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Wang T, Yu T, Liu Q, Sung TC, Higuchi A. Lipid nanoparticle technology-mediated therapeutic gene manipulation in the eyes. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102236. [PMID: 39005878 PMCID: PMC11245926 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide have hereditary genetic disorders, trauma, infectious diseases, or cancer of the eyes, and many of these eye diseases lead to irreversible blindness, which is a major public health burden. The eye is a relatively small and immune-privileged organ. The use of nucleic acid-based drugs to manipulate malfunctioning genes that target the root of ocular diseases is regarded as a therapeutic approach with great promise. However, there are still some challenges for utilizing nucleic acid therapeutics in vivo because of certain unfavorable characteristics, such as instability, biological carrier-dependent cellular uptake, short pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo (RNA), and on-target and off-target side effects (DNA). The development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as gene vehicles is revolutionary progress that has contributed the clinical application of nucleic acid therapeutics. LNPs have the capability to entrap and transport various genetic materials such as small interfering RNA, mRNA, DNA, and gene editing complexes. This opens up avenues for addressing ocular diseases through the suppression of pathogenic genes, the expression of therapeutic proteins, or the correction of genetic defects. Here, we delve into the cutting-edge LNP technology for ocular gene therapy, encompassing formulation designs, preclinical development, and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Tao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Tzu-Cheng Sung
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda RD, Jhongli, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
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Kong K, Ding X, Wang Y, Xu S, Li G, Wang X, Zhang M, Ni Y, Xu G. Circular RNA expression profile and functional analysis of circUvrag in light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:558-575. [PMID: 38282307 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14355] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in retinal pathophysiology; however, their expression profiles and functions in photoreceptor apoptosis are largely unknown. We explored circRNA-expression profiles and circUvrag (host gene: Uvrag, ultraviolet radiation resistance associated gene) function in light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats and 661 W photoreceptor cells were exposed to blue light to establish light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified using microarrays. Potential functions of dysregulated circRNAs were analysed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. CircUvrag expression and localization were evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively. CircUvrag overexpression and knockdown were induced using a plasmid and a small interfering RNA, respectively, and retinal function and structure were assessed using scotopic electroretinography, haematoxylin-eosin staining, and TUNEL staining. Microglial migration was assessed using IBA1 immunostaining. The apoptosis ratio of photoreceptor cells in vitro was detected using flow cytometry. RESULTS We identified 764 differentially expressed circRNAs, which were potentially related with the development of retinal structures, including neurons, dendrites, and synapses, and might participate in nervous-system pathophysiology. Light exposure enriched circUvrag in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). CircUvrag knockdown decreased photoreceptor apoptosis and microglial migration to the ONL after light exposure, preserving ONL thickness and a-wave amplitude. In vitro, circUvrag knockdown inhibited photoreceptor apoptosis, although circUvrag overexpression slightly promoted photoreceptor apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS CircUvrag knockdown attenuated light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis, and might be a potential target in retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjie Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sisi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Research Center, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqin Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Sendecki A, Ledwoń D, Tuszy A, Nycz J, Wąsowska A, Boguszewska-Chachulska A, Wylęgała A, Mitas AW, Wylęgała E, Teper S. Association of Genetic Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Morphological Features of the Retinal Microvascular Network. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:770. [PMID: 38611684 PMCID: PMC11011905 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease encompassing a complex interaction between aging, environmental risk factors, and genetic susceptibility. The study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between the polygenic risk score (PRS) in patients with AMD and the characteristics of the retinal vascular network visualized by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS 235 patients with AMD and 97 healthy controls were included. We used data from a previous AMD PRS study with the same group. The vascular features from different retina layers were compared between the control group and the patients with AMD. The association between features and PRS was then analyzed using univariate and multivariate approaches. RESULTS Significant differences between the control group and AMD patients were found in the vessel diameter distribution (variance: p = 0.0193, skewness: p = 0.0457) and fractal dimension distribution (mean: p = 0.0024, variance: p = 0.0123). Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed no direct and significant association between the characteristics of the vascular network and AMD PRS. CONCLUSIONS The vascular features of the retina do not constitute a biomarker of the risk of AMD. We have not identified a genotype-phenotype relationship, and the expression of AMD-related genes is perhaps not associated with the characteristics of the retinal vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sendecki
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.S.); (A.W.); (A.W.); (E.W.); (S.T.)
| | - Daniel Ledwoń
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (A.T.); (A.W.M.)
| | - Aleksandra Tuszy
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (A.T.); (A.W.M.)
| | - Julia Nycz
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany;
| | - Anna Wąsowska
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.S.); (A.W.); (A.W.); (E.W.); (S.T.)
