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Buonfiglio F, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Glaucoma and the ocular renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: Update on molecular signalling and treatment perspectives. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111343. [PMID: 39127136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111343] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, encompasses a group of pathological conditions affecting the optic nerve and is characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell loss, cupping of the optic nerve head, and distinct visual field defects. While elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main risk factor for glaucoma, many patients do not have elevated IOP. Consequently, other risk factors, such as ocular blood flow abnormalities and immunological factors, have been implicated in its pathophysiology. Traditional therapeutic strategies primarily aim to reduce IOP, but there is growing interest in developing novel treatment approaches to improve disease management and reduce the high rates of severe visual impairment. In this context, targeting the ocular renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has been found as a potential curative strategy. The RAAS contributes to glaucoma development through key effectors such as prorenin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone. Recent evidence has highlighted the potential of using RAAS modulators to combat glaucoma, yielding encouraging results. Our study aims to explore the molecular pathways linking the ocular RAAS and glaucoma, summarizing recent advances that elucidate the role of the RAAS in triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and remodelling in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Additionally, we will present emerging therapeutic approaches that utilize RAAS modulators and antioxidants to slow the progression of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Buonfiglio
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg- University, Langenbeckstr.1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg- University, Langenbeckstr.1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Adrian Gericke
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg- University, Langenbeckstr.1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Spörri L, Uldry AC, Kreuzer M, Herzog EL, Zinkernagel MS, Unterlauft JD, Zysset-Burri DC. Exploring the Ocular Surface Microbiome and Tear Proteome in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6257. [PMID: 38892444 PMCID: PMC11172891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116257] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Although glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood, and intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor to target the disease. Several associations between the gut microbiome and glaucoma, including the IOP, have been suggested. There is growing evidence that interactions between microbes on the ocular surface, termed the ocular surface microbiome (OSM), and tear proteins, collectively called the tear proteome, may also play a role in ocular diseases such as glaucoma. This study aimed to find characteristic features of the OSM and tear proteins in patients with glaucoma. The whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of 32 conjunctival swabs identified Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria as the dominant phyla in the cohort. The species Corynebacterium mastitidis was only found in healthy controls, and their conjunctival microbiomes may be enriched in genes of the phospholipase pathway compared to glaucoma patients. Despite these minor differences in the OSM, patients showed an enrichment of many tear proteins associated with the immune system compared to controls. In contrast to the OSM, this emphasizes the role of the proteome, with a potential involvement of immunological processes in glaucoma. These findings may contribute to the design of new therapeutic approaches targeting glaucoma and other associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Spörri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
| | | | - Marco Kreuzer
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Elio L. Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S. Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Jan D. Unterlauft
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Denise C. Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
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Potter R, Ayala M, Tilevik A. Identification of biomarker candidates for exfoliative glaucoma from autoimmunity profiling. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:44. [PMID: 38287276 PMCID: PMC10826272 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03314-y] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) is a subtype of open-angle glaucoma characterized by distinctive extracellular fibrils and a yet unknown pathogenesis potentially involving immune-related factors. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify biomarkers for XFG using data from autoimmunity profiling performed on blood samples from a Scandinavian cohort of patients. METHODS Autoantibody screening was analyzed against 258 different protein fragments in blood samples taken from 30 patients diagnosed with XFG and 30 healthy donors. The 258 protein fragments were selected based on a preliminary study performed on 3072 randomly selected antigens and antigens associated with the eye. The "limma" package was used to perform moderated t-tests on the proteomic data to identify differentially expressed reactivity between the groups. RESULTS Multiple associated genes were highlighted as possible biomarker candidates including FUT2, CDH5, and the LOX family genes. Using seven variables, our binary logistic regression model was able to classify the cases from the controls with an AUC of 0.85, and our reduced model using only one variable corresponding to the FUT2 gene provided an AUC of 0.75, based on LOOCV. Furthermore, over-representation gene analysis was performed to identify pathways that were associated with antigens differentially bound to self-antibodies. This highlighted the enrichment of pathways related to collagen fibril formation and the regulatory molecules mir-3176 and mir-876-5p. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests several potential biomarkers that may be useful in developing further models of the pathology of XFG. In particular, CDH5, FUT2, and the LOX family seem to have a relationship which merits additional exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Potter
- Systems Biology Research Centre, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden.
- Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Marcelo Ayala
- Skaraborgs Sjukhus, Skövde, Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas Tilevik
- Systems Biology Research Centre, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
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Buonfiglio F, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Drugs in Glaucoma Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1193. [PMID: 37765001 PMCID: PMC10535738 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091193] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a group of diseases characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell loss, cupping of the optic disc, and a typical pattern of visual field defects, is a leading cause of severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the leading risk factor for glaucoma development. However, glaucoma can also develop at normal pressure levels. An increased susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells to IOP, systemic vascular dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and autoimmune imbalances have been suggested as playing a role in the pathophysiology of normal-tension glaucoma. Since inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in all forms of glaucoma, the goal of this review article is to present an overview of the inflammatory and pro-oxidant mechanisms in the pathophysiology of glaucoma and to discuss immunomodulatory and antioxidant treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | | | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
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Serum Autoantibodies in Patients with Dry and Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041590. [PMID: 36836125 PMCID: PMC9960765 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the serum autoantibody profile in patients with dry and exudative age-related macular degeneration compared with healthy volunteers to detect potential biomarkers, e.g., markers for progression of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS IgG Immunoreactivities were compared in patients suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (n = 20), patients with treatment-naive exudative AMD (n = 29) and healthy volunteers (n = 21). Serum was analysed by customized antigen microarrays containing 61 antigens. The statistical analysis was performed by univariate and multivariate analysis of variance, predictive data-mining methods and artificial neuronal networks were used to detect specific autoantibody patterns. RESULTS The immunoreactivities of dry and wet AMD patients were significantly different from each other and from controls. One of the most prominently changed reactivity was against alpha-synuclein (p ≤ 0.0034), which is known from other neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, reactivities against glyceraldehyde-3-phosphat-dehydrogenase (p ≤ 0.031) and Annexin V (p ≤ 0.034), which performs a major role in apoptotic processes, were significantly changed. Some immunoreacitvities were antithetic regulated in wet and dry-AMD, such as Vesicle transport-related protein (VTI-B). CONCLUSIONS Comparison of autoantibody profiles in patients with dry and wet AMD revealed significantly altered immunoreactivities against proteins particularly found in immunological diseases, further neurodegenerative, apoptotic and autoimmune markers could be observed. A validation study has to explore if these antibody pattern can help to understand the underlying differences in pathogenesis, evaluate their prognostic value and if those could be possibly useful as additional therapeutic targets.
