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Giménez-Bastida JA, Ávila-Gálvez MÁ, Martínez-López A, García-Moreno D, Espín JC, González-Sarrías A. ( R, S)-Equol 7-β-D-glucuronide, but not other circulating isoflavone metabolites, modulates migration and tubulogenesis in human aortic endothelial cells targeting the VEGF pathway. Food Funct 2024; 15:7387-7399. [PMID: 38078511 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03946c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Current knowledge indicates that the consumption of isoflavone-rich foodstuffs can have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health. To what extent these isoflavones act as the main actors of that benefit is less clear. Genistein (GEN), daidzein (DAZ), and the DAZ-derived microbial metabolite equol (Eq) exhibit antiangiogenic effects in vitro, but their low bloodstream concentrations make it difficult to rationalize the in vivo effects. Their derived phase-II metabolites (glucuronides and sulfates) are major metabolites found in plasma, but their role as antiangiogenic molecules remains unexplored. We aimed here to first assess the anti-angiogenic activities of the main circulating isoflavone metabolites (glucuronides and sulfates) and compare them with their corresponding free forms at physiological concentrations (0.1-10 μM). The effects of the conjugated vs. free forms on tubulogenesis, cell migration, and VEGF-induced signalling were investigated in primary human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). While (R,S)-equol 7-β-D-glucuronide (Eq 7-glur) exerted dose-dependent inhibition of tubulogenesis and endothelial migration comparable to that exerted by the free forms (GEN, DAZ, and Eq), the rest of the phase-II conjugates exhibited no significant effects. The underlying molecular mechanisms were independent of the bFGF but related to the modulation of the VEGF pathway. Besides, the observed dissimilar cellular metabolism (conjugation/deconjugation) places the phase-II metabolites as precursors of the free forms; however, the question of whether this metabolism impacts their biological activity requires additional studies. These new insights suggest that isoflavones and their circulating metabolites, including Eq 7-glur, may be involved in cardiovascular health (e.g., targeting angiogenesis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Giménez-Bastida
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain.
| | - María Ángeles Ávila-Gálvez
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain.
- NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alicia Martínez-López
- Center for Biomedical Research in Rare Diseases Network (CIBERER), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - Diana García-Moreno
- Center for Biomedical Research in Rare Diseases Network (CIBERER), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Espín
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Antonio González-Sarrías
- Laboratory of Food & Health, Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain.
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Blanot M, Casaroli-Marano RP, Mondéjar-Medrano J, Sallén T, Ramírez E, Segú-Vergés C, Artigas L. Aflibercept Off-Target Effects in Diabetic Macular Edema: An In Silico Modeling Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3621. [PMID: 38612432 PMCID: PMC11011561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) is a treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME), but its mechanism of action (MoA) has not been completely elucidated. Here, we aimed to explore IAI's MoA and its multi-target nature in DME pathophysiology with an in silico (computer simulation) disease model. We used the Therapeutic Performance Mapping System (Anaxomics Biotech property) to generate mathematical models based on the available scientific knowledge at the time of the study, describing the relationship between the modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) by IAI and DME pathophysiological processes. We also undertook an enrichment analysis to explore the processes modulated by IAI, visualized the effectors' predicted protein activity, and specifically evaluated the role of VEGFR1 pathway inhibition on DME treatment. The models simulated the potential pathophysiology of DME and the likely IAI's MoA by inhibiting VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 signaling. The action of IAI through both signaling pathways modulated the identified pathophysiological processes associated with DME, with the strongest effects in angiogenesis, blood-retinal barrier alteration and permeability, and inflammation. VEGFR1 inhibition was essential to modulate inflammatory protein effectors. Given the role of VEGFR1 signaling on the modulation of inflammatory-related pathways, IAI may offer therapeutic advantages for DME through sustained VEGFR1 pathway inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Blanot
- Anaxomics Biotech S.L., 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (E.R.); (C.S.-V.); (L.A.)
| | - Ricardo Pedro Casaroli-Marano
- Department of Surgery (FMCS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Thaïs Sallén
- Bayer Hispania S.L., 08970 Sant Joan Despí, Spain; (J.M.-M.); (T.S.)
| | - Esther Ramírez
- Anaxomics Biotech S.L., 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (E.R.); (C.S.-V.); (L.A.)
| | - Cristina Segú-Vergés
- Anaxomics Biotech S.L., 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (E.R.); (C.S.-V.); (L.A.)
- Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Artigas
- Anaxomics Biotech S.L., 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (E.R.); (C.S.-V.); (L.A.)
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Colé N, Thoele J, Ullmer C, Foxton RH. Real-time measurements of vascular permeability in the mouse eye using vitreous fluorophotometry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9226. [PMID: 37286795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Breakdown of blood-retinal barrier integrity underpins pathological changes in numerous ocular diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Whilst anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies have revolutionised disease treatment, novel therapies are still required to meet patients' unmet needs. To help develop new treatments, robust methods are needed to measure changes in vascular permeability in ocular tissues in animal models. We present here a method for detecting vascular permeability using fluorophotometry, which enables real-time measurements of fluorescent dye accumulation in different compartments of the mouse eye. We applied this method in several mouse models with different increased vascular leakage, including models of uveitis, diabetic retinopathy and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Furthermore, in the JR5558 mouse model of CNV, we observed with anti-VEGF post-treatment a longitudinal reduction in permeability, in the same animal eyes. We conclude fluorophotometry is a useful method for measuring vascular permeability in the mouse eye, and can be used over multiple time points, without the need to sacrifice the animal. This method has the potential to be used in both basic research for studying the progression and factors underlying disease, but also for drug discovery and development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Colé
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Janina Thoele
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Richard H Foxton
- Ophthalmology Discovery, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
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Huang H, Saddala MS, Mukwaya A, Mohan RR, Lennikov A. Association of Placental Growth Factor and Angiopoietin in Human Retinal Endothelial Cell-Pericyte co-Cultures and iPSC-Derived Vascular Organoids. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:297-311. [PMID: 36458540 PMCID: PMC10417885 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2149808] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Placental growth factor (PlGF) and Angiopoietin (Ang)-1 are two proteins that are involved in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) growth and vasculature formation. In the retina and endothelial cells, pericytes are the major source of both molecules. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of PlGF and Ang-1 with human EC/pericyte co-cultures and iPSC-derived vascular organoids. METHODS In this study, we used co-cultures of human primary retinal endothelial cells (HREC) and primary human retinal pericytes (HRP), western blotting, immunofluorescent analysis, TUNEL staining, LDH-assays, and RNA seq analysis, as well as human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), derived organoids (VO) to study the association between PlGF and Ang-1. RESULTS Inhibition of PlGF by PlGF neutralizing antibody in HREC-HRP co-cultures resulted in the increased expression of Ang-1 and Tie-2 in a dose-dependent manner. This upregulation was not observed in HREC and HRP monocultures but only in co-cultures suggesting the association of pericytes and endothelial cells. Furthermore, Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) inhibition abolished the Ang-1 and Tie-2 upregulation by PlGF inhibition. The pericyte viability in high-glucose conditions was also reduced by VEGFR1 neutralization. Immunofluorescent analysis showed that Ang-1 and Ang-2 were expressed mainly by perivascular cells in the VO. RNA seq analysis of the RNA isolated from VO in high glucose conditions indicated increased PlGF and Ang-2 expressions in the VO. PlGF inhibition increased the expression of Ang-1 and Tie-2 in VO, increasing the pericyte coverage of the VO microvascular network. CONCLUSION Combined, these results suggest PlGF's role in the regulation of Ang-1 and Tie-2 expression through VEGFR1. These findings provide new insights into the neovascularization process in diabetic retinopathy and new targets for potential therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Madhu Sudhana Saddala
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
- Wilmer Bioinformatics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical, and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Uganda
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Zou Y, Chen W, Chen J, You Z. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 Facilitates the Effect of Macrophages on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Migration by Regulating the M1 Polarization. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2022.3469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To explore the impact of VEGF pathway on the M1 polarization and function of macrophages. Methods: VEGFR-knockdown macrophages were established by transfected with a shRNA. M1 macrophages were stimulated by LPS and IFN-γ, which was identified using
the flow cytometry. Subsequently, M1 macrophages were treated with VEGF A, VEGF B, and PIGF, respectively. The expression level of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 was detected utilizing RT-PCR. CD86 and iNOS level were checked by Western blot. The migration of HUVEC was evaluated by wound
healing assay. Results: The percentage of F4/80+CD86+ macrophages was significantly elevated by the transfection of shRNA, accompanied by a significantly upregulated expression of CD86 and iNOS. After the stimulation of LPS and IFN-γ, CD86 and iNOS
was dramatically upregulated in both the Lv-NC group and Lv-shVEGFR1 group. IL-6 and iNOS levels were greatly declined in macrophages co-treated with LPS, IFN-γ, and PIGF. No marked alterations on the healing degree were noticed in HUVEC stimulated by the supernatant of LPS/IFN-γ
treated macrophages, which was dramatically declined by the knockdown of VEGFR1. Conclusion: VEGFR1 facilitated the effect of macrophages on HUVEC migration by regulating the M1 polarization.
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HDAC5-Mediated Acetylation of p100 Suppresses Its Processing. Int Dent J 2022; 73:387-394. [PMID: 36156247 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Periodontitis is a condition involving chronic inflammation in the gums, periodontal ligaments, cementum, and alveolar bone. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation is the prominent mediator of inflammation and osteoclast differentiation. The role of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in periodontitis development and NF-κB regulation is not fully understood. METHODS We used primary mouse bone marrow-derived osteoclast cultures in vitro and a mouse model of chronic periodontists (CPD) treated with the HDAC4/5 inhibitor LMK-235. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, micro computed tomography, flow cytometry, western blot, and immunoprecipitation were used to study proinflammatory cytokines, NF-κB activation, HDAC5 activity, and the interaction of HDAC5 with NF-κB p100. RESULTS LMK-235, a selective inhibitor of HDAC4 and HDAC5, reduced osteoclast marker gene expression (Cstk, Acp5, and Calcr) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in primary osteoclast cultures. LMK-235 reduced the increase in cementoenamel junction-alveolar bone crest distance, inflammatory cell infiltration of gingival tissues, and expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, and IL-23a, indicating an ameliorative effect on CPD. Immunoprecipitation experiments have further confirmed p100-HDAC5 interaction, acetylation levels of p100, and NF-κB activation. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that HDAC5 binds and deacetylates p100, leading to its activation, increased proinflammatory cytokine production, gingival infiltration, and osteoclast differentiation, thus promoting alveolar bone resorption. HDAC5 inhibition is therefore a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of periodontitis.
