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Taylor TRP, Menten MJ, Rueckert D, Sivaprasad S, Lotery AJ. The role of the retinal vasculature in age-related macular degeneration: a spotlight on OCTA. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:442-449. [PMID: 37673970 PMCID: PMC10858204 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02721-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a disease with high morbidity and an incompletely understood pathophysiological mechanism. The ocular blood supply has been implicated in the development of the disease process, of which most research has focused on the role of the choroid and choriocapillaris. Recently, interest has developed into the role of the retinal vasculature in AMD, particularly with the advent of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), which enables non-invasive imaging of the eye's blood vessels. This review summarises the up-to-date body of work in this field including the proposed links between observed changes in the retinal vessels and the development of AMD and potential future directions for research in this area. The review highlights that the strongest evidence supports the observation that patients with early to intermediate AMD have reduced vessel density in the superficial vascular complex of the retina, but also emphasises the need for caution when interpreting such studies due to their variable methodologies and nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R P Taylor
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin J Menten
- BioMedIA, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute for AI and Informatics in Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Rueckert
- BioMedIA, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute for AI and Informatics in Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Hecht I, Shemer A, Vardi M, Braudo S, Dubinsky-Pertzov B, Or L, Pras E. Between-eye correlation of ocular parameters. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024:S0008-4182(23)00389-7. [PMID: 38219792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is accepted that ocular parameters are more correlated with the fellow eye. This poses a challenge in ophthalmic research. There is a relative scarcity of data concerning the extent of correlation. The aim of this study was to analyze and quantify the correlation of different ocular parameters. DESIGN Historical registry analysis. PARTICIPANTS All patients examined in a 10-year period (2011-2021) in one academic tertiary medical centre in central Israel. METHODS Data from optical coherence tomography examinations and biometry of a single examination of both eyes taken at the same time from each patient was included. Pearson's r values were calculated to estimate the extent of correlation. RESULTS A total of 17,212 patients were included. Mean age was 73 ± 12.7 years, and 54.5% were female. All examined parameters were highly statistically significantly correlated between eyes (all with p < 0.1 × 10-36), whereas the strength of correlation differed. Very weak correlation was seen in central macular thickness (r = 0.189), and a weak correlation was seen in anterior-chamber depth (r = 0.379) and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (r = 0.479). A strong correlation was seen in central corneal thickness (r = 0.754), and a very strong correlation was seen in axial length (r = 0.900). CONCLUSIONS In a retrospective analysis of optical coherence tomography and biometry measurements of >10,000 patients, all examined parameters were highly statistically significantly correlated. Correlation magnitude varied, with structural characteristics more correlated than functional ones. Including both eyes in an outcome analysis likely will introduce bias. We recommend adjusting for inter-eye correlation in all studies assessing ocular outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Hecht
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Asaf Shemer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Vardi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Braudo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel
| | - Biana Dubinsky-Pertzov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Or
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Pras
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Matlow's Ophthalmo-Genetics Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center, Tzrifin, Israel
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3
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Gao Y, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Yang T, Moreira P, Sun G. Reduction of retinal vessel density in non-exudative macular neovascularization: a retrospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1219423. [PMID: 38239611 PMCID: PMC10794739 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1219423] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify predictive activation biomarkers in retinal microvascular characteristics of non-exudative macular neovascularization (MNV) and avoid delayed treatment or overtreatment of subclinical MNV. The main objective is to contribute to the international debate on a new understanding of the role of retinal vessel features in the pathogenesis and progression of non-exudative MNV and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A discussion on revising-related clinical protocols is presented. Methods In this retrospective study, the authors included eyes with non-exudative MNV, eyes with exudative AMD, and normal eyes of age-matched healthy subjects. The parameters were obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Results In total, 21 eyes with exudative AMD, 21 eyes with non-exudative MNV, and 20 eyes of 20 age-matched healthy subjects without retinal pathology were included. Vessel density (VD) of the deep vascular complex (DVC) in eyes with non-exudative MNV was significantly greater than that in eyes with exudative AMD (p = 0.002), while for superficial vascular plexus (SVP) metrics, no VD differences among sectors were observed between eyes with non-exudative MNV and eyes with exudative AMD. Conclusion The reduction in retinal vessel density, especially in the DVC, seems to be involved in or be accompanied by non-exudative MNV activation and should be closely monitored during follow-up visits in order to ensure prompt anti-angiogenic therapy. A discussion on applicable clinical protocols is presented aiming to contribute to new insights into ophthalmology service development which is directed to this specific type of patient and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Su Zhang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Paulo Moreira
- International Healthcare Management Research and Development Center (IHM-RDC), Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Atlantica Instituto Universitario, Gestao em Saude, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Guangli Sun
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Cheng AMS, Chalam KV, Brar VS, Yang DTY, Bhatt J, Banoub RG, Gupta SK. Recent Advances in Imaging Macular Atrophy for Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3635. [PMID: 38132220 PMCID: PMC10742961 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243635] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In late-stage AMD, geographic atrophy (GA) of dry AMD or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of neovascular AMD eventually results in macular atrophy (MA), leading to significant visual loss. Despite the development of innovative therapies, there are currently no established effective treatments for MA. As a result, early detection of MA is critical in identifying later central macular involvement throughout time. Accurate and early diagnosis is achieved through a combination of clinical examination and imaging techniques. Our review of the literature depicts advances in retinal imaging to identify biomarkers of progression and risk factors for late AMD. Imaging methods like fundus photography; dye-based angiography; fundus autofluorescence (FAF); near-infrared reflectance (NIR); optical coherence tomography (OCT); and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can be used to detect and monitor the progression of retinal atrophy. These evolving diverse imaging modalities optimize detection of pathologic anatomy and measurement of visual function; they may also contribute to the understanding of underlying mechanistic pathways, particularly the underlying MA changes in late AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny M. S. Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33064, USA; (A.M.S.C.); (R.G.B.)
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Kakarla V. Chalam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Vikram S. Brar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - David T. Y. Yang
- College of Biological Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Jineel Bhatt
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
| | - Raphael G. Banoub
- Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33064, USA; (A.M.S.C.); (R.G.B.)
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
| | - Shailesh K. Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33064, USA; (A.M.S.C.); (R.G.B.)
- Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL 33067, USA;
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Tao T, Xu N, Li J, Zhao M, Li X, Huang L. Conditional loss of Ube3d in the retinal pigment epithelium accelerates age-associated alterations in the retina of mice. J Pathol 2023; 261:442-454. [PMID: 37772657 DOI: 10.1002/path.6201] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested a correlation between the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with its phenotypic severity ranging from mild visual impairment to blindness, but the mechanism for UPS dysfunction contributing to disease progression is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of ubiquitin protein ligase E3D (UBE3D) in aging and degeneration in mouse retina. Conditional knockout of Ube3d in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of mice led to progressive and irregular fundus lesions, attenuation of the retinal vascular system, and age-associated deterioration of rod and cone responses. Simultaneously, RPE-specific Ube3d knockout mice also presented morphological changes similar to the histopathological characteristics of human AMD, in which a defective UPS led to RPE abnormalities such as phagocytosis or degradation of metabolites, the interaction with photoreceptor outer segment, and the transport of nutrients or waste products with choroidal capillaries via Bruch's membrane. Moreover, conditional loss of Ube3d resulted in aberrant molecular characterizations associated with the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, oxidative stress damage, and cell-cycle regulation, which are implicated in AMD pathology. Thus, our findings strengthen and expand the impact of UPS dysfunction on retinal pathophysiology during aging, indicating that genetic Ube3d deficiency in the RPE could lead to the abnormal formation of pigment deposits and secondary fundus alterations. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchang Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, PR China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, PR China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Ningda Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, PR China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, PR China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, PR China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaoxin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, PR China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, PR China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, PR China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, PR China
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Narnaware SH, Bansal A, Bawankule PK, Raje D, Chakraborty M. Vessel density changes in choroid, chorio-capillaries, deep and superficial retinal plexues on OCTA in normal ageing and various stages of age-related macular degeneration. Int Ophthalmol 2023; 43:3523-3532. [PMID: 37340155 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02758-3] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study vessel density (VD) on optical coherence tomography angiography at choroid, chorio-capillaries (CC) and various retinal levels in normal population and various stages of dry AMD and how these changes progress with increase in severity of the disease. METHODS Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was done on 252 eyes of 132 patients (males: 61, females: 71) presenting to tertiary-care centre in Central India between February 2021 and January 2022. For study purpose, eyes were divided into five groups according to the size and number of the drusen, viz, Group 1: No AMD (< 50 years), Group 2: No AMD (> 50 years), Group 3: Early AMD, Group 4: Intermediate AMD and Group 5: Advanced AMD. In all eyes, VD was measured at choroid, CC, deep capillary plexus (DCP) of retina and superficial capillary plexus (SCP) of retina. RESULTS The mean age in case cohort is 61.90 ± 7.97 years. The mean vascular density differed significantly across diagnosis types in all the quadrants (p < 0.05) at choroid, CC and DCP level. At SCP level, the differences were significant across the groups except at the central quadrant. Vessel density was found to be more in early AMD cohort when compared to No AMD (> 50 years) cohort at SCP and DCP level, while it showed continuous reduction later in intermediate and advanced AMD cohort. CONCLUSION With increase in the severity of disease, significant reduction in VD is also seen in retinal plexuses, along with the changes in choroid and CC. These VD maps may play a role as non-invasive biomarkers for healthy and diseased ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi H Narnaware
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India.
| | - Anju Bansal
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India
| | - Prashant K Bawankule
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India
| | - Dhananjay Raje
- MDS Bio-Analytics Pvt. Ltd, Plot No: 127, Sakar Enclave, Shankar Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440010, India
| | - Moumita Chakraborty
- MDS Bio-Analytics Pvt. Ltd, Plot No: 127, Sakar Enclave, Shankar Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440010, India
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Bansal A, Narnaware SH, Bawankule PK, Gupta R, Nagdeve R. Retro-mode: a newer insight into dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lasers Med Sci 2023; 38:178. [PMID: 37552467 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03845-8] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to study the role of retro-mode (RM) in early detection and to compare it with other preexisting available modalities on multimodal imaging system in dry AMD. A prospective observational cross-sectional study was done between November 2020 and October 2021 which included 409 eyes of 207 patients. For study purpose, eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the size and number of the drusen, viz, group 1: No AMD, group 2: early AMD and group 3: intermediate AMD which was further divided into 2 subgroups, viz, subgroup A: eyes with drusen size 63-125 μm and subgroup B: eyes with drusen size 125-250 μm. Patients with active or treated wet AMD, scarred choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM), other maculopathies, other retinopathies, high myopia, trauma and glaucoma were excluded from the study. In cases of No AMD and early AMD, a number of drusens detected on RM were statistically not significant compared to fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and color photo (CF), but in intermediate AMD cases, it was statistically significant. While the area involved by drusens calculated by RM was statistically significant compared to both other modalities. When all modalities were compared with enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) at the choroid and chorio-capillary (CC) level and vessel density (VD) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at the choroid, capillaries, deep retinal and superficial retinal plexus level; it was only RM which was found to be in sync with these proven modalities in terms of pattern and trend. In the present scenario, RM is found to be a better diagnostic modality in detecting early and a greater number of drusens with area of involvement than other existing modalities. Though superior, as found in this study, this mode cannot replace other modalities at present but only acts as a complementary investigation in early detection of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Bansal
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India.
| | - Shilpi H Narnaware
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India
| | - Prashant K Bawankule
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India
| | - Richa Gupta
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India
| | - Rakesh Nagdeve
- Sarakshi Netralaya, 19, Rajiv Nagar, Wardha Road, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440025, India
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Goździewska E, Wichrowska M, Kocięcki J. Early Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers for Selected Retinal Diseases-A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2444. [PMID: 37510188 PMCID: PMC10378475 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142444] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive, easily accessible imaging technique that enables diagnosing several retinal diseases at various stages of development. This review discusses early OCT findings as non-invasive imaging biomarkers for predicting the future development of selected retinal diseases, with emphasis on age-related macular degeneration, macular telangiectasia, and drug-induced maculopathies. Practitioners, by being able to predict the development of many conditions and start treatment at the earliest stage, may thus achieve better treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Goździewska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Wichrowska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jarosław Kocięcki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznań, Poland
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Zhao B, Zhu L, Ye M, Lou X, Mou Q, Hu Y, Zhang H, Zhao Y. Oxidative stress and epigenetics in ocular vascular aging: an updated review. Mol Med 2023; 29:28. [PMID: 36849907 PMCID: PMC9972630 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular aging is an inevitable process with advancing age, which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and microvascular diseases. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by microvascular dysfunction, are the common causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, however there is still a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for rescuing the visual function. In order to develop novel treatments, it is essential to illuminate the pathological mechanisms underlying the vascular aging during DR and AMD progression. In this review, we have summarized the recent discoveries of the effects of oxidative stress and epigenetics on microvascular degeneration, which could provide potential therapeutic targets for DR and AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lijia Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaotong Lou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qianxue Mou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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CHOROIDAL VASCULARITY INDEX IN HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE TOXIC RETINOPATHY: A Quantitative Comparative Analysis Using Enhanced Depth Imaging In Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography. Retina 2023; 43:94-101. [PMID: 36201756 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate choroidal involvement in eyes of patients treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), by quantifying the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and other choroidal biomarkers. METHODS Vertical enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were performed in eyes with either advanced-stage or mild HCQ toxic retinopathy, as well as in healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls. Based on SD-OCT scans, the subfoveal and mean choroidal thickness (ChT) was measured. The CVI, total choroidal area (TCA), luminal choroidal area (LCA), and stromal choroidal area (SCA) were calculated based on a binarization image process. These variables were computed and compared between the three groups (i.e., advanced stage, mild toxicity, and healthy controls). RESULTS Forty-eight eyes of 47 patients under HCQ (26 eyes presented with advanced stage HCQ toxicity and 22 eyes with mild toxicity) and 34 eyes of 31 healthy controls were included. Both CVI and ChT were significantly different between the three groups ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001). When comparing the advanced stage toxicity group to healthy controls, both the subfoveal and the mean ChT were diminished ( P < 0.001). The CVI, TCA, LCA, and SCA were significantly lower in the advanced stage of toxicity group when compared with controls ( P < 0.001, <0.00001, <0.0001, and P = 0.0094, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that eyes with HCQ toxic retinopathy, especially at advanced stages, present with choroidal impairment, giving further pathophysiological insights into the unfolding of this retinal toxicity.
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Yang W, Song C, Gao M, Wang S, Yu H, Li Y. Effects of smoking on the retina of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration by optical coherence tomography angiography. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:315. [PMID: 35869464 PMCID: PMC9308247 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The macula of the retina is analysed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to provide clinical basis and explain the mechanism of smoking as a risk factor in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods This cross-sectional study included 49 normal control nonsmokers, 12 normal control smokers, 38 dry AMD nonsmokers and 35 dry AMD smokers. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), foveal density (FD) in a 300 μm region around FAZ, vessel densities of the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses and central fovea retinal thickness (FRT) were compared using OCTA. The bivariate correlation analysis was used to evaluate the effect of pack–year history on retina-related indices. Results The vessel densities of whole, foveal and parafoveal of SCP and whole and parafoveal of DCP in the control nonsmoking group were all significantly higher than those in the dry AMD nonsmoking group (all P < 0.05), whereas the whole vessel density of SCP in the normal smoking group was higher than that in the dry AMD smoking group (P = 0.04). The thickness values of the inner and full-layer FRT in the normal nonsmoking group were significantly thicker than those in the dry AMD nonsmoking group (all P < 0.01). The pack–year history was negatively correlated with the parafoveal vessel density of DCP (r = − 0.224, P < 0.01). Conclusions FD, SCP, DCP and FRT are sensitive indices for the detection of early and intermediate dry AMD. DCP is a sensitive indicator that reflects the effects of smoking on the retina. Considerable changes are observed in retinal vessels, suggesting that dry AMD may affect the retinal tissue to a certain extent.
