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Sorrentino FS, Gardini L, Culiersi C, Fontana L, Musa M, D’Esposito F, Surico PL, Gagliano C, Zeppieri M. Nano-Based Drug Approaches to Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Instead of Standard Vitreoretinal Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8720. [PMID: 39201407 PMCID: PMC11354910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) has traditionally been managed with vitreoretinal surgery. Although there have been several recent innovations in this surgery to make the retinal approach as uninvasive as possible, the outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Significant complications remain and the complexity of the surgical approach is challenging. The focus of this review was to investigate and discuss the effectiveness of nanomedicine, featuring a wide range of drugs and molecules, as a novel potential treatment for PVR. To date, ocular drug delivery remains a significant issue due to the physiological and anatomical barriers, dynamic or static, which prevent the entry of exogenous molecules. We tried to summarize the nanotechnology-based ophthalmic drugs and new nanoparticles currently under research, with the intention of tackling the onset and development of PVR. The purpose of this review was to thoroughly and analytically examine and assess the potential of nano-based techniques as innovative strategies to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). This study aimed to emphasize the breakthroughs in nanomedicine that provide promising therapeutic options to enhance the results of vitreoretinal surgery and halt disease progression, considering the complexity and difficulty of PVR treatment. The future directions of the nanoparticles and nanotherapies applied to PVR highlight the importance of investing in the development of better designs and novel ophthalmic formulations in order to accomplish a mini-invasive ocular approach, replacing the standard-of-care vitreoretinal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorenzo Gardini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Unit of Ophthalmology, Ospedale Maggiore, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (F.S.S.)
| | - Carola Culiersi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Unit of Ophthalmology, Ospedale Maggiore, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (F.S.S.)
| | - Luigi Fontana
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Ophthalmology Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Edo State, Nigeria
- Africa Eye Laser Centre, Km 7, Benin 300105, Nigeria
| | - Fabiana D’Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, 153-173 Marylebone Rd., London NW15QH, UK
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Surico
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Eye Clinic, Catania University, San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Datta D, Priyanka Bandi S, Colaco V, Dhas N, Siva Reddy DV, Vora LK. Fostering the unleashing potential of nanocarriers-mediated delivery of ocular therapeutics. Int J Pharm 2024; 658:124192. [PMID: 38703931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Ocular delivery is the most challenging aspect in the field of pharmaceutical research. The major hurdle for the controlled delivery of drugs to the eye includes the physiological static barriers such as the complex layers of the cornea, sclera and retina which restrict the drug from permeating into the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Recent years have witnessed inventions in the field of conventional and nanocarrier drug delivery which have shown considerable enhancement in delivering small to large molecules across the eye. The dynamic challenges associated with conventional systems include limited drug contact time and inadequate ocular bioavailability resulting from solution drainage, tear turnover, and dilution or lacrimation. To this end, various bioactive-based nanosized carriers including liposomes, ethosomes, niosomes, dendrimer, nanogel, nanofibers, contact lenses, nanoprobes, selenium nanobells, nanosponge, polymeric micelles, silver nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles among others have been developed to circumvent the limitations associated with the conventional dosage forms. These nanocarriers have been shown to achieve enhanced drug permeation or retention and prolong drug release in the ocular tissue due to their better tissue adherence. The surface charge and the size of nanocarriers (10-1000 nm) are the important key factors to overcome ocular barriers. Various nanocarriers have been shown to deliver active therapeutic molecules including timolol maleate, ampicillin, natamycin, voriconazole, cyclosporine A, dexamethasone, moxifloxacin, and fluconazole among others for the treatment of anterior and posterior eye diseases. Taken together, in a nutshell, this extensive review provides a comprehensive perspective on the numerous facets of ocular drug delivery with a special focus on bioactive nanocarrier-based approaches, including the difficulties and constraints involved in the fabrication of nanocarriers. This also provides the detailed invention, applications, biodistribution and safety-toxicity of nanocarriers-based therapeutcis for the ophthalmic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanjan Datta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India.
| | - Sony Priyanka Bandi
- Loka Laboratories Private Limited, Technology Business Incubator, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Medchal 500078, Telangana, India.
