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Rao NT, Sumaroka A, Santos AJ, Parchinski KM, Weber ML, Maguire AM, Cideciyan AV, Aleman TS. Detailed phenotype and long-term follow-up of RAB28-associated cone-rod dystrophy. Ophthalmic Genet 2024; 45:506-515. [PMID: 38956823 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2024.2362204] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To gain an insight into the pathophysiology of RAB28-associated inherited retinal degeneration through detailed phenotyping and long-term longitudinal follow-up. METHODS The patient underwent complete ophthalmic examinations. Visual function was assessed with microperimetry, full-field electroretinography (ffERG), imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT), short-wave (SW), and near-infrared (NIR) fundus autofluorescence (FAF). RESULTS A healthy Haitian woman with homozygous pathogenic variants (c.68C > T; p.Ser23Phe) in RAB28 presented at 16 years of age with a four-year history of blurred vision. Visual acuities were 20/125 in each eye, which remained relatively stable since. At age 27, cone ffERGs were non-detectable and borderline for rod-mediated responses. Kinetic fields were full to a V-4e target, undetectable to a small I-4e stimulus. Microperimetry showed an absolute central scotoma surrounded by a pericentral relative scotoma. SD-OCT showed an undetectable or barely detectable foveal and parafoveal photoreceptor outer nuclear layer (ONL), photoreceptor outer segment (POS), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) signals and loss of the SW- and NIR-FAF signals. This atrophic region was separated from a normally laminated retina by a narrow transition zone (TZ) of hyper SW- and NIR-FAF that co-localized with preserved ONL but abnormally thinned POS and RPE. There was minimal centrifugal (<100 μ m) expansion over a six-year period. CONCLUSION The cone-rod dystrophy phenotype documented herein supports a critical role of RAB28 for cone function and POS maintenance. Severe central photoreceptor and RPE loss with a predilection for POS loss in TZs suggests possible disruptions of complex mechanisms that maintain central cone photoreceptor and RPE homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitya T Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arlene J Santos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelsey M Parchinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mariejel L Weber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Albert M Maguire
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tomas S Aleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Kunala K, Tang JAH, Parkins K, Hunter JJ. Multispectral label-free in vivo cellular imaging of human retinal pigment epithelium using adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime ophthalmoscopy improves feasibility for low emission analysis and increases sensitivity for detecting changes with age and eccentricity. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2024; 29:S22707. [PMID: 38962492 PMCID: PMC11221116 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.29.s2.s22707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Significance Adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime ophthalmoscopy (AOFLIO) provides a label-free approach to observe functional and molecular changes at cellular scale in vivo. Adding multispectral capabilities improves interpretation of lifetime fluctuations due to individual fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Aim To quantify the cellular-scale changes in autofluorescence with age and eccentricity due to variations in lipofuscin, melanin, and melanolipofuscin in RPE using multispectral AOFLIO. Approach AOFLIO was performed on six subjects at seven eccentricities. Four imaging channels (λ ex / λ em ) were used: 473/SSC, 473/LSC, 532/LSC, and 765/NIR. Cells were segmented and the timing signals of each pixel in a cell were combined into a single histogram, which were then used to compute the lifetime and phasor parameters. An ANOVA was performed to investigate eccentricity and spectral effects on each parameter. Results A repeatability analysis revealed < 11.8 % change in lifetime parameters in repeat visits for 532/LSC. The 765/NIR and 532/LSC had eccentricity and age effects similar to previous reports. The 473/LSC had a change in eccentricity with mean lifetime and a phasor component. Both the 473/LSC and 473/SSC had changes in eccentricity in the short lifetime component and its relative contribution. The 473/SSC had no trend in eccentricity in phasor. The comparison across the four channels showed differences in lifetime and phasor parameters. Conclusions Multispectral AOFLIO can provide a more comprehensive picture of changes with age and eccentricity. These results indicate that cell segmentation has the potential to allow investigations in low-photon scenarios such as in older or diseased subjects with the co-capture of an NIR channel (such as 765/NIR) with the desired spectral channel. This work represents the first multispectral, cellular-scale fluorescence lifetime comparison in vivo in the human RPE and may be a useful method for tracking diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karteek Kunala
- Stanford University, Byers Eye Institute, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Janet A. H. Tang
- University of Rochester, Center for Visual Science, Rochester, New York, United States
- University of Rochester, The Institute of Optics, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Keith Parkins
- University of Rochester, Center for Visual Science, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Jennifer J. Hunter
- University of Rochester, Center for Visual Science, Rochester, New York, United States
- University of Rochester, The Institute of Optics, Rochester, New York, United States
- University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Kunala K, Tang JAH, Bowles Johnson KE, Huynh KT, Parkins K, Kim HJ, Yang Q, Sparrow JR, Hunter JJ. Near Infrared Autofluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Using Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:27. [PMID: 38758638 PMCID: PMC11107951 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.27] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To demonstrate the first near-infrared adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (NIR-AOFLIO) measurements in vivo of the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cellular mosaic and to visualize lifetime changes at different retinal eccentricities. Methods NIR reflectance and autofluorescence were captured using a custom adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope in 10 healthy subjects (23-64 years old) at seven eccentricities and in two eyes with retinal abnormalities. Repeatability was assessed across two visits up to 8 weeks apart. Endogenous retinal fluorophores and hydrophobic whole retinal extracts of Abca4-/- pigmented and albino mice were imaged to probe the fluorescence origin of NIR-AOFLIO. Results The RPE mosaic was resolved at all locations in five of seven younger subjects (<35 years old). The mean lifetime across near-peripheral regions (8° and 12°) was longer compared to near-foveal regions (0° and 2°). Repeatability across two visits showed moderate to excellent correlation (intraclass correlation: 0.88 [τm], 0.75 [τ1], 0.65 [τ2], 0.98 [a1]). The mean lifetime across drusen-containing eyes was longer than in age-matched healthy eyes. Fluorescence was observed in only the extracts from pigmented Abca4-/- mouse. Conclusions NIR-AOFLIO was repeatable and allowed visualization of the RPE cellular mosaic. An observed signal in only the pigmented mouse extract infers the fluorescence signal originates predominantly from melanin. Variations observed across the retina with intermediate age-related macular degeneration suggest NIR-AOFLIO may act as a functional measure of a biomarker for in vivo monitoring of early alterations in retinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karteek Kunala
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Janet A. H. Tang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Kristen E. Bowles Johnson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Khang T. Huynh
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Hye-Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jennifer J. Hunter
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Schließleder G, Kalitzeos A, Kasilian M, Singh N, Wang Z, Hu Z, Großpötzl M, Sadda S, Wedrich A, Michaelides M, Strauss RW. Deep phenotyping of PROM1-associated retinal degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:558-565. [PMID: 37080590 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-322036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate retinal structure in detail of subjects with autosomal-dominant (AD) and autosomal-recessive (AR) PROM1-associated retinal degeneration (PROM1-RD), study design: institutional, cross-sectional study. METHODS Four eyes from four subjects (three with AD and one with AR) PROM1-RD were investigated by ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and multimodal retinal imaging: fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy. Quantitative assessment of atrophic lesions determined by FAF, thickness of individual retinal layers and cone photoreceptor quantification was performed. RESULTS BCVA ranged from 20/16 to 20/200. Initial pathological changes included the presence of hyperautofluorescent spots on FAF imaging, while later stages demonstrated discrete areas of atrophy. In all patients, thinning of the outer retinal layers on SD-OCT with varying degrees of atrophy could be detected depending on disease-causing variants and age. Cone density was quantified both in central and/or at different eccentricities from the fovea. Longitudinal assessments were possible in two patients. CONCLUSIONS PROM1-RD comprises a wide range of clinical phenotypes. Depending on the stage of disease, the cone mosaic in PROM1-RD is relatively preserved and can potentially be targeted by cone-directed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Melissa Kasilian
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Navjit Singh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Doheny Image Analysis Laboratory, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zhihong Hu
- School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Doheny Image Analysis Laboratory, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Manuel Großpötzl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Image Reading Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Andreas Wedrich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rupert W Strauss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Styria, Austria
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kepler University Hospital University Clinic for Ophthalmology and Optometry, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IoB), Basel, Switzerland
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Monson E, Cideciyan AV, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Swider M, Wu V, Viarbitskaya I, Jacobson SG, Fliesler SJ, Pittler SJ. Inherited Retinal Degeneration Caused by Dehydrodolichyl Diphosphate Synthase Mutation-Effect of an ALG6 Modifier Variant. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1004. [PMID: 38256083 PMCID: PMC10816542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Modern advances in disease genetics have uncovered numerous modifier genes that play a role in the severity of disease expression. One such class of genetic conditions is known as inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), a collection of retinal degenerative disorders caused by mutations in over 300 genes. A single missense mutation (K42E) in the gene encoding the enzyme dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase (DHDDS), which is required for protein N-glycosylation in all cells and tissues, causes DHDDS-IRD (retinitis pigmentosa type 59 (RP59; OMIM #613861)). Apart from a retinal phenotype, however, DHDDS-IRD is surprisingly non-syndromic (i.e., without any systemic manifestations). To explore disease pathology, we selected five glycosylation-related genes for analysis that are suggested to have disease modifier variants. These genes encode glycosyltransferases (ALG6, ALG8), an ER resident protein (DDOST), a high-mannose oligosaccharyl transferase (MPDU1), and a protein N-glycosylation regulatory protein (TNKS). DNA samples from 11 confirmed DHDDS (K42E)-IRD patients were sequenced at the site of each candidate genetic modifier. Quantitative measures of retinal structure and function were performed across five decades of life by evaluating foveal photoreceptor thickness, visual acuity, foveal sensitivity, macular and extramacular rod sensitivity, and kinetic visual field extent. The ALG6 variant, (F304S), was correlated with greater macular cone disease severity and less peripheral rod disease severity. Thus, modifier gene polymorphisms may account for a significant portion of phenotypic variation observed in human genetic disease. However, the consequences of the polymorphisms may be counterintuitively complex in terms of rod and cone populations affected in different regions of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Monson
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Artur V. Cideciyan
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (V.W.); (I.V.)
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (V.W.); (I.V.)
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (V.W.); (I.V.)
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (V.W.); (I.V.)
| | - Vivian Wu
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (V.W.); (I.V.)
| | - Iryna Viarbitskaya
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (V.W.); (I.V.)
