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Jiang F, Lei C, Chen Y, Zhou N, Zhang M. The complement system and diabetic retinopathy. Surv Ophthalmol 2024; 69:575-584. [PMID: 38401574 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.02.004] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and is the main cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of DR is still unclear. The complement system, as an important component of the innate immune system in addition to defending against the invasion of foreign microorganisms, is involved in the occurrence and development of DR through 3 widely recognized complement activation pathways, the complement regulatory system, and many other pathways. Molecules such as C3a, C5a, and membrane attacking complex, as important molecules of the complement system, are involved in the pathologenesus of DR, either through direct damaging effects or by activating cells (microglia, macroglia, etc.) in the retinal microenvironment to contribute to the pathological damage of DR indirectly. We review the integral association of the complement system and DR to further understand the pathogenesis of DR and possibly provide a new strategy for itstreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feipeng Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Macular Disease Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Chunyan Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Macular Disease Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Macular Disease Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Nenghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Macular Disease Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
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2
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Sadikan MZ, Abdul Nasir NA. Diabetic retinopathy: emerging concepts of current and potential therapy. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3395-3406. [PMID: 37401966 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of permanent central blindness worldwide. Despite the complexity and inadequate understanding of DR pathogenesis, many of the underlying pathways are currently partially understood and may offer potential targets for future treatments. Anti-VEGF medications are currently the main medication for this problem. This article provides an overview of the established pharmacological treatments and those that are being developed to cure DR. We firstly reviewed the widely utilized approaches including pan-retinal photocoagulation therapy, anti-VEGF therapy, corticosteroid therapy, and surgical management of DR. Next, we discussed the mechanisms of action and prospective benefits of novel candidate medications. Current management are far from being a perfect treatment for DR, despite mild-term favorable efficiency and safety profiles. Pharmacological research should work toward developing longer-lasting treatments or new drug delivery systems, as well as on identifying new molecular targets in the pathogenetical mechanism for DR. In order to find a treatment that is specifically designed for each patient, it is also necessary to properly characterize patients, taking into account elements like hereditary factors and intraretinal neovascularization stages for effective utilization of drugs. The current and potential approaches for diabetic retinopathy. Image was constructed using Biorender.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zulfiqah Sadikan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Bukit Baru, 75150, Malacca, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Alimah Abdul Nasir
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Centre for Neuroscience Research (NeuRon), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
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3
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Rathi S, Hasan R, Ueffing M, Clark SJ. Therapeutic targeting of the complement system in ocular disease. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103757. [PMID: 37657753 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is involved in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, providing a rationale for the investigation of complement-targeting therapeutics for these conditions. Dry age-related macular degeneration, as characterised by geographic atrophy (GA), is currently the most active area of research for complement-targeting therapeutics, with a complement C3 inhibitor approved in the United States earlier this year marking the first approved therapy for GA. This review discusses the role of complement in ocular disease, provides an overview of the complement-targeting agents currently under development for ocular conditions, and reflects on the lessons that can be learned from the preclinical investigations and clinical trials conducted in this field to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Rathi
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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4
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Wei-Zhang S, Cui B, Xing M, Liu J, Guo Y, He K, Bai T, Dong X, Lei Y, Zhou W, Zhou H, Liu S, Wang X, Zhou D, Yan H. Chimpanzee adenovirus-mediated multiple gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration. iScience 2023; 26:107939. [PMID: 37810255 PMCID: PMC10550724 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration AMD (nAMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and could lead to irreversible blindness. However, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has limited efficacy. Therefore, we generated a chimpanzee adenoviral vector (AdC68-PFC) containing three genes, pigment endothelial-derived factor (PEDF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and soluble forms of CD59 (sCD59), to treat nAMD. The results showed that AdC68-PFC mediated a strong onset of PEDF, sFlt-1, and sCD59 expression both in vivo and in vitro. AdC68-PFC showed preventive and therapeutic effects following intravitreal (IVT) injection in the laser-induced CNV model and very low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Vldlr-/-) mouse model. In vitro assessment indicated that AdC68-PFC had a strong inhibitory effect on endothelial cells. Importantly, the safety test showed no evidence of in vivo toxicity of adenovirus in murine eyes. Our findings suggest that AdC68-PFC may be a long-acting and safe gene therapy vector for future nAMD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena Wei-Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bohao Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Man Xing
