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Prieto-López L, Pereiro X, Vecino E. The mechanics of the retina: Müller glia role on retinal extracellular matrix and modelling. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1393057. [PMID: 39296899 PMCID: PMC11410058 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1393057] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is a highly heterogeneous tissue, both cell-wise but also regarding its extracellular matrix (ECM). The stiffness of the ECM is pivotal in retinal development and maturation and has also been associated with the onset and/or progression of numerous retinal pathologies, such as glaucoma, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation or uveitis. Nonetheless, much remains unknown about the biomechanical milieu of the retina, and specifically the role that Müller glia play as principal mechanosensors and major producers of ECM constituents. So far, new approaches need to be developed to further the knowledge in the field of retinal mechanobiology for ECM-target applications to arise. In this review, we focus on the involvement of Müller glia in shaping and altering the retinal ECM under both physiological and pathological conditions and look into various biomaterial options to more accurately replicate the impact of matrix stiffness in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Prieto-López
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Xandra Pereiro
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Begiker-Ophthalmology Research Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Elena Vecino
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Begiker-Ophthalmology Research Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
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He D, Chang Y, Jiang B, Yang M, Deng C, Zhu X. Downregulation of LOX Overexpression Promotes Retinal Ganglion Cells Survival in an Acute Ocular Hypertension Model. Curr Eye Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38979820 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2371140] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of reducing Lysyl oxidase (LOX) overexpression on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) apoptosis in an acute ocular hypertension (AOH) rat model. METHODS AOH rat model was performed by anterior chamber perfusion and either received an intravitreal injection with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) or normal saline. After 2wk, Quantification of survival RGCs in the retina was performed using Retrograde FluoroGold labeling. The mRNA expression levels of LOX, LOXL1-4, collagen 1a1 (Col1a1), collagen 3a1 (Col3a1), collagen4a1 (Col4a1), elastin (Eln), fibronectin1 (Fbn1), fibronectin4 (Fbn4) were determined by RT-qPCR. LOX expression was determined by Western blot (WB) analysis and immunohistochemistry. The RNA expression of LOX, Eln and Col1a1 in RGCs retrograde-labeled with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3' tetra-methylindocarbocyanine perchlorate(DiI)that selected through FACS sorting were determined by RT-qPCR analysis. Changes of the retinal function were detected by Electroretinogram (ERG) analysis. RESULTS Results showed that significant LOX overexpression and loss of RGCs related to IOP exposure in AOH retinas. PCR analysis indicated significant increased mRNA level of Col1a1, Col3al and Eln in AOH retinas. Significant increase mRNA expression of LOX, Col1a1 and Eln in the RGCs were observed in AOH group compared with CON group. AOH rats injected with BAPN showed a significant decrease in LOX expression, reduced the loss of RGCs and retinal function damage. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated that changes of LOX and specific ECM components in retina were correlated with AOH. Findings from this study indicated that preventing LOX over-expression may be protective against RGCs loss and retinal function damage in AOH animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengling He
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yun Chang
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bingcai Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Man Yang
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chengmin Deng
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Abyadeh M, Gupta V, Paulo JA, Mahmoudabad AG, Shadfar S, Mirshahvaladi S, Gupta V, Nguyen CTO, Finkelstein DI, You Y, Haynes PA, Salekdeh GH, Graham SL, Mirzaei M. Amyloid-beta and tau protein beyond Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1262-1276. [PMID: 37905874 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aggregation of amyloid-beta peptide and tau protein dysregulation are implicated to play key roles in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and are considered the main pathological hallmarks of this devastating disease. Physiologically, these two proteins are produced and expressed within the normal human body. However, under pathological conditions, abnormal expression, post-translational modifications, conformational changes, and truncation can make these proteins prone to aggregation, triggering specific disease-related cascades. Recent studies have indicated associations between aberrant behavior of amyloid-beta and tau proteins and various neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as retinal neurodegenerative diseases like Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, these proteins have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, traumatic brain injury, and diabetes, which are all leading causes of morbidity and mortality. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the connections between amyloid-beta and tau proteins and a spectrum of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sina Shadfar
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shahab Mirshahvaladi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine T O Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David I Finkelstein
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul A Haynes
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Ghasem H Salekdeh
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Becker S, L'Ecuyer Z, Jones BW, Zouache MA, McDonnell FS, Vinberg F. Modeling complex age-related eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101247. [PMID: 38365085 PMCID: PMC11268458 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Modeling complex eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma poses significant challenges, since these conditions depend highly on age-related changes that occur over several decades, with many contributing factors remaining unknown. Although both diseases exhibit a relatively high heritability of >50%, a large proportion of individuals carrying AMD- or glaucoma-associated genetic risk variants will never develop these diseases. Furthermore, several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to and modulate the pathogenesis and progression of AMD and glaucoma. Several strategies replicate the impact of genetic risk variants, pathobiological pathways and environmental and lifestyle factors in AMD and glaucoma in mice and other species. In this review we will primarily discuss the most commonly available mouse models, which have and will likely continue to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of age-related eye diseases. Uncertainties persist whether small animal models can truly recapitulate disease progression and vision loss in patients, raising doubts regarding their usefulness when testing novel gene or drug therapies. We will elaborate on concerns that relate to shorter lifespan, body size and allometries, lack of macula and a true lamina cribrosa, as well as absence and sequence disparities of certain genes and differences in their chromosomal location in mice. Since biological, rather than chronological, age likely predisposes an organism for both glaucoma and AMD, more rapidly aging organisms like small rodents may open up possibilities that will make research of these diseases more timely and financially feasible. On the other hand, due to the above-mentioned anatomical and physiological features, as well as pharmacokinetic and -dynamic differences small animal models are not ideal to study the natural progression of vision loss or the efficacy and safety of novel therapies. In this context, we will also discuss the advantages and pitfalls of alternative models that include larger species, such as non-human primates and rabbits, patient-derived retinal organoids, and human organ donor eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Becker
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zia L'Ecuyer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Moussa A Zouache
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fiona S McDonnell
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frans Vinberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Liu C, Tang J, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Lin J, Wu S, Han J, Liu Z, Wu C, Zhuo Y, Li Y. Intracellular Zn 2+ promotes extracellular matrix remodeling in dexamethasone-treated trabecular meshwork. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1293-C1307. [PMID: 38525543 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00725.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Given the widespread application of glucocorticoids in ophthalmology, the associated elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) has long been a vexing concern for clinicians, yet the underlying mechanisms remain inconclusive. Much of the discussion focuses on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of trabecular meshwork (TM). It is widely agreed that glucocorticoids impact the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), leading to ECM deposition. Since Zn2+ is vital for MMPs, we explored its role in ECM alterations induced by dexamethasone (DEX). Our study revealed that in human TM cells treated with DEX, the level of intracellular Zn2+ significantly decreased, accompanied by impaired extracellular Zn2+ uptake. This correlated with changes in several Zrt-, Irt-related proteins (ZIPs) and metallothionein. ZIP8 knockdown impaired extracellular Zn2+ uptake, but Zn2+ chelation did not affect ZIP8 expression. Resembling DEX's effects, chelation of Zn2+ decreased MMP2 expression, increased the deposition of ECM proteins, and induced structural disarray of ECM. Conversely, supplementation of exogenous Zn2+ in DEX-treated cells ameliorated these outcomes. Notably, dietary zinc supplementation in mice significantly reduced DEX-induced IOP elevation and collagen content in TM, thereby rescuing the visual function of the mice. These findings underscore zinc's pivotal role in ECM regulation, providing a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of glaucoma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study explores zinc's pivotal role in mitigating extracellular matrix dysregulation in the trabecular meshwork and glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension. We found that in human trabecular meshwork cells treated with dexamethasone, intracellular Zn2+ significantly decreased, accompanied by impaired extracellular Zn2+ uptake. Zinc supplementation rescues visual function by modulating extracellular matrix proteins and lowering intraocular pressure, offering a direction for further exploration in glaucoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiahui Tang
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Yuze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Jicheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Siting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiaxu Han
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhe Liu
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Caiqing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Yehong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Yiqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
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Appell MB, Pejavar J, Pasupathy A, Rompicharla SVK, Abbasi S, Malmberg K, Kolodziejski P, Ensign LM. Next generation therapeutics for retinal neurodegenerative diseases. J Control Release 2024; 367:708-736. [PMID: 38295996 PMCID: PMC10960710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affecting the visual system encompass glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinopathies, and inherited genetic disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa. These ocular pathologies pose a serious burden of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Current treatment modalities include small molecule drugs, biologics, or gene therapies, most of which are administered topically as eye drops or as injectables. However, the topical route of administration faces challenges in effectively reaching the posterior segment and achieving desired concentrations at the target site, while injections and implants risk severe complications, such as retinal detachment and endophthalmitis. This necessitates the development of innovative therapeutic strategies that can prolong drug release, deliver effective concentrations to the back of the eye with minimal systemic exposure, and improve patient compliance and safety. In this review, we introduce retinal degenerative diseases, followed by a discussion of the existing clinical standard of care. We then delve into detail about drug and gene delivery systems currently in preclinical and clinical development, including formulation and delivery advantages/drawbacks, with a special emphasis on potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Appell
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jahnavi Pejavar
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ashwin Pasupathy
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Sri Vishnu Kiran Rompicharla
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Saed Abbasi
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Kiersten Malmberg
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Patricia Kolodziejski
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Laura M Ensign
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Biomedical Engineering, Oncology, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
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Wang J, Li Y, Zeng W, Jiang W. Circumlimbal suture and laser burns: Comparison between two different chronic glaucoma models. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:84-94. [PMID: 38615170 PMCID: PMC11017032 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2024.230112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy with a high rate of irreversible visual loss, and its pathogenesis is complex and still unclear. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is well recognized as the sole modifiable risk factor for the development of glaucoma in the majority of cases. This study aims to compare 2 different methods of inducing chronic ocular hypertension by circumlimbal suture or by laser burns in degree and lasting time of the IOP, different status of the retina and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and changes of the microstructure of neurons. METHODS The chronic ocular hypertension models were induced by 2 different ways. One kind of the models was built by unilateral circumlimbal suture (10/0) implantation (suture group), another kind of model was built by laser burns at trabecular meshwork and episcleral veins (laser group). The untreated contralateral eye served as the control group. Changes in IOP were observed and regularly monitored in the 2 groups of rats. HE staining was applied to observe the retinal and optic nerve pathology. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the mitochondrial morphology. RGCs were specifically labeled with Brn3b antibody and counted. The expression of caspase-3 was detected by Western blotting to clarify the apoptosis of RGCs. RESULTS Compared with the control group, IOP were significantly increased in the suture group and the laser group (both P<0.05). The suture group induced a 1.5-fold elevation of IOP, and sustained for 8 weeks. The laser group induced a 2-fold elevation of IOP for 12 weeks. Both methods could cause RGCs loss (both P<0.05), which were verified by pathology and immune staining of Brn3b. The expressions of caspase-3 were also increased (both P<0.05). The mitochondrial morphology became more fragment, which changed from long shape to round and small one under TEM in 2 models. For comparison, the pathology changes of retinal structure in suture group were not obviously than those in the laser group. CONCLUSIONS Circumlimbal suture can build an effective model of chronic elevated IOP and induce glaucomatous pathologic changes similar to those in the laser photocoagulation, but the pathologic changes are milder than those in laser photocoagulation. Compare with translimbal laser photocoagulation, equipment and skill demand for circumlimbal suture is less.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Wenjie Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Wenmin Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, China.
