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Carvalho J, Invernizzi A, Martins J, Renken RJ, Cornelissen FW. Local neuroplasticity in adult glaucomatous visual cortex. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21981. [PMID: 36539453 PMCID: PMC9767937 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24709-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The degree to which the adult human visual cortex retains the ability to functionally adapt to damage at the level of the eye remains ill-understood. Previous studies on cortical neuroplasticity primarily focused on the consequences of foveal visual field defects (VFD), yet these findings may not generalize to peripheral defects such as occur in glaucoma. Moreover, recent findings on neuroplasticity are often based on population receptive field (pRF) mapping, but interpreting these results is complicated in the absence of appropriate control conditions. Here, we used fMRI-based neural modeling to assess putative changes in pRFs associated with glaucomatous VFD. We compared the fMRI-signals and pRF in glaucoma participants to those of controls with case-matched simulated VFD. We found that the amplitude of the fMRI-signal is reduced in glaucoma compared to control participants and correlated with disease severity. Furthermore, while coarse retinotopic structure is maintained in all participants with glaucoma, we observed local pRF shifts and enlargements in early visual areas, relative to control participants. These differences suggest that the adult brain retains some degree of local neuroplasticity. This finding has translational relevance, as it is consistent with VFD masking, which prevents glaucoma patients from noticing their VFD and seeking timely treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Carvalho
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.421010.60000 0004 0453 9636Pre-Clinical MRI Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida de Brasilia, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Azzurra Invernizzi
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Joana Martins
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Remco J. Renken
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Cognitive Neuroscience Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans W. Cornelissen
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Mastropasqua L, Agnifili L, Ferrante C, Sacchi M, Figus M, Rossi GCM, Brescia L, Aloia R, Orlando G. Citicoline/Coenzyme Q10/Vitamin B3 Fixed Combination Exerts Synergistic Protective Effects on Neuronal Cells Exposed to Oxidative Stress. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142963. [PMID: 35889920 PMCID: PMC9316190 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to investigate the rationale and efficacy of using a citicoline, coenzyme Q10 (CAVAQ10) and vitamin B3 fixed combination in combating inflammation and oxidation in neuronal cells exposed to oxidative stress. Methods: HypoE22 cells and isolated hypothalamic specimens were selected as in vitro models to conduct the experiments. The efficacy of citicoline, CAVAQ10, and vitamin B3, with their fixed combination, were assayed after the exposure of hypothalamic cells to hydrogen peroxide (concentration range 1 nM–10 µM), in order to evaluate the biocompatibility of treatments. The activity of neuroprotective and pro-inflammatory factors, namely, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), involved in the neuronal cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases, were assayed in isolated hypothalamus. Results: Neither citicoline, CAVAQ10, nor vitamin B3 significantly altered hypothalamic cell viability, thus suggesting the biocompatibility of single ingredients and fixed combination in the concentration range considered for the study. In the same condition, citicoline and CAVAQ10 were also effective in reducing the gene expression of monoaminoxidase-B, involved in dopamine degradation. However, only citicoline demonstrated an ability to reduce dopamine levels. Conversely, all compounds were effective in reducing the gene expression of IL-6, and TNFα, and in inducing the gene expression of BDNF, with the co-administration of citicoline/CAVAQ10/vitamin B3 being generally more effective than single ingredients. Conclusions: The present findings support the beneficial and synergistic effects of citicoline, CAVAQ10, and vitamin B3 in fixed combination in reducing inflammation and oxidation, and in stimulating neurotrophin production in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (R.A.)
| | - Luca Agnifili
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (R.A.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (L.B.); Tel.: +39-0871-358489 (L.A. & L.B.); Fax: +39-0871-358794 (L.A. & L.B.)
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.F.); (G.O.)
| | - Matteo Sacchi
- University Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Multimedica, 20900 Milan, Italy;
| | - Michele Figus
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular and Emergency, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Lorenza Brescia
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (R.A.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (L.B.); Tel.: +39-0871-358489 (L.A. & L.B.); Fax: +39-0871-358794 (L.A. & L.B.)
| | - Raffaella Aloia
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (R.A.)
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (C.F.); (G.O.)