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Matsuno H, Tsuchimine S, O'Hashi K, Sakai K, Hattori K, Hidese S, Nakajima S, Chiba S, Yoshimura A, Fukuzato N, Kando M, Tatsumi M, Ogawa S, Ichinohe N, Kunugi H, Sohya K. Association between vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated blood-brain barrier dysfunction and stress-induced depression. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3822-3832. [PMID: 35618888 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01618-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that stress induces the neurovascular dysfunction associated with increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, which could be an important pathology linking stress and psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the detailed mechanism resulting in BBB dysfunction associated in the pathophysiology of MDD still remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key mediator of vascular angiogenesis and BBB permeability, in stress-induced BBB dysfunction and depressive-like behavior development. We implemented an animal model of depression, chronic restraint stress (RS) in BALB/c mice, and found that the BBB permeability was significantly increased in chronically stressed mice. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic observations revealed that increased BBB permeability was associated with both paracellular and transcellular barrier alterations in the brain endothelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) using a specific monoclonal antibody (DC101) prevented chronic RS-induced BBB permeability and anhedonic behavior. Considered together, these results indicate that VEGF/VEGFR2 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of depression by increasing the BBB permeability, and suggest that VEGFR2 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the MDD subtype associated with BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsuno
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
| | - Shoko Tsuchimine
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kazunori O'Hashi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.,Department of Pharmacology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Sakai
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kotaro Hattori
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Hidese
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakajima
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.,Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal Diabetes Research Center, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Shuichi Chiba
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.,Faculty of Veterinary Medical Science, Okayama University of Science, 1-1 Ridaicho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama, 700-0005, Japan
| | - Aya Yoshimura
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.,Education and Research Center of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Noriko Fukuzato
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Mayumi Kando
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Megumi Tatsumi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Shintaro Ogawa
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.,Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ichinohe
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sohya
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan. .,Division of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
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Li Y, Amaladas N, O’Mahony M, Manro JR, Inigo I, Li Q, Rasmussen ER, Brahmachary M, Doman TN, Hall G, Kalos M, Novosiadly R, Puig O, Pytowski B, Schaer DA. Treatment with a VEGFR-2 antibody results in intra-tumor immune modulation and enhances anti-tumor efficacy of PD-L1 blockade in syngeneic murine tumor models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268244. [PMID: 35849586 PMCID: PMC9292077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) due to mis-regulation of the VEGF pathway induces aberrant blood vessel expansion, which supports growth and survival of solid tumors. Therapeutic interventions that inhibit the VEGFR-2 pathway have therefore become a mainstay of cancer treatment. Non-clinical studies have recently revealed that blockade of angiogenesis can modulate the tumor microenvironment and enhance the efficacy of concurrent immune therapies. Ramucirumab is an FDA-approved anti-angiogenic antibody that inhibits VEGFR-2 and is currently being evaluated in clinical studies in combination with anti-programmed cell death (PD-1) axis checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, durvalumab, or sintilimab) across several cancer types. The purpose of this study is to establish a mechanistic basis for the enhanced activity observed in the combined blockade of VEGFR-2 and PD-1-axis pathways. Pre-clinical studies were conducted in murine tumor models known to be responsive to anti-PD-1 axis therapy, using monoclonal antibodies that block mouse VEGFR-2 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Combination therapy resulted in enhanced anti-tumor activity compared to anti-PD-L1 monotherapy. VEGFR-2 blockade at early timepoints post-anti-PD-L1 therapy resulted in a dose-dependent and transient enhanced infiltration of T cells, and establishment of immunological memory. VEGFR-2 blockade at later timepoints resulted in enhancement of anti-PD-L1-driven immune cell infiltration. VEGFR-2 and PD-L1 monotherapies induced both unique and overlapping patterns of immune gene expression, and combination therapy resulted in an enhanced immune activation signature. Collectively, these results provide new and actionable insights into the mechanisms by which concurrent VEGFR-2 and PD-L1 antibody therapy leads to enhanced anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Li
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Nelusha Amaladas
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Marguerita O’Mahony
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Jason R. Manro
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ivan Inigo
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Qi Li
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Erik R. Rasmussen
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Manisha Brahmachary
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Thompson N. Doman
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Gerald Hall
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Kalos
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Ruslan Novosiadly
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Oscar Puig
- Lilly Oncology, Alexandria Center for Life Sciences, New York City, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Bronislaw Pytowski
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - David A. Schaer
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Eli Lilly and Company, New York City, New York, United States of America
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VEGF-Trap Modulates Retinal Inflammation in the Murine Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy (OIR) Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020201. [PMID: 35203414 PMCID: PMC8869660 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) agents are the first-line treatment for retinal neovascular diseases, which represent the most prevalent causes of acquired vision loss world-wide. VEGF-Trap (Aflibercept, AFL), a recombinant decoy receptor recognizing ligands of both VEGFR-1 and -2, was recently reported to be highly efficient in improving visual acuity and preserving retinal anatomy in individuals affected by diabetic macular edema. However, the precise molecular and cell biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of this novel tool have yet to be elucidated. Using the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model as a surrogate of retinopathies with sterile post-ischemic inflammation, such as late proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and diabetic macular edema (DME), we provide evidence that AFL modulates inflammation in response to hypoxia by regulating the morphology of microglial cells, a parameter commonly used as a proxy for changes in their activation state. We show that AFL administration during the hypoxic period of OIR leads to an increased number of ramified Iba1+ microglial cells/macrophages while subsequently limiting the accumulation of these cells in particular retinal layers. Our results suggest that, beyond its well-documented beneficial effects on microvascular regeneration, AFL might exert important modulatory effects on post-ischemic retinal inflammation.
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van Lanen RH, Melchers S, Hoogland G, Schijns OE, Zandvoort MAV, Haeren RH, Rijkers K. Microvascular changes associated with epilepsy: A narrative review. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:2492-2509. [PMID: 33866850 PMCID: PMC8504411 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211010388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is dysfunctional in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In this regard, microvascular changes are likely present. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on microvascular changes in epilepsy, and includes clinical and preclinical evidence of seizure induced angiogenesis, barriergenesis and microcirculatory alterations. Anatomical studies show increased microvascular density in the hippocampus, amygdala, and neocortex accompanied by BBB leakage in various rodent epilepsy models. In human TLE, a decrease in afferent vessels, morphologically abnormal vessels, and an increase in endothelial basement membranes have been observed. Both clinical and experimental evidence suggests that basement membrane changes, such as string vessels and protrusions, indicate and visualize a misbalance between endothelial cell proliferation and barriergenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to play a crucial role. Following an altered vascular anatomy, its physiological functioning is affected as expressed by neurovascular decoupling that subsequently leads to hypoperfusion, disrupted parenchymal homeostasis and potentially to seizures". Thus, epilepsy might be a condition characterized by disturbed cerebral microvasculature in which VEGF plays a pivotal role. Additional physiological data from patients is however required to validate findings from models and histological studies on patient biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Hgj van Lanen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stan Melchers
- Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Govert Hoogland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Academic Center for Epileptology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf Emg Schijns
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Academic Center for Epileptology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Amj van Zandvoort
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Hl Haeren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kim Rijkers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Academic Center for Epileptology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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11
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Uemura A, Fruttiger M, D'Amore PA, De Falco S, Joussen AM, Sennlaub F, Brunck LR, Johnson KT, Lambrou GN, Rittenhouse KD, Langmann T. VEGFR1 signaling in retinal angiogenesis and microinflammation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100954. [PMID: 33640465 PMCID: PMC8385046 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Five vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ligands (VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor [PlGF]) constitute the VEGF family. VEGF-A binds VEGF receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2), whereas VEGF-B and PlGF only bind VEGFR1. Although much research has been conducted on VEGFR2 to elucidate its key role in retinal diseases, recent efforts have shown the importance and involvement of VEGFR1 and its family of ligands in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and microinflammatory cascades within the retina. Expression of VEGFR1 depends on the microenvironment, is differentially regulated under hypoxic and inflammatory conditions, and it has been detected in retinal and choroidal endothelial cells, pericytes, retinal and choroidal mononuclear phagocytes (including microglia), Müller cells, photoreceptor cells, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Whilst the VEGF-A decoy function of VEGFR1 is well established, consequences of its direct signaling are less clear. VEGFR1 activation can affect vascular permeability and induce macrophage and microglia production of proinflammatory and proangiogenic mediators. However the ability of the VEGFR1 ligands (VEGF-A, PlGF, and VEGF-B) to compete against each other for receptor binding and to heterodimerize complicates our understanding of the relative contribution of VEGFR1 signaling alone toward the pathologic processes seen in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Clinically, anti-VEGF drugs have proven transformational in these pathologies and their impact on modulation of VEGFR1 signaling is still an opportunity-rich field for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; ANBITION S.r.l., Via Manzoni 1, 80123, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonia M Joussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, and Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Lynne R Brunck
