreal therapy, and potentially improve visual outcomes. Several early-phase trials are currently underway, evaluating the safety and efficacy of gene therapy for nAMD; however, areas of controversy persist, including the therapeutic target, route of administration, and potential safety issues. In this review, we assess the evolution of gene therapy for nAMD and summarize several preclinical and early-stage clinical trials, exploring challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Finocchio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Gabai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giacomo Toneatto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Ramos Rego I, Silvério D, Eufrásio MI, Pinhanços SS, Lopes da Costa B, Teixeira J, Fernandes H, Kong Y, Li Y, Tsang SH, Oliveira PJ, Fernandes R, Quinn PMJ, Santos PF, Ambrósio AF, Alves CH. TRAP1 Is Expressed in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Is Required to Maintain their Energetic Status. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:381. [PMID: 36829938 PMCID: PMC9952053 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in elderly people worldwide. The damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) triggered by oxidative stress plays a central role in the onset and progression of AMD and results from the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced mainly by mitochondria. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial molecular chaperone that contributes to the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity by decreasing the production and accumulation of ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence and the role of TRAP1 in the RPE. Here, we report that TRAP1 is expressed in human adult retinal pigment epithelial cells and is located mainly in the mitochondria. Exposure of RPE cells to hydrogen peroxide decreases the levels of TRAP1. Furthermore, TRAP1 silencing increases intracellular ROS production and decreases mitochondrial respiratory capacity without affecting cell proliferation. Together, these findings offer novel insights into TRAP1 functions in RPE cells, opening possibilities to develop new treatment options for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Ramos Rego
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Silvério
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Isabel Eufrásio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Sofia Pinhanços
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bruna Lopes da Costa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - José Teixeira
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hugo Fernandes
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yang Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Jonas Children‘s Vision Care, and Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Paulo J. Oliveira
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, UC Biotech, Parque Tecnológico de Cantanhede, 3060-197 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Paulo Fernando Santos
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Celso Henrique Alves
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Weinberg J, Gaur M, Swaroop A, Taylor A. Proteostasis in aging-associated ocular disease. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 88:101157. [PMID: 36459837 PMCID: PMC9742340 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vision impairment has devastating consequences for the quality of human life. The cells and tissues associated with the visual process must function throughout one's life span and maintain homeostasis despite exposure to a variety of insults. Maintenance of the proteome is termed proteostasis, and is vital for normal cellular functions, especially at an advanced age. Here we describe basic aspects of proteostasis, from protein synthesis and folding to degradation, and discuss the current status of the field with a particular focus on major age-related eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma. Our intent is to allow vision scientists to determine where and how to harness the proteostatic machinery for extending functional homeostasis in the aging retina, lens, and trabecular meshwork. Several common themes have emerged despite these tissues having vastly different metabolisms. Continued exposure to insults, including chronic stress with advancing age, increases proteostatic burden and reduces the fidelity of the degradation machineries including the ubiquitin-proteasome and the autophagy-lysosome systems that recognize and remove damaged proteins. This "double jeopardy" results in an exponential accumulation of cytotoxic proteins with advancing age. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges in maintaining an appropriate balance of protein synthesis and degradation pathways, and suggest that harnessing proteostatic capacities should provide new opportunities to design interventions for attenuating age-related eye diseases before they limit sight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Weinberg
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Mohita Gaur
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Allen Taylor
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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5
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Harju N. Regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100 Suppl 273:3-59. [DOI: 10.1111/aos.15275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niina Harju
- School of Pharmacy University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
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6
