Bioactive lipids and pathological retinal angiogenesis

The Association between Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly its exudative form, is a primary cause of vision impairment in older adults. As diabetes becomes increasingly prevalent in aging, it is crucial to explore the potential relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and AMD. This study aimed to assess the risk of developing overall, non-exudative, and exudative AMD in individuals with DR compared to those without retinopathy (non-DR) based on a nationwide population study in Taiwan.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (NHIRD) (2000-2013). A total of 3413 patients were placed in the study group (DR) and 13,652 in the control group (non-DR) for analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for the development of AMD, adjusting for confounding factors, such as age, sex, and comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of AMD in the DR group compared to the non-DR group (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses revealed that individuals with DR faced a greater risk of overall AMD, with an aHR of 3.50 (95% CI = 3.10-3.95). For senile (unspecified) AMD, the aHR was 3.45 (95% CI = 3.04-3.92); for non-exudative senile AMD, it was 2.92 (95% CI = 2.08-4.09); and for exudative AMD, the aHR was 3.92 (95% CI = 2.51-6.14).

CONCLUSION

DR is a significant risk factor for both overall, senile, exudative, and non-exudative AMD, even after adjusting for demographic and comorbid conditions. DR patients tend to have a higher prevalence of vascular comorbidities; however, our findings indicate that the ocular pathologies inherent to DR might have a more significant impact on the progression to AMD. Early detection and appropriate treatment of AMD is critically important among DR patients.

Diabetes mellitus: Classification, mediators, and complications; A gate to identify potential targets for the development of new effective treatments

Nowadays, diabetes mellitus has emerged as a significant global public health concern with a remarkable increase in its prevalence. This review article focuses on the definition of diabetes mellitus and its classification into different types, including type 1 diabetes (idiopathic and fulminant), type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, hybrid forms, slowly evolving immune-mediated diabetes, ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes, and other special types. Diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus are also discussed. The role of inflammation in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is explored, along with the mediators and potential anti-inflammatory treatments. Furthermore, the involvement of various organs in diabetes mellitus is highlighted, such as the role of adipose tissue and obesity, gut microbiota, and pancreatic β-cells. The manifestation of pancreatic Langerhans β-cell islet inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired insulin production and secretion are addressed. Additionally, the impact of diabetes mellitus on liver cirrhosis, acute kidney injury, immune system complications, and other diabetic complications like retinopathy and neuropathy is examined. Therefore, further research is required to enhance diagnosis, prevent chronic complications, and identify potential therapeutic targets for the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated dysfunctions.

Metabolomic Profiling of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Oxidation in Adults with Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and their metabolites are closely related to neovascular eye diseases. However, the clinical significance of their oxylipins in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

This case-control study aimed to explore metabolomic profiles of LCPUFA oxidation in RVO and to identify potential indicators for diagnosis and pathologic progression.

METHODS

The plasma concentrations of ω-3 (n-3) and ω-6 (n-6) LCPUFA and their oxylipins in 44 adults with RVO and 36 normal controls were analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Univariate analysis combined with principal component and orthogonal projections to latent structure discriminant analysis was used to screen differential metabolites. Aortic ring and choroidal explant sprouting assays were used to investigate the effects of 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acids (ETE) on angiogenesis ex vivo. Tubule formation and wound healing assays were performed to verify its effects on human retinal microvascular endothelial cell functions.

RESULTS

Higher ω-6 and lower ω-3 LCPUFA plasma concentrations were measured in the adults with RVO compared with control (odds ratio [OR]: 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42, 3.86; P < 0.001; OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.51; P < 0.001). Metabolomic analysis revealed 20 LCPUFA and their oxylipins dysregulated in RVO, including increased arachidonic acid (ω-6, OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.90; P < 0.001) and its lipoxygenase product 5-oxo-ETE (OR: 11.76; 95% CI: 3.73, 37.11; P < 0.001), as well as decreased docosahexaenoic acid (ω-3, OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.33; P < 0.001). Interestingly, 5-oxo-ETE was downregulated in ischemic compared with nonischemic central RVO. Exogenous 5-oxo-ETE attenuated aortic ring and choroidal explant sprouting and inhibited tubule formation and migration of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner, possibly via suppressing the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma concentrations of ω-6 and ω-3 LCPUFA and their oxylipins were associated with RVO. The ω-6 LCPUFA-derived metabolite 5-oxo-ETE was a potential marker of RVO development and progression.