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Auler N, Tonner H, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Antibody and Protein Profiles in Glaucoma: Screening of Biomarkers and Identification of Signaling Pathways. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121296. [PMID: 34943212 PMCID: PMC8698915 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Currently, the only therapeutic option is to lower intraocular pressure. The onset of the disease is often delayed because patients do not notice visual impairment until very late, which is why glaucoma is also known as “the silent thief of sight”. Therefore, early detection and definition of specific markers, the so-called biomarkers, are immensely important. For the methodical implementation, high-throughput methods and omic-based methods came more and more into focus. Thus, interesting targets for possible biomarkers were already suggested by clinical research and basic research, respectively. This review article aims to join the findings of the two disciplines by collecting overlaps as well as differences in various clinical studies and to shed light on promising candidates concerning findings from basic research, facilitating conclusions on possible therapy options. Abstract Glaucoma represents a group of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, constituting the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. To date, chronically elevated intraocular pressure has been identified as the main risk factor and the only treatable symptom. However, there is increasing evidence in the recent literature that IOP-independent molecular mechanisms also play an important role in the progression of the disease. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that glaucoma has an autoimmune component. The main focus nowadays is elucidating glaucoma pathogenesis, finding early diagnostic options and new therapeutic approaches. This review article summarizes the impact of different antibodies and proteins associated with glaucoma that can be detected for example by microarray and mass spectrometric analyzes, which (i) provide information about expression profiles and associated molecular signaling pathways, (ii) can possibly be used as a diagnostic tool in future and, (iii) can identify possible targets for therapeutic approaches.
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Wiemann S, Reinhard J, Reinehr S, Cibir Z, Joachim SC, Faissner A. Loss of the Extracellular Matrix Molecule Tenascin-C Leads to Absence of Reactive Gliosis and Promotes Anti-inflammatory Cytokine Expression in an Autoimmune Glaucoma Mouse Model. Front Immunol 2020; 11:566279. [PMID: 33162981 PMCID: PMC7581917 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.566279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that retinal damage correlates with a massive remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and reactive gliosis. However, the functional significance of the ECM in retinal neurodegeneration is still unknown. In the present study, we used an intraocular pressure (IOP) independent experimental autoimmune glaucoma (EAG) mouse model to examine the role of the ECM glycoprotein tenascin-C (Tnc). Wild type (WT ONA) and Tnc knockout (KO ONA) mice were immunized with an optic nerve antigen (ONA) homogenate and control groups (CO) obtained sodium chloride (WT CO, KO CO). IOP was measured weekly and electroretinographies were recorded at the end of the study. Ten weeks after immunization, we analyzed retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), glial cells, and the expression of different cytokines in retina and optic nerve tissue in all four groups. IOP and retinal function were comparable in all groups. Although RGC loss was less severe in KO ONA, WT as well as KO mice displayed a significant cell loss after immunization. Compared to KO ONA, less βIII-tubulin+ axons, and downregulated oligodendrocyte markers were noted in WT ONA optic nerves. In retina and optic nerve, we found an enhanced GFAP+ staining area of astrocytes in immunized WT. A significantly higher number of retinal Iba1+ microglia was found in WT ONA, while a lower number of Iba1+ cells was observed in KO ONA. Furthermore, an increased expression of the glial markers Gfap, Iba1, Nos2, and Cd68 was detected in retinal and optic nerve tissue of WT ONA, whereas comparable levels were observed in KO ONA. In addition, pro-inflammatory Tnfa expression was upregulated in WT ONA, but downregulated in KO ONA. Vice versa, a significantly increased anti-inflammatory Tgfb1 expression was measured in KO ONA animals. We conclude that Tnc plays an important role in glial and inflammatory response during retinal neurodegeneration. Our results provide evidence that Tnc is involved in glaucomatous damage by regulating retinal glial activation and cytokine release. Thus, this transgenic EAG mouse model for the first time offers the possibility to investigate IOP-independent glaucomatous damage in direct relation to ECM remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wiemann
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Reinhard
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Zülal Cibir
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Faissner
- Department of Cell Morphology and Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Vernazza S, Tirendi S, Bassi AM, Traverso CE, Saccà SC. Neuroinflammation in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3172. [PMID: 33007927 PMCID: PMC7601106 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests oxidative damage and immune response defects are key factors contributing to glaucoma onset. Indeed, both the failure of the trabecular meshwork tissue in the conventional outflow pathway and the neuroinflammation process, which drives the neurodegeneration, seem to be linked to the age-related over-production of free radicals (i.e., mitochondrial dysfunction) and to oxidative stress-linked immunostimulatory signaling. Several previous studies have described a wide range of oxidative stress-related makers which are found in glaucomatous patients, including low levels of antioxidant defences, dysfunction/activation of glial cells, the activation of the NF-κB pathway and the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and so on. However, the intraocular pressure is still currently the only risk factor modifiable by medication or glaucoma surgery. This present review aims to summarize the multiple cellular processes, which promote different risk factors in glaucoma including aging, oxidative stress, trabecular meshwork defects, glial activation response, neurodegenerative insults, and the altered regulation of immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Tirendi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.T.); (A.M.B.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Anna Maria Bassi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.T.); (A.M.B.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Carlo Enrico Traverso
- Clinica Oculistica, DiNOGMI, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS-Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as Novel Biomarkers of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. J Glaucoma 2017; 25:e815-e820. [PMID: 26918914 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000000392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to assess the levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to compare the NLR and PLR results of patients with POAG and ocular hypertension, as well as in healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighty-four patients with POAG, 94 patients with ocular hypertension, and 80 healthy subjects were enrolled in this retrospective study. Complete ophthalmological examination and complete blood count measurements were performed for all subjects. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the NLR (P=0.003) and PLR (P=0.049) between POAG and control groups. In addition, there was a correlation between pattern standard deviation and NLR in the POAG group. The receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that the value of NLR to distinguish patients with POAG and controls was found to be 0.651. The best cutoff value was 2.1, with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 65%. CONCLUSIONS Our study for the first time provides evidence that NLR and PLR may be useful as biomarkers in patients with POAG.
