1
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Fursova AZ, Derbeneva AS, Vasilyeva MS, Niculich IF, Tarasov MS, Gamza YA, Chubar NV, Gusarevich OG, Dmitrieva EI, Kozhevnikova OS, Kolosova NG, Elizarova AA. [New findings on pathogenetic mechanisms in the development of age-related macular degeneration]. Vestn Oftalmol 2022; 138:120-130. [PMID: 35488571 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2022138021120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial disease that occurs due to disfunction and degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris, as well as death of photoreceptors. The exact pathogenetic mechanism remains uncertain. The aging process is the main and the clearest risk factor of AMD. In the development of this condition, a special role belongs to the secretory phenotype of aging spreading from one cell to another and mediated by the secretion and release of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, proteases, and other molecules. Another major contributor is oxidative stress caused by violations in the recirculation of vitamin A in the vision cycle and accompanied by accumulation of lipofuscin, which mediates the formation of iron-based oxidants that are toxic for mitochondria. Furthermore, prolonged oxidative stress and constant light exposure induce the development of inflammation in the retina. Accumulation of metabolic products and cellular defects with age can induce an inflammatory reaction that amplifies the damage. The inflammatory processes including innate immune response, activation of microglia and parainflammation that occur locally in the vascular membrane, pigment epithelium and neuroretina are very significant contributors to the age-related changes, their progression, and the development of advanced stages of AMD. Various growth factors play a special role in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) has traditionally been considered the main factor of neoangiogenesis and, consequently, the main therapeutic target, but in recent years various studies have determined the role of other factors - VEGF-B, C, D, PGF, Gal-1, angiopoietins. This article describes the main underlying mechanisms in the development of choroidal neovascularization including retinal aging, impaired metabolic activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory reactions and genetic variations, as well as the role of various growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zh Fursova
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A S Derbeneva
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M S Vasilyeva
- Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - I F Niculich
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M S Tarasov
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yu A Gamza
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N V Chubar
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Regional Clinical Hospital, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - O G Gusarevich
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E I Dmitrieva
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - O S Kozhevnikova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N G Kolosova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A A Elizarova
- Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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2
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Napoli D, Strettoi E. Structural abnormalities of retinal pigment epithelial cells in a light‐inducible, rhodopsin mutant mouse. J Anat 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/joa.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Napoli
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council, CNR Pisa Italy
- Regional Doctorate School of Neuroscience University of Florence Florence Italy
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council, CNR Pisa Italy
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3
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Martínez-Alberquilla I, Gasull X, Pérez-Luna P, Seco-Mera R, Ruiz-Alcocer J, Crooke A. Neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular trap components: Emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets for age-related eye diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 74:101553. [PMID: 34971794 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Age-related eye diseases, including dry eye, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, represent a major global health issue based on their increasing prevalence and disabling action. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases will provide novel opportunities to reduce the burden of age-related eye diseases and improve eye health, contributing to sustainable development goals achievement. The impairment of neutrophil extracellular traps formation/degradation processes seems to be one of these mechanisms. These traps formed by a meshwork of DNA and neutrophil cytosolic granule proteins may exacerbate the inflammatory response promoting chronic inflammation, a pivotal cause of age-related diseases. In this review, we describe current findings that suggest the role of neutrophils and their traps in the pathogenesis of the above-mentioned age-related eye diseases. Furthermore, we discuss why these cells and their constituents could be biomarkers and therapeutic targets for dry eye, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. We also examine the therapeutic potential of some neutrophil function modulators and provide several recommendations for future research in age-related eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martínez-Alberquilla
- Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Clinical and Experimental Eye Research Group, UCM 971009, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Medical School, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Pérez-Luna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Seco-Mera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Ruiz-Alcocer
- Department of Optometry and Vision, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Clinical and Experimental Eye Research Group, UCM 971009, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Crooke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Clinical and Experimental Eye Research Group, UCM 971009, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Napoli D, Biagioni M, Billeri F, Di Marco B, Orsini N, Novelli E, Strettoi E. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Remodeling in Mouse Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105381. [PMID: 34065385 PMCID: PMC8161377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), one of many possible genetic mutations causes rod degeneration, followed by cone secondary death leading to blindness. Accumulating evidence indicates that rod death triggers multiple, non-cell-autonomous processes, which include oxidative stress and inflammation/immune responses, all contributing to cone demise. Inflammation relies on local microglia and recruitment of immune cells, reaching the retina through breakdowns of the inner blood retinal barrier (iBRB). Leakage in the inner retina vasculature suggests similarly altered outer BRB, formed by junctions between retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are crucial for retinal homeostasis, immune response, and privilege. We investigated the RPE structural integrity in three models of RP (rd9, rd10, and Tvrm4 mice) by immunostaining for zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), an essential regulatory component of tight junctions. Quantitative image analysis demonstrated discontinuities in ZO-1 profiles in all mutants, despite different degrees of photoreceptor loss. ZO-1 interruption zones corresponded to leakage of in vivo administered, fluorescent dextran through the choroid-RPE interface, demonstrating barrier dysfunction. Dexamethasone, administered to rd10 mice for rescuing cones, also rescued RPE structure. Thus, previously undetected, stereotyped abnormalities occur in the RPE of RP mice; pharmacological targeting of inflammation supports a feedback loop leading to simultaneous protection of cones and the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Napoli
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0503153157 (E.S.)