| | - Viola Colaco
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Namdev Dhas
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - D V Siva Reddy
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio TX78227, USA
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K
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Trujillo Cubillo L, Gurdal M, Zeugolis DI. Corneal fibrosis: From in vitro models to current and upcoming drug and gene medicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115317. [PMID: 38642593 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are characterised by myofibroblast differentiation, uncontrolled pathological extracellular matrix accumulation, tissue contraction, scar formation and, ultimately tissue / organ dysfunction. The cornea, the transparent tissue located on the anterior chamber of the eye, is extremely susceptible to fibrotic diseases, which cause loss of corneal transparency and are often associated with blindness. Although topical corticosteroids and antimetabolites are extensively used in the management of corneal fibrosis, they are associated with glaucoma, cataract formation, corneoscleral melting and infection, imposing the need of far more effective therapies. Herein, we summarise and discuss shortfalls and recent advances in in vitro models (e.g. transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) / ascorbic acid / interleukin (IL) induced) and drug (e.g. TGF-β inhibitors, epigenetic modulators) and gene (e.g. gene editing, gene silencing) therapeutic strategies in the corneal fibrosis context. Emerging therapeutical agents (e.g. neutralising antibodies, ligand traps, receptor kinase inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides) that have shown promise in clinical setting but have not yet assessed in corneal fibrosis context are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillo Cubillo
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mehmet Gurdal
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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Mohan RR, Gupta S, Kumar R, Sinha NR, Landreneau J, Sinha PR, Tandon A, Chaurasia SS, Hesemann NP. Tissue-targeted and localized AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF combination gene therapy abrogates corneal fibrosis and concurrent neovascularization in rabbit eyes in vivo. Ocul Surf 2024; 32:13-25. [PMID: 38191093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal fibrosis and neovascularization (CNV) after ocular trauma impairs vision. This study tested therapeutic potential of tissue-targeted adeno-associated virus5 (AAV5) mediated decorin (DCN) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) combination genes in vivo. METHODS Corneal fibrosis and CNV were induced in New Zealand White rabbits via chemical trauma. Gene therapy in stroma was delivered 30-min after chemical-trauma via topical AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF application using a cloning cylinder. Clinical eye examinations and multimodal imaging in live rabbits were performed periodically and corneal tissues were collected 9-day and 15-day post euthanasia. Histological, cellular, and molecular and apoptosis assays were used for efficacy, tolerability, and mechanistic studies. RESULTS The AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF combination gene therapy significantly reduced corneal fibrosis (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) and CNV (p < 0.001) in therapy-given (chemical-trauma and AAV5-DCN + AAV5-PEDF) rabbit eyes compared to the no-therapy given eyes (chemical-trauma and AAV5-naked vector). Histopathological analyses demonstrated significantly reduced fibrotic α-smooth muscle actin and endothelial lectin expression in therapy-given corneas compared to no-therapy corneas on day-9 (p < 0.001) and day-15 (p < 0.001). Further, therapy-given corneas showed significantly increased Fas-ligand mRNA levels (p < 0.001) and apoptotic cell death in neovessels (p < 0.001) compared to no-therapy corneas. AAV5 delivered 2.69 × 107 copies of DCN and 2.31 × 107 copies of PEDF genes per μg of DNA. AAV5 vector and delivered DCN and PEDF genes found tolerable to the rabbit eyes and caused no significant toxicity to the cornea. CONCLUSION The combination AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF topical gene therapy effectively reduces corneal fibrosis and CNV with high tolerability in vivo in rabbits. Additional studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
| | - Suneel Gupta
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - James Landreneau
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Prashant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Ashish Tandon
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Shyam S Chaurasia
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nathan P Hesemann
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
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Mahaling B, Low SWY, Ch S, Addi UR, Ahmad B, Connor TB, Mohan RR, Biswas S, Chaurasia SS. Next-Generation Nanomedicine Approaches for the Management of Retinal Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2005. [PMID: 37514191 PMCID: PMC10383092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal diseases are one of the leading causes of blindness globally. The mainstay treatments for these blinding diseases are laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and repeated intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or steroids. Unfortunately, these therapies are associated with ocular complications like inflammation, elevated intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, and vitreous hemorrhage. Recent advances in nanomedicine seek to curtail these limitations, overcoming ocular barriers by developing non-invasive or minimally invasive delivery modalities. These modalities include delivering therapeutics to specific cellular targets in the retina, providing sustained delivery of drugs to avoid repeated intravitreal injections, and acting as a scaffold for neural tissue regeneration. These next-generation nanomedicine approaches could potentially revolutionize the treatment landscape of retinal diseases. This review describes the availability and limitations of current treatment strategies and highlights insights into the advancement of future approaches using next-generation nanomedicines to manage retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binapani Mahaling