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Barnstable CJ, Zhang M, Tombran-Tink J. Uncoupling Proteins as Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5672. [PMID: 35628482 PMCID: PMC9144266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the major retinal degenerative diseases are associated with significant levels of oxidative stress. One of the major sources contributing to the overall level of stress is the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by mitochondria. The driving force for ROS production is the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This gradient can be modulated by members of the uncoupling protein family, particularly the widely expressed UCP2. The overexpression and knockout studies of UCP2 in mice have established the ability of this protein to provide neuroprotection in a number of animal models of neurological disease, including retinal diseases. The expression and activity of UCP2 are controlled at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels, making it an ideal candidate for therapeutic intervention. In addition to regulation by a number of growth factors, including the neuroprotective factors LIF and PEDF, small molecule activators of UCP2 have been found to reduce mitochondrial ROS production and protect against cell death both in culture and animal models of retinal degeneration. Such studies point to the development of new therapeutics to combat a range of blinding retinal degenerative diseases and possibly other diseases in which oxidative stress plays a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
| | - Joyce Tombran-Tink
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, 251 Fukang Road, Tianjin 300384, China;
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7
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Retinal Protection from LED-Backlit Screen Lights by Short Wavelength Absorption Filters. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113248. [PMID: 34831470 PMCID: PMC8618415 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Ocular exposure to intense light or long-time exposure to low-intensity short-wavelength lights may cause eye injury. Excessive levels of blue light induce photochemical damage to the retinal pigment and degeneration of photoreceptors of the outer segments. Currently, people spend a lot of time watching LED screens that emit high proportions of blue light. This study aims to assess the effects of light emitted by LED tablet screens on pigmented rat retinas with and without optical filters. (2) Methods: Commercially available tablets were used for exposure experiments on three groups of rats. One was exposed to tablet screens, the other was exposed to the tablet screens with a selective filter and the other was a control group. Structure, gene expression (including life/death, extracellular matrix degradation, growth factors, and oxidative stress related genes), and immunohistochemistry in the retina were compared among groups. (3) Results: There was a reduction of the thickness of the external nuclear layer and changes in the genes involved in cell survival and death, extracellular matrix turnover, growth factors, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading decrease in cell density and retinal damage in the first group. Modulation of gene changes was observed when the LED light of screens was modified with an optical filter. (4) Conclusions: The use of short-wavelength selective filters on the screens contribute to reduce LED light-induced damage in the rat retina.
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Dziedziak J, Kasarełło K, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A. Dietary Antioxidants in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111743. [PMID: 34829613 PMCID: PMC8614766 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are ophthalmic neurodegenerative diseases responsible for irreversible vision loss in the world population. Only a few therapies can be used to slow down the progression of these diseases and there are no available treatment strategies for reversing the degeneration of the neural retina. In AMD, the pathological process causes the malfunction and damage of the retinal pigmented epithelium and photoreceptors in the macula. In glaucoma, damage of the retinal ganglion cells and their axons is observed and treatment strategies are limited to intraocular pressure lowering. Therefore, other prophylactic and/or therapeutic methods are needed. Oxidative stress is involved in the neurodegenerative process accompanying both AMD and glaucoma; therefore, the use of antioxidant agents would clearly be beneficial, which is supported by the decreased prevalence and progression of AMD in patients adherent to a diet naturally rich in antioxidants. Dietary antioxidants are easily available and their use is based on the natural route of administration. Many preclinical studies both in vitro and using animal models of retinal degeneration showed the efficacy of dietary antioxidants, which was further proved in clinical trials. Resveratrol is beneficial both in AMD and glaucoma animal models, but confirmed only among AMD patients. For AMD, carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids were also proved to be sufficient in preventing neurodegeneration. For glaucoma, coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid showed efficacy for decreasing retinal ganglion cell loss and inhibiting the accompanying destructive processes. Interestingly, the benefits of vitamins, especially vitamin E was not confirmed, neither in preclinical nor in clinical studies.
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The Role of Oxidative Stress and the Importance of miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in the Development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9081328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of blindness in developed countries. With the progressive aging of the population, AMD is a significant ophthalmological problem in the population over 50 years of age. The etiology of AMD is known to be based on various biochemical, immunological and molecular pathways and to be influenced by a range of genetic and environmental elements. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress and free radicals in the retina with a special focus on the DNA repair efficiency and enzymatic antioxidant defense. It also presents a correlation between miRNA profile and AMD, and indicates their involvement in inflammation, angiogenesis, increased oxidation of cellular components, enzymatic antioxidant capacity and DNA repair efficiency, which play particularly important roles in AMD pathogenesis. Gene silencing by miRNAs can induce changes in antioxidant enzymes, leading to a complex interplay between redox imbalance by free radicals and miRNAs in modulating cellular redox homeostasis.