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (M.S.); (V.W.); (I.V.)
| | - Steven J. Fliesler
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York—University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
- Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Steven J. Pittler
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Vision Science Research Center, School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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6
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Ho AC, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Roman AJ, Wu V, Russell RC, Viarbitskaya I, Garafalo AV, Schwartz MR, Girach A. Durable vision improvement after a single intravitreal treatment with antisense oligonucleotide in CEP290-LCA: Replication in two eyes. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2023; 32:101873. [PMID: 37388818 PMCID: PMC10302566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2023.101873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose An intravitreally injected antisense oligonucleotide, sepofarsen, was designed to modulate splicing within retinas of patients with severe vision loss due to deep intronic c.2991 + 1655A > G variant in the CEP290 gene. A previous report showed vision improvements following a single injection in one eye with unexpected durability lasting at least 15 months. The current study evaluated durability of efficacy beyond 15 months in the previously treated left eye. In addition, peak efficacy and durability were evaluated in the treatment-naive right eye, and re-injection of the left eye 4 years after the first injection. Observations Visual function was evaluated with best corrected standard and low-luminance visual acuities, microperimetry, dark-adapted chromatic perimetry, and full-field sensitivity testing. Retinal structure was evaluated with OCT imaging. At the fovea, all visual function measures and IS/OS intensity of the OCT showed transient improvements peaking at 3-6 months, remaining better than baseline at ∼2 years, and returning to baseline by 3-4 years after each single injection. Conclusions and Importance These results suggest that sepofarsen reinjection intervals may need to be longer than 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V. Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel G. Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen C. Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J. Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vivian Wu
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert C. Russell
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Iryna Viarbitskaya
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra V. Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Parmann R, Tsang SH, Sparrow JR. Primary versus Secondary Elevations in Fundus Autofluorescence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12327. [PMID: 37569703 PMCID: PMC10419315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512327] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The method of quantitative fundus autofluorescence (qAF) can be used to assess the levels of bisretinoids in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells so as to aid the interpretation and management of a variety of retinal conditions. In this review, we focused on seven retinal diseases to highlight the possible pathways to increased fundus autofluorescence. ABCA4- and RDH12-associated diseases benefit from known mechanisms whereby gene malfunctioning leads to elevated bisretinoid levels in RPE cells. On the other hand, peripherin2/RDS-associated disease (PRPH2/RDS), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR), and ceramide kinase like (CERKL)-associated retinal degeneration all express abnormally high fundus autofluorescence levels without a demonstrated pathophysiological pathway for bisretinoid elevation. We suggest that, while a known link from gene mutation to increased production of bisretinoids (as in ABCA4- and RDH12-associated diseases) causes primary elevation in fundus autofluorescence, a secondary autofluorescence elevation also exists, where an impairment and degeneration of photoreceptor cells by various causes leads to an increase in bisretinoid levels in RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rait Parmann
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, 635 W. 165th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, 635 W. 165th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, 635 W. 165th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, 635 W. 165th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, 635 W. 165th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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8
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Birtel J, Bauer T, Pauleikhoff L, Rüber T, Gliem M, Charbel Issa P. Fundus autofluorescence imaging using red excitation light. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9916. [PMID: 37336979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36217-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal disease accounts significantly for visual impairment and blindness. An important role in the pathophysiology of retinal disease and aging is attributed to lipofuscin, a complex of fluorescent metabolites. Fundus autofluorescence (AF) imaging allows non-invasive mapping of lipofuscin and is a key technology to diagnose and monitor retinal disease. However, currently used short-wavelength (SW) excitation light has several limitations, including glare and discomfort during image acquisition, reduced image quality in case of lens opacities, limited visualization of the central retina, and potential retinal light toxicity. Here, we establish a novel imaging modality which uses red excitation light (R-AF) and overcomes these drawbacks. R-AF images are high-quality, high-contrast fundus images and image interpretation may build on clinical experience due to similar appearance of pathology as on SW-AF images. Additionally, R-AF images may uncover disease features that previously remained undetected. The R-AF signal increases with higher abundance of lipofuscin and does not depend on photopigment bleaching or on the amount of macular pigment. Improved patient comfort, limited effect of cataract on image quality, and lack of safety concerns qualify R-AF for routine clinical monitoring, e.g. for patients with age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, or for quantitative analysis of AF signal intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Birtel
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bauer
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Theodor Rüber
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Gliem
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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9
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Palczewska G, Wojtkowski M, Palczewski K. From mouse to human: Accessing the biochemistry of vision in vivo by two-photon excitation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101170. [PMID: 36787681 PMCID: PMC10463242 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The eye is an ideal organ for imaging by a multi-photon excitation approach, because ocular tissues such as the sclera, cornea, lens and neurosensory retina, are highly transparent to infrared (IR) light. The interface between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is especially informative, because it reflects the health of the visual (retinoid) cycle and its changes in response to external stress, genetic manipulations, and drug treatments. Vitamin A-derived retinoids, like retinyl esters, are natural fluorophores that respond to multi-photon excitation with near IR light, bypassing the filter-like properties of the cornea, lens, and macular pigments. Also, during natural aging some retinoids form bisretinoids, like diretinoid-pyridiniumethanolamine (A2E), that are highly fluorescent. These bisretinoids appear to be elevated concurrently with aging. Vitamin A-derived retinoids and bisretinoidss are detected by two-photon ophthalmoscopy (2PO), using a new class of light sources with adjustable spatial, temporal, and spectral properties. Furthermore, the two-photon (2P) absorption of IR light by the visual pigments in rod and cone photoreceptors can initiate visual transduction by cis-trans isomerization of retinal, enabling parallel functional studies. Recently we overcame concerns about safety, data interpretation and complexity of the 2P-based instrumentation, the major roadblocks toward advancing this modality to the clinic. These imaging and retina-function assessment advancements have enabled us to conduct the first 2P studies with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Palczewska
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Polgenix, Inc., Department of Medical Devices, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Maciej Wojtkowski
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, And Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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10
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Strauss RW, Ho A, Jha A, Fujinami K, Michaelides M, Cideciyan AV, Audo I, Birch DG, Sadda S, Ip M, West S, Schönbach EM, Kong X, Scholl HPN. Progression of Stargardt Disease as Determined by Fundus Autofluorescence Over a 24-Month Period (ProgStar Report No. 17). Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 250:157-170. [PMID: 36764427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the progression rate of atrophic lesions in Stargardt disease derived from fundus autofluorescence (FAF). DESIGN International, multicenter, prospective cohort study. METHODS A total of 259 participants aged ≥6 years with disease-causing variants in the ABCA4 gene were enrolled from 9 centers and followed over a 24-month period. FAF images were obtained every 6 months, and areas of definitely decreased autofluorescence (DDAF) and decreased autofluorescence (DAF) were quantified. Progression rates were estimated from linear mixed models with time as the independent variable. RESULTS A total of 488 study eyes of 259 participants (88.8% with both eyes) were enrolled and images from 432 eyes were followed for 24 months. The overall estimated progression of DDAF was 0.74 mm2/y (95% CI 0.64-0.85, P < .0001) and that of DAF was 0.64 mm2/y (95% CI 0.57-0.71) over a 24-month period in univariate analysis. Growth rates were strongly dependent on baseline lesion area. After square root transformation, the DDAF growth rate was not dependent on baseline lesion radius (P = .11), whereas the DAF growth rate was dependent (P < .0001). Genotype was not found to significantly impact the growth rate of DDAF or DAF lesions. CONCLUSIONS FAF may serve as a convenient monitoring tool and suitable end point for interventional clinical trials that aim to slow disease progression. DDAF and DAF lesion sizes at baseline are strong predicting factors for lesion area growth and can be partially accounted for by square root transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert W Strauss
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz (R.W.S.), Graz, Austria; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (R.W.S., K.F., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Kepler University Clinic (R.W.S.), Linz, Austria; Institute of Clinical and Molecular Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) (R.W.S., H.P.N.S.), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Ho
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (A.H., A.J., S.S., M.I.), California, USA
| | - Anamika Jha
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (A.H., A.J., S.S., M.I.), California, USA
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (R.W.S., K.F., M.M.), London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division for Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization, Tokyo Medical Center (K.F.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (R.W.S., K.F., M.M.), London, United Kingdom
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (A.V.C.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Universités, University Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) Université de Paris 06, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Institut de la Vision, Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie (CHNO) des Quinze-Vingts (I.A.), Paris, France
| | - David G Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas (D.G.B.), Texas, USA
| | - Srinivas Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (A.H., A.J., S.S., M.I.), California, USA
| | - Michael Ip
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (A.H., A.J., S.S., M.I.), California, USA
| | - Sheila West
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University (S.W., X.K.), Baltimore, USA
| | - Etienne M Schönbach
- Shiley Eye Institute and Jacobs Retina Center, University of California, San Diego (E.M.S.), La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Xiangrong Kong
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University (S.W., X.K.), Baltimore, USA
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) (R.W.S., H.P.N.S.), Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel (H.P.N.S.), Basel, Switzerland.