Is fat the future for saving sight? Bioactive lipids and their impact on glaucoma

Glaucoma is characterized by a continuous loss of retinal ganglion cells. The cause of glaucoma is associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), but the underlying pathophysiology is diverse and, in most cases, unknown. There is an indisputable unmet need to identify new pathways involved in glaucoma pathogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that bioactive lipids may be critical in the development and progression of glaucoma. Preclinical and clinical bioactive lipid targets exist and are being developed. In this review, we aim to shed light on the potential of bioactive lipids for the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of glaucoma by asking the question "is fat the future for saving sight".

Andrographolide suppresses hypoxia-induced embryonic hyaloid vascular system development through HIF-1a/VEGFR2 signaling pathway

Introduction

Ocular abnormalities and the development of retinal vasculature may cause postnatal retinopathy. In the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in identifying the mechanisms that regulate retina vasculature. However, the means of regulating embryonic hyaloid vasculature development is largely unknown. This study aims to determine whether and how andrographolide regulates embryonic hyaloid vasculature development.

Methods

Murine embryonic retinas were used in this study. Whole mount isolectin B4 (IB4) staining, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence staining (IF) were performed to determine whether andrographolide is critical for embryonic hyaloid vasculature development. BrdU incorporation assay, Boyden chamber migration assay, spheroid sprouting assay, and Matrigel-based tube formation assay were performed to evaluate whether andrographolide regulates the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells. Molecular docking simulation and Co-immunoprecipitation assay were used to observe protein interaction.

Results

Hypoxia conditions exist in murine embryonic retinas. Hypoxia induces HIF-1a expression; high-expressed HIF-1a interacts with VEGFR2, resulting in the activation of the VEGF signaling pathway. Andrographolide suppresses hypoxia-induced HIF-1a expression and, at least in part, interrupts the interaction between HIF-1a and VEGFR2, causing inhibiting endothelial proliferation and migration, eventually inhibiting embryonic hyaloid vasculature development.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that andrographolide plays a critical role in regulating embryonic hyaloid vasculature development.

Shellfish industrial waste reuse

The global production of aquatic organisms has grown steadily in recent decades. This increase in production results in high volumes of by-products and waste, generally considered to be of low commercial value and part of them are consequently discarded in landfills or in the sea, causing serious environmental problems when not used. Currently, a large part of the reused aquaculture waste is destined for the feed industry. This generally undervalued waste presents an important source of bioactive compounds in its composition, such as: amino acids, carotenoids, chitin and its derivatives, fatty acids and minerals. These compounds are capable of offering numerous benefits due to their bioactive properties. However, the applicability of these compounds may be opportune in several other sectors. This review describes studies that seek to obtain and apply bioactive compounds from different sources of aquaculture waste, thus adding commercial value to these underutilized biomasses.HIGHLIGHTSVolume of aquaculture industrial waste from crustaceans and mollusks.Quantity and quality of bioactive components in aquaculture waste.Applications of recovered proteins, lipids, chitin, carotenoids and minerals.Future prospects for the destination of aquaculture waste.

Neuroaxonal and cellular damage/protection by prostanoid receptor ligands, fatty acid derivatives and associated enzyme inhibitors

Cellular and mitochondrial membrane phospholipids provide the substrate for synthesis and release of prostaglandins in response to certain chemical, mechanical, noxious and other stimuli. Prostaglandin D₂, prostaglandin E₂, prostaglandin F_2α, prostaglandin I₂ and thromboxane-A₂ interact with five major receptors (and their sub-types) to elicit specific downstream cellular and tissue actions. In general, prostaglandins have been associated with pain, inflammation, and edema when they are present at high local concentrations and involved on a chronic basis. However, in acute settings, certain endogenous and exogenous prostaglandins have beneficial effects ranging from mediating muscle contraction/relaxation, providing cellular protection, regulating sleep, and enhancing blood flow, to lowering intraocular pressure to prevent the development of glaucoma, a blinding disease. Several classes of prostaglandins are implicated (or are considered beneficial) in certain central nervous system dysfunctions (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis; stroke, traumatic brain injuries and pain) and in ocular disorders (e.g., ocular hypertension and glaucoma; allergy and inflammation; edematous retinal disorders). This review endeavors to address the physiological/pathological roles of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and ocular function in health and disease, and provides insights towards the therapeutic utility of some prostaglandin agonists and antagonists, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