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Chao WWJ, Chao HWH, Lee HF, Chao HM. The Effect of S-Allyl L-Cysteine on Retinal Ischemia: The Contributions of MCP-1 and PKM2 in the Underlying Medicinal Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1349. [PMID: 38279349 PMCID: PMC10816972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal ischemia plays a vital role in vision-threatening retinal ischemic disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of S-allyl L-cysteine (SAC) and its associated therapeutic mechanism. Oxidative stress was induced by administration of 500 μM H2O2 for 24 h; SAC demonstrated a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect with significant cell viability effects at 100 μM, and it concurrently downregulated angiogenesis factor PKM2 and inflammatory biomarker MCP-1. In a Wistar rat model of high intraocular pressure (HIOP)-induced retinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), post-administration of 100 μM SAC counteracted the ischemic-associated reduction of ERG b-wave amplitude and fluorogold-labeled RGC reduction. This study supports that SAC could protect against retinal ischemia through its anti-oxidative, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Windsor Wen-Jin Chao
- Department of Medicine, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK;
- Department of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Howard Wen-Haur Chao
- Department of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Hung-Fu Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei 11220, Taiwan;
| | - Hsiao-Ming Chao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111045, Taiwan
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Ishikawa T, Kishi N, Shimizu Y, Fujimura T, Yamazaki T. Real-Time Imaging of Single Retinal Cell Apoptosis in a Non-Human Primate Ocular Hypertension Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:20. [PMID: 38252520 PMCID: PMC10810027 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of using DARC (detection of apoptosing retinal cells) technology as a biomarker for preclinical assessment of glaucomatous damage in a non-human primate (NHP) model of ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced by applying a laser to the trabecular meshwork in each eye of NHPs. Changes in DARC counts in the retina, identified as fluorescent-tagged annexin V (ANX776)-positive cells, were evaluated together with optic nerve damage, assessed using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography. The pharmacokinetic properties of ANX776 in both healthy and OHT model monkeys were also examined. Results Sustained elevation of IOP and subsequent thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) around the optic nerve head were confirmed in the OHT model. Increases in DARC counts were also detected after IOP elevation. We identified a statistically significant relationship between cumulative DARC counts and reductions in RNFLT both globally and in each peripapillary sector. Intravenous administration of ANX776 increased blood annexin V in a dose-dependent manner, which was subsequently eliminated. Conclusions This study revealed that DARC technology can effectively assess glaucomatous damage in an NHP OHT model. We obtained the fundamental data that could serve as a reference for developing preclinical models to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of neuroprotective agents using DARC technology in NHP OHT models. Translational Relevance Our basic data in a monkey OHT model could be useful for future preclinical studies using DARC technology to estimate the pharmacodynamic response of neuroprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ishikawa
- Translational Science Management, Non-Clinical Biomedical Science, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Naoki Kishi
- Portfolio Evaluation Group, Cooperate Strategy, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Shimizu
- Product Creation Unit, Immuno-Oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takao Fujimura
- Translational Science Management, Non-Clinical Biomedical Science, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takao Yamazaki
- Translational Science Management, Non-Clinical Biomedical Science, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Japan
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Feng KM, Tsung TH, Chen YH, Lu DW. The Role of Retinal Ganglion Cell Structure and Function in Glaucoma. Cells 2023; 12:2797. [PMID: 38132117 PMCID: PMC10741833 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This review dives into the anatomy of RGC subtypes, covering the different underlying theoretical mechanisms that lead to RGC susceptibility in glaucoma, including mechanical, vascular, excitotoxicity, and neurotrophic factor deficiency, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, we examined numerous imaging methods and functional assessments to gain insight into RGC health. Finally, we investigated the current possible neuroprotective targets for RGCs that could help with future glaucoma research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Da-Wen Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (K.M.F.); (T.-H.T.); (Y.-H.C.)
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Sharif NA. Gene therapies and gene product-based drug candidates for normalizing and preserving tissue functions in animal models of ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101218. [PMID: 37976898 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
More than 76 million people worldwide are afflicted with the neurodegenerative eye diseases described and grouped together as glaucoma. A common feature amongst the many forms of glaucoma is chronically elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) within the anterior chamber of the eye that physically damages the retina, optic nerve and parts of the brain connected with visual perception. The mediators of the contusing raised IOP responsible for such damage and loss of vision include locally released inflammatory agents, tissue remodeling enzymes and infiltrating immune cells which damage the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons and eventually kill a significant number of the RGCs. Additional culprits include genetic defects of the patient that involve aberrations in receptors, enzymes and/or endogenous ligands and possible over- or under-production of the latter. Other genetic abnormalities may include issues with signal transduction machinery within key cells of critical tissues in the front (e.g. trabecular meshwork [TM] and Schlemm's canal [SC]) and back of the eye (e.g. retinal ganglion cells and their axons). Genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) coupled with next generation sequencing have provided powerful linkage of certain gene defects and polymorphic variants to the onset and progression of diseases of the tissues involved in fluid dynamics in the TM and SC, and many retinal elements (lamina cribosa, optic nerve head) at the back of the eye which cause ocular hypertension (OHT) and glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON), respectively. Despite the availability of some drugs, fluid drainage microshunts and full surgical techniques to lower and control intraocular pressure, the major modifiable biomarker of open-angle and other forms of glaucoma, their side-effect profiles, less than optimum effectiveness and short duration of action present opportunities to clinically manage the glaucomas with next generation of treatments with high therapeutic indices, including gene therapies. Thus, identification, characterization and deployment of genetic data coupled with traditional drug discovery and novel gene replacement, gene editing and genetic engineering technologies may provide some solutions to the aforementioned problems. These aspects will be discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Eye-APC Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169856, Singapore; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, W2 1PG, UK; Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London, WC1E 6BT, UK; Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, 77004, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore; Global Research & Development, Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc., Dallas, TX 75207, USA.