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11
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Sumaroka A, Swider M, Krishnan AK, Sheplock R, Garafalo AV, Guziewicz KE, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Matsui Y, Kondo M, Heon E. Photoreceptor function and structure in retinal degenerations caused by biallelic BEST1 mutations. Vision Res 2023; 203:108157. [PMID: 36450205 PMCID: PMC9825664 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2022.108157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The only approved retinal gene therapy is for biallelic RPE65 mutations which cause a recessive retinopathy with a primary molecular defect located at the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). For a distinct recessive RPE disease caused by biallelic BEST1 mutations, a pre-clinical proof-of-concept for gene therapy has been demonstrated in canine eyes. The current study was undertaken to consider potential outcome measures for a BEST1 clinical trial in patients demonstrating a classic autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) phenotype. Spatial distribution of retinal structure showed a wide expanse of abnormalities including large intraretinal cysts, shallow serous retinal detachments, abnormalities of inner and outer segments, and an unusual prominence of the external limiting membrane. Surrounding the central macula extending from 7 to 30 deg eccentricity, outer nuclear layer was thicker than expected from a cone only retina and implied survival of many rod photoreceptors. Co-localized however, were large losses of rod sensitivity despite preserved cone sensitivities. The dissociation of rod function from rod structure observed, supports a large treatment potential in the paramacular region for biallelic bestrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karina E Guziewicz
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yoshitsugu Matsui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2L3, Canada
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12
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Sheplock R, Krishnan AK, Garafalo AV, Guziewicz KE, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Heon E. Photoreceptor Function and Structure in Autosomal Dominant Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy Caused by BEST1 Mutations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:12. [PMID: 36512348 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate rod and cone function and outer retinal structure within macular lesions, and surrounding extralesional areas of patients with autosomal dominant Best vitelliform macular dystrophy caused by BEST1 mutations. Methods Seventeen patients from seven families were examined with dark- and light-adapted chromatic perimetry and optical coherence tomography. Subsets of patients had long-term follow-up (14-22 years, n = 6) and dark-adaptation kinetics measured (n = 5). Results Within central lesions with large serous retinal detachments, rod sensitivity was severely reduced but visual acuity and cone sensitivity were relatively retained. In surrounding extralesional areas, there was a mild but detectable widening of the subretinal space in some patients and some retinal areas. Available evidence was consistent with subretinal widening causing slower dark-adaptation kinetics. Over long-term follow-up, some eyes showed formation of de novo satellite lesions at retinal locations that years previously demonstrated subretinal widening. A subclinical abnormality consisting of a retina-wide mild thickening of the outer nuclear layer was evident in many patients and thickening increased in the subset of patients with long-term follow-up. Conclusions Outcome measures for future clinical trials should include evaluations of rod sensitivity within central lesions and quantitative measures of outer retinal structure in normal-appearing regions surrounding the lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Karina E Guziewicz
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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13
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Daich Varela M, Esener B, Hashem SA, Cabral de Guimaraes TA, Georgiou M, Michaelides M. Structural evaluation in inherited retinal diseases. Br J Ophthalmol 2021; 105:1623-1631. [PMID: 33980508 PMCID: PMC8639906 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-319228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ophthalmic genetics is a field that has been rapidly evolving over the last decade, mainly due to the flourishing of translational medicine for inherited retinal diseases (IRD). In this review, we will address the different methods by which retinal structure can be objectively and accurately assessed in IRD. We review standard-of-care imaging for these patients: colour fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT), as well as higher-resolution and/or newer technologies including OCT angiography, adaptive optics imaging, fundus imaging using a range of wavelengths, magnetic resonance imaging, laser speckle flowgraphy and retinal oximetry, illustrating their utility using paradigm genotypes with on-going therapeutic efforts/trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Burak Esener
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Shaima A Hashem
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Boguslawski J, Palczewska G, Tomczewski S, Milkiewicz J, Kasprzycki P, Stachowiak D, Komar K, Marzejon MJ, Sikorski BL, Hudzikowski A, Głuszek A, Łaszczych Z, Karnowski K, Soboń G, Palczewski K, Wojtkowski M. In vivo imaging of the human eye using a two-photon excited fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscope. J Clin Invest 2021; 132:154218. [PMID: 34847075 PMCID: PMC8759795 DOI: 10.1172/jci154218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive assessment of metabolic processes that sustain regeneration of human retinal visual pigments (visual cycle) is essential to improve ophthalmic diagnostics and to accelerate development of new treatments to counter retinal diseases. Fluorescent vitamin A derivatives, which are the chemical intermediates of these processes, are highly sensitive to UV light; thus, safe analyses of these processes in humans are currently beyond the reach of even the most modern ocular imaging modalities. METHODS We present a compact fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TPEF-SLO) and spectrally resolved images of the human retina based on two-photon excitation (TPE) with near-infrared (IR) light. A custom Er:fiber laser with integrated pulse selection, along with intelligent post-processing of data, enables excitation with low laser power and precise measurement of weak signals. RESULTS We demonstrate spectrally resolved TPE fundus images of human subjects. Comparison of TPE data between human and mouse models of retinal diseases revealed similarity with mouse models that rapidly accumulate bisretinoid condensation products. Thus, visual cycle intermediates and toxic byproducts of this metabolic pathway can be measured and quantified by TPE imaging. CONCLUSION Our work establishes a TPE instrument and measurement method for noninvasive metabolic assessment of the human retina. This approach opens the possibility for monitoring eye diseases in the earliest stages before structural damage to the retina occurs. FUNDING NIH, Research to Prevent Blindness, Foundation for Polish Science, European Regional Development Fund, Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange and Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Boguslawski
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grazyna Palczewska
- Department of Medical Devices, Polgenix, Inc., Cleveland, United States of America
| | - Slawomir Tomczewski
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jadwiga Milkiewicz
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Kasprzycki
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Stachowiak
- Faculty of Electronics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Komar
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin J Marzejon
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz L Sikorski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Hudzikowski
- Faculty of Electronics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksander Głuszek
- Faculty of Electronics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Łaszczych
- Faculty of Electronics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Karol Karnowski
- International Center for Translational Eye Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Soboń
- Faculty of Electronics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States of America
| | - Maciej Wojtkowski
- Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Schönbach EM, Janeschitz-Kriegl L, Strauss RW, Cattaneo ME, Fujinami K, Birch DG, Cideciyan AV, Sunness JS, Weleber RG, Ip MS, Sadda SR, Scholl HP. The Progression of Stargardt Disease Using Volumetric Hill of Vision Analyses Over 24 Months: ProgStar Report No.15. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 230:123-133. [PMID: 33951446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the yearly rate of change in macular function in patients with Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) over 24 months and to establish a new volumetric visual function index for use in clinical trials investigating the efficacy on retinal sensitivity. METHODS Design: International, multicenter, prospective cohort study with 5 study visits every 6 months over 24 months. PARTICIPANTS A total of 233 individuals with genetically confirmed STGD1 (≥1 disease-causing ABCA4 variant). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The total volume (VTOT) beneath the sensitivity surface of a 3-D model of the hill of vision and mean sensitivity (MS) derived from mesopic microperimetry performed with a white stimulus. Changes of VTOT over time and its correlation with the ABCA4 genotype and baseline features. RESULTS At baseline, 440 eyes (233 patients) with a mean (SD) age of 33.7 (15.0) years, mean (SD) visual acuity of 46.08 (16.03) ETDRS letters were analyzed with an average VTOT of 0.91 decibel-steradian (dB-sr) and an MS of 10.73 dB. The overall mean rate of decrease in sensitivity [95% confidence interval] was 0.077 [0.064, 0.090] dB-sr/y for VTOT and 0.87 [0.72, 1.02] dB/year for MS. The progression rate of VTOT depended on baseline visual function (0.029 dB-sr/year for low and 0.120 dB-sr/year for high baseline VTOT; P < .001) and exhibited a difference in the first vs second year of follow-up (0.065 dB-sr/year vs 0.089 dB-sr/year, respectively; P < .001). The absence of pigmentary abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium at baseline was found to be associated with a faster progression rate (P < .001), whereas a significant association with the genotype was not detected (P = .7). CONCLUSION In STGD1, both microperimetric outcomes demonstrate statistically significant and clinically meaningful changes after relatively short follow-up periods. Volumetric modeling may be useful in future interventional clinical trials that aim to improve retinal sensitivity or to slow down its decline and for structure-function correlations.
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16
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Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Swider M, Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV. Macular Rod Function in Retinitis Pigmentosa Measured With Scotopic Microperimetry. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 34473224 PMCID: PMC8419874 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.11.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the validity and reliability of macular rod photoreceptor function measurement with a microperimeter. Methods Macular sensitivity in dark-adapted retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients (22 eyes; 9–67 years of age) and controls (five eyes; 22–55 years of age) was assessed with a modified Humphrey field analyzer (mHFA), as well as a scotopic microperimeter (Nidek MP-1S). Sensitivity loss (SL) was estimated at rod-mediated locations. All RP eyes were re-evaluated at a second visit 6 months later. The dynamic range of the MP-1S was expanded with a range of neutral-density filters (NDFs). Results In controls, a 4 NDF was used at all macular locations tested. In patients with RP, 0 to 3 NDFs were used, depending on the local disease severity. At rod-mediated locations (n = 281), SL estimates obtained with the MP-1S were highly correlated (r = 0.80) with those of the mHFA. The inter-perimeter difference of SL averaged less than 3 decibels (dB) with all NDFs, except those with most severe locations evaluated with a 0 NDF, where the difference averaged more than 6 dB. The results were similar on the second visit. Conclusions The MP-1S estimates of SL are highly correlated with those of the mHFA over a wide range of disease severity replicated at two visits; however, there was an unexplained bias in the magnitude of SL estimated by the MP-1S especially at loci with severe disease. Translational Relevance MP-1S scotopic microperimetry can be used to evaluate changes to macular rod function, but evaluation of treatment potential by quantitative comparison of SL to retinal structure will be more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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17
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Cideciyan AV, Krishnan AK, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Swider M, Jacobson SG. Measures of Function and Structure to Determine Phenotypic Features, Natural History, and Treatment Outcomes in Inherited Retinal Diseases. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2021; 7:747-772. [PMID: 34255540 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-032321-091738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are at the forefront of innovative gene-specific treatments because of the causation by single genes, the availability of microsurgical access for treatment delivery, and the relative ease of quantitative imaging and vision measurement. However, it is not always easy to choose a priori, from scores of potential measures, an appropriate subset to evaluate efficacy outcomes considering the wide range of disease stages with different phenotypic features. This article reviews measurements of visual function and retinal structure that our group has used over the past three decades to understand the natural history of IRDs. We include measures of light sensitivity, retinal structure, mapping of natural fluorophores, evaluation of pupillary light reflex, and oculomotor control. We provide historical context and examples of applicability. We also review treatment trial outcomes using these measures of function and structure. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 7 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA;
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18