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Lambuk L, Mohd Lazaldin MA, Ahmad S, Iezhitsa I, Agarwal R, Uskoković V, Mohamud R. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Mediated Neuroprotection in Glaucoma: A Review of Current State of the Art. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875662. [PMID: 35668928 PMCID: PMC9163364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are neurons of the visual system that are responsible for transmitting signals from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve. Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by apoptotic loss of RGCs and degeneration of optic nerve fibers. Risk factors such as elevated intraocular pressure and vascular dysregulation trigger the injury that culminates in RGC apoptosis. In the event of injury, the survival of RGCs is facilitated by neurotrophic factors (NTFs), the most widely studied of which is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Its production is regulated locally in the retina, but transport of BDNF retrogradely from the brain to retina is also crucial. Not only that the interruption of this retrograde transport has been detected in the early stages of glaucoma, but significantly low levels of BDNF have also been detected in the sera and ocular fluids of glaucoma patients, supporting the notion that neurotrophic deprivation is a likely mechanism of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Moreover, exogenous NTF including BDNF administration was shown reduce neuronal loss in animal models of various neurodegenerative diseases, indicating the possibility that exogenous BDNF may be a treatment option in glaucoma. Current literature provides an extensive insight not only into the sources, transport, and target sites of BDNF but also the intracellular signaling pathways, other pathways that influence BDNF signaling and a wide range of its functions. In this review, the authors discuss the neuroprotective role of BDNF in promoting the survival of RGCs and its possible application as a therapeutic tool to meet the challenges in glaucoma management. We also highlight the possibility of using BDNF as a biomarker in neurodegenerative disease such as glaucoma. Further we discuss the challenges and future strategies to explore the utility of BDNF in the management of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidawani Lambuk
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | | | - Suhana Ahmad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Igor Iezhitsa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology and Bioinformatics, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vuk Uskoković
- TardigradeNano LLC, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Rohimah Mohamud,
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Sharif NA. Therapeutic Drugs and Devices for Tackling Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma, and Need for Neuroprotection and Cytoprotective Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:729249. [PMID: 34603044 PMCID: PMC8484316 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.729249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the optic nerve and the death of associated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), also known as glaucoma, is responsible for visual impairment and blindness in millions of people worldwide. The ocular hypertension (OHT) and the deleterious mechanical forces it exerts at the back of the eye, at the level of the optic nerve head/optic disc and lamina cribosa, is the only modifiable risk factor associated with glaucoma that can be treated. The elevated IOP occurs due to the inability of accumulated aqueous humor (AQH) to egress from the anterior chamber of the eye due to occlusion of the major outflow pathway, the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm’s canal (SC). Several different classes of pharmaceutical agents, surgical techniques and implantable devices have been developed to lower and control IOP. First-line drugs to promote AQH outflow via the uveoscleral outflow pathway include FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG) agonists (e.g., latanoprost, travoprost and tafluprost) and a novel non-PG EP2-receptor agonist (omidenepag isopropyl, Eybelis®). TM/SC outflow enhancing drugs are also effective ocular hypotensive agents (e.g., rho kinase inhibitors like ripasudil and netarsudil; and latanoprostene bunod, a conjugate of a nitric oxide donor and latanoprost). One of the most effective anterior chamber AQH microshunt devices is the Preserflo® microshunt which can lower IOP down to 10–13 mmHg. Other IOP-lowering drugs and devices on the horizon will be also discussed. Additionally, since elevated IOP is only one of many risk factors for development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, a treatise of the role of inflammatory neurodegeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells and appropriate neuroprotective strategies to mitigate this disease will also be reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Global Alliances and External Research, Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, United States
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Krstić L, González-García MJ, Diebold Y. Ocular Delivery of Polyphenols: Meeting the Unmet Needs. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020370. [PMID: 33445725 PMCID: PMC7828190 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature has become one of the main sources of exploration for researchers that search for new potential molecules to be used in therapy. Polyphenols are emerging as a class of compounds that have attracted the attention of pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists. Thanks to their structural peculiarities, polyphenolic compounds are characterized as good scavengers of free radical species. This, among other medicinal effects, permits them to interfere with different molecular pathways that are involved in the inflammatory process. Unfortunately, many compounds of this class possess low solubility in aqueous solvents and low stability. Ocular pathologies are spread worldwide. It is estimated that every individual at least once in their lifetime experiences some kind of eye disorder. Oxidative stress or inflammatory processes are the basic etiological mechanisms of many ocular pathologies. A variety of polyphenolic compounds have been proved to be efficient in suppressing some of the indicators of these pathologies in in vitro and in vivo models. Further application of polyphenolic compounds in ocular therapy lacks an adequate formulation approach. Therefore, more emphasis should be put in advanced delivery strategies that will overcome the limits of the delivery site as well as the ones related to the polyphenols in use. This review analyzes different drug delivery strategies that are employed for the formulation of polyphenolic compounds when used to treat ocular pathologies related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Krstić
- Insituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (L.K.); (M.J.G.-G.)
| | - María J. González-García
- Insituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (L.K.); (M.J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Diebold
- Insituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (L.K.); (M.J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-883423274
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A Topical Formulation of Melatoninergic Compounds Exerts Strong Hypotensive and Neuroprotective Effects in a Rat Model of Hypertensive Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239267. [PMID: 33291737 PMCID: PMC7730513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239267] [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: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is of great importance for regulating several eye processes, including pressure homeostasis. Melatonin in combination with agomelatine has been recently reported to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) with higher efficacy than each compound alone. Here, we used the methylcellulose (MCE) rat model of hypertensive glaucoma, an optic neuropathy characterized by the apoptotic death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), to evaluate the hypotensive and neuroprotective efficacy of an eye drop nanomicellar formulation containing melatonin/agomelatine. Eye tissue distribution of melatonin/agomelatine in healthy rats was evaluated by HPLC/MS/MS. In the MCE model, we assessed by tonometry the hypotensive efficacy of melatonin/agomelatine. Neuroprotection was revealed by electroretinography; by levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers; and by RGC density. The effects of melatonin/agomelatine were compared with those of timolol (a beta blocker with prevalent hypotensive activity) or brimonidine (an alpha 2 adrenergic agonist with potential neuroprotective efficacy), two drugs commonly used to treat glaucoma. Both melatonin and agomelatine penetrate the posterior segment of the eye. In the MCE model, IOP elevation was drastically reduced by melatonin/agomelatine with higher efficacy than that of timolol or brimonidine. Concomitantly, gliosis-related inflammation and the Bax-associated apoptosis were partially prevented, thus leading to RGC survival and recovered retinal dysfunction. We suggest that topical melatoninergic compounds might be beneficial for ocular health.
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PROGNOSIS OF POSTOPERATIVE PROGRESSION OF GLAUCOMA OPTIC NEUROPATHY AT PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA. EUREKA: HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.21303/2504-5679.2020.001476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Search for new informative markers and methods of prognosis prediction glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an urgent task. We have established efficiency surgical treatment of POAG, but the progression of GON is observed in 10–15 % patients. It is known that the main mechanism of GON is apoptotic death retinal ganglion cells, a marker of which is recognized as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), Fas-ligand (FasL) and a soluble form of the Fas-receptor (sFas/APO-1). The aim of the study: to find out the possibility of using apoptosis factors (TNFα, FasL and sFas/APO-1) to predict postoperative progression of GON at POAG. Methods. 69 patients (69 eyes) with POAG stage I–III were examined, who underwent trabeculectomy with implantation of an Ex-Press shunt. In intraocular fluid (IOF) markers of apoptosis was determined by the method enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Repeated ophthalmological examination was performed in 1 year. The control group consisted of 25 patients who were operated on about phacoemulsification of cataracts. For statistical and regression analysis used software package GLZ (Statistica 10, StatSoft, Inc. USA) and module of analysis of operational characteristics of regression models – ROC-diagrams (MedCalc 18.9.1, MedCalc Software, Belgium). Results. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the progression of GON determine the content in IOF of TNFα and sFas/Apo-1 before surgery and intraocular pressure after three months. Based on these indicators, it is calculated satisfactory model of GON progression prediction with 95.4 % accuracy. One-factor logistic regression analysis proved the influence of the content of TNFα, FasL and sFas/Apo-1 for the presence or absence of progression of GON during the year after operations: direct dependence took place for TNFα and FasL and inverse – for sFas/Apo-1. The critical limits of the content in the IOF markers are calculated apoptosis, in which the progression of GON is unmistakably predicted during year after surgery. Conclusions. The obtained results prove the significant influence of the studied markers apoptosis on the progression of GON after surgery. Direct pathogenetic influence belongs to TNFα and FasL.
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Chou TH, Romano GL, Amato R, Porciatti V. Nicotinamide-Rich Diet in DBA/2J Mice Preserves Retinal Ganglion Cell Metabolic Function as Assessed by PERG Adaptation to Flicker. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12071910. [PMID: 32605122 PMCID: PMC7401244 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Flickering light increases metabolic demand in the inner retina. Flicker may exacerbate defective mitochondrial function in glaucoma, which will be reflected in the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a sensitive test of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function. We tested whether flicker altered the PERG of DBA/2J (D2) glaucomatous mice and whether vitamin B3-rich diet contributed to the flicker effect. D2 mice fed with either standard chow (control, n = 10) or chow/water enriched with nicotinamide (NAM, 2000 mg/kg per day) (treated, n = 10) were monitored from 3 to 12 months. The PERG was recorded with superimposed flicker (F-PERG) at either 101 Hz (baseline) or 11 Hz (test), and baseline-test amplitude difference (adaptation) evaluated. At endpoint, flat-mounted retinas were immunostained (RBPMS and mito-tracker). F-PERG adaptation was 41% in 3-month-old D2 and decreased with age more in control D2 than in NAM-fed D2 (GEE, p < 0.01). At the endpoint, F-PERG adaptation was 0% in control D2 and 17.5% in NAM-fed D2, together with higher RGC density (2.4×), larger RGC soma size (2×), and greater intensity of mitochondrial staining (3.75×). F-PERG adaptation may provide a non-invasive tool to assess RGC autoregulation in response to increased metabolic demand and test the effect of dietary/pharmacological treatments on optic nerve disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-482-4827
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, CT 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, PI 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (G.L.R.); (R.A.); (V.P.)
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A Dietary Combination of Forskolin with Homotaurine, Spearmint and B Vitamins Protects Injured Retinal Ganglion Cells in a Rodent Model of Hypertensive Glaucoma. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12041189. [PMID: 32340314 PMCID: PMC7230514 DOI: 10.3390/nu12041189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is indication that nutritional supplements protect retinal cells from degeneration. In a previous study, we demonstrated that dietary supplementation with an association of forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract and B vitamins efficiently counteracts retinal dysfunction associated with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death caused by optic nerve crush. We extended our investigation on the efficacy of dietary supplementation with the use of a mouse model in which RGC degeneration depends as closely as possible on intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. In this model, injecting the anterior chamber of the eye with methylcellulose (MCE) causes IOP elevation leading to RGC dysfunction. The MCE model was characterized in terms of IOP elevation, retinal dysfunction as determined by electrophysiological recordings, RGC loss as determined by brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A immunoreactivity and dysregulated levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Except for IOP elevation, dysfunctional retinal parameters were all recovered by dietary supplementation indicating the involvement of non-IOP-related neuroprotective mechanisms of action. Our hypothesis is that the diet supplement may be used to counteract the inflammatory processes triggered by glial cell activation, thus leading to spared RGC loss and the preservation of visual dysfunction. In this respect, the present compound may be viewed as a potential remedy to be added to the currently approved drug therapies for improving RGC protection.
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Gandolfi S, Marchini G, Caporossi A, Scuderi G, Tomasso L, Brunoro A. Cytidine 5'-Diphosphocholine (Citicoline): Evidence for a Neuroprotective Role in Glaucoma. Nutrients 2020; 12:E793. [PMID: 32197303 PMCID: PMC7146438 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a heterogeneous set of progressively degenerative optic neuropathies characterized by a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and typical visual field deficits that can progress to blindness, is a neurodegenerative disease involving both ocular and visual brain structures. Although elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the most important modifiable risk factor of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and is the main therapeutic target in treating glaucoma, other factors that influence the disease course are involved and reaching the optimal IOP target does not stop the progression of glaucoma, as the visual field continues to narrow. In addition to a managed IOP, neuroprotection may be beneficial by slowing the progression of glaucoma and improving the visual defects. Citicoline (cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine) is a naturally occurring endogenous compound that has been investigated as a novel therapeutic agent for the management of glaucoma. Citicoline has demonstrated activity in a range of central neurodegenerative diseases, and experimental evidence suggests a it performs a neuromodulator and neuroprotective role on neuronal cells, including RGCs, associated with improvement in visual function, extension of the visual field and central benefits for the patient. This review aims to critically summarize the current evidence for the neuroprotective properties of citicoline in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gandolfi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Biological, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Marchini
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, P. le L. A. Scuro, 10, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Aldo Caporossi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy., Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Scuderi
- Ophthalmology Unit, St. Andrea Hospital, NESMOS Department, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Livia Tomasso
- Bausch & Lomb IOM spa Viale Martesana 12, 20090 Vimodrone (MI), Italy;
| | - Andrea Brunoro
- Bausch & Lomb IOM spa Viale Martesana 12, 20090 Vimodrone (MI), Italy;
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Hypotensive Effect of Nanomicellar Formulation of Melatonin and Agomelatine in a Rat Model: Significance for Glaucoma Therapy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10030138. [PMID: 32138160 PMCID: PMC7151109 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatoninergic agents are known to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of nanomicellar formulations of melatoninergic agents on IOP in the rat. METHODS Tonometry was used to measure IOP in eyes instilled with melatonin or agomelatine. Ocular hypertension was induced by the injection of methylcellulose in the anterior chamber. RESULTS Melatonin formulated in nanomicelles had a longer lasting hypotonizing effect on IOP with respect to melatonin in saline. Nanomicellar formulations of melatonin and agomelatine, either alone or in combination, had lowering effects that did not depend on their concentration or their combination, which, however, resulted in an increased duration of the hypotonizing effect. The duration of the lowering effect was further increased by the addition of lipoic acid. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the effective hypotonizing activity of melatonin and agomelatine in combination with lipoic acid. Although results in animals cannot be directly translated to humans, the possibility of developing novel therapeutical approaches for patients suffering from hypertensive glaucoma should be considered.
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Markitantova Y, Simirskii V. Inherited Eye Diseases with Retinal Manifestations through the Eyes of Homeobox Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1602. [PMID: 32111086 PMCID: PMC7084737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal development is under the coordinated control of overlapping networks of signaling pathways and transcription factors. The paper was conceived as a review of the data and ideas that have been formed to date on homeobox genes mutations that lead to the disruption of eye organogenesis and result in inherited eye/retinal diseases. Many of these diseases are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity with already identified associated genes. We summarize the known key regulators of eye development, with a focus on the homeobox genes associated with monogenic eye diseases showing retinal manifestations. Recent advances in the field of genetics and high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies, including single-cell transcriptome analysis have allowed for deepening of knowledge of the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), as well as improve their diagnostics. We highlight some promising avenues of research involving molecular-genetic and cell-technology approaches that can be effective for IRDs therapy. The most promising neuroprotective strategies are aimed at mobilizing the endogenous cellular reserve of the retina.
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Yadav KS, Sharma S, Londhe VY. Bio-tactics for neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells in the treatment of glaucoma. Life Sci 2020; 243:117303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Locri F, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Protective Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement Based on Forskolin, Homotaurine, Spearmint Extract, and Group B Vitamins in a Mouse Model of Optic Nerve Injury. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122931. [PMID: 31816880 PMCID: PMC6950150 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial blinding disease with a major inflammatory component ultimately leading to apoptotic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Pharmacological treatments lowering intraocular pressure can help slow or prevent vision loss although the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Recently, nutritional approaches have been evaluated for their efficacy in preventing degenerative events in the retina although mechanisms underlying their effectiveness remain to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a diet supplement consisting of forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract, and vitamins of the B group in counteracting retinal dysfunction in a mouse model of optic nerve crush (ONC) used as an in vivo model of glaucoma. After demonstrating that ONC did not affect retinal vasculature by fluorescein angiography, we determined the effect of the diet supplement on the photopic negative response (PhNR) whose amplitude is strictly related to RGC integrity and is therefore drastically reduced in concomitance with RGC death. We found that the diet supplementation prevents the reduction of PhNR amplitude (p < 0.001) and concomitantly counteracts RGC death, as in supplemented mice, RGC number assessed immunohistochemically is significantly higher than that in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.01). Major determinants of the protective efficacy of the compound are due to a reduction of ONC-associated cytokine secretion leading to decreased levels of apoptotic markers that in supplemented mice are significantly lower than in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.001), ultimately causing RGC survival and ameliorated visual dysfunction. Overall, our data suggest that the above association of compounds plays a neuroprotective role in this mouse model of glaucoma thus offering a new perspective in inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases of the inner retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (P.B.); Tel.: +39-050-2211426 (M.D.M.)
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Italia SpA, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio (FM), Italy;
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (P.B.); Tel.: +39-050-2211426 (M.D.M.)
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Haykal S, Curcic-Blake B, Jansonius NM, Cornelissen FW. Fixel-Based Analysis of Visual Pathway White Matter in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 60:3803-3812. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shereif Haykal
- Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Branislava Curcic-Blake
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nomdo M. Jansonius
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans W. Cornelissen
- Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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