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Śpiewak D, Drzyzga Ł, Dorecka M, Wyględowska-Promieńska D. Summary of the Therapeutic Options for Patients with Dry and Neovascular AMD. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4227. [PMID: 39064267 PMCID: PMC11278184 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144227] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and a severe medical and social problem. The steadily increasing number of patients is related to the aging of the population. So far, many factors affecting the development of AMD have been identified, which can be divided into non-modifiable, including genetic factors, age, and sex, and modifiable or environmental factors, such as smoking, poor diet, and hypertension. Early stages of age-related macular degeneration are characterized by fundus drusen and abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium. In late stages, geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are observed. The treatment of AMD, especially its advanced forms, is very challenging. Intensive research has made it possible to treat advanced stages of the dry form of AMD with pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol, new drugs approved for use in the US. Pegcetacoplan targets the C3 and avacincaptad pegol targets the C5, the pivotal proteins of the complement cascade. The drugs are administered by intravitreal injection. The gold standard for neovascular AMD (nAMD) consists of intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs such as bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab, and faricimab. Treatment can be administered according to the fixed, pro-re-nata, and treat-and-extend regimens. The latter seems to have the best effect on improving visual acuity (VA) and the maximum therapeutic benefit. The search continues for the best ways to deliver intravitreal drugs. Current methods include sustained-release implants and hydrogel platforms for drug release, while the most promising future pathways for treating dry and nAMD are stem cell and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Śpiewak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
- Clinical Ophthalmology Center Okolux, 40-754 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Drzyzga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
- Clinical Ophthalmology Center Okolux, 40-754 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mariola Dorecka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-287 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Wyględowska-Promieńska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-287 Katowice, Poland
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Nebbioso M, Franzone F, Milanese A, Artico M, Taurone S, La Cava M, Livani ML, Bonfiglio V, Vestri A. Psychophysical, electrofunctional, and morphological evaluation in naïve neovascular AMD patients treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF. Aging Med (Milton) 2024; 7:189-201. [PMID: 38725692 PMCID: PMC11077329 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the retinal morpho-functional characteristics of patients with neovascular wet age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with intravitreal injection (IV) of aflibercept (AFL). Methods The study was conducted on 35 patients previously diagnosed with type 1 nAMD who received a fixed-dosing regimen of aflibercept injections over 12 months. The goal was to assess trends in visual abilities over time by measuring visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), visual evoked potentials (VEPs), and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The same psychophysical, electro-functional, and morphological tests administered at baseline (T0) were repeated 4 to 8 weeks after the last aflibercept injection (Tn), resulting in a total of six examinations. Results At Tn, all subjects exhibited improved VA for both far and near distances compared to values detected at T0. Similarly, VEP amplitude and latency values at Tn showed a greater P100 improvement than those observed at T0. Additionally, the CS examination at Tn demonstrated improvement, particularly at high spatial stimulation frequencies. The Tn SD-OCT results highlighted a reduction in macular thickness compared to T0 values. Conclusions This exploratory research indicates that intravitreal injections of AFL, following a fixed-dosing regimen, represent a valuable therapeutic approach for enhancing visual performance. This conclusion is supported by comprehensive statistical analysis of psychophysical, electro-functional, and morphological examinations within the same group of patients with nAMD, as demonstrated for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Nebbioso
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and OdontologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Federica Franzone
- Ophthalmic Hospital, Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Alberto Milanese
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseaseSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and OdontologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Samanta Taurone
- Department of Movement, Human and Health SciencesUniversity of Rome Foro ItalicoRomeItaly
| | - Maurizio La Cava
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and OdontologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Vincenza Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Annarita Vestri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseaseSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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Maltsev DS, Kulikov AN, Perminova SM, Burnasheva MA, Vasiliev AS. MULTIMODAL IMAGING IN NONEXUDATIVE CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION: A Pilot Study of Status of Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Retina 2023; 43:2019-2026. [PMID: 37487237 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the status of retinal pigment epithelium in nonexudative and active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS Only treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients were enrolled in this prospective case-control study, including 17 eyes with nonexudative CNV (6 males and 11 females, 74.9 ± 10.0 years) and 28 eyes with active CNV (8 males and 20 females, 69.3 ± 6.8 years). All patients received a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography, dark-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and fundus autofluorescence. The status of the retinal pigment epithelium was assessed with ImageJ software as the brightness of the CNV region on transillumination optical coherence tomography, dark-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and fundus autofluorescence images. Choroidal neovascularization vessel density was measured based on optical coherence tomography angiography. RESULTS The brightness of CNV region in nonexudative CNV was statistically significantly lower than in active CNV with both optical coherence tomography transillumination ( P = 0.004) and dark-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy ( P = 0.0015). No difference in brightness of the CNV region between nonexudative and active CNV was found based on fundus autofluorescence ( P = 0.44). The vessel density of nonexudative CNV was statistically significantly higher than that of active CNV with a median value of 64.5% (95% confidential interval [CI] 53.4-79.0%) and 55.3% (95% CI 52.2-60.0%), respectively ( P = 0.05). CONCLUSION Multimodal imaging revealed substantial alteration of the retinal pigment epithelium in active CNV but not in nonexudative CNV which correlates with the higher vessel density of nonexudative CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii S Maltsev
- Department of Ophthalmology, Military Medical Academy, St Petersburg, Russia
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Hu Y, Qi S, Zhuang H, Zhuo Q, Liang Y, Kong H, Zhao C, Zhang S. Proteotranscriptomic analyses reveal distinct interferon-beta signaling pathways and therapeutic targets in choroidal neovascularization. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1163739. [PMID: 37025993 PMCID: PMC10071000 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1163739] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the onset of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of retinas in mice with laser-induced CNV were performed using RNA sequencing and tandem mass tag. In addition, the laser-treated mice received systemic interferon-β (IFN-β) therapy. Measurements of CNV lesions were acquired by the confocal analysis of stained choroidal flat mounts. The proportions of T helper 17 (Th17) cells were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Results A total of differentially expressed 186 genes (120 up-regulated and 66 down-regulated) and 104 proteins (73 up-regulated and 31 down-regulated) were identified. The gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that CNV was mainly associated with immune and inflammatory responses, such as cellular response to IFN-β and Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, the key nodes of the protein-protein interaction network mainly involved up-regulated proteins, including alpha A crystallin and fibroblast growth factor 2, and were verified by Western blotting. To confirm the changes in gene expression, real-time quantitative PCR was performed. Furthermore, levels of IFN-β in both the retina and plasma, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were significantly lower in the CNV group than in the control group. IFN-β treatment significantly reduced CNV lesion size and promoted the proliferation of Th17 cells in laser-treated mice. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the occurrence of CNV might be associated with the dysfunction of immune and inflammatory processes and that IFN-β could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chen Zhao
- *Correspondence: Chen Zhao, ; Shujie Zhang,
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Wang Y, Wang G, Liu H. Tenascin-C: A Key Regulator in Angiogenesis during Wound Healing. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1689. [PMID: 36421704 PMCID: PMC9687801 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Injury repair is a complex physiological process in which multiple cells and molecules are involved. Tenascin-C (TNC), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, is essential for angiogenesis during wound healing. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the dynamic changes and functions of TNC throughout tissue regeneration and to present an up-to-date synthesis of the body of knowledge pointing to multiple mechanisms of TNC at different restoration stages. (2) Methods: A review of the PubMed database was performed to include all studies describing the pathological processes of damage restoration and the role, structure, expression, and function of TNC in post-injury treatment; (3) Results: In this review, we first introduced the construction and expression signature of TNC. Then, the role of TNC during the process of damage restoration was introduced. We highlight the temporal heterogeneity of TNC levels at different restoration stages. Furthermore, we are surprised to find that post-injury angiogenesis is dynamically consistent with changes in TNC. Finally, we discuss the strategies for TNC in post-injury treatment. (4) Conclusions: The dynamic expression of TNC has a significant impact on angiogenesis and healing wounds and counters many negative aspects of poorly healing wounds, such as excessive inflammation, ischemia, scarring, and wound infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucai Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, AirForce Medical University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Guangfu Wang
- Vasculocardiology Department, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Jinan, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
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Tian R, Deng A, Pang X, Chen Y, Gao Y, Liu H, Hu Z. VR-10 polypeptide interacts with CD36 to induce cell apoptosis and autophagy in choroid-retinal endothelial cells: Identification of VR-10 as putative novel therapeutic agent for choroid neovascularization (CNV) treatment. Peptides 2022; 157:170868. [PMID: 36067926 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Choroid neovascularization (CNV) is important adverse pathological changes that contributes to the aggravation of hypoxic-ischemic eye diseases, and our preliminary work evidences that the thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) synthetic polypeptide VR-10 may be the candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of CNV, but its detailed effects and molecular mechanisms are not fully delineated. In this study, the CNV models in BN rats were established by using the laser photocoagulation method, which were further subjected to VR-10 peptide treatment. The RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis suggested that VR-10 peptide significantly altered the expression patterns of genes in the rat ocular tissues, and the changed genes were especially enriched in the CD36-associated signal pathways. Next, by performing the Real-Time qPCR and Western Blot analysis, we expectedly found that VR-10 upregulated the anti-angiogenesis biomarker (PEDF) and downregulated pro-angiogenesis biomarkers (VEGF, HIF-1 and IL-17) in rat tissues. In addition, we evidenced that VR-10 downregulated CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin D2 to induce cell cycle arrest, upregulated cleaved Caspase-3, Bax and downregulated Bcl-2 to promote cell apoptosis, and increased LC3B-II/I ratio and facilitate p62 degradation to promote cell autophagy in RF/6A cells, which were all reversed by knocking down CD36. Moreover, VR-10 upregulated PEDF, and decreased the expression levels of VEGF, HIF-1 and IL-17 to block angiogenesis of RF/6A cells in a CD36-dependent manner. Taken together, VR-10 peptide interacts with its receptor CD36 to regulate the biological functions of RF/6A cells, and these data suggest that VR-10 peptide may be the putative therapeutic drug for the treatment of CNV in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Aiping Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University, Xueyuan Street No. 38, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
| | - Yunli Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lijiang People's Hospital, Fuhui Road No. 526, Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yufei Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Hai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Zhulin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road No. 176, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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The retinal pigmentation pathway in human albinism: Not so black and white. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101091. [PMID: 35729001 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Albinism is a pigment disorder affecting eye, skin and/or hair. Patients usually have decreased melanin in affected tissues and suffer from severe visual abnormalities, including foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting. Combining our data with those of the literature, we propose a single functional genetic retinal signalling pathway that includes all 22 currently known human albinism disease genes. We hypothesise that defects affecting the genesis or function of different intra-cellular organelles, including melanosomes, cause syndromic forms of albinism (Hermansky-Pudlak (HPS) and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS)). We put forward that specific melanosome impairments cause different forms of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA1-8). Further, we incorporate GPR143 that has been implicated in ocular albinism (OA1), characterised by a phenotype limited to the eye. Finally, we include the SLC38A8-associated disorder FHONDA that causes an even more restricted "albinism-related" ocular phenotype with foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting but without pigmentation defects. We propose the following retinal pigmentation pathway, with increasingly specific genetic and cellular defects causing an increasingly specific ocular phenotype: (HPS1-11/CHS: syndromic forms of albinism)-(OCA1-8: OCA)-(GPR143: OA1)-(SLC38A8: FHONDA). Beyond disease genes involvement, we also evaluate a range of (candidate) regulatory and signalling mechanisms affecting the activity of the pathway in retinal development, retinal pigmentation and albinism. We further suggest that the proposed pigmentation pathway is also involved in other retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration. The hypotheses put forward in this report provide a framework for further systematic studies in albinism and melanin pigmentation disorders.
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Sun X, Song W, Teng L, Huang Y, Liu J, Peng Y, Lu X, Yuan J, Zhao X, Zhao Q, Xu Y, Shen J, Peng X, Ren L. MiRNA 24-3p-rich exosomes functionalized DEGMA-modified hyaluronic acid hydrogels for corneal epithelial healing. Bioact Mater 2022; 25:640-656. [PMID: 37056274 PMCID: PMC10086767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The damage of corneal epithelium may lead to the formation of irreversible corneal opacities and even blindness. The migration rate of corneal epithelial cells directly affects corneal repair. Here, we explored ocu-microRNA 24-3p (miRNA 24-3p) that can promote rabbit corneal epithelial cells migration and cornea repair. Exosomes, an excellent transport carrier, were exacted from adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells for loading with miRNA 24-3p to prepare miRNA 24-3p-rich exosomes (Exos-miRNA 24-3p). It can accelerate corneal epithelial migration in vitro and in vivo. For application in cornea alkali burns, we further modified hyaluronic acid with di(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA) to obtain a thermosensitive hydrogel, also reported a thermosensitive DEGMA-modified hyaluronic acid hydrogel (THH) for the controlled release of Exos-miRNA 24-3p. It formed a highly uniform and clear thin layer on the ocular surface to resist clearance from blinking and extended the drug-ocular-epithelium contact time. The use of THH-3/Exos-miRNA 24-3p for 28 days after alkali burn injury accelerated corneal epithelial defect healing and epithelial maturation. It also reduced corneal stromal fibrosis and macrophage activation. MiRNA 24-3p-rich exosomes functionalized DEGMA-modified hyaluronic acid hydrogel as a multilevel delivery strategy has a potential use for cell-free therapy of corneal epithelial regeneration.
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Wang Y, Liu X, Quan X, Qin X, Zhou Y, Liu Z, Chao Z, Jia C, Qin H, Zhang H. Pigment epithelium-derived factor and its role in microvascular-related diseases. Biochimie 2022; 200:153-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Zhao F, Fei W, Li Z, Yu H, Xi L. Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor-Loaded PEGylated Nanoparticles as a New Antiangiogenic Therapy for Neovascularization. J Diabetes Res 2022; 2022:1193760. [PMID: 35493608 PMCID: PMC9054434 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1193760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological neovascularization, which involves a disruption in the balance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors under pathological conditions, is the basis of many intraocular diseases. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent natural, endogenous inhibitor of neovascularization because of its antiangiogenic and neuroprotective benefits. However, its application is restricted by its instability and short half-life. The present study is aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity and antiangiogenic effects of PEDF-loaded PEGylated nanoparticles (NP-PEG-PEDF) on high glucose-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS In this study, NP-PEG-PEDF were fabricated using the multiple emulsion method for the first time. HUVECs were cultured in a high concentration of glucose (30 mmol/L D-glucose), simulating diabetic conditions. The antiangiogenic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pure PEDF, and NP-PEG-PEDF on proliferation, migration, and tube formation were evaluated. VEGF secretion in high glucose-stimulated HUVECs was further tested in vitro. RESULTS NP-PEG-PEDF exhibited low cytotoxicity in HUVECs. Our results indicated that in vitro, NP-PEG-PEDF attenuated diabetes-induced HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and suppressed VEGF secretion. The apoptosis of diabetes-induced HUVECs occurred in a dose-dependent manner, which showed a statistically significant difference compared with the PEDF treatment group. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate that NP-PEG-PEDF exert antiangiogenic effects on high glucose-stimulated HUVECs and have the potential to alleviate microvascular dysfunction. These data suggest that the NP-PEG-PEDF delivery system may offer an innovative therapeutic strategy for preventing neovascularization of the fundus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenlei Fei
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhouyue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Xi
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Du SW, Palczewski K. MicroRNA regulation of critical retinal pigment epithelial functions. Trends Neurosci 2021; 45:78-90. [PMID: 34753606 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short, evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNAs that are critical for the control of normal cellular physiology. In the retina, photoreceptors are highly specialized neurons that transduce light into electrical signals. Photoreceptors, however, are unable to process visual stimuli without the support of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE performs numerous functions to aid the retina, including the generation of visual chromophore and metabolic support. Recent work has underscored how microRNAs enable vision through their contributions to RPE functions. This review focuses on the biogenesis and control of microRNAs in rodents and humans, the roles microRNAs play in RPE function and degeneration, and how microRNAs could serve as potential therapeutics and biomarkers for visual diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Du
- Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, CA, USA.
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Chrząszcz M, Pociej-Marciak W, Żuber-Łaskawiec K, Romanowska-Dixon B, Sanak M, Michalska-Małecka K, Petrovič MG, Karska-Basta I. Changes in Plasma VEGF and PEDF Levels in Patients with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57101063. [PMID: 34684100 PMCID: PMC8540423 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Retinal pigment epitheliopathy and hyperpermeability of choroidal vessels were postulated to be involved in the pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Imbalanced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment-epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) were previously implicated in the development of chorioretinal diseases characterized by increased vascular permeability. We aimed to compare the plasma levels of proangiogenic VEGF and antiangiogenic PEDF for 26 patients with acute CSC, 26 patients with chronic CSC, and 19 controls. Materials and Methods: VEGF and PEDF levels were measured using a multiplex immunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlations with disease duration were assessed. Results: VEGF levels differed between groups (p = 0.001). They were lower in patients with acute CSC (p = 0.042) and chronic CSC (p = 0.018) than in controls. PEDF levels were similar in all groups. The VEGF-to-PEDF ratio was lower in CSC patients than in controls (p = 0.04). A negative correlation with disease duration was noted only for PEDF levels in the group with chronic CSC (rho = −0.46, p = 0.017). Discussion: Our study confirmed that patients with CSC have imbalanced levels of VEGF and PEDF. This finding may have important implications for the pathogenesis of CSC. VEGF-independent arteriogenesis rather than angiogenesis may underlie vascular abnormalities in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Chrząszcz
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (M.C.); (W.P.-M.); (K.Ż.-Ł.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Weronika Pociej-Marciak
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (M.C.); (W.P.-M.); (K.Ż.-Ł.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Katarzyna Żuber-Łaskawiec
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (M.C.); (W.P.-M.); (K.Ż.-Ł.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Bożena Romanowska-Dixon
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (M.C.); (W.P.-M.); (K.Ż.-Ł.); (B.R.-D.)
| | - Marek Sanak
- Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Kraków, Poland;
| | | | - Mojca Globočnik Petrovič
- Eye Hospital University Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Izabella Karska-Basta
- Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (M.C.); (W.P.-M.); (K.Ż.-Ł.); (B.R.-D.)
- Correspondence:
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Li Y, Cai Y, Huang Q, Tan W, Li B, Zhou H, Wang Z, Zou J, Ding C, Jiang B, Yoshida S, Zhou Y. Altered Fecal Microbiome and Metabolome in a Mouse Model of Choroidal Neovascularization. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:738796. [PMID: 34512615 PMCID: PMC8427291 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.738796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the defining feature of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Gut microbiota might be deeply involved in the pathogenesis of nAMD. This study aimed to reveal the roles of the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV. Methods The feces of C57BL/6J mice with or without laser-induced CNV were collected. Multi-omics analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics, were conducted to analyze the changes in the gut microbial composition and the fecal metabolomic profiles in CNV mice. Results The gut microbiota was significantly altered in CNV mice. The abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas was significantly upregulated in the feces of CNV mice, while 16 genera, including Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Candidatus_Soleaferrea, and Truepera, were significantly more abundant in the controls than in the CNV group. Fecal metabolomics identified 73 altered metabolites (including 52 strongly significantly altered metabolites) in CNV mice compared to control mice. Correlation analysis indicated significant correlations between the altered fecal metabolites and gut microbiota genera, such as Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001 and Candidatus_Saccharimonas. Moreover, KEGG analysis revealed six pathways associated with these altered metabolites, such as the ABC transporter, primary bile acid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Conclusion The study identified an altered fecal microbiome and metabolome in a CNV mouse model. The altered microbes, metabolites and the involved pathways might be associated with the pathogenesis of nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Yuting Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Bingyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Haixiang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Zicong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Jingling Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Chun Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Shigeo Yoshida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yedi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
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PRODUCTION AND APPLICATION OF ANGIOSTATINS FOR THE TREATMENT OF OCULAR NEOVASCULAR DISEASES. BIOTECHNOLOGIA ACTA 2021. [DOI: 10.15407/biotech14.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostatins comprise a group of kringle-containing proteolytically-derived fragments of plasminogen/plasmin, which act as potent inhibitory mediators of endothelial cells proliferation and migration. Angiostatins are involved in modulation of vessel growth in healthy tissues and various pathological conditions associated with aberrant neovascularization. The aim of the present paper was to summarize available information, including our own experimental data, on prospects of angiostatin application for treatment of ocular neovascular diseases (OND), focusing on retinal pathologies and corneal injury. In particular, literature data on prospective and retrospective studies, clinical trials and animal models relating to the pathophysiology, investigation and management of OND are described. Special emphasis was made on the laboratory approaches of production of different angiostatin isoforms, as well as comparison of antiangiogenic capacities of native and recombinant angiostatin polypeptides. Several studies reported that angiostatins may completely abolish pathologic angiogenesis in diabetic proliferative retinopathy without affecting normal retinal vessel development and without exhibiting adverse side effects. Angiostatins have been tested as a tool for corneal antiangiogenesis target therapy in order to manage diverse ocular surface pathological conditions induced by traumas, chemical burns, previous surgery, chronic contact lens wear, autoimmune diseases, keratitis and viral infections (herpes, COVID-19), corneal graft rejection, etc. Among all known angiostatin species, isolated K5 plasminogen fragment was shown to display the most potent inhibitory activity against proliferation of endothelial cells via triggering multiple signaling pathways, which lead to cell death and resulting angiogenesis suppression. Application of adenoviral genetic construct encoding angiostatin K5 as a promising tool for OND treatment illustrates a vivid example of upcoming revolution in local gene therapy. Further comprehensive studies are necessary to elucidate the clinical potential and optimal regimes of angiostatinbased intervention modalities for treating ocular neovascularization.
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Unung PJ, Bassey IE, Etukudo MH, Udoh AE, Alhassan MB, Akpan UO. Effect of glycemic control and dyslipidemia on plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and pigment epithelium-derived factor in diabetic retinopathy patients in Northern Nigeria. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2020; 14:4-12. [PMID: 33192226 PMCID: PMC7644452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The disruption of the reciprocal regulation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study assessed the levels of VEGF, PEDF, indices of glycemia, and lipid profile in diabetic patients with retinopathy. METHODS One hundred fifty participants comprised 50 type 2 diabetic patients with DR, 50 without DR and 50 non-diabetic normotensive controls, aged 30-80 years, were randomly recruited for this case-control study. The study was carried out from November 2017 to December 2018. VEGF, PEDF, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Blood pressures (BP) and anthropometric indices were measured. Chi-squared test of independence, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze data. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Both diabetic groups had significantly higher (P = 0.001) systolic and diastolic BP, VEGF, PEDF, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, total, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and significantly lower (P = 0.005) VEGF/PEDF than the controls. However, the diabetics with retinopathy had significantly higher (P = 0.001) HDL-C, LDL-C, VEGF, and PEDF levels compared to the diabetics without retinopathy. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the levels of VEGF, PEDF, and VEGF/PEDF in both groups of diabetics that had good glycemic control and poor glycemic control. There was also no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the levels of VEGF and PEDF between the dyslipidemic and non-dyslipidemic subjects in both diabetic groups. CONCLUSION DR is associated with higher levels of VEGF and PEDF while good glycemic control and dyslipidemia seem not to have a profound effect on VEGF and PEDF levels in diabetics with or without DR. Higher PEDF levels are associated with higher atherogenic risk in the diabetics with retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulinus Jimmy Unung
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Retinal Medicine, National Eye Centre, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Iya Eze Bassey
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Maisie Henrietta Etukudo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Alphonsus Ekpe Udoh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | | | - Uwem Okon Akpan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
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