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Heath Jeffery RC, Chen FK. Stargardt disease: Multimodal imaging: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 49:498-515. [PMID: 34013643 PMCID: PMC8366508 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stargardt disease (STGD1) is an autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy, characterised by bilateral progressive central vision loss and subretinal deposition of lipofuscin-like substances. Recent advances in molecular diagnosis and therapeutic options are complemented by the increasing recognition of new multimodal imaging biomarkers that may predict genotype and disease progression. Unique non-invasive imaging features of STDG1 are useful for gene variant interpretation and may even provide insight into the underlying molecular pathophysiology. In addition, pathognomonic imaging features of STGD1 have been used to train neural networks to improve time efficiency in lesion segmentation and disease progression measurements. This review will discuss the role of key imaging modalities, correlate imaging signs across varied STGD1 presentations and illustrate the use of multimodal imaging as an outcome measure in determining the efficacy of emerging STGD1 specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael C. Heath Jeffery
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute)The University of Western AustraliaNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Department of OphthalmologyRoyal Perth HospitalPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Fred K. Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute)The University of Western AustraliaNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Department of OphthalmologyRoyal Perth HospitalPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and PhysicsSir Charles Gairdner HospitalPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Department of OphthalmologyPerth Children's HospitalNedlandsWestern AustraliaAustralia
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19
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Ho AC, Garafalo AV, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Krishnan AK, Swider M, Schwartz MR, Girach A. Durable vision improvement after a single treatment with antisense oligonucleotide sepofarsen: a case report. Nat Med 2021; 27:785-789. [PMID: 33795869 PMCID: PMC8127404 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01297-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis due to CEP290 ciliopathy is being explored by treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide (AON) sepofarsen. One patient who was part of a larger cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03140969 ) was studied for 15 months after a single intravitreal sepofarsen injection. Concordant measures of visual function and retinal structure reached a substantial efficacy peak near 3 months after injection. At 15 months, there was sustained efficacy, even though there was evidence of reduction from peak response. Efficacy kinetics can be explained by the balance of AON-driven new CEP290 protein synthesis and a slow natural rate of CEP290 protein degradation in human foveal cone photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen C Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA, USA
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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20
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Aleman TS, O'Neil EC, O'Connor K, Jiang YY, Aleman IA, Bennett J, Morgan JIW, Toussaint BW. Bardet-Biedl syndrome-7 ( BBS7) shows treatment potential and a cone-rod dystrophy phenotype that recapitulates the non-human primate model. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 42:252-265. [PMID: 33729075 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1888132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To provide a detailed ophthalmic phenotype of two male patients with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) due to mutations in the BBS7 geneMethods: Two brothers ages 26 (Patient 1, P1) and 23 (P2) underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations over three years. Visual function was assessed with full-field electroretinograms (ffERGs), kinetic and chromatic perimetry, multimodal imaging with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) with short- (SW) and near-infrared (NIR) excitation lights and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO).Results: Both siblings had a history of obesity and postaxial polydactyly; P2 had diagnoses of type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Addison's disease, high-functioning autism-spectrum disorder and -12D myopia. Visual acuities were better than 20/30. Kinetic fields were moderately constricted. Cone-mediated ffERGs were undetectable, rod ERGs were ~80% of normal mean. Static perimetry showed severe central cone and rod dysfunction. Foveal to parafoveal hypoautofluorescence, most obvious on NIR-FAF, co-localized with outer segment shortening/loss and outer nuclear layer thinning by SD-OCT, and with reduced photoreceptors densities by AOSLO. A structural-functional dissociation was confirmed for cone- and rod-mediated parameters. Worsening of the above abnormalities was documented by SD-OCT and FAF in P2 at 3 years. Gene screening identified compound heterozygous mutations in BBS7 (p.Val266Glu: c.797 T > A of maternal origin; c.1781_1783delCAT, paternal) in both patients.Conclusions: BBS7-associated retinal degeneration may present as a progressive cone-rod dystrophy pattern, reminiscent of both the murine and non-human primate models of the disease. Predominantly central retinal abnormalities in both cone and rod photoreceptors showed a structural-functional dissociation, an ideal scenario for gene augmentation treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas S Aleman
- Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Ophthalmology of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erin C O'Neil
- Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Ophthalmology of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Keli O'Connor
- Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yu You Jiang
- Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Isabella A Aleman
- Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jean Bennett
- Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica I W Morgan
- Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian W Toussaint
- Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Leber Congenital Amaurosis Due to GUCY2D Mutations: Longitudinal Analysis of Retinal Structure and Visual Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042031. [PMID: 33670772 PMCID: PMC7922686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene augmentation therapy is being planned for GUCY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). To increase our understanding of the natural history of GUCY2D-LCA, patients were evaluated twice with an interval of 4 to 7 years between visits using safety and efficacy outcome measures previously determined to be useful for monitoring this disorder. In this group of molecularly-identified LCA patients (n = 10; ages 7–37 years at first visit), optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure foveal cone outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and rod ONL at a superior retinal locus. Full-field stimulus testing (FST) with chromatic stimuli in dark- and light-adapted states was used to assay rod and cone vision. Changes in OCT and FST over the interval were mostly attributable to inter-visit variability. There were no major negative changes in structure or function across the cohort and over the intervals studied. Variation in severity of disease expression between patients occurs; however, despite difficulties in quantifying structure and function in such seriously visually impaired individuals with nystagmus, the present work supports the use of OCT as a safety outcome and FST as an efficacy outcome in a clinical trial of GUCY2D-LCA. A wide age spectrum for therapy was confirmed, and there was relative stability of structure and function during a typical time interval for clinical trials.
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22
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Maguire AM, Bennett J, Aleman EM, Leroy BP, Aleman TS. Clinical Perspective: Treating RPE65-Associated Retinal Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:442-463. [PMID: 33278565 PMCID: PMC7854308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, there was no approved treatment for a retinal degenerative disease. Subretinal injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivering the normal copy of the human RPE65 cDNA led to reversal of blindness first in animal models and then in humans. This led to the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved gene therapy product for a genetic disease, voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna). Luxturna was then approved by the European Medicines Association and is now available in the US through Spark Therapeutics and worldwide through Novartis. Not only has treatment with Luxturna changed the lives of people previously destined to live a life of blindness, but it has fueled interest in developing additional gene therapy reagents targeting numerous other genetic forms of inherited retinal disease. This review describes many of the considerations for administration of Luxturna and describes how lessons from experience with Luxturna could lead to additional gene-based treatments of blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert M Maguire
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena M Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bart P Leroy
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tomas S Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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23
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Müller PL, Gliem M, McGuinnes M, Birtel J, Holz FG, Charbel Issa P. Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence in ABCA4-Related Retinopathy -Functional Relevance and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 222:340-350. [PMID: 32891696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate lipofuscin-related quantitative autofluorescence measures and their association with demographic characteristics, retinal structure, retinal function and genotype in ABCA4-related retinopathy (Stargardt disease 1). DESIGN Cross-sectional study with age-matched healthy control subjects. METHODS A total of 77 patients with ABCA4-related retinopathy and 110 control subjects underwent quantitative fundus autofluorescence (qAF) imaging using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope equipped with an internal fluorescent reference to measure qAF as surrogate for lipofuscin accumulation. Measures of qAF were correlated with demographic characteristics, structural alterations on optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging, retinal function assessed by full-field electroretinography (ERG) and fundus-controlled perimetry, and genotype. RESULTS Most patients (76.6%) had qAF levels >95% prediction interval of the age-related control group, with best discrimination between cases and control subjects in younger patients. Reduced discrimination based on qAF measures was associated with mild disease, more advanced disease with dark flecks, or older age because of the physiological age-related increase in qAF and a ceiling effect in patients. Nullizygous patients presented with high qAF levels earlier in life compared with those with at least 1 milder ABCA4 variant. Within the sectors of qAF measurements, at approximately 7-9° eccentricity, increased qAF without flecks or with only bright flecks was associated with topographically related preserved retinal thickness and fundus-controlled perimetry results, and with normal full-field ERG recordings. All 3 parameters were increasingly abnormal with the development of dark flecks and decreasing qAF. CONCLUSIONS The accumulation of lipofuscin depends on the severity of ABCA4 variants, precedes other structural changes, and may remain without clinically relevant effect on retinal function.
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24
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Jauregui R, Nuzbrokh Y, Su PY, Zernant J, Allikmets R, Tsang SH, Sparrow JR. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Atrophy in Recessive Stargardt Disease as Measured by Short-Wavelength and Near-Infrared Autofluorescence. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 33505770 PMCID: PMC7794276 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare the detection of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy in short-wavelength (SW-AF) and near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF) images in Stargardt disease (STGD1) patients. Methods SW-AF and NIR-AF images (115 eyes from 115 patients) were analyzed by two independent graders. Hypoautofluorescent (hypoAF) areas, indicative of RPE atrophy, were measured, and the two modalities were compared. Results Patients were segregated into four groups: nascent (6 [5%]), widespread (21 [18%]), discrete (55 [48%]), and chorioretinal atrophy (33 [29%]). The areas of hypoAF were larger in NIR-AF compared to SW-AF images in discrete (3.9 vs. 2.2 mm2, P < 0.001) and chorioretinal atrophy (12.7 vs. 11.4 mm2, P = 0.015). Similar findings were observed qualitatively in nascent and widespread atrophy patients. Using the area linear model (ALM), lesion area increased at similar rates in SW-AF and NIR-AF images of discrete atrophy (0.20 vs. 0.32 mm2/y, P = 0.275) and chorioretinal atrophy (1.30 vs. 1.74 mm2/y, P = 0.671). Using the radius linear model (RLM), the lesion effective radius also increased similarly in SW-AF and NIR-AF images in discrete (0.03 vs. 0.05 mm2/y, P = 0.221) and chorioretinal atrophy (0.08 vs. 0.10 mm2/y, P = 0.754) patients. Conclusions NIR-AF reveals a larger area of RPE atrophy in STGD1 patients compared to SW-AF images, but rates of lesion enlargement in the two modalities are similar. Translational Relevance Measurements of RPE atrophy by AF imaging are crucial for monitoring STGD1 disease progression and given our findings we advocate greater use of NIR-AF for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Jauregui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yan Nuzbrokh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pei-Yin Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jana Zernant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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25
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Al-Khuzaei S, Shah M, Foster CR, Yu J, Broadgate S, Halford S, Downes SM. The role of multimodal imaging and vision function testing in ABCA4-related retinopathies and their relevance to future therapeutic interventions. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2021; 13:25158414211056384. [PMID: 34988368 PMCID: PMC8721514 DOI: 10.1177/25158414211056384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review article is to describe the specific features of Stargardt disease and ABCA4 retinopathies (ABCA4R) using multimodal imaging and functional testing and to highlight their relevance to potential therapeutic interventions. Standardised measures of tissue loss, tissue function and rate of change over time using formal structured deep phenotyping in Stargardt disease and ABCA4R are key in diagnosis, and prognosis as well as when selecting cohorts for therapeutic intervention. In addition, a meticulous documentation of natural history will be invaluable in the future to compare treated with untreated retinas. Despite the familiarity with the term Stargardt disease, this eponymous classification alone is unhelpful when evaluating ABCA4R, as the ABCA4 gene is associated with a number of phenotypes, and a range of severity. Multimodal imaging, psychophysical and electrophysiologic measurements are necessary in diagnosing and characterising these differing retinopathies. A wide range of retinal dystrophy phenotypes are seen in association with ABCA4 mutations. In this article, these will be referred to as ABCA4R. These different phenotypes and the existence of phenocopies present a significant challenge to the clinician. Careful phenotypic characterisation coupled with the genotype enables the clinician to provide an accurate diagnosis, associated inheritance pattern and information regarding prognosis and management. This is particularly relevant now for recruiting to therapeutic trials, and in the future when therapies become available. The importance of accurate genotype-phenotype correlation studies cannot be overemphasised. This approach together with segregation studies can be vital in the identification of causal mutations when variants in more than one gene are being considered as possible. In this article, we give an overview of the current imaging, psychophysical and electrophysiological investigations, as well as current therapeutic research trials for retinopathies associated with the ABCA4 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoud Al-Khuzaei
