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Hein M, Qambari H, An D, Balaratnasingam C. Current understanding of subclinical diabetic retinopathy informed by histology and high-resolution in vivo imaging. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:464-484. [PMID: 38363022 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14363] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The escalating incidence of diabetes mellitus has amplified the global impact of diabetic retinopathy. There are known structural and functional changes in the diabetic retina that precede the fundus photography abnormalities which currently are used to diagnose clinical diabetic retinopathy. Understanding these subclinical alterations is important for effective disease management. Histology and high-resolution clinical imaging reveal that the entire neurovascular unit, comprised of retinal vasculature, neurons and glial cells, is affected in subclinical disease. Early functional manifestations are seen in the form of blood flow and electroretinography disturbances. Structurally, there are alterations in the cellular components of vasculature, glia and the neuronal network. On clinical imaging, changes to vessel density and thickness of neuronal layers are observed. How these subclinical disturbances interact and ultimately manifest as clinical disease remains elusive. However, this knowledge reveals potential early therapeutic targets and the need for imaging modalities that can detect subclinical changes in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hein
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hassanain Qambari
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dong An
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Hein M, Mehnert A, Freund KB, Yu DY, Balaratnasingam C. Variability in Capillary Perfusion Is Increased in Regions of Retinal Ischemia Due to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:30. [PMID: 37856113 PMCID: PMC10615145 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.30] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate alterations in macular perfusion variability due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using a novel approach based on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) coefficient of variation (CoV) analysis. Methods Thirteen eyes of 13 patients with macular ischemia due to BRVO were studied. Multiple consecutive en face OCTA images were acquired. Bias field correction, spatial alignment, and normalization of intensities across the images were performed followed by pixelwise computation of standard deviation divided by the mean to generate a CoV map. Region of interest-based CoV values, derived from this map, for arterioles, venules, and the microvasculature were compared between regions with macular ischemia and control areas of the same eye. Control areas were regions of the same macula that were not affected by the BRVO and had normal retinal vascular structure as seen on multimodal imaging and normal retinal vascular density measurements as quantified using OCTA. Results CoV increased by a mean value of 17.6% within the microvasculature of ischemic regions compared to the control microvasculature (P < 0.0001). CoV measurements of microvasculature were consistently greater in the ischemic area of all 13 eyes compared to control. There were no differences in CoV measurements between ischemic and control areas for arterioles (P = 0.13) and venules (P = 1.0). Conclusions Greater variability in microvasculature perfusion occurs at sites of macular ischemia due to BRVO. We report a novel way for quantifying macular perfusion variability using OCTA. This technique may have applicability for studying the pathophysiology of other retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hein
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Andrew Mehnert
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - K. Bailey Freund
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Dao-Yi Yu
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Yu DY, Mehnert A, Balaratnasingam C, Yu PK, Hein M, An D, Cringle SJ. An assessment of microvascular hemodynamics in human macula. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7550. [PMID: 37160984 PMCID: PMC10169832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
An adequate blood supply to meet the energy demands is essential for any tissue, particularly for high energy demand tissues such as the retina. A critical question is: How is the dynamic match between neuronal demands and blood supply achieved? We present a quantitative assessment of temporal and spatial variations in perfusion in the macular capillary network in 10 healthy human subjects using a non-invasive and label-free imaging technique. The assessment is based on the calculation of the coefficient of variation (CoV) of the perfusion signal from arterioles, venules and capillaries from a sequence of optical coherence tomography angiography images centred on the fovea. Significant heterogeneity of the spatial and temporal variation was found within arterioles, venules and capillary networks. The CoV values of the capillaries and smallest vessels were significantly higher than that in the larger vessels. Our results demonstrate the presence of significant heterogeneity of spatial and temporal variation within each element of the macular microvasculature, particularly in the capillaries and finer vessels. Our findings suggest that the dynamic match between neuronal demands and blood supply is achieved by frequent alteration of local blood flow evidenced by capillary perfusion variations both spatially and temporally in the macular region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Yi Yu
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
- Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Andrew Mehnert
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Paula K Yu
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Martin Hein