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Zhao J, Chen W, Huang X, Peng S, Zhu T, Deng Z, Liang P, Chang H, Fan BJ. Serum Th1 and Th17 related cytokines and autoantibodies in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175519. [PMID: 28384257 PMCID: PMC5383301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) shares some clinical features with uveitis and open angle glaucoma. Cytokines and autoantibodies have been associated with uveitis and open angle glaucoma. However, the role of serum cytokines and autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of PSS remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of type 1 T helper (Th1) and Th17 related cytokines and autoantibodies with PSS. Peripheral blood serum samples were collected from 81 patients with PSS and 97 gender- and age-matched healthy blood donors. Th1 and Th17 related cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon- γ (IFN-γ), IL-6 and IL-17, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) were determined by double antibody sandwich ELISA. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-keratin antibody (AKA) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACA)-IgG, ACA-IgM, ACA-IgA, anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) were detected by indirect ELISA. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-12 and IL-6 in PSS patients were significantly lower than those in controls (P < 0.003), and these associations survived the Bonferroni correction (Pc < 0.018). There was no significant difference in serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 between the PSS and control groups (Pc > 0.12). Positive rate of serum anti-dsDNA in PSS patients was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.002, Pc = 0.018), while positive rates of serum ANA, AKA, ANCA, ACA-IgG, ACA-IgM, ACA-IgA, GPI and anti-CCP in the PSS group were not significantly different from those in the control group (Pc > 0.09). These results suggest that anti-dsDNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of PSS, while Th1 and Th17 related cytokines and other autoantibodies may not be major contributors to PSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry Affiliated to Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenchieh Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaosheng Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiming Peng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianhui Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihui Deng
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Liang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry Affiliated to Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Chang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bao Jian Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Lorenz K, Scheller Y, Bell K, Grus F, Ponto KA, Bock F, Cursiefen C, Flach J, Gehring M, Peto T, Silva R, Tal Y, Pfeiffer N. A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-masked, three-armed, multicentre phase II/III trial for the Study of a Topical Treatment of Ischaemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion to Prevent Neovascular Glaucoma - the STRONG study: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:128. [PMID: 28302155 PMCID: PMC5356411 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-1861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is rare, comprising only 3.9% of all glaucoma cases. The most common cause of NVG is ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion (iCRVO). NVG frequently results in blindness and painful end-stage glaucomatous damage leading to the need for enucleation. Currently, there is no preventive therapy for NVG following iCRVO. Rescue treatments have severe drawbacks. Accordingly, there is a great need for preventing the often visually devastating outcomes of NVG. The STRONG study is designed to test whether the topically active anti-angiogenic agent aganirsen is able to inhibit the formation of neovascularisation leading to the development of secondary NVG in eyes with iCRVO. At the same time, STRONG will provide important information on the natural course of iCRVO and NVG in a large and well-characterised cohort of such patients. Methods/design This protocol describes a phase II/III, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-masked, three-armed multicentre study for the investigation of aganirsen, a new topical treatment for iCRVO in order to prevent NVG. The study will evaluate the efficacy of two different doses of this newly developed antisense oligonucleotide formulated in an eye emulsion to avoid new vessel formation by blocking insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS)-1. This leads to subsequent down-regulation of both angiogenic as well as proinflammatory growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Eligible patients (n = 333) will be treated with topical aganirsen or placebo for a period of 24 weeks. They will also be invited to participate in substudies involving analysis of gonioscopic images, detection of biomarkers for NVG and risk factors for iCRVO. Discussion The STRONG study has the potential to offer a new treatment modality for patients suffering from iCRVO with a high risk of developing NVG. The topical administration can reduce patients’ burden and risk related to rescue treatment, such as destructive laser treatment or enucleation, but requires a high level of patient compliance. Trial registration EudraCT: 2014-000239-18; ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02947867. (Registered on 15 October 2016); see also http://strong-nvg.com. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1861-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Lorenz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, D-55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Yvonne Scheller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, D-55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Bell
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, D-55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz Grus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, D-55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina A Ponto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, D-55131, Mainz, Germany.,Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50924, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50924, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Flach
- Bundesverband Glaukom-Selbsthilfe e.V., Märkische Str. 61, 44141, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marta Gehring
- Gene Signal International SA, EPFL Innovation Park-A, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tunde Peto
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Rufino Silva
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Ophthalmology, Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal.,Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yossi Tal
- TechnoSTAT Ltd., 34 Jerusalem Rd., Raanana, 4350108, Israel
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, D-55131, Mainz, Germany