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12
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Xu G, Wang J, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Deng R. GGT1 Suppresses the Development of Ferroptosis and Autophagy in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cell Through Targeting GCLC. Eye Brain 2023; 15:139-151. [PMID: 38020723 PMCID: PMC10676118 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s434280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized with optic nerve injury and the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Ferroptosis has been proved to be associated with the degradation of RGCs. The aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between ferroptosis and glaucoma pathogenesis, and unveil the underlying mechanism. Methods Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the proliferation of RGCs. The accumulation of cellular iron was measured by Iron assay kit, and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorescence probe. The mitochondrial morphology and autophagosomes were analysed by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were tested by a GSH assay kit and an MDA detection kit, respectively. The expression of autophagy-related proteins was detected by Western blotting. Results A serious cell damage, aberrant iron homeostasis, and oxidative stress was shown in RGC-5 after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment and gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase 1 (GGT1) knockdown, but these effects were significantly alleviated by overexpression of GGT1 or ferroptosis inhibitors. The TEM and immunofluorescent results indicated that mitochondria impairment and autophagosome accumulation in OGD/R-treated cells was improved after GGT1 overexpression, while the phenomenon in GGT1-silenced cells was aggravated. Furthermore, we found that GGT1 can interact with glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) to inhibit autophagy and ferroptosis in RGC-5 cells. Conclusion GGT1 represses autophagy in RGC-5 cells by targeting GCLC, which further restrains the development of ferroptosis in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Xu
- Eye Department, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Wang
- Eye Department, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiting Zhang
- Eye Department, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zilin Chen
- Eye Department, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruidong Deng
- Eye Department, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Alarcon-Martinez L, Shiga Y, Villafranca-Baughman D, Cueva Vargas JL, Vidal Paredes IA, Quintero H, Fortune B, Danesh-Meyer H, Di Polo A. Neurovascular dysfunction in glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 97:101217. [PMID: 37778617 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells, the neurons that die in glaucoma, are endowed with a high metabolism requiring optimal provision of oxygen and nutrients to sustain their activity. The timely regulation of blood flow is, therefore, essential to supply firing neurons in active areas with the oxygen and glucose they need for energy. Many glaucoma patients suffer from vascular deficits including reduced blood flow, impaired autoregulation, neurovascular coupling dysfunction, and blood-retina/brain-barrier breakdown. These processes are tightly regulated by a community of cells known as the neurovascular unit comprising neurons, endothelial cells, pericytes, Müller cells, astrocytes, and microglia. In this review, the neurovascular unit takes center stage as we examine the ability of its members to regulate neurovascular interactions and how their function might be altered during glaucomatous stress. Pericytes receive special attention based on recent data demonstrating their key role in the regulation of neurovascular coupling in physiological and pathological conditions. Of particular interest is the discovery and characterization of tunneling nanotubes, thin actin-based conduits that connect distal pericytes, which play essential roles in the complex spatial and temporal distribution of blood within the retinal capillary network. We discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurovascular interactions and their pathophysiological implications, while highlighting opportunities to develop strategies for vascular protection and regeneration to improve functional outcomes in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Deborah Villafranca-Baughman
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jorge L Cueva Vargas
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isaac A Vidal Paredes
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Healthy, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Helen Danesh-Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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14
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Zhang R, Li B, Li H. Extracellular-Matrix Mechanics Regulate the Ocular Physiological and Pathological Activities. J Ophthalmol 2023; 2023:7626920. [PMID: 37521908 PMCID: PMC10386902 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7626920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a noncellular structure that plays an indispensable role in a series of cell life activities. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that ECM stiffness, a type of mechanical forces, exerts a pivotal influence on regulating organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and the occurrence and development of miscellaneous diseases. Nevertheless, the role of ECM stiffness in ophthalmology is rarely discussed. In this review, we focus on describing the important role of ECM stiffness and its composition in multiple ocular structures (including cornea, retina, optic nerve, trabecular reticulum, and vitreous) from a new perspective. The abnormal changes in ECM can trigger physiological and pathological activities of the eye, suggesting that compared with different biochemical factors, the transmission and transduction of force signals triggered by mechanical cues such as ECM stiffness are also universal in different ocular cells. We expect that targeting ECM as a therapeutic approach or designing advanced ECM-based technologies will have a broader application prospect in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
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15
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Chitranshi N, Rajput R, Godinez A, Pushpitha K, Mirzaei M, Basavarajappa D, Gupta V, Sharma S, You Y, Galliciotti G, Salekdeh GH, Baker MS, Graham SL, Gupta VK. Neuroserpin gene therapy inhibits retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and promotes functional preservation in glaucoma. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2056-2076. [PMID: 36905120 PMCID: PMC10362384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Our research has proven that the inhibitory activity of the serine protease inhibitor neuroserpin (NS) is impaired because of its oxidation deactivation in glaucoma. Using genetic NS knockout (NS-/-) and NS overexpression (NS+/+ Tg) animal models and antibody-based neutralization approaches, we demonstrate that NS loss is detrimental to retinal structure and function. NS ablation was associated with perturbations in autophagy and microglial and synaptic markers, leading to significantly enhanced IBA1, PSD95, beclin-1, and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and reduced phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH) levels. On the other hand, NS upregulation promoted retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in wild-type and NS-/- glaucomatous mice and increased pNFH expression. NS+/+Tg mice demonstrated decreased PSD95, beclin-1, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, and IBA1 following glaucoma induction, highlighting its protective role. We generated a novel reactive site NS variant (M363R-NS) resistant to oxidative deactivation. Intravitreal administration of M363R-NS was observed to rescue the RGC degenerative phenotype in NS-/- mice. These findings demonstrate that NS dysfunction plays a key role in the glaucoma inner retinal degenerative phenotype and that modulating NS imparts significant protection to the retina. NS upregulation protected RGC function and restored biochemical networks associated with autophagy and microglial and synaptic function in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Chitranshi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Angela Godinez
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kanishka Pushpitha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samridhi Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giovanna Galliciotti
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ghasem H Salekdeh
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Mark S Baker
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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16
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Ju WK, Perkins GA, Kim KY, Bastola T, Choi WY, Choi SH. Glaucomatous optic neuropathy: Mitochondrial dynamics, dysfunction and protection in retinal ganglion cells. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101136. [PMID: 36400670 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is characterized by a slow, progressive, and multifactorial degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, resulting in vision loss. Despite its high prevalence in individuals 60 years of age and older, the causing factors contributing to glaucoma progression are currently not well characterized. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only proven treatable risk factor. However, lowering IOP is insufficient for preventing disease progression. One of the significant interests in glaucoma pathogenesis is understanding the structural and functional impairment of mitochondria in RGCs and their axons and synapses. Glaucomatous risk factors such as IOP elevation, aging, genetic variation, neuroinflammation, neurotrophic factor deprivation, and vascular dysregulation, are potential inducers for mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucoma. Because oxidative phosphorylation stress-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with structural and functional impairment of mitochondria in glaucomatous RGCs, understanding the underlying mechanisms and relationship between structural and functional alterations in mitochondria would be beneficial to developing mitochondria-related neuroprotection in RGCs and their axons and synapses against glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Here, we review the current studies focusing on mitochondrial dynamics-based structural and functional alterations in the mitochondria of glaucomatous RGCs and therapeutic strategies to protect RGCs against glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Kyu Ju
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Guy A Perkins
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Keun-Young Kim
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tonking Bastola
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Woo-Young Choi
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwang-ju, South Korea
| | - Soo-Ho Choi
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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17
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Andika YW, Jannah SR, Winarto, Wildan A, Rahmi FL, Prihatningtyas R, Mulyanto J, Maharani. Effects of oral Mirtogenol on retinal ganglion cell apoptosis index and intraocular pressure in the Wistar glaucoma model. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2023; 14:258-262. [PMID: 37692015 PMCID: PMC10483914 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_29_23] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to determine how Mirtogenol affects intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of apoptosis index in Wistar glaucoma models, as well as the relationship between IOP and RGC apoptosis index. Twelve Wistar glaucoma models were divided into two groups for experimental research with a pretest-posttest and posttest-only. The treatment group got oral administration of Mirtogenol 12.3 mg twice a day for 2 weeks, whereas the control group received a placebo in the same way. Apoptotic index and IOP were evaluated both before and after the intervention. A parametric independent t-test was used to determine the difference between groups, and a parametric paired t-test was used to determine the difference within groups. The results showed that the RGC apoptosis index in treatment groups was considerably less when compared to control groups (P < 0.001). In the treatment group, the IOP is decreased compared to the control group (mean difference: -12.67 ± 3.79 vs. 0.69 ± 4.64, respectively, P = 0.002). A significant and solid correlation was found between IOP and RGC apoptosis index (R = 0.884, P < 0.001). Thus, Mirtogenol supplementation is expected to be used to prevent glaucoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yustiadenta Widya Andika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Silka Roudhatul Jannah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Winarto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Division, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Arief Wildan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Division, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Fifin Luthfia Rahmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Division, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Riski Prihatningtyas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Division, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Joko Mulyanto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Division, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Maharani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Division, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
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18
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Sharif NA. Elevated Intraocular Pressure and Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy: Genes to Disease Mechanisms, Therapeutic Drugs, and Gene Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:870. [PMID: 37375817 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article focuses on the pathogenesis of and genetic defects linked with chronic ocular hypertension (cOHT) and glaucoma. The latter ocular disease constitutes a group of ocular degenerative diseases whose hallmark features are damage to the optic nerve, apoptotic demise of retinal ganglion cells, disturbances within the brain regions involved in visual perception and considerable visual impairment that can lead to blindness. Even though a number of pharmaceuticals, surgical and device-based treatments already exist addressing cOHT associated with the most prevalent of the glaucoma types, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), they can be improved upon in terms of superior efficacy with reduced side-effects and with longer duration of activity. The linkage of disease pathology to certain genes via genome-wide associated studies are illuminating new approaches to finding novel treatment options for the aforementioned ocular disorders. Gene replacement, gene editing via CRISPR-Cas9, and the use of optogenetic technologies may replace traditional drug-based therapies and/or they may augment existing therapeutics for the treatment of cOHT and POAG in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Eye-APC Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
- Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London W2 1PG, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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19