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaojiao Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Tinghui Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yi Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengnan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongming Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Amato R, Catalani E, Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Cervia D, Casini G. Morpho-functional analysis of the early changes induced in retinal ganglion cells by the onset of diabetic retinopathy: The effects of a neuroprotective strategy. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Takkar B, Sheemar A, Jayasudha R, Soni D, Narayanan R, Venkatesh P, Shivaji S, Das T. Unconventional avenues to decelerated diabetic retinopathy. Surv Ophthalmol 2022; 67:1574-1592. [PMID: 35803389 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), causing significant visual impairment worldwide. Current gold standards for retarding the progress of DR include blood sugar control and regular fundus screening. Despite these measures, the incidence and prevalence of DR and vision-threatening DR remain high. Given its slowly progressive course and long latent period, opportunities to contain or slow DR before it threatens vision must be explored. This narrative review assesses the recently described unconventional strategies to retard DR progression. These include gut-ocular flow, gene therapy, mitochondrial dysfunction-oxidative stress, stem cell therapeutics, neurodegeneration, anti-inflammatory treatments, lifestyle modification, and usage of phytochemicals. These therapies impact DR directly, while some of them also influence DM control. Most of these strategies are currently in the preclinical stage, and clinical evidence remains low. Nevertheless, our review suggests that these approaches have the potential for human use to prevent the progression of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh Takkar
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; Indian Health Outcomes, Public Health, and Economics Research (IHOPE) Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.
| | - Abhishek Sheemar
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | | | - Deepak Soni
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India
| | - Raja Narayanan
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; Indian Health Outcomes, Public Health, and Economics Research (IHOPE) Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pradeep Venkatesh
- Dr. RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sisinthy Shivaji
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Taraprasad Das
- Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Liu S, Ju Y, Gu P. Experiment-Based Interventions to Diabetic Retinopathy: Present and Advances. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137005. [PMID: 35806008 PMCID: PMC9267063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is the major blinding disease among working-age populations, which is becoming more significant due to the growth of diabetes. The metabolic-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress leads to the insult of neovascular unit, resulting in the core pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. Existing therapies focus on the inflammation, oxidation, and angiogenesis phenomena of diabetic retinopathy, without effect to radically cure the disease. This review also summarizes novel therapeutic attempts for diabetic retinopathy along with their advantages and disadvantages, mainly focusing on those using cellular and genetic techniques to achieve remission on a fundamental level of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; (S.L.); (Y.J.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yahan Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; (S.L.); (Y.J.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; (S.L.); (Y.J.)
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200011, China
- Correspondence:
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Starace V, Battista M, Brambati M, Cavalleri M, Bertuzzi F, Amato A, Lattanzio R, Bandello F, Cicinelli MV. The role of inflammation and neurodegeneration in diabetic macular edema. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2021; 13:25158414211055963. [PMID: 34901746 PMCID: PMC8652911 DOI: 10.1177/25158414211055963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema (DME) is complex. Persistently high blood glucose activates multiple cellular pathways and induces inflammation, oxidation stress, and vascular dysfunction. Retinal ganglion cells, macroglial and microglial cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and retinal pigment epithelium cells are involved. Neurodegeneration, characterized by dysfunction or apoptotic loss of retinal neurons, occurs early and independently from the vascular alterations. Despite the increasing knowledge on the pathways involved in DME, only limited therapeutic strategies are available. Besides antiangiogenic drugs and intravitreal corticosteroids, alternative therapeutic options tackling inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration have been considered, but none of them has been currently approved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Starace
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Battista
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Brambati
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Cavalleri
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Bertuzzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Amato
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosangela Lattanzio