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Savastano MC, Fossataro C, Carlà MM, Fantozzi C, Falsini B, Savastano A, Rizzo C, Kilian R, Rizzo S. OCT angiography analysis of choriocapillaris vascular density in different stages of age-related macular degeneration. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:985262. [PMID: 38983525 PMCID: PMC11182125 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.985262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives To analyze the choriocapillaris vessel density (CVD) of eyes at different stages of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA). Methods This is a prospective observational cross-sectional study on 21 age-matched healthy eyes and 84 eyes with AMD (i.e., early AMD, late AMD, Geographic Atrophy [GA], and disciform scar AMD). OCTA was used to automatically measure the CVD (%), on both the whole macula and the foveal area, in a layer going from 9 µm above to 30 µm below the Bruch's membrane. Furthermore, in the GA subgroup, the extension of the Ellipsoid Zone (EZ) interruption and the area of macular chorio-retinal atrophy was analyzed. Results Macular CVD was significantly lower in the GA, late AMD and disciform scar AMD-subgroups compared to controls (respectively, p=0.0052; p<0.0001; p=0.0003), whereas it did not significantly vary in the early AMD group (p=0.86). A significant difference between the early AMD and both the late AMD and the disciform scar AMD subgroups was also found (p=0.0009 and 0.0095, respectively). When comparing the foveal CVD of healthy and AMD eyes, a significant difference was found with every AMD subgroup (early AMD, p=0.011; GA, p<0.0001; late AMD, p<0.0001; disciform scar AMD, p<0.0001). Furthermore, in the GA subgroup, the CVD had an inverse correlation with both the extension of the EZ-interruption (p=0.012) and with the calculated chorio-retinal atrophic area (p=0.009). Conclusions OCTA could play a crucial role in the categorization of AMD, allowing for the evaluation of gradual flow impairment at different stages of the disease. Moreover, the detection of a decreased macular and foveal CVD may shed light on the pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Savastano
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Fossataro
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Mario Carlà
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fantozzi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfonso Savastano
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Rizzo
- Ophthalmology Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Stanislao Rizzo
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale della Ricerca (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Pisa, Italy
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Fehér J, Élő Á, István L, Nagy ZZ, Radák Z, Scuderi G, Artico M, Kovács I. Microbiota mitochondria disorders as hubs for early age-related macular degeneration. GeroScience 2022; 44:2623-2653. [PMID: 35978068 PMCID: PMC9385247 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00620-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the central area (macula lutea) of the retina. Research on the pathogenic mechanism of AMD showed complex cellular contribution governed by such risk factors as aging, genetic predisposition, diet, and lifestyle. Recent studies suggested that microbiota is a transducer and a modifier of risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, and mitochondria may be one of the intracellular targets of microbial signaling molecules. This review explores studies supporting a new concept on the contribution of microbiota-mitochondria disorders to AMD. We discuss metabolic, vascular, immune, and neuronal mechanism in AMD as well as key alterations of photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane, choriocapillaris endothelial, immune, and neuronal cells. Special attention was paid to alterations of mitochondria contact sites (MCSs), an organelle network of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets (LDs), and peroxisomes being documented based on our own electron microscopic findings from surgically removed human eyes. Morphometry of Bruch's membrane lipids and proteoglycans has also been performed in early AMD and aged controls. Microbial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, polyphenols, and secondary bile acids) and microbial compounds (lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and bacterial DNA)-now called postbiotics-in addition to local effects on resident microbiota and mucous membrane, regulate systemic metabolic, vascular, immune, and neuronal mechanisms in normal conditions and in various common diseases. We also discuss their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects as well as experimental and clinical observations on regulating the main processes of photoreceptor renewal, mitophagy, and autophagy in early AMD. These findings support an emerging concept that microbiota-mitochondria disorders may be a crucial pathogenic mechanism of early AMD; and similarly, to other age-related neurodegenerative diseases, new treatment approaches should be targeted at these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Fehér
- PRIMAVERA Program, Nutripharma Hungaria Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Élő
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla István
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Zsolt Nagy
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Radák
- grid.472475.70000 0000 9243 1481Research Institute of Sport Science, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gianluca Scuderi
- grid.7841.aOphthalmology Unit, NESMOS Department, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- grid.417007.5Department of Sensory Organs, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Illés Kovács
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary ,grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY USA
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14
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Toulouie S, Chang S, Pan J, Snyder K, Yiu G. Relationship of Retinal Vessel Caliber with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:8210599. [PMID: 35957743 PMCID: PMC9357695 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8210599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Evaluate the relationship between retinal vascular caliber and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) severity or progression. Methods A retrospective secondary analysis of 1172 fundus photographs and clinical data from the prospective Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). Central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), and arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) were measured using the Parr-Hubbard-Knudtson formula. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to determine the association of CRAE, CRVE, and AVR with age, sex, smoking status, presence of cilioretinal artery, and AMD severity at baseline and 5 years using the 9-step AMD severity score. Results Only CRAE and CRVE were higher in men (P < 0.001), current smokers (P < 0.001), and the eyes with a cilioretinal artery (P=0.009 - 0.043). AMD severity was greater in older patients (P=0.001), current smokers (P=0.012), the eyes without a cilioretinal artery (P=0.001), and lower AVR (P=0.034) on multivariate regression but was not influenced by CRAE or CRVE (P=0.240 - 0.500). Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) presence was associated with older age (P=0.003) and absence of a cilioretinal artery (P=0.009), while central geographic atrophy (CGA) was associated with narrower CRAE (P=0.002) and possibly AVR (P=0.046). None of the retinal vessel parameters were predictive of AMD severity score or new onset of CNV or CGA at 5 years. Conclusion A lower arteriole-to-venule ratio may be associated with AMD severity, with narrower arterioles seen in the eyes with geographic atrophy, suggesting a role of the retinal vasculature in AMD pathophysiology. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Toulouie
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- California Northstate University, College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, USA
| | - Sean Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Julia Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kiersten Snyder
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Glenn Yiu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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15
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Kang D, Yoon EG, Nam KT, Yun C. Chorioretinal thickness and retinal pigment epithelial degeneration of fellow eyes in patients with unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration with subretinal drusenoid deposits. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:304. [PMID: 35836149 PMCID: PMC9284825 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02518-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We sought to investigate the chorioretinal thickness and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) degenerative features of eyes with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) according to the presence of macular neovascularization (MNV) in the fellow eyes. Methods We classified 70 eyes into two groups of 47 eyes with non-neovascular AMD and 23 eyes with neovascular AMD, respectively, according to the presence of MNV in the fellow eyes. The mean macular retinal, ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and choroidal thickness values and RPE features of the 6-mm-diameter zone were compared. RPE degeneration was defined as a lesion with an incomplete RPE and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) or attenuated RPE reflectivity with diffuse basal laminar deposits, which was defined as when the eye showed an attenuated RPE line with granular features and mixed reflectivity in combination with sub-RPE deposits with a lesion ≥ 1,000 µm in length. Results Mean retinal, GCIPL, and choroidal thickness values (286.69 ± 15.02 µm, 64.36 ± 4.21 µm, and 156.11 ± 33.10 µm) of the neovascular AMD group were greater than those (278.61 ± 13.96 µm, 61.44 ± 4.63 µm, and 133.59 ± 34.33 µm) of the non-neovascular AMD group (all P < 0.05). RPE degeneration was more prevalent in the neovascular AMD group (65.2%) than the non-neovascular AMD group (38.3%; P = 0.034). Greater mean GCIPL and choroidal thickness values and the presence of RPE degeneration were associated with type 3 MNV in fellow eyes (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Different degenerative features according to MNV in fellow eyes of patients with AMD and SDDs suggest that variable degenerative features might be present during disease progression and have an association with the phenotype. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02518-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Gyu Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Nam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cheolmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Garcia-Garcia J, Usategui-Martin R, Sanabria MR, Fernandez-Perez E, Telleria JJ, Coco-Martin RM. Pathophysiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Implications for Treatment. Ophthalmic Res 2022; 65:615-636. [PMID: 35613547 DOI: 10.1159/000524942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex, multifactorial, progressive retinal disease that affects millions of people worldwide and has become the leading cause of visual impairment in developed countries. The disease etiopathogenesis is not understood fully, although many triggers and processes that lead to dysfunction and degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) have already been identified. Thus, the lack of cellular control of oxidative stress, altered proteostasis, dysfunction of lipid homeostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction form an internal feedback loop that causes the RPE to fail and allows accumulation of abnormal misfolded proteins and abnormal lipids that will form drusen. An inadequate antioxidant response, deficits in autophagy mechanisms, and dysregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) help to increase the deposition of abnormal drusen material over time. The drusen then act as inflammatory centers that trigger chronic inflammation of the subretinal space in which microglia and recruited macrophages are also involved, and where the complement system is a key component. Choriocapillaris degeneration and nutritional influences are also classic elements recognized in the AMD pathophysiology. The genetic component of the disease is embodied in the recognition of the described risk or protective polymorphisms of some complement and ECM related genes (mainly CFH and ARMS2/HTRA1). Thus, carriers of the risk haplotype at ARMS2/HTRA1 have a higher risk of developing late AMD at a younger age. Finally, gut microbiota and epigenetics may play a role in modulating the progression to advanced AMD with the presence of local inflammatory conditions. Because of multiple implicated processes, different complex combinations of treatments will probably be the best option to obtain the best visual results; they in turn will differ depending on the type and spectrum of disease affecting individual patients or the disease stage in each patient at a specific moment. This will undoubtedly lead to personalized medicine for control and hopefully find a future cure. This necessitates the continued unraveling of all the processes involved in the pathogenesis of AMD that must be understood to devise the combinations of treatments for different concurrent or subsequent problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Garcia-Garcia
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martin
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- RICORS of Inflammation and Immunopathology of Organs and Systems Network, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Dpto. de Biología Celular, Histología y Farmacología, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Maria Rosa Sanabria
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- RICORS of Inflammation and Immunopathology of Organs and Systems Network, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Ophthalmology Department, Palencia University Hospital Complex, Palencia, Spain
| | - Esther Fernandez-Perez
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Jose Telleria
- Institute of Biology and Molecular Genetics (IBGM) University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Dpto. de Biología Celular, Histología y Farmacología, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Coco-Martin
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- RICORS of Inflammation and Immunopathology of Organs and Systems Network, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Zhu X, Yang K, Xiao Y, Ye C, Zheng J, Su B, Zheng Y, Zhang X, Shi K, Li C, Lu F, Qu J, Li M, Cui L. Association of cigarette smoking with retinal capillary plexus: an optical coherence tomography angiography study. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e1479-e1488. [PMID: 35396902 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the association between cigarette smoking and retinal capillary plexus (RCP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to examine whether potential vascular risk factors could impact their association. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, community-based study. The Jidong Eye Cohort Study included participants aged ≥18 years in the Jidong community (Tangshan city, northern China) from August 2019 to January 2020. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination and completed detailed smoking questionnaires. Retinal vessel density in the superficial and deep RCP was automatically measured using OCTA. RESULTS Of the 2598 participants included in the study, 2026 (78.0%) never smoked and 572 (22.0%) had a history of smoking (494 [19.0%] current smokers and 78 [3.0%] former smokers). The median (interquartile range) age was 41 (34-52) years for the non-smoking group and 45 (35-54.5) years for the smoking group. Multivariable analysis showed that smoking history is associated with a low deep RCP vessel density in the parafovea (β, -0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.82 to -0.24) and four quadrants. Increased smoking pack-years were associated with reduced deep RCP vessel density in the parafovea (p for trend <0.001) and four quadrants. The significant interaction between diabetes and smoking only was found for superficial RCP vessel density in the parafovea (p for interaction = 0.014) and four quadrants except for the temporal quadrants. CONCLUSIONS Cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for reduced deep RCP vessel density. Our findings imply the potential detrimental effect of smoking on the occurrence of ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhu
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Kai Yang
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Yunfan Xiao
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Cong Ye
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Jingwei Zheng
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Binbin Su
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Xinyao Zhang
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Keai Shi
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Chunmei Li
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Fan Lu
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Jia Qu
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Ming Li
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Lele Cui
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
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18
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Sacconi R, Battista M, Borrelli E, Senni C, Tombolini B, Grosso D, Querques L, Bandello F, Querques G. CHOROIDAL VASCULARITY INDEX IS ASSOCIATED WITH GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY PROGRESSION. Retina 2022; 42:381-387. [PMID: 34561405 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the correlation between choroidal vascularity index and the enlargement of geographic atrophy (GA) lesion secondary to age-related macular degeneration during the 2-year follow-up. METHODS In this longitudinal observational study, 26 eyes (26 patients, mean age 75.7 ± 8.8 years) affected by GA were included. Choroidal vascularity index was calculated in the subfoveal 3000-µm area. The main outcome measure included correlation analysis between baseline choroidal vascularity index and the rate of GA enlargement. RESULTS During the 2-year follow-up, the mean GA area increased from 6.99 ± 5.28 mm2 to 10.69 ± 6.61 mm2(P < 0.001), accounting for a growth rate of 0.35 ± 0.20 and 0.31 ± 0.17 mm/year after the square root transformation in the first and second year of follow-up, respectively. Stromal choroidal area significantly decreased during the 2-year follow-up (P = 0.002). Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between the baseline choroidal vascularity index and the rate of GA enlargement (r=-0.432, P = 0.027) and between stromal choroidal area and the rate of GA enlargement (r = 0.422, P = 0.032). No other significant relationship was disclosed among choroidal parameters with the rate of GA enlargement. CONCLUSION Choroidal vascularity index impairment is strictly related to the rate of GA enlargement during the 1-year and 2-year follow-up in patients affected by GA. For this reason, choroidal vascularity index could be considered a predictor of GA progression in the clinical setting, and it could be considered as a new potential biomarker in the efficacy evaluation of new GA interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Sacconi
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Marco Battista
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Enrico Borrelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Carlotta Senni
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Tombolini
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Domenico Grosso
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Lea Querques
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bandello
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Querques
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy;
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19
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Hyperreflective foci in the choroid of normal eyes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 260:759-769. [PMID: 34674030 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate hyperreflective choroidal foci (HCF) using en face swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and determine the factors that contribute to the distribution of HCF in normal eyes. METHODS In this retrospective study, we included healthy eyes with a normal fundus. HCF were defined as hyperreflective spots on en face SS-OCT images. The number, mean area, total area, and circularity of the HCF were compared with various choroid measurements obtained using SS-OCT, SS-OCT angiography, and fundus photography. RESULTS We investigated 51 eyes from 51 patients. The mean patient age was 56.0 ± 14.7 years, and 32 (62.7%) were female. The number and total area of HCF did not differ between the female and male patients and the right and left eyes. The number of HCF was correlated with the stromal area of the choroid (r = 0.291, P = 0.040) and subfoveal choroidal vascularity index (r = - 0.364, P = 0.009). The total area of HCF was correlated with the stromal area of the choroid (r = 0.283, P = 0.045). However, the number and total area of HCF were not correlated with age, degree of macular tessellation, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and choriocapillaris vascular density and flow void area. CONCLUSION HCF were observed in normal eyes, and their distribution was associated with the underlying stromal component of the choroid. The results of this study can be used as a reference for determining abnormal hyperreflective foci in the choroid of the eyes with various diseases.