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Sharif NA. Recently Approved Drugs for Lowering and Controlling Intraocular Pressure to Reduce Vision Loss in Ocular Hypertensive and Glaucoma Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:791. [PMID: 37375739 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Serious vision loss occurs in patients affected by chronically raised intraocular pressure (IOP), a characteristic of many forms of glaucoma where damage to the optic nerve components causes progressive degeneration of retinal and brain neurons involved in visual perception. While many risk factors abound and have been validated for this glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON), the major one is ocular hypertension (OHT), which results from the accumulation of excess aqueous humor (AQH) fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye. Millions around the world suffer from this asymptomatic and progressive degenerative eye disease. Since clinical evidence has revealed a strong correlation between the reduction in elevated IOP/OHT and GON progression, many drugs, devices, and surgical techniques have been developed to lower and control IOP. The constant quest for new pharmaceuticals and other modalities with superior therapeutic indices has recently yielded health authority-approved novel drugs with unique pharmacological signatures and mechanism(s) of action and AQH drainage microdevices for effectively and durably treating OHT. A unique nitric oxide-donating conjugate of latanoprost, an FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG; latanoprostene bunod), new rho kinase inhibitors (ripasudil; netarsudil), a novel non-PG EP2-receptor-selective agonist (omidenepag isopropyl), and a form of FP-receptor PG in a slow-release intracameral implant (Durysta) represent the additions to the pharmaceutical toolchest to mitigate the ravages of OHT. Despite these advances, early diagnosis of OHT and glaucoma still lags behind and would benefit from further concerted effort and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Eye-APC Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
- Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London SW7 2BX, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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20
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Sharif NA, Odani-Kawabata N, Lu F, Pinchuk L. FP and EP2 prostanoid receptor agonist drugs and aqueous humor outflow devices for treating ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2023; 229:109415. [PMID: 36803996 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandin (PG) receptors represent important druggable targets due to the many diverse actions of PGs in the body. From an ocular perspective, the discovery, development, and health agency approvals of prostaglandin F (FP) receptor agonists (FPAs) have revolutionized the medical treatment of ocular hypertension (OHT) and glaucoma. FPAs, such as latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, and tafluprost, powerfully lower and control intraocular pressure (IOP), and became first-line therapeutics to treat this leading cause of blindness in the late 1990s to early 2000s. More recently, a latanoprost-nitric oxide (NO) donor conjugate, latanoprostene bunod, and a novel FP/EP3 receptor dual agonist, sepetaprost (ONO-9054 or DE-126), have also demonstrated robust IOP-reducing activity. Moreover, a selective non-PG prostanoid EP2 receptor agonist, omidenepag isopropyl (OMDI), was discovered, characterized, and has been approved in the United States, Japan and several other Asian countries for treating OHT/glaucoma. FPAs primarily enhance uveoscleral (UVSC) outflow of aqueous humor (AQH) to reduce IOP, but cause darkening of the iris and periorbital skin, uneven thickening and elongation of eyelashes, and deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus during chronic treatment. In contrast, OMDI lowers and controls IOP by activation of both the UVSC and trabecular meshwork outflow pathways, and it has a lower propensity to induce the aforementioned FPA-induced ocular side effects. Another means to address OHT is to physically promote the drainage of the AQH from the anterior chamber of the eye of patients with OHT/glaucoma. This has successfully been achieved by the recent approval and introduction of miniature devices into the anterior chamber by minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. This review covers the three major aspects mentioned above to highlight the etiology of OHT/glaucoma, and the pharmacotherapeutics and devices that can be used to combat this blinding ocular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Eye-ACP Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA; Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Fenghe Lu
- Product Development Division, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Leonard Pinchuk
- Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Meng Z, You R, Mahmood A, Yan F, Wang Y. Application of Proteomics Analysis and Animal Models in Optic Nerve Injury Diseases. Brain Sci 2023; 13:404. [PMID: 36979214 PMCID: PMC10046207 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030404] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Optic nerve damage is a common cause of blindness. Optic nerve injury is often accompanied by fundus vascular disease, retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, and changes in retinal thickness. These changes can cause alterations in protein expression within neurons in the retina. Proteomics analysis offers conclusive evidence to decode a biological system. Furthermore, animal models of optic nerve injury made it possible to gain insight into pathological mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and effective treatment of such injuries. Proteomics takes the proteome as the research object and studies protein changes in cells and tissues. At present, a variety of proteomic analysis methods have been widely used in the research of optic nerve injury diseases. This review summarizes the application of proteomic research in optic nerve injury diseases and animal models of optic nerve injury. Additionally, differentially expressed proteins are summarized and analyzed. Various optic nerve injuries, including those associated with different etiologies, are discussed along with their potential therapeutic targets and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ran You
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Arif Mahmood
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Fancheng Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
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22
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Lazaldin MAM, Iezhitsa I, Agarwal R, Agarwal P, Ismail NM. Neuroprotective effects of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor on amyloid-beta 1-40-induced retinal degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:382-388. [PMID: 35900434 PMCID: PMC9396500 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.346546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ)-related alterations, similar to those found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, have been observed in the retina of patients with glaucoma. Decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are believed to be associated with the neurotoxic effects of Aβ peptide. To investigate the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of BDNF on Aβ1-40-induced retinal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats, we treated rats by intravitreal administration of phosphate-buffered saline (control), Aβ1-40 (5 nM), or Aβ1-40 (5 nM) combined with BDNF (1 µg/mL). We found that intravitreal administration of Aβ1-40 induced retinal ganglion cell apoptosis. Fluoro-Gold staining showed a significantly lower number of retinal ganglion cells in the Aβ1-40 group than in the control and BDNF groups. In the Aβ1-40 group, low number of RGCs was associated with increased caspase-3 expression and reduced TrkB and ERK1/2 expression. BDNF abolished Aβ1-40-induced increase in the expression of caspase-3 at the gene and protein levels in the retina and upregulated TrkB and ERK1/2 expression. These findings suggest that treatment with BDNF prevents RGC apoptosis induced by Aβ1-40 by activating the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Igor Iezhitsa
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology and Bioinformatics, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Puneet Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nafeeza Mohd Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
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23
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Chua SYL, Welsh P, Sun Z, Balaskas K, Warwick A, Steel D, Sivaprasad S, Channa R, Ko T, Sattar N, Khawaja AP, Foster PJ, Patel PJ. Associations Between HbA1c Across the Normal Range, Diagnosed, and Undiagnosed Diabetes and Retinal Layer Thickness in UK Biobank Cohort. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:25. [PMID: 36795065 PMCID: PMC9940769 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.2.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and retinal sub-layer thicknesses in people with and without diabetes. Methods We included 41,453 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 69 years old. Diabetes status was defined by self-report of diagnosis or use of insulin. Participants were categorized into groups: (1) those with HbA1c <48 mmol/mol were subdivided into quintiles according to normal range of HbA1c; (2) those previously diagnosed with diabetes with no evidence of diabetic retinopathy; and (3) undiagnosed diabetes: >48 mmol/mol. Total macular and retinal sub-layer thicknesses were derived from spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between diabetes status and retinal layer thickness. Results Compared with participants in the second quintile of the normal HbA1c range, those in the fifth quintile had a thinner photoreceptor layer thickness (-0.33 µm, P = 0.006). Participants with diagnosed diabetes had a thinner macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL; -0.58 µm, P < 0.001), photoreceptor layer thickness (-0.94 µm, P < 0.001), and total macular thickness (-1.61 µm, P < 0.001), whereas undiagnosed diabetes participants had a reduced photoreceptor layer thickness (-1.22 µm, P = 0.009) and total macular thickness (-2.26 µm, P = 0.005). Compared to participants without diabetes, those with diabetes had a thinner mRNFL (-0.50 µm, P < 0.001), photoreceptor layer thickness (-0.77 µm, P < 0.001), and total macular thickness (-1.36 µm, P < 0.001). Conclusions Participants with higher HbA1c in the normal range had marginally thinner photoreceptor thickness, whereas those with diabetes (including undiagnosed diabetes) had meaningfully thinner retinal sublayer and total macular thickness. Translational Relevance We showed that early retinal neurodegeneration occurs in people whose HbA1c levels are below the current diabetes diagnostic threshold; this might impact the management of pre-diabetes individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Y. L. Chua
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Paul Welsh
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Zihan Sun
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Konstantinos Balaskas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alasdair Warwick
- UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Steel
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK
- Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Roomasa Channa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tony Ko
- Topcon Healthcare Solutions Research & Development, Oakland, NJ, USA
| | - Naveed Sattar
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anthony P. Khawaja
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Paul J. Foster
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Praveen J. Patel
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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24
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Ramírez JM, Salobrar-García E, de Hoz R, Salazar JJ, Matamoros JA, Sánchez-Puebla L, López-Cuenca I, Fernández-Albarral JA, Ramírez AI. Laser-Induced Ocular Hypertension in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:49-56. [PMID: 37558959 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and thus to blindness. There are numerous experimental models used for the study of this pathology. Among the different models, episcleral vein photocoagulation is one of the most widely used. In this model there is a transient increase in intraocular pressure that returns to normal values about 7 days after induction of ocular hypertension (OHT). In addition, typical glaucoma changes, such as loss of RGC, thinning of the optic nerve fiber layer, and glial activation, occur in this model. All these changes have been described in detail over time after OHT induction. In this chapter, we describe the detailed method of OHT induction in Swiss albino mice by diode laser photocoagulation of limbal and episcleral veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Ramírez
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Salazar
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Matamoros
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Fernández-Albarral
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana I Ramírez
- Ramón Castroviejo Institute for Ophthalmological Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Institute for Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Chuangsuwanich T, Tun TA, Braeu FA, Wang X, Chin ZY, Panda SK, Buist M, Strouthidis N, Perera S, Nongpiur M, Aung T, Girard MJA. Differing Associations between Optic Nerve Head Strains and Visual Field Loss in Patients with Normal- and High-Tension Glaucoma. Ophthalmology 2023; 130:99-110. [PMID: 35964710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the associations between optic nerve head (ONH) strains under intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation with retinal sensitivity in patients with glaucoma. DESIGN Clinic-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred twenty-nine patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (subdivided into 115 patients with high-tension glaucoma [HTG] and 114 patients with normal-tension glaucoma [NTG]). METHODS For 1 eye of each patient, we imaged the ONH using spectral-domain OCT under the following conditions: (1) primary gaze and (2) primary gaze with acute IOP elevation (to approximately 35 mmHg) achieved through ophthalmodynamometry. A 3-dimensional strain-mapping algorithm was applied to quantify IOP-induced ONH tissue strain (i.e., deformation) in each ONH. Strains in the prelaminar tissue (PLT), the retina, the choroid, the sclera, and the lamina cribrosa (LC) were associated (using linear regression) with measures of retinal sensitivity from the 24-2 Humphrey visual field test (Carl Zeiss Meditec). This was performed globally, then locally according to a previously published regionalization scheme. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Associations between ONH strains and values of retinal sensitivity from visual field testing. RESULTS For patients with HTG, we found (1) significant negative linear associations between ONH strains and retinal sensitivity (P < 0.001; on average, a 1% increase in ONH strains corresponded to a decrease in retinal sensitivity of 1.1 decibels [dB]), (2) that high-strain regions colocalized with anatomically mapped regions of high visual field loss, and (3) that the strongest negative associations were observed in the superior region and in the PLT. In contrast, for patients with NTG, no significant associations between strains and retinal sensitivity were observed except in the superotemporal region of the LC. CONCLUSIONS We found significant negative associations between IOP-induced ONH strains and retinal sensitivity in a relatively large glaucoma cohort. Specifically, patients with HTG who experienced higher ONH strains were more likely to exhibit lower retinal sensitivities. Interestingly, this trend in general was less pronounced in patients with NTG, which could suggest a distinct pathophysiologic relationship between the two glaucoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanadet Chuangsuwanich
- Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Tin A Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Fabian A Braeu
- Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Yun Chin
- Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Satish Kumar Panda
- Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Martin Buist
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Nicholas Strouthidis
- National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Sciences Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shamira Perera
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Monisha Nongpiur
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Tin Aung
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Michaël J A Girard
- Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore; Institute for Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland.