| | - Martina Biagioni
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
| | - Federico Billeri
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Di Marco
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
| | - Noemi Orsini
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Regional Doctorate School in Neuroscience, Universities of Florence, Pisa and Siena, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Novelli
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.); (B.D.M.); (N.O.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: (D.N.); (E.S.); Tel.: +39-0503153157 (E.S.)
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5
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Kauppinen A, Kaarniranta K, Salminen A. Potential Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Front Immunol 2020; 11:384. [PMID: 32265903 PMCID: PMC7099658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells, such as granulocytes/neutrophils and macrophages, have responsibilities that include pathogen destruction, waste material degradation, or antigen presentation upon inflammation. During persistent stress, myeloid cells can remain partially differentiated and adopt immunosuppressive functions. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are primarily beneficial upon restoring homeostasis after inflammation. Because of their ability to suppress adaptive immunity, MDSCs can also ameliorate autoimmune diseases and semi-allogenic responses, e.g., in pregnancy or transplantation. However, immunosuppression is not always desirable. In certain conditions, such as cancer or chronically inflamed tissue, MDSCs prevent restorative immune responses and thereby aggravate disease progression. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common disease in Western countries that severely threatens the central vision of aged people. The pathogenesis of this multifactorial disease is not fully elucidated, but inflammation is known to participate in both dry and wet AMD. In this paper, we provide an overview about the potential role of MDSCs in the pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kauppinen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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6
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Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line with Fast Differentiation and Improved Barrier Properties. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11080412. [PMID: 31412689 PMCID: PMC6722654 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11080412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) acts as an outer blood–retinal barrier that limits the access of circulating xenobiotics to the eye. In addition, the RPE limits posterior elimination of intravitreally injected drugs to circulation. Thus, permeation in the RPE has a significant effect on ocular pharmacokinetics. The RPE is also a potentially important drug target in age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, the cell models of the RPE are important tools in ocular drug development, but poor availability and problems in reproducibility limit the use of primary RPE cell cultures. Furthermore, the best and widely used human cell line ARPE19 requires specialized culture conditions and a long time for cellular differentiation. In this paper, we describe a cell population arisen from the ARPE19 culture, with fast differentiation and improved barrier properties. This cell line, LEPI, forms clear microvilli and rapidly displays RPE-like cobblestone morphology after subculture in simple culture conditions. The LEPI cells show RPE-specific functions and expression of RPE65, ezrin, and BEST1 proteins. On filter, the LEPI cells develop tighter barrier than the ex vivo bovine RPE-choroid: permeability coefficients of beta-blockers (atenolol, nadolol, timolol, pindolol, metoprolol, betaxolol) ranged from 0.4 × 10−6 cm/sec to 2.3 × 10−6 cm/sec depending on the drug lipophilicity. This rapidly differentiating cell line will be an asset in ocular studies since it is easily maintained, it grows and differentiates quickly and does not require specialized culture conditions for differentiation. Thus, this cell line is suitable for both small scale assays and high throughput screening in drug discovery and development.