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Kim YH, Lee B, Kang E, Oh J. Peripapillary Choroidal Vascularity Outside the Macula in Patients With Central Serous Chorioretinopathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:9. [PMID: 34251422 PMCID: PMC8288056 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.8.9] [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: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate choroidal vascularity outside the macula in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods Fifty normal controls and 103 patients with a history of CSC (31 with acute CSC, 32 with chronic CSC, and 40 with resolved CSC) were included. Using swept-source optical coherence tomography, we measured choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) at the subfoveal and nasal peripapillary areas. Results Subfoveal CT in the acute CSC group was greater than that in all other groups (all P < 0.05). Peripapillary CT in the acute and chronic CSC groups was significantly greater than that in controls (all P ≤ 0.005). However, subfoveal and peripapillary CT in the resolved CSC group was not different from controls. Subfoveal CVI in the acute group (64.71% ± 2.68%) was higher than that in controls (61.68% ± 5.68%) (P = 0.015). Peripapillary CVIs in the acute (67.35% ± 6.04%) and chronic groups (64.90% ± 5.31%) were higher than controls (54.57% ± 7.02%) (all P < 0.001). Subfoveal CVI in the resolved CSC group was not different from controls (P = 0.252), whereas peripapillary CVI (62.61% ± 6.03%) was higher (P < 0.001). Conclusions Unlike CT, CVI outside the macula was increased in all eyes with both current and past history of CSC. These findings suggest that the choroidal vascularity outside the macula may represent choroidal characteristics in addition to the subfoveal area. Translational Relevance Peripapillary CVI outside the macula may provide additional information beyond what is known through subfoveal choroid studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ho Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boram Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Edward Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaeryung Oh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Analysis of the Peripapillary Choroidal Vascular Characteristics in Papilledema Associated with Pseudotumor Cerebri. Optom Vis Sci 2021; 98:326-333. [PMID: 33828044 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Choroidal vascularity index measured by image binarization method from peripapillary optical coherence tomography sections has been found significantly lower in papilledema patients than healthy controls. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare peripapillary choroidal parameters in papilledema patients with control subjects. METHODS Peripapillary spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans of 34 patients with papilledema and 34 healthy controls are acquired for the study. Images are binarized with the ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) to calculate total choroidal area, stromal area, luminal area, and choroidal vascularity index. RESULTS Total choroidal area, luminal area, and choroidal vascularity were significantly lower in papilledema patients compared with healthy controls on right (1.343 ± 0.286 vs. 1.694 ± 0.344, P < .001; 0.880 ± 0.209 vs. 1.167 ± 0.255, P < .001; 65.28 ± 2.99% vs. 68.68 ± 2.81%, P < .001, respectively) and left eyes (1.376 ± 0.308 vs. 1.647 ± 0.339, P < .001; 0.899 ± 0.231 vs. 1.134 ± 0.237, P < .001; 64.92 ± 3.44 vs. 68.84 ± 3.23, P < .001, respectively). No difference was found between active and remitted stages of papilledema in terms of choroidal parameters. CONCLUSIONS Peripapillary total choroidal area, luminal area, and choroidal vascularity index are significantly reduced in patients with papilledema. These parameters might be beneficial tools for evaluating choroidal vascularity in papilledema quantitatively and differential diagnosis for optic disc edema.
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22
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Verticchio Vercellin AC, Harris A, Chiaravalli G, Sacco R, Siesky B, Ciulla T, Guidoboni G. Physics-based modeling of Age-related Macular Degeneration-A theoretical approach to quantify retinal and choroidal contributions to macular oxygenation. Math Biosci 2021; 339:108650. [PMID: 34197878 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2021.108650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We developed a mathematical model to characterize how macular oxygenation may be affected by abnormalities in the retinal and choroidal oxygen supplies. The macular region is modeled as a layered structure including: ganglion cell and nerve fiber layers, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, inner segment of photoreceptors layer and retinal pigmented epithelium. Each layer is characterized by specific levels of oxygen consumption. The vitreous and the choroid are located at the macula boundary and provide oxygen via boundary conditions of Dirichlet type. The three capillary plexi (superficial, intermediate, and deep) of the retinal circulation pierce the macular layers and provide oxygen via a volumetric source that depends on the retinal blood flow. Oxygen profiles through the macular tissue are calculated by simulating the balance among oxygen supply, consumption and diffusion in: (a) physiological baseline conditions; (b) retinal blood flow reduced by 10%, 30% and 50% with respect to baseline; (c) choroidal oxygen level diminished by 10%, 30% and 50% with respect to baseline. Model simulations predict that: (1) the oxygenation of the foveal avascular zone is not affected by reduction in retinal blood flow; (2) a reduction in choroidal oxygen supply significantly affects the outer layers, especially the photoreceptors and outer nuclear layers; (3) the impact of reduction in choroidal oxygen supply is larger in the region more proximal to the macular center; (4) the impact of reduction in retinal blood flow is larger in the region more proximal to the macular periphery. The proposed mathematical model suggests that changes in retinal and choroidal oxygen supplies impact the oxygenation of the macular tissue differentially. These results may help better understand the pathogenesis of macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alon Harris
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Greta Chiaravalli
- Italian Institute of Technology, Milano, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sacco
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Brent Siesky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Thomas Ciulla
- Vitreoretinal Medicine and Surgery, Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46290, United States of America
| | - Giovanna Guidoboni
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Mathematics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
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23
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Xu B, Zhou L, Chen Q, Zhang J, Huang L, Wang S, Ye Z, Ren X, Cai Y, Jensen LD, Chen W, Li X, Ju R. Role of VEGFR2 in Mediating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Under Glucose Deprivation and Determining Cell Death, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Factor Expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:631413. [PMID: 34222224 PMCID: PMC8249873 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.631413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a postmitotic monolayer located between the neuroretina and choroid, supports the retina and is closely associated with vision loss diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) upon dysfunction. Although environmental stresses are known to play critical roles in AMD pathogenesis and the roles of other stresses have been well investigated, glucose deprivation, which can arise from choriocapillary flow voids, has yet to be fully explored. In this study, we examined the involvement of VEGFR2 in glucose deprivation-mediated cell death and the underlying mechanisms. We found that VEGFR2 levels are a determinant for RPE cell death, a critical factor for dry AMD, under glucose deprivation. RNA sequencing analysis showed that upon VEGFR2 knockdown under glucose starvation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) are reduced. Consistently, VEGFR2 overexpression increased ER stress under the same condition. Although VEGFR2 was less expressed compared to EGFR1 and c-Met in RPE cells, it could elicit a higher level of ER stress induced by glucose starvation. Finally, downregulated VEGFR2 attenuated the oxidative stress and inflammatory factor expression, two downstream targets of ER stress. Our study, for the first time, has demonstrated a novel role of VEGFR2 in RPE cells under glucose deprivation, thus providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of AMD pathogenesis and suggesting that VEGFR2 might be a potential therapeutic target for AMD prevention, which may impede its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linbin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qishan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangrong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Chengdu Aier Eye Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Lasse Dahl Jensen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Weirong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuri Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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Told R, Reiter GS, Schranz M, Reumueller A, Hacker V, Mittermueller TJ, Roberts PK, Sacu S, Schmidt-Erfurth U. Correlation of Retinal Thickness and Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Derived Vascular Changes in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Curr Eye Res 2021; 46:1002-1009. [PMID: 33211556 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1849734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether structural OCT changes, in specific retinal thickness, is associated with the vascular response within the nAMD CNV lesion. In other words, whether SSOCTA derived parameters may prove suitable to assess CNV activity in future.Methods: During the first 3 months patients were prospectively followed with visits at days 7, and 14 after each anti-VEGF treatment up to day 90. At baseline, day 30 and 60 Aflibercept was administered. OCT-derrived retinal thickness (RT) and OCTA-derived CNV lesion parameters (vessel area [VA]), total vessel length [TVL], total number of junctions [TNJ], junction density [JD]) were determined. Parameters were exported from SSOCT/A (PlexElite, Zeiss) images using the semi-automated AngioTool software. Additionally, the superficial and deep vascular plexus fractal dimension of the para- and perifoveal region were identified. Consequently, all OCTA derived parameters were correlated with RT.Results: 16 consecutive patients presenting with treatment-naïve, SSOCTA-positive CNV lesions were included. A weak to moderate statistically significant correlation was found between the mean RT of the inner as well as the outer ETDRS ring with the SSOCTA-derived vascular markers vessel area (VA; r2 = -0.38, p < .001; r2 = -0.47, p < .001, respectively), total vessel length, (TVL; r2 = -0.38, p < .001; r2 = -0.48, p < .001, respectively) and total number of junctions (TNJ; r2 = -0.35, p < .001; r2 = -0.44, p < .001, respectively). Junctions density (JD), and all variables based on fractal dimension (FD) did not show statistically significant correlations with retinal thickness measurements.Conclusions: In summary, we could confirm a moderate, however, statistically significant correlation between mean para- and perifoveal retinal thickness and the SSOCTA derived vascular parameters VA, TVL, and TNJ. This leads us to the conclusion that an SSOCTA-based activity analysis of the CNV complex is not yet a substitute for retinal thickness or in-depth fluid analysis in patients with nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Told