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, ItalySchool of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Cicinelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Vita-Salute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, ItalySchool of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Adak S, Magdalene D, Deshmukh S, Das D, Jaganathan BG. A Review on Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Retinal Diseases. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1154-1173. [PMID: 33410097 PMCID: PMC7787584 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been studied extensively for the treatment of several retinal diseases. The therapeutic potential of MSCs lies in its ability to differentiate into multiple lineages and secretome enriched with immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic and neurotrophic factors. Several studies have reported the role of MSCs in repair and regeneration of the damaged retina where the secreted factors from MSCs prevent retinal degeneration, improve retinal morphology and function. MSCs also donate mitochondria to rescue the function of retinal cells and exosomes secreted by MSCs were found to have anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Based on several promising results obtained from the preclinical studies, several clinical trials were initiated to explore the potential advantages of MSCs for the treatment of retinal diseases. This review summarizes the various properties of MSCs that help to repair and restore the damaged retinal cells and its potential for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjucta Adak
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Damaris Magdalene
- Department of Strabismus, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Saurabh Deshmukh
- Department of Strabismus, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dipankar Das
- Department of Pathology, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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10
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The innate immune system in diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100940. [PMID: 33429059 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes has been rising steadily in the past half-century, along with the burden of its associated complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR is currently the most common cause of vision loss in working-age adults in the United States. Historically, DR has been diagnosed and classified clinically based on what is visible by fundoscopy; that is vasculature alterations. However, recent technological advances have confirmed pathology of the neuroretina prior to any detectable vascular changes. These, coupled with molecular studies, and the positive impact of anti-inflammatory therapeutics in DR patients have highlighted the central involvement of the innate immune system. Reminiscent of the systemic impact of diabetes, immune dysregulation has become increasingly identified as a key element of the pathophysiology of DR by interfering with normal homeostatic systems. This review uses the growing body of literature across various model systems to demonstrate the clear involvement of all three pillars of the immune system: immune-competent cells, mediators, and the complement system. It also demonstrates how the relative contribution of each of these requires more extensive analysis, including in human tissues over the continuum of disease progression. Finally, although this review demonstrates how the complex interactions of the immune system pose many more questions than answers, the intimately connected nature of the three pillars of the immune system may also point to possible new targets to reverse or even halt reverse retinopathy.
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Su X, Sun ZH, Ren Q, Liu JR, Yin L, Liang N, Meng L, Sun RX. The effect of spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor R406 on diabetic retinopathy in experimental diabetic rats. Int Ophthalmol 2020; 40:2371-2383. [PMID: 32462561 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor R406 on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in diabetic mellitus (DM) rats. METHODS Rats were randomized into Normal, DM, DM + 5 mg/kg R406 and DM + 10 mg/kg R406 groups. DM rats were established via injection of streptozotocin (STZ). One week after model establishment, rats in treatment groups received 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg R406 by gavage administration for 12 weeks consecutively, followed by the detection with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Evans blue angiography, retinal trypsin digestion assay, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescence assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The retina of DM rats presented different degree of edema, disordered and loose structure, swollen cells with enlarged intercellular space, and dilated and congested capillaries. Besides, the retinal vessels of DM rats showed high fluorescence leakage. However, R406 alleviated the above-mentioned conditions, which was much better with high concentration of R406 (10 mg/kg). R406 also reversed the down-regulations of occludin, claudin-5, ZO-1 and the up-regulation of and VEGF in retinal tissues of DM rats; inhibited retinal cell apoptosis; strengthened retinal cell proliferation; and reduced expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and nuclear p65 NF-κB in retinal tissues. The improvement in all these indexes was much more significant in rats of DM + 10 mg/kg R406 group than in rats of DM + 5 mg/kg R406 group. CONCLUSION Syk inhibitor R406 could attenuate retinal inflammation in DR rats via the repression of NF-κB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, No. 12, Pingan North Street, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, No. 12, Pingan North Street, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Qian Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, No. 12, Pingan North Street, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jun-Ru Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, No. 12, Pingan North Street, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Na Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, No. 12, Pingan North Street, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ling Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, No. 12, Pingan North Street, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Rui-Xue Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, No. 12, Pingan North Street, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei Province, China.