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Martinez B, Peplow PV. MicroRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration: advances and limitations. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:440-447. [PMID: 32985463 PMCID: PMC7996036 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.293131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A main cause of vision loss in the elderly is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Among the cellular, biochemical, and molecular changes linked to this disease, inflammation and angiogenesis appear as being crucial in AMD pathogenesis and progression. There are two forms of the disease: dry AMD, accounting for 80-90% of cases, and wet AMD. The disease usually begins as dry AMD associated with retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor degeneration, whereas wet AMD is associated with choroidal neovascularization resulting in severe vision impairment. The new vessels are largely malformed, leading to blood and fluid leakage within the disrupted tissue, which provokes inflammation and scar formation and results in retinal damage and detachment. MicroRNAs are dysregulated in AMD and may facilitate the early detection of the disease and monitoring disease progression. Two recent reviews of microRNAs in AMD had indicated weaknesses or limitations in four earlier investigations. Studies in the last three years have shown considerable progress in overcoming some of these concerns and identifying specific microRNAs as biomarkers for AMD. Further large-scale studies are warranted using appropriate statistical methods to take into account gender and age disparity in the study populations and confounding factors such as smoking status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- Department of Medicine, St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada
| | - Philip V. Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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11
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Echinomycin mitigates ocular angiogenesis by transcriptional inhibition of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1. Exp Eye Res 2021; 206:108518. [PMID: 33639134 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echinomycin (EKN), an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 DNA-binding activity, has been implied as a possible therapeutic agent in ischemic diseases. Here, we assess EKN in hypoxia-driven responses in vitro using human primary adult retinal pigment epithelium cells (aRPE) and retinal endothelial cells (hREC), and in vivo using the laser-induced mouse choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model. METHODS Effects of EKN on hypoxia-mediated pathways in aRPE were analyzed by Western blotting for HIF-1α protein, quantitative PCR of HIF-target genes, and proteome array for soluble angiogenic factors. In vitro inhibition of angiogenesis by EKN was determined in hREC. In vivo inhibition of angiogenesis by EKN was determined in the mouse laser-induced CNV, as a model of HIF-associated ocular neovascularization. CNV lesion area was determined by fundus fluorescein angiography. RESULTS aRPE treated with EKN showed hypoxia-dependent significantly decreased cell recovery in the wound healing assay. These results were supported by lower levels of HIF-mediated transcripts detected in hypoxic aRPE cells treated with EKN compared with non-treated controls, and confirmed by proteome profiler for angiogenic factors. hREC exposed to aRPE EKN-conditioned medium displayed reduced sprouting angiogenesis. Mice with laser-induced CNV treated with intravitreally injected EKN showed significantly decreased vascular lesion area when compared with a mouse equivalent of aflibercept, or vehicle-treated controls. CONCLUSIONS Our data proposes EKN as a potent inhibitor of HIF-mediated angiogenesis in retinal cells and in the mouse model of CNV, which could have future implications in the treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
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Ma HH, Liutkevičienė R. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: What Do We Know So Far? Acta Med Litu 2021; 28:36-47. [PMID: 34393627 PMCID: PMC8311835 DOI: 10.15388/amed.2021.28.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a natural process that everyone experiences and nobody is an exception. With ageing, our body experiences physiological changes. In this article, the focus is made on the physiological changes of our eyes related to ageing and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of incurable visual impairment in developed countries. With ageing populations increasing in many countries, more and more patients will have AMD in a foreseeable future. In Eastern Europe, blindness due to AMD, currently, is approximately 20% and there has been an increasing trend depicted in the future. Generally, AMD can be divided into early stages and two forms in an advanced (late) stage. Advanced AMD form includes neovascular AMD (wet) and geographic atrophy (late dry), both of these are associated with substantial, progressive visual impairment. The pathogenesis of AMD is complex and, by far, not completely understood. Multiple factors have been studied, for example: environmental factor, genetic factor (complement factor H), lifestyle. It has been proved that they are linked to higher the risk of developing of AMD, however, the actual pathogenesis is not yet formulated. AMD progression can also be a culprit to certain biochemical events and molecular changes linked to inflammation and pathological angiogenesis. In nowadays, we do have diagnostic methods for both early and late forms of AMD as well as ways to prevent progression of early AMD and wet AMD. However, until now, there is still no treatment for dry AMD. This article is a brief review of AMD and may hopefully lead to some future directions in early diagnostic methods and treating dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Hin Ma
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Liutkevičienė
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
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13