- Genomed S.A., 02-971 Warszawa, Poland;
| | | | - Adam Wylęgała
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.S.); (A.W.); (A.W.); (E.W.); (S.T.)
| | - Andrzej W. Mitas
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; (A.T.); (A.W.M.)
| | - Edward Wylęgała
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.S.); (A.W.); (A.W.); (E.W.); (S.T.)
| | - Sławomir Teper
- Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (A.S.); (A.W.); (A.W.); (E.W.); (S.T.)
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Zhao Y, Xiao Q, Sun T, Yu H, Luo M. Knockdown of LCN2 Attenuates Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage via Suppressing Pyroptosis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:83-99. [PMID: 38249526 PMCID: PMC10800110 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s440065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aims of this study are to screen novel differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and reveal the role of Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in ICH. Methods We constructed the ICH model by injection of autologous whole blood into the right basal ganglia in rats. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify the DEGs between ICH and sham rats, and some important ones were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). LCN shRNA was used to knockdown of LCN2 in ICH rats. Pathological examination was carried out using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry detected Caspase-3, and co-staining of Terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and NEUN staining were performed for neuron apoptosis assessment. Western blot analysis was performed to quantify pyroptosis-related proteins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure inflammatory cytokine levels. Results ICH rats exhibited significant hematomas, higher brain water content, obvious interstitial edema, and inflammatory infiltration, as well as more apoptotic cells in brain tissues. RNA-seq analysis identified 103 upregulated and 81 downregulated DEGs. The expression of LCN2, HSPB1, CXCL10, and MEF2B were upregulated in ICH rats. ICH triggered the release of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-18, and promoted the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins Caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, and ASC. LCN2 knockdown attenuated the pathological characteristics of ICH, and also reduced pyroptosis in brain tissues. Conclusion Inhibition of LCN2 attenuates brain injury after ICH via suppressing pyroptosis, which provide guidance for ICH management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuxiang Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Sun
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyun Yu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Muyun Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
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Hu C, Feng Y, Huang G, Cui K, Fan M, Xiang W, Shi Y, Ye D, Ye H, Bai X, Xu F, Xu Y, Huang J. Melatonin prevents EAAC1 deletion-induced retinal ganglion cell degeneration by inhibiting apoptosis and senescence. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12916. [PMID: 37786968 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is referred to as a progressive degenerative disorder of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), resulting in nonreversible visual defects, despite intraocular pressure levels within the statistically normal range. Current therapeutic strategies for NTG yield limited benefits. Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) knockout (EAAC1-/- ) in mice has been shown to induce RGC degeneration without elevating intraocular pressure, mimicking pathological characteristics of NTG. In this study, we explored whether daily oral administration of melatonin could block RGCs loss and prevent retinal morphology and function defects associated with EAAC1 deletion. We also explored the molecular mechanisms underlying EAAC1 deletion-induced RGC degeneration and the neuroprotective effects of melatonin. Our RNA sequencing and in vivo data indicated EAAC1 deletion caused elevated oxidative stress, activation of apoptosis and cellular senescence pathways, and neuroinflammation in RGCs. However, melatonin administration efficiently prevented these detrimental effects. Furthermore, we investigated the potential role of apoptosis- and senescence-related redox-sensitive factors in EAAC1 deletion-induced RGCs degeneration and the neuroprotective effects of melatonin administration. We observed remarkable upregulation of p53, whereas NRF2 and Sirt1 expression were significantly decreased in EAAC1-/- mice, which were prevented by melatonin treatment, suggesting that melatonin exerted its neuroprotective effects possibly through modulating NRF2/p53/Sirt1 redox-sensitive signaling pathways. Overall, our study provided a solid foundation for the application of melatonin in the management of NTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanlin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangyi Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Department of Ophthalmology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Kaixuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Matthew Fan
- Yale College, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wu Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Department of Ophthalmology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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Hu T, Meng S, Zhang Q, Song S, Tan C, Huang J, Chen D. Astrocyte derived TSP2 contributes to synaptic alteration and visual dysfunction in retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:196. [PMID: 36471420 PMCID: PMC9720934 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00932-1] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite current intervention measures/therapies are able to ameliorate neuronal death following retinal injuries/diseases, the recovery of visual function remains unsatisfactory. Previous studies revealed that the retinal synapse and neurite changed during the early stage after retinopathy, which was considered to be detrimental to visual signal transmission. However, the specific profiles and the mechanisms underlying retinal neurite and synaptic alteration after retinal pathologies remain poorly understood. METHODS Here, we revealed the spatiotemporal pattern of neurite and synaptic alteration following retinal pathologies using a rat model of acute RI/R induced by high intraocular