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kristian T Johnson
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - George N Lambrou
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kay D Rittenhouse
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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12
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Ramshekar A, Wang H, Kunz E, Pappas C, Hageman GS, Chaqour B, Sacks DB, Hartnett ME. Active Rap1-mediated inhibition of choroidal neovascularization requires interactions with IQGAP1 in choroidal endothelial cells. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21642. [PMID: 34166557 PMCID: PMC8238370 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100112r] [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] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of blindness. The pathophysiology involves activation of choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) to transmigrate the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) monolayer and form choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the neural retina. The multidomain GTPase binding protein, IQGAP1, binds active Rac1 and sustains activation of CECs, thereby enabling migration associated with vision-threatening CNV. IQGAP1 also binds the GTPase, Rap1, which when activated reduces Rac1 activation in CECs and CNV. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that active Rap1 binding to IQGAP1 is necessary and sufficient to reduce Rac1 activation in CECs, and CNV. We found that pharmacologic activation of Rap1 or adenoviral transduction of constitutively active Rap1a reduced VEGF-mediated Rac1 activation, migration, and tube formation in CECs. Following pharmacologic activation of Rap1, VEGF-mediated Rac1 activation was reduced in CECs transfected with an IQGAP1 construct that increased active Rap1-IQGAP1 binding but not in CECs transfected with an IQGAP1 construct lacking the Rap1 binding domain. Specific knockout of IQGAP1 in endothelial cells reduced laser-induced CNV and Rac1 activation in CNV lesions, but pharmacologic activation of Rap1 did not further reduce CNV compared to littermate controls. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that active Rap1 binding to the IQ domain of IQGAP1 is sufficient to interfere with active Rac1-mediated CEC activation and CNV formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Ramshekar
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA
| | - Haibo Wang
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA
| | - Eric Kunz
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA
| | - Christian Pappas
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA,Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye
Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA,Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye
Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Ophthalmology, Downstate Medical Center,
Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - David B. Sacks
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M. Elizabeth Hartnett
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA,Correspondence to: M. Elizabeth Hartnett,
MD, Address: 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132. Tel:
801-213-4110; Fax: 801-581-3357,
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13
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Therapeutic Efficacy of a Novel Acetylated Tetrapeptide in Animal Models of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083893. [PMID: 33918777 PMCID: PMC8070582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown previously that a novel tetrapeptide, Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (RLYE), derived from human plasminogen inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis, suppresses choroidal neovascularization in mice by an inhibition of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) specific signaling pathway. In this study, we report that a modified tetrapeptide (Ac-RLYE) showed improved anti-choroidal neovascularization (CNV) efficacy in a number of animal models of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which include rat, rabbit, and minipig. The preventive and therapeutic in vivo efficacy of Ac-RLYE via following intravitreal administration was determined to be either similar or superior to that of ranibizumab and aflibercept. Assessment of the intraocular pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic properties of Ac-RLYE in rabbits demonstrated that it rapidly reached the retina with minimal systemic exposure after a single intravitreal dose, and it did not accumulate in plasma during repetitive dosing (bi-weekly for 14 weeks). Our results suggested that Ac-RLYE has a great potential for an alternative therapeutics for neovascular (wet) AMD. Since the amino acids in human VEGFR-2 targeted by Ac-RLYE are conserved among the animals employed in this study, the therapeutic efficacies of Ac-RLYE evaluated in those animals are predicted to be observed in human patients suffering from retinal degenerative diseases.
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14
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Lennikov A, Mukwaya A, Saddala MS, Huang H. Deficiency of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) gene causes dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium cells. J Transl Med 2021; 101:228-244. [PMID: 32994482 PMCID: PMC10329400 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-00491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for the health and proper function of the retina. Regulation of RPE homeostasis is, however, largely unexplored, yet dysfunction of this process may lead to retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we report that chemokine receptor CXCR5 regulates RPE homeostasis through PI3K/AKT signaling and by suppression of FOXO1 activation. We used primary RPE cells isolated from CXCR5-deficient mice and wild type controls, as well as ex vivo RPE-choroidal-scleral complexes (RCSC) to investigate the regulation of homeostasis. CXCR5 expression in mouse RPE cells was diminished by treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Lack of CXCR5 expression leads to an abnormal cellular shape, pigmentation, decreased expression of the RPE differentiation marker RPE65, an increase in the undifferentiated progenitor marker MITF, and compromised RPE barrier function, as well as compromised cell-to-cell interaction. An increase in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (αSMA, N-cadherin, and vimentin) was noted in CXCR5-deficient RPE cells both in vitro and in age-progression specimens of CXCR5-/- mice (6, 12, 24-months old). Deregulated autophagy in CXCR5-deficient RPE cells was observed by decreased LC3B-II, increased p62, abnormal autophagosomes, and impaired lysosome enzymatic activity as shown by GFP-LC3-RFP reporter plasmid. Mechanistically, deficiency in CXCR5 resulted in the downregulation of PI3K and AKT signaling, but upregulation and nuclear localization of FOXO1. Additionally, inhibition of PI3K in RPE cells resulted in an increased expression of FOXO1. Inhibition of FOXO1, however, reverts the degradation of ZO-1 caused by CXCR5 deficiency. Collectively, these findings suggest that CXCR5 maintains PI3K/AKT signaling, which controls FOXO1 activation, thereby regulating the expression of genes involved in RPE EMT and autophagy deregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Madhu Sudhana Saddala
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Hu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.
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15
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Ramshekar A, Hartnett ME. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling in Models of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy: Insights Into Mechanisms of Pathology in Retinopathy of Prematurity. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:796143. [PMID: 34956992 PMCID: PMC8696159 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.796143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in children worldwide. Blindness can occur from retinal detachment caused by pathologic retinal angiogenesis into the vitreous, termed intravitreal neovascularization (IVNV). Although agents that interfere with the bioactivity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are now used to treat IVNV, concerns exist regarding the identification of optimal doses of anti-VEGF for individual infants and the effect of broad VEGF inhibition on physiologic angiogenesis in external organs or in the retina of a preterm infant. Therefore, it is important to understand VEGF signaling in both physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis in the retina. In this manuscript, we review the role of receptors that interact with VEGF in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) models that represent features of ROP pathology. Specifically, we discuss our work regarding the regulation of VEGFR2 signaling in retinal endothelial cells to not only reduce severe ROP but also facilitate physiologic retinal vascular and neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Ramshekar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - M Elizabeth Hartnett
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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16
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Synergistic interactions of PlGF and VEGF contribute to blood-retinal barrier breakdown through canonical NFκB activation. Exp Cell Res 2020; 397:112347. [PMID: 33130176 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the role of placental growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (PlGF-VEGF) heterodimers are involved in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and the associated mechanism, human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were treated with recombinant human (rh)PlGF-VEGF heterodimers and rhPlGF and studied in normal and high-glucose conditions. HREC barrier function was evaluated by the measurement of trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5 (AAV5) vectors overexpressed PlGF in the retina by intravitreal injection into the C57BL6 mouse eye. AAV5-GFP vector and naïve animals were used as controls. Immunofluorescence (IF) and western blots examined the protein expression of PlGF-VEGF heterodimers, VEGF, PlGF, NFκB, p-IκBα, ZO-1, and VE-cadherin in HREC and mouse retina. PlGF-VEGF heterodimers were detected predominantly in the HREC cell nuclei based on IF and cytoplasmic and nuclear fractionation experiments. High glucose treatment increased PlGF-VEGF nuclear abundance. Dot immunoblotting demonstrated a strong affinity of the 5D11D4 antibody to PlGF-VEGF heterodimers. rhPlGF-VEGF disrupted the barrier function of HREC, which was prevented by the neutralization of PlGF-VEGF by the 5D11D4 antibody. Stimulation of HRECs with rhPlGF also led to an increase in the nuclear signals for PlGF-VEGF, p-IκBα, and colocalization of NFκB p65 and PlGF-VEGF in the nuclei. The selective IKK2 inhibitor IMD0354 disrupted the nuclear colocalization. Treatment with IMD0354 restored the barrier function of HREC, as indicated by the ZO-1 and VE-cadherin expression. In the mouse retinas, PlGF overexpression by AAV5 vector reduced ZO-1 expression and increased abundance of pIκBα. PIGF/VEGF heterodimers mediate BRB breakdown potentially through the canonical NFκB activation.
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17
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Pericyte-Endothelial Interactions in the Retinal Microvasculature. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197413. [PMID: 33049983 PMCID: PMC7582747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal microvasculature is crucial for the visual function of the neural retina. Pericytes and endothelial cells (ECs) are the two main cellular constituents in the retinal microvessels. Formation, maturation, and stabilization of the micro-vasculatures require pericyte-endothelial interactions, which are perturbed in many retinal vascular disorders, such as retinopathy of prematurity, retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic retinopathy. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pericyte-endothelial interaction and perturbation can facilitate the design of therapeutic intervention for the prevention and treatment of retinal vascular disorders. Pericyte-endothelial interactions are indispensable for the integrity and functionality of retinal neurovascular unit (NVU), including vascular cells, retinal neurons, and glial cells. The essential autocrine and paracrine signaling pathways, such as Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB), Notch, Angipointein, Norrin, and Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), have been well characterized for the regulation of pericyte-endothelial interactions in the neo-vessel formation processes (vasculogenesis and angiogenesis) during embryonic development. They also play a vital role in stabilizing and remodeling mature vasculature under pathological conditions. Awry signals, aberrant metabolisms, and pathological conditions, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, can disrupt the communication between pericytes and endothelial cells, thereby resulting in the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) and other microangiopathies. The emerging evidence supports extracellular exosomes' roles in the (mis)communications between the two cell types. This review summarizes the essential knowledge and updates about new advancements in pericyte-EC interaction and communication, emphasizing the retinal microvasculature.