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Hass DT, Barnstable CJ. Uncoupling proteins in the mitochondrial defense against oxidative stress. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100941. [PMID: 33422637 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major component of most major retinal diseases. Many extrinsic anti-oxidative strategies have been insufficient at counteracting one of the predominant intrinsic sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria. The proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane is a key driving force for mitochondrial ROS production, and this gradient can be modulated by members of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) family. Of the UCPs, UCP2 shows a widespread distribution and has been shown to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, with concomitant decreases in ROS production. Genetic studies using transgenic and knockout mice have documented the ability of increased UCP2 activity to provide neuroprotection in models of a number of diseases, including retinal diseases, indicating that it is a strong candidate for a therapeutic target. Molecular studies have identified the structural mechanism of action of UCP2 and have detailed the ways in which its expression and activity can be controlled at the transcriptional, translational and posttranslational levels. These studies suggest a number of ways in control of UCP2 expression and activity can be used therapeutically for both acute and chronic conditions. The development of such therapeutic approaches will greatly increase the tools available to combat a broad range of serious retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Hass
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Colin J Barnstable
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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Cimaglia G, Votruba M, Morgan JE, André H, Williams PA. Potential Therapeutic Benefit of NAD + Supplementation for Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092871. [PMID: 32961812 PMCID: PMC7551676 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide with significant health and societal burdens. To date, no clinical cures are available and treatments target only the manageable symptoms and risk factors (but do not remediate the underlying pathology of the disease). Both diseases are neurodegenerative in their pathology of the retina and as such many of the events that trigger cell dysfunction, degeneration, and eventual loss are due to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Here, we critically review how a decreased bioavailability of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD; a crucial metabolite in healthy and disease states) may underpin many of these aberrant mechanisms. We propose how exogenous sources of NAD may become a therapeutic standard for the treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Cimaglia
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Marcela Votruba
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
- Cardiff Eye Unit, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, Wales, UK
| | - James E. Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4YS, Wales, UK
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (P.A.W.)
| | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (P.A.W.)
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Alves CH, Fernandes R, Santiago AR, Ambrósio AF. Microglia Contribution to the Regulation of the Retinal and Choroidal Vasculature in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051217. [PMID: 32423062 PMCID: PMC7290930 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a highly metabolically active tissue with high-level consumption of nutrients and oxygen. This high metabolic demand requires a properly developed and maintained vascular system. The retina is nourished by two systems: the central retinal artery that supplies the inner retina and the choriocapillaris that supplies the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Pathological neovascularization, characterized by endothelial cell proliferation and new vessel formation, is a common hallmark in several retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A limited number of studies have suggested that microglia, the resident immune cells of the retina, have an important role not only in the pathology but also in the formation and physiology of the retinal vascular system. Here, we review the current knowledge on microglial interaction with the retinal vascular system under physiological and pathological conditions. To do so, we first highlight the role of microglial cells in the formation and maintenance of the retinal vasculature system. Thereafter, we discuss the molecular signaling mechanisms through which microglial cells contribute to the alterations in retinal and choroidal vasculatures and to the neovascularization in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Henrique Alves
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-480093
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16
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Mammadzada P, Corredoira PM, André H. The role of hypoxia-inducible factors in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a gene therapy perspective. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:819-833. [PMID: 31893312 PMCID: PMC7058677 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03422-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that underlie age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has led to the identification of key molecules. Hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) have been associated with choroidal neovascularization and the progression of AMD into the neovascular clinical phenotype (nAMD). HIFs regulate the expression of multiple growth factors and cytokines involved in angiogenesis and inflammation, hallmarks of nAMD. This knowledge has propelled the development of a new group of therapeutic strategies focused on gene therapy. The present review provides an update on current gene therapies in ocular angiogenesis, particularly nAMD, from both basic and clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Mammadzada
- Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pablo M Corredoira
- Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helder André
- Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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17
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Hyttinen JMT, Kannan R, Felszeghy S, Niittykoski M, Salminen A, Kaarniranta K. The Regulation of NFE2L2 (NRF2) Signalling and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225800. [PMID: 31752195 PMCID: PMC6888570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a mounting cause of loss of sight in the elderly in the developed countries, a trend enhanced by the continual ageing of the population. AMD is a multifactorial and only partly understood, malady. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for most AMD patients. It is known that oxidative stress (OS) damages the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and contributes to the progression of AMD. We review here the potential importance of two OS-related cellular systems in relation to AMD. First, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2; NRF2)-mediated OS response signalling pathway is important in the prevention of oxidative damage and a failure of this system could be critical in the development of AMD. Second, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a change in the cellular phenotype, which ultimately leads to the fibrosis encountered in RPE, a characteristic of AMD. Many of the pathways triggering EMT are promoted by OS. The possible interconnections between these two signalling routes are discussed here. From a broader perspective, the control of NFE2L2 and EMT as ways of preventing OS-derived cellular damage could be potentially valuable in the therapy of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha M. T. Hyttinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ram Kannan
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, DVRC 203, 1355 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Szabolcs Felszeghy
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland;
- Institute of Dentistry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna Niittykoski
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 70029 KYS Kuopio, Finland
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18
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Is age-related macular degeneration a local manifestation of systemic disorder? Changes in nailfold capillaries at age-related macular degeneration. Ir J Med Sci 2019; 189:727-733. [PMID: 31650451 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-019-02109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Determining whether nailfold capillary involvement is present in patients with Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and whether there are different nailfold capillaroscopy findings between wet and dry types. METHODS From January 2016 to December 2017, with an initial diagnosis of AMD, 53 consecutive adult patients (AMD group) and 91 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were studied prospectively. There was no history of any other ocular disease and other disease affecting nailfold capillaries. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. The classified and advanced stages of wet and dry types were not included. All nailfold capillaroscopy examinations were performed by the same rheumatologist. RESULTS It was found that the frequency of major capillaroscopic findings such as capillary ectasia, micro-hemorrhage, tortuosity, neo-formation, bizarre capillary, and bushy capillaries increased in the AMD group according to the normal group, but no significant relationship was found for capillary aneurysm. In dry or wet type of AMD in terms of ectasia, micro-hemorrhage, tortuosity, neo-formation, bizarre structure, bushy structure, or aneurism of nailfold capillaries, no significant correlation was found. CONCLUSIONS Nailfold capillaroscopy can detect microvascular changes in the nailfold capillary, in early and late stages of AMD. There were morphological changes in the nailfold capillaries of AMD patients, suggesting that there are systemic superficial microvascular changes that may be due to the systemic nature of the disease.
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Lin CH, Wu MR, Huang WJ, Chow DSL, Hsiao G, Cheng YW. Low-Luminance Blue Light-Enhanced Phototoxicity in A2E-Laden RPE Cell Cultures and Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071799. [PMID: 30979028 PMCID: PMC6480556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) and other bisretinoids are components of lipofuscin and accumulate in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells—these adducts are recognized in the pathogenesis of retinal degeneration. Further, blue light-emitting diode (LED) light (BLL)-induced retinal toxicity plays an important role in retinal degeneration. Here, we demonstrate that low-luminance BLL enhances phototoxicity in A2E-laden RPE cells and rats. RPE cells were subjected to synthetic A2E, and the effects of BLL on activation of apoptotic biomarkers were examined by measuring the levels of cleaved caspase-3. BLL modulates the protein expression of zonula-occludens 1 (ZO-1) and paracellular permeability in A2E-laden RPE cells. Early inflammatory and angiogenic genes were also screened after short-term BLL exposure. In this study, we developed a rat model for A2E treatment with or without BLL exposure for 21 days. BLL exposure caused fundus damage, decreased total retinal thickness, and caused neuron transduction injury in the retina, which were consistent with the in vitro data. We suggest that the synergistic effects of BLL and A2E accumulation in the retina increase the risk of retinal degeneration. These outcomes help elucidate the associations between BLL/A2E and angiogenic/apoptotic mechanisms, as well as furthering therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hui Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Man-Ru Wu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Jan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Diana Shu-Lian Chow
- Institute of Drug Education and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Texas 77004, USA.