Increased efficacy of dietary supplement containing wax ester-rich marine oil and xanthophylls in a mouse model of dry macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is nowadays considered among the retinal diseases whose clinical management lacks established treatment approaches, mainly for its atrophic (dry) form. In this respect, the use of dietary patterns enriched in omega-3 and antioxidant xanthophylls has emerged as a promising approach to counteract dry AMD progression although the prophylactic potential of omega-3 of fish origin has been discussed. Whether enriched availability of omega-3 and xanthophylls may increase the effectiveness of diet supplementation in preventing dry AMD remains to be fully established. The present study aims at comparing the efficacy of an existing orally administered formulation based on lutein and fish oil, as a source of omega-3, with a novel formulation providing the combination of lutein and astaxanthin with Calanus oil (COil), which contains omega-3 together with their precursors policosanols. Using a mouse model of dry AMD based on subretinal injection of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, we assessed the comparative efficacy of both formulations on PEG-induced major hallmarks including oxidative stress, inflammation, glial reactivity and outer retinal thickness. Dietary supplementation with both mixtures has been found to exert a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as reflected by the overall amelioration of the PEG-induced pathological hallmarks. Noteworthy, the formulation based on COil appeared to be more protective than the one based on fish oil, presumably because of the higher bioavailability of omega-3 in COil. These results support the use of dietary supplements combining omega-3 and xanthophylls in the prevention and treatment of AMD and suggest that the source of omega-3 might contribute to treatment efficacy.

High-Coverage Serum Metabolomics Reveals Metabolic Pathway Dysregulation in Diabetic Retinopathy: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major diabetes-related disease linked to metabolism. However, the cognition of metabolic pathway alterations in DR remains scarce. We aimed to corroborate alterations of metabolic pathways identified in prior studies and investigate novel metabolic dysregulations that may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for DR.

Methods: In this case-control study, we tested 613 serum metabolites in 69 pairs of type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) with DR and propensity score-matched T2DM without DR via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. Metabolic pathway dysregulation in DR was thoroughly investigated by metabolic pathway analysis, chemical similarity enrichment analysis (ChemRICH), and integrated pathway analysis. The associations of ChemRICH-screened key metabolites with DR were further estimated with restricted cubic spline analyses.

Results: A total of 89 differentially expressed metabolites were identified by paired univariate analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. We corroborated biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, glutamate and cysteine-related pathways, and nucleotide-related pathways were significantly perturbed in DR, which were identified in prior studies. We also found some novel metabolic alterations associated with DR, including the disturbance of thiamine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism, decreased trehalose, and increased choline and indole derivatives in DR.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the metabolism disorder in DR can be better understood through integrating multiple biological knowledge databases. The progression of DR is associated with the disturbance of thiamine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism, decreased trehalose, and increased choline and indole derivatives.

Dapagliflozin Reduces Apoptosis of Diabetic Retina and Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells Through ERK1/2/cPLA2/AA/ROS Pathway Independent of Hypoglycemic

Introduction: It is known that the metabolic disorder caused by high glucose is one of pathogenesis in diabetic retinopathy (DR), the leading cause of blindness, due to the main pathological change of apoptosis of endothelial cells (ECs). In previous studies, the potential impact of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2), whose inhibitors slow the progression of DR, has not been elucidated. The purpose of the presented study was to explore the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors dapagliflozin (DAPA) on apoptosis of diabetic mice retina and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), examine the effects of dapagliflozin on HRMECs metabolism, and explore the molecular processes that affect DR.