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Shermaine W Y Low
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Sanjay Ch
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Utkarsh R Addi
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Baseer Ahmad
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Thomas B Connor
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Swati Biswas
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Shyam S Chaurasia
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Kumar R, Sinha NR, Mohan RR. Corneal gene therapy: Structural and mechanistic understanding. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:279-297. [PMID: 37244594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cornea, a dome-shaped and transparent front part of the eye, affords 2/3rd refraction and barrier functions. Globally, corneal diseases are the leading cause of vision impairment. Loss of corneal function including opacification involve the complex crosstalk and perturbation between a variety of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors generated by corneal keratocytes, epithelial cells, lacrimal tissues, nerves, and immune cells. Conventional small-molecule drugs can treat mild-to-moderate traumatic corneal pathology but requires frequent application and often fails to treat severe pathologies. The corneal transplant surgery is a standard of care to restore vision in patients. However, declining availability and rising demand of donor corneas are major concerns to maintain ophthalmic care. Thus, the development of efficient and safe nonsurgical methods to cure corneal disorders and restore vision in vivo is highly desired. Gene-based therapy has huge potential to cure corneal blindness. To achieve a nonimmunogenic, safe and sustained therapeutic response, the selection of a relevant genes, gene editing methods and suitable delivery vectors are vital. This article describes corneal structural and functional features, mechanistic understanding of gene therapy vectors, gene editing methods, gene delivery tools, and status of gene therapy for treating corneal disorders, diseases, and genetic dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow campus, UP, 226028, India
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; One-health One-medicine Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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Gesteira TF, Verma S, Coulson-Thomas VJ. Small leucine rich proteoglycans: Biology, function and their therapeutic potential in the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:521-536. [PMID: 37355022 PMCID: PMC11092928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Small leucine rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are the largest family of proteoglycans, with 18 members that are subdivided into five classes. SLRPs are small in size and can be present in tissues as glycosylated and non-glycosylated proteins, and the most studied SLRPs include decorin, biglycan, lumican, keratocan and fibromodulin. SLRPs specifically bind to collagen fibrils, regulating collagen fibrillogenesis and the biomechanical properties of tissues, and are expressed at particularly high levels in fibrous tissues, such as the cornea. However, SLRPs are also very active components of the ECM, interacting with numerous growth factors, cytokines and cell surface receptors. Therefore, SLRPs regulate major cellular processes and have a central role in major fundamental biological processes, such as maintaining corneal homeostasis and transparency and regulating corneal wound healing. Over the years, mutations and/or altered expression of SLRPs have been associated with various corneal diseases, such as congenital stromal corneal dystrophy and cornea plana. Recently, there has been great interest in harnessing the various functions of SLRPs for therapeutic purposes. In this comprehensive review, we describe the structural features and the related functions of SLRPs, and how these affect the therapeutic potential of SLRPs, with special emphasis on the use of SLRPs for treating ocular surface pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, USA; Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Posarelli M, Romano D, Tucci D, Giannaccare G, Scorcia V, Taloni A, Pagano L, Borgia A. Ocular-Surface Regeneration Therapies for Eye Disorders: The State of the Art. BIOTECH 2023; 12:48. [PMID: 37366796 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface is a complex structure that includes cornea, conjunctiva, limbus, and tear film, and is critical for maintaining visual function. When the ocular-surface integrity is altered by a disease, conventional therapies usually rely on topical drops or tissue replacement with more invasive procedures, such as corneal transplants. However, in the last years, regeneration therapies have emerged as a promising approach to repair the damaged ocular surface by stimulating cell proliferation and restoring the eye homeostasis and function. This article reviews the different strategies employed in ocular-surface regeneration, including cell-based therapies, growth-factor-based therapies, and tissue-engineering approaches. Dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy diseases can be treated with nerve-growth factors to stimulate the limbal stem-cell proliferation and the corneal nerve regeneration, whereas conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane are used in subjects with corneal limbus dysfunction, such as limbal stem-cell deficiency or pterygium. Further, new therapies are available for patients with corneal endothelium diseases to promote the expansion and migration of cells without the need of corneal keratoplasty. Finally, gene therapy is a promising new frontier of regeneration medicine that can modify the gene expression and, potentially, restore the corneal transparency by reducing fibrosis and neovascularization, as well as by stimulating stem-cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Posarelli
