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Mezu-Ndubuisi OJ, Maheshwari A. Role of the Endothelium in Neonatal Diseases. NEWBORN 2022; 1:44-57. [PMID: 35754998 PMCID: PMC9217741 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In both fetal and neonatal physiologic and pathologic processes in most organs, endothelial cells are known to play critical roles. Although the endothelium is one of the most ubiquitous cell type in the body, the tight adherence to the blood vessel wall has made it difficult to study their diverse function and structure. In this article, we have reviewed endothelial cell origins and explored their heterogeneity in terms of structure, function, developmental changes, and their role in inflammatory and infectious diseases. We have also attempted to evaluate the untapped therapeutic potentials of endothelial cells in neonatal disease. This article comprises various peer-reviewed studies, including ours, and an extensive database literature search from EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olachi J Mezu-Ndubuisi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Akhil Maheshwari
- Global Newborn Society, Clarksville, Maryland, United States of America
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Mezu-Ndubuisi OJ, Song YS, Macke E, Johnson H, Nwaba G, Ikeda A, Sheibani N. Retinopathy of prematurity shows alterations in Vegfa 164 isoform expression. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:1677-1685. [PMID: 34285351 PMCID: PMC8770670 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathologic ocular neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other proliferative retinopathies are characterized by dysregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). A study of Vegfa isoform expression during oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR) may enhance our understanding of Vegf dysregulation. METHODS Following induction of OIR, immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on room air (RA) and OIR mice. RESULTS Total Vegfa messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was stable in RA mice, but increased in OIR mice with a peak at postnatal day 17 (P17), before returning to RA levels. Vegfa164a expression was similar in both OIR and RA mice at P10 (Phase 1 OIR), but 2.4-fold higher in OIR mice compared to RA mice at P16 (Phase 2 OIR). At P10, Vegfa164b mRNA was similar in OIR vs RA mice, but was expressed 2.5-fold higher in OIR mice compared to RA mice at P16. At P10 and P16, Vegfr2/Vegfr1 expression was increased in OIR mice compared to RA mice. Increased activation of microglia was seen in OIR mice. CONCLUSIONS Vegfa164a, Vegfa164b, and Vegfr1 were overexpressed in OIR mice, leading to abnormal signaling and angiogenesis. Further studies of mechanisms of Vegf dysregulation may lead to novel therapies for ROP and other proliferative retinopathies. IMPACT Vegfa164 has two major isoforms, a proangiogenic, Vegfa164a, and an antiangiogenic, Vegfa164b, with opposing receptors, inhibitory Vegfr1, and stimulatory Vegfr2, but their role in OIR is unclear. In Phase 1 OIR, both isoforms and receptors are expressed similarly. In Phase 2 OIR, both isoforms are overexpressed, with an increased ratio of inhibitory Vegfr1. Modulation of angiogenesis by Vegf regulation enables pruning of excess angiogenesis during physiology, but results in ineffective angiogenesis during OIR. Knowledge of VEGF dysregulation may have novel therapeutic implications in the management of ROP and retinal proliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olachi J. Mezu-Ndubuisi
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA ,grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
| | - Erica Macke
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Hailey Johnson
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
| | - Ginika Nwaba
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Akihiro Ikeda
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA ,grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Departments of Biomedical Engineering, and Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