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18
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Zhang A, Fang H, Chen J, He L, Chen Y. Role of VEGF-A and LRG1 in Abnormal Angiogenesis Associated With Diabetic Nephropathy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1064. [PMID: 32982792 PMCID: PMC7488177 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important public health concern of increasing proportions and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetic patients. It is one of the most common long-term microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus that is characterized by proteinuria and glomerular structural changes. Angiogenesis has long been considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of DN, whereas the molecular mechanisms of which are barely known. Angiogenic factors associated with angiogenesis are the major candidates to explain the microvascular and pathologic finds of DN. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1, angiopoietins and vasohibin family signal between the podocytes, endothelium, and mesangium have important roles in the maintenance of renal functions. An appropriate amount of VEGF-A is beneficial to maintaining glomerular structure, while excessive VEGF-A can lead to abnormal angiogenesis. LRG1 is a novel pro-angiogenic factors involved in the abnormal angiogenesis and renal fibrosis in DN. The imbalance of Ang1/Ang2 ratio has a role in leading to glomerular disease. Vasohibin-2 is recently shown to be in diabetes-induced glomerular alterations. This review will focus on current understanding of these angiogenic factors in angiogenesis and pathogenesis associated with the development of DN, with the aim of evaluating the potential of anti-angiogenesis therapy in patients with DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Huawei Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Leyu He
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Youwei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
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19
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IQGAP1 causes choroidal neovascularization by sustaining VEGFR2-mediated Rac1 activation. Angiogenesis 2020; 23:685-698. [PMID: 32783108 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09740-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Loss of visual acuity in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) occurs when factors activate choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) to transmigrate the retinal pigment epithelium into the sensory retina and develop into choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Active Rac1 (Rac1GTP) is required for CEC migration and is induced by different AMD-related stresses, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Besides its role in pathologic events, Rac1 also plays a role in physiologic functions. Therefore, we were interested in a method to inhibit pathologic activation of Rac1. We addressed the hypothesis that IQGAP1, a scaffold protein with a Rac1 binding domain, regulates pathologic Rac1GTP in CEC migration and CNV. Compared to littermate Iqgap1+/+, Iqgap1-/- mice had reduced volumes of laser-induced CNV and decreased Rac1GTP and phosphorylated VEGFR2 (p-VEGFR2) within lectin-stained CNV. Knockdown of IQGAP1 in CECs significantly reduced VEGF-induced Rac1GTP, mediated through p-VEGFR2, which was necessary for CEC migration. Moreover, sustained activation of Rac1GTP induced by VEGF was eliminated when CECs were transfected with an IQGAP1 construct that is unable to bind Rac1. IQGAP1-mediated Src activation was involved in initiating Rac1 activation, CEC migration, and tube formation. Our findings indicate that CEC IQGAP1 interacts with VEGFR2 to mediate Src activation and subsequent Rac1 activation and CEC migration. In addition, IQGAP1 binding to Rac1GTP results in sustained activation of Rac1, leading to CEC migration toward VEGF. Our study supports a role of IQGAP1 and the interaction between IQGAP1 and Rac1GTP to restore CECs quiescence and, therefore, prevent vision-threatening CNV in nAMD.
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Therapeutic Potential of “Exosomes Derived Multiple Allogeneic Proteins Paracrine Signaling: Exosomes d-MAPPS” is Based on the Effects of Exosomes, Immunosuppressive and Trophic Factors. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2018-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Due to their differentiation capacity and potent immunosuppressive and pro-angiogenic properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered as new therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine. Since most of MSC-mediated beneficent effects are a consequence of their paracrine action, we designed MSC-based product “Exosomes Derived Multiple Allogeneic Proteins Paracrine Signaling (Exosomes d-MAPPS), which activity is based on MSCs-derived growth factors and immunomodulatory cytokines capable to attenuate inflammation and to promote regeneration of injured tissues. Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-27 were found in high concentrations in Exosomes d-MAPPS samples indicating strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive potential of Exosomes d-MAPPS. Additionally, high concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR1) and chemokines (CXCL16, CCL21, CXCL14) were noticed at Exosomes d-MAPPS samples suggesting their potential to promote generation of new blood vessels and migration of CXCR6, CCR7 and CXCR4 expressing cells. Since all proteins which were found in high concentration in Exosomes d-MAPPS samples (IL-1Ra, CXCL16, CXCL14, CCL21, IL-27 and VEGFR1) are involved in modulation of lung, eye, and synovial inflammation, Exosomes d-MAPPS samples were prepared as inhalation and ophthalmic solutions in addition to injection formulations; their application in several patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, and dry eye syndrome resulted with significant improvement of biochemical and functional parameters. In conclusion, Exosomes d-MAPPS, due to the presence of important anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and pro-angiogenic factors, represents potentially new therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine that should be further tested in large clinical studies.
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Rojo Arias JE, Economopoulou M, Juárez López DA, Kurzbach A, Au Yeung KH, Englmaier V, Merdausl M, Schaarschmidt M, Ader M, Morawietz H, Funk RHW, Jászai J. VEGF-Trap is a potent modulator of vasoregenerative responses and protects dopaminergic amacrine network integrity in degenerative ischemic neovascular retinopathy. J Neurochem 2019; 153:390-412. [PMID: 31550048 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinal hypoxia triggers abnormal vessel growth and microvascular hyper-permeability in ischemic retinopathies. Whereas vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) inhibitors significantly hinder disease progression, their benefits to retinal neurons remain poorly understood. Similar to humans, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice exhibit severe retinal microvascular malformations and profound neuronal dysfunction. OIR mice are thus a phenocopy of human retinopathy of prematurity, and a proxy for investigating advanced stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Hence, the OIR model offers an excellent platform for assessing morpho-functional responses of the ischemic retina to anti-angiogenic therapies. Using this model, we investigated the retinal responses to VEGF-Trap (Aflibercept), an anti-angiogenic agent recognizing ligands of VEGF receptors 1 and 2 that possesses regulatory approval for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular edema. Our results indicate that Aflibercept not only reduces the severity of retinal microvascular aberrations but also significantly improves neuroretinal function. Aflibercept administration significantly enhanced light-responsiveness, as revealed by electroretinographic examinations, and led to increased numbers of dopaminergic amacrine cells. Additionally, retinal transcriptional profiling revealed the concerted regulation of both angiogenic and neuronal targets, including transcripts encoding subunits of transmitter receptors relevant to amacrine cell function. Thus, Aflibercept represents a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of further progressive ischemic retinal neurovasculopathies beyond the set of disease conditions for which it has regulatory approval. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14743.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús E Rojo Arias
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Matina Economopoulou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - David A Juárez López
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Anica Kurzbach
- Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kwan H Au Yeung
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Vanessa Englmaier
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Marie Merdausl
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Martin Schaarschmidt
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Cluster of Excellence, Saxony, Germany
| | - Henning Morawietz
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Richard H W Funk
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - József Jászai
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
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22
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Huang H, Lennikov A, Saddala MS, Gozal D, Grab DJ, Khalyfa A, Fan L. Placental growth factor negatively regulates retinal endothelial cell barrier function through suppression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and antioxidant defense systems. FASEB J 2019; 33:13695-13709. [PMID: 31585507 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901353r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We report that placental growth factor (PlGF) negatively affects the endothelial cell (EC) barrier function through a novel regulatory mechanism. The PlGF mAb promotes (but recombinant protein disrupts) EC barrier function, thus affecting the barrier-forming protein levels, membrane distribution, and EC monolayer impedance by the electrical cell-impedance sensing system, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis identified the up-regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and the antioxidant defense protein by PlGF blockade. The PlGF and PlGF/VEGF dimers (but not VEGF-A) down-regulated the protein expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and peroxiredoxin (PRDX). G6PD inhibition and gene silencing (small interfering RNA) abolished the beneficial effects of PlGF inhibition on EC barrier function and PRDX3/6 protein expression. VEGF receptor (VEGFR)1 or VEGFR2 blockade prevented the inhibitory effect of PlGF on G6PD protein expression and EC barrier function. The PRDX6 played dual roles in EC barrier function through glutathione peroxidase and phospholipase A2 activity. In sum, PlGF negatively regulates EC barrier function through the activation of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 and the suppression of the G6PD/PPP and the antioxidant pathways.-Huang, H., Lennikov, A., Saddala, M. S., Gozal, D., Grab, D. J., Khalyfa, A., Fan, L. Placental growth factor negatively regulates endothelial cell barrier function through suppression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and antioxidant defense systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Madhu Sudhana Saddala
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - David Gozal
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Dennis J Grab
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Abdelnaby Khalyfa