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26
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Choi YK. An Altered Neurovascular System in Aging-Related Eye Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214104. [PMID: 36430581 PMCID: PMC9694120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The eye has a complex and metabolically active neurovascular system. Repeated light injuries induce aging and trigger age-dependent eye diseases. Damage to blood vessels is related to the disruption of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), altered cellular communication, disrupted mitochondrial functions, and exacerbated aggregated protein accumulation. Vascular complications, such as insufficient blood supply and BRB disruption, have been suggested to play a role in glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD), resulting in neuronal cell death. Neuronal loss can induce vision loss. In this review, we discuss the importance of the neurovascular system in the eye, especially in aging-related diseases such as glaucoma, AMD, and AD. Beneficial molecular pathways to prevent or slow down retinal pathologic processes will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Kyung Choi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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27
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Lešták J, Fůs M, Král J. The Relationship Between the Thickness of cpRNFL in Segments and Intraocular Pressure. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:3673-3679. [PMID: 36389642 PMCID: PMC9657260 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s388936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) in some segments of the optic nerve disc in pathological intraocular pressure is more damaged in eyes without antiglaucoma treatment. Patients and Methods The cohort consisted of 69 subjects (122 eyes), 32 males (6x one, 26x both eyes) aged 21 to 76 years and 37 females (4x one and 30x both eyes) aged 22 to 75 years, who were measured to have IOP greater than 21 mmHg (21–36) in routine ambulatory care. Measurements were performed using the Ocular Response Analyser, taking into account corneal hysteresis. RNFL thickness was measured using the Avanti RTVue XR and was assessed in 8 segments (1-IT, 2-TI, 3-TS, 4-ST, 5-SN, 6-NS, 7-NI, 8-IN). The visual field was examined with a fast threshold glaucoma program using the Medmont M700. The overall defect (OD) was evaluated. Pearson’s correlation coefficient r was used to assess the dependence between the selected parameters. Results The largest peripapillary changes in RNFL were observed in segments 1, 4, 5 and 8. It should be emphasized that segments 1 and 4 have been temporarily shifted. Segments 5 and 8 then corresponded to the upper (at no. 12) and lower (at no. 6) sectors. Conclusion The most important result of this study is the finding that the greatest changes in the RNFL layer were observed in pathological IOP at segment 5 (r=−0.3) and 8 (r=−0.28), at the point where the fibres of the magnocellular retinal ganglion cells enter the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lešták
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: Jan Lešták, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, nám. Sítná 3105, Kladno, 272 01, Czech Republic, Tel +420 602 336 770, Email
| | - Martin Fůs
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Král
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
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DeMaio A, Mehrotra S, Sambamurti K, Husain S. The role of the adaptive immune system and T cell dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:251. [PMID: 36209107 PMCID: PMC9548183 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune system and associated inflammation are vital in surveillance and host protection against internal and external threats, but can secondarily damage host tissues. The central nervous system is immune-privileged and largely protected from the circulating inflammatory pathways. However, T cell involvement and the disruption of the blood-brain barriers have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Under normal physiological conditions, regulatory T cells (Treg cells) dampen the inflammatory response of effector T cells. In the pathological states of many neurodegenerative disorders, the ability of Treg cells to mitigate inflammation is reduced, and a pro-inflammatory environment persists. This perspective review provides current knowledge on the roles of T cell subsets (e.g., effector T cells, Treg cells) in neurodegenerative and ocular diseases, including uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Many neurodegenerative and ocular diseases have been linked to immune dysregulation, but the cellular events and molecular mechanisms involved in such processes remain largely unknown. Moreover, the role of T cells in ocular pathologies remains poorly defined and limited literature is available in this area of research. Adoptive transfer of Treg cells appears to be a vital immunological approach to control ocular pathologies. Similarities in T cell dysfunction seen among non-ocular neurodegenerative diseases suggest that this area of research has a great potential to develop better therapeutic agents for ocular diseases and warrants further studies. Overall, this perspective review article provides significant information on the roles of T cells in numerous ocular and non-ocular neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa DeMaio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Room 713, Medical University of South Carolina, 167 Ashley Ave, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA
| | - Kumar Sambamurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA
| | - Shahid Husain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Room 713, Medical University of South Carolina, 167 Ashley Ave, SC, 29425, Charleston, USA.
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29
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Vahedian Z, Fakhraie G, Ghasemi M, Azimi A, Tabatabaei SM. The thickness of the outer retina in the macula and circumpapillary area in patients with unilateral advanced glaucoma. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:3935-3944. [PMID: 35838807 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05756-w] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare outer macular and retinal thickness in the circumpapillary area in unilateral advanced glaucomatous eyes to the normal or mild glaucomatous fellow eyes. METHODS Seventy-eight eyes of 39 patients with unilateral advanced glaucoma (mean deviation (MD) worse than -12.00 dB based on visual field 24-2) were included in this cross-sectional study as the cases. The healthy or mild glaucomatous fellow eyes were enrolled as the control group. All eyes underwent optical coherence tomography of the macula and circumpapillary retina by Topcon DRI Triton (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). Ganglion cell layer 2+ was considered as the inner retina. Total retinal thickness minus the thickness of the inner retina was considered as the outer retina. Comparison between groups was done by paired-sample sign test. The correlation between structural and functional parameters was evaluated by a partial correlation coefficient. RESULTS Seventeen (43.6%), 15 (38.5%), and 7 (17.9%) patients had pseudoexfoliation, primary angle-closure, and primary open-angle glaucoma, respectively. The mean age was 62.69 ± 12.00 years. Thirty-three (84.6%) patients were male. The outer retinal thickness in the circumpapillary area was higher in temporal, superior, and inferior quadrants (p < 0.05). The outer macula in different parafoveal and perifoveal quadrants was also thicker (p < 0.05). Average outer parafoveal thickness in the case group had a significant negative correlation with MD (r = -0.339; p = 0.035). CONCLUSION Advanced glaucomatous eyes had a thicker outer retina in the macula and circumpapillary area. There was a significant negative correlation between outer perifoveal thickness and MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakieh Vahedian
- Glaucoma Service, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin Square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghasem Fakhraie
- Glaucoma Service, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin Square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Ghasemi
- Glaucoma Service, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin Square, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Azimi
- Glaucoma Service, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin Square, Tehran, Iran.,Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei
- Glaucoma Service, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin Square, Tehran, Iran.
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30
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Zamri MHB, Ujihara Y, Nakamura M, Mofrad MRK, Sugita S. Decoding the Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on TRPV1 Lower-Gate Conformation by Molecular-Dynamics Simulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137366. [PMID: 35806371 PMCID: PMC9266826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to hydrostatic pressure, the cation channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is essential in signaling pathways linked to glaucoma. When activated, TRPV1 undergoes a gating transition from a closed to an open state that allows the influx of Ca2+ ions. However, the gating mechanism of TRPV1 in response to hydrostatic pressure at the molecular level is still lacking. To understand the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the activation of TRPV1, we conducted molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations on TRPV1 under different hydrostatic pressure configurations, with and without a cell membrane. The TRPV1 membrane-embedded model is more stable than the TPRV1-only model, indicating the importance of including the cell membrane in MD simulation. Under elevated pressure at 27.6 mmHg, we observed a more dynamic and outward motion of the TRPV1 domains in the lower-gate area than in the simulation under normal pressure at 12.6 mmHg. While a complete closed-to-open-gate transition was not evident in the limited course of our MD simulations, an increase in the channel radius at the lower gate was observed at 27.6 mmHg versus that at 12.6 mmHg. These findings provide novel information regarding the effect of hydrostatic pressure on TRPV1 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Harith Bin Zamri
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, School of Engineering, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan; (M.H.B.Z.); (Y.U.); (M.N.)
| | - Yoshihiro Ujihara
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, School of Engineering, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan; (M.H.B.Z.); (Y.U.); (M.N.)
| | - Masanori Nakamura
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, School of Engineering, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan; (M.H.B.Z.); (Y.U.); (M.N.)
- Center of Biomedical Physics and Information Technology, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
- Department of Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Mohammad R. K. Mofrad
- Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Shukei Sugita
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, School of Engineering, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan; (M.H.B.Z.); (Y.U.); (M.N.)
- Center of Biomedical Physics and Information Technology, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-52-735-7125
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31
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Gerberich BG, Hannon BG, Brown DM, Read AT, Ritch MD, Schrader Echeverri E, Nichols L, Potnis C, Sridhar S, Toothman MG, Schwaner SA, Winger EJ, Huang H, Gershon GS, Feola AJ, Pardue MT, Prausnitz MR, Ethier CR. Evaluation of Spatially Targeted Scleral Stiffening on Neuroprotection in a Rat Model of Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:7. [PMID: 35536721 PMCID: PMC9100482 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.5.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Scleral stiffening may protect against glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss or dysfunction associated with ocular hypertension. Here, we assess the potential neuroprotective effects of two treatments designed to stiffen either the entire posterior sclera or only the sclera adjacent to the peripapillary sclera in an experimental model of glaucoma. Methods Rat sclerae were stiffened in vivo using either genipin (crosslinking the entire posterior sclera) or a regionally selective photosensitizer, methylene blue (stiffening only the juxtaperipapillary region surrounding the optic nerve). Ocular hypertension was induced using magnetic microbeads delivered to the anterior chamber. Morphological and functional outcomes, including optic nerve axon count and appearance, retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography, optomotor response, and electroretinography traces, were assessed. Results Both local (juxtaperipapillary) and global (whole posterior) scleral stiffening treatments were successful at increasing scleral stiffness, but neither provided demonstrable neuroprotection in hypertensive eyes as assessed by RGC axon counts and appearance, optomotor response, or electroretinography. There was a weak indication that scleral crosslinking protected against retinal thinning as assessed by optical coherence tomography. Conclusions Scleral stiffening was not demonstrated to be neuroprotective in ocular hypertensive rats. We hypothesize that the absence of benefit may in part be due to RGC loss associated with the scleral stiffening agents themselves (mild in the case of genipin, and moderate in the case of methylene blue), negating any potential benefit of scleral stiffening. Translational Relevance The development of scleral stiffening as a neuroprotective treatment will require the identification of better tolerated stiffening protocols and further preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon G. Gerberich
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bailey G. Hannon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dillon M. Brown
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - A. Thomas Read
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew D. Ritch
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elisa Schrader Echeverri
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren Nichols
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cahil Potnis
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sreesh Sridhar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maya G. Toothman
- College of Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen A. Schwaner
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Exponent, Inc., Biomechanics Practice, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erin J. Winger
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hannah Huang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gabby S. Gershon
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew J. Feola
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Machelle T. Pardue
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mark R. Prausnitz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C. Ross Ethier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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32
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Tools and Biomarkers for the Study of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084287. [PMID: 35457104 PMCID: PMC9025234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is part of the central nervous system, its analysis may provide an idea of the health and functionality, not only of the retina, but also of the entire central nervous system, as has been shown in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. Within the retina, the ganglion cells (RGC) are the neurons in charge of processing and sending light information to higher brain centers. Diverse insults and pathological states cause degeneration of RGC, leading to irreversible blindness or impaired vision. RGCs are the measurable endpoints in current research into experimental therapies and diagnosis in multiple ocular pathologies, like glaucoma. RGC subtype classifications are based on morphological, functional, genetical, and immunohistochemical aspects. Although great efforts are being made, there is still no classification accepted by consensus. Moreover, it has been observed that each RGC subtype has a different susceptibility to injury. Characterizing these subtypes together with cell death pathway identification will help to understand the degenerative process in the different injury and pathological models, and therefore prevent it. Here we review the known RGC subtypes, as well as the diagnostic techniques, probes, and biomarkers for programmed and unprogrammed cell death in RGC.