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Kritchenkov IS, Solomatina AI, Kozina DO, Porsev VV, Sokolov VV, Shirmanova MV, Lukina MM, Komarova AD, Shcheslavskiy VI, Belyaeva TN, Litvinov IK, Salova AV, Kornilova ES, Kachkin DV, Tunik SP. Biocompatible Ir(III) Complexes as Oxygen Sensors for Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging. Molecules 2021; 26:2898. [PMID: 34068190 PMCID: PMC8153025 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthesis of biocompatible near infrared phosphorescent complexes and their application in bioimaging as triplet oxygen sensors in live systems are still challenging areas of organometallic chemistry. We have designed and synthetized four novel iridium [Ir(N^C)2(N^N)]+ complexes (N^C-benzothienyl-phenanthridine based cyclometalated ligand; N^N-pyridin-phenanthroimidazol diimine chelate), decorated with oligo(ethylene glycol) groups to impart these emitters' solubility in aqueous media, biocompatibility, and to shield them from interaction with bio-environment. These substances were fully characterized using NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass-spectrometry. The complexes exhibited excitation close to the biological "window of transparency", NIR emission at 730 nm, and quantum yields up to 12% in water. The compounds with higher degree of the chromophore shielding possess low toxicity, bleaching stability, absence of sensitivity to variations of pH, serum, and complex concentrations. The properties of these probes as oxygen sensors for biological systems have been studied by using phosphorescence lifetime imaging experiments in different cell cultures. The results showed essential lifetime response onto variations in oxygen concentration (2.0-2.3 μs under normoxia and 2.8-3.0 μs under hypoxia conditions) in complete agreement with the calibration curves obtained "in cuvette". The data obtained indicate that these emitters can be used as semi-quantitative oxygen sensors in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya S. Kritchenkov
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii av., 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.S.K.); (A.I.S.); (D.O.K.); (V.V.P.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Anastasia I. Solomatina
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii av., 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.S.K.); (A.I.S.); (D.O.K.); (V.V.P.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Daria O. Kozina
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii av., 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.S.K.); (A.I.S.); (D.O.K.); (V.V.P.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Vitaly V. Porsev
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii av., 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.S.K.); (A.I.S.); (D.O.K.); (V.V.P.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Victor V. Sokolov
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii av., 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.S.K.); (A.I.S.); (D.O.K.); (V.V.P.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Marina V. Shirmanova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhskiy Research Medical University, Minin and Pozharsky sq. 10/1, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (M.V.S.); (M.M.L.); (A.D.K.); (V.I.S.)
| | - Maria M. Lukina
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhskiy Research Medical University, Minin and Pozharsky sq. 10/1, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (M.V.S.); (M.M.L.); (A.D.K.); (V.I.S.)
| | - Anastasia D. Komarova
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhskiy Research Medical University, Minin and Pozharsky sq. 10/1, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (M.V.S.); (M.M.L.); (A.D.K.); (V.I.S.)
| | - Vladislav I. Shcheslavskiy
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhskiy Research Medical University, Minin and Pozharsky sq. 10/1, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; (M.V.S.); (M.M.L.); (A.D.K.); (V.I.S.)
- Becker&Hickl GmbH, Nunsdorfer Ring 7-9, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatiana N. Belyaeva
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky av. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (T.N.B.); (I.K.L.); (A.V.S.); (E.S.K.)
| | - Ilia K. Litvinov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky av. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (T.N.B.); (I.K.L.); (A.V.S.); (E.S.K.)
| | - Anna V. Salova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky av. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (T.N.B.); (I.K.L.); (A.V.S.); (E.S.K.)
| | - Elena S. Kornilova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky av. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (T.N.B.); (I.K.L.); (A.V.S.); (E.S.K.)
- Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnical University, Khlopina Str. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daniel V. Kachkin
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya emb., 7/9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Sergey P. Tunik
- Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii av., 26, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.S.K.); (A.I.S.); (D.O.K.); (V.V.P.); (V.V.S.)