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Funke S, Perumal N, Bell K, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. The potential impact of recent insights into proteomic changes associated with glaucoma. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017; 14:311-334. [PMID: 28271721 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1298448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glaucoma, a major ocular neuropathy, is still far from being understood on a molecular scale. Proteomic workflows revealed glaucoma associated alterations in different eye components. By using state-of-the-art mass spectrometric (MS) based discovery approaches large proteome datasets providing important information about glaucoma related proteins and pathways could be generated. Corresponding proteomic information could be retrieved from various ocular sample species derived from glaucoma experimental models or from original human material (e.g. optic nerve head or aqueous humor). However, particular eye tissues with the potential for understanding the disease's molecular pathomechanism remains underrepresented. Areas covered: The present review provides an overview of the analysis depth achieved for the glaucomatous eye proteome. With respect to different eye regions and biofluids, proteomics related literature was found using PubMed, Scholar and UniProtKB. Thereby, the review explores the potential of clinical proteomics for glaucoma research. Expert commentary: Proteomics will provide important contributions to understanding the molecular processes associated with glaucoma. Sensitive discovery and targeted MS approaches will assist understanding of the molecular interplay of different eye components and biofluids in glaucoma. Proteomic results will drive the comprehension of glaucoma, allowing a more stringent disease hypothesis within the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Funke
- a Experimental Ophthalmology , University Medical Center , Mainz , Germany
| | - Natarajan Perumal
- a Experimental Ophthalmology , University Medical Center , Mainz , Germany
| | - Katharina Bell
- a Experimental Ophthalmology , University Medical Center , Mainz , Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- a Experimental Ophthalmology , University Medical Center , Mainz , Germany
| | - Franz H Grus
- a Experimental Ophthalmology , University Medical Center , Mainz , Germany
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Von Thun Und Hohenstein-Blaul N, Kunst S, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Biomarkers for glaucoma: from the lab to the clinic. Eye (Lond) 2017; 31:225-231. [PMID: 28085137 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2016.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is often not diagnosed until many years after disease onset. Early and objective diagnostic measures are yet missing. Besides the main risk factor, an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), age, sex, and ethnicity are known to affect disease progression and severity. Furthermore, oxidative stress, elevated glutamate concentrations, and an autoimmune component are considered possible risk factors. We could identify several potential proteomic biomarkers in glaucoma and examine distinct changes in the glaucomatous human retina proteome. Using an experimental autoimmune glaucoma animal (EAG) model we could demonstrate an IOP-independent loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), which is accompanied by antibody depositions and increased levels of microglia. In a different animal model we showed that intermittent IOP elevations provoke neurodegeneration in the optic nerve and the retina and elicit changes of IgG autoantibody reactivities. The correlation between neuronal damage and changes in autoantibody reactivity suggests that autoantibody profiling could be a useful biomarker for glaucoma. In vivo studies on neuroretinal cells and porcine retinal explants demonstrated a protective effect of antibodies (eg, anti-GFAP) on RGC, which seems to be the result of reduced stress levels in the retina. We conclude that the absence of some autoantibodies in glaucoma patients reflects a loss of the protective potential of natural autoimmunity and may thus encourage neurodegenerative processes. Concluding, autoantibody profiles resemble useful biomarkers for diagnosis, progression and severity of glaucoma. Future longitudinal studies will help to improve early detection and enable better monitoring of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Von Thun Und Hohenstein-Blaul
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - S Kunst
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - N Pfeiffer
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - F H Grus
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Mousa A, Kondkar AA, Al-Obeidan SA, Azad TA, Sultan T, Osman EA, Abu-Amero KK. Lack of Association Between Polymorphism rs4986791 in TLR4 and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in a Saudi Cohort. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2016; 20:556-9. [PMID: 27526043 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2016.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4986791 (C>T) in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene is a risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Saudi population. METHOD A case-control study was performed to genotype a cohort of 85 POAG patients and 95 matched healthy controls utilizing TaqMan(®). The association between mutant genotypes and various POAG clinical indices were investigated. RESULTS The wild-type (C/C), heterozygous (C/T), and homozygous (T/T) genotypes were observed in 85.9%, 12.9%, and 1.2% POAG cases, respectively, compared to 91.6%, 8.4%, and none, respectively, among controls. The minor allele frequency was 0.076 in cases and 0.042 in controls. Both the genotype and allele frequency among POAG cases and controls did not vary significantly. With the exception of family history of glaucoma (p = 0.032), no significant association of genotypes was seen with age, intraocular pressure, cup/disc ratio, number of antiglaucoma medications, and other systemic comorbidities among the POAG cases. CONCLUSION We did not detect any direct association between genotypes or allele frequencies of SNP rs4986791 in the TLR4 gene and POAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mousa
- 1 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Altaf A Kondkar
- 1 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Al-Obeidan
- 1 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taif A Azad
- 1 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahira Sultan
- 1 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A Osman
- 1 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled K Abu-Amero
- 1 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia .,2 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine , Jacksonville, Florida
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Autoimmune aspects in glaucoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 787:105-18. [PMID: 27090926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of glaucoma, a common neurodegenerative disease, involves an immunologic component. Studies demonstrate changes of autoantibody concentrations against retinal and optic nerve head antigens in glaucoma patients. Furthermore we found antibody deposits in human glaucomatous retinae in a pro-inflammatory environment. Clinical studies showed up regulated, but also significantly down-regulated autoantibody levels. These antibodies belong to the natural autoimmunity. The upregulation of autoantibodies can be associated with fatal conditions, but several studies demonstrate that natural autoantibodies entail also neuroprotective characteristics and influence the protein expression of neuroretinal cells. A misbalance in the physiological equilibrium may shift from regulatory immunity into a neuroinflammatory degenerative process, what may lead to a predisposition to glaucoma. However, the protective nature of autoantibodies and the molecular mechanisms underlying the very sensitive equilibrium of natural autoimmunity between autoaggression and neuroprotection offer promising target sites for new therapeutic approaches. Finally, the changes in antibody profiles represent a new opportunity as highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for diagnostics purposes.