Methods and Results: The eyeballs of male streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic C57BL/6N mice were evaluated. C57BL/6N mice were divided into control group (CON), diabetic untreated group (DM), diabetic dapagliflozin treatment group (DM + DAPA) and diabetic insulin treatment group (DM + INS). Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the pathological structure of the mice retina, and TUNEL staining to detect apoptosis of mice retinal cells. In vitro, DCFH-DA and western blot (WB) were used to evaluate ROS, Bcl-2, BAX, cleaved-caspase 3 in HRMECs and metabolomics detected the effect of dapagliflozin on the metabolism of HRMECs. And then, we performed correlation analysis and verification functions for significantly different metabolites. In vivo, dapagliflozin reduced the apoptosis of diabetic mice retina independently of hypoglycemic. In vitro, SGLT-2 protein was expressed on HRMECs. Dapagliflozin reduced the level of ROS caused by high glucose, decreased the expression of cleaved-caspase3 and the ratio of BAX/Bcl-2. Metabolomics results showed that dapagliflozin did not affect the intracellular glucose level. Compared with the high glucose group, dapagliflozin reduced the production of arachidonic acid (AA) and inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, therefore, reducing the phosphorylation of cPLA2, which is a key enzyme for arachidonic acid release.

Conclusion: Collectively, results unearthed for the first time that dapagliflozin reduced apoptosis of retina induced by DM whether in vivo or in vitro. Dapagliflozin did not affect the glucose uptake while mitigated intracellular arachidonic acid in HRMECs. Dapagliflozin alleviated HRMECs apoptosis induced by high glucose through ERK/1/2/cPLA2/AA/ROS pathway.

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites Regulate Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding eye disease, whose incidence strongly increases with ages. The etiology of AMD is complex, including aging, abnormal lipid metabolism, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are essential for ocular structures and functions. This review summarizes the regulatory effects of LCPUFA on inflammation in AMD. LCPUFA are related to aging, autophagy and chronic inflammation. They are metabolized to pro- and anti-inflammatory metabolites by various enzymes. These metabolites stimulate inflammation in response to oxidative stress, causing innate and acquired immune responses. This review also discusses the possible clinical applications, which provided novel targets for the prevention and treatment of AMD and other age-related diseases.

Relationship Between Acylcarnitine and the Risk of Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Due to the limited effectiveness of current prevention and treatment methods, new biomarkers are urgently needed for the prevention and diagnosis of DR. This study aimed to explore the relationships between plasma acylcarnitine with DR in T2DM.

METHODS

From May 2015 to August 2016, data of 1032 T2DM patients were extracted from tertiary hospitals. Potential non-linear associations were tested by binary logistic regression models, and ORs and 95% CIs of the research variables were obtained. Correlation heat map was used to analyze the correlation between variables. The change of predictive ability was judged by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Of the 1032 patients with T2DM, 162 suffered from DR. After adjusting for several confounding variables, C2 (OR:0.55, 95%CI:0.39-0.76), C14DC (OR:0.64, 95%CI:0.49-0.84), C16 (OR:0.64, 95%CI:0.49-0.84), C18:1OH (OR:0.51, 95%CI:0.36-0.71) and C18:1 (OR:0.60, 95%CI:0.44-0.83) were negatively correlated with DR. The area under the curve increased from 0.794 (95% CI 0.745 to 0.842) to 0.840 (95% CI 0.797 to 0.833) when C2, C14DC, C18:1OH and C18:1 added to the traditional risk factor model.

CONCLUSION

There was a negative correlation between C2, C14DC, C16, C18:1OH, and C18:1 and the risk of retinopathy in patients with T2DM. C2, C14DC, C18:1OH, and C18:1 may be new predictors and diagnostic markers of DR.

Dynamic lipid turnover in photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium throughout life

The retinal pigment epithelium-photoreceptor interphase is renewed each day in a stunning display of cellular interdependence. While photoreceptors use photosensitive pigments to convert light into electrical signals, the RPE supports photoreceptors in their function by phagocytizing shed photoreceptor tips, regulating the blood retina barrier, and modulating inflammatory responses, as well as regenerating the 11-cis-retinal chromophore via the classical visual cycle. These processes involve multiple protein complexes, tightly regulated ligand-receptors interactions, and a plethora of lipids and protein-lipids interactions. The role of lipids in maintaining a healthy interplay between the RPE and photoreceptors has not been fully delineated. In recent years, novel technologies have resulted in major advancements in understanding several facets of this interplay, including the involvement of lipids in phagocytosis and phagolysosome function, nutrient recycling, and the metabolic dependence between the two cell types. In this review, we aim to integrate the complex role of lipids in photoreceptor and RPE function, emphasizing the dynamic exchange between the cells as well as discuss how these processes are affected in aging and retinal diseases.