pressure (HIOP) with Western blotting, Immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. We further explored the potential role of activated astrocytes and their derived thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) in RI/R induced retinal neurite and synaptic alteration and visual dysfunction through viral transduction and drug injection. RESULTS We found a defasciculation of RGC axons, a compensatory increase of presynaptic proteins (synaptophysin and synapsin 1) and synaptic vesicles between bipolar cells and ganglion cells in the inner plexiform layer (IPL), and the degenerated visual function preceded the neuronal death in rat retinae. These events were accompanied by the activation of astrocytes. Furthermore, we showed that suppressing the activation of astrocytes (intravitreal injection of fluorocitric acid, FC), TSP2 knockdown (TSP2 shRNA-AAV transduction), and competitively inhibiting the binding of TSP2 and α2δ1 (intraperitoneal injection of gabapentin, GBP) effectively alleviated the retinal synaptic and neurite alteration and the visual dysfunction following RI/R injury. CONCLUSIONS (1) At the early stage following RI/R injury, the rat retinae develop a degeneration of ganglion cell axons and the resulting compensatory synaptic remodeling between bipolar cells and ganglion cells in IPL. These changes occur earlier than the massive loss of neurons in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). (2) Activated astrocytes may secret TSP2, which bind to α2δ1, to mediate the degeneration of rat retinal ganglion cell axons, compensatory synaptic remodeling in IPL, and visual dysfunction following RI/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu Hu
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuhan Meng
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianyue Zhang
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Song
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, No.238 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410078 Hunan People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Tan
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jufang Huang
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Chen
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People’s Republic of China ,grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008 Hunan People’s Republic of China
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Su J, Li H, Lin B, Li S, Zhou X, Li W, Guo P. Proteomic Analysis of Meibomian Gland Secretions in Patients With Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:4. [DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.12.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Su
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baotao Lin
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuiming Li
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Li
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ping Guo
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
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Kong H, Zhang R, Jing Q, Liang Y, Zhuo Q, Li B, Zhang S, Zhu W, Zhao C. Intravitreal injection of EV11, a novel aryl ketone amide, inhibits choroidal neovascularization via AKT/ERK1/2 pathway. Microvasc Res 2022; 143:104401. [PMID: 35750130 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the major cause of irreversible vision loss associated with age-related macular disease (AMD). The currently clinical chemical therapeutic strategies are of high cost and facing supply chain shortage. In our study, we aim to investigate EV11, a novel derivative from Sorafenib, as a new approach to inhibit the formation of CNV. METHODS Cell viability assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and tube formation assay were applied to explore the effects of EV11 on human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Western blotting analysis was performed to investigate the pathways when EV11 acts on HUVECs. Laser-induced CNV in mice and intravitreal injection of EV11 were applied to find out the efficacy of the drug in vivo. Histological examination and electroretinogram (ERG) evaluated the retinal morphology and visual function after drug application. RESULTS EV11 influenced the HUVECs cell viability as the concentration increasing after 24 hour incubation. It influenced HUVECs through suppressing AKT and ERK1/2 pathway. EV11 reduced CNV area with the optimal concentration of 200uM in mice eyes and compared with Bevacizumab, it had the same effect. The retinal thickness around the optic in each group was not influenced. The amplitudes of the a- and b-waves on scotopic and photopic ERG were not reduced after intravitreal injection. CONCLUSION The present study indicated that EV11 affected the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, inhibited the area of neovascular of laser induced choroidal neovascularization in mice eyes with no toxicity. EV11 could block the AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in effects of HUVECs. This study unveiled a novel perspective drug EV11 to be a potential candidate for neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Kong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qinghe Jing
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qiao Zhuo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Bo Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shujie Zhang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Weiliang Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
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9
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Guo Y, Gan D, Hu F, Cheng Y, Yu J, Lei B, Shu Q, Gu R, Xu G. Intravitreal injection of mitochondrial DNA induces cell damage and retinal dysfunction in rats. Biol Res 2022; 55:22. [PMID: 35659309 PMCID: PMC9164539 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00390-6] [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] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal neurodegeneration is induced by a variety of environmental insults and stresses, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, we explored the involvement of cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), resulting in the cGAS-STING dependent inflammatory response and apoptosis in retinal damage in vivo. Methods Retinal injury was induced with white light or intravitreal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After light- or LPS-induced injury, the amount of cytosolic mtDNA in the retina was detected by PCR. The mtDNA was isolated and