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Eye Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - Davide Tucci
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Taloni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Pagano
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
| | - Alfredo Borgia
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Department of Corneal Diseases, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK
- Eye Unit, Humanitas-Gradenigo Hospital, 10153 Turin, Italy
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Sarkar S, Panikker P, D’Souza S, Shetty R, Mohan RR, Ghosh A. Corneal Regeneration Using Gene Therapy Approaches. Cells 2023; 12:1280. [PMID: 37174680 PMCID: PMC10177166 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most remarkable advancements in medical treatments of corneal diseases in recent decades has been corneal transplantation. However, corneal transplants, including lamellar strategies, have their own set of challenges, such as graft rejection, delayed graft failure, shortage of donor corneas, repeated treatments, and post-surgical complications. Corneal defects and diseases are one of the leading causes of blindness globally; therefore, there is a need for gene-based interventions that may mitigate some of these challenges and help reduce the burden of blindness. Corneas being immune-advantaged, uniquely avascular, and transparent is ideal for gene therapy approaches. Well-established corneal surgical techniques as well as their ease of accessibility for examination and manipulation makes corneas suitable for in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. In this review, we focus on the most recent advances in the area of corneal regeneration using gene therapy and on the strategies involved in the development of such therapies. We also discuss the challenges and potential of gene therapy for the treatment of corneal diseases. Additionally, we discuss the translational aspects of gene therapy, including different types of vectors, particularly focusing on recombinant AAV that may help advance targeted therapeutics for corneal defects and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhradeep Sarkar
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyalakshmi Panikker
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharon D’Souza
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore 560010, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore 560099, Karnataka, India
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Haughan J, Ortved KF, Robinson MA. Administration and detection of gene therapy in horses: A systematic review. Drug Test Anal 2023; 15:143-162. [PMID: 36269665 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3394] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy uses genetic modification of cells to produce a therapeutic effect. Defective or missing genes can be repaired or replaced, or gene expression can be modified using a variety of technologies. Repair of defective genes can be achieved using specialized gene editing tools. Gene addition promotes gene expression by introducing synthetic copies of genes of interest (transgenes) into cells where they are transcribed and translated into therapeutic proteins. Protein production can also be modified using therapies that regulate gene expression. Gene therapy is currently prohibited in both human and equine athletes because of the potential to induce production of performance-enhancing proteins in the athlete's body, also referred to as "gene doping." Detection of gene doping is challenging and necessitates development of creative, novel analytical methods for doping control. Methods for detection of gene doping must be specific to and will vary depending on the type of gene therapy. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a systematic review of gene editing, gene therapy, and detection of gene doping in horses. Based on the published literature, gene therapy has been administered to horses in a large number of experimental studies and a smaller number of clinical cases. Detection of gene therapy is possible using a combination of PCR and sequencing technologies. This summary can provide a basis for discussion of appropriate and inappropriate uses for gene therapy in horses by the veterinary community and guide expansion of methods to detect inappropriate uses by the regulatory community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Haughan
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kyla F Ortved
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary A Robinson
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.,Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology & Research Center, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
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Corneal stromal repair and regeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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12