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mital Shah
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stephanie Halford
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan M. Downes
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Level 6 John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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26
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Müller PL, Pfau M, Treis T, Pascual-Camps I, Birtel J, Lindner M, Herrmann P, Holz FG. PROGRESSION OF ABCA4-RELATED RETINOPATHY: Prognostic value of demographic, functional, genetic, and imaging parameters. Retina 2020; 40:2343-2356. [PMID: 33214501 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000002747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the prognostic value of demographic, functional, genetic, and imaging parameters on retinal pigment epithelium atrophy progression secondary to ABCA4-related retinopathy. METHODS Patients with retinal pigment epithelium atrophy secondary to ABCA4-related retinopathy were examined longitudinally with fundus autofluorescence imaging. Lesion area, perimeter, circularity, caliper diameters, and focality of areas with definitely decreased autofluorescence were determined. A model was used to predict the lesion enlargement rate based on baseline variables. Sample size calculations were performed to model the power in a simulated interventional study. RESULTS Sixty-eight eyes of 37 patients (age range, 14-78 years) with a follow-up time of 10 to 100 months were included. The mean annual progression of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy was 0.89 mm. The number of atrophic areas, the retina-wide functional impairment, and the age-of-onset category constituted significant predictors for future retinal pigment epithelium atrophy growth, explaining 25.7% of the variability. By extension of a simulated study length and/or specific patient preselection based on these baseline characteristics, the required sample size could significantly be reduced. CONCLUSION Trial design based on specific shape-descriptive factors and patients' baseline characteristics and the adaption of the trial duration may provide potential benefits in required cohort size and absolute number of visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp L Müller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilian Pfau
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tim Treis
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Birtel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Moritz Lindner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp Herrmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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27
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Kubota R, Birch DG, Gregory JK, Koester JM. Randomised study evaluating the pharmacodynamics of emixustat hydrochloride in subjects with macular atrophy secondary to Stargardt disease. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 106:403-408. [PMID: 33214244 PMCID: PMC8867285 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-317712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims Stargardt disease is a rare, inherited, degenerative disease of the retina that is the most common type of hereditary macular dystrophy. Currently, no approved treatments for the disease exist. The purpose of this study was to characterise the pharmacodynamics of emixustat, an orally available small molecule that targets the retinal pigment epithelium–specific 65 kDa protein (RPE65), in subjects with macular atrophy secondary to Stargardt disease. Methods In this multicentre study conducted at six study sites in the USA, 23 subjects with macular atrophy secondary to Stargardt disease were randomised to one of three doses of daily emixustat (2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg) and treated for 1 month. The primary outcome was the suppression of the rod b-wave recovery rate on electroretinography after photobleaching, which is an indirect measure of RPE65 inhibition. Results Subjects who received 10 mg emixustat showed near-complete suppression of the rod b-wave amplitude recovery rate postphotobleaching (mean=91.86%, median=96.69%), whereas those who received 5 mg showed moderate suppression (mean=52.2%, median=68.0%). No effect was observed for subjects who received 2.5 mg emixustat (mean=−3.31%, median=−12.23%). The adverse event profile was consistent with prior studies in other patient populations and consisted primarily of ocular adverse events likely related to RPE65 inhibition. Conclusion This study demonstrated dose-dependent suppression of rod b-wave amplitude recovery postphotobleaching, confirming emixustat’s biological activity in patients with Stargardt disease. These findings informed dose selection for a 24-month phase 3 trial (SeaSTAR Study) that is now comparing emixustat to placebo in the treatment of Stargardt disease-associated macular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Kubota
- President, Kubota Vision Inc, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David G Birch
- Scientific Director, Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jeff K Gregory
- Clinical Development, Kubota Vision Inc, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John M Koester
- Clinical Development, Kubota Vision Inc, Seattle, Washington, USA
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28
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Rod function deficit in retained photoreceptors of patients with class B Rhodopsin mutations. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12552. [PMID: 32724127 PMCID: PMC7387454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A common inherited retinal disease is caused by mutations in RHO expressed in rod photoreceptors that provide vision in dim ambient light. Approximately half of all RHO mutations result in a Class B phenotype where mutant rods are retained in some retinal regions but show severe degeneration in other regions. We determined the natural history of dysfunction and degeneration of retained rods by serially evaluating patients. Even when followed for more than 20 years, rod function and structure at some retinal locations could remain unchanged. Other locations showed loss of both vision and photoreceptors but the rate of rod vision loss was greater than the rate of photoreceptor degeneration. This unexpected divergence in rates with disease progression implied the development of a rod function deficit beyond loss of cells. The divergence of progression rates was also detectable over a short interval of 2 years near the health-disease transition in the superior retina. A model of structure–function relationship supported the existence of a large rod function deficit which was also most prominent near regions of health-disease transition. Our studies support the realistic therapeutic goal of improved night vision for retinal regions specifically preselected for rod function deficit in patients.
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29
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Garafalo AV, Cideciyan AV, Héon E, Sheplock R, Pearson A, WeiYang Yu C, Sumaroka A, Aguirre GD, Jacobson SG. Progress in treating inherited retinal diseases: Early subretinal gene therapy clinical trials and candidates for future initiatives. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 77:100827. [PMID: 31899291 PMCID: PMC8714059 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to improved phenotyping and genetic characterization, the field of 'incurable' and 'blinding' inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) has moved substantially forward. Decades of ascertainment of IRD patient data from Philadelphia and Toronto centers illustrate the progress from Mendelian genetic types to molecular diagnoses. Molecular genetics have been used not only to clarify diagnoses and to direct counseling but also to enable the first clinical trials of gene-based treatment in these diseases. An overview of the recent reports of gene augmentation clinical trials by subretinal injections is used to reflect on the reasons why there has been limited success in this early venture into therapy. These first-in human experiences have taught that there is a need for advancing the techniques of delivery of the gene products - not only for refining further subretinal trials, but also for evaluating intravitreal delivery. Candidate IRDs for intravitreal gene delivery are then suggested to illustrate some of the disorders that may be amenable to improvement of remaining central vision with the least photoreceptor trauma. A more detailed understanding of the human IRDs to be considered for therapy and the calculated potential for efficacy should be among the routine prerequisites for initiating a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Pearson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caberry WeiYang Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Cicinelli MV, Rabiolo A, Brambati M, Viganò C, Bandello F, Battaglia Parodi M. Factors Influencing Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Atrophy Progression Rate in Stargardt Disease. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:33. [PMID: 32832238 PMCID: PMC7414677 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.7.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate demographic, clinical, imaging, and genetic factors associated with retinal pigment epithelium enlargement in Stargardt disease (STGD1) and to measure the agreement between short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-FAF) and near-infrared fundus autofluorescence (NIR-FAF). Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients with STGD1 with ≥2 gradable SW-FAF images. RPE-atrophy areas were measured on SW-FAF and NIR-FAF at each visit and regressed against time to obtain the rate of RPE-atrophy enlargement. Agreement between SW-FAF and NIR-FAF with regards to baseline atrophic areas and rates of enlargement was evaluated. Baseline factors predictive of faster SW-FAF RPE-atrophy enlargement were investigated with linear mixed models. Results Fifty-four eyes of 28 patients (median age: 45 years; 13 males) were included. SW-FAF and NIR-FAF agreed well for slow rates of RPE-atrophy progression, but agreement decreased as the rate increased. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) rate of RPE-atrophy expansion was 0.18 (0.10–0.85) mm2/year on SW-FAF and 0.24 (0.08–0.33) mm2/year on NIR-FAF. Larger baseline RPE-atrophy area (estimate: 0.057 mm2/year, P < 0.001), worse visual acuity (0.305 mm2/year, P = 0.005), multifocal disease (0.401 mm2/year, P = 0.02), and SW-FAF pattern (0.534 mm2/year, P =0 .03) were associated with a faster rate of progression (predictive R2: 0.65). Conclusions SW-FAF and NIR-FAF are not interchangeable in the evaluation of RPE-atrophy enlargement, and both imaging modalities may be required for optimal detection of disease progression. A multivariable model based on baseline clinical and imaging information may identify patients at higher risk of fast disease progression. Translational Relevance The knowledge of the agreement of different FAF modalities, the estimated rates of RPE-atrophy enlargement, and factors predictive of faster anatomic decay in STGD1 may allow tailored clinical management and better clinical trials design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Cicinelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rabiolo
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Maria Brambati
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Viganò
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Battaglia Parodi
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Müller PL, Treis T, Pfau M, Esposti SD, Alsaedi A, Maloca P, Balaskas K, Webster A, Egan C, Tufail A. Progression of Retinopathy Secondary to Maternally Inherited Diabetes and Deafness - Evaluation of Predicting Parameters. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 213:134-144. [PMID: 31987901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the prognostic value of demographic, functional, and imaging parameters on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy progression secondary to maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) and to evaluate the application of these factors in clinical trial design. DESIGN Retrospective observational case series. METHODS Thirty-five eyes of 20 patients (age range, 24.9-75.9 years) with genetically proven MIDD and demarcated RPE atrophy on serial fundus autofluorescence (AF) images were included. Lesion size and shape-descriptive parameters were longitudinally determined by 2 independent readers. A linear mixed-effect model was used to predict the lesion enlargement rate based on baseline variables. Sample size calculations were performed to model the power in a simulated interventional study. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 4.27 years. The mean progression rate of RPE atrophy was 2.33 mm2/year, revealing a dependence on baseline lesion size (+0.04 [0.02-0.07] mm2/year/mm2, P < .001), which was absent after square root transformation. The fovea was preserved in the majority of patients during the observation time. In the case of foveal involvement, the loss of visual acuity lagged behind central RPE atrophy in AF images. Sex, age, and number of atrophic foci predicted future progression rates with a cross-validated mean absolute error of 0.13 mm/year and to reduce the required sample size for simulated interventional trials. CONCLUSIONS Progressive RPE atrophy could be traced in all eyes using AF imaging. Shape-descriptive factors and patients' baseline characteristics had significant prognostic value, guiding appropriate subject selection and sample size in future interventional trial design.
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Cremers FPM, Lee W, Collin RWJ, Allikmets R. Clinical spectrum, genetic complexity and therapeutic approaches for retinal disease caused by ABCA4 mutations. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 79:100861. [PMID: 32278709 PMCID: PMC7544654 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ABCA4 protein (then called a “rim protein”) was first
identified in 1978 in the rims and incisures of rod photoreceptors. The
corresponding gene, ABCA4, was cloned in 1997, and variants
were identified as the cause of autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1).