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Abu-Amero KK, Kondkar AA, Mousa A, Azad TA, Sultan T, Osman EA, Al-Obeidan SA. Analysis of toll-like receptor rs4986790 polymorphism in Saudi patients with primary open angle glaucoma. Ophthalmic Genet 2016; 38:133-137. [PMID: 27064537 DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2016.1151900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate whether SNP rs4986790 in toll-like receptors (TLRs) is a risk factor for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Saudi population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort of 85 unrelated POAG patients and 95 unrelated control subjects from Saudi Arabia were genotyped utilizing Taq-Man® assay. The association between mutant genotypes and various clinical indices important for POAG was investigated. RESULTS Among cases, the normal pattern (A/A) was detected in 70 (82.4%) of the subjects, A/G in 14 (16.5%) and G/G in one subject only (1.2%). Among controls, prevalence of the genotype (A/A) was detected in 86 (90.5%), the (A/G) genotype in 8 (8.4%) and homozygous mutated genotype (G/G) in 1 (1.1%) subjects. Comparing cases to controls, the odds ratio of having heterozygous mutation (A/G) was 2.15 [95% CI: 0.853-5.417], which was not significant (p = 0.114). The odds ratio of having homozygous mutation (G/G) was 1.22 [95% CI: 0.075-19.99], which was statistically non-significant (p = 0.568). Likewise, the presence of the mutated allele (G) was non-significantly different between cases and controls (p = 0.154). Comparing cases to controls as regards co-morbidity with other systemic diseases, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in all assessed diseases except for a family history of glaucoma (p = 0.014) Conclusions: In conclusion, we could not detect any direct link between genotypes or allele frequencies of SNP rs4986790 in the TLR4 gene and POAG. In contrast, genotype (A/A) may be protective against POAG especially among individuals with no family history of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled K Abu-Amero
- a Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.,b Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.,c Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, University of Florida , Jacksonville , Florida , USA
| | - Altaf A Kondkar
- a Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.,b Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mousa
- a Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.,b Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Taif A Azad
- a Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.,b Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahira Sultan
- a Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.,b Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A Osman
- a Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Al-Obeidan
- a Department of Ophthalmology , College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
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Kondkar AA, Mousa A, Azad TA, Sultan T, Osman EA, Al-Obeidan SA, Abu-Amero KK. Analysis of Toll-Like Receptor 2 Polymorphism (rs5743704) in Saudi Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2016; 20:216-9. [PMID: 26866668 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2015.0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To investigate whether the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs5743704 in the toll-like receptor 2 gene is associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or any of its clinical indices in a Saudi cohort. METHOD Ninety-five unrelated POAG cases and 95 controls of Saudi origin were genotyped utilizing a TaqMan(®) assay. The association between genotypes and various clinical indices important for POAG were investigated. RESULTS The genotypic and allelic frequencies among cases were not significantly different when compared to controls. The minor allele frequency was 0.021 in cases and 0.011 in controls. No significant association was seen with intraocular pressure and cup/disc ratio. However, carriers of the C/A genotype had higher number of anti-glaucoma medications compared to controls (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION SNP rs5773704 is not associated with POAG in a Saudi population. Despite sample size limitation, the association of the minor allele A with higher number of anti-glaucoma medications suggests a possible indirect role for this SNP in predicting disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf A Kondkar
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mousa
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taif A Azad
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahira Sultan
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A Osman
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Al-Obeidan
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled K Abu-Amero
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 Glaucoma Research Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Jacksonville, Florida
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Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that causes characteristic changes of the optic nerve and visual field in relation to intraocular pressure (IOP). It is now known that glaucoma can occur at statistically normal IOPs and prevalence studies have shown that normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is more common than previously thought. While IOP is believed to be the predominant risk factor in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), IOP-independent risk factors, such as vascular dysregulation, are believed to play an important part in the pathogenesis of NTG. Though certain distinguishing phenotypic features of NTG have been reported, such as an increased frequency of disc hemorrhages, acquired pits of the optic nerve and characteristic patterns of disc cupping and visual field loss, there is much overlap of the clinical findings in NTG with POAG, suggesting that NTG is likely part of a continuum of open angle glaucomas. However, IOP modification is still the mainstay of treatment in NTG. As in traditional POAG, reduction of IOP can be achieved with the use of medications, laser trabeculoplasty or surgery. Studies now show that the choice of medication may also be important in determining the outcomes of these patients. Though it is likely that future treatment of NTG will involve modification of both IOP and IOP-independent risk factors, current efforts to develop IOP-independent neuroprotective treatments have not yet proven to be effective in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Caprioli
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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20
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CD4 positive T helper cells contribute to retinal ganglion cell death in mouse model of ischemia reperfusion injury. Exp Eye Res 2013; 115:131-9. [PMID: 23792169 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuron degeneration is a common pathological process associated with many disease conditions in the central nervous system including retina. Although immune responses have been proposed as one potential element in triggering neural damage, the mechanism of action of specific immune components underlying the pathogenesis is unclear. In this study we focus on adaptive immune activities to evaluate CD4 positive helper cells in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in response to transient retinal ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Transient retinal ischemia was induced in four mouse strains with different immune backgrounds, including wild type mice from C57BL/6 and BABL/c strains, severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice lacking T and B lymphocytes, SCID mice with transferred wild type CD4+ T cells, and the STAT6 deficient mice without T helper 2 (TH2) cells. In SCID mice RGCs showed a strong resistance to cell death in response to I/R injury (89% ± 3% of the survival cells in contralateral eye) compared with C57BL/6 (p = 0.018) and BALB/C (p = 0.038) wild types. By transferring the mature CD4+ T cells from matched wild type into SCID mice, the resistance of RGCs to injury was significantly compromised (p < 0.05). Furthermore a significant resistance of RGCs to cell death (p < 0.05) accompanied with an overexpression of STAT1 and STAT3 was confirmed in STAT6 deficient mice in response to I/R injury compared with the wild type controls, indicating that TH2 cells maturation might be involved in RGC damage. Adaptive immunity carried by CD4 T cells plays an essential role in RGC degeneration.