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G S Reiter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Schranz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Reumueller
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - V Hacker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T J Mittermueller
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P K Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Sacu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Schmidt-Erfurth
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Vienna Clinical Trial Center (VTC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Krytkowska E, Ulanczyk Z, Grabowicz A, Mozolewska-Piotrowska K, Safranow K, Palucha A, Krawczyk M, Sikora P, Matczynska E, Stahl A, Machalinski B, Machalinska A. Retinal Vessel Functionality Is Linked With ARMS2 A69S and CFH Y402H Polymorphisms and Choroidal Status in AMD Patients. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:30. [PMID: 33900362 PMCID: PMC8088223 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.4.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to investigate the reactivity of retinal vessels to a flickering stimulus in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy participants. We also assessed whether the parameters of retinal vessels are dependent on genetic predisposition. Methods A total of 354 patients with AMD and 121 controls were recruited for the study. All participants underwent thorough ophthalmologic examination and static and dynamic retinal vessel analysis. AMD risk polymorphisms were genotyped in the CFH and ARMS2 genes. Results We found no differences between the AMD group and controls in central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE), central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), arteriovenous ratio (AVR), dynamic analysis of arteries (DAAs), or dynamic analysis of veins (DAVs). Eyes with early AMD presented with significantly higher AVR values than eyes with late AMD. In the AMD group, DAA correlated positively with both choroidal thickness (Rs = 0.14, P = 0.00096) and choroidal volume (Rs = 0.23, P < 0.0001), and no such associations were observed in the controls. We found significantly lower DAA (1.47 ± 1.50) in TT homozygotes for the ARMS2 A69S polymorphism in comparison with GG homozygotes (2.38 ± 1.79) and patients with GG + GT genotypes (2.28 ± 1.84). We also observed less prominent DAV (3.24 ± 1.71) in patients with TC + CC genotypes in the CFH Y402H polymorphism compared with TT homozygotes (3.83 ± 1.68). Conclusions Our findings suggest that retinal microcirculation appears to be associated with the genetic background, choroidal parameters, and clinical features of the patients with AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Krytkowska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Zofia Ulanczyk
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Grabowicz
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Boguslaw Machalinski
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Machalinska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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26
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Trinh M, Kalloniatis M, Nivison-Smith L. Radial Peripapillary Capillary Plexus Sparing and Underlying Retinal Vascular Impairment in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:2. [PMID: 33792619 PMCID: PMC8024775 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.4.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine location-specific retinal vascular changes in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) using age-matched, high-density en face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) cluster analysis. Methods En face OCTA images of the 6 × 6 mm macular area were retrospectively acquired from 60 iAMD eyes and 60 age-matched normal eyes and then subdivided into 126 × 126 (47.62 × 47.62 µm) grids within the superficial and deep vascular complex. Grid-wise vessel perfusion (VP) were compared between iAMD and normal eyes from the corresponding 10-yearly age cohort, forming difference plots. Difference plots were further separated by normative topographical map spatial clusters (C1-6), derived from normaldatabase eyes (n = 236, 20–81 years old). Results Overall difference plots showed decreased VP in the superficial (−12.19%) and deep vascular complex (−6.44%) of iAMD compared to normal eyes (P < 0.0001 both comparisons). Cluster-based difference plots highlighted nonuniform changes in the superficial vascular complex, with sparing of VP at the nasal macula (corresponding to the radial peripapillary capillary plexus) versus decreased VP toward the temporal macula and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) (C1–6 all comparisons P < 0.0001, except C1 vs. C2P > 0.99 and C4 vs. C5P = 0.11). The deep vascular complex displayed diffusely decreased VP, greater at the FAZ (P < 0.0001). Conclusions High-density en face OCTA cluster analysis suggests relative sparing of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus and impairment of underlying retinal vasculature, supporting potential anterograde transsynaptic degeneration in iAMD. These location-specific data may better guide future diagnostic and management protocol of iAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Trinh
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Nivison-Smith
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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27
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Nassisi M, Tepelus T, Corradetti G, Sadda SR. Relationship Between Choriocapillaris Flow and Scotopic Microperimetry in Early and Intermediate Age-related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 222:302-309. [PMID: 32360341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the correlation between choriocapillaris (CC) flow alterations and scotopic macular sensitivity (sMS) in patients with early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional study. METHODS We acquired 2 3 × 3 mm and 2 6 × 6 mm swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images of 1 eye of consecutive early or intermediate AMD patients at the Doheny UCLA Eye Centers. After 30 minutes of dark adaptation, the same eye underwent scotopic microperimetry with an 18-degree-wide grid (52 stimuli) centered on the fovea. The 2 en face CC angiograms obtained from each scan pattern were compensated for signal loss and averaged. The main outcome measures were correlation between percentages of flow deficits (FD3mm and FD6mm) and sMS in the central 10° (MS10) and the overall pattern (MS18). RESULTS Thirty eyes of 30 patients were enrolled, with 14 (46.7%) having subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD). In the averaged OCTA scans, the FD3mm was 12.56% ± 2.41% while the FD6mm was 9.33% ± 1.84%. The mean MS10 and MS18 were 13.84 ± 5.89 dB and 14.64 ± 5.21 dB, respectively. For the MS10, the multivariate regression analysis showed a significant association only with FD3mm (β: -0.628, P < .001) while the MS18 was significantly correlated with both SDD (β: -0.32, P = .047) and FD6mm (β: -0.473, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS Our study reports a significant correlation between the CC flow impairment and the sMS in eyes with early or intermediate AMD. If replicated in future longitudinal studies, the choriocapillaris FD may prove to be a useful parameter for evaluating the functional status and prognosis of these eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Nassisi
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tudor Tepelus
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Giulia Corradetti
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Srinivas R Sadda
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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28
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The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Blood-Retinal Barrier Physiology in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010064. [PMID: 33406612 PMCID: PMC7823525 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood retinal barrier (BRB) is a fundamental eye component, whose function is to select the flow of molecules from the blood to the retina and vice-versa, and its integrity allows the maintenance of a finely regulated microenvironment. The outer BRB, composed by the choriocapillaris, the Bruch's membrane, and the retinal pigment epithelium, undergoes structural and functional changes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness worldwide. BRB alterations lead to retinal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Several risk factors have been associated with AMD onset in the past decades and oxidative stress is widely recognized as a key factor, even if the exact AMD pathophysiology has not been exactly elucidated yet. The present review describes the BRB physiology, the BRB changes occurring in AMD, the role of oxidative stress in AMD with a focus on the outer BRB structures. Moreover, we propose the use of cerium oxide nanoparticles as a new powerful anti-oxidant agent to combat AMD, based on the relevant existing data which demonstrated their beneficial effects in protecting the outer BRB in animal models of AMD.