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7
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Effect of acute and chronic aldosterone exposure on the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid complex in rodents. Exp Eye Res 2019; 187:107747. [PMID: 31394103 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical evidences show that aldosterone and/or mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) over-activation by glucocorticoids can be deleterious to the retina and to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid complex. However, the exact molecular mechanisms driving these effects remain poorly understood and pathological consequences of chronic exposure of the retina and RPE/choroid to aldosterone have not been completely explored. We aimed to decipher the transcriptomic regulation in the RPE-choroid complex in rats in response to acute intraocular aldosterone injection and to explore the consequences of systemic chronic aldosterone exposure on the morphology and the gene regulation in RPE/choroid in mice. High dose of aldosterone (100 nM) was intravitreously injected in Lewis rat eyes in order to yield an aldosterone dose able to induce a molecular response at the apical side of the RPE-choroid complex. The posterior segment morphology was evaluated in vivo using optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and 24 h after aldosterone injection. Rat RPE-choroid complexes were used for RNA sequencing and analysis. Uninephrectomy/aldosterone/salt (NAS) model was created in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. After 6 weeks, histology of mouse posterior segments were observed ex vivo. Gene expression in the RPE-choroid complex was analyzed using quantitative PCR. Acute intravitreous injection of aldosterone induced posterior segment inflammation observed on OCT. RNA sequencing of rat RPE-choroid complexes revealed up-regulation of pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress and RNA procession, and down-regulation of genes involved in synaptic activity, muscle contraction, cytoskeleton, cell junction and transporters. Chronic aldosterone/salt exposure in NAS model induces retinal edema, choroidal vasodilation and RPE cell dysfunction and migration. Quantitative PCR showed deregulation of genes involved in inflammatory response, oxidative stress, particularly the NOX pathway, angiogenesis and cell contractility. Both rodent models share some common phenotypes and molecular regulations in the RPE-choroid complex that could contribute to pachychoroid epitheliopathy in humans. The difference in inflammatory status relies on different intraocular or systemic route of aldosterone administration and on the different doses of aldosterone exposed to the RPE-choroid complex.
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8
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Natoli R, Mason E, Jiao H, Chuah A, Patel H, Fernando N, Valter K, Wells CA, Provis J, Rutar M. Dynamic Interplay of Innate and Adaptive Immunity During Sterile Retinal Inflammation: Insights From the Transcriptome. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1666. [PMID: 30073000 PMCID: PMC6058037 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of many retinal degenerations, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is punctuated by an ill-defined network of sterile inflammatory responses. The delineation of innate and adaptive immune milieu among the broad leukocyte infiltrate, and the gene networks, which construct these responses, are poorly described in the eye. Using photo-oxidative damage in a rodent model of subretinal inflammation, we employed a novel RNA-sequencing framework to map the global gene network signature of retinal leukocytes. This revealed a previously uncharted interplay of adaptive immunity during subretinal inflammation, including prolonged enrichment of myeloid and lymphocyte migration, antigen presentation, and the alternative arm of the complement cascade involving Factor B. We demonstrate Factor B-deficient mice are protected against macrophage infiltration and subretinal inflammation. Suppressing the drivers of retinal leukocyte proliferation, or their capacity to elicit complement responses, may help preserve retinal structure and function during sterile inflammation in diseases such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Natoli
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Mason
- The Centre for Stem Cell Systems, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Haihan Jiao
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Aaron Chuah
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Hardip Patel
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nilisha Fernando
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Krisztina Valter
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Christine A Wells
- The Centre for Stem Cell Systems, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jan Provis
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Matt Rutar
- The Centre for Stem Cell Systems, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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9
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Retinal pigment epithelium-secretome: A diabetic retinopathy perspective. Cytokine 2017; 95:126-135. [PMID: 28282610 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus that can lead to retinal vascular abnormalities and visual impairment. While retinal endothelial pathology is well studied, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer modifications and the patho-physiological regulations are not widely understood. The RPE is a highly specialized pigmented layer regulating not only physiological functions such as transport of nutrients, ions, absorption of light, phagocytosis of photoreceptor membranes, but also secretion of a number of cytokines, chemokines, angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. The RPE secretome, though crucial in health and disease, remains elusive in diabetic retinopathy. A knowledge of these secreted factors would help explain and correlate the clinical phase of the disease aiding in improved disease management. A comprehensive knowledge of the secreted factors of the RPE is a potential tool for understanding the differential treatment regime of early diabetic retinopathy, diabetic proliferative retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. In this review, we have delineated the importance of factors secreted by the retinal pigment epithelium and its regulation in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