| | - George Hsiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Wen Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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Automated Segmentation Methods of Drusen to Diagnose Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening in Retinal Images. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2018; 2018:6084798. [PMID: 29721037 PMCID: PMC5867666 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6084798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Existing drusen measurement is difficult to use in clinic because it requires a lot of time and effort for visual inspection. In order to resolve this problem, we propose an automatic drusen detection method to help clinical diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration. First, we changed the fundus image to a green channel and extracted the ROI of the macular area based on the optic disk. Next, we detected the candidate group using the difference image of the median filter within the ROI. We also segmented vessels and removed them from the image. Finally, we detected the drusen through Renyi's entropy threshold algorithm. We performed comparisons and statistical analysis between the manual detection results and automatic detection results for 30 cases in order to verify validity. As a result, the average sensitivity was 93.37% (80.95%~100%) and the average DSC was 0.73 (0.3~0.98). In addition, the value of the ICC was 0.984 (CI: 0.967~0.993, p < 0.01), showing the high reliability of the proposed automatic method. We expect that the automatic drusen detection helps clinicians to improve the diagnostic performance in the detection of drusen on fundus image.
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21
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Sørensen NB, Christiansen AT, Kjær TW, Klemp K, la Cour M, Heegaard S, Kiilgaard JF. Bruch's membrane allows unhindered passage of up to 2 μm latex beads in an in vivo porcine model. Exp Eye Res 2018; 180:1-7. [PMID: 30468719 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been proposed that changes in the permeability of Bruch's membrane play a role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This paper investigates, in an in vivo porcine model, the migration of fluorescent latex beads across the Bruch's membrane after subretinal injection. METHODS Forty-one healthy eyes of 33 three-month-old domestic pigs received a subretinal injection of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 4.0 μm fluorescent latex beads. Between three hours and five weeks after injection evaluations were performed with fundus photographs and histology. Fluorescent beads were identified in unstained histologic sections using the rhodamine filter with the light microscope. RESULTS The fluorescent latex beads relocated from the subretinal space. Intact beads up to 2.0 μm were found in the choroid, sclera, and extrascleral space. The smaller beads were also found inside choroidal and extrascleral blood vessels. In contrast, the larger beads of 4.0 μm did not pass the Bruch's membrane. CONCLUSION Subretinally implanted beads up to 2.0 μm pass the Bruch's membrane intact and cross the blood-ocular barrier. The intact beads are found in the choroid, sclera and inside blood vessels. The results give reason to consider the role of subretinal clearance and passage of Bruch's membrane in the development of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Buus Sørensen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Kristian Klemp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten la Cour
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Folke Kiilgaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Ye Z, He SZ, Li ZH. Effect of Aβ protein on inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:929-934. [PMID: 29977803 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.06.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify the effect and regulatory mechanism of amyloid β (Aβ) protein on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in cell proliferation and apoptosis, and clarify Aβ role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS The model of Aβ25-35 protein cytotoxicity in RPE cell was successfully established to investigate the effect of Aβ protein on RPE cells in vitro. Based on Aβ protein, the specific inhibitors (HY-50682 or BAY11-7082) or activating agent (lipopolysaccharide) was used to analyze the regulatory mechanism of Aβ protein to RPE cells on cell proliferation and apoptosis by flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS The number of RPE cells, treated with Aβ25-35 from 0.3 to 60 µmol/L, significantly reduce (P<0.01), and had the dose-dependent effect. Aβ protein 60 µmol/L inhibits the G1/S phase transition (P<0.01) and down-regulated cyclin E mRNA level (P<0.01). Similarly, Aβ25-35 induced a significant increase of cell apoptosis, accompanied by the significantly higher level of activated caspase 3 protein. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activity and phosphorylated Iκ-Ba level would significantly lower in treated RPE cells. Using specific inhibitors or activating agent based on the Aβ, the cell numbers, NF-κB activity, phosphorylated Iκ-Ba level, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) gene expression levels, cyclin E mRNA level and activated caspase 3 level had accordingly changed by different methods, confirming that RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway involved in the regulation of Aβ protein on RPE cell apoptosis and proliferation. CONCLUSION Aβ protein inhibits cell proliferation and activates apoptosis via inactivation of the RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway in RPE cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Shou-Zhi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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23