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Fuchs AA, Balne PK, Giuliano EA, Sinha NR, Mohan RR. Evaluation of a novel combination of TRAM-34 and ascorbic acid for the treatment of corneal fibrosis in vivo. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262046. [PMID: 35007294 PMCID: PMC8746773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal injury and aberrant wound healing commonly result in corneal fibrosis and subsequent vision loss. Intermediate-conductance calmodulin/calcium-activated K+ channels (KCa3.1) have been shown to promote fibrosis in non-ocular and ocular tissues via upregulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). TRAM-34 is a selective inhibitor of KCa3.1 and reduces fibrosis by downregulation of TGFβ-induced transdifferentiation of stromal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Ascorbic acid has been demonstrated to be effective in promoting corneal re-epithelialization and reduction of neovascularization via anti-VEGF and anti-MMP mechanisms. This study evaluates tolerability and efficacy of a novel combination of TRAM-34 (25μM) and ascorbic acid (10%) topical treatment for corneal fibrosis using an established in vivo rabbit model and conducting clinical eye examinations. Markers of corneal fibrosis were evaluated in all corneas at study endpoint via histopathology, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR. The eyedrop treated eyes showed significantly improved clinical outcomes based on modified McDonald Shadduck scores, reduction of clinical haze on Fantes scores, and reduction of central corneal thickness (CCT). At cellular and molecular levels, eyedrop treatment also significantly reduced expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA and protein, collagen III mRNA, and fibronectin mRNA compared to non-treated eyes. Our study suggests that a tested new bimodal eyedrop is well tolerated and effectively reduces corneal fibrosis/haze in rabbits in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A. Fuchs
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Praveen K. Balne
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Giuliano
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nishant R. Sinha
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
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13
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Gupta S, Sinha NR, Martin LM, Keele LM, Sinha PR, Rodier JT, Landreneau JR, Hesemann NP, Mohan RR. Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of BMP7 and HGF Gene Overexpression in Rabbit Cornea. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:6. [PMID: 34383876 PMCID: PMC8362627 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tissue-targeted localized BMP7+HGF genes delivered into the stroma via nanoparticle effectively treats corneal fibrosis and rehabilitates transparency in vivo without acute toxicity. This study evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of BMP7+HGF nanomedicine for the eye in vivo. Methods One eye each of 36 rabbits received balanced salt solution (group 1, naïve; n = 12), naked vector with polyethylenimine-conjugated gold nanoparticles (PEI2-GNP; group 2, naked-vector; n = 12), or BMP7+HGF genes with PEI2-GNP (group 3, BMP7+HGF; n = 12) via a topical delivery technique. Safety and tolerability measurements were performed by clinical biomicroscopy in live rabbits at predetermined time intervals up to 7 months. Corneal tissues were collected at 2 months and 7 months after treatment and subjected to histology, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR analyses. Results Clinical ophthalmic examinations and modified MacDonald-Shadduck scores showed no significant changes in corneal thickness (P = 0.3389), tear flow (P = 0.2121), intraocular pressure (P = 0.9958), epithelial abrasion, or ocular abnormality. Slit-lamp, stereo, confocal, and specular biomicroscopy showed no signs of blepharospasm chemosis, erythema, epiphora, abnormal ocular discharge, or changes in epithelium, stroma, and endothelium after BMP7+HGF therapy for up to 7 months, as compared with control groups. Throughout the 7-month period, no significant changes were recorded in endothelial density (P = 0.9581). Histological and molecular data were well corroborated with the subjective clinical analyses and showed no differences in the naïve, naked-vector, and BMP7+HGF groups. Conclusions Localized BMP7+HGF therapy is a safe, tolerable, and innovative modality for the treatment of corneal fibrosis. Translational Relevance Nanoparticle-mediated BMP7+HGF combination gene therapy has the potential to treat corneal fibrosis in vivo without short- or long-term toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Gupta
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lynn M Martin
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Landon M Keele
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Prashant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jason T Rodier
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - James R Landreneau
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nathan P Hesemann
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,One-Health Vision Research Program, Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Amador C, Shah R, Ghiam S, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV. Gene therapy in the anterior eye segment. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:104-131. [PMID: 33902406 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210423084233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Amador