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Lijuan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Takahashi K, Masuda T, Harada M, Inoue T, Nakamura S, Naito K, Hara H, Shimazawa M. Anti-VEGFR2 Antibody-modified Micelle for Triggered Drug Delivery and Effective Therapy of Choroidal Neovascularization. Curr Neurovasc Res 2019; 16:258-265. [PMID: 31258081 DOI: 10.2174/1567202616666190619150956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine whether DC101 (anti-VEGFR2 antibody)- modified micelles have applications as novel drug delivery devices, which allow small molecule antiangiogenic agents to deliver to angiogenic sites on a murine laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS CNV was induced by photocoagulation on the unilateral eye of each mouse under anesthesia. Immediately after laser coagulation, E7974-loaded DC101-modified micelles and motesanib-loaded DC101-modified micelles were intravitreally administrated. Two weeks after photocoagulation, CNV was visualized using fluorescein-conjugated dextran (MW=2,000 kDa), and the CNV area was measured in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroidal flat mounts. RESULTS Intravitreal administration of both DC101-modified micelles loaded with E7974 at 2 µM and motesanib at 2 µM significantly reduced CNV area in the murine laser-induced CNV model at a clearly lower concentration than the effective dose of each agent. CONCLUSION These results suggest that DC101-modified micelle might be effective drug carrier system for treating CNV and other ocular angiogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Takahashi
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigakunishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Tomomi Masuda
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigakunishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Harada
- NanoCarrier Co., Ltd., Chuou 144-15, 226-39 Wakashiba, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0871, Japan
| | - Tadashi Inoue
- NanoCarrier Co., Ltd., Chuou 144-15, 226-39 Wakashiba, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0871, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigakunishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Naito
- NanoCarrier Co., Ltd., Chuou 144-15, 226-39 Wakashiba, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0871, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigakunishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigakunishi, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
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24
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Tooke K, Girard B, Vizzard MA. Functional effects of blocking VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling in the rat urinary bladder in acute and chronic CYP-induced cystitis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 317:F43-F51. [PMID: 30995112 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00083.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High expression of VEGF is associated with immature angiogenesis within the urinary bladder wall and bladder afferent nerve sensitization, leading to visceral hyperalgesia and pelvic pain. Research suggests a shift in VEGF alternative splice variant (VEGF-Axxxa and VEGF-Axxxb) expression with several pathologies (e.g., neuropathic pain and inflammation) as well as differing effects on pain. Translational studies have also demonstrated increased total VEGF expression in the bladders of women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. In the present study, we quantified VEGF alternative splice variant expression in lower urinary tract tissues under control conditions and with cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. Using conscious cystometry and intravesical instillation of a potent and selective VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (Ki-8751, 1 mg/kg) in Wistar rats (male and female) with acute and chronic CYP-induced cystitis and control (no CYP) rats, we further determined the functional effects of VEGFR2 blockade on bladder function. With VEGFR2 blockade, bladder capacity increased (P ≤ 0.01) in male and female control rats as well as in male and female rats with acute (P ≤ 0.05) or chronic (P ≤ 0.01 or P ≤ 0.05, respectively) CYP-induced cystitis. Void volume also increased in female control rats (P ≤ 0.01) and female rats with acute (P ≤ 0.05) or chronic (P ≤ 0.05) CYP-induced cystitis as well as in male control rats (P ≤ 0.05) and male rats with chronic CYP-induced cystitis (P ≤ 0.01). These data suggest that VEGF may be a biomarker for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and that targeting VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling may be an effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Tooke
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
| | - Beatrice Girard
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
| | - Margaret A Vizzard
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
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25
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Homme RP, Singh M, Majumder A, George AK, Nair K, Sandhu HS, Tyagi N, Lominadze D, Tyagi SC. Remodeling of Retinal Architecture in Diabetic Retinopathy: Disruption of Ocular Physiology and Visual Functions by Inflammatory Gene Products and Pyroptosis. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1268. [PMID: 30233418 PMCID: PMC6134046 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic patients suffer from a host of physiological abnormalities beyond just those of glucose metabolism. These abnormalities often lead to systemic inflammation via modulation of several inflammation-related genes, their respective gene products, homocysteine metabolism, and pyroptosis. The very nature of this homeostatic disruption re-sets the overall physiology of diabetics via upregulation of immune responses, enhanced retinal neovascularization, upregulation of epigenetic events, and disturbances in cells' redox regulatory system. This altered pathophysiological milieu can lead to the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a debilitating vision-threatening eye condition with microvascular complications. DR is the most prevalent cause of irreversible blindness in the working-age adults throughout the world as it can lead to severe structural and functional remodeling of the retina, decreasing vision and thus diminishing the quality of life. In this manuscript, we attempt to summarize recent developments and new insights to explore the very nature of this intertwined crosstalk between components of the immune system and their metabolic orchestrations to elucidate the pathophysiology of DR. Understanding the multifaceted nature of the cellular and molecular factors that are involved in DR could reveal new targets for effective diagnostics, therapeutics, prognostics, preventive tools, and finally strategies to combat the development and progression of DR in susceptible subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubens P. Homme
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Avisek Majumder
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Akash K. George
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Kavya Nair
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Harpal S. Sandhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Kentucky Lions Eye Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Neetu Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - David Lominadze
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
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26
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Intravitreal aflibercept protects photoreceptors of mice against excessive light exposure. J Pharmacol Sci 2018; 137:407-411. [PMID: 30150144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies found that an anti-placental growth factor (PlGF) antibody protected the retina in light-induced retinal damage model, a model of non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Aflibercept is an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and PlGF. In present study, we revealed that the intravitreal injection of aflibercept lessens light-induced retinal damage, while anti-VEGF antibody has no effect on the light-exposed retina. Moreover, PlGF disrupted the tight junctions between the human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro, and aflibercept blocked the disruption. These data suggest that the aflibercept may be an effective treatment of non-exudative AMD.
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27
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Jiang C, Ruan L, Zhang J, Huang X. Inhibitory Effects On Retinal Neovascularization by Ranibizumab and sTie2-Fc in An Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model. Curr Eye Res 2018; 43:1190-1198. [PMID: 29857790 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2018.1484144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study retinal neovascularization (RNV) inhibition by intravitreal injections (IVs) of ranibizumab, sTie2 fusion protein (sTie2-Fc), and a combined therapy in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS An OIR mouse model was used to simulate RNV in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP); and the effect of blocking the angiopoietin (Ang) and its receptor (Tie2) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathways was compared using an IV of sTie2-Fc (Ang inhibitor) and/or ranibizumab (aVEGF antagonist). The effects were assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran cardiac perfusion, isolectin B4 (IB4) staining with whole retinal mounting, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to count the endothelial cells (ECs) that broke through the internal limiting membrane (ILM). The mRNA and protein levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, Ang1, Ang2, and Tie2 were also determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis. RESULTS Compared with the control group injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), all three experimental groups, ranibizumab, sTie2-Fc, and ranibizumab + sTie2-Fc, had a significant decrease in micro-vessel densities and neovascular clusters, and fewer ECs broke through the ILM (all p < 0.05). The non-perfusion areas decreased in both mono-treated groups, although the combined therapy had larger non-perfusion areas. All three treatments decreased the mRNA and protein levels of VEGFA, Ang1, and Tie2. CONCLUSION In this study, it was confirmed that blocking the Ang/Tie2 and/or VEGF/VEGFR pathways could inhibit RNV and decrease abnormal micro-vessel density; and the mono-blockage of Ang/Tie2 might cause a smaller non-perfusion area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jiang
- a Eye and ENT Hospital , Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration , Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Ruan
- a Eye and ENT Hospital , Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Zhang
- a Eye and ENT Hospital , Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China.,b Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration , Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Huang
- a Eye and ENT Hospital , Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
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28
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Flt3 Regulation in the Mononuclear Phagocyte System Promotes Ocular Neovascularization. J Ophthalmol 2018; 2018:2518568. [PMID: 29854425 PMCID: PMC5960574 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2518568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3), a tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, is important for both normal myeloid and lymphoid differentiation. It has been implicated in mice and humans for potential multilineage differentiation. We found that mice deficient in Flt3 or mice that received an Flt3 inhibitor (AC220) showed significantly reduced areas of ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization (RNV) and laser-induced choroidal NV (CNV) (P < 0.05). Increased Flt3 expression at the protein level was detected in retinas of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice at P15 and P18 during retinal NV (RNV) progression. We subsequently found that macrophages (Mphi) polarization was regulated at the site of CNV in Flt3-deficient mice. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that Flt3 deficiency shifted Mphi polarization towards an M2 phenotype during RNV with significant reduction in M1 cytokine expression when compared to the wild-type controls (P < 0.05). Based on the above findings, we concluded that Flt3 inhibition alleviated ocular NV by promoting a Mphi polarization shift towards the M2 phenotype. Therapies targeting Flt3 may provide a new approach for the treatment of ocular NV.