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29
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Xin G, Zhang M, Zhong Z, Tang L, Feng Y, Wei Z, Li S, Li Y, Zhang J, Zhang B, Zhang M, Rowell N, Chen Z, Niu H, Yu K, Huang W. Ophthalmic Drops with Nanoparticles Derived from a Natural Product for Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:57710-57720. [PMID: 33320520 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c17296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a continuing, urgent need for an ophthalmic (eye) drop for the clinical therapy of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. Here, we report the first formulation of an eye drop that is effective via autophagy for AMD treatment. This eye drop is based on a single natural product derivative (ACD), which is an amphiphilic molecule containing a 6-aminohexanoate group (H2N(CH2)5COO-). We demonstrate that this eye drop reverses the abnormal angiogenesis induced in a primate model of AMD that has the pathological characteristics close to that of human AMD. The ACD molecule was self-assembled in an aqueous environment leading to nanoparticles (NPs) about 9.0 nm in diameter. These NPs were encapsulated in calcium alginate hydrogel. The resulting eye drop effectively slowed the release of ACD and displayed extended release periods in both simulated blood (pH 7.4) and inflammatory (pH 5.2) environments. We show that the eye drop penetrated both the corneal and blood-eye barriers and reached the fundus. With low cellular toxicity, the drop targeted S1,25D3-membrane-associated rapid response steroid-binding protein (1,25D3-MARRS) promoting autophagy in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the drop inhibited cell migration and tubular formation. On the other hand, when protein 1,25D3-MARRS was knocked down, the eye drop did not exhibit such inhibition functionalities. Our study indicates that the 6-aminohexanoate group on self-assembled NPs encapsulated in hydrogel leads to the positive in vivo outcomes. The present formulation offers a promising approach for clinical treatment of human AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Xin
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Zhong
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yuliang Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Zeliang Wei
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Shiyi Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Youping Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Boli Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Nelson Rowell
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Zhen Chen
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Hai Niu
- College of Mathematics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kui Yu
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Wen Huang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
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30
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Lee SE, Lim HB, Shin YI, Ryu CK, Lee WH, Kim JY. Characteristics of the inner retinal layer in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239555. [PMID: 32966311 PMCID: PMC7511006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the thicknesses of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) of the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS A total of 107 patients with unilateral exudative AMD [34 of typical choroidal neovascularization (tCNV), Group A; 73 of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), Group B] and 73 normal control eyes (Group C) were included. Drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits were assessed in all participants using fundus photography, autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The GC-IPL and RNFL thicknesses were measured using Cirrus HD-OCT and compared among groups. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the factors associated with GC-IPL thicknesses. RESULTS The average GC-IPL thicknesses of Groups A, B, and C were 77.09 ± 3.87, 80.10 ± 6.61, and 80.88 ± 6.50 μm, respectively (p = 0.022). Sectoral GC-IPLs and central macular thicknesses (CMTs) were significantly different among groups (all, p <0.05), whereas none of the RNFL parameters differed significantly (all, p >0.05). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that age (p <0.001), CMT (p <0.001), and tCNV (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with average GC-IPL thickness, and the rate of reduction of GC-IPL thickness with increasing age in the fellow eyes of tCNV patients was higher than those in the PCV and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Unilateral tCNV patients exhibited statistically significant reduction of the GC-IPL thickness in the fellow eyes, compared to values of the fellow eyes of unilateral PCV patients or control patients. RNFL values trended to be lower but did not reach statistical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Eun Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Bin Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Il Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Rhee’s Eye Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheon Kuk Ryu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Hyuk Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yeul Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Lee SC, Tran S, Amin A, Morse LS, Moshiri A, Park SS, Yiu G. Retinal Vessel Density in Exudative and Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 212:7-16. [PMID: 31837316 PMCID: PMC7113105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the choroid contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the role of retinal perfusion is unclear. We sought to compare retinal vascular measurements between eyes with nonexudative and exudative AMD using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). DESIGN Retrospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS OCT-A images were analyzed from 310 eyes of 182 patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 78.8 ± 8.8 years) with nonexudative (54.2%) and exudative (45.8%) AMD to measure retinal vessel density (VD) from the superficial capillary plexus in the foveal, parafoveal, and full macular regions and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, perimeter, and circularity. Multivariate regressions were used to compare nonexudative and exudative AMD eyes and the impact of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatments or geographic atrophy (GA). RESULTS In eyes with AMD, VD decreases with age in the foveal (β = -0.211, P < .001), parafoveal (β = -0.305, P < .001), and full macular regions (β = -0.295, P < .001). Eyes with exudative AMD demonstrated lower VD, especially in the parafoveal (29.8% ± 6.3% vs 33.0% ± 5.7%, P < .001) and full regions (27.9% ± 6.2% vs 31.2% ± 5.5%, P < .001) compared with nonexudative AMD. There were no differences in FAZ area, perimeter, or circularity between the 2 groups (P = .503-.907). In eyes with exudative AMD, previous anti-VEGF treatments did not impact retinal vascular measurements (P = .324-.986). Nonexudative AMD severity and presence of central GA also impacted retinal VD and FAZ morphology. CONCLUSIONS Retinal VD is decreased in eyes with exudative AMD compared with nonexudative AMD but is unaffected by anti-VEGF treatments, suggesting a retinal vascular contribution to the pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Steven Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California; Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aana Amin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Lawrence S Morse
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Ala Moshiri
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Glenn Yiu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California.