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Ji L, Li L, Zhao Y, Liu S, Li J, Zhang J, Zhao Q, Wang S. Immunosubunit β5i Knockout Suppresses Neovascularization and Restores Autophagy in Retinal Neovascularization by Targeting ATG5 for Degradation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:30. [PMID: 33369639 PMCID: PMC7774061 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the functional role of immunoproteasome subunit β5i in pathologic retinal neovascularization (RNV) and its ability to link the immunoproteasome and autophagy. Methods Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) was induced in wild-type (WT) and β5i knockout (KO) mouse pups on a C57BL/6J background. Proteasome catalytic subunit expression and proteasome activity were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and proteasome activity. Retinal vascular anatomy and neovascularization were characterized and quantified by retinal vascular flat-mount staining, fluorescence angiography, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) immunostaining, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Correlation factors, including VEGF and ICAM-1, were detected by qPCR. Autophagy was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Autophagy biomarkers, including LC3, P62, ATG5, and ATG7, were measured by immunostaining and immunoblotting. The protein interaction between β5i and ATG5 was detected by immunoprecipitation. Results We observed that β5i had the greatest effect in WT OIR mice. Fundus fluorescence angiography, retinal flat-mount staining, and PECAM staining revealed that pathologic RNV decreased in β5i KO OIR mice compared with WT OIR mice. Concurrently, TEM, immunostaining, and immunoblotting showed that autophagy was induced in β5i KO OIR mice compared to WT OIR mice through increases in autophagosome and LC3 expression and a decrease in P62. Mechanistically, β5i interacted with ATG5 and promoted its degradation, leading to autophagy inhibition and pathogenic RNV. Conclusions This study identifies a functional role for β5i in RNV regulation. β5i deletion ameliorates RNV and restores autophagy by stabilizing ATG5. These results demonstrate the potential of β5i to serve as a bridge linking the immunoproteasome and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jianping County Hospital, Chaoyang, China
| | - Shengqiang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingmin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Aier Excellence Eye Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Mezu-Ndubuisi OJ, Maheshwari A. The role of integrins in inflammation and angiogenesis. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:1619-1626. [PMID: 33027803 PMCID: PMC8249239 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01177-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane cell adhesion molecules made up of alpha (α) and beta (β) subunits arranged in numerous dimeric pairings. These complexes have varying affinities to extracellular ligands. Integrins regulate cellular growth, proliferation, migration, signaling, and cytokine activation and release and thereby play important roles in cell proliferation and migration, apoptosis, tissue repair, as well as in all processes critical to inflammation, infection, and angiogenesis. This review presents current evidence from human and animal studies on integrin structure and molecular signaling, with particular emphasis on signal transduction in infants. We have included evidence from our own laboratory studies and from an extensive literature search in databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the electronic archives of abstracts presented at the annual meetings of the Pediatric Academic Societies. To avoid bias in identification of existing studies, key words were short-listed prior to the actual search both from anecdotal experience and from PubMed's Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) thesaurus. IMPACT: Integrins are a family of ubiquitous αβ heterodimeric receptors that interact with numerous ligands in physiology and disease. Integrins play a key role in cell proliferation, tissue repair, inflammation, infection, and angiogenesis. This review summarizes current evidence from human and animal studies on integrin structure and molecular signaling and promising role in diseases of inflammation, infection, and angiogenesis in infants. This review shows that integrin receptors and ligands are novel therapeutic targets of clinical interest and hold promise as novel therapeutic targets in the management of several neonatal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olachi J. Mezu-Ndubuisi
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
| | - Akhil Maheshwari
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
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Wang Y, Wang X, Wang YX, Ma Y, Di Y. Effect and mechanism of the long noncoding RNA MALAT1 on retinal neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity. Life Sci 2020; 260:118299. [PMID: 32827542 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The most typical pathological manifestation of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is Retinal neovascularization (RNV). Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been reported to mediate angiogenesis. Our experiment aimed to research the effect and mechanism of the MALAT1 on RNV in ROP. MAIN METHODS C57 mice was used to establish oxygen-introduced retinopathy (OIR), and divided into control, hyperoxia, hyperoxia control siRNA, and hyperoxia MALAT1 siRNA groups. KEY FINDINGS It was shown that MALAT1 mRNA was high expressed in the retinas of OIR mice. Further studies revealed that after intravitreal injection of MALAT1 siRNA, the degree of retinopathy was significantly reduced compared with OIR group. In addition, the protein and mRNA expression levels of CCN1, AKT and VEGF were significantly decreased. This was accompanied by a decrease in inflammatory genes including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with the hyperoxia control siRNA mice. SIGNIFICANCE The result suggested that MALAT1 may be involved in the process of RNV in ROP and MALAT1 siRNA may be a promising agent for the treatment of ROP by inhibiting RNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, PR China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, PR China
| | - Yue-Xia Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, PR China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, PR China
| | - Yu Di
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, PR China.