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Bell K, Gramlich OW, Von Thun Und Hohenstein-Blaul N, Beck S, Funke S, Wilding C, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Does autoimmunity play a part in the pathogenesis of glaucoma? Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 36:199-216. [PMID: 23541978 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disease and one of the leading causes of blindness. Several risk factors have been described, e.g. an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, alterations in serum antibody profiles of glaucoma patients, upregulation (e.g. anti-HSP60, anti-MBP) and downregulation (e.g. anti-14-3-3), have been described, but it still remains elusive if the autoantibodies seen in glaucoma are an epiphenomenon or causative. However, it is known that elicited autoimmunity causes retinal ganglion cell loss resulting in glaucomatous-like damage and according to the autoaggressive nature of some autoantibodies we found antibody deposits in human glaucomatous retinae in a pro-inflammatory environment. Furthermore, glaucomatous serum has the potential to influence neuroretinal cell regulatory processes. Importantly, we demonstrate that some autoantibodies hold neuroprotective potential for neuroretinal cells. The protective nature of autoantibodies and the molecular mechanisms underlying the very sensitive equilibrium between autoaggression and protection remain subject of future examinations and offer promising target sites for new therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the changes in antibody profiles could be used as highly sensitive and specific marker for diagnostics purposes. Early diagnosis and intervention in risk patients would offer the chance of early treatment and to slow down the progression of glaucoma and delay the resulting blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bell
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutewnberg University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Gramlich OW, Beck S, von Thun und Hohenstein-Blaul N, Boehm N, Ziegler A, Vetter JM, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Enhanced insight into the autoimmune component of glaucoma: IgG autoantibody accumulation and pro-inflammatory conditions in human glaucomatous retina. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57557. [PMID: 23451242 PMCID: PMC3581473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is accumulating evidence that autoimmune components, such as autoantibodies and autoantibody depositions, play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimeŕs disease or Multiple Sclerosis. Due to alterations of autoantibody patterns in sera and aqueous humor, an autoimmune component is also assumed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, a common reason for irreversible blindness worldwide. So far there has been no convincing evidence that autoantibodies are accumulated in the retina of glaucoma patients and that the local immune homeostasis might be affected. METHODS AND RESULTS Six human glaucomatous donor eyes and nine samples from donors with no recorded ocular disease were included. Antibody microarrays were used to examine the patterns of pro-inflammatory proteins and complement proteins. Analysis of TNF-α and interleukin levels revealed a slight up-regulation exclusively in the glaucomatous group, while complement protein levels were not altered. IgG autoantibody accumulations and/or cellular components were determined by immunohistology (n = 4 per group). A significantly reduced number of retinal ganglion cells was found in the glaucomatous group (healthy: 104±7 nuclei/mm, glaucoma: 67±9 nuclei/mm; p = 0.0007). Cell loss was accompanied by strong retinal IgG autoantibody accumulations, which were at least twice as high as in healthy subjects (healthy: 5.0±0.5 IgG deposits/100 cells, glaucoma: 9.4±1.9 IgG deposits/100 cells; p = 0.004). CD27(+) cells and CD27(+)/IgG(+) plasma cells were observed in all glaucomatous subjects, but not in controls. CONCLUSION This work provides serious evidence for the occurrence of IgG antibody deposition and plasma cells in human glaucomatous retina. Moreover, the results suggest that these IgG deposits occurred in a pro-inflammatory environment which seems to be maintained locally by immune-competent cells like microglia. Thereby, glaucoma features an immunological involvement comparable to other neurodegenerative diseases, but also shows a multifactorial pathomechanism, which diverges and might be linked to the specific nature of both eye and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W. Gramlich
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabine Beck
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Nils Boehm
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Anika Ziegler
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan M. Vetter
- Cornea Bank of Rhineland-Palatine, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H. Grus
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
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Gramlich OW, Bell K, von Thun Und Hohenstein-Blaul N, Wilding C, Beck S, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Autoimmune biomarkers in glaucoma patients. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 13:90-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Vu THK, Jager MJ, Chen DF. The Immunology of Glaucoma. ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2012; 1:303-11. [PMID: 26107602 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0b013e31826f57a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The presence of specific antibodies and T cells that are specific in patients with glaucoma supports the idea that the immune system may play an important role in the initiation and/or sustainment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, at least in some patients. At present, our understanding regarding immunological mechanisms associated with glaucomatous optic neuropathy is far from satisfactory. In this review, we examined evidence suggesting involvement of autoimmune responses in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. These include detection of autoantibodies and T cells and expression of cytokines and stress proteins in patients with glaucoma. Although immune responses are thought to be detrimental, some responses may exert a protective effect against neurodegenerative damage. Likely, the balance between positive and negative regulators determines the survival or demise of cells. It is vital that research continues to elucidate the roles of the immune system in glaucomatous neurodegeneration and the possibility of alternative modalities of treatment. These studies may also provide valuable molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and identification of a specific cohort of patients with glaucoma, that is, those with normal-tension glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Khanh Vu
- From the *Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; †Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and ‡Veteran Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
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Joachim SC, Gramlich OW, Laspas P, Schmid H, Beck S, von Pein HD, Dick HB, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Retinal ganglion cell loss is accompanied by antibody depositions and increased levels of microglia after immunization with retinal antigens. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40616. [PMID: 22848388 PMCID: PMC3406064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibodies against retinal and optic nerve antigens are detectable in glaucoma patients. Recent studies using a model of experimental autoimmune glaucoma demonstrated that immunization with certain ocular antigens causes an immun-mediated retinal ganglion cell loss in rats. Methodology/Principal Findings Rats immunized with a retinal ganglion cell layer homogenate (RGA) had a reduced retinal ganglion cell density on retinal flatmounts (p = 0.007) and a lower number of Brn3+retinal ganglion cells (p = 0.0001) after six weeks. The autoreactive antibody development against retina and optic nerve was examined throughout the study. The levels of autoreactive antibodies continuously increased up to 6 weeks (retina: p = 0.004; optic nerve: p = 0.000003). Additionally, antibody deposits were detected in the retina (p = 0.02). After 6 weeks a reactive gliosis (GFAP density: RGA: 174.7±41.9; CO: 137.6±36.8, p = 0.0006; %GFAP+ area: RGA: 8.5±3.4; CO: 5.9±3.6, p = 0.006) as well as elevated level of Iba1+ microglia cells (p = 0.003) was observed in retinas of RGA animals. Conclusions/Significance Our findings suggest that these antibodies play a substantial role in mechanisms leading to retinal ganglion cell death. This seems to lead to glia cell activation as well as the invasion of microglia, which might be associated with debris clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, Ruhr University Eye Hospital, Bochum, Germany.