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of visual impairment in the developed country, is characterized by vascular lesions and neuronal damage of the retina. Treatment options for this condition are currently limited. The advent of therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) demonstrated significant benefits to patients with DR. However, this treatment is limited by its short half-life and requirement for frequent invasive intravitreal injections. In addition, many patients failed to achieve clinically significant improvement in visual function. Gene therapy has the potential to provide an alternative treatment for DR with distinct advantages, such as longer therapeutic effect, less injection frequency, ability to intervene at disease onset, and potentially fewer side effects. RECENT FINDINGS Strategies for gene therapy in DR, stemming from the current understanding of the disease pathogenesis, focus on the inhibition of neovascularization and protection of neurovascular degeneration in the retina. Studies with promising results have mainly focussed on animal models due to efficacy and safety concerns, despite a number of successful preclinical studies using adeno-associated virus-mediated transduction to treat both vascular dysfunction and neuronal degeneration. With the optimization of delivery vectors, transgene regulation, and outcome measure, gene therapy will potentially become available for patients with DR. This review provides an update on the current strategies utilized in DR gene therapy research. Several barriers to the clinical application of gene therapy for DR are highlighted, and future directions for this research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Georgina Eloise Roberts
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia.
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13
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Liu J, Tang M, Harkin K, Du X, Luo C, Chen M, Xu H. Single-cell RNA sequencing study of retinal immune regulators identified CD47 and CD59a expression in photoreceptors-Implications in subretinal immune regulation. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:1498-1513. [PMID: 32166783 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The neuroretina is protected by its own defense system, that is microglia and the complement system. Under normal physiological conditions, microglial activation is tightly regulated by the neurons although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Using published single-cell RNA sequencing data sets, we found that immune regulatory molecules including CD200, CD47, CX3CL1, TGFβ, and complement inhibitor CD59a are expressed by various retinal neurons. Importantly, we found that photoreceptors express higher levels of CD47 and CD59a, which was further confirmed in cultured 661W cells, WERI-Rb1 cells, and microdissected photoreceptors from human eyes. The expression of CD59a mRNA in 661W cells was upregulated by TNFα and hypoxia, whereas LPS, hypoxia, and IL-4 upregulated CD47 mRNA expression in 661W cells. Immunofluorescence staining detected strong CD59a immunoreactivity in the outer nuclear layer, inner/outer segments, and discrete staining in ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and outer plexiform layer. The expression of CD59a in photoreceptors was increased in the detached retina, but decreased in retinas from experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) mice. In EAU retina, CD59a was highly expressed by active immune cells. CD47 was detected in GCL, IPL, and inner nuclear layer and some photoreceptors. The expression of CD47 in photoreceptors was also increased in the detached retina but decreased in EAU retina. In a coculture system, 661W enhanced arginase-1 and reduced IL-6 mRNA expression in BV2 microglial cells. Our results suggest that photoreceptors express immune regulatory molecules and may have the potential to regulate immune activation in the outer retina/subretinal space under pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Aier Eye Institute, Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Miao Tang
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Kevin Harkin
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Xuan Du
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Chang Luo
- Aier Eye Institute, Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Aier Eye Institute, Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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14
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Role of complement in diabetes. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:270-277. [PMID: 31400630 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests a role for the complement system in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the vascular complications that characterise this condition. Complement proteins contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) by enhancing the underlying organ-specific autoimmune processes. Complement upregulation and activation is also an important feature of insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moreover, animal and human studies indicate that complement proteins are involved in the pathogenic mechanisms leading to diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications. The adverse vascular effects of complement appear to be related to enhancement of the inflammatory process and the predisposition to a thrombotic environment, eventually leading to vascular occlusion. Complement proteins have been considered as therapeutic targets to prevent or treat vascular disease but studies have been mainly conducted in animal models, while human work has been both limited and inconclusive so far. Further studies are needed to understand the potential role of complement proteins as therapeutic targets for reversal of the pathological processes leading to T1D and T2D and for the prevention/treatment of diabetic vascular complications.