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Ribeiro M, McGrady NR, Baratta RO, Del Buono BJ, Schlumpf E, Calkins DJ. Intraocular Delivery of a Collagen Mimetic Peptide Repairs Retinal Ganglion Cell Axons in Chronic and Acute Injury Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062911. [PMID: 35328332 PMCID: PMC8949359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vision loss through the degeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons occurs in both chronic and acute conditions that target the optic nerve. These include glaucoma, in which sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) causes early RGC axonal dysfunction, and optic nerve trauma, which causes rapid axon degeneration from the site of injury. In each case, degeneration is irreversible, necessitating new therapeutics that protect, repair, and regenerate RGC axons. Recently, we demonstrated the reparative capacity of using collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) to heal fragmented collagen in the neuronal extracellular milieu. This was an important step in the development of neuronal-based therapies since neurodegeneration involves matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated remodeling of the collagen-rich environment in which neurons and their axons exist. We found that intraocular delivery of a CMP comprising single-strand fractions of triple helix human type I collagen prevented early RGC axon dysfunction in an inducible glaucoma model. Additionally, CMPs also promoted neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglia, challenged in vitro by partial digestion of collagen. Here, we compared the ability of a CMP sequence to protect RGC axons in both inducible glaucoma and optic nerve crush. A three-week +40% elevation in IOP caused a 67% degradation in anterograde transport to the superior colliculus, the primary retinal projection target in rodents. We found that a single intravitreal injection of CMP during the period of IOP elevation significantly reduced this degradation. The same CMP delivered shortly after optic nerve crush promoted significant axonal recovery during the two-week period following injury. Together, these findings support a novel protective and reparative role for the use of CMPs in both chronic and acute conditions affecting the survival of RGC axons in the optic projection to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio Ribeiro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.R.); (N.R.M.)
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.R.); (N.R.M.)
| | - Robert O. Baratta
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St., Suite 203, Stuart, FL 34994, USA; (R.O.B.); (B.J.D.B.); (E.S.)
| | - Brian J. Del Buono
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St., Suite 203, Stuart, FL 34994, USA; (R.O.B.); (B.J.D.B.); (E.S.)
| | - Eric Schlumpf
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St., Suite 203, Stuart, FL 34994, USA; (R.O.B.); (B.J.D.B.); (E.S.)
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.R.); (N.R.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(615)-936-1424; Fax: +1-(615)-936-6410
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Ponomarenko I, Reshetnikov E, Dvornyk V, Churnosov M. Functionally significant polymorphisms of the MMP9 gene are associated with primary open-angle glaucoma in the population of Russia. Eur J Ophthalmol 2022; 32:3208-3219. [PMID: 35254145 DOI: 10.1177/11206721221083722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the role of functionally significant loci of the matrix metalloproteinases genes 1, 3, 9 (MMP1, MMP3, and MMP9) in the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Caucasians of the Central region of Russia. METHODS In total 604 participants were recruited for the study, including 208 patients with POAG and 396 healthy controls. They were genotyped at eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the three MMP genes. The association was analyzed using logistic and log-linear regression. POAG-associated loci and their proxies were in silico assessed for their functional prediction. RESULTS Variant allele G*rs2250889 of MMP9 was significantly associated with higher risk of POAG (ORcov = 1.57-1.71). Haplotype CCA [rs3918242-rs3918249-rs17576] of the MMP9 gene was associated with lower risk of POAG (ORcov = 0.33). Allele А*rs3787268 of MMP9 was associated with the low intraocular pressure in the POAG patients (βcov = -0.176 - -0.272), and so were haplotypes AA [rs17576-rs3787268] (βcov = -0.577) and AAC [rs17576-rs3787268- rs2250889] (βcov = -0.742) of the same gene, whereas allele 2G*rs1799750 of MMP1 was associated with the earlier onset of the disease (βcov = -0.112 - -0.218). In silico analysis of the polymorphisms suggested the functionality of POAG-associated SNPs and their proxies (epigenetic potential, expression and alternative splicing effects for several genes). CONCLUSIONS The MMP9 gene polymorphisms are associated with POAG and intraocular pressure in POAG patients; rs1799750 of MMP1 was associated with the earlier age of manifestation of the disease symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Ponomarenko
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, 64903Belgorod State University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Evgeny Reshetnikov
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, 64903Belgorod State University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Volodymyr Dvornyk
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and General Studies, 101686Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mikhail Churnosov
- Department of Medical Biological Disciplines, 64903Belgorod State University, Belgorod, Russia
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35
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Godinez A, Rajput R, Chitranshi N, Gupta V, Basavarajappa D, Sharma S, You Y, Pushpitha K, Dhiman K, Mirzaei M, Graham S, Gupta V. Neuroserpin, a crucial regulator for axogenesis, synaptic modelling and cell-cell interactions in the pathophysiology of neurological disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:172. [PMID: 35244780 PMCID: PMC8897380 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neuroserpin is an axonally secreted serpin that is involved in regulating plasminogen and its enzyme activators, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The protein has been increasingly shown to play key roles in neuronal development, plasticity, maturation and synaptic refinement. The proteinase inhibitor may function both independently and through tPA-dependent mechanisms. Herein, we discuss the recent evidence regarding the role of neuroserpin in healthy and diseased conditions and highlight the participation of the serpin in various cellular signalling pathways. Several polymorphisms and mutations have also been identified in the protein that may affect the serpin conformation, leading to polymer formation and its intracellular accumulation. The current understanding of the involvement of neuroserpin in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, glaucoma, stroke, neuropsychiatric disorders and familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is presented. To truly understand the detrimental consequences of neuroserpin dysfunction and the effective therapeutic targeting of this molecule in pathological conditions, a cross-disciplinary understanding of neuroserpin alterations and its cellular signaling networks is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Godinez
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Samridhi Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kanishka Pushpitha
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kunal Dhiman
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart Graham
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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36
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Somvanshi RK, Zou S, Kadhim S, Padania S, Hsu E, Kumar U. Cannabinol modulates neuroprotection and intraocular pressure: A potential multi-target therapeutic intervention for glaucoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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37
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Ishikawa M, Nakazawa T, Kunikata H, Sato K, Yoshitomi T, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Zorumski CF, Izumi Y. The Enantiomer of Allopregnanolone Prevents Pressure-Mediated Retinal Degeneration Via Autophagy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:855779. [PMID: 35370641 PMCID: PMC8966700 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.855779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In an ex vivo rat ocular hypertension (OHT) model, the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AlloP) exerts neuroprotective effects via enhancement of both GABAA receptors and autophagy. We now examine whether its enantiomer (ent-AlloP), which is largely inactive at GABA receptors, offers similar neuroprotection in ex vivo and in vivo rat OHT models. Ex vivo rat retinal preparations were incubated in a hyperbaric condition (10 and 75 mmHg) for 24 h. An in vivo ocular hypertension (OHT) model was induced by intracameral injection of polystyrene microbeads. We examined pharmacological effects of AlloP, ent-AlloP, picrotoxin (a GABAA receptor antagonist), and 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) histologically and biochemically. We found that both AlloP and ent-AlloP have marked neuroprotective effects in the retina, but effects of the unnatural enantiomer are independent of GABAA receptors. Electron microscopic analyses show that pressure elevation significantly increased autophagosomes (APs) in the nerve fiber layer and addition of AlloP also increased APs and degenerative autophagic vacuoles (AVds). ent-AlloP markedly increased APs and AVds compared to AlloP. Examination of LC3B-II and SQSTM1 protein levels using immunoblotting revealed that AlloP increased LC3B-II, and ent-AlloP further enhanced LC3B-II and suppressed SQSTM1, indicating that autophagy is a major mechanism underlying neuroprotection by ent-AlloP. In an rat in vivo OHT model, single intravitreal ent-AlloP injection prevented apoptotic cell death of retinal ganglion cells similar to AlloP. However, even in this model, ent-AlloP was more effective in activating autophagy than AlloP. We conclude that ent-AlloP may be a prototype of potential therapeutic for treatment of glaucoma as an autophagy enhancer without affecting GABA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ishikawa
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunikata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kota Sato
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoshitomi
- Department of Orthoptics, Fukuoka International University of Health and Welfare, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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38
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McGrady NR, Pasini S, Baratta RO, Del Buono BJ, Schlumpf E, Calkins DJ. Restoring the Extracellular Matrix: A Neuroprotective Role for Collagen Mimetic Peptides in Experimental Glaucoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:764709. [PMID: 34795592 PMCID: PMC8592892 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.764709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathies are a major cause of visual disabilities worldwide, causing irreversible vision loss through the degeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons, which comprise the optic nerve. Chief among these is glaucoma, in which sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) leads to RGC axon dysfunction followed by outright degeneration of the optic projection. Current treatments focus entirely on lowering IOP through topical hypotensive drugs, surgery to facilitate aqueous fluid outflow, or both. Despite this investment in time and resources, many patients continue to lose vision, underscoring the need for new therapeutics that target neurodegeneration directly. One element of progression in glaucoma involves matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) remodeling of the collagen-rich extracellular milieu of RGC axons as they exit the retina through the optic nerve head. Thus, we investigated the ability of collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) representing various single strand fractions of triple helix human type I collagen to protect RGC axons in an inducible model of glaucoma. First, using dorsal root ganglia maintained in vitro on human type I collagen, we found that multiple CMPs significantly promote neurite outgrowth (+35%) compared to vehicle following MMP-induced fragmentation of the α1(I) and α2(I) chains. We then applied CMP to adult mouse eyes in vivo following microbead occlusion to elevate IOP and determined its influence on anterograde axon transport to the superior colliculus, the primary RGC projection target in rodents. In glaucoma models, sensitivity to IOP causes early degradation in axon function, including anterograde transport from retina to central brain targets. We found that CMP treatment rescued anterograde transport following a 3-week +50% elevation in IOP. These results suggest that CMPs generally may represent a novel therapeutic to supplement existing treatments or as a neuroprotective option for patients who do not respond to IOP-lowering regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan R McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | | | - Eric Schlumpf
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., Stuart, FL, United States
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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Neuroprotective Effect of Statins in a Rat Model of Chronic Ocular Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212500. [PMID: 34830387 PMCID: PMC8621698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy in which the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) results in irreversible vison loss. Therefore, neuroprotection of RGCs from glaucomatous afflictions is crucial for glaucoma treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of statins in the protection of RGCs using a rat model. Glaucomatous injury was induced in rats by chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) achieved after performing a circumlimbal suture. The rats were given either statins such as simvastatin and atorvastatin or a solvent weekly for 6 weeks. Retina sections underwent hematoxylin and eosin, Brn3a, or cleaved casepase-3 staining to evaluate RGC survival. In addition, modulation of glial activation was assessed. While the retinas without statin treatment exhibited increased RGC death due to chronic OHT, statins promoted the survival of RGCs and reduced apoptosis. Statins also suppressed chronic OHT-mediated glial activation in the retina. Our results demonstrate that statins exert neuroprotective effects in rat retinas exposed to chronic OHT, which may support the prospect of statins being a glaucoma treatment.