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Joachim SC, Bruns K, Lackner KJ, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Antibodies to α B-Crystallin, Vimentin, and Heat Shock Protein 70 in Aqueous Humor of Patients with Normal Tension Glaucoma and IgG Antibody Patterns Against Retinal Antigen in Aqueous Humor. Curr Eye Res 2009; 32:501-9. [PMID: 17612966 DOI: 10.1080/02713680701375183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To show the existence of IgG antibodies against retinal antigens in aqueous humor of normal tension glaucoma patients. METHODS Forty-two patients were included in this study. Aqueous humor was collected from control subjects (CO; n = 21) and patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG; n = 21). Western blot methods against bovine retinal antigens were used to detect the IgG antibody patterns. The complex antibody repertoires were analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques. Mass spectrometry was used to identify the most important antigens. RESULTS Very complex IgG antibody patterns against retinal antigens were found in all analyzed aqueous humor samples. Our multivariate approach could quantify differences in immunoreactivities, and including all peaks, the analysis of discriminance revealed a statistical significant difference between the patterns of the NTG and the CO group (p < 0.001). The antigen band at 21 kDa was identified as alpha B-crystallin, the 57-kDa antigen band as vimentin, and one at 70 kDa as heat shock protein 70. CONCLUSIONS We could demonstrate that complex IgG antibody patterns against retina exist in aqueous humor. The significant differences in the antibody pattern of the glaucoma group compared with the nonglaucoma group in aqueous humor confirm the results of previous studies using sera of glaucoma patients. These differences in antibody patterns might be further evidence for an autoimmune involvement in the pathogenesis of some glaucoma patients.
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Reichelt J, Joachim SC, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Analysis of autoantibodies against human retinal antigens in sera of patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Curr Eye Res 2008; 33:253-61. [PMID: 18350436 DOI: 10.1080/02713680701871157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to show that complex antibody patterns against retinal antigens in sera of patients with glaucoma, found in previous studies, are autoantibodies against human antigens. METHODS Sera of 179 patients were collected at the Department of Ophthalmology (University of Mainz, Germany): non-glaucomatous control patients (n=45), primary open-angle glaucoma (n=45), ocular hypertension (n=44), and normal tension glaucoma patients (n=45). The sera were tested against Western blots of human retinal antigens. IgG antibody patterns were analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques, and some significant antigens were identified by mass spectrometry. RESULTS All subjects, even healthy ones, showed different and complex banding patterns. Glaucoma groups showed up- and down-regulations of antibody reactivities compared to the control group. The multivariate analysis of discriminance found significant differences (p<0.05) in IgG antibody profiles between glaucoma groups, ocular hypertension, and healthy subjects against human retinal antigens. The antigen band at 12 kDa was identified as Histone H4 via mass spectrometry, the 29 kDa band as cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein, and one at 49 kDa as retinal S-antigen. CONCLUSIONS Using human retinal antigen, we demonstrated that complex autoantibody patterns exist in sera of patients with glaucoma. Large correlations with previous studies using bovine retinal antigens could be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Reichelt
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure does not explain glaucoma in all patients, but there is information that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in this disorder. This review attempts to reveal the findings about specific changes in autoantibody profiles in glaucoma patients and their possible role in glaucoma. Considering that these changes in natural autoimmunity can be found consistently among different study populations, it might be a promising new tool for glaucoma detection.