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10
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Kling KM, Lopez-Rodriguez E, Pfarrer C, Mühlfeld C, Brandenberger C. Aging exacerbates acute lung injury-induced changes of the air-blood barrier, lung function, and inflammation in the mouse. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 312:L1-L12. [PMID: 27815259 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00347.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by hypoxemia, enhanced permeability of the air-blood barrier, and pulmonary edema. Particularly in the elderly, ALI is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The reasons for this, however, are poorly understood. We hypothesized that age-related changes in pulmonary structure, function, and inflammation lead to a worse prognosis in ALI. ALI was induced in young (10 wk old) and old (18 mo old) male C57BL/6 mice by intranasal application of 2.5 mg lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/kg body wt or saline (control mice). After 24 h, lung function was assessed, and lungs were either processed for stereological or inflammatory analysis, such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytometry and qPCR. Both young and old mice developed severe signs of ALI, including alveolar and septal edema and enhanced inflammatory BALF cells. However, the pathology of ALI was more pronounced in old compared with young mice with nearly sixfold higher BALF protein concentration, twice the number of neutrophils, and significantly higher expression of neutrophil chemokine Cxcl1, adhesion molecule Icam-1, and metalloprotease-9, whereas the expression of tight junction protein occludin significantly decreased. The old LPS mice had thicker alveolar septa attributable to higher volumes of interstitial cells and extracellular matrix. Tissue resistance and elastance reflected observed changes at the ultrastructural level in the lung parenchyma in ALI of young and old mice. In summary, the pathology of ALI with advanced age in mice is characterized by a greater neutrophilic inflammation, leakier air-blood barrier, and altered lung function, which is in line with findings in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Maria Kling
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Elena Lopez-Rodriguez
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Christiane Pfarrer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; and
| | - Christian Mühlfeld
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence from Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy (REBIRTH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Brandenberger
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; .,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence from Regenerative Biology to Reconstructive Therapy (REBIRTH), Hannover, Germany
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11
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Lechner J, Chen M, Hogg RE, Toth L, Silvestri G, Chakravarthy U, Xu H. Alterations in Circulating Immune Cells in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16754. [PMID: 26572732 PMCID: PMC4648089 DOI: 10.1038/srep16754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries. Recent advances have highlighted the essential role of inflammation in the development of the disease. In addition to local retinal chronic inflammatory response, systemic immune alterations have also been observed in AMD patients. In this study we investigated the association between the frequency of circulating leukocyte populations and the prevalence as well as clinical presentations of nAMD. Leukocyte subsets of 103 nAMD patients (most of them were receiving anti-VEGF therapy prior to enrolment) and 26 controls were analysed by flow cytometry by relative cell size, granularity and surface markers. Circulating CD11b(+) cells and CD16(hi)HLA-DR(-) neutrophils were significantly increased (P = 0.015 and 0.009 respectively) in nAMD when compared to controls. The percentage of circulating CD4(+) T-cells was reduced in nAMD patients without subretinal fibrosis (P = 0.026) compared to patients with subretinal fibrosis. There was no correlation between the percentage of circulating leukocytes and the responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy in nAMD patients. Our results suggest that higher levels of circulating CD11b(+) cells and neutrophils are associated with nAMD and that reduced levels of CD4(+) T-cells are associated with the absence of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Lechner
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ruth E Hogg
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Levente Toth
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Giuliana Silvestri
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Usha Chakravarthy
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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12