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15
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Ludwig PE, Freeman SC, Janot AC. Novel stem cell and gene therapy in diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa. Int J Retina Vitreous 2019; 5:7. [PMID: 30805203 PMCID: PMC6373096 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-019-0158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease leads to significant visual morbidity worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are leading causes of blindness in the developed world. While current therapies for these diseases slow disease progression, stem cell and gene therapy may also reverse the effects of these, and other, degenerative retinal conditions. Novel therapies being investigated include the use of various types of stem cells in the regeneration of atrophic or damaged retinal tissue, the prolonged administration of neurotrophic factors and/or drug delivery, immunomodulation, as well as the replacement of mutant genes, and immunomodulation through viral vector delivery. This review will update the reader on aspects of stem cell and gene therapy in diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other less common inherited retinal dystrophies. These therapies include the use of adeno-associated viral vector-based therapies for treatment of various types of retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration. Other potential therapies reviewed include the use of mesenchymal stem cells in local immunomodulation, and the use of stem cells in generating structures like three-dimensional retinal sheets for transplantation into degenerative retinas. Finally, aspects of stem cell and gene therapy in diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other less common inherited retinal dystrophies will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker E Ludwig
- 1Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - S Caleb Freeman
- 1Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178 USA
| | - Adam C Janot
- Vitreoretinal Institute, 7698 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 USA.,3Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA USA
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16
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Upcoming Therapies for Age-related Macular Degeneration. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2018; 59:155-171. [PMID: 30585924 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Whitehead M, Wickremasinghe S, Osborne A, Van Wijngaarden P, Martin KR. Diabetic retinopathy: a complex pathophysiology requiring novel therapeutic strategies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:1257-1270. [PMID: 30408422 PMCID: PMC6299358 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1545836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in the working age population of the developed world. DR encompasses a complex pathology, and one that is reflected in the variety of currently available treatments, which include laser photocoagulation, glucocorticoids, vitrectomy and agents which neutralize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Whilst these options demonstrate modest clinical benefits, none is yet to fully attenuate clinical progression or reverse damage to the retina. This has led to an interest in developing novel therapies for the condition, such as mediators of angiopoietin signaling axes, immunosuppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oxidative stress inhibitors and vitriol viscosity inhibitors. Further, preclinical research suggests that gene therapy treatment for DR could provide significant benefits over existing treatments options. AREAS COVERED Here we review the pathophysiology of DR and provide an overview of currently available treatments. We then outline recent advances made towards improved patient outcomes and highlight the potential of the gene therapy paradigm to revolutionize DR management. EXPERT OPINION Whilst significant progress has been made towards our understanding of DR, further research is required to enable the development of a detailed spatiotemporal model of the disease. In addition, we hope that improvements in our knowledge of the condition facilitate therapeutic innovations that continue to address unmet medical need and improve patient outcomes, with a focus on the development of targeted medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Whitehead
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sanjeewa Wickremasinghe
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Keith R. Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Eye Department, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Kumar B, Cashman SM, Kumar-Singh R. Complement-Mediated Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Its Inhibition by AAV-Mediated Delivery of CD59 in a Model of Uveitis. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1568-1580. [PMID: 29678656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is an inflammatory disorder of the eye responsible for approximately 10%-15% of blindness in the US. In this study, we examined the role of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) and the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in normal and C9-/- mice that are incapable of assembling the MAC. We discovered that the MAC and the NLRP3 inflammasome and associated production of IL-1β are elevated in EAU mice and that MAC may be involved in regulation of Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation. In contrast, MAC and the NLRP3 inflammasome were not elevated in C9-/- mice. However, EAU-associated pathophysiology including retinal structure and function were not rescued in C9-/- mice. Unexpectedly, AAV-mediated delivery of sCD59, an inhibitor of C9 incorporation into the MAC, successfully attenuated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and EAU pathology as well as MAC. Our studies provide an improved understanding of the role of the MAC and the NLRP3 inflammasome in EAU as well as suggest a novel approach for the treatment of uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binit Kumar
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Siobhan M Cashman
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Rajendra Kumar-Singh
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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19