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29
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Broadgate S, Kiire C, Halford S, Chong V. Diabetic macular oedema: under-represented in the genetic analysis of diabetic retinopathy. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96 Suppl A111:1-51. [PMID: 29682912 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is a complex disease and is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults worldwide. It can be divided into distinct subclasses, one of which is diabetic macular oedema. Diabetic macular oedema can occur at any time in diabetic retinopathy and is the most common cause of vision loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the large number of genetic association studies that have been performed in cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes and published in English-language journals up to February 2017. Many of these studies have produced positive associations with gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy. However, this review highlights that within this large body of work, studies specifically addressing a genetic association with diabetic macular oedema, although present, are vastly under-represented. We also highlight that many of the studies have small patient numbers and that meta-analyses often inappropriately combine patient data sets. We conclude that there will continue to be conflicting results and no meaningful findings will be achieved if the historical approach of combining all diabetic retinopathy disease states within patient cohorts continues in future studies. This review also identifies several genes that would be interesting to analyse in large, well-defined cohorts of patients with diabetic macular oedema in future candidate gene association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Broadgate
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - Christine Kiire
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital; John Radcliffe Hospital; Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford UK
| | - Stephanie Halford
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - Victor Chong
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
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30
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Cobos E, Recalde S, Anter J, Hernandez-Sanchez M, Barreales C, Olavarrieta L, Valverde A, Suarez-Figueroa M, Cruz F, Abraldes M, Pérez-Pérez J, Fernández-Robredo P, Arias L, García-Layana A. Association between CFH, CFB, ARMS2, SERPINF1, VEGFR1 and VEGF polymorphisms and anatomical and functional response to ranibizumab treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:e201-e212. [PMID: 28926193 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to determine if specific genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition response to ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS A total of 403 Caucasian patients diagnosed with exudative AMD were included. After a three-injection loading phase, a pro re nata regimen was followed. Nine SNPs from six different genes (CFH, CFB, ARMS2, SERPINF1, VEGFR1, VEGF) were genotyped. Non-genetic risk factors (gender, smoking habit and hypertension) were also assessed. Patients were classified as good or poor responders (GR or PR) according to functional (visual acuity), anatomical (foveal thickness measured by OCT) and fluid criteria (fluid/no fluid measured by OCT). RESULTS Hypertension was the environmental factor with the strongest poor response association with ranibizumab in the anatomical measure after the loading phase (p = 0.0004; OR 3.7; 95% CI, 2.4-5.8) and after 12 months of treatment (p = 10-5 ; OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.4). The genetic variants rs12614 (CFB), rs699947 (VEGFA) and rs7993418 (VEGFR1) predisposed patients to a good response, while rs12603486 and rs1136287 (SERPINF1) were associated with a poor response. The protective genotype of rs800292 variant (CFH) was also associated with a poor anatomical response (p 0.0048). CONCLUSION All these data suggest that genetics play an important role in treatment response in AMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefania Cobos
- Department of Ophthalmology; Bellvitge University Hospital; Barcelona Spain
| | - Sergio Recalde
- Ophthalmology Experimental Laboratory; Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology; Clínica Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
| | - Jaouad Anter
- Department of Celular and Molecular Medicine; Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas and Ciber de Enfermedades Raras; Madrid Spain
| | - Maria Hernandez-Sanchez
- Ophthalmology Experimental Laboratory; Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology; Clínica Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
| | - Carla Barreales
- Deparment of Ophthalmology; Hospital Virgen del Camino; Pamplona Spain
| | | | - Alicia Valverde
- Deparment of Ophthalmology; Hospital Clínico de Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | | | - Fernando Cruz
- Deparment of Ophthalmology; Complejo asistencial Universitario de Salamanca; Salamanca Spain
| | - Maximino Abraldes
- Deparment of Ophthalmology; Hospital Universitario Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | | | - Patricia Fernández-Robredo
- Ophthalmology Experimental Laboratory; Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology; Clínica Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
| | - Luis Arias
- Department of Ophthalmology; Bellvitge University Hospital; Barcelona Spain
| | - Alfredo García-Layana
- Ophthalmology Experimental Laboratory; Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology; Clínica Universidad de Navarra; Pamplona Spain
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31
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Nguyen QD, De Falco S, Behar-Cohen F, Lam WC, Li X, Reichhart N, Ricci F, Pluim J, Li WW. Placental growth factor and its potential role in diabetic retinopathy and other ocular neovascular diseases. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:e1-e9. [PMID: 27874278 PMCID: PMC5811779 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), including in retinal vascular diseases, has been well studied, and pharmacological blockade of VEGF is the gold standard of treatment for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular oedema. Placental growth factor (PGF, previously known as PlGF), a homologue of VEGF, is a multifunctional peptide associated with angiogenesis‐dependent pathologies in the eye and non‐ocular conditions. Animal studies using genetic modification and pharmacological treatment have demonstrated a mechanistic role for PGF in pathological angiogenesis. Inhibition decreases neovascularization and microvascular abnormalities across different models, including oxygen‐induced retinopathy, laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization and in diabetic mice exhibiting retinopathies. High levels of PGF have been found in the vitreous of patients with diabetic retinopathy. Despite these strong animal data, the exact role of PGF in pathological angiogenesis in retinal vascular diseases remains to be defined, and the benefits of PGF‐specific inhibition in humans with retinal neovascular diseases and macular oedema remain controversial. Comparative effectiveness research studies in patients with diabetic retinal disease have shown that treatment that inhibits both VEGF and PGF may provide superior outcomes in certain patients compared with treatment that inhibits only VEGF. This review summarizes current knowledge of PGF, including its relationship to VEGF and its role in pathological angiogenesis in retinal diseases, and identifies some key unanswered questions about PGF that can serve as a pathway for future basic, translational and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis Laboratory; Institute of Genetics and Biophysics-CNR; Naples Italy
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- INSERM U1138; UMR_S 1138; Research Center of Cordeliers; Paris Descartes University; UPMC University; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris France
- Department of Ophthalmology of University of Lausanne; Jules Gonin Hospital; Asylum Foundation for the Blind; Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Wai-Ching Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Xuri Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun-Yat Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Nadine Reichhart
- Experimental Ophthalmology; Eye Clinic; Charité Medical University; Berlin Germany
| | - Federico Ricci
- UOSD Retinal Diseases Foundation PTV ‘Polyclinic Tor Vergata’; Rome Italy
| | | | - William W. Li
- The Angiogenesis Foundation; Cambridge Massachusetts USA
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Quercetin Mitigates Inflammatory Responses Induced by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Mouse Retinal Photoreceptor Cells through Suppression of Nuclear Factor Kappa B. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112497. [PMID: 29165402 PMCID: PMC5713462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased by neovascularization is well known as a pathogenic factor in ocular neovascular diseases. However, it is still unclear how retinal neurons are damaged by VEGF. The aims of this study are to demonstrate the inflammatory protein expression regulated by VEGF using mouse photoreceptor-derived cells and the protective effect of quercetin against VEGF-induced inflammatory response. Expression and phosphorylation of protein and expression of mRNA were detected by immunoblot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. VEGF-induced degradation of limiting membrane and translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were analyzed by immunocytochemistry. VEGF treatment activated angiogenic signaling pathway in photoreceptor cells. In addition, adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases were increased in VEGF-treated photoreceptor cells. All these events were reversed by quercetin. Zona occludins-1 and β-catenin decreased by VEGF were recovered by quercetin. NF-κB signaling pathway regulated by VEGF through phosphorylations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and protein kinase B (Akt) was suppressed by quercetin. These results suggest that quercetin suppressed VEGF-induced excessive inflammatory response in retinal photoreceptor cells by inactivation of NF-κB signals through inhibition of MAPKs and Akt. These data may provide a basic information for development of pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals for treatment of retinal diseases caused by excessive VEGF.
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Van Bergen T, Hu TT, Etienne I, Reyns GE, Moons L, Feyen JHM. Neutralization of placental growth factor as a novel treatment option in diabetic retinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2017; 165:136-150. [PMID: 28965804 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The current standard of care in clinical practice for diabetic retinopathy (DR), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, has shown a significant improvement in visual acuity. However, treatment response can be variable and might be associated with potential side effects. This study was designed to investigate inhibition of placental growth factor (PlGF) as a possible alternative therapy for DR. The effect of the anti-PlGF antibody (PL5D11D4) was preclinically evaluated in various animal models by investigating different DR hallmarks, including inflammation, neurodegeneration, vascular leakage and fibrosis. The in vivo efficacy was tested in diabetic streptozotocin (STZ) and Akimba models and in the laser induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model. Intravitreal (IVT) administration of the anti-PlGF antibody was compared to anti-VEGFR-2 antibody (DC101), anti-VEGF antibody (B20), VEGF-Trap (aflibercept) and triamcinolone acetonide (TAAC). Vascular leakage was investigated in the mouse STZ model by fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) perfusion and in the Akimba model by fluorescein angiography (FA). Repeated IVT administration of the anti-PlGF antibody reduced vascular leakage, which was comparable to a single administration of VEGFR-2 inhibition in the mouse STZ model. PL5D11D4 treatment did not alter retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density, as demonstrated by Brn3a staining, whereas DC101 significantly reduced RGC number with 20%. Immunohistological stainings were performed to investigate inflammation (CD45, F4/80) and fibrosis (collagen type 1a). In the CNV model, IVT injection(s) of PL5D11D4 dose-dependently reduced inflammation and fibrosis, as compared to PBS treatment. Equimolar single administration of the anti-PlGF antibody and aflibercept (21 nM) and TAAC decreased leukocyte and macrophage infiltration with 50%, whereas DC101 and B20 (21 nM) had no effect on the inflammatory response. Similar results were observed in the mouse STZ model on the number of microglia and macrophages in the retina. Repeated administration of PL5D11D4 (21 nM) and TAAC similarly reduced fibrosis, while no effect was observed after equimolar DC101, B20 nor aflibercept administration (21 nM). In summary, the anti-PlGF antibody showed comparable efficacy as well-characterized VEGF-inhibitor on the process of vascular leakage, but differentiates itself by also reducing inflammation and fibrosis, without triggering a neurodegenerative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Van Bergen
- ThromboGenics NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Tjing-Tjing Hu
- ThromboGenics NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | | | - Geert E Reyns
- ThromboGenics NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Lieve Moons
- Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jean H M Feyen
- ThromboGenics NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
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Koh A, Lanzetta P, Lee WK, Lai CC, Chan WM, Yang CM, Cheung CMG. Recommended Guidelines for Use of Intravitreal Aflibercept With a Treat-and-Extend Regimen for the Management of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Asia-Pacific Region: Report From a Consensus Panel. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2017; 6:296-302. [PMID: 28379655 DOI: 10.22608/apo.2016125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To summarize recommendations for the use of intravitreal aflibercept with a treat-and-extend regimen to manage neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in the Asia-Pacific region. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies have improved the quality of life of patients with nAMD, a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment, the high treatment frequency recommended by current guidelines places a significant burden on patients and healthcare providers. DESIGN Recommended guidelines from a consensus panel. METHODS An expert panel formed a consensus on recommendations for use of intravitreal aflibercept as treatment of nAMD in the Asia-Pacific region. RESULTS After 3 initial monthly doses, treatment interval could be extended by 4-week increments, to a maximum of 12 weeks, in patients with inactive disease. Conversely, in active disease, treatment intervals should be shortened, by 4 weeks, or to 4 weeks in cases of severe recurrence. Treatment could be ceased in patients with stable disease activity after 12 months of treatment at 12-week intervals, as a means to prevent over treatent and lifelong injections. CONCLUSIONS These recommendations could potentially minimize the number of treatments while maintaining efficacy and improve compliance by reducing the number of clinic visits compared with existing recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Koh