used to transfect retinas in vivo. WB and real-time PCR were used to evaluate the activation of cGAS-STING pathway and the levels of apoptosis-associated protein at different times after mtDNA injection. Retinal cell apoptosis rate was detected by TUNEL staining. Full-field electroretinography (ERG) was used to assess the retinal function. Results Light injury and the intravitreal injection of LPS both caused the leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm in retinal tissue. After the transfection of mtDNA in vivo, the levels of cGAS, STING, and IFN-β mRNAs and the protein levels of STING, phosph-TBK1, phospho-IRF3, and IFN-β were upregulated. mtDNA injection also induced the activation of caspase 3 and caspase 9. BAX and BAK were increased at both the mRNA and protein levels. The release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol was increased after mtDNA injection. The wave amplitudes on ERG decreased and retinal cell apoptosis was detected after mtDNA injection. Conclusions Cytosolic mtDNA triggers an inflammatory response. It also promotes apoptosis and the dysfunction of the retina. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40659-022-00390-6.
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10
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Wolf J, Hajdu RI, Boneva S, Schlecht A, Lapp T, Wacker K, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Auw-Hädrich C, Schlunck G, Lange C. Characterization of the Cellular Microenvironment and Novel Specific Biomarkers in Pterygia Using RNA Sequencing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:714458. [PMID: 35174178 PMCID: PMC8841401 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.714458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With a worldwide prevalence of ~12%, pterygium is a common degenerative and environmentally triggered ocular surface disorder characterized by wing-shaped growth of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea that can lead to blindness if left untreated. This study characterizes the transcriptional profile and the cellular microenvironment of conjunctival pterygia and identifies novel pterygia-specific biomarkers. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded pterygia as well as healthy conjunctival specimens were analyzed using MACE RNA sequencing (n = 8 each) and immunohistochemistry (pterygia n = 7, control n = 3). According to the bioinformatic cell type enrichment analysis using xCell, the cellular microenvironment of pterygia was characterized by an enrichment of myofibroblasts, T-lymphocytes and various antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages. Differentially expressed genes that were increased in pterygia compared to control tissue were mainly involved in autophagy (including DCN, TMBIM6), cellular response to stress (including TPT1, DDX5) as well as fibroblast proliferation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (including CTNNB1, TGFBR1, and FN1). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a significantly increased FN1 stromal immunoreactivity in pterygia when compared to control tissue. In addition, a variety of factors involved in apoptosis were significantly downregulated in pterygia, including LCN2, CTSD, and NISCH. Furthermore, 450 pterygia-specific biomarkers were identified by including transcriptional data of different ocular surface pathologies serving as controls (training group), which were then validated using transcriptional data of cultured human pterygium cells. Among the most pterygia-specific factors were transcripts such as AHNAK, RTN4, TPT1, FSTL1, and SPARC. Immunohistochemical validation of SPARC revealed a significantly increased stromal immunoreactivity in pterygia when compared to controls, most notably in vessels and intravascular vessel wall-adherent mononuclear cells. Taken together, the present study provides new insights into the cellular microenvironment and the transcriptional profile of pterygia, identifies new and specific biomarkers and in addition to fibrosis-related genes, uncovers autophagy, stress response and apoptosis modulation as pterygium-associated processes. These findings expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of pterygia, provide new diagnostic tools, and may enable new targeted therapeutic options for this common and sight-threatening ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdu
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Katrin Wacker
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Clemens Lange
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11
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Guardado S, Ojeda-Juárez D, Kaul M, Nordgren TM. Comprehensive review of lipocalin 2-mediated effects in lung inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L726-L733. [PMID: 34468208 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00080.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an inflammatory mediator best known for its role as an innate acute-phase protein. LCN2 mediates the innate immune response to pathogens by sequestering iron, thereby inhibiting pathogen growth. Although LCN2 and its bacteriostatic properties are well studied, other LCN2 functions in the immune response to inflammatory stimuli are less well understood, such as its role as a chemoattractant and involvement in the regulation of cell migration and apoptosis. In the lungs, most studies thus far investigating the role of LCN2 in the immune response have looked at pathogenic inflammatory stimuli. Here, we compile data that explore the role of LCN2 in the immune response to various inflammatory stimuli in an effort to differentiate between protective versus detrimental roles of LCN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Guardado
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Daniel Ojeda-Juárez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Marcus Kaul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Tara M Nordgren
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
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12