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Zhang L, Liu G, Han X, Liu J, Li GX, Zou DW, Li ZS. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation attenuates esophageal mucosal damage in a chronic model of reflux esophagitis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:1648-56. [PMID: 26353842 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reflux esophagitis (RE) is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases that are increasingly recognized as a significant health problem. This study was designed to investigate the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in experimental chronic RE model of rats. METHODS Chronic acid RE rats were induced by fundus ligation and partial obstruction of the pylorus and treated with SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor, i.p., 1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. KEY RESULTS Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting results revealed the activation of p38 MAPK signaling in the esophagus mucosa 14 days post injury. Through gross and histological assessment, we found that inhibition of p38 MAPK activation by SB203580 attenuated esophageal mucosal damage in RE rats. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation in RE rats attenuated esophageal barrier dysfunction, through enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins and reducing the expression of matrix matalloproteinases-3 and -9. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation in RE rats reduced CD68-positive cells in esophagus mucosa and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in esophagus and protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in serum. In addition, we found that inhibition of p38 MAPK activation in RE rats suppressed protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and reduced formation of nitric oxide (NO), 3-nitrotyrosin, and malondialdehyde in esophagus. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation attenuated esophageal mucosal damage in acid RE rats, possibly by modulating esophageal barrier function and regulating inflammatory cell recruitment, and the subsequent formation of cytokines, NO, and reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - G Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Command, Fuzhou, China
| | - X Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - J Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - G-X Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - D-W Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z-S Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Metalloproteinase Profiling in Lung Transplant Recipients With Good Outcome and Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome. Transplantation 2015; 99:1946-52. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Rutar M, Natoli R, Chia RX, Valter K, Provis JM. Chemokine-mediated inflammation in the degenerating retina is coordinated by Müller cells, activated microglia, and retinal pigment epithelium. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:8. [PMID: 25595590 PMCID: PMC4308937 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-014-0224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monocyte infiltration is involved in the pathogenesis of many retinal degenerative conditions. This process traditionally depends on local expression of chemokines, though the roles of many of these in the degenerating retina are unclear. Here, we investigate expression and in situ localization of the broad chemokine response in a light-induced model of retinal degeneration. METHODS Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to 1,000 lux light damage (LD) for up to 24 hrs. At time points during (1 to 24 hrs) and following (3 and 7 days) exposure, animals were euthanized and retinas processed. Microarray analysis assessed differential expression of chemokines. Some genes were further investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization and contrasted with photoreceptor apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Recruitment of retinal CD45 (+) leukocytes was determined via fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), and expression of chemokine receptors determined using PCR. RESULTS Exposure to 24 hrs of LD resulted in differential expression of chemokines including Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl7, Cxcl1, and Cxcl10. Their upregulation correlated strongly with peak photoreceptor death, at 24 hrs exposure. In situ hybridization revealed that the modulated chemokines were expressed by a combination of Müller cells, activated microglia, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This preceded large increases in the number of CD45(+) cells at 3- and 7-days post exposure, which expressed a corresponding repertoire of chemokine receptors. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that retinal degeneration induces upregulation of a broad chemokine response whose expression is coordinated by Müller cells, microglia, and RPE. The findings inform our understanding of the processes govern the trafficking of leukocytes, which are contributors in the pathology of retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Rutar
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Building 131, Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. .,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, 54 Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Building 131, Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. .,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, 54 Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - R X Chia
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Building 131, Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Krisztina Valter
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Building 131, Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. .,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, 54 Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Jan M Provis
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Building 131, Garran Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. .,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, 54 Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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15
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Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in aged individuals. Recent advances have highlighted the essential role of immune processes in the development, progression and treatment of AMD. In this Review we discuss recent discoveries related to the immunological aspects of AMD pathogenesis. We outline the diverse immune cell types, inflammatory activators and pathways that are involved. Finally, we discuss the future of inflammation-directed therapeutics to treat AMD in the growing aged population.