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Mohan RR, Martin LM, Sinha NR. Novel insights into gene therapy in the cornea. Exp Eye Res 2021; 202:108361. [PMID: 33212142 PMCID: PMC9205187 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Corneal disease remains a leading cause of impaired vision world-wide, and advancements in gene therapy continue to develop with promising success to prevent, treat and cure blindness. Ideally, gene therapy requires a vector and gene delivery method that targets treatment of specific cells or tissues and results in a safe and non-immunogenic response. The cornea is a model tissue for gene therapy due to its ease of clinician access and immune-privileged state. Improvements in the past 5-10 years have begun to revolutionize the approach to gene therapy in the cornea with a focus on adeno-associated virus and nanoparticle delivery of single and combination gene therapies. In addition, the potential applications of gene editing (zinc finger nucleases [ZNFs], transcription activator-like effector nucleases [TALENs], Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Associated Systems [CRISPR/Cas9]) are rapidly expanding. This review focuses on recent developments in gene therapy for corneal diseases, including promising multiple gene therapy, while outlining a practical approach to the development of such therapies and potential impediments to successful delivery of genes to the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; One-health Vision Research Center, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - Lynn M Martin
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; One-health Vision Research Center, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; One-health Vision Research Center, Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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16
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Mohan RR, Tripathi R, Sharma A, Sinha PR, Giuliano EA, Hesemann NP, Chaurasia SS. Decorin antagonizes corneal fibroblast migration via caveolae-mediated endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptor. Exp Eye Res 2019; 180:200-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Corneal chemical burn treatment through a delivery system consisting of TGF-β 1 siRNA: in vitro and in vivo. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018; 8:1127-1138. [PMID: 29869292 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chemical burns are major causes of corneal blindness. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) plays an important role in induction of corneal inflammation-related-fibrosis leading to the blindness. Here, a topical delivery system consisting anti-fibrotic TGF-β1 siRNA, an inflammatory suppressing gene, was designed for treatment of corneal injuries. TGF-β1 siRNA loaded in nanoparticles (NPs) made up of polyethyleneimine polymer demonstrated high fibroblast transfection efficiency. Moreover, TGF-β1 and PDGF genes and ECM deposition were suppressed in isolated human corneal fibroblasts. NPs inhibited proliferation and transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts by S-phase arrest and α-SMA suppression in vitro, respectively. The mentioned finding was also confirmed in vivo, addressing high wound-healing potential of prepared gene delivery system which was superior to conventional betamethasone treatment. Besides, CD4+ and α-SMA antibody staining showed inhibited angiogenesis and myofibroblast accumulation in treated corneas. This study opens a new way for treating corneal fibrosis through topical siRNA delivery.
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18
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Gupta S, Fink MK, Ghosh A, Tripathi R, Sinha PR, Sharma A, Hesemann NP, Chaurasia SS, Giuliano EA, Mohan RR. Novel Combination BMP7 and HGF Gene Therapy Instigates Selective Myofibroblast Apoptosis and Reduces Corneal Haze In Vivo. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:1045-1057. [PMID: 29490341 PMCID: PMC5822743 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We tested the potential of bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) combination gene therapy to treat preformed corneal fibrosis using established rabbit in vivo and human in vitro models. Methods Eighteen New Zealand White rabbits were used. Corneal fibrosis was produced by alkali injury. Twenty-four hours after scar formation, cornea received topically either balanced salt solution (BSS; n = 6), polyethylenimine-conjugated gold nanoparticle (PEI2-GNP)-naked plasmid (n = 6) or PEI2-GNP plasmids expressing BMP7 and HGF genes (n = 6). Donor human corneas were used to obtain primary human corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts for mechanistic studies. Gene therapy effects on corneal fibrosis and ocular safety were evaluated by slit-lamp microscope, stereo microscopes, quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, TUNEL, modified MacDonald-Shadduck scoring system, and Draize tests. Results PEI2-GNP–mediated BMP7+HGF gene therapy significantly decreased corneal fibrosis in live rabbits in vivo (Fantes scale was 0.6 in BMP7+HGF-treated eyes compared to 3.3 in −therapy group; P < 0.001). Corneas that received BMP7+HGF demonstrated significantly reduced mRNA levels of profibrotic genes: α-SMA (3.2-fold; P < 0.01), fibronectin (2.3-fold, P < 0.01), collagen I (2.1-fold, P < 0.01), collagen III (1.6-fold, P < 0.01), and collagen IV (1.9-fold, P < 0.01) compared to the −therapy corneas. Furthermore, BMP7+HGF-treated corneas showed significantly fewer myofibroblasts compared to the −therapy controls (83%; P < 0.001). The PEI2-GNP introduced >104 gene copies per microgram DNA of BMP7 and HGF genes. The recombinant HGF rendered apoptosis in corneal myofibroblasts but not in fibroblasts. Localized topical BMP7+HGF therapy showed no ocular toxicity. Conclusions Localized topical BMP7+HGF gene therapy treats corneal fibrosis and restores transparency in vivo mitigating excessive healing and rendering selective apoptosis in myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Gupta
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States.,One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Center, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Michael K Fink