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Sivaraj KK, Dharmalingam B, Mohanakrishnan V, Jeong HW, Kato K, Schröder S, Adams S, Koh GY, Adams RH. YAP1 and TAZ negatively control bone angiogenesis by limiting hypoxia-inducible factor signaling in endothelial cells. eLife 2020; 9:50770. [PMID: 31958058 PMCID: PMC6970532 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels are integrated into different organ environments with distinct properties and physiology (Augustin and Koh, 2017). A striking example of organ-specific specialization is the bone vasculature where certain molecular signals yield the opposite effect as in other tissues (Glomski et al., 2011; Kusumbe et al., 2014; Ramasamy et al., 2014). Here, we show that the transcriptional coregulators Yap1 and Taz, components of the Hippo pathway, suppress vascular growth in the hypoxic microenvironment of bone, in contrast to their pro-angiogenic role in other organs. Likewise, the kinase Lats2, which limits Yap1/Taz activity, is essential for bone angiogenesis but dispensable in organs with lower levels of hypoxia. With mouse genetics, RNA sequencing, biochemistry, and cell culture experiments, we show that Yap1/Taz constrain hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) target gene expression in vivo and in vitro. We propose that crosstalk between Yap1/Taz and HIF1α controls angiogenesis depending on the level of tissue hypoxia, resulting in organ-specific biological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishor K Sivaraj
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Backialakshmi Dharmalingam
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Vishal Mohanakrishnan
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hyun-Woo Jeong
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Katsuhiro Kato
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Silke Schröder
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gou Young Koh
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute of Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ralf H Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Kim Y, Hong HK, Park JR, Choi W, Woo SJ, Park KH, Oh WY. Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy and Choroidopathy: In Vivo Longitudinal Observation of Vascular Changes Using OCTA. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3932-3942. [PMID: 30073364 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the retinal and choroidal vasculatures of an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) rat model using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as well as to verify the performance of OCTA for visualizing in vivo vascular alterations, longitudinally and quantitatively. Methods To induce OIR, Sprague Dawley rat pups were incubated in an 80% oxygen chamber from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P11 and returned to room air. OCTA imaging was performed in six eyes at P15, P18, P21, and P24. All eyes were imaged with ex vivo retinal flat mount immunofluorescence microscopy for comparison with OCTA. The areas of the neovascular tufts, retinal vessel tortuosities and diameters, and vessel densities of different retinal and choroidal layers were quantified. Results The neovascular tufts were observed in two OIR eyes. The tuft areas decreased spontaneously from P18 to P24. The increase in arterial tortuosity and venous dilation were observed in the OIR eyes at P15 and P18. The retardation of vascular developments was observed in the deep vascular plexus and the choroidal layer in the OIR group while the superficial vascular plexus did not show developmental delay. Conclusions This study demonstrates an application of OCTA for quantitative and longitudinal studies on in vivo vascular alterations, including neovascular tufts, increase in arterial tortuosity, venous dilation, and developmental delay in the OIR rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,KI for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Kyoung Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), Seongnam, Gyeongi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Ryul Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,KI for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - WooJhon Choi
- KI for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), Seongnam, Gyeongi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Hyung Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), Seongnam, Gyeongi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Wang-Yuhl Oh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,KI for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Mezu-Ndubuisi OJ, Wang Y, Schoephoerster J, Falero-Perez J, Zaitoun IS, Sheibani N, Gong S. Intravitreal Delivery of VEGF-A 165-loaded PLGA Microparticles Reduces Retinal Vaso-Obliteration in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity. Curr Eye Res 2018; 44:275-286. [PMID: 30383455 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2018.1542736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition of abnormal retinal vascularization with reduced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) causing vaso-obliteration (Phase I), followed by abnormal neovascularization from increased VEGF (Phase II). We hypothesized that intravitreal pro-angiogenic VEGF-A in microparticle form would promote earlier retinal revascularization in an oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR) mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wildtype mice (39) were exposed to 77% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12. VEGF-A165-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (n = 15) or empty PLGA (n = 14) microparticles were fabricated using a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion method, and injected intravitreally at P13 into mice right eyes (RE). Left eyes (LE) were untreated. At P20, after retinal fluorescein angiography, vascular parameters were quantified. Retinal VEGF levels at P13 and flatmounts at P20 were performed separately. RESULTS VEGF-A165-loaded microparticles had a mean diameter of 4.2 μm. with a loading level of 8.6 weight.