Emerging Targets in Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Complications

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic, chronic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels. Although a large drug portfolio exists to keep the blood glucose levels under control, these medications are not without side effects. More importantly, once diagnosed diabetes is rarely reversible. Dysfunctions in the kidney, retina, cardiovascular system, neurons, and liver represent the common complications of diabetes, which again lack effective therapies that can reverse organ injury. Overall, the molecular mechanisms of how type 2 diabetes develops and leads to irreparable organ damage remain elusive. This review particularly focuses on novel targets that may play role in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Further research on these targets may eventually pave the way to novel therapies for the treatment-or even the prevention-of type 2 diabetes along with its complications.

High-Fat Diet Alters the Retinal Transcriptome in the Absence of Gut Microbiota

The relationship between retinal disease, diet, and the gut microbiome has shown increasing importance over recent years. In particular, high-fat diets (HFDs) are associated with development and progression of several retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. However, the complex, overlapping interactions between diet, gut microbiome, and retinal homeostasis are poorly understood. Using high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of whole retinas, we compare the retinal transcriptome from germ-free (GF) mice on a regular diet (ND) and HFD to investigate transcriptomic changes without influence of gut microbiome. After correction of raw data, 53 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 19 were upregulated and 34 were downregulated in GF-HFD mice. Key genes involved in retinal inflammation, angiogenesis, and RPE function were identified. Enrichment analysis revealed that the top 3 biological processes affected were regulation of blood vessel diameter, inflammatory response, and negative regulation of endopeptidase. Molecular functions altered include endopeptidase inhibitor activity, protease binding, and cysteine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity. Human and mouse pathway analysis revealed that the complement and coagulation cascades are significantly affected by HFD. This study demonstrates novel data that diet can directly modulate the retinal transcriptome independently of the gut microbiome.

The potential of marine resources for retinal diseases: a systematic review of the molecular mechanisms

We rely on vision more than on any other sense to obtain information about our environment. Hence, the loss or even impairment of vision profoundly affects our quality of life. Diet or food components have already demonstrated beneficial effects on the development of retinal diseases. Recently, there has been a growing interest in resources from marine animals and plants for the prevention of retinal diseases through nutrition. Especially fish intake and omega-3 fatty acids have already led to promising results, including associations with a reduced incidence of retinal diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are insufficiently explained. The aim of this review was to summarize the known mechanistic effects of marine resources on the pathophysiological processes in retinal diseases. We performed a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines and identified 107 studies investigating marine resources in the context of retinal diseases. Of these, 46 studies described the underlying mechanisms including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic/vasoprotective, cytoprotective, metabolic, and retinal function effects, which we critically summarize. We further discuss perspectives on the use of marine resources for human nutrition to prevent retinal diseases with a particular focus on regulatory aspects, health claims, safety, and bioavailability.

Microalgae n-3 PUFAs Production and Use in Food and Feed Industries

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future.

Immune-Mediated Retinal Vasculitis in Posterior Uveitis and Experimental Models: The Leukotriene (LT)B4-VEGF Axis

Retinal vascular diseases have distinct, complex and multifactorial pathogeneses yet share several key pathophysiological aspects including inflammation, vascular permeability and neovascularisation. In non-infectious posterior uveitis (NIU), retinal vasculitis involves vessel leakage leading to retinal enlargement, exudation, and macular oedema. Neovascularisation is not a common feature in NIU, however, detection of the major angiogenic factor—vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)—in intraocular fluids in animal models of uveitis may be an indication for a role for this cytokine in a highly inflammatory condition. Suppression of VEGF-A by directly targeting the leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor (BLT1) pathway indicates a connection between leukotrienes (LTs), which have prominent roles in initiating and propagating inflammatory responses, and VEGF-A in retinal inflammatory diseases. Further research is needed to understand how LTs interact with intraocular cytokines in retinal inflammatory diseases to guide the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting both inflammatory mediator pathways.