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40
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Di Pierdomenico J, Henderson DCM, Giammaria S, Smith VL, Jamet AJ, Smith CA, Hooper ML, Chauhan BC. Age and intraocular pressure in murine experimental glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101021. [PMID: 34801667 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Age and intraocular pressure (IOP) are the two most important risk factors for the development and progression of open-angle glaucoma. While IOP is commonly considered in models of experimental glaucoma (EG), most studies use juvenile or adult animals and seldom older animals which are representative of the human disease. This paper provides a concise review of how retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, the hallmark of glaucoma, can be evaluated in EG with a special emphasis on serial in vivo imaging, a parallel approach used in clinical practice. It appraises the suitability of EG models for the purpose of in vivo imaging and argues for the use of models that provide a sustained elevation of IOP, without compromise of the ocular media. In a study with parallel cohorts of adult (3-month-old, equivalent to 20 human years) and old (2-year-old, equivalent to 70 human years) mice, we compare the effects of elevated IOP on serial ganglion cell complex thickness and individual RGC dendritic morphology changes obtained in vivo. We also evaluate how age modulates the impact of elevated IOP on RGC somal and axonal density in histological analysis as well the density of melanopsin RGCs. We discuss the challenges of using old animals and emphasize the potential of single RGC imaging for understanding the pathobiology of RGC loss and evaluating new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Delaney C M Henderson
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sara Giammaria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Victoria L Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aliénor J Jamet
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Corey A Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michele L Hooper
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Sharif NA. Therapeutic Drugs and Devices for Tackling Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma, and Need for Neuroprotection and Cytoprotective Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:729249. [PMID: 34603044 PMCID: PMC8484316 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.729249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the optic nerve and the death of associated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), also known as glaucoma, is responsible for visual impairment and blindness in millions of people worldwide. The ocular hypertension (OHT) and the deleterious mechanical forces it exerts at the back of the eye, at the level of the optic nerve head/optic disc and lamina cribosa, is the only modifiable risk factor associated with glaucoma that can be treated. The elevated IOP occurs due to the inability of accumulated aqueous humor (AQH) to egress from the anterior chamber of the eye due to occlusion of the major outflow pathway, the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm’s canal (SC). Several different classes of pharmaceutical agents, surgical techniques and implantable devices have been developed to lower and control IOP. First-line drugs to promote AQH outflow via the uveoscleral outflow pathway include FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG) agonists (e.g., latanoprost, travoprost and tafluprost) and a novel non-PG EP2-receptor agonist (omidenepag isopropyl, Eybelis®). TM/SC outflow enhancing drugs are also effective ocular hypotensive agents (e.g., rho kinase inhibitors like ripasudil and netarsudil; and latanoprostene bunod, a conjugate of a nitric oxide donor and latanoprost). One of the most effective anterior chamber AQH microshunt devices is the Preserflo® microshunt which can lower IOP down to 10–13 mmHg. Other IOP-lowering drugs and devices on the horizon will be also discussed. Additionally, since elevated IOP is only one of many risk factors for development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, a treatise of the role of inflammatory neurodegeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells and appropriate neuroprotective strategies to mitigate this disease will also be reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Global Alliances and External Research, Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, United States
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42
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Rodrigo MJ, Martinez-Rincon T, Subias M, Mendez-Martinez S, Pablo LE, Polo V, Aragon-Navas A, Garcia-Herranz D, Feijoo JG, Osuna IB, Herrero-Vanrell R, Garcia-Martin E. Influence of Sex on Neuroretinal Degeneration: Six-Month Follow-Up in Rats With Chronic Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:9. [PMID: 34643665 PMCID: PMC8525827 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate differences by sex in the neuroretina of rats with chronic glaucoma over 24 weeks of follow-up, and to assess by sex the influence on neurodegeneration of different methods of inducing ocular hypertension. Methods Forty-six Long-Evans rats-18 males and 28 females-with induced chronic glaucoma were analyzed. Glaucoma was achieved via 2 models: repeatedly sclerosing the episcleral veins (9 male/14 female) or by injecting poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres measuring 20 to 10 µm (Ms20/10) into the anterior chamber (9 male/14 female). The IOP was measured weekly by tonometer; neuroretinal function was recorded by dark/light-adapted electroretinography at baseline and weeks 12 and 24; and structure was analyzed by optical coherence tomography using the retina posterior pole, retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer protocols at baseline and weeks 8, 12, 18, and 24. Results Males showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher IOP in both chronic glaucoma models, and greater differences were found in the episcleral model at earlier stages. Males with episclerally induced glaucoma showed a statistically higher increase in retinal thickness in optical coherence tomography recordings than females and also when comparing Ms20/10 at 12 weeks. Males showed a higher percentage of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness loss in both models. Ganglion cell layer thickness loss was only detected in the Ms20/10 model. Males exhibited worse dark/light-adapted functionality in chronic glaucoma models, which worsened in the episcleral sclerosis model at 12 weeks, than females. Conclusions Female rats with chronic glaucoma experienced lower IOP and structural loss and better neuroretinal functionality than males. Sex and the ocular hypertension-inducing method influenced neuroretinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Rodrigo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Martinez-Rincon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manuel Subias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Mendez-Martinez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis E Pablo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Polo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alba Aragon-Navas
- Ophthalmology Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Garcia-Herranz
- Ophthalmology Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian García Feijoo
- National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Ophthalmology, San Carlos Clinical Hospital, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Bravo Osuna
- National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Ophthalmology Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,University Institute for Industrial Pharmacy (IUFI), School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio Herrero-Vanrell
- National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Ophthalmology Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute, San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,University Institute for Industrial Pharmacy (IUFI), School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, Spain.,National Ocular Pathology Network (OFTARED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6258-2489
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43
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Hurley DJ, Irnaten M, O’Brien C. Metformin and Glaucoma-Review of Anti-Fibrotic Processes and Bioenergetics. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082131. [PMID: 34440899 PMCID: PMC8394782 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. With an aging population, disease incidence will rise with an enormous societal and economic burden. The treatment strategy revolves around targeting intraocular pressure, the principle modifiable risk factor, to slow progression of disease. However, there is a clear unmet clinical need to find a novel therapeutic approach that targets and halts the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration that occurs with fibrosis. RGCs are highly sensitive to metabolic fluctuations as a result of multiple stressors and thus their viability depends on healthy mitochondrial functioning. Metformin, known for its use in type 2 diabetes, has come to the forefront of medical research in multiple organ systems. Its use was recently associated with a 25% reduced risk of glaucoma in a large population study. Here, we discuss its application to glaucoma therapy, highlighting its effect on fibrotic signalling pathways, mitochondrial bioenergetics and NAD oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daire J. Hurley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (M.I.); (C.O.)
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Mustapha Irnaten
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (M.I.); (C.O.)
| | - Colm O’Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland; (M.I.); (C.O.)