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Zhuang X, Ma J, Xu S, Zhang M, Xu G, Sun Z. All-Trans Retinoic Acid Attenuates Blue Light-Induced Apoptosis of Retinal Photoreceptors by Upregulating MKP-1 Expression. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4157-4168. [PMID: 33950345 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02380-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study investigated the antiapoptotic effects of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on retinal degeneration caused by exposure to blue light. Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of RA and, if necessary, the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphotase-1(MKP-1) inhibitor, (E)-2-benzylidene-3-(cyclohexylamino)-2, 3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BCI), or the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist, AGN 193109. Retinal damage was induced by 24 h of continuous exposure to blue light. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and electroretinography were performed to measure retinal thickness and retinal function before and at 3 days and 7 days after light exposure. The retinal protein expression levels of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB, MKP-1, Bim, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 were also measured. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining and immunofluorescent staining of cleaved caspase-3 were also performed to evaluate photoreceptor apoptosis. The administration of RA significantly mitigated retinal dysfunction and the decrease in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness at 3 days and 7 days after light exposure. RA also reduced the percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei in the ONL and cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescence intensity at 3 days after light exposure. Light exposure increased the retinal expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bim, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3), which was attenuated by RA. Moreover, RA enhanced the expression of MKP-1 and inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, which were attenuated by the inhibition of RAR. The inhibitory effects of RA on blue light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis were abrogated by the MKP-1inhibitor. Our results indicate that RA alleviates photoreceptor loss following blue light exposure, at least partly, by the MKP-1/JNK pathway, which may serve as a therapeutic target for relieving retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sisi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongcui Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Tang W, Guo J, Liu W, Ma J, Xu G. Ferrostatin-1 attenuates ferroptosis and protects the retina against light-induced retinal degeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 548:27-34. [PMID: 33631670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, are serious diseases that may lead to irreversible retinal neuron damage and permanent vision impairment. There are currently no effective treatments for these diseases due to our incomplete understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms. Ferroptosis, a newly identified iron-dependent mode of cell death, is implicated in various diseases. However, it is unknown whether ferroptosis is involved in light-induced retinal degeneration. In this study, we found that light exposure significantly reduced the viability of photoreceptor cells in vitro and induced pro-ferroptotic changes, including iron accumulation, mitochondrial shrinkage, glutathione depletion, increased malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4. The effects of light exposure on ferroptosis were attenuated by ferrostatin-1. Consistently, the results of in vivo studies demonstrated that ferrostatin-1 protected against light-induced ferroptosis. And it exerted therapeutic effects by inhibiting neuroinflammation and prevented the effects of light exposure on the structure and function of the retina. The findings reveal an important role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of light-induced retinal degeneration and suggest that ferroptosis may be a novel treatment target for preventing retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Tang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingli Guo
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gezhi Xu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Tan J, Liu G, Lan C, Pang IH, Luo X, Wu S, Fan N, Zhang J, Wang N, Liu X. Lentiviral vector-mediated expression of C3 transferase attenuates retinal ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats. Life Sci 2021; 272:119269. [PMID: 33631175 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119269] [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: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Our previous study showed that intravitreal delivery of self-complementary AAV2 (scAAV2)-mediated exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) can attenuate retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The current study investigated the neuroprotective effects of lentivirus (LV)-mediated C3 transgene expression on rat retinal I/R injury. MAIN METHODS The LV encoding C3 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) together (LV-C3-GFP) or GFP only (LV-GFP) was intravitreally injected to SPRAGUE-DAWLEY rats. On day 5 post-intravitreal injection, eyes were evaluated by slit-lamp examination. The GFP expression on retina was confirmed by in vivo and ex vivo assessments. RhoA GTPase expression in retina was examined by western blot. Retinal I/R injury was generated by transiently increasing intraocular pressure (110 mmHg, 90 min). Eyes were then enucleated, and retinas processed for morphological analysis and TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. KEY FINDINGS No obvious inflammatory reactions or surgical complications were observed after intravitreal injection of LV vectors. There was a significant decrease of total RhoA GTPase level in the retina treated with LV-C3-GFP. Compared to the blank control group, LV-C3-GFP and LV-GFP did not affect the retinal thickness, cell density in ganglion cell layer (GCL), or numbers of apoptotic cells in retinal flat-mounts. In the LV-GFP-treated retinas, I/R decreased the retinal thickness and GCL cell density and increased apoptotic retinal cell numbers. LV-C3-GFP significantly protected against all these degenerative effects of I/R. SIGNIFICANCE This study indicated that LV-mediated C3 transgene expression exhibits neuroprotective effects on the retinal I/R injury and holds potential as a novel neuroprotective approach targeting certain retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361006, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Chunlin Lan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Iok-Hou Pang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361006, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China.