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Kivinen N. The role of autophagy in age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96 Suppl A110:1-50. [PMID: 29633521 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niko Kivinen
- Department of Ophthalmology; University of Eastern Finland; Kuopio Finland
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24
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Cellular Senescence in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Can Autophagy and DNA Damage Response Play a Role? OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:5293258. [PMID: 29225722 PMCID: PMC5687149 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5293258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main reason of blindness in developed countries. Aging is the main AMD risk factor. Oxidative stress, inflammation and some genetic factors play a role in AMD pathogenesis. AMD is associated with the degradation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, photoreceptors, and choriocapillaris. Lost RPE cells in the central retina can be replaced by their peripheral counterparts. However, if they are senescent, degenerated regions in the macula cannot be regenerated. Oxidative stress, a main factor of AMD pathogenesis, can induce DNA damage response (DDR), autophagy, and cell senescence. Moreover, cell senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases. Cell senescence is the state of permanent cellular division arrest and concerns only mitotic cells. RPE cells, although quiescent in the retina, can proliferate in vitro. They can also undergo oxidative stress-induced senescence. Therefore, cellular senescence can be considered as an important molecular pathway of AMD pathology, resulting in an inability of the macula to regenerate after degeneration of RPE cells caused by a factor inducing DDR and autophagy. It is too early to speculate about the role of the mutual interplay between cell senescence, autophagy, and DDR, but this subject is worth further studies.
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25
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Koronyo Y, Biggs D, Barron E, Boyer DS, Pearlman JA, Au WJ, Kile SJ, Blanco A, Fuchs DT, Ashfaq A, Frautschy S, Cole GM, Miller CA, Hinton DR, Verdooner SR, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Retinal amyloid pathology and proof-of-concept imaging trial in Alzheimer's disease. JCI Insight 2017; 2:93621. [PMID: 28814675 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.93621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with high specificity and sensitivity can greatly facilitate identification of at-risk populations for earlier, more effective intervention. AD patients exhibit a myriad of retinal pathologies, including hallmark amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposits. METHODS Burden, distribution, cellular layer, and structure of retinal Aβ plaques were analyzed in flat mounts and cross sections of definite AD patients and controls (n = 37). In a proof-of-concept retinal imaging trial (n = 16), amyloid probe curcumin formulation was determined and protocol was established for retinal amyloid imaging in live patients. RESULTS Histological examination uncovered classical and neuritic-like Aβ deposits with increased retinal Aβ42 plaques (4.7-fold; P = 0.0063) and neuronal loss (P = 0.0023) in AD patients versus matched controls. Retinal Aβ plaque mirrored brain pathology, especially in the primary visual cortex (P = 0.0097 to P = 0.0018; Pearson's r = 0.84-0.91). Retinal deposits often associated with blood vessels and occurred in hot spot peripheral regions of the superior quadrant and innermost retinal layers. Transmission electron microscopy revealed retinal Aβ assembled into protofibrils and fibrils. Moreover, the ability to image retinal amyloid deposits with solid-lipid curcumin and a modified scanning laser ophthalmoscope was demonstrated in live patients. A fully automated calculation of the retinal amyloid index (RAI), a quantitative measure of increased curcumin fluorescence, was constructed. Analysis of RAI scores showed a 2.1-fold increase in AD patients versus controls (P = 0.0031). CONCLUSION The geometric distribution and increased burden of retinal amyloid pathology in AD, together with the feasibility to noninvasively detect discrete retinal amyloid deposits in living patients, may lead to a practical approach for large-scale AD diagnosis and monitoring. FUNDING National Institute on Aging award (AG044897) and The Saban and The Marciano Family Foundations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Biggs