Over the next two decades, variation in ABCA4 has been
attributed to phenotypes other than the classically defined STGD1 or fundus
flavimaculatus, ranging from early onset and fast progressing cone-rod dystrophy
and retinitis pigmentosa-like phenotypes to very late onset cases of mostly mild
disease sometimes resembling, and confused with, age-related macular
degeneration. Similarly, analysis of the ABCA4 locus uncovered
a trove of genetic information, including >1200 disease-causing mutations
of varying severity, and of all types – missense, nonsense, small
deletions/insertions, and splicing affecting variants, of which many are located
deep-intronic. Altogether, this has greatly expanded our understanding of
complexity not only of the diseases caused by ABCA4 mutations,
but of all Mendelian diseases in general. This review provides an in depth
assessment of the cumulative knowledge of ABCA4-associated retinopathy –
clinical manifestations, genetic complexity, pathophysiology as well as current
and proposed therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Winston Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Krishnan AK, Jacobson SG, Roman AJ, Iyer BS, Garafalo AV, Héon E, Cideciyan AV. Transient pupillary light reflex in CEP290- or NPHP5-associated Leber congenital amaurosis: Latency as a potential outcome measure of cone function. Vision Res 2020; 168:53-63. [PMID: 32088401 PMCID: PMC7068155 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in photoreceptor cilium genes CEP290 and NPHP5 cause a form of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) which typically lacks rods but retains central cones. The current study evaluated the transient pupillary light reflex (TPLR) as an objective outcome measure to assess efficacy of ongoing and future therapies. Eleven eyes of six patients selected for retained cone function were tested with TPLR using full-field stimuli in the dark-adapted state. Stimuli were red or blue with 1 s duration and spanned a 6-log unit dynamic range. TPLR response amplitude was quantified at fixed times of 0.9 and 2 s after stimulus onset and TPLR latency was defined as the time to reach 0.3 mm constriction. Full-field stimulus testing (FST) and static perimetry were used to correlate subjective perception with objective TPLR parameters. TPLR and FST thresholds with both red and blue stimuli were abnormally elevated in patients to near -1.25 log phot-cd·m-2 consistent with the lack of rods. TPLR latencies were delayed on average but showed some differences among patients. Remnant extrafoveal vision was correlated with faster TPLR latencies. Our results support the use of a short TPLR protocol with full-field red stimuli of 0.7 log phot-cd·m-2 or brighter as an objective and convenient outcome measure of cone function in CEP290- and NPHP5-LCA. The latency parameter of the TPLR would be expected to show a detectable change when an intervention modifies cone sensitivity in the extrafoveal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Krishnan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Bhavya S Iyer
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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Müller PL, Birtel J, Herrmann P, Holz FG, Charbel Issa P, Gliem M. Functional Relevance and Structural Correlates of Near Infrared and Short Wavelength Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging in ABCA4-Related Retinopathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:46. [PMID: 31879568 PMCID: PMC6927733 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.6.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the functional relevance and structural correlates of autofluorescence (AF) alterations under short-wavelength (SW) and near-infrared (NIR) excitation light in ABCA4-related retinopathy. Methods In this prospective, cross-sectional case series, 88 eyes of 44 patients with ABCA4-related retinopathy (mean age, 37.6 years; range, 9-77 years) underwent SW-AF and NIR-AF imaging. The AF images were graded for disease characteristic patterns by two independent readers and correlated with alterations in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and impairment of retinal sensitivity along a foveo-papillary line assessed by fundus-controlled microperimetry. Results A centrifugal sequence of AF patterns from atrophic lesions to homogeneous background was found for both AF modalities. The eccentricity of each AF pattern in NIR-AF was larger compared to those in SW-AF (P < 0.001). Increasing eccentricity of each pattern correlated with increasing retinal sensitivity. The distant border of the zone of hyperfluorescent flecks in SW-AF and hypoautofluorescent flecks in NIR-AF correlated with the margins of the ellipsoid zone loss in OCT (r = 0.979 and r = 0.971, P < 0.001). The expansion of hypofluorescent flecks in SW-AF was associated with the boundaries of external limiting membrane loss (r = 0.933, P < 0.001). Conclusions SW-AF and NIR-AF revealed a characteristic sequence of AF patterns that correlated with functional and structural alterations, suggesting different stages in disease progression. Translational Relevance Alterations in NIR-AF exceeded those in SW-AF images, substantiating the hypothesis of different AF origins and suggesting NIR-AF as surrogate marker for early disease-related changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp L Müller
- University of Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany.,University of Bonn, Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), Bonn, Germany.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Johannes Birtel
- University of Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany.,University of Bonn, Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Herrmann
- University of Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany.,University of Bonn, Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- University of Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany.,University of Bonn, Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,University of Oxford, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Gliem
- University of Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, Bonn, Germany.,University of Bonn, Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), Bonn, Germany.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,University of Oxford, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford, UK
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35
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Foote KG, Rinella N, Tang J, Bensaid N, Zhou H, Zhang Q, Wang RK, Porco TC, Roorda A, Duncan JL. Cone Structure Persists Beyond Margins of Short-Wavelength Autofluorescence in Choroideremia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:4931-4942. [PMID: 31770433 PMCID: PMC6879190 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We studied the relationship between structure and function of the choriocapillaris (CC), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and photoreceptors in patients with choroideremia (CHM). Methods Six CHM patients (12 eyes) and four normal subjects (six eyes) were studied with fundus-guided microperimetry, confocal and nonconfocal adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), near-infrared and color fundus photos, short wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF), and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and angiography (SS-OCTA) images. Cone spacing was represented using Z-scores (standard deviations from the mean at that eccentricity). CC flow voids were defined using a threshold of 1 SD below the normal mean. Results Cone spacing Z-scores were not significantly correlated with distance from the borders of preserved RPE, determined using either the SS-OCT or SW-AF scans. Cone spacing Z-scores were significantly correlated with CC flow voids and retinal sensitivity. Flow voids were abnormal in regions of preserved RPE and increased progressively from within -2° of the preserved area to +2° beyond the border. Visual sensitivity decreased as CC flow voids increased approaching and beyond the border of preserved structure. Conclusions In CHM, cone spacing Z-scores correlated with CC flow voids, and were negatively correlated with retinal sensitivity, suggesting cone degeneration accompanied reduced CC perfusion. Functional cones were found outside the presumed borders of preserved outer-retina/RPE as defined by SW-AF, but not outside the borders determined by SS-OCT. The use of SW-AF to identify the border of preserved structures may underestimate regions with cells that may be amenable to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina G. Foote
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Nicholas Rinella
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Janette Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | | | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Ruikang K. Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Travis C. Porco
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Austin Roorda
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Jacque L. Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
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36
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Sumaroka A, Cideciyan AV, Charng J, Wu V, Powers CA, Iyer BS, Lisi B, Swider M, Jacobson SG. Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa Due to Class B Rhodopsin Mutations: An Objective Outcome for Future Treatment Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215344. [PMID: 31717845 PMCID: PMC6861901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for adRP due to RHO mutations was recently shown to prevent photoreceptor death in a canine model of Class B disease. Among translational steps to be taken, one is to determine a method to detect efficacy in a human clinical trial. The relatively slow progression of adRP becomes a difficulty for clinical trials requiring an answer to whether there is slowed progression of degeneration in response to therapy. We performed a single-center, retrospective observational study of cross-sectional and longitudinal data. The study was prompted by our identification of a pericentral disease distribution in Class B RHO-adRP. Ultrawide optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were used. Inferior retinal pericentral defects was an early disease feature. Degeneration further inferior in the retina merged with the pericentral defect, which extended into superior retina. In about 70% of patients, there was an asymmetric island of structure with significantly greater superior than inferior ellipsoid zone (EZ) extent. Serial measures of photoreceptor structure by OCT indicated constriction in superior retinal extent within a two-year interval. We conclude that these results should allow early-phase trials of therapy in RHO-adRP to move forward by inclusion of patients with an asymmetric extent of photoreceptor structure and by monitoring therapeutic effects over two years in the superior retina, a reasonable target for subretinal injection.
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Strauss RW, Kong X, Ho A, Jha A, West S, Ip M, Bernstein PS, Birch DG, Cideciyan AV, Michaelides M, Sahel JA, Sunness JS, Traboulsi EI, Zrenner E, Pitetta S, Jenkins D, Hariri AH, Sadda S, Scholl HPN. Progression of Stargardt Disease as Determined by Fundus Autofluorescence Over a 12-Month Period: ProgStar Report No. 11. JAMA Ophthalmol 2019; 137:1134-1145. [PMID: 31369039 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2019.2885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Importance Sensitive outcome measures for disease progression are needed for treatment trials of Stargardt disease. Objective To estimate the progression rate of atrophic lesions in the prospective Natural History of the Progression of Atrophy Secondary to Stargardt Disease (ProgStar) study over a 12-month period. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in an international selection of tertiary referral centers from October 21, 2013, to February 15, 2017. Patients who were affected by Stargardt disease, aged 6 years and older at baseline, and harboring disease-causing variants of the ABCA4 gene were enrolled at 9 centers in the United States, United Kingdom, and continental Europe. Data analysis occurred from November 2016 to January 2017. Exposures Autofluorescence images obtained with a standard protocol were sent to a central reading center, and areas of definitely decreased autofluorescence, questionably decreased autofluorescence, and the total combined area of decreased autofluorescence were outlined and quantified. Progression rates were estimated from linear mixed models with time as the independent variable. Main Outcomes and Measures Yearly rate of progression, using the growth of atrophic lesions measured by autofluorescence imaging. Results A total of 259 study participants (488 eyes; 230 individuals [88.8%] were examined in both eyes) were enrolled (mean [SD] age at first visit, 33.3 [15.1] years; 118 [54.4%] female). Gradable images were available for evaluation for 480 eyes at baseline and 454 eyes after 12 months. At baseline, definitely decreased autofluorescence was present in 306 eyes, and the mean (SD) lesion size was 3.93 (4.37) mm2. The mean total area of decreased autofluorescence at baseline was 4.07 (4.04) mm2. The estimated progression of definitely decreased autofluorescence was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.54-0.97) mm2 per year (P < .001), and the total area of both questionably and definitely decreased autofluorescence was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.50-0.78) mm2 per year (P < .001). Both progression rates depended on initial lesion size. Conclusions and Relevance In Stargardt disease, autofluorescence imaging may serve as a monitoring tool and definitely decreased autofluorescence and total area as outcome measures for interventional clinical trials that aim to slow disease progression. Rates of progression depended mainly on initial lesion size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert W Strauss
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Services Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Kepler University Clinic Linz, Linz, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Xiangrong Kong
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
| | - Alexander Ho
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Anamika Jha
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Sheila West
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael Ip
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Paul S Bernstein
- Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | | | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Services Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Universités, University Pierre et Marie Curie Université de Paris 06, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Janet S Sunness
- Hoover Low Vision Rehabilitation Services, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Center for Ophthalmology, Eberhard-Karls University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sean Pitetta
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Dennis Jenkins
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Amir Hossein Hariri
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - SriniVas Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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38
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Lessons learned from quantitative fundus autofluorescence. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 74:100774. [PMID: 31472235 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative fundus autofluorescence (qAF) is an approach that is built on a confocal scanning laser platform and used to measure the intensity of the inherent autofluorescence of retina elicited by short-wavelength (488 nm) excitation. Being non-invasive, qAF does not interrupt tissue architecture, thus allowing for structural correlations. The spectral features, cellular origin and topographic distribution of the natural autofluorescence of the fundus indicate that it is emitted from retinaldehyde-adducts that form in photoreceptor cells and accumulate, under most conditions, in retinal pigment epithelial cells. The distributions and intensities of fundus autofluorescence deviate from normal in many retinal disorders and it is widely recognized that these changing patterns can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of retinal disease. The standardized protocol employed by qAF involves the normalization of fundus grey levels to a fluorescent reference installed in the imaging instrument. Together with corrections for magnification and anterior media absorption, this approach facilitates comparisons with serial images and images acquired within groups of patients. Here we provide a comprehensive summary of the principles and practice of qAF and we highlight recent efforts to elucidate retinal disease processes by combining qAF with multi-modal imaging.