- Eye and Retina Surgeons, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Paolo Lanzetta
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences - Ophthalmology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Istituto Europeo di Microchirurgia Oculare, Udine, Italy
| | - Won Ki Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | - Chung-May Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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Montassar F, Darche M, Blaizot A, Augustin S, Conart JB, Millet A, Elayeb M, Sahel JA, Réaux-Le Goazigo A, Sennlaub F, Marrakchi N, Messadi E, Guillonneau X. Lebecetin, a C-type lectin, inhibits choroidal and retinal neovascularization. FASEB J 2016; 31:1107-1119. [PMID: 27974593 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600351r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a cause of visual impairment and blindness in the wet form of age-related macular degeneration and in ischemic retinopathies. Current therapies include use of anti-VEGF agents to reduce choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and edema. These treatments are effective in most cases, but spontaneous or acquired resistance to anti-VEGF and possible adverse effects of long-term VEGF inhibition in the retina and choroid highlight a need for additional alternative therapies. Integrins αvβ3 and αvβ5, which regulate endothelial cell proliferation and stabilization, have been implicated in ocular angiogenesis. Lebecetin (LCT) is a 30-kDa heterodimeric C-type lectin that is isolated from Macrovipera lebetina venom and interacts with α5β1- and αv-containing integrins. We previously showed that LCT inhibits human brain microvascular endothelial cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and tubulogenesis. To evaluate the inhibitory effect of LCT on ocular angiogenesis, we cultured aortic and choroidal explants in the presence of LCT and analyzed the effect of LCT on CNV in the mouse CNV model and on retinal neovascularization in the oxygen-induced retinopathy model. Our data demonstrate that a single injection of LCT efficiently reduced CNV and retinal neovascularization in these models.-Montassar, F., Darche, M., Blaizot, A., Augustin, S., Conart, J.-B., Millet, A., Elayeb, M., Sahel, J.-A., Réaux-Le Goazigo, A., Sennlaub, F., Marrakchi, N., Messadi, E., Guillonneau, X. Lebecetin, a C-type lectin, inhibits choroidal and retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadoua Montassar
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Université de Carthage, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Marie Darche
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Amandine Blaizot
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Augustin
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Conart
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Millet
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Elayeb
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Annabelle Réaux-Le Goazigo
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Naziha Marrakchi
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Erij Messadi
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques LR11IPT08, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Xavier Guillonneau
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France;
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Ntumba K, Akla N, Oh SP, Eichmann A, Larrivée B. BMP9/ALK1 inhibits neovascularization in mouse models of age-related macular degeneration. Oncotarget 2016; 7:55957-55969. [PMID: 27517154 PMCID: PMC5302889 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in aging populations of industrialized countries. The drawbacks of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFs) currently used for the treatment of AMD, which include resistance and potential serious side-effects, require the identification of new therapeutic targets to modulate angiogenesis. BMP9 signaling through the endothelial Alk1 serine-threonine kinase receptor modulates the response of endothelial cells to VEGF and promotes vessel quiescence and maturation during development. Here, we show that BMP9/Alk1 signaling inhibits neovessel formation in mouse models of pathological ocular angiogenesis relevant to AMD. Activating Alk1 signaling in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) inhibited neovascularization and reduced the volume of vascular lesions. Alk1 signaling was also found to interfere with VEGF signaling in endothelial cells whereas BMP9 potentiated the inhibitory effects of VEGFR2 signaling blockade, both in OIR and laser-induced CNV. Together, our data show that targeting BMP9/Alk1 efficiently prevents the growth of neovessels in AMD models and introduce a new approach to improve conventional anti-VEGF therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalonji Ntumba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naoufal Akla
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - S. Paul Oh
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Inserm U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Larrivée
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Falcon BL, Chintharlapalli S, Uhlik MT, Pytowski B. Antagonist antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) as anti-angiogenic agents. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 164:204-25. [PMID: 27288725 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interaction of numerous signaling pathways in endothelial and mesangial cells results in exquisite control of the process of physiological angiogenesis, with a central role played by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and its cognate ligands. However, deregulated angiogenesis participates in numerous pathological processes. Excessive activation of VEGFR-2 has been found to mediate tissue-damaging vascular changes as well as the induction of blood vessel expansion to support the growth of solid tumors. Consequently, therapeutic intervention aimed at inhibiting the VEGFR-2 pathway has become a mainstay of treatment in cancer and retinal diseases. In this review, we introduce the concepts of physiological and pathological angiogenesis, the crucial role played by the VEGFR-2 pathway in these processes, and the various inhibitors of its activity that have entered the clinical practice. We primarily focus on the development of ramucirumab, the antagonist monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibits VEGFR-2 and has recently been approved for use in patients with gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers. We examine in-depth the pre-clinical studies using DC101, the mAb to mouse VEGFR-2, which provided a conceptual foundation for the role of VEGFR-2 in physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Finally, we discuss further clinical development of ramucirumab and the future of targeting the VEGF pathway for the treatment of cancer.
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Photoactivatable Caged Prodrugs of VEGFR-2 Kinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21050570. [PMID: 27136525 PMCID: PMC6274539 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report on the design, synthesis, photokinetic properties and in vitro evaluation of photoactivatable caged prodrugs for the receptor tyrosine kinase VEGFR-2. Highly potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors 1 and 3 were caged by introduction of a photoremovable protecting group (PPG) to yield the caged prodrugs 4 and 5. As expected, enzymatic and cellular proliferation assays showed dramatically diminished efficacy of caged prodrugs in vitro. Upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of the prodrugs original inhibitory activity was completely restored and even distinctly reinforced, as was the case for the prodrug 4. The presented results are a further evidence for caging technique being an interesting approach in the protein kinase field. It could enable spatial and temporal control for the inhibition of VEGFR-2. The described photoactivatable prodrugs might be highly useful as biological probes for studying the VEGFR-2 signal transduction.
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Nochioka K, Okuda H, Tatsumi K, Morita S, Ogata N, Wanaka A. Hedgehog Signaling Components Are Expressed in Choroidal Neovascularization in Laser-induced Retinal Lesion. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2016; 49:67-74. [PMID: 27239075 PMCID: PMC4858541 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.15036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization is one of the major pathological changes in age-related macular degeneration, which causes devastating blindness in the elderly population. The molecular mechanism of choroidal neovascularization has been under extensive investigation, but is still an open question. We focused on sonic hedgehog signaling, which is implicated in angiogenesis in various organs. Laser-induced injuries to the mouse retina were made to cause choroidal neovascularization. We examined gene expression of sonic hedgehog, its receptors (patched1, smoothened, cell adhesion molecule down-regulated by oncogenes (Cdon) and biregional Cdon-binding protein (Boc)) and downstream transcription factors (Gli1-3) using real-time RT-PCR. At seven days after injury, mRNAs for Patched1 and Gli1 were upregulated in response to injury, but displayed no upregulation in control retinas. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Patched1 and Gli1 proteins were localized to CD31-positive endothelial cells that cluster between the wounded retina and the pigment epithelium layer. Treatment with the hedgehog signaling inhibitor cyclopamine did not significantly decrease the size of the neovascularization areas, but the hedgehog agonist purmorphamine made the areas significantly larger than those in untreated retina. These results suggest that the hedgehog-signaling cascade may be a therapeutic target for age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunori Nochioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nara Medical University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Hiroaki Okuda
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nara Medical University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Kouko Tatsumi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nara Medical University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Shoko Morita
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nara Medical University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Nahoko Ogata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nara Medical University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Akio Wanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nara Medical University Faculty of Medicine
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Gao F, Sun M, Gong Y, Wang H, Wang Y, Hou H. MicroRNA-195a-3p inhibits angiogenesis by targeting Mmp2 in murine mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:413-23. [PMID: 26989874 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate complex physiological and pathological processes, including the regulation of angiogenesis. Our previous study reported that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited into choroidal neovascularization lesions. miRNA-195 is highly expressed in MSCs, but its function remains unknown. In the present study, miR-195a-3p abundance was significantly decreased in hypoxia-treated murine MSCs; on the other hand, its overexpression reduced MSC proliferation and migration while increasing the activation of anti-angiogenic factor pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). We further discovered that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2) transcript is a target of miR-195a-3p, and that silencing Mmp2 phenocopied the reduced proliferation and migration of MSCs. The therapeutic potential of miR-195a-3p as an angiogenesis inhibitor was also demonstrated in a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization mouse model. These findings collectively indicate that miR-195a-3p is a negative modulator of angiogenesis, and could be used as an angiogenesis inhibitor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 413-423, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yumei Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yusheng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huiyuan Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Zhang R, Liu Z, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Lin D. The COX-2-Selective Antagonist (NS-398) Inhibits Choroidal Neovascularization and Subretinal Fibrosis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146808. [PMID: 26760305 PMCID: PMC4711821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is an important pathologic component of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and CNV lesions later develop into fibrous scars, which contribute to the loss of central vision. Nowadays, the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying CNV and subretinal fibrosis have yet to be fully elucidated. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has previously been implicated in angiogenesis and fibrosis. However, the role of COX-2 in the pathogenesis of CNV and subretinal fibrosis is poorly understood. The present study reveals several important findings concerning the relationship of COX-2 signaling with CNV and subretinal fibrosis. Experimental CNV lesions were attenuated by the administration of NS-398, a COX-2-selective antagonist. NS-398-induced CNV suppression was found to be mediated by the attenuation of macrophage infiltration and down-regulation of VEGF in the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid complex. Additionally, NS-398 attenuated subretinal fibrosis, in an experimental model of subretinal scarring observed in neovascular AMD, by down-regulation of TGF-β2 in the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid complex. Moreover, we cultured mouse RPE cells and found that NS-398 decreased the secretion of VEGF and TGF-β2 in mouse RPE cells. The results of the present study provide new findings regarding the molecular basis of CNV and subretinal fibrosis, and provide a proof-of-concept approach for the efficacy of COX-2 inhibition in treating subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoshuang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The first affiliated hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, liaoning Province, China