Isoliquiritigenin downregulates miR-195 and attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation in STZ-induced retinal injury

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that leads to significant vision loss. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a bioactive flavonoid found in the root of licorice with reported anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of ISL administration on diabetes-induced retinal injury. Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using single intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg) injection. Diabetic rats showed up-regulated retinal miR-195, reduced retinal levels of SIRT-1, and increased levels of oxidative stress, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), inflammatory cytokines, and endothelin-1. Moreover, histopathological and electron microscopy studies revealed distorted retinal layers and reduced number of ganglion cells. Oral administration of ISL (20 mg/kg/day) to diabetic rats for 8 weeks improved diabetes-induced retinal injury via down-regulation of miR-195, restoration of retinal SIRT-1 level, attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial damage as well as preservation of retinal normal histology and ultrastructure. In conclusion, our results showed that ISL could be a promising therapeutic intervention to prevent the development and progression of DR. It also suggested that the miR-195/SIRT-1/NF-κB pathway may contribute to ISL treatment-induced beneficial effects.

Eicosanoids and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Retinopathy

Oxidative stress is an important factor to cause the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) because the retina has high vascularization and long-time light exposition. Cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes can convert arachidonic acid (AA) into eicosanoids, which are important lipid mediators to regulate DR development. COX-derived metabolites appear to be significant factors causative to oxidative stress and retinal microvascular dysfunction. Several elegant studies have unraveled the importance of LOX-derived eicosanoids, including LTs and HETEs, to oxidative stress and retinal microvascular dysfunction. The role of CYP eicosanoids in DR is yet to be explored. There is clear evidence that CYP-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have detrimental effects on the retina. Our recent study showed that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation augments retinal soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a crucial enzyme degrading EETs. Our findings suggest that EETs blockade can enhance the ability of RAS blockade to prevent or mitigate microvascular damage in DR. This review will focus on the critical information related the function of these eicosanoids in the retina, the interaction between eicosanoids and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the involvement of eicosanoids in DR. We also identify potential targets for the treatment of DR.

Bioactive Lipid Signaling in Cardiovascular Disease, Development, and Regeneration

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death globally. Understanding and characterizing the biochemical context of the cardiovascular system in health and disease is a necessary preliminary step for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring cardiovascular function. Bioactive lipids are a class of dietary-dependent, chemically heterogeneous lipids with potent biological signaling functions. They have been intensively studied for their roles in immunity, inflammation, and reproduction, among others. Recent advances in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques have revealed a staggering number of novel bioactive lipids, most of them unknown or very poorly characterized in a biological context. Some of these new bioactive lipids play important roles in cardiovascular biology, including development, inflammation, regeneration, stem cell differentiation, and regulation of cell proliferation. Identifying the lipid signaling pathways underlying these effects and uncovering their novel biological functions could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at CVD and cardiovascular regeneration.

Comparative lipidomic analysis of inflammatory mediators in the aqueous humor and tear fluid of humans and rabbits

INTRODUCTION

Ocular inflammation is a key pathogenic factor in most blindness-causing visual disorders. It can manifest in the aqueous humor (AH) and tear fluid (TF) as alterations in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their metabolites, oxylipins, lipid mediators, which are biosynthesized via enzymatic pathways involving lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase or cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and specifically regulate inflammation and resolution pathways.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to establish the baseline patterns of PUFAs and oxylipins in AH and TF by their comprehensive lipidomic identification and profiling in humans in the absence of ocular inflammation and comparatively analyze these compounds in the eye liquids of rabbits, the species often employed in investigative ophthalmology.

METHODS

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative characterization of lipid compounds in the analyzed samples.

RESULTS

A total of 28 lipid compounds were identified, including phospholipid derivatives and PUFAs, as well as 22 oxylipins. Whereas the PUFAs included arachidonic, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids, the oxylipins were derived mainly from arachidonic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids. Remarkably, although the concentration of oxylipins in AH was lower compared to TF, these liquids showed pronounced similarity in their lipid profiles, which additionally exhibited noticeable interspecies concordance.

CONCLUSION

The revealed correlations confirm the feasibility of rabbit models for investigating pathogenesis and trialing therapies of human eye disorders. The identified metabolite patterns suggest enzymatic mechanisms of oxylipin generation in AH and TF and might be used as a reference in ocular inflammation studies.