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ÇİLOĞLU E. Erken ve orta evre yaşa bağlı makula dejenerasyonunun optik koherens tomografi anjografi ile değerlendirilmesi. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.659396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Ahsan B, Aldwaikat A, Aboud O, Ramadan A, Abu-Asab MS. Retinal and choroidal capillaries contribution to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotypes in murine models of the disease. Ultrastruct Pathol 2020; 44:174-181. [PMID: 32079449 PMCID: PMC9930639 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2020.1731039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) such as Ccl2-/- and Ccl2-/-/Cx3cr1-/- have not yet been fully characterized ultrastructurally. Although we have previously shown extranuclear DNA (enDNA) leakage into the cytoplasm and damaged mitochondria in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of these AMD mouse models, little is known about the state of their vascular capillaries of the retina and choroid. Our ultrastructural survey shows that the aberrations were not restricted to the RPE cells, but also extended to the vasculature of the retina and choroid. Their endothelial aberrations included cytoplasmic degeneration, pyknotic DNA, hypertrophic nuclei, and loss of fenestration in addition to duplication of basement membrane and loss of density in Bruch's membrane. Moreover, the state of the vasculature in the mutant mice models suggests that the capillaries could also be active contributors to the pathological findings seen in AMD. The goal of this study is to gain insights into the early events of AMD that may lead to a better understanding of AMD's pathogenesis, improve our preventative measures, and formulate designed therapeutic regimens that are tailored to target the initial pathological events.Abbreviations: AMD: age-related macular degeneration; BM: Bruch's membrane; DPC: degenerate pericyte; EN: endothelial nucleus; enDNA: extranuclear DNA; GCL: ganglion cell layer; HEN: hypertrophic endothelial nucleus; IPL: inner plexiform layer; NFL: nerve fiber layer; OPL: outer plexiform layer; RBC: red blood cell; RPE: retinal pigment epithelium; SNPs: Single nucleotide polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisma Ahsan
- Section of Histopathology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ahmad Aldwaikat
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Orwa Aboud
- Neuro Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ali Ramadan
- Department of Pathology, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mones S. Abu-Asab
- Section of Histopathology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Harris A, Guidoboni G, Siesky B, Mathew S, Verticchio Vercellin AC, Rowe L, Arciero J. Ocular blood flow as a clinical observation: Value, limitations and data analysis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 78:100841. [PMID: 31987983 PMCID: PMC8908549 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in ocular blood flow have been identified as important risk factors for the onset and progression of numerous diseases of the eye. In particular, several population-based and longitudinal-based studies have provided compelling evidence of hemodynamic biomarkers as independent risk factors for ocular disease throughout several different geographic regions. Despite this evidence, the relative contribution of blood flow to ocular physiology and pathology in synergy with other risk factors and comorbidities (e.g., age, gender, race, diabetes and hypertension) remains uncertain. There is currently no gold standard for assessing all relevant vascular beds in the eye, and the heterogeneous vascular biomarkers derived from multiple ocular imaging technologies are non-interchangeable and difficult to interpret as a whole. As a result of these disease complexities and imaging limitations, standard statistical methods often yield inconsistent results across studies and are unable to quantify or explain a patient's overall risk for ocular disease. Combining mathematical modeling with artificial intelligence holds great promise for advancing data analysis in ophthalmology and enabling individualized risk assessment from diverse, multi-input clinical and demographic biomarkers. Mechanism-driven mathematical modeling makes virtual laboratories available to investigate pathogenic mechanisms, advance diagnostic ability and improve disease management. Artificial intelligence provides a novel method for utilizing a vast amount of data from a wide range of patient types to diagnose and monitor ocular disease. This article reviews the state of the art and major unanswered questions related to ocular vascular anatomy and physiology, ocular imaging techniques, clinical findings in glaucoma and other eye diseases, and mechanistic modeling predictions, while laying a path for integrating clinical observations with mathematical models and artificial intelligence. Viable alternatives for integrated data analysis are proposed that aim to overcome the limitations of standard statistical approaches and enable individually tailored precision medicine in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Harris
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Brent Siesky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunu Mathew
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alice C Verticchio Vercellin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA; University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucas Rowe
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Julia Arciero
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Vohra R, Kolko M. Lactate: More Than Merely a Metabolic Waste Product in the Inner Retina. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:2021-2037. [PMID: 31916030 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01863-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The retina is an extension of the central nervous system and has been considered to be a simplified, more tractable and accessible version of the brain for a variety of neuroscience investigations. The optic nerve displays changes in response to underlying neurodegenerative diseases, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease, as well as inner retinal neurodegenerative disease, e.g., glaucoma. Neurodegeneration has increasingly been linked to dysfunctional energy metabolism or conditions in which the energy supply does not meet the demand. Likewise, increasing lactate levels have been correlated with conditions consisting of unbalanced energy supply and demand, such as ischemia-associated diseases or excessive exercise. Lactate has thus been acknowledged as a metabolic waste product in organs with high energy metabolism. However, in the past decade, numerous beneficial roles of lactate have been revealed in the central nervous system. In this context, lactate has been identified as a valuable energy substrate, protecting against glutamate excitotoxicity and ischemia, as well as having signaling properties which regulate cellular functions. The present review aims to summarize and discuss protective roles of lactate in various model systems (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) reflecting the inner retina focusing on lactate metabolism and signaling in inner retinal homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Vohra
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.
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Lipecz A, Miller L, Kovacs I, Czakó C, Csipo T, Baffi J, Csiszar A, Tarantini S, Ungvari Z, Yabluchanskiy A, Conley S. Microvascular contributions to age-related macular degeneration (AMD): from mechanisms of choriocapillaris aging to novel interventions. GeroScience 2019; 41:813-845. [PMID: 31797238 PMCID: PMC6925092 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-019-00138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging of the microcirculatory network plays a central role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of age-related diseases, from heart failure to Alzheimer's disease. In the eye, changes in the choroid and choroidal microcirculation (choriocapillaris) also occur with age, and these changes can play a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In order to develop novel treatments for amelioration of choriocapillaris aging and prevention of AMD, it is essential to understand the cellular and functional changes that occur in the choroid and choriocapillaris during aging. In this review, recent advances in in vivo analysis of choroidal structure and function in AMD patients and patients at risk for AMD are discussed. The pathophysiological roles of fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired resistance to molecular stressors in the choriocapillaris are also considered in terms of their contribution to the pathogenesis of AMD. The pathogenic roles of cardiovascular risk factors that exacerbate microvascular aging processes, such as smoking, hypertension, and obesity as they relate to AMD and choroid and choriocapillaris changes in patients with these cardiovascular risk factors, are also discussed. Finally, future directions and opportunities to develop novel interventions to prevent/delay AMD by targeting fundamental cellular and molecular aging processes are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Lipecz
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Josa Andras Hospital, Nyiregyhaza, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lauren Miller
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd. BMSB553, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Illes Kovacs
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Cecília Czakó
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamas Csipo
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Baffi
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Translational Geroscience Laboratory, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shannon Conley
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging/Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd. BMSB553, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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Trinh M, Kalloniatis M, Nivison-Smith L. Vascular Changes in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Quantified Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:20. [PMID: 31404428 PMCID: PMC6685696 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.4.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine changes in retinal vasculature and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods Zeiss Cirrus Angioplex OCTA 6 × 6 mm scans and a macula 512 × 128 cube scans of the central retina were taken of 63 eyes with intermediate AMD and 51 control eyes. For OCTA scans, the superficial and deep capillary plexus were automatically segmented and vascular density quantified as total number of pixels contributing to the blood flow signal detectable by OCTA. Images were then skeletonized and vessel length, diameter index, morphology, and branching complexity determined. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) characteristics and GCL thickness were extracted from in-built Angioplex software. Results Vascular density was significantly reduced in the superficial capillary plexus of AMD eyes compared with normal eyes, particularly in the superior quadrant (42.4% ± 1.6% vs. 43.2% ± 1.4%; P < 0.05). A nonsignificant reduction was also seen in the deep capillary plexus (P = 0.06). Total vessel length and average vessel diameter were all significantly decreased in AMD eyes suggesting density changes were related to decreased vessel number and caliber. Vascular complexity and number of branch points was significantly decreased in the deep capillary plexus (P < 0.05) suggesting loss or significantly reduced flow of vessels. Average GCL thickness was also significantly reduced in the AMD eyes (P < 0.05). No significant changes in FAZ parameters were observed in AMD eyes. Conclusions This study suggests intermediate AMD affects both the quantity and morphology of inner retinal vasculature and may be associated with changes in inner retinal structure. This work builds upon the notion that AMD pathogenesis may extends beyond the outer retina. Translational Relevance Better understanding of retinal vascular changes in AMD can provide insights in the development of treatment and prevention protocols for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Trinh
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Nivison-Smith
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Hikichi T, Agarie M. Reduced Vessel Density of the Choriocapillaris during Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 60:1088-1095. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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