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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Visuvanathan S, Baker AN, Lagali PS, Coupland SG, Miller G, Hauswirth WW, Tsilfidis C. XIAP gene therapy effects on retinal ganglion cell structure and function in a mouse model of glaucoma. Gene Ther 2021; 29:147-156. [PMID: 34363035 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00281-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by progressive visual field loss. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. The main risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure that results in the damage and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. The death of RGCs has been shown to be apoptotic. We tested the hypothesis that blocking the activation of apoptosis may be an effective strategy to prevent RGC death and preserve functional vision in glaucoma. In the magnetic microbead mouse model of induced ocular hypertension, inhibition of RGC apoptosis was targeted through viral-mediated ocular delivery of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) gene, a potent caspase inhibitor. Pattern electroretinograms revealed that XIAP therapy resulted in significant protection of both somal and axonal RGC function in glaucomatous eyes. Histology confirmed that the treated optic nerves showed preservation of axon counts and reduced glial cell infiltration. These results show that XIAP is able to provide both functional and structural protection of RGCs in the microbead model of glaucoma and provide important proof-of-principle for XIAP's efficacy as a neuroprotective treatment for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagana Visuvanathan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adam N Baker
- Neuroscience, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela S Lagali
- Neuroscience, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stuart G Coupland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Regenerative Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Garfield Miller
- Regenerative Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catherine Tsilfidis
- Neuroscience, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Kunimi H, Lee D, Ibuki M, Katada Y, Negishi K, Tsubota K, Kurihara T. Inhibition of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway has a retinal neuroprotective effect. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21829. [PMID: 34314069 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100572r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ischemia is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Inner retinal dysfunction including loss of retinal ganglion cells is encountered in a number of retinal ischemic disorders. We previously reported administration of two different hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitors exerted neuroprotective effects in a murine model of retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) which mimics these disorders, as inner retinal degeneration could be involved in pathological HIF induction. However, this notion needs further investigation. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to use retina-specific Hif-1α conditional knockout (cKO) mice to uncover this notion more clearly under the same condition. Hif-1α cKO mice showed inner retinal neurodegeneration to a lesser extent than control mice. Hif-1α depletion in a murine 661W retinal cell line reduced cell death under pseudohypoxic and hypoxic conditions. Among hypoxia-related genes, the expression of BCL2 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (Bnip3) was substantially upregulated in the inner retinal layer after retinal I/R. In this regard, we further examined Bnip3 depletion in retinal neurons in vitro and in vivo and found the similar neuroprotective effects. Our results support the notion that the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway may have a critical role in inner retinal neurodegeneration, which can be linked with the development of new promising therapeutics for inner retinal ischemic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Kunimi
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan
| | - Deokho Lee
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan
| | - Mari Ibuki
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan
| | - Yusaku Katada
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan
| | - Kazuno Negishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan.,Tsubota Laboratory, Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Japan
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46
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Detecting retinal cell stress and apoptosis with DARC: Progression from lab to clinic. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 86:100976. [PMID: 34102318 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells) is a retinal imaging technology that has been developed within the last 2 decades from basic laboratory science to Phase 2 clinical trials. It uses ANX776 (fluorescently labelled Annexin A5) to identify stressed and apoptotic cells in the living eye. During its development, DARC has undergone biochemistry optimisation, scale-up and GMP manufacture and extensive preclinical evaluation. Initially tested in preclinical glaucoma and optic neuropathy models, it has also been investigated in Alzheimer, Parkinson's and Diabetic models, and used to assess efficacy of therapies. Progression to clinical trials has not been speedy. Intravenous ANX776 has to date been found to be safe and well-tolerated in 129 patients, including 16 from Phase 1 and 113 from Phase 2. Results on glaucoma and AMD patients have been recently published, and suggest DARC with an AI-aided algorithm can be used to predict disease activity. New analyses of DARC in GA prediction are reported here. Although further studies are needed to validate these findings, it appears there is potential of the technology to be used as a biomarker. Much larger clinical studies will be needed before it can be considered as a diagnostic, although the relatively non-invasive nature of the nasal as opposed to intravenous administration would widen its acceptability in the future as a screening tool. This review describes DARC development and its progression into Phase 2 clinical trials from lab-based research. It discusses hypotheses, potential challenges, and regulatory hurdles in translating technology.
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47
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Eastlake K, Jayaram H, Luis J, Hayes M, Khaw PT, Limb GA. Strain Specific Responses in a Microbead Rat Model of Experimental Glaucoma. Curr Eye Res 2021; 46:387-397. [PMID: 32842792 PMCID: PMC8025805 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1805472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A major challenge in glaucoma research is the lack of reproducible animal models of RGC and optic nerve damage, the characteristic features of this condition. We therefore examined the glaucomatous responses of two different rat strains, the Brown Norway (BN) and Lister Hooded (LH) rats, to high intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by injection of magnetic beads into the anterior chamber. METHODS Magnetic microsphere suspensions (20 µl of 5-20 mg/ml) were injected into the anterior chamber of BN (n = 9) or LH (N = 15) rats. Animals from each strain were divided into three groups, each receiving a different dose of microspheres. IOP was measured over 4 weeks using a rebound tonometer. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage and function were assessed using scotopic electroretinograms (ERGs), retinal flatmounts and optic nerve histology. ANOVA and Student's t-tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS A significant elevation in IOP was observed in BN rats receiving injections of 20 mg (37.18 ± 12.28 mmHg) or 10 mg microspheres/ml (36.95 ± 13.63 mmHg) when compared with controls (19.63 ± 4.29 mmHg) (p < .001) over 2 weeks. This correlated with a significant impairment of RGC function, as determined by scotopic ERG (p < .001), reduction in axon number (p < .05) and lower RGC density (P < .05) in animals receiving 20 mg or 10 mg microspheres/ml as compared with controls. LH rats receiving similar microsphere doses showed reduced scotopic ERG function (p < .001) after 2 weeks. No changes in IOP was seen in this strain, although a reduction in axon density was observed in optic nerve cross-sections (p < .05). Initial changes in IOP and ERG responses observed in BN rats remained unchanged for a duration of 7 weeks. In LH animals, ERG responses were decreased at 1-2 weeks and returned to control levels after 5 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Although this model was easily reproducible in BN rats, the phenotype of injury observed in LH rats was very different from that observed in BN animals. We suggest that differences in the glaucomatous response observed in these two strains may be ascribed to anatomical and physiological differences and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Eastlake
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Hari Jayaram
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Joshua Luis
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Matthew Hayes
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Peng T. Khaw
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - G. Astrid Limb
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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Abdulhussein D, Kanda M, Aamir A, Manzar H, Yap TE, Cordeiro MF. Apoptosis in health and diseases of the eye and brain. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 126:279-306. [PMID: 34090617 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death (PCD) and enables the immunologically silent disposal of senescent or unwanted cells, causing minimal damage to the surrounding environment. Apoptosis can occur via intrinsic or extrinsic pathways that initiate a series of intracellular and extracellular signaling events. This ultimately leads to the clearance of the cell by phagocytes. This normal physiological mechanism may be accelerated in several diseases including those involving the eyes and brain, leading to loss of structure and function. This review presents the role of PCD in the health of the eyes and brain, and the evidence presented for its aberrant role in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Abdulhussein
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mumta Kanda
- The Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHNT), London, United Kingdom
| | - Abdullah Aamir
- Whipps Cross Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Haider Manzar
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy E Yap
- The Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHNT), London, United Kingdom; The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- The Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHNT), London, United Kingdom; The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegeneration Group, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.
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49
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Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in the Retina and Optic Nerve of a Novel Glaucoma Mouse Model. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10030169. [PMID: 33668263 PMCID: PMC7996343 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and increased age and intraocular pressure (IOP) are the major risk factors. Glaucoma is characterized by the death of nerve cells and the loss of optic nerve fibers. Recently, evidence has accumulated indicating that proteins in the environment of nerve cells, called the extracellular matrix (ECM), play an important role in glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Depending on its constitution, the ECM can influence either the survival or the death of nerve cells. Thus, the aim of our study was to comparatively explore alterations of various ECM molecules in the retina and optic nerve of aged control and glaucomatous mice with chronic IOP elevation. Interestingly, we observed elevated levels of blood vessel and glial cell-associated ECM components in the glaucomatous retina and optic nerve, which could be responsible for various pathological processes. A better understanding of the underlying signaling mechanisms may help to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for glaucoma patients. Abstract Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and optic nerve fibers. Increased age and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation are the main risk factors for developing glaucoma. Mice that are heterozygous (HET) for the mega-karyocyte protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (PTP-Meg2) show chronic and progressive IOP elevation, severe RGCs loss, and optic nerve damage, and represent a valuable model for IOP-dependent primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Previously, evidence accumulated suggesting that glaucomatous neurodegeneration is associated with the extensive remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Unfortunately, little is known about the exact ECM changes in the glaucomatous retina and optic nerve. Hence, the goal of the present study was to comparatively explore ECM alterations in glaucomatous PTP-Meg2 HET and control wild type (WT) mice. Due to their potential relevance in glaucomatous neurodegeneration, we specifically analyzed the expression pattern of the ECM glycoproteins fibronectin, laminin, tenascin-C, and tenascin-R as well as the proteoglycans aggrecan, brevican, and members of the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTPβ/ζ) family. The analyses were carried out in the retina and optic nerve of glaucomatous PTP-Meg2 HET and WT mice using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Interestingly, we observed increased fibronectin and laminin levels in the glaucomatous HET retina and optic nerve compared to the WT group. RT-qPCR analyses of the laminins α4, β2 and γ3 showed an altered isoform-specific regulation in the HET retina and optic nerve. In addition, an upregulation of tenascin-C and its interaction partner RPTPβ/ζ/phosphacan was found in glaucomatous tissue. However, comparable protein and mRNA levels for tenascin-R as well as aggrecan and brevican were observed in both groups. Overall, our study showed a remodeling of various ECM components in the glaucomatous retina and optic nerve of PTP-Meg2 HET mice. This dysregulation could be responsible for pathological processes such as neovascularization, inflammation, and reactive gliosis in glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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50
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Beutgen VM, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Serological Levels of Anti-clathrin Antibodies Are Decreased in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:616421. [PMID: 33679756 PMCID: PMC7933590 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.616421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence for immunologic contribution to glaucoma pathophysiology is steadily increasing in ophthalmic research. Particularly, an altered abundance of circulating autoantibodies to ocular antigens is frequently observed. Here, we report an analysis of autoantibody abundancies to selected antigens in sera of open-angle glaucoma patients, subdivided into normal-tension glaucoma (N = 31), primary open-angle glaucoma (N = 43) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (N = 45), vs. a non-glaucomatous control group (N = 46). Serum samples were analyzed by protein microarray, including 38 antigens. Differences in antibody levels were assessed by ANOVA. Five serological antibodies showed significantly altered levels among the four groups (P < 0.05), which can be used to cluster the subjects in groups consisting mainly of PEXG or POAG/NTG samples. Among the altered autoantibodies, anti-Clathrin antibodies were identified as most important subgroup predictors, enhancing prospective glaucoma subtype prediction. As a second aim, we wanted to gain further insights into the characteristics of previously identified glaucoma-related antigens and their role in glaucoma pathogenesis. To this end, we used the bioinformatics toolset of Metascape to construct protein-protein interaction networks and GO enrichment analysis. Glaucoma-related antigens were significantly enriched in 13 biological processes, including mRNA metabolism, protein folding, blood coagulation and apoptosis, proposing a link of glaucoma-associated pathways to changes in the autoantibody repertoire. In conclusion, our study provides new aspects of the involvement of natural autoimmunity in glaucoma pathomechanisms and promotes advanced opportunities toward new diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Beutgen
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H Grus
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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