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15
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Chen M, Yang N, Lechner J, Toth L, Hogg R, Silvestri G, Chakravarthy U, Xu H. Plasma level of lipocalin 2 is increased in neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients, particularly those with macular fibrosis. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2020; 17:35. [PMID: 33292361 PMCID: PMC7666483 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-00205-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Previously, we and others have reported higher populations of circulating neutrophils in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL, also known as lipocalin-2, LCN2), an important innate immune mediator, is known to be critically involved in sterile inflammation-mediated organ failure, fibrosis, cancer progression and retinal degeneration. This study investigated the plasma levels of LCN2, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and LCN2/MMP9 complex in different types of nAMD and examined whether the levels were related to patients’ responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy. Results One hundred and seventy-four nAMD patients, including 108 with choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), 32 with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), 23 with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 11 unclassified patients, and 43 healthy controls were recruited to this case-control study. Fifty-eight nAMD patients had macular fibrosis and 110 patients did not. Out of the 174 nAMD patients, 80 patients responded completely, 90 responded partially, and 4 did not respond to the anti-VEGF therapy. The plasma levels of LCN2 in nAMD patients (181.46 ± 73.62 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (152.24 ± 49.55 ng/ml, P = 0.047). However, the difference disappeared after adjusting for age. A positive correlation between plasma level of LCN2 and age was observed in nAMD patients (r = 0.29, P = 0.0002) but not in healthy controls. The plasma level of LCN2 was also positively correlated with circulating neutrophils in nAMD patients (r = 0.34, p = 0.0007) but not in healthy controls (r = 0.057, p = 0.77). No correlation was observed between age and circulating neutrophils. Further analysis of nAMD subtypes uncovered a significantly higher level of LCN2 in patients with macular fibrosis even after adjusting for age. No relationship was observed between plasma levels of LCN2 and patients’ responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy. The plasma levels of MMP9 and LCN2/MMP9 complex were comparable between nAMD and controls. Conclusions Our results suggest that higher plasma levels of LCN2 in nAMD are related to ageing and increased population of circulating neutrophils. Our results also suggest that higher levels of LCN2 may increase the risk of macular fibrosis in nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Nan Yang
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Judith Lechner
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Levente Toth
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ruth Hogg
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Usha Chakravarthy
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Ghosh S, Stepicheva N, Yazdankhah M, Shang P, Watson AM, Hose S, Liu H, Weiss J, Zigler JS, Valapala M, Watkins SC, Sinha D. The role of lipocalin-2 in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:835-851. [PMID: 31901947 PMCID: PMC7079812 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Lipocalins are a family of secreted adipokines which play important roles in various biological processes. Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) has been shown to be involved in acute and chronic inflammation. This particular protein is critical in the pathogenesis of several diseases including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and multiple sclerosis. Herein, we discuss the general molecular basis for the involvement of LCN-2 in acute infections and chronic disease progression and also ascertain the probable role of LCN-2 in ocular diseases, particularly in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We elaborate on the signaling cascades which trigger LCN-2 upregulation in AMD and suggest therapeutic strategies for targeting such pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA.
| | - Nadezda Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Meysam Yazdankhah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Peng Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Alan M Watson
- Center for Biologic Imaging and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Joseph Weiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - J Samuel Zigler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Simon C Watkins
- Center for Biologic Imaging and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology, Children's Hospital of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA.
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