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16
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Fang Y, Chen H, Hu Y, Djukic Z, Tevebaugh W, Shaheen NJ, Orlando RC, Hu J, Chen X. Gastroesophageal reflux activates the NF-κB pathway and impairs esophageal barrier function in mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2013; 305:G58-65. [PMID: 23639809 PMCID: PMC3725692 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00438.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The barrier function of the esophageal epithelium is a major defense against gastroesophageal reflux disease. Previous studies have shown that reflux damage is reflected in a decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance associated with tight junction alterations in the esophageal epithelium. To develop novel therapies, it is critical to understand the molecular mechanisms whereby contact with a refluxate impairs esophageal barrier function. In this study, surgical models of duodenal and mixed reflux were developed in mice. Mouse esophageal epithelium was analyzed by gene microarray. Gene set enrichment analysis showed upregulation of inflammation-related gene sets and the NF-κB pathway due to reflux. Significance analysis of microarrays revealed upregulation of NF-κB target genes. Overexpression of NF-κB subunits (p50 and p65) and NF-κB target genes (matrix metalloproteinases-3 and -9, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) confirmed activation of the NF-κB pathway in the esophageal epithelium. In addition, real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining also showed downregulation and mislocalization of claudins-1 and -4. In a second animal experiment, treatment with an NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7085 (20 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ ip for 10 days), counteracted the effects of duodenal and mixed reflux on epithelial resistance and NF-κB-regulated cytokines. We conclude that gastroesophageal reflux activates the NF-κB pathway and impairs esophageal barrier function in mice and that targeting the NF-κB pathway may strengthen esophageal barrier function against reflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- 1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; ,2Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | - Hao Chen
- 2Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | - Yuhui Hu
- 2Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | - Zorka Djukic
- 3Center for Esophageal Disease and Swallowing, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Whitney Tevebaugh
- 2Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | - Nicholas J. Shaheen
- 3Center for Esophageal Disease and Swallowing, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Roy C. Orlando
- 3Center for Esophageal Disease and Swallowing, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jianguo Hu
- 1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- 2Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina; and ,3Center for Esophageal Disease and Swallowing, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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17
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Fang Y, Chen H, Hu Y, Djukic Z, Tevebaugh W, Shaheen NJ, Orlando RC, Hu J, Chen X. Gastroesophageal reflux activates the NF-κB pathway and impairs esophageal barrier function in mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2013. [PMID: 23639809 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The barrier function of the esophageal epithelium is a major defense against gastroesophageal reflux disease. Previous studies have shown that reflux damage is reflected in a decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance associated with tight junction alterations in the esophageal epithelium. To develop novel therapies, it is critical to understand the molecular mechanisms whereby contact with a refluxate impairs esophageal barrier function. In this study, surgical models of duodenal and mixed reflux were developed in mice. Mouse esophageal epithelium was analyzed by gene microarray. Gene set enrichment analysis showed upregulation of inflammation-related gene sets and the NF-κB pathway due to reflux. Significance analysis of microarrays revealed upregulation of NF-κB target genes. Overexpression of NF-κB subunits (p50 and p65) and NF-κB target genes (matrix metalloproteinases-3 and -9, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) confirmed activation of the NF-κB pathway in the esophageal epithelium. In addition, real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining also showed downregulation and mislocalization of claudins-1 and -4. In a second animal experiment, treatment with an NF-κB inhibitor, BAY 11-7085 (20 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ ip for 10 days), counteracted the effects of duodenal and mixed reflux on epithelial resistance and NF-κB-regulated cytokines. We conclude that gastroesophageal reflux activates the NF-κB pathway and impairs esophageal barrier function in mice and that targeting the NF-κB pathway may strengthen esophageal barrier function against reflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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18
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RPE barrier breakdown in diabetic retinopathy: seeing is believing. J Ocul Biol Dis Infor 2011; 4:83-92. [PMID: 23275801 DOI: 10.1007/s12177-011-9068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness in working-age Americans. DR is traditionally regarded as a disorder of blood-retina barriers, and the leakage of blood content is a major pathological characteristic of the disease. While the breakdown of the endothelial barrier in DR has been investigated extensively, the vascular leakage through the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) barrier in the disease has not been widely acknowledged. As the blood content leaked through the RPE barrier causes excessive water influx to the retina, the breakdown of the RPE barrier is likely to play a causative role in the development of some forms of diabetic macular edema, a major cause of vision loss in DR. In this article, we will discuss the clinical evidences of the diabetes-induced RPE barrier breakdown, the alteration of the RPE in diabetes, the molecular and cellular mechanism of RPE barrier breakdown, and the research tools for the analysis of RPE barrier leakage. Finally, we will discuss the methodology and potential applications of our recently developed fluorescent microscopic imaging for the diabetes- or ischemia-induced RPE barrier breakdown in rodents.
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