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Schnabolk G, Parsons N, Obert E, Annamalai B, Nasarre C, Tomlinson S, Lewin AS, Rohrer B. Delivery of CR2-fH Using AAV Vector Therapy as Treatment Strategy in the Mouse Model of Choroidal Neovascularization. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 9:1-11. [PMID: 29234687 PMCID: PMC5723362 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Complement activation plays a significant role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis, and polymorphisms interfering with factor H (fH) function, a complement alternative pathway (AP) inhibitor, are associated with increased AMD risk. We have previously validated an AP inhibitor, a fusion protein consisting of a complement receptor 2 fragment linked to the inhibitory domain of fH (CR2-fH) as an efficacious treatment for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) when delivered intravenously. Here we tested an alternative approach of AAV-mediated delivery (AAV5-VMD2-CR2-fH or AAV5-VMD2-mCherry) using subretinal delivery in C57BL/6J mice. Secretion of CR2-fH was confirmed in polarized retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. A safe concentration of AAV5-VMD2-CR2-fH was identified using electroretinography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), RPE morphology, and antibody profiling. One month after gene delivery, CNV was induced using argon laser photocoagulation. OCT assessment demonstrated reduced CNV with AAV5-VMD2-CR2-fH administration. Bioavailability studies revealed that gene-therapy delivered similar levels of CR2-fH to the RPE/choroid as treatment by intravenous injections, and C3a ELISA verified reduced CNV-associated ocular C3a production. These results contribute to existing data illustrating the importance of the AP of complement in CNV development and its potential role in AMD treatment. Demonstration of AAV-vector efficacy opens new avenues for the development of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloriane Schnabolk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Nathaniel Parsons
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Elisabeth Obert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | - Cecile Nasarre
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Stephen Tomlinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
| | - Alfred S Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611, USA
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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20
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Diabetic retinopathy and dysregulated innate immunity. Vision Res 2017; 139:39-46. [PMID: 28571700 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the progressive degeneration of retinal blood vessels and neurons. Inflammation is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of DR. During diabetes, metabolic disorder leads to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) both in the retina and elsewhere in the body. The innate immune system provides the first line of defense against the DAMPs. In the early stages of DR when the blood retinal barrier (BRB) is intact, retinal microglia and the complement system are activated at low levels. This low-level of inflammation (para-inflammation) is believed to be essential to maintain homeostasis and restore functionality. However, prolonged stimulation by DAMPs in the diabetic eye leads to maladaptation of the innate immune system and dysregulated para-inflammation may contribute to DR development. In the advanced stages of DR where immune privilege is comprised, circulating immune cells and serum proteins may infiltrate the retina and participate in retinal chronic inflammation and retinal vascular and neuronal damage. This review discusses how the innate immune system is activated in diabetes and DR. The view also discusses why the protective immune response becomes detrimental in DR.
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21
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Abstract
Current management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is directed at intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors for the treatment of wet AMD and supplementation with oral antioxidants for the treatment of dry AMD. In this article, we will review recent clinical trials for the treatment of dry and wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Bahadorani
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael Singer
- Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, San Antonio, TX, USA
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22
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Schnabolk G, Beon MK, Tomlinson S, Rohrer B. New Insights on Complement Inhibitor CD59 in Mouse Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization: Mislocalization After Injury and Targeted Delivery for Protein Replacement. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2017; 33:400-411. [PMID: 28333572 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2016.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The membrane attack complex (MAC) in choriocapillaris (CC) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) increase with age and disease (age-related macular degeneration). MAC assembly can be inhibited by CD59, a membrane-bound regulator. Here we further investigated the role of CD59 in murine choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a model involving both CC and RPE, and tested whether CR2-CD59, a soluble targeted form of CD59, provides protection. METHODS Laser-induced CNV was generated in wild type and CD59a-deficient mice (CD59-/-). CNV size was measured by optical coherence tomography, and CR2-CD59 was injected intraperitoneally. Endogenous CD59 localization and MAC deposition were identified by immunohistochemistry and quantified by confocal microscopy. Cell-type-specific responses to MAC were examined in retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) and microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). RESULTS CD59 levels were severely reduced and protein was mislocalized in the RPE surrounding the lesion. CNV lesion size and subretinal fluid accumulation were exacerbated in CD59-/- when compared with those in WT mice, and an increase in MAC deposition was noted. In contrast, CR2-CD59 significantly reduced both structural features of CNV severity. In vitro, MAC inhibition in ARPE-19 cells prevented barrier function loss and accelerated wound healing and cell adhesion, whereas in HMEC-1 cells, CR2-CD59 decelerated wound healing and cell adhesion. CONCLUSION These data further support the importance of CD59 in controlling ocular injury responses and indicate that pharmacological inhibition of the MAC with CR2-CD59 may be a viable therapeutic approach for reducing complement-mediated ocular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloriane Schnabolk