| | - Zheli Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The first affiliated hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, liaoning Province, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The first affiliated hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The first affiliated hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, liaoning Province, China
| | - Dong Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The first affiliated hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, liaoning Province, China
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Van Bergen T, Vandewalle E, Moons L, Stalmans I. Complementary effects of bevacizumab and MMC in the improvement of surgical outcome after glaucoma filtration surgery. Acta Ophthalmol 2015; 93:667-78. [PMID: 25988844 DOI: 10.1111/aos.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the optimum administration route of bevacizumab after glaucoma filtering surgery (GFS) and to investigate whether a reduced dose of mitomycin-C (MMC) in combination with bevacizumab could improve surgical outcome with a reduced incidence of side-effects. METHODS Plasma levels of bevacizumab were determined via ELISA after intracameral (IC), subconjunctival (SC) and intravitreal (IV) injections in mice, subjected to a mouse model of GFS. Application of MMC was compared to bevacizumab (SC, 25 μg) and to the combined use of both adjuvants. Surgical sponges soaked in MMC 0.02% or 0.01% were exposed to the sclera for 1 or 2 min. Treatment outcome was studied by bleb investigation. RESULTS The three administration routes of bevacizumab equally improved surgical outcome. The VEGF antibody was detected at relatively high levels in plasma shortly after IV injection, whereas it was minimally absorbed after IC and SC injections. Both bevacizumab (SC) and MMC 0.02% (2 min) similarly increased bleb area. As compared to MMC, the combined injection with bevacizumab induced an additional effect on surgical outcome. Exposure of MMC 0.02% for 1 or 2 min together with bevacizumab equally improved surgical outcome, but 2 min application induced corneal toxicity. The combined use of bevacizumab and 1-min MMC 0.01% also improved surgical outcome compared to monotherapy, although to a lesser extent than the combination with 1-min MMC 0.02%. CONCLUSIONS Adjunctive bevacizumab not only enhances the beneficial effect of MMC on surgical outcome, but also allows reducing the administration time of MMC 0.02%, thereby eliminating its toxic effects on the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelien Vandewalle
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Unit of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology; Biology Department; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology; KU Leuven; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
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Exploring the various aspects of the pathological role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic retinopathy. Pharmacol Res 2015; 99:137-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kim J, Kim TE, Kim JA, Yun JH, Sohn S, Shim SR, Lee SH, Kim SJ. Intravitreal tanibirumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, partially suppresses and regresses laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in a rat model. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2015; 30:847-53. [PMID: 25188901 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2014.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study investigated the effect of intravitreally administered tanibirumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, in a rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation on day 0 in the eyes of Brown Norway rats. Intravitreal injection of tanibirumab or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was done on day 0 (prevention arm) or day 7 (treatment arm). Seven days after injection, the eyes were enucleated and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-sclera flat mounts were prepared. Areas of CNV were determined in the flat mounts using tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate Bandeiraea simplicifolia (BS) isolectin labeling and intravenously administered fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran and quantified using an image analysis program. RESULTS In the prevention arm, the mean area of CNV measured by BS isolectin labeling was reduced by 28.2% and 53.9% in tanibirumab-treated eyes (20 and 60 μg, respectively) compared with PBS-treated control eyes on day 7 (P=0.038 and P<0.001, respectively). In the treatment arm, the mean area of CNV measured by BS isolectin labeling was reduced by 28.7% and 46.0% in tanibirumab-treated eyes (20 and 60 μg, respectively) compared with PBS-treated control eyes on day 14 (P=0.048 and P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Intravitreally administered tanibirumab partially suppressed the formation of new CNV and partially regressed preformed laser-induced CNV in the rat model. Tanibirumab may be a feasible treatment for CNV associated with age-related macular degeneration or other causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeryung Kim
- 1 The Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Stem Cells, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) , Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Li F, Zeng Y, Xu H, Yin ZQ. Subretinal transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium overexpressing fibulin-5 inhibits laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in rats. Exp Eye Res 2015; 136:78-85. [PMID: 25983185 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the abnormal angiogenesis that causes severe visual loss in AMD. Fibulin-5 (Fbln5), which functions as an angiogenesis inhibitor, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Here, we investigated whether subretinal transplantation of Fbln5-overexpressing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells can inhibit CNV in vivo. Adult Long-Evans rats were used in this study. CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation. One week after laser-induced CNV, RPE cells expressing pZlen-Fbln5-IRES-GFP or the control pZlen-IRES-GFP vectors were transplanted into the subretinal space of the right and left eyes, respectively. CNV was evaluated using fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and hematoxylin and eosin staining. We found that CNV occurred at 1 week after photocoagulation, reaching peak activity at 3 weeks and remaining at a high level at 4-5 weeks after photocoagulation. Transplanted RPE cells survived for at least 4 weeks and migrated toward the retina. Subretinal transplantation of Fbln5-overexpressing RPE cells resulted in a significant reduction in the total area of leakage and the number of leakage spots compared with transplantation of RPE cells expressing only green fluorescent protein. Our findings suggest that subretinal transplantation of Fbln5-overexpressing RPE cells inhibits laser-induced CNV in rats and thus represents a promising therapy for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuliang Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, PR China.
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Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 prevents inflammation and vascular leakage in diabetic retinopathy. J Ophthalmol 2015; 2015:605946. [PMID: 25821590 PMCID: PMC4363713 DOI: 10.1155/2015/605946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in working age adults. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) blockade on the complications of DR. Experimental models of diabetes were induced with streptozotocin (STZ) treatment or Insulin2 gene mutation (Akita) in mice. Protein expression and localization were examined by western blots (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF). mRNA expression was quantified by PCR array and real-time PCR. The activity of VEGFR1 signaling was blocked by a neutralizing antibody called MF1. Vascular leakage was evaluated by measuring the leakage of [3H]-mannitol tracer into the retina and the IF staining of albumin. VEGFR1 blockade significantly inhibited diabetes-related vascular leakage, leukocytes-endothelial cell (EC) adhesion (or retinal leukostasis), expression of intercellular adhesion molecule- (ICAM-) 1 protein, abnormal localization and degeneration of the tight junction protein zonula occludens- (ZO-) 1, and the cell adhesion protein vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin. In addition, VEGFR1 blockade interfered with the gene expression of 10 new cytokines and chemokines: cxcl10, il10, ccl8, il1f6, cxcl15, ccl4, il13, ccl6, casp1, and ccr5. These results suggest that VEGFR1 mediates complications of DR and targeting this signaling pathway represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of DR.
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Huang H, He J, Johnson D, Wei Y, Liu Y, Wang S, Lutty GA, Duh EJ, Semba RD. Deletion of placental growth factor prevents diabetic retinopathy and is associated with Akt activation and HIF1α-VEGF pathway inhibition. Diabetes 2015; 64:200-12. [PMID: 25187372 PMCID: PMC4274802 DOI: 10.2337/db14-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A new diabetic mouse strain, the Akita.PlGF knockout ((-/-)), was generated to study the role of placental growth factor (PlGF) in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). PlGF deletion did not affect blood glucose but reduced the body weight of Akita.PlGF(-/-) mice. Diabetes-induced retinal cell death, capillary degeneration, pericyte loss, and blood-retinal barrier breakdown were prevented in these mice. Protein expression of PlGF was upregulated by diabetes, particularly in vascular cells. Diabetes-induced degradation of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin was reversed due to PlGF deficiency; their expression was correlated with that of sonic hedgehog and angiopoietin-1. PlGF deletion in Akita mice resulted in an increased Akt phosphorylation. Diabetes-activated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, including expression of HIF1α, VEGF, VEGFR1-3, and the extent of phospho (p)-VEGFR1, p-VEGFR2, and p-endothelial nitric oxide synthase, was inhibited in the retinas of diabetic PlGF(-/-) mice. However, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, CD11b, and CD18 was not inhibited by PlGF deletion, nor was retinal leukostasis. These results suggest that PlGF is critical for the development of DR, and its genetic deletion protects the retina from diabetic damage. Protective mechanisms are associated with Akt activation and HIF1α-VEGF pathway inhibition, but independent of retinal leukostasis in the retinas of diabetic PlGF(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Huang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jianbo He
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD Guangxi Tumor Hospital and Institute, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Da'Kuawn Johnson
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ying Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD China Japan Union Hospital, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Gerard A Lutty
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Elia J Duh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Richard D Semba
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Suarez S, McCollum GW, Bretz CA, Yang R, Capozzi ME, Penn JS. Modulation of VEGF-induced retinal vascular permeability by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:8232-40. [PMID: 25406289 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced retinal vascular permeability contributes to diabetic macular edema (DME), a serious vision-threatening condition. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) antagonist/reverse agonist, GSK0660, inhibits VEGF-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (HRMEC) proliferation, tubulogenesis, and oxygen-induced retinal vasculopathy in newborn rats. These VEGF-induced HRMEC behaviors and VEGF-induced disruption of endothelial cell junctional complexes may well share molecular signaling events. Thus, we sought to examine the role of PPARβ/δ in VEGF-induced retinal hyperpermeability. METHODS Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were performed on HRMEC monolayers to assess permeability. Claudin-1/Claudin-5 localization in HRMEC monolayers was determined by immunocytochemistry. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (Erk 1/2) phosphorylation, VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and R2 were assayed by Western blot analysis. Expression of VEGFR1 and R2 was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Last, retinal vascular permeability was assayed in vivo by Evans blue extravasation. RESULTS Human retinal microvascular endothelial cell monolayers treated with VEGF for 24 hours showed decreased TEER values that were completely reversed by the highest concentration of GSK0660 (10 μM) and PPARβ/δ-directed siRNA (20 μM). In HRMEC treated with VEGF, GSK0660 stabilized tight-junctions as evidenced by Claudin-1 staining, reduced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, and reduced VEGFR1/2 expression. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ siRNA had a similar effect on VEGFR expression and Claudin-1, supporting the specificity of GSK0660 in our experiments. Last, GSK0660 significantly inhibited VEGF-induced retinal vascular permeability and reduced retinal VEGFR1and R2 levels in C57BL/6 mice. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a protective effect for PPARβ/δ antagonism against VEGF-induced vascular permeability, possibly through reduced VEGFR expression. Therefore, antagonism/reverse agonism of PPARβ/δ siRNA may represent a novel therapeutic methodology against retinal hyperpermeability and is worthy of future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Suarez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Gary W McCollum
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Colin A Bretz
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Megan E Capozzi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - John S Penn
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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Tissue kallikrein (kallidinogenase) protects against retinal ischemic damage in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 738:74-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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