Pericytes, inflammation, and diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus, and a common cause of vision impairment and blindness in these patients, yet many aspects of its pathogenesis remain unresolved. Furthermore, current treatments are not effective in all patients, are only indicated in advanced disease, and are associated with significant adverse effects. This review describes the microvascular features of DR, and how pericyte depletion and low-grade chronic inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of this common ophthalmic disorder. Existing, novel and investigational pharmacological strategies aimed at modulating the inflammatory component of DR and ameliorating pericyte loss to potentially improve clinical outcomes for patients with diabetic retinopathy, are discussed.

A dual role of 12/15-lipoxygenase in LPS-induced acute renal inflammation and injury

Recent studies suggest a potential role of bioactive lipids in acute kidney injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The current study was designed to determine the profiling activities of various polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolizing enzymes, including lipoxygenases (LO), cyclooxygenase, and cytochrome P450 in the plasma of LPS-injected mice using LC-MS. Heat map analysis revealed that out of 126 bioactive lipids screened, only the 12/15-LO metabolite, 12-HETE, had a significant (2.24 ± 0.4) fold increase relative to control (P = 0.0001) after Bonferroni Correction (BCF α = 0.003). We then determined the role of the 12/15-LO in LPS-induced acute kidney injury using genetic and pharmacological approaches. Treatment of LPS injected mice with the 12/15-LO inhibitor, baicalein, significantly reduced levels of renal injury and inflammation markers including urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARs), urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), renal interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Similarly, knocking-out of 12/15-LO reduced levels of renal inflammation and injury markers elicited by LPS injection. Next, we tested whether exogenous supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a substrate would divert the role of 12/15-LO from being pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory via increased production of the anti-inflammatory metabolite. DHA treatment restored the decreased in plasma level of resolvin D2 (RvD2) and reduced renal injury in LPS-injected mice whereas DHA treatment failed to provide any synergistic effects in reducing renal injury in LPS injected 12/15-LO knock-out mice. The ability of RvD2 to protect kidney against LPS-induced renal injury was further confirmed by exogenous RvD2 which significantly reduced the elevation in renal injury in LPS injected mice. These data suggest a double-edged sword role of 12/15-LO in LPS-induced acute renal inflammation and injury, depending on the type of substrate available for its activity.

Human vitreous in proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Characterization and translational implications

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the working-age population. DR is a progressive eye disease caused by long-term accumulation of hyperglycaemia-mediated pathological alterations in the retina of diabetic patients. DR begins with asymptomatic retinal abnormalities and may progress to advanced-stage proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), characterized by neovascularization or preretinal/vitreous haemorrhages. The vitreous, a transparent gel that fills the posterior cavity of the eye, plays a vital role in maintaining ocular function. Structural and molecular alterations of the vitreous, observed during DR progression, are consequences of metabolic and functional modifications of the retinal tissue. Thus, vitreal alterations reflect the pathological events occurring at the vitreoretinal interface. These events are caused by hypoxic, oxidative, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and leukostatic conditions that occur during diabetes. Conversely, PDR vitreous can exert pathological effects on the diabetic retina, resulting in activation of a vicious cycle that contributes to disease progression. In this review, we recapitulate the major pathological features of DR/PDR, and focus on the structural and molecular changes that characterize the vitreal structure and composition during DR and progression to PDR. In PDR, vitreous represents a reservoir of pathological signalling molecules. Therefore, in this review we discuss how studying the biological activity of the vitreous in different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental models can provide insights into the pathogenesis of PDR. In addition, the vitreous from PDR patients can represent a novel tool to obtain preclinical experimental evidences for the development and characterization of new therapeutic drug candidates for PDR therapy.

Bioactive lipids and pathological retinal angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, disruption of the retinal barrier, leukocyte-adhesion and oedema are cardinal signs of proliferative retinopathies that are associated with vision loss. Therefore, identifying factors that regulate these vascular dysfunctions is critical to target pathological angiogenesis. Given the conflicting role of bioactive lipids reported in the current literature, the goal of this review is to provide the reader a clear road map of what has been accomplished so far in the field with specific focus on the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)-derived metabolites in proliferative retinopathies. This necessarily entails a description of the different retina cells, blood retina barriers and the role of (PUFAs)-derived metabolites in diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration as the most common types of proliferative retinopathies.