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Chen L, Lee W, de Carvalho JRL, Chang S, Tsang SH, Allikmets R, Sparrow JR. Multi-platform imaging in ABCA4-Associated Disease. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6436. [PMID: 31015497 PMCID: PMC6478712 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42772-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging is crucial to the diagnosis and monitoring of recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1). In a retrospective cohort study of 34 patients, we compared FAF imaging platforms varying in field size (30° and 55°: blue/SW-AF and NIR-AF; 200°: ultrawide-field, UWF-AF), excitation wavelength (488 nm, blue/SW-AF; 532 nm, UWF-AF and 787 nm, NIR-AF) and image processing. Due to reduced absorption of 532 nm and 787 nm light by macular pigment, foveal sparing was more readily demonstrable by green/UWF-AF and NIR-AF imaging. Prominent in green/UWF-AF images is a central zone of relatively elevated AF that is continuous inferonasal with a demarcation line bordering lower AF nasally and higher AF temporally. This zone and border are more visible in STGD1 than in healthy eyes and more visible with green/UWF-AF. With the development of AF flecks, inferonasal retina is initially spared. Central atrophic areas were larger in NIR-AF images than in blue/SW-AF and green/UWF-AF images and the presence of a contiguous hyperAF ring varied with imaging modality. Flecks visible as hyperAF foci in blue/SW-AF images were also visible in green/UWF-AF but were often hypoAF in NIR-AF. Since disease in STGD1 often extends beyond the 30° and 55° fields, green/UWF-AF has advantages including for pediatric patients. The imaging platforms examined provided complementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, People's hospital of Putuo District, Shanghai, China
| | - Winston Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jose Ronaldo Lima de Carvalho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States.,Departament of Ophthalmology, Empresa Brasileira de Servicos Hospitalares (EBSERH) - Hospital das Clinicas de Pernambuco (HCPE), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil.,Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stanley Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States. .,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States.
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Ervin AM, Strauss RW, Ahmed MI, Birch D, Cheetham J, Ferris FL, Ip MS, Jaffe GJ, Maguire MG, Schönbach EM, Sadda SR, West SK, Scholl HP. A Workshop on Measuring the Progression of Atrophy Secondary to Stargardt Disease in the ProgStar Studies: Findings and Lessons Learned. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:16. [PMID: 31019847 PMCID: PMC6469878 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.2.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Progression of Atrophy Secondary to Stargardt Disease (ProgStar) studies were designed to measure the progression of Stargardt disease through the use of fundus autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and microperimetry. The overarching objectives of the studies were to document the natural course of Stargardt disease and identify the most appropriate clinical outcome measures for clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of upcoming treatments for Stargardt disease. A workshop organized by the Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute was held on June 11, 2018, in Baltimore, MD, USA. Invited speakers discussed spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and microperimetry methods and findings in the ProgStar prospective study. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion of optimal endpoints for measuring treatment efficacy in Stargardt disease. We summarize the workshop presentations in light of the most current literature on Stargardt disease and discuss potential clinical outcome measures and endpoints for future treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Margret Ervin
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rupert W. Strauss
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kepler University Clinic, Linz, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mohamed I. Ahmed
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Janet Cheetham
- Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute, Columbia, MD, USA
| | | | - Michael S. Ip
- Doheny Imaging Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Glenn J. Jaffe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maureen G. Maguire
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Etienne M. Schönbach
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - SriniVas R. Sadda
- Doheny Imaging Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sheila K. West
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hendrik P.N. Scholl
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - for the ProgStar Study Group
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kepler University Clinic, Linz, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, USA
- Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute, Columbia, MD, USA
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Doheny Imaging Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Mäkeläinen S, Gòdia M, Hellsand M, Viluma A, Hahn D, Makdoumi K, Zeiss CJ, Mellersh C, Ricketts SL, Narfström K, Hallböök F, Ekesten B, Andersson G, Bergström TF. An ABCA4 loss-of-function mutation causes a canine form of Stargardt disease. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007873. [PMID: 30889179 PMCID: PMC6424408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive retinal degenerative diseases cause visual impairment and blindness in both humans and dogs. Currently, no standard treatment is available, but pioneering gene therapy-based canine models have been instrumental for clinical trials in humans. To study a novel form of retinal degeneration in Labrador retriever dogs with clinical signs indicating cone and rod degeneration, we used whole-genome sequencing of an affected sib-pair and their unaffected parents. A frameshift insertion in the ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 4 (ABCA4) gene (c.4176insC), leading to a premature stop codon in exon 28 (p.F1393Lfs*1395), was identified. In contrast to unaffected dogs, no full-length ABCA4 protein was detected in the retina of an affected dog. The ABCA4 gene encodes a membrane transporter protein localized in the outer segments of rod and cone photoreceptors. In humans, the ABCA4 gene is associated with Stargardt disease (STGD), an autosomal recessive retinal degeneration leading to central visual impairment. A hallmark of STGD is the accumulation of lipofuscin deposits in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The discovery of a canine homozygous ABCA4 loss-of-function mutation may advance the development of dog as a large animal model for human STGD. Stargardt disease (STGD) is the most common inherited retinal disease causing visual impairment and blindness in children and young adults, affecting 1 in 8–10 thousand people. For other inherited retinal diseases, the dog has become an established comparative animal model, both for identifying the underlying genetic causes and for developing new treatment methods. To date, there is no standard treatment for STGD and the only available animal model to study the disease is the mouse. As a nocturnal animal, the morphology of the mouse eye differs from humans and therefore the mouse model is not ideal for developing methods for treatment. We have studied a novel form of retinal degeneration in Labrador retriever dogs showing clinical signs similar to human STGD. To investigate the genetic cause of the disease, we used whole-genome sequencing of a family quartet including two affected offspring and their unaffected parents. This led to the identification of a loss-of-function mutation in the ABCA4 gene. The findings of this study may enable the development of a canine model for human STGD.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily A, Member 4/chemistry
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily A, Member 4/genetics
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily A, Member 4/metabolism
- ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Codon, Nonsense
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dog Diseases/genetics
- Dog Diseases/metabolism
- Dog Diseases/pathology
- Dogs
- Female
- Genes, Recessive
- Homozygote
- Humans
- Lipofuscin/metabolism
- Macular Degeneration/congenital
- Macular Degeneration/genetics
- Macular Degeneration/metabolism
- Macular Degeneration/veterinary
- Male
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Models, Molecular
- Mutagenesis, Insertional
- Mutation
- Pedigree
- Protein Conformation
- Retina/metabolism
- Retina/pathology
- Stargardt Disease
- Whole Genome Sequencing
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Mäkeläinen
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marta Gòdia
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Minas Hellsand
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Agnese Viluma
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniela Hahn
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karim Makdoumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Caroline J. Zeiss
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Cathryn Mellersh
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Sally L. Ricketts
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Kristina Narfström
- Section for Comparative Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Ekesten
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran Andersson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas F. Bergström
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Prokopiou E, Kolovos P, Kalogerou M, Neokleous A, Nicolaou O, Sokratous K, Kyriacou K, Georgiou T. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation: Therapeutic Potential in a Mouse Model of Stargardt Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2757-2767. [PMID: 29860462 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the therapeutic effects of omega-3 (ω3) fatty acids on retinal degeneration in the ABCA4-/- model of Stargardt disease when the blood level of arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio is between 1 and 1.5. Methods Eight-month-old mice were allocated to three groups: wild type (129S1), ABCA4-/- untreated, and ABCA4-/- ω3 treated. ω3 treatment lasted 3 months and comprised daily gavage administration of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Blood and retinal fatty acid analysis was performed using gas chromatography to adjust the blood AA/EPA ∼1 to 1.5. Eyecups were histologically examined using transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy to evaluate lipofuscin granules and the photoreceptor layer. Retinal N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), a major component of retinal pigment epithelium lipofuscin, was quantified using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, in addition to retinal proteomic analysis to determine changes in inflammatory proteins. Results EPA levels increased and AA levels decreased in the blood and retinas of the treatment group. Significantly less A2E and lipofuscin granules were observed in the treatment group. The thickness of the outer nuclear layer was significantly greater in the treatment group (75.66 ± 4.80 μm) than in the wild-type (61.40 ± 1.84 μm) or untreated ABCA4-/- (56.50 ± 3.24 μm) groups. Proteomic analysis indicated lower levels of complement component 3 (C3) in the treatment group, indicative of lower complement-induced inflammatory response. Conclusions Three months of ω3 supplementation (AA/EPA ∼1-1.5) reduces A2E levels, lipofuscin granules, and C3 levels in the ABCA4-/- mouse model of Stargardt disease, consistent with slowing of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Kalogerou
- Ophthalmos Research and Educational Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Orthodoxia Nicolaou
- Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kleitos Sokratous
- Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics Group, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriacos Kyriacou
- Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tassos Georgiou
- Ophthalmos Research and Educational Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Birtel J, Salvetti AP, Jolly JK, Xue K, Gliem M, Müller PL, Holz FG, MacLaren RE, Charbel Issa P. Near-Infrared Autofluorescence in Choroideremia: Anatomic and Functional Correlations. Am J Ophthalmol 2019; 199:19-27. [PMID: 30713139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate near-infrared fundus autofluorescence (NIR-AF) characteristics in patients with choroideremia and to correlate these with anatomic and functional parameters. DESIGN Retrospective, observational case series. METHODS In this multicenter study, 43 consecutive choroideremia patients (79 eyes) underwent multimodal retinal imaging, including near-infrared fundus autofluorescence (NIR-AF), blue autofluorescence (B-AF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, and functional testing including fundus-controlled microperimetry. RESULTS All eyes could be categorized into 3 groups based on patterns of NIR-AF over the island of surviving retinal pigment epithelium: Group 1 (preserved NIR-AF centrally), Group 2 (only disrupted NIR-AF), or Group 3 (absence of NIR-AF). Group 1 eyes showed areas of NIR-AF that matched the areas of B-AF islands (R2 = 0.94, slope 0.84 ± 0.04) while Group 2 eyes showed significantly smaller areas of NIR-AF compared with B-AF (R2 = 0.08; slope 0.02 ± 0.01). The 3 groups differed significantly in terms of residual B-AF island size (P < .0001), length of foveal ellipsoid zone (P = .03), foveal thickness (P = .04), and foveal sensitivity (P = .01). Visual acuity (P = .07) and central retinal thickness (P = .06) did not differ statistically. The length of the ellipsoid zone line was similar to the horizontal diameter of NIR-AF in Group 1 (R2 = 0.97, slope 0.96 ± 0.04), while Group 2 eyes showed broader ellipsoid zone than NIR-AF (R2 = 0.60, slope 0.19 ± 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Choroideremia patients can be stratified into 3 groups based on NIR-AF imaging, which showed morphologic and functional changes correlating with different stages of retinal pigment epithelium degeneration. NIR-AF could be a marker for disease staging in choroideremia, and could be used for patient selection or as an outcome parameter in interventional trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Birtel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Paola Salvetti