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Dong An
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Stephen J Cringle
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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Balaratnasingam C, An D, Hein M, Yu P, Yu DY. Studies of the retinal microcirculation using human donor eyes and high-resolution clinical imaging: Insights gained to guide future research in diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 94:101134. [PMID: 37154065 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101134] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The microcirculation plays a key role in delivering oxygen to and removing metabolic wastes from energy-intensive retinal neurons. Microvascular changes are a hallmark feature of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major cause of irreversible vision loss globally. Early investigators have performed landmark studies characterising the pathologic manifestations of DR. Previous works have collectively informed us of the clinical stages of DR and the retinal manifestations associated with devastating vision loss. Since these reports, major advancements in histologic techniques coupled with three-dimensional image processing has facilitated a deeper understanding of the structural characteristics in the healthy and diseased retinal circulation. Furthermore, breakthroughs in high-resolution retinal imaging have facilitated clinical translation of histologic knowledge to detect and monitor progression of microcirculatory disturbances with greater precision. Isolated perfusion techniques have been applied to human donor eyes to further our understanding of the cytoarchitectural characteristics of the normal human retinal circulation as well as provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of DR. Histology has been used to validate emerging in vivo retinal imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography angiography. This report provides an overview of our research on the human retinal microcirculation in the context of the current ophthalmic literature. We commence by proposing a standardised histologic lexicon for characterising the human retinal microcirculation and subsequently discuss the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying key manifestations of DR, with a focus on microaneurysms and retinal ischaemia. The advantages and limitations of current retinal imaging modalities as determined using histologic validation are also presented. We conclude with an overview of the implications of our research and provide a perspective on future directions in DR research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Dong An
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Martin Hein
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Paula Yu
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Dao-Yi Yu
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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An D, Chung-Wah-Cheong J, Yu DY, Balaratnasingam C. Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin Expression and Parafoveal Blood Flow Pathways Are Altered in Preclinical Diabetic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:8. [PMID: 35522303 PMCID: PMC9078056 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.5.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate differences in alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression and parafoveal blood flow pathways in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods Human donor eyes from healthy subjects (n = 8), patients with diabetes but no DR (DR-; n = 7), and patients with clinical DR (DR+; n = 13) were perfusion labeled with antibodies targeting αSMA, lectin, collagen IV, and filamentous actin. High-resolution confocal scanning laser microscopy was used to quantify αSMA staining and capillary density in the parafoveal circulation. Quantitative analyses of connections between retinal arteries and veins within the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were performed. Results Mean age between the groups was not different (P = 0.979). αSMA staining was seen in the SVP and ICP of all groups. The DCP was predominantly devoid of αSMA staining in control eyes but increased in a disease stage-specific manner in the DR- and DR+ groups. The increase in αSMA staining was localized to pericytes and endothelia of terminal arterioles and adjacent capillary segments. Capillary density was less in the DCP in the DR+ group (P < 0.001). ICP of the DR- and DR+ groups received more direct arteriole supplies than the control group (P < 0.001). Venous outflow pathways were not altered (all P > 0.284). Conclusions Alterations in αSMA and vascular inflow pathways in preclinical DR suggest that perfusion abnormalities precede structural vascular changes such as capillary loss. Preclinical DR may be characterized by a "steal" phenomenon where blood flow is preferentially diverted from the SVP to the ICP and DCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong An
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Dao-Yi Yu