%. Retinal avascular area was reduced in VEGF-treated RE (39.5 ± 9.0%) compared to untreated LE (52.6 ± 6.1%, p < 0.0001) or empty microparticle-treated RE (p < 0.001) and untreated LEs (p = 0.001). Retinal arteries in VEGF-treated RE were less tortuous than untreated LE (1.08 ± 0.05 vs. 1.18 ± 0.08, p < 0.001) or empty-microparticles-treated RE (p = 0.02). Retinal arterial tortuosity was similar in the LE of VEGF and empty microparticle-treated mice (P > 0.05). Retinal vein width was similar in VEGF-treated and empty microparticle-treated RE (P > 0.9), which were each less dilated than their contralateral LE (p < 0.01). VEGF levels were higher in P13 OIR mice than RA mice (p < 0.0001). Retinal flatmounts showed vaso-obliteration and neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS Endogenous retinal VEGF is suppressed in OIR mice. Exogenous intravitreal VEGF-A165-loaded microparticles in OIR mice reduced retinal vaso-obliteration and accelerated recovery from vein dilation and arterial tortuosity. This may be beneficial in preventing Phase II ROP without systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olachi J Mezu-Ndubuisi
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA.,b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Yuyuan Wang
- c Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Wisconsin Institute for Discovery , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Jamee Schoephoerster
- a Department of Pediatrics , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Juliana Falero-Perez
- b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Ismail S Zaitoun
- b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA.,d Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- c Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Wisconsin Institute for Discovery , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA.,d Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
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Simultaneous assessment of aberrant retinal vascularization, thickness, and function in an in vivo mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy model. Eye (Lond) 2018; 33:363-373. [PMID: 30209267 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition of abnormal retinal vascularization in premature infants. The effect of abnormal vascularization on retinal structure and function is unclear. In vivo studies of retinal vascularization, thickness, and function were performed in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR mice). METHODS Eighteen mice were exposed to hyperoxia at postnatal day (P) 7, whereas 18 mice were raised in room air (RA). At P20 and 40, electroretinogram was performed for a-wave and b-wave amplitudes and peak times, followed by simultaneous fluorescein angiography for retinal avascular area, arterial tortuosity, and vein dilation assessments, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography for retinal thickness. RESULTS Capillary density appeared sparser in OIR mice, but retinal avascular area similar to RA mice. Retinal artery tortuosity was higher at P20 and P40 (P = 0.0001) in OIR than RA mice. OIR mice had dilated retinal veins at P20 and thinner inner retinas at P40. Retinal vein width positively correlated with inner retinal thickness (P = 0.008). b-wave amplitude was decreased in avascular retinal areas, and correlated with inner retinal thinning. b-wave peak time was prolonged in adult OIR mice at high intensities (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Focal variations in retinal vascularization of OIR mice correlate with thickness and function. Adult OIR mice had increased retinal artery tortuosity, prolonged b-wave peak time, and decreased retinal vein width with inner retina attrition. These suggest abnormalities in inner retinal morphology or post-receptor signaling. Studying interactions between retinal vascular, structural, and functional changes could enhance knowledge of OIR pathogenesis and potential therapies.
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Simultaneous Fluorescein Angiography and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Correlate Retinal Thickness Changes to Vascular Abnormalities in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity. J Ophthalmol 2017; 2017:9620876. [PMID: 28573047 PMCID: PMC5442435 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9620876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition of abnormal retinal vascular development (RVD) in premature infants. Fluorescein angiography (FA) has depicted phases (early, mid, late, and mature) of RVD in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. We sought to establish the relationship between retinal structural and vascular changes using simultaneous FA and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Method 63 mice were exposed to 77% oxygen at postnatal day 7 (P7) for 5 days, while 63 mice remained in room air (RA). Total retinal thickness (TRT), inner retinal thickness (IRT), and outer retinal thickness (ORT) were calculated at early (P19), mid (P24), late (P32), and mature (P47) phases of RVD. Results TRT was reduced in OIR (162.66 ± 17.75 μm, n = 13) compared to RA mice at P19 (197.57 ± 3.49 μm, n = 14), P24, P32, and P49 (P < 0.0001). ORT was similar in RA and OIR mice at all ages (P > 0.05). IRT was reduced in OIR (71.60 ± 17.14 μm) compared to RA (103.07 ± 3.47 μm) mice at P19 and all ages (P < 0.0001). Conclusion We have shown the spatial and temporal relationship between retinal structure and vascular development in OIR. Significant inner retinal thinning in OIR mice persisted despite revascularization of the capillary network; further studies will elucidate its functional implications in ROP.