- NeuroVision Imaging LLC, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - David S Boyer
- Retina Vitreous Associates Medical Group, Beverly Hills, California, USA
| | - Joel A Pearlman
- Retinal Consultants Medical Group, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - William J Au
- Sutter Neuroscience Institute, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Shawn J Kile
- Sutter Neuroscience Institute, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Austin Blanco
- NeuroVision Imaging LLC, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adeel Ashfaq
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sally Frautschy
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; and Veterans Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gregory M Cole
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA; and Veterans Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carol A Miller
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, and
| | - David R Hinton
- Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Mrowicka M, Mrowicki J, Szaflik JP, Szaflik M, Ulinska M, Szaflik J, Majsterek I. Analysis of antioxidative factors related to AMD risk development in the polish patients. Acta Ophthalmol 2017; 95:530-536. [PMID: 27935234 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in developed countries. Oxidative mechanisms may play a key role in the aetiology of AMD. The main aim of this study was to investigate antioxidative markers in the pathogenesis of AMD. METHODS A total of 510 subjects including 240 patients with AMD (mean age 77.9 ± 8.5 year) and 270 controls (mean age 74.0 ± 10.4 year) were allowed in this study. We measured activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and examined their association with the SNPs of respective genes (SOD1 + 35A/C, CAT C-262T and GPx Pro197Leu). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was used to determine the selected gene polymorphisms. Sixty subjects including 30 patients with AMD (mean age 69.4 ± 9.3) and 30 controls (mean age 64.6 ± 8.2) were enrolled to determine the activity of antioxidant enzymes by spectrometry method. RESULTS A significant decrease in enzymes, SOD (p = 0.011), CAT (p = 0.002) and GPx (p ≤ 0.001) in AMD patients compared to controls, was indicated. The risk of susceptibility to AMD was significantly higher in patients with AMD who had Pro197Leu C/T genotype of GPx (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.78-4.35). The A/C genotype and the C allele frequencies of A/C polymorphism of SOD1 gene significantly reduce the risk of AMD (OR=0.48; 95% CI 0.27; 0.85). CONCLUSION In conclusion, our data showed that insufficient antioxidant capacity may have an important role in age-related macular degeneration. The polymorphism of GPx Pro197Leu may reduce the ability to scavenge free radicals in retina and contribute to the development of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Mrowicka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry; Medical University of Lodz; Lodz Poland
| | - Jerzy Mrowicki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry; Medical University of Lodz; Lodz Poland
| | - Jacek Pawel Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology; Medical University of Warsaw; SPKSO Ophthalmic Hospital; Warsaw Poland
| | - Marta Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology; Faculty of Medicine I; Ophthalmology Center “Laser”; Medical University; Warsaw Poland
| | - Magdalena Ulinska
- Department of Ophthalmology; Medical University of Warsaw; SPKSO Ophthalmic Hospital; Warsaw Poland
| | - Jerzy Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology; Medical University of Warsaw; SPKSO Ophthalmic Hospital; Warsaw Poland
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry; Medical University of Lodz; Lodz Poland
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27
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Mitochondrial dysfunction underlying outer retinal diseases. Mitochondrion 2017; 36:66-76. [PMID: 28365408 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or both contribute to the initiation and progression of several outer retinal disorders. Disrupted Müller glia function might additionally subsidize to these diseases. Mitochondrial malfunctioning is importantly associated with outer retina pathologies, which can be classified as primary and secondary mitochondrial disorders. This review highlights the importance of oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA damage, underlying outer retinal disorders. Indeed, the metabolically active photoreceptors/RPE are highly prone to these hallmarks of mitochondrial dysfunction, indicating that mitochondria represent a weak link in the antioxidant defenses of outer retinal cells.
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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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