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Alarcon-Martinez L, Yemisci M, Dalkara T. Pericyte morphology and function. Histol Histopathol 2021; 36:633-643. [PMID: 33595091 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The proper delivery of blood is essential for healthy neuronal function. The anatomical substrate for this precise mechanism is the neurovascular unit, which is formed by neurons, glial cells, endothelia, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes. Based on their particular location on the vessel wall, morphology, and protein expression, pericytes have been proposed as cells capable of regulating capillary blood flow. Pericytes are located around the microvessels, wrapping them with their processes. Their morphology and protein expression substantially vary along the vascular tree. Their contractibility is mediated by a unique cytoskeleton organization formed by filaments of actin that allows pericyte deformability with the consequent mechanical force transferred to the extracellular matrix for changing the diameter. Pericyte ultrastructure is characterized by large mitochondria likely to provide energy to regulate intracellular calcium concentration and fuel contraction. Accordingly, pericytes with compromised energy show a sustained intracellular calcium increase that leads to persistent microvascular constriction. Pericyte morphology is highly plastic and adapted for varying contractile capability along the microvascular tree, making pericytes ideal cells to regulate the capillary blood flow in response to local neuronal activity. Besides the vascular regulation, pericytes also play a role in the maintenance of the blood-brain/retina barrier, neovascularization and angiogenesis, and leukocyte transmigration. Here, we review the morphological and functional features of the pericytes as well as potential specific markers for the study of pericytes in the brain and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Muge Yemisci
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.,Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Turgay Dalkara
- Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Yu PK, Mehnert A, Athwal A, Sarunic MV, Yu DY. Use of the Retinal Vascular Histology to Validate an Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Technique. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:29. [PMID: 33520424 PMCID: PMC7817878 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the fidelity of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) techniques by direct comparison of the retinal capillary network images obtained from the same region as imaged by OCTA and high-resolution confocal microscope. Method Ten porcine eyes were perfused with red blood cells for OCTA image acquisition from the area centralis and then perfusion-fixed, and the vessels were labeled for confocal imaging. Two approaches involving post-processing of two-dimensional projection images and vessel tracking on three dimensional image stacks were used to obtain quantitative measurements. Data collected include vessel density, length of visible vessel track, count of visible branch points, vessel track depth, vessel diameter, angle of vessel descent, and angle of dive for comparison and analysis. Results Comparing vascular images acquired from OCTA and confocal microscopy, we found (1) a good representation of the larger caliber retinal vessels, (2) an underrepresentation of retinal microvessels smaller than 10 µm and branch points in all four retinal vascular plexuses, particularly the intermediate capillary plexus, (3) reduced visibility associated with an increase in the angle of descent, (4) a tendency to loss visibility of vessel track at a branch point or during a sharp dive, and (5) a reduction in visibility with increase in retinal depth on OCTA images. Conclusions Current OCTA techniques can visualize the retinal capillary network, but some types of capillaries cannot be detected by OCTA, particularly in the middle to deeper layers. Translational Relevance The information indicates the limitation in clinical use and scopes for improvement in the current OCTA technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula K Yu
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Mehnert
- Centre for Microscopy Characterisation and Analysis, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,National Imaging Facility, Australia
| | - Arman Athwal
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Marinko V Sarunic
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Dao-Yi Yu
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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An D, Yu P, Freund KB, Yu DY, Balaratnasingam C. Three-Dimensional Characterization of the Normal Human Parafoveal Microvasculature Using Structural Criteria and High-Resolution Confocal Microscopy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:3. [PMID: 32749461 PMCID: PMC7443114 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To use structural criteria to reconcile the three-dimensional organization and connectivity of the parafoveal microvasculature. Methods The parafoveal microvasculature was perfused and labeled in 16 normal human donor eyes for lectin, alpha smooth muscle actin, and filamentous actin. Established structural criteria gathered using confocal microscopy, including vessel diameter, endothelial cell morphology, and presence/density of smooth muscle cells, were used to differentiate arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. Three-dimensional visualization strategies were used to define the connections between retinal arteries and veins within the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP). Results The parafoveal microvasculature has two different inflow patterns and seven different outflow patterns. The SVP and ICP were connected to retinal arteries by arterioles. Inflow into the DCP occurred only via small arterioles (a1; mean diameter, 8.3 µm) that originated from the ICP. Direct connections between the DCP and retinal arteries were not identified. Each capillary plexus formed its own venule that drained independently or in conjunction with venules from other plexuses into a retinal vein at the level of the ganglion cell layer. For the DCP, a1 was significantly smaller than its draining venule (mean diameter, 18.8 µm; P < 0.001). Conclusions The SVP and ICP of the parafoveal microvasculature have both in series and in parallel arterial and venous connections. Arterial supply to the DCP originates from the ICP, but with direct drainage to the retinal vein. These findings may help to develop an understanding of the pattern of retinal lesions characterizing a myriad of retinal vascular diseases.
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