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasleen K Jolly
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Gliem
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp L Müller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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44
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Paavo M, Zhao J, Kim HJ, Lee W, Zernant J, Cai C, Allikmets R, Tsang SH, Sparrow JR. Mutations in GPR143/OA1 and ABCA4 Inform Interpretations of Short-Wavelength and Near-Infrared Fundus Autofluorescence. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2459-2469. [PMID: 29847651 PMCID: PMC5959512 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We sought to advance interpretations and quantification of short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF) emitted from bisretinoid lipofuscin and near-infrared autofluoresence (NIR-AF) originating from melanin. Methods Carriers of mutations in X-linked GPR143/OA1, a common form of ocular albinism; patients with confirmed mutations in ABCA4 conferring increased SW-AF; and subjects with healthy eyes were studied. SW-AF (488 nm excitation, 500–680 nm emission) and NIR-AF (excitation 787 nm, emission >830 nm) images were acquired with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. SW-AF images were analyzed for quantitative autofluoresence (qAF). Analogous methods of image acquisition and analysis were performed in albino and pigmented Abca4−/− mice and wild-type mice. Results Quantitation of SW-AF (qAF), construction of qAF color-coded maps, and examination of NIR-AF images from GPR143/OA1 carriers revealed mosaics in which patches of fundus exhibiting NIR-AF signal had qAF levels within normal limits whereas the hypopigmented areas in the NIR-AF image corresponded to foci of elevated qAF. qAF also was increased in albino versus pigmented mice. Although melanin contributes to fundus infrared reflectance, the latter appeared to be uniform in en face reflectance images of GPR143/OA1-carriers. In patients diagnosed with ABCA4-associated disease, NIR-AF increased in tandem with increased qAF originating in bisretinoid lipofuscin. Similarly in Abca4−/− mice having increased SW-AF, NIR-AF was more pronounced than in wild-type mice. Conclusions These studies corroborate RPE melanin as the major source of NIR-AF but also indicate that bisretinoid lipofuscin, when present at sufficient concentrations, contributes to the NIR-AF signal. Ocular melanin attenuates the SW-AF signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarjaliis Paavo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Winston Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jana Zernant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Carolyn Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
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Dysli C, Müller PL, Birtel J, Holz FG, Herrmann P. Spectrally Resolved Fundus Autofluorescence in ABCA4-Related Retinopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 60:274-281. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp L. Müller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Birtel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Herrmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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46
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Peshenko IV, Cideciyan AV, Sumaroka A, Olshevskaya EV, Scholten A, Abbas S, Koch KW, Jacobson SG, Dizhoor AM. A G86R mutation in the calcium-sensor protein GCAP1 alters regulation of retinal guanylyl cyclase and causes dominant cone-rod degeneration. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3476-3488. [PMID: 30622141 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The guanylyl cyclase-activating protein, GCAP1, activates photoreceptor membrane guanylyl cyclase (RetGC) in the light, when free Ca2+ concentrations decline, and decelerates the cyclase in the dark, when Ca2+ concentrations rise. Here, we report a novel mutation, G86R, in the GCAP1 (GUCA1A) gene in a family with a dominant retinopathy. The G86R substitution in a "hinge" region connecting EF-hand domains 2 and 3 in GCAP1 strongly interfered with its Ca2+-dependent activator-to-inhibitor conformational transition. The G86R-GCAP1 variant activated RetGC at low Ca2+ concentrations with higher affinity than did the WT GCAP1, but failed to decelerate the cyclase at the Ca2+ concentrations characteristic of dark-adapted photoreceptors. Ca2+-dependent increase in Trp94 fluorescence, indicative of the GCAP1 transition to its RetGC inhibiting state, was suppressed and shifted to a higher Ca2+ range. Conformational changes in G86R GCAP1 detectable by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) also became less sensitive to Ca2+, and the dose dependence of the G86R GCAP1-RetGC1 complex inhibition by retinal degeneration 3 (RD3) protein was shifted toward higher than normal concentrations. Our results indicate that the flexibility of the hinge region between EF-hands 2 and 3 is required for placing GCAP1-regulated Ca2+ sensitivity of the cyclase within the physiological range of intracellular Ca2+ at the expense of reducing GCAP1 affinity for the target enzyme. The disease-linked mutation of the hinge Gly86, leading to abnormally high affinity for the target enzyme and reduced Ca2+ sensitivity of GCAP1, is predicted to abnormally elevate cGMP production and Ca2+ influx in photoreceptors in the dark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor V Peshenko
- From the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, and
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, and
| | - Elena V Olshevskaya
- From the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027
| | - Alexander Scholten
- the Department of Neuroscience, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg D-26129, Germany
| | - Seher Abbas
- the Department of Neuroscience, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg D-26129, Germany
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- the Department of Neuroscience, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg D-26129, Germany
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, and
| | - Alexander M Dizhoor
- From the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027,
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47
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Foote KG, Roorda A, Duncan JL. Multimodal Imaging in Choroideremia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:139-143. [PMID: 31884602 PMCID: PMC9126851 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Choroideremia (CHM) is associated with progressive degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris (CC), and photoreceptors. As animal models of CHM are lacking, most information about cell survival has come from imaging affected patients. This chapter discusses a combination of imaging techniques, including fundus-guided microperimetry, confocal and non-confocal adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) to analyze macular sensitivity, cone photoreceptor outer and inner segment structure, RPE structure, and CC perfusion, respectively. Combined imaging modalities such as those described here can provide sensitive measures of monitoring retinal structure and function in patients with CHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina G Foote
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Austin Roorda
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Cideciyan AV, Jacobson SG, Drack AV, Ho AC, Charng J, Garafalo AV, Roman AJ, Sumaroka A, Han IC, Hochstedler MD, Pfeifer WL, Sohn EH, Taiel M, Schwartz MR, Biasutto P, Wit WD, Cheetham ME, Adamson P, Rodman DM, Platenburg G, Tome MD, Balikova I, Nerinckx F, Zaeytijd JD, Van Cauwenbergh C, Leroy BP, Russell SR. Effect of an intravitreal antisense oligonucleotide on vision in Leber congenital amaurosis due to a photoreceptor cilium defect. Nat Med 2018; 25:225-228. [PMID: 30559420 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-018-0295-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor ciliopathies constitute the most common molecular mechanism of the childhood blindness Leber congenital amaurosis. Ten patients with Leber congenital amaurosis carrying the c.2991+1655A>G allele in the ciliopathy gene centrosomal protein 290 (CEP290) were treated (ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT03140969 ) with intravitreal injections of an antisense oligonucleotide to restore correct splicing. There were no serious adverse events, and vision improved at 3 months. The visual acuity of one exceptional responder improved from light perception to 20/400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Arlene V Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Allen C Ho
- Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jason Charng
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ian C Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Maria D Hochstedler
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Wanda L Pfeifer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Adamson
- ProQR Therapeutics, Leiden, the Netherlands.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Irina Balikova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fanny Nerinckx
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie De Zaeytijd
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Bart P Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephen R Russell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Lapierre-Landry M, Carroll J, Skala MC. Imaging retinal melanin: a review of current technologies. J Biol Eng 2018; 12:29. [PMID: 30534199 PMCID: PMC6280494 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-018-0124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential to the health of the retina and the proper functioning of the photoreceptors. The RPE is rich in melanosomes, which contain the pigment melanin. Changes in RPE pigmentation are seen with normal aging and in diseases such as albinism and age-related macular degeneration. However, most techniques used to this day to detect and quantify ocular melanin are performed ex vivo and are destructive to the tissue. There is a need for in vivo imaging of melanin both at the clinical and pre-clinical level to study how pigmentation changes can inform disease progression. In this manuscript, we review in vivo imaging techniques such as fundus photography, fundus reflectometry, near-infrared autofluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and functional optical coherence tomography that specifically detect melanin in the retina. These methods use different contrast mechanisms to detect melanin and provide images with different resolutions and field-of-views, making them complementary to each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryse Lapierre-Landry
- 1Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI USA.,2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA.,6Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- 3Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI USA.,4Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- 1Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI USA.,5Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Jauregui R, Park KS, Duong JK, Sparrow JR, Tsang SH. Quantitative Comparison of Near-infrared Versus Short-wave Autofluorescence Imaging in Monitoring Progression of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Am J Ophthalmol 2018; 194:120-125. [PMID: 30053465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantitatively compare near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF) and short-wave autofluorescence (SW-AF) as imaging modalities used to monitor retinitis pigmentosa (RP) disease progression, measured as a function of hyperautofluorescent ring constriction over time. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS NIR-AF and SW-AF images were acquired from 22 participants (44 eyes) at 2 clinic visits separated by an average of 2 years. On the images from each modality, the horizontal and vertical diameters and area of the hyperautofluorescent rings were measured twice, 2 weeks apart. A progression rate for each parameter was obtained. Descriptive and comparative statistics were calculated to analyze these parameters and their respective progression rates. RESULTS At both visits, the hyperautofluorescent ring exhibited a larger horizontal diameter (both visits: P < .001), vertical diameter (visit 1: P < .001, visit 2: P = .040), and ring area (visit 1: P = .001, visit 2: P = .011) in SW-AF vs NIR-AF images. In SW-AF, the horizontal diameter, vertical diameter, and ring area decreased yearly by 168 ± 204 μm, 131 ± 159 μm, and 0.7 ± 1.1 mm2, respectively, while in NIR-AF, they decreased by 151 ± 156 μm, 135 ± 190 μm, and 0.7 ± 1.0 mm2. No difference was observed in these rates between SW-AF and NIR-AF. Similar results were observed in the left eye. CONCLUSIONS In SW-AF and NIR-AF images, similar rates of RP disease progression are observed. As such, NIR-AF may confer more advantages as the primary tool for tracking disease progression over the commonly used SW-AF, given the increased patient comfort and cooperation during imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Jauregui
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA; Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, New York, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karen Sophia Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA; Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jimmy K Duong
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA; Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, New York, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA; Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, New York, New York, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
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