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12
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Abstract
Purpose Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding vasoproliferative disease. There is no standardized way to quantify plus disease (tortuous and dilated retinal vessels) or characterize abnormal recovery during ROP monitoring. This study objectively studies vascular features in live mice during development using noninvasive retinal imaging. Methods Using fluorescein angiography (FA), retinal vascular features were quantified in live mice with oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR). A total of 105 wild-type mice were exposed to 77% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) till P12 (OIR mice). Also, 105 age-matched pups were raised in room air (RA mice). In vivo FA was performed at early (P16 to P20), mid (P23 to P27), late (P30 to P34), and mature (P47) phases of retinal vascular development. Retinal vascular area, retinal vein width, and retinal artery tortuosity were quantified. Results Retinal artery tortuosity was higher in OIR than RA mice at early (p < 0.0001), mid (p < 0.0001), late (p < 0.0001), and mature (p < 0.0001) phases. Retinal vascular area in OIR mice increased from early to mid-phase (p < 0.0001), but remained unchanged from mid to late (p = 0.23), and from late to mature phase (p = 0.98). Retinal vein width was larger in OIR mice compared to RA mice during early phase only. Arteries in OIR mice were more tortuous from early to mid-phase (p < 0.0001), but tortuosity remained stable from mid through mature phase. RA mice had an increase in retinal vascular area from early to late phase, but maintained uniform retinal vein width and retinal artery tortuosity in all phases. Conclusions In vivo FA distinguished arterial and venous features, similar to plus disease, and revealed aberrant recovery of OIR mice (arterial tortuosity, reduced capillary density, and absent neovascular buds) that persisted into adulthood. Retinal artery tortuosity may be a reliable, objective marker of severity of ROP. Infants with abnormal retinal vascular recovery may need extended monitoring.
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13
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Fukuda S, Okuda K, Kishino G, Hoshi S, Kawano I, Fukuda M, Yamashita T, Beheregaray S, Nagano M, Ohneda O, Nagasawa H, Oshika T. In vivo retinal and choroidal hypoxia imaging using a novel activatable hypoxia-selective near-infrared fluorescent probe. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 254:2373-2385. [PMID: 27572140 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3476-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal hypoxia plays a crucial role in ocular neovascular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal vascular occlusion. Fluorescein angiography is useful for identifying the hypoxia extent by detecting non-perfusion areas or neovascularization, but its ability to detect early stages of hypoxia is limited. Recently, in vivo fluorescent probes for detecting hypoxia have been developed; however, these have not been extensively applied in ophthalmology. We evaluated whether a novel donor-excited photo-induced electron transfer (d-PeT) system based on an activatable hypoxia-selective near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) probe (GPU-327) responds to both mild and severe hypoxia in various ocular ischemic diseases animal models. METHODS The ocular fundus examination offers unique opportunities for direct observation of the retina through the transparent cornea and lens. After injection of GPU-327 in various ocular hypoxic diseases of mouse and rabbit models, NIRF imaging in the ocular fundus can be performed noninvasively and easily by using commercially available fundus cameras. To investigate the safety of GPU-327, electroretinograms were also recorded after GPU-327 and PBS injection. RESULT Fluorescence of GPU-327 increased under mild hypoxic conditions in vitro. GPU-327 also yielded excellent signal-to-noise ratio without washing out in vivo experiments. By using near-infrared region, GPU-327 enables imaging of deeper ischemia, such as choroidal circulation. Additionally, from an electroretinogram, GPU-327 did not cause neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS GPU-327 identified hypoxic area both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Fukuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kensuke Okuda
- Laboratory of Bioorganic & Natural Products Chemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Genichiro Kishino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sujin Hoshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Itsuki Kawano
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahiro Fukuda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Yamashita
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Simone Beheregaray
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masumi Nagano
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Osamu Ohneda
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hideko Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Oshika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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14
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Abstract
Abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina is a hallmark of many retinal diseases, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. In particular, ROP has been an important health concern for physicians since the advent of routine supplemental oxygen therapy for premature neonates more than 70 years ago. Since then, researchers have explored several animal models to better understand ROP and retinal vascular development. Of these models, the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) has become the most widely used, and has played a pivotal role in our understanding of retinal angiogenesis and ocular immunology, as well as in the development of groundbreaking therapeutics such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for wet age-related macular degeneration. Numerous refinements to the model have been made since its inception in the 1950s, and technological advancements have expanded the use of the model across multiple scientific fields. In this review, we explore the historical developments that have led to the mouse OIR model utilized today, essential concepts of OIR, limitations of the model, and a representative selection of key findings from OIR, with particular emphasis on current research progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford B Kim
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School; Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kip M Connor
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
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15
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Nanoengineering of therapeutics for retinal vascular disease. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 95:323-30. [PMID: 26022642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Retinal vascular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, neovascular age related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion, are leading causes of blindness in the Western world. These diseases share several common disease mechanisms, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, hypoxia, and inflammation, which provide opportunities for common therapeutic strategies. Treatment of these diseases using laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, and/or steroids has significantly improved clinical outcomes. However, these strategies do not address the underlying root causes of pathology, and may have deleterious side effects. Furthermore, many patients continue to progress toward legal blindness despite receiving regular therapy. Nanomedicine, the engineering of therapeutics at the 1-100 nm scale, is a promising approach for improving clinical management of retinal vascular diseases. Nanomedicine-based technologies have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of ophthalmology, through enabling sustained release of drugs over several months, reducing side effects due to specific targeting of dysfunctional cells, and interfacing with currently "undruggable" targets. We will discuss emerging nanomedicine-based applications for the treatment of complications associated with retinal vascular diseases, including angiogenesis and inflammation.
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Mezu-Ndubuisi OJ, Wanek J, Chau FY, Teng PY, Blair NP, Reddy NM, Raj JU, Reddy SP, Shahidi M. Correspondence of retinal thinning and vasculopathy in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2014; 122:119-22. [PMID: 24703909 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aberrantly vascularized peripheral retina in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) may be associated with visual field constriction, retinal dysfunction, and abnormalities in retinal thickness which is commonly assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). However, due to the limitation of SDOCT for peripheral retinal imaging, retinal thickness in avascular peripheral retina in ROP has not been evaluated. Oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) in mice has features of vasculopathy similar to those in human ROP. These features occur in the posterior retina and thereby are accessible by standard imaging methods. The purpose of the current study was to determine the correspondence between abnormalities in retinal thickness and vasculopathy in neonatal OIR mice by simultaneous SDOCT imaging and fluorescein angiography (FA). Newborn mice (N = 19; C57BL/6J strain) were exposed to 77% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12. Age-matched control mice (N = 12) were raised in room air. FA and SDOCT were performed in mice between P17 and P19 to visualize retinal vasculature and measure retinal thickness, respectively. Retinal thickness measurements in vascular regions of interest (ROIs) of control mice, and in hypovascular and avascular ROIs of OIR mice were compared. In control mice, FA showed uniformly dense retinal capillary networks between major retinal vessels and retinal thickness of vascular ROIs was 260 ± 7 μm (N = 12). In OIR mice, FA displayed hypovascular regions with less dense and fewer capillaries and avascular regions devoid of visible capillaries. Retinal thickness measurements of hypovascular and avascular ROIs were 243 ± 21 μm and 209 ± 11 μm (N = 19), respectively. Retinal thickness in hypovascular and avascular ROIs of OIR mice was significantly lower than in vascular ROIs of control mice (p ≤ 0.01). Likewise, retinal thickness in avascular ROIs was significantly lower than in hypovascular ROIs (p < 0.001). Retinal thinning in hypovascular and avascular regions may be due to arrested retinal development and/or ischemia induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olachi J Mezu-Ndubuisi
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Justin Wanek
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Felix Y Chau
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Pang-Yu Teng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Norman P Blair
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Narsa M Reddy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood Street Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - J Usha Raj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood Street Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sekhar P Reddy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood Street Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mahnaz Shahidi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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