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Grus F, Sun D. Immunological mechanisms in glaucoma. Semin Immunopathol 2008; 30:121-6. [PMID: 18330572 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-008-0105-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2007] [Accepted: 02/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness worldwide. The elevated intraocular pressure does not explain glaucoma in all patients but can be considered as a risk factor of the disease. There are some evidences that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in this disorder. This review attempts to demonstrate the findings about autoimmune mechanisms in glaucoma patients. Consistent up- and down-regulations in the autoantibody profiles against ocular antigens are present in glaucoma patients. These changes in natural autoimmunity could be found in independent study populations and might be a promising tool for glaucoma detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Grus
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Joachim SC, Reichelt J, Berneiser S, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Sera of glaucoma patients show autoantibodies against myelin basic protein and complex autoantibody profiles against human optic nerve antigens. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2008; 246:573-80. [PMID: 18193265 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-007-0737-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2007] [Revised: 11/17/2007] [Accepted: 11/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to gain more information about the possible immunological mechanisms in glaucoma. We analyzed the complex autoantibody patterns against human optic nerve antigens in sera of patients with glaucoma and tried to identify important antigens. METHODS Sera of 133 patients were included: healthy control subjects (n = 44), primary open-angle glaucoma (n = 44), and normal tension glaucoma patients (n = 45). The sera were tested against Western blots of human optic nerve, and antibody bands were visualized with chloronaphthol. IgG antibody patterns were analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques, and the most significant antigens were identified by mass spectrometry (Maldi-TOFTOF). RESULTS All subjects, even healthy ones, showed different and complex antibody patterns. Glaucoma groups showed specific up- and down-regulations of antibody reactivities compared to the control group. The multivariate analysis of discriminance found significant differences (P < 0.05) in IgG antibody profiles against human optic nerve antigens between both glaucoma groups and healthy subjects. The identified antigens include: myelin basic protein (up-regulated in the POAG group), glial fibrillary acidic protein (down-regulated in the glaucoma groups), and vimentin (down-regulated in the glaucoma groups in comparison to controls). CONCLUSIONS Using human optic nerve antigen, we were able to demonstrate that complex IgG autoantibody patterns exist in sera of patients with glaucoma. Large correlations between the given and our previous studies using bovine optic nerve antigens could be seen. Furthermore, anti-myelin basic protein antibodies, which can also be detected in patients with multiple sclerosis, were found in sera of glaucoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrabe 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany
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Grus FH, Joachim SC, Pfeiffer N. Proteomics in ocular fluids. Proteomics Clin Appl 2007; 1:876-88. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.200700105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Cherepanoff S, Gillies MC. Circulating antiretinal autoantibodies and age-related macular degeneration: what is the link? EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2007. [DOI: 10.1586/17469899.2.1.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Joachim SC, Bruns K, Lackner KJ, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Analysis of IgG antibody patterns against retinal antigens and antibodies to alpha-crystallin, GFAP, and alpha-enolase in sera of patients with "wet" age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2006; 245:619-26. [PMID: 17058093 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-006-0429-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 08/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the IgG antibody patterns against retinal antigens in sera of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy subjects to learn more about possible immunological aspects of this disease and to identify some of the most important antigens. METHODS Sera of 140 patients were analyzed: healthy volunteers (CO, n=101) and patients with "wet" age-related macular degeneration (AMD, n=39). The sera were tested against western blots of bovine retinal antigens. The IgG antibody patterns were analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques and some antigens were identified via LC-MS/MS. RESULTS All patients showed complex patterns of IgG antibodies against retinal antigens. The discriminant analysis revealed a statistical significant difference between the antibody profiles of the AMD and the CO group (P=0.000023). Not only up-regulations of antigen-antibody-reactivities in the AMD group at some molecular weight ranges, e.g. at 46 and 52 kDa, could be seen, but also down-regulations, e.g. at 18 and 36 kDa. The 18 kDa antigen band was identified as alphaB-crystallin, the band at 46 kDa as alpha-enolase, and one at 52 kDa as glial fibrillary acidic protein. CONCLUSIONS We could demonstrate that both groups (wet AMD and CO) show complex IgG antibody patterns against retinal antigens, which are highly specific for each group. This provides further hints for the immunological basis of the disease. These changes in the antibody profiles in "wet" AMD could represent a secondary response to retinal damage or can play a causative role in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Joachim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55101, Mainz, Germany
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Cherepanoff S, Mitchell P, Wang JJ, Gillies MC. Retinal autoantibody profile in early age-related macular degeneration: preliminary findings from the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2006; 34:590-5. [PMID: 16925708 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2006.01281.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare the retinal autoantibody profile in individuals with and without early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to determine whether baseline autoantibodies are associated with progression to advanced AMD 5 and 10 years later. METHODS Western immunoblotting was used to detect the presence of retinal autoantibodies in the baseline serum of 47 individuals with early AMD and 16 healthy controls from the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Autoantibody isotype, IgG subclass distribution and target antigens in the early AMD group were compared with the control group. The association between baseline autoantibodies and progression to advanced AMD 5 and 10 years later was evaluated using the chi-square test. RESULTS Retinal autoantibodies were found in a higher proportion of the early AMD group compared with controls (57%vs. 25%, chi2=5.028, P=0.025). Autoantibodies targeted a range of retinal polypeptides in both AMD cases and controls. The commonest polypeptide antigens occurred between 20-35 kDa and 50-60 kDa. More than one IgG subclass was often present in participants with autoantibodies. Over a 10-year period, 11 participants (23.4%) with early AMD progressed to advanced AMD. No association was found between baseline autoantibodies and the development of advanced AMD over 10 years (chi2=0.16, Fisher's exact P=0.59). CONCLUSIONS The retinal autoantibody profile in early AMD is complex, both in terms of antigenic targets and immunoglobulin isotypes. Detection of potential disease-associated autoantibodies will require a larger sample size and full characterization of the retinal antigens involved.
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Chauhan BC. Canadian Glaucoma Study: 1. Study design, baseline characteristics, and preliminary analyses. Can J Ophthalmol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s0008-4182(06)80025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Joachim SC, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Autoantibodies in patients with glaucoma: a comparison of IgG serum antibodies against retinal, optic nerve, and optic nerve head antigens. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2005; 243:817-23. [PMID: 15834611 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-004-1094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2004] [Revised: 10/14/2004] [Accepted: 11/15/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the entire IgG autoantibody patterns against different ocular antigens (retina, optic nerve, and optic nerve head) in sera of glaucoma patients and healthy subjects. METHODS Sixty-six patients were included in this study: healthy volunteers without any ocular disorders (CO, n=30), patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, n=19), and patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG, n=17). The sera were tested for antibodies against retinal, optic nerve, and optic nerve head tissues. Immunodetection was performed using 4-chloro-1-naphthol staining. The autoantibody patterns were digitized and subsequently analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques. RESULTS All patients showed a complex repertoire of IgG antibodies against retinal, optic nerve, and optic nerve head antigens. The analysis of discriminance revealed a statistically significant differences between the patterns of all three groups. Our multivariate approach could quantify the differences in immunoreactivities of patient sera against the three antigens. The POAG group had the most significant difference against retinal antigens (P=0.0021) compared with the other antigens. In the NTG group the highest reactivity appeared against optic nerve head (P=0.00053) and optic nerve (P=0.0025). CONCLUSIONS All groups showed different and complex antibody patterns against the three ocular tissues. These autoantibodies are highly specific for each patient group. The analysis of these patterns could provide further information about possible autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Joachim
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany
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