- 1 Division of Research, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center , Charleston, South Carolina.,2 Department of Opthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mee Keong Beon
- 2 Department of Opthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Stephen Tomlinson
- 1 Division of Research, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center , Charleston, South Carolina.,3 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- 1 Division of Research, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center , Charleston, South Carolina.,2 Department of Opthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina.,4 Department of Neurosciences Division of Research, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
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23
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Wang JH, Ling D, Tu L, van Wijngaarden P, Dusting GJ, Liu GS. Gene therapy for diabetic retinopathy: Are we ready to make the leap from bench to bedside? Pharmacol Ther 2017; 173:1-18. [PMID: 28132907 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a chronic and progressive complication of diabetes mellitus, is a sight-threatening disease characterized in the early stages by neuronal and vascular dysfunction in the retina, and later by neovascularization that further damages vision. A major contributor to the pathology is excess production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a growth factor that induces formation of new blood vessels and increases permeability of existing vessels. Despite the recent availability of effective treatments for the disease, including laser photocoagulation and therapeutic VEGF antibodies, DR remains a significant cause of vision loss worldwide. Existing anti-VEGF agents, though generally effective, are limited by their short therapeutic half-lives, necessitating frequent intravitreal injections and the risk of attendant adverse events. Management of DR with gene therapies has been proposed for several years, and pre-clinical studies have yielded enticing findings. Gene therapy holds several advantages over conventional treatments for DR, such as a longer duration of therapeutic effect, simpler administration, the ability to intervene at an earlier stage of the disease, and potentially fewer side-effects. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology of DR and provide an overview of research into DR gene therapies. We also examine current barriers to the clinical application of gene therapy for DR and evaluate future prospects for this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Damien Ling
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leilei Tu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia.
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24
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Abou-El-Hassan H, Zaraket H. Viral-derived complement inhibitors: current status and potential role in immunomodulation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 242:397-410. [PMID: 27798122 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216675772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is one of the body's major innate immune defense mechanisms in vertebrates. Its function is to detect foreign bodies and promote their elimination through opsonisation or lysis. Complement proteins play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of several disorders. However, excessive complement activation does not confer more protection but instead leads to several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. With inappropriate activation of the complement system, activated complement proteins and glycoproteins may damage both healthy and diseased tissues. Development of complement inhibitors represents an effective approach in controlling dysregulated complement activity and reducing disease severity, yet few studies have investigated the nature and role of novel complement inhibitory proteins of viral origin. Viral complement inhibitors have important implications in understanding the importance of complement inhibition and their role as a promising novel therapeutic approach in diseases caused by dysregulated complement function. In this review, we discuss the role and importance of complement inhibitors derived from several viruses in the scope of human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Abou-El-Hassan
- 1 Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,2 Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Zaraket
- 2 Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,3 Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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25
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Agarwal A, Ingham SA, Harkins KA, Do DV, Nguyen QD. The role of pharmacogenetics and advances in gene therapy in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Pharmacogenomics 2016; 17:309-20. [PMID: 26807609 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.15.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its complications such as diabetic macular edema continue to remain a major cause for legal blindness in the developed world. While the introduction of anti-tVEGF agents has significantly improved visual outcomes of patients with DR, unpredictable response, largely due to genetic polymorphisms, appears to be a challenge with this therapy. With advances in identification of various genetic biomarkers, novel therapeutic strategies consisting of gene transfer are being developed and tested for patients with DR. Application of pharmacogenetic principles appears to be a promising futuristic strategy to attenuate diabetes-mediated retinal vasculopathy. In this comprehensive review, data from recent studies in the field of pharmacