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García-López C, García-López V, Matamoros JA, Fernández-Albarral JA, Salobrar-García E, de Hoz R, López-Cuenca I, Sánchez-Puebla L, Ramírez JM, Ramírez AI, Salazar JJ. The Role of Citicoline and Coenzyme Q10 in Retinal Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065072. [PMID: 36982157 PMCID: PMC10049438 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration are common retinal diseases responsible for most of the blindness causes in the working-age and elderly populations in developed countries. Many of the current treatments used in these pathologies fail to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Therefore, other types of treatments with neuroprotective characteristics may be necessary to allow a more satisfactory management of the disease. Citicoline and coenzyme Q10 are molecules that have neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and their use could have a beneficial effect in ocular neurodegenerative pathologies. This review provides a compilation, mainly from the last 10 years, of the main studies that have been published on the use of these drugs in these neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, analyzing the usefulness of these drugs in these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia García-López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica García-López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Matamoros
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Fernández-Albarral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I. Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.I.R.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Juan J. Salazar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.I.R.); (J.J.S.)
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Fehér J, Élő Á, István L, Nagy ZZ, Radák Z, Scuderi G, Artico M, Kovács I. Microbiota mitochondria disorders as hubs for early age-related macular degeneration. GeroScience 2022; 44:2623-2653. [PMID: 35978068 PMCID: PMC9385247 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the central area (macula lutea) of the retina. Research on the pathogenic mechanism of AMD showed complex cellular contribution governed by such risk factors as aging, genetic predisposition, diet, and lifestyle. Recent studies suggested that microbiota is a transducer and a modifier of risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, and mitochondria may be one of the intracellular targets of microbial signaling molecules. This review explores studies supporting a new concept on the contribution of microbiota-mitochondria disorders to AMD. We discuss metabolic, vascular, immune, and neuronal mechanism in AMD as well as key alterations of photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane, choriocapillaris endothelial, immune, and neuronal cells. Special attention was paid to alterations of mitochondria contact sites (MCSs), an organelle network of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets (LDs), and peroxisomes being documented based on our own electron microscopic findings from surgically removed human eyes. Morphometry of Bruch's membrane lipids and proteoglycans has also been performed in early AMD and aged controls. Microbial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, polyphenols, and secondary bile acids) and microbial compounds (lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and bacterial DNA)-now called postbiotics-in addition to local effects on resident microbiota and mucous membrane, regulate systemic metabolic, vascular, immune, and neuronal mechanisms in normal conditions and in various common diseases. We also discuss their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects as well as experimental and clinical observations on regulating the main processes of photoreceptor renewal, mitophagy, and autophagy in early AMD. These findings support an emerging concept that microbiota-mitochondria disorders may be a crucial pathogenic mechanism of early AMD; and similarly, to other age-related neurodegenerative diseases, new treatment approaches should be targeted at these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Fehér
- PRIMAVERA Program, Nutripharma Hungaria Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Élő
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla István
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Zsolt Nagy
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Radák
- grid.472475.70000 0000 9243 1481Research Institute of Sport Science, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gianluca Scuderi
- grid.7841.aOphthalmology Unit, NESMOS Department, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- grid.417007.5Department of Sensory Organs, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Illés Kovács
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary ,grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY USA
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Lem DW, Davey PG, Gierhart DL, Rosen RB. A Systematic Review of Carotenoids in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1255. [PMID: 34439503 PMCID: PMC8389280 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of modifiable vision loss in older adults. Chronic oxidative injury and compromised antioxidant defenses represent essential drivers in the development of retinal neurodegeneration. Overwhelming free radical species formation results in mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as cellular and metabolic imbalance, which becomes exacerbated with increasing age. Thus, the depletion of systemic antioxidant capacity further proliferates oxidative stress in AMD-affected eyes, resulting in loss of photoreceptors, neuroinflammation, and ultimately atrophy within the retinal tissue. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the neuroprotective potential of the xanthophyll carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin on retinal neurodegeneration for the purpose of adjunctive nutraceutical strategy in the management of AMD. A comprehensive literature review was performed to retrieve 55 eligible publications, using four database searches from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. Epidemiology studies indicated an enhanced risk reduction against late AMD with greater dietary consumption of carotenoids, meanwhile greater concentrations in macular pigment demonstrated significant improvements in visual function among AMD patients. Collectively, evidence strongly suggests that carotenoid vitamin therapies offer remarkable synergic protection in the neurosensory retina, with the potential to serve as adjunctive nutraceutical therapy in the management of established AMD, albeit these benefits may vary among different stages of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake W. Lem
- College of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | | | | | - Richard B. Rosen
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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Bilbao-Malavé V, González-Zamora J, de la Puente M, Recalde S, Fernandez-Robredo P, Hernandez M, Layana AG, Saenz de Viteri M. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Age Related Macular Degeneration, Role in Pathophysiology, and Possible New Therapeutic Strategies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081170. [PMID: 34439418 PMCID: PMC8388889 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of legal blindness in developed countries. It is a multifactorial disease in which a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to increased risk of developing this vision-incapacitating condition. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathophysiology of AMD and recent publications have highlighted the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress in this disease. Although treatment with vascular endothelium growth factor inhibitors have decreased the risk of blindness in patients with the exudative form of AMD, the search for new therapeutic options continues to prevent the loss of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium cells, characteristic of late stage AMD. In this review, we explain how mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress participate in AMD pathogenesis. We also discuss a role of several antioxidants (bile acids, resveratrol, melatonin, humanin, and coenzyme Q10) in amelioration of AMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bilbao-Malavé
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (V.B.-M.); (J.G.-Z.); (M.d.l.P.); (A.G.L.)
| | - Jorge González-Zamora
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (V.B.-M.); (J.G.-Z.); (M.d.l.P.); (A.G.L.)
| | - Miriam de la Puente
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (V.B.-M.); (J.G.-Z.); (M.d.l.P.); (A.G.L.)
| | - Sergio Recalde
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.R.); (P.F.-R.); (M.H.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud: ‘Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment of the Prevalent Degenerative and Chronic Ocular Pathology’ from (RD16/0008/0011), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Fernandez-Robredo
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.R.); (P.F.-R.); (M.H.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud: ‘Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment of the Prevalent Degenerative and Chronic Ocular Pathology’ from (RD16/0008/0011), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Hernandez
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.R.); (P.F.-R.); (M.H.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud: ‘Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment of the Prevalent Degenerative and Chronic Ocular Pathology’ from (RD16/0008/0011), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo Garcia Layana
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (V.B.-M.); (J.G.-Z.); (M.d.l.P.); (A.G.L.)
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.R.); (P.F.-R.); (M.H.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud: ‘Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment of the Prevalent Degenerative and Chronic Ocular Pathology’ from (RD16/0008/0011), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Saenz de Viteri
- Department of Opthalmology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (V.B.-M.); (J.G.-Z.); (M.d.l.P.); (A.G.L.)
- Retinal Pathologies and New Therapies Group, Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.R.); (P.F.-R.); (M.H.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud: ‘Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment of the Prevalent Degenerative and Chronic Ocular Pathology’ from (RD16/0008/0011), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-948-255-400
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Schneider K, Chwa M, Atilano SR, Shao Z, Park J, Karageozian H, Karageozian V, Kenney MC. Differential effects of risuteganib and bevacizumab on AMD cybrid cells. Exp Eye Res 2020; 203:108287. [PMID: 33075294 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments are currently used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. Chronic, repetitive treatments with anti-VEGF may have unintended consequences beyond the inhibition of angiogenesis. Most recently, clinical trials have been conducted with risuteganib (RSG, Luminate®), which is anti-angiogenic and has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction play a major role in development of AMD. Transmitochondrial cybrids are cell lines established by fusing human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that are Rho0 (lacking mtDNA) with platelets isolated from AMD subjects or age-matched normal subjects. Cybrid cell lines have identical nuclei but mitochondria from different subjects, enabling investigation of the functional consequences of damaged AMD mitochondria. The present study compares the responses of AMD cybrids treated with bevacizumab (Bmab, Avastin®) versus risuteganib (RSG, Luminate®). METHODS Cybrids were created by fusing mtDNA depleted ARPE-19 cells with platelets from AMD or age-matched normal patients. AMD (n = 5) and normal (n = 3) cybrids were treated for 48 h with or without 1x clinical dose of 1.25 mg/50 μl (25,000 μg/ml) of Bmab or 1.0 mg/50 μl (20,000 μg/ml) of RSG. Cultures were analyzed for levels of cleaved caspase 3/7 and NucLight Rapid Red staining (IncuCyte® Live Cell Imager), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm, JC1 assay) or reactive oxygen species (ROS, H2DCFDA assay). Expression levels of genes related to the following pathways were analyzed with qRT-PCR: Apoptosis (BAX, BCL2L13, CASP-3, -7, -9); angiogenesis (VEGFA, HIF1α, PDGF); integrins (ITGB-1, -3, -5, ITGA-3, -5, -V); mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1α, POLG); oxidative stress (SOD2, GPX3, NOX4); inflammation (IL-6, -18, -1β, IFN-β1); and signaling (P3KCA, PI3KR1). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS The untreated AMD cybrids had significantly higher levels of cleaved caspase 3/7 compared to the untreated normal cybrids. The Bmab-treated AMD cybrids showed elevated levels of cleaved caspase 3/7 compared to untreated AMD or RSG-treated AMD cybrids. The Bmab-treated cybrids had lower ΔΨm compared to untreated AMD or RSG-treated AMD cybrids. The ROS levels were not changed with Bmab or RSG treatment. Results showed that Bmab-treated cybrids had higher expression levels of inflammatory (IL-6, IL1-β), oxidative stress (NOX4) and angiogenesis (VEGFA) genes compared to untreated AMD, while RSG-treated cybrids had lower expression levels of apoptosis (BAX), angiogenesis (VEGFA) and integrin (ITGB1) genes. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the mechanism(s) of action of RSG, an integrin regulator, and Bmab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody, affect the AMD RPE cybrid cells differently, with the former having more anti-apoptosis properties, which may be desirable in treating degenerative ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Schneider
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marilyn Chwa
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Shari R Atilano
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Zixuan Shao
- Allegro Ophthalmics, LLC, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | - John Park
- Allegro Ophthalmics, LLC, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | | | | | - M Cristina Kenney
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Jabbehdari S, Handa JT. Oxidative stress as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of early age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol 2020; 66:423-440. [PMID: 32961209 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of irreversible visual loss among older adults in developed countries, is a chronic, multifactorial, and progressive disease with the development of painless, central vision loss. Retinal pigment epithelial cell dysfunction is a core change in age-related macular degeneration that results from aging and the accumulated effects of genetic and environmental factors that, in part, is both caused by and leads to oxidative stress. In this review, we describe the role of oxidative stress, the cytoprotective oxidative stress pathways, and the impact of oxidative stress on critical cellular processes involved in age-related macular degeneration pathobiology. We also offer targeted therapy that may define how antioxidant therapy can either prevent or improve specific stages of age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayena Jabbehdari
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James T Handa
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Golomb BA. Diplomats' Mystery Illness and Pulsed Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation. Neural Comput 2018; 30:2882-2985. [PMID: 30183509 DOI: 10.1162/neco_a_01133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Importance: A mystery illness striking U.S. and Canadian diplomats to Cuba (and now China) "has confounded the FBI, the State Department and US intelligence agencies" (Lederman, Weissenstein, & Lee, 2017). Sonic explanations for the so-called health attacks have long dominated media reports, propelled by peculiar sounds heard and auditory symptoms experienced. Sonic mediation was justly rejected by experts. We assessed whether pulsed radiofrequency/microwave radiation (RF/MW) exposure can accommodate reported facts in diplomats, including unusual ones. Observations: (1) Noises: Many diplomats heard chirping, ringing or grinding noises at night during episodes reportedly triggering health problems. Some reported that noises were localized with laser-like precision or said the sounds seemed to follow them (within the territory in which they were perceived). Pulsed RF/MW engenders just these apparent "sounds" via the Frey effect. Perceived "sounds" differ by head dimensions and pulse characteristics and can be perceived as located behind in or above the head. Ability to hear the "sounds" depends on high-frequency hearing and low ambient noise. (2) Signs/symptoms: Hearing loss and tinnitus are prominent in affected diplomats and in RF/MW-affected individuals. Each of the protean symptoms that diplomats report also affect persons reporting symptoms from RF/MW: sleep problems, headaches, and cognitive problems dominate in both groups. Sensations of pressure or vibration figure in each. Both encompass vision, balance, and speech problems and nosebleeds. Brain injury and brain swelling are reported in both. (3) Mechanisms: Oxidative stress provides a documented mechanism of RF/MW injury compatible with reported signs and symptoms; sequelae of endothelial dysfunction (yielding blood flow compromise), membrane damage, blood-brain barrier disruption, mitochondrial injury, apoptosis, and autoimmune triggering afford downstream mechanisms, of varying persistence, that merit investigation. (4) Of note, microwaving of the U.S. embassy in Moscow is historically documented. Conclusions and relevance: Reported facts appear consistent with pulsed RF/MW as the source of injury in affected diplomats. Nondiplomats citing symptoms from RF/MW, often with an inciting pulsed-RF/MW exposure, report compatible health conditions. Under the RF/MW hypothesis, lessons learned for diplomats and for RF/MW-affected civilians may each aid the other.
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Berberine Protects Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Damage through Activation of AMPK. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061736. [PMID: 29895743 PMCID: PMC6032421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in the elderly with less effective treatment, especially for dry AMD (90% of AMD). Although the etiology of this disease is not well elucidated, increasing evidences indicate that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) impairing the physiological functions of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells may be one of the main causes. Therefore, it could be a great strategy to find some drugs that can effectively protect RPE cells from oxidative damage which is desired to treat and slow the process of AMD. In the present study, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine berberine (BBR) was found to suppress hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in D407 cells, a human RPE cell line. Pre-treatment of D407 cells with BBR significantly suppressed H2O2-induced cell apoptosis by restoring abnormal changes in nuclear morphology, preventing the decline of mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing lactate dehydrogenase release and inhibiting caspase 3/7 activities induced by H2O2. Western blot analysis showed that BBR was able to stimulate the phosphorylation/activation of AMPK in a time- and dose-dependent manner in D407 cells, while treatment of cells with AMPK pathway inhibitor Compound C, or knockdown of the AMPK by specific siRNA blocked the effect of BBR. Similar results were obtained in primary cultured human RPE cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that BBR was able to protect RPE cells against oxidative stress via the activation of AMPK pathway. Our findings also indicate the potential application of BBR in AMD treatment.
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Farghaly LM, Ghobashy WA, Shoukry Y, El-Azab MF. Ameliorative effect of acetyl-l-carnitine and/or nifedipine against selenite-induced cataractogenesis in young albino rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 729:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Bianchi E, Scarinci F, Ripandelli G, Feher J, Pacella E, Magliulo G, Gabrieli CB, Plateroti R, Plateroti P, Mignini F, Artico M. Retinal pigment epithelium, age-related macular degeneration and neurotrophic keratouveitis. Int J Mol Med 2012; 31:232-42. [PMID: 23128960 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.1164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of impaired vision and blindness in the aging population. The aims of our studies were to identify qualitative and quantitative alterations in mitochondria in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from AMD patients and controls and to test the protective effects of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a known neurotrophic and antiangiogenic substance, against neurotrophic keratouveitis. Histopathological alterations were studied by means of morphometry, light and electron microscopy. Unexpectedly, morphometric data showed that the RPE alterations noted in AMD may also develop in normal aging, 10-15 years later than appearing in AMD patients. Reduced tear secretion, corneal ulceration and leukocytic infiltration were found in capsaicin (CAP)-treated rats, but this effect was significantly attenuated by PEDF. These findings suggest that PEDF accelerated the recovery of tear secretion and also prevented neurotrophic keratouveitis and vitreoretinal inflammation. PEDF may have a clinical application in inflammatory and neovascular diseases of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Sensory Organs, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Lulli M, Witort E, Papucci L, Torre E, Schiavone N, Dal Monte M, Capaccioli S. Coenzyme Q10 protects retinal cells from apoptosis induced by radiation in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2012; 53:695-703. [PMID: 22843363 PMCID: PMC3430426 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrs025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The key pathogenetic event of many retinopathies is apoptosis of retinal cells. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) prevents apoptosis of corneal keratocytes both in vitro and in vivo, by virtue of its ability to inhibit mitochondrial depolarization, independently of its free radical scavenger role. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CoQ10 can protect cultured retinal cells and the retinas of rats from radiation-induced apoptosis, if instilled as eye drops in the cornea. In vitro experiments were carried out on cultured ARPE-19 or RGC-5 cells pretreated with CoQ10 before eliciting apoptosis by UV- and γ-radiation, chemical hypoxia (Antimycin A) and serum starvation. Cell viability was evaluated by light microscopy and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. Apoptotic events were scored by time-lapse videomicroscopy. Mitochondrial permeability transition was evaluated by JC-1. The anti-apoptotic effectiveness of CoQ10 in retina was also evaluated by an in situ end-labeling assay in Wistar albino rats treated with CoQ10 eye drops prior to UV irradiation of the eye. CoQ10 substantially increased cell viability and lowered retinal cell apoptosis in response both to UV- and γ-radiation and to chemical hypoxia or serum starvation by inhibiting mitochondrion depolarization. In the rat, CoQ10, even when applied as eye drops on the cornea, protected all retina layers from UVR-induced apoptosis. The ability of CoQ10 to protect retinal cells from radiation-induced apoptosis following its instillation on the cornea suggests the possibility for CoQ10 eye drops to become a future therapeutic countermeasure for radiation-induced retinal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Ewa Witort
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Laura Papucci
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Eugenio Torre
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Nicola Schiavone
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sergio Capaccioli
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, Florence 50134, Italy
- Phoenix ONLUS Stem Cell Foundation for Human Life, Florence, Italy
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Jarrett SG, Boulton ME. Consequences of oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration. Mol Aspects Med 2012; 33:399-417. [PMID: 22510306 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The retina resides in an environment that is primed for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and resultant oxidative damage. The retina is one of the highest oxygen-consuming tissues in the human body. The highest oxygen levels are found in the choroid, but this falls dramatically across the outermost retina, creating a large gradient of oxygen towards the retina and inner segments of the photoreceptors which contain high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This micro-environment together with abundant photosensitizers, visible light exposure and a high energy demand supports a highly oxidative milieu. However, oxidative damage is normally minimized by the presence of a range of antioxidant and efficient repair systems. Unfortunately, as we age oxidative damage increases, antioxidant capacity decreases and the efficiency of reparative systems become impaired. The result is retinal dysfunction and cell loss leading to visual impairment. It appears that these age-related oxidative changes are a hallmark of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which, in combination with hereditary susceptibility and other retinal modifiers, can progress to the pathology and visual morbidity associated with advanced AMD. This review reassesses the consequences of oxidative stress in AMD and strategies for preventing or reversing oxidative damage in retinal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart G Jarrett
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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13
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Abstract
Over the last decade, several epidemiological studies based on food frequency questionnaires suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could have a protective role in reducing the onset and progression of retinal diseases. The retina has a high concentration of omega-3, particularly DHA, which optimizes fluidity of photoreceptor membranes, retinal integrity, and visual function. Furthermore, many studies demonstrated that DHA has a protective, for example antiapoptotic, role in the retina. From a nutritional point of view, it is known that western populations, particularly aged individuals, have a higher than optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratio and should enrich their diet with more fish consumption or have DHA supplementation. This paper underscores the potential beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids on retinal diseases.
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Abstract
The mitochondrion is a vital intracellular organelle for retinal cell function and survival. There is growing confirmation to support an association between mitochondrial dysfunction and a number of retinal degenerations. Investigations have also unveiled mitochondrial genomic instability as one of the contributing factors for age-related retinal pathophysiology. This review highlights the role of mitochondrial dysfunction originating from oxidative stress in the etiology of retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Moreover, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage associated with AMD due to susceptibility of mtDNA to oxidative damage and failure of mtDNA repair pathways is also highlighted in this review. The susceptibility of neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mitochondria to oxidative damage with ageing appears to be a major factor in retinal degeneration. It thus appears that the mitochondrion is a weak link in the antioxidant defenses of retinal cells. In addition, failure of mtDNA repair pathways can also specifically contribute towards pathogenesis of AMD. This review will further summarize the prospective role of mitochondria targeting therapeutic agents for the treatment of retinal disease. Mitochondria based drug targeting to diminish oxidative stress or promote repair of mtDNA damage may offer potential alternatives for the treatment of various retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Barot
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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15
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Qu J, Ma L, Washington I. Retinal coenzyme Q in the bovine eye. Biofactors 2011; 37:393-8. [PMID: 21989945 DOI: 10.1002/biof.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Coenzyme Q plays an integral role in oxygen metabolism and management, and there is a positive correlation between low tissue coenzyme Q concentrations and the progression of many degenerative diseases. Retinal oxidative damage plays a role in the pathogenesis of many degenerative eye diseases; nevertheless, despite the retina's high rate of oxygen metabolism, there is little data relating to retinal coenzyme Q concentrations. In this study, we quantified coenzyme Q in the model bovine eye and determined whether it could function as a retinal lipid antioxidant. We found that the neural retina's ubiquinone concentration exceeded those of the vitreous humor, lens, choroid, and extraocular muscle, but it was lower than those measured in heart, kidney, liver, and brain tissues. Ubiquinol was found to be as effective as vitamin E as a retinal lipid antioxidant. The overall relatively low levels of ubiquinone found in the retina, coupled with the retina's need for lipid antioxidants and oxidative metabolism, suggests that retinal function might be sensitive to changes in ubiquinone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Qu
- Department of Ophthalmology, People Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
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Yonei Y, Takahashi Y, Hibino S, Watanabe M, Yoshioka T. Effects on the Human Body of a Dietary Supplement Containing L-Carnitine and Garcinia cambogia Extract: A Study using Double-blind Tests. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2011; 42:89-103. [PMID: 18385825 PMCID: PMC2266057 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.2008014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2007] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of a dietary supplement with L-carnitine (600 mg/day) and Garcinia cambogia extract (500 mg/day as hydroxycitric acid) as main ingredients was studied in 35 healthy volunteers {48.3 ± 6.9 years, body mass index (BMI): 26.3 ± 1.7} in a double-blind test (18 subjects in the Test Group and 17 in the Control Group). The yearly examination includes the standard yearly medical tests done in Japan, tests for assessing hormonal age, and a survey for assessing physical and mental fitness of the subjects, called the Anti-Aging QOL Common Questionnaire (AAQol). Use of this supplement significantly improved the level of lipid peroxides (−12.8%) in the blood as well as physical symptoms such as “tired eyes,” “blurry eyes,” “muscle pain/stiffness,” “early satiety,” “epigastralgia,” “dizziness,” “arthralgia” and “easily breaking into a sweat.” The Control Group showed a significantly favorable improvement rate, especially for “dizziness.” On the other hand, groups of subjects using the test compounds saw a significant rise in total cholesterol (4.5%), fasting blood sugar (4.1%) and HbA1c (3.4%). Our findings suggest that the consumption of the supplement can reduce the oxidative damage; however, the effect on QOL was equivocal. Garcinia cambogia extract did not show dietary efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Yonei
- Anti-Aging Medical Research Center, Doshisha University, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
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Shamsi FA, Chaudhry IA, Boulton ME, Al-Rajhi AA. L-Carnitine Protects Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Damage. Curr Eye Res 2009; 32:575-84. [PMID: 17612973 DOI: 10.1080/02713680701363833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the efficacy of L-carnitine (LC) against oxidative changes in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. METHODS The RPE cells from human donor eyes were cultured in Hams F-10 medium. The effect of LC on H2O2-induced morphologic changes in the RPE cells was analyzed by light microscopy. Reduction in cell death after the impact of LC treatment on H2O2-treated cells was analyzed by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assays. In addition, the effect of H2O2 on the activity of RPE-antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and LC-induced protection was also determined. RESULTS LC protected the RPE cells by inhibiting the peroxide-induced cytopathic effect from 50% to 10%. Nuclear condensation observed in 40% of the H2O2-treated cells decreased to 20% after LC treatment. The MTT assays demonstrated that 100 microM oxidant caused appreciable cell death, which was reduced by LC treatment; however, 100% protection was not achieved. Significant peroxide-induced cell death was seen within 5 hr of H2O2 treatment, and a quantifiable reduction was observed after LC treatment for a similar time period. The change in the antioxidant potential of the RPE induced by oxidative stress was restored by LC treatment, as demonstrated by an increase in GSH and SOD activities. CONCLUSIONS LC is capable of protecting the RPE cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage, implying that micronutrients can have a positive effect and can play an important role in the treatment of oxidation-induced ocular disorders. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of LC-induced protection to the RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrukh A Shamsi
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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18
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VIRMANI ASHRAF, GAETANI FRANCO, BINIENDA ZBIGNIEW. Effects of Metabolic Modifiers Such as Carnitines, Coenzyme Q10, and PUFAs against Different Forms of Neurotoxic Insults: Metabolic Inhibitors, MPTP, and Methamphetamine. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2005.tb00024.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fehér J, Kovács B, Kovács I, Schvöller M, Corrado Balacco G. [Metabolic therapy for early treatment of age-related macular degeneration]. Orv Hetil 2008; 148:2259-68. [PMID: 18039616 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2007.28250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Currently, age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common eye diseases causing severe and permanent loss of vision. This disease is estimated to affect approximately 300-500 thousand Hungarians. While earlier no treatment was available, in the recent decade an antioxidant therapy became very popular using combinations of high dosage antioxidant vitamins C, E, beta carotene and zinc. Based on theoretical concepts and mostly in vitro experiences, this combination was thought to be effective through neutralizing reactive oxygen species. According to a large clinical trial (AREDS) it reduced progression of intermediate state disease to advanced state, but did not influence early disease. This original combination, due to potential severe side effects, is not on the market anymore. However, the efficacy of modified formulas has not been proved yet. Recently, the metabolic therapy, a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and acetyl-L-carnitine has been introduced for treating early age-related macular degeneration through improving mitochondrial dysfunction, specifically improving lipid metabolism and ATP production in the retinal pigment epithelium, improving photoreceptor turnover and reducing generation of reactive oxygen species. According to a pilot study and a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial, both central visual field and visual acuity slightly improved after 3-6 months of treatment and they remained unchanged by the end of the study. The difference was statistically significant as compared to the base line or to controls. These functional changes were accompanied by an improvement in fundus alterations: drusen covered area decreased significantly as compared to the base line or to control. Characteristically, all these changes were more marked in less affected eyes. A prospective case study on long-term treatment confirmed these observations. With an exception that after slight improvement, visual functions remained stable, drusen regression continued for years. Sometimes significant regression of drusen was found even in intermediate and advanced cases. All these findings strongly suggested that the metabolic therapy may be the first choice for treating age-related macular degeneration. Currently, this is the only combination of ingredients corresponding to the recommended daily allowance, and at the same time, which showed clinically proved efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Fehér
- La Sapienza Tudományegyetem, Szemészeti Klinika, Roma.
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20
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Voloboueva LA, Liu J, Suh JH, Ames BN, Miller SS. (R)-alpha-lipoic acid protects retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative damage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2005; 46:4302-10. [PMID: 16249512 PMCID: PMC2597694 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.04-1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether (R)-alpha-lipoic acid (LA) protects cultured human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (hfRPE) cells against oxidative injury and identify the pathways that may mediate protection. METHODS Cultured hfRPE cells were pretreated with various concentrations of LA for 14 to 16 hours followed by treatment with a chemical oxidant, tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH; 0.8 mM, 3 hours). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell viability were measured using H(2)DCF and MTT assays, respectively. RPE cells were evaluated with fluorescent dyes (SYTOX Orange and SYTO Green; Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR), which differentiate between live and dead cells. Apoptosis was visualized by using the TUNEL assay. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by JC-1 dye. Intracellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were measured by HPLC. Regulation of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL), the rate-controlling enzyme of GSH production, was assayed by RT-PCR. RESULTS Pretreatment of hfRPE cells with LA, 0.2 mM and 0.5 mM, significantly reduced the levels of t-BuOOH-induced intracellular ROS, by 23% and 49%, respectively. LA (0.5 mM) prevented oxidant-induced cell death and apoptosis and also increased the viability of oxidant-treated hfRPE cells from 38% to 90% of control. LA upregulated the mRNA expression of GCL, and was protective against t-BuOOH-induced decreases in both mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular levels of GSH and GSH/GSSG. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that the protective effect of LA involves multiple pathways and that LA could be effective against age-associated increase in oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila A. Voloboueva
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, California
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Jiankang Liu
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Jung H. Suh
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Bruce N. Ames
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Sheldon S. Miller
- National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
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21
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Mandel S, Packer L, Youdim MBH, Weinreb O. Proceedings from the “Third International Conference on Mechanism of Action of Nutraceuticals”. J Nutr Biochem 2005; 16:513-20. [PMID: 16115539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2005.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2005] [Revised: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/04/2005] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The "Third International Conference on Mechanisms of Action of Nutraceuticals" (ICMAN 3) was held to bring investigators from around the world together to find answers and share experience relevant to the role of nutraceuticals in health and disease. Dietary supplements are currently receiving recognition as being beneficial in coronary heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and other chronic and degenerative diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. This gave impetus to investigate the mechanisms of action of nutraceuticals and related bioactive compounds in disease pathologies. Many lines of evidence indicate that the mechanistic actions of natural compounds involve a wide array of biological processes, including activation of antioxidant defenses, signal transduction pathways, cell survival-associated gene expression, cell proliferation and differentiation and preservation of mitochondrial integrity. Furthermore, many of these compounds exert anti-inflammatory actions through inhibition of oxidative stress-induced transcription factors (e.g., NF-kappaB, AP-1), cytotoxic cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2. It appears that these properties play a crucial role in the protection against the pathologies of numerous age-related or chronic diseases. This review summarizes the latest research finding in functional foods and micronutrients in the promotion of health and reduction of risk for major chronic diseases as presented in this symposium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mandel
- Eve Topf, USA National Parkinson Foundation Centers of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Rappaport Family Research Institute, Technion-Faculty of Medicine, Haifa 31096, Israel
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Pavelic K, Etra A, Gall-Troselj K. Insights from the Front Lines of Nutraceutical Research: The Third International Conference on Mechanisms of Action of Nutraceuticals (ICMAN 3). J Altern Complement Med 2005; 11:735-8. [PMID: 16131302 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2005.11.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kresimir Pavelic
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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Feher J, Kovacs B, Kovacs I, Schveoller M, Papale A, Balacco Gabrieli C. Improvement of visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration treated with a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10. Ophthalmologica 2005; 219:154-66. [PMID: 15947501 DOI: 10.1159/000085248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2004] [Accepted: 10/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10 (Phototrop) on the visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One hundred and six patients with a clinical diagnosis of early AMD were randomized to the treated or control groups. The primary efficacy variable was the change in the visual field mean defect (VFMD) from baseline to 12 months of treatment, with secondary efficacy parameters: visual acuity (Snellen chart and ETDRS chart), foveal sensitivity as measured by perimetry, and fundus alterations as evaluated according to the criteria of the International Classification and Grading System for AMD. The mean change in all four parameters of visual functions showed significant improvement in the treated group by the end of the study period. In addition, in the treated group only 1 out of 48 cases (2%) while in the placebo group 9 out of 53 (17%) showed clinically significant (>2.0 dB) worsening in VFMD (p = 0.006, odds ratio: 10.93). Decrease in drusen-covered area of treated eyes was also statistically significant as compared to placebo when either the most affected eyes (p = 0.045) or the less affected eyes (p = 0.017) were considered. These findings strongly suggested that an appropriate combination of compounds which affect mitochondrial lipid metabolism, may improve and subsequently stabilize visual functions, and it may also improve fundus alterations in patients affected by early AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Feher
- Ophthalmic Neuroscience Program, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
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24
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Feher J, Kovacs I, Artico M, Cavallotti C, Papale A, Balacco Gabrieli C. Mitochondrial alterations of retinal pigment epithelium in age-related macular degeneration. Neurobiol Aging 2005; 27:983-93. [PMID: 15979212 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2004] [Revised: 05/08/2005] [Accepted: 05/19/2005] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several age-related diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting primarily the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The aims of our electron microscopic and morphometric studies were to reveal qualitative and quantitative alterations of mitochondria in human RPE from AMD and from age- and sex-matched controls. With increasing age a significant decrease in number and area of mitochondria, as well as loss of cristae and matrix density were found in both AMD and control specimens. These decreases were significantly greater in AMD than in normal aging. Alterations of mitochondria were accompanied by proliferation of peroxisomes and lipofuscin granules in both AMD and control specimens, although the difference between groups was significant only for peroxisomes. Unexpectedly, morphometric data showed that the RPE alterations seen in AMD may also develop in normal aging, 10-15 years after appearing in AMD patients. These findings suggest that (i) the severity of mitochondrial and peroxisomal alterations are different between AMD and normal aging, and (ii) the timing of damage to RPE may be critical for the development of AMD. We conclude that besides the well-documented age-related changes in mitochondrial DNA, alterations of mitochondrial membranes may also play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD. These membranes could be a new target for treatment of AMD and other age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos Feher
- Opthalmic Neuroscience Program, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Via Lombardia, 23/c, 00187 Rome, Italy.
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