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States.,One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Center, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, India
| | - Ratnakar Tripathi
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States.,One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Center, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Prashant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States.,One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Center, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Nathan P Hesemann
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States.,Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Shyam S Chaurasia
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States.,One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Center, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Giuliano
- One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Center, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States.,One-Health One-Medicine Ophthalmology and Vision Research Center, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, United States.,Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States
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19
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Zhang C, Xie B, Zou Y, Zhu D, Lei L, Zhao D, Nie H. Zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional biomaterials for cell fate regulation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 132:33-56. [PMID: 29964080 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of biological cells with artificial biomaterials is one of the most important issues in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The interaction is strongly governed by physical and chemical properties of the materials and displayed with differentiated cellular behaviors, including cell self-renewal, differentiation, reprogramming, dedifferentiation, or transdifferentiation as a result. A number of engineered biomaterials with micro- or nano-structures have been developed to mimic structural components of cell niche and specific function of extra cellular matrix (ECM) over past two decades. In this review article, we briefly introduce the fabrication of biomaterials and their classification into zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ones. More importantly, the influence of different biomaterials on inducing cell self-renewal, differentiation, reprogramming, dedifferentiation, and transdifferentiation was discussed based on the progress at 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D levels, following which the current research limitations and research perspectives were provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Bei Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yujian Zou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Orthodontics, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Dapeng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
| | - Hemin Nie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of Hunan University, Nanshan Hi-new Technology and Industry Park, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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20
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Karamanou K, Perrot G, Maquart FX, Brézillon S. Lumican as a multivalent effector in wound healing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 129:344-351. [PMID: 29501701 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing, a complex physiological process, is responsible for tissue repair after exposure to destructive stimuli, without resulting in complete functional regeneration. Injuries can be stromal or epithelial, and most cases of wound repair have been studied in the skin and cornea. Lumican, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, is expressed in the extracellular matrices of several tissues, such as the cornea, cartilage, and skin. This molecule has been shown to regulate collagen fibrillogenesis, keratinocyte phenotypes, and corneal transparency modulation. Lumican is also involved in the extravasation of inflammatory cells and angiogenesis, which are both critical in stromal wound healing. Lumican is the only member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family expressed by the epithelia during wound healing. This review summarizes the importance of lumican in wound healing and potential methods of lumican drug delivery to target wound repair are discussed. The involvement of lumican in corneal wound healing is described based on in vitro and in vivo models, with critical emphasis on its underlying mechanisms of action. Similarly, the expression and role of lumican in the healing of other tissues are presented, with emphasis on skin wound healing. Overall, lumican promotes normal wound repair and broadens new therapeutic perspectives for impaired wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Karamanou
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France; Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece; CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, Reims, France
| | - Gwenn Perrot
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France; CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, Reims, France
| | - Francois-Xavier Maquart
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France; CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, Reims, France; CHU Reims, Laboratoire Central de Biochimie, Reims, France
| | - Stéphane Brézillon
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Laboratoire de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Reims, France; CNRS UMR 7369, Matrice Extracellulaire et Dynamique Cellulaire, Reims, France.
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21
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Marlo TL, Giuliano EA, Tripathi R, Sharma A, Mohan RR. Altering equine corneal fibroblast differentiation through Smad gene transfer. Vet Ophthalmol 2017; 21:132-139. [PMID: 28685927 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of equine corneal fibroblast (ECF) to myofibroblast (ECM) differentiation by altering the expression of the Smad genes either individually or in combination. Specifically, we sought to examine the ECF differentiation after (a) silencing of Smad2, 3, and 4 profibrotic genes individually and (b) overexpression of antifibrotic Smad7 gene and in a combination with pro- and antifibrotic Smad genes. METHODS Equine corneal fibroblast primary cultures were generated as previously described. ECFs were transfected with individual plasmids which silenced gene expression of either Smad2, 3, or 4 or in combination with a plasmid overexpressing Smad7 using Lipofectamine 2000™ or Lipofectamine BLOCK-iT™. Smad-transfected clones were then exposed to TGF-β1 to induce differentiation to myofibroblasts. Immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR techniques quantified levels of ECF differentiation to ECM by measuring alpha smooth muscle actin, a known marker of ECM transdifferentiation. RESULTS Silencing of individual Smad2, 3, or 4 genes or overexpression of Smad7 showed significant inhibition of ECF transdifferentiation (73-83% reduction). Silencing of Smad2 showed the greatest inhibition of ECF transdifferentiation in (a) and was therefore utilized for the combination gene transfer testing. The combination gene transfer consisting of Smad7 overexpression and Smad2 silencing attenuated ECF differentiation significantly; however, the level was not significant compared to the overexpression of Smad7 individually. CONCLUSIONS Using gene transfer technology involving profibrotic Smad silencing, antifibrotic Smad overexpression or its combination is a novel strategy to control TGF-β1-mediated fibrosis in equine fibroblasts. Combination gene therapy was not better than single gene therapy in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Marlo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ratnakar Tripathi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, USA
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22
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Marlo TL, Giuliano EA, Sharma A, Mohan RR. Development of a novel ex vivo equine corneal model. Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 20:288-293. [PMID: 27471196 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an ex vivo equine corneal organ culture model. Specifically, to assess the equine cornea's extracellular matrix and cellularity after 7 days using two different culture techniques: either (i) immersion system or (ii) air/liquid interface system, to determine the best ex vivo equine corneal model. ANIMALS STUDIED Fourteen healthy equine corneas of various breeds. PROCEDURES Equine corneas with 2 mm of perilimbal sclera were freshly harvested from 7 horses undergoing humane euthanasia. One corneal-scleral ring (CSR) from each horse was randomly placed in the (i) immersion condition organ culture system (IC), with the contralateral CSR being placed in the (ii) air/liquid interface organ culture system (ALC) for 7 days. All corneas were evaluated using serial daily gross photography, histology, qPCR, and TUNEL assay. RESULTS corneal-scleral rings placed in the IC (i) had complete loss of corneal transparency on gross photography by 7 days, showed a significant level of corneal stromal disorganization, significantly increased α-SMA levels on qPCR, and apoptosis on TUNEL assay compared to controls. The ALC (ii) had weak stromal disorganization on histopathologic examination and was not significantly different from normal equine corneal controls on all other evaluated parameters. CONCLUSIONS The air-liquid interface organ culture system maintains the equine cornea's extracellular matrix and preserves corneal transparency, while the immersion condition results in near complete degradation of normal equine corneal architecture after 7 days in culture. The air-liquid organ culture is a viable option to maintain a healthy equine cornea in an ex vivo setting for wound healing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Marlo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA.,Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
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Fink MK, Giuliano EA, Tandon A, Mohan RR. Therapeutic potential of Pirfenidone for treating equine corneal scarring. Vet Ophthalmol 2014; 18:242-50. [PMID: 25041235 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pirfenidone (PFD) in the treatment of equine corneal fibrosis using an in vitro model. METHODS Healthy donor equine corneas were collected and used to generate primary equine corneal fibroblasts (ECFs) by growing cultures in minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Equine corneal myofibroblasts (ECMs), used as a model of equine corneal fibrosis, were produced by growing ECF cultures in serum-free medium containing transforming growth factor β1 (1 ng/mL). Trypan blue viability assays and changes in ECF morphology were utilized to determine the optimal PFD dose for this in vitro model. Trypan blue viability, phase-contrast microscopy, and TUNEL assays were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of PFD. Scratch and MTT assays were used to evaluate the effect of PFD on cellular migration and proliferation. Real-time PCR, immunoblot analysis, and immunocytochemistry were employed to determine the efficacy of PFD to inhibit ECM formation in vitro. RESULTS Topical PFD application at 200 μg/mL successfully decreased αSMA expression when compared to the TGFβ1 only treatment group (P < 0.01). PFD application ≤ 200 μg/mL did not affect ECF phenotype or cellular viability and did not result in significant cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Pirfenidone safely and effectively inhibits TGFβ1-induced equine corneal fibrosis in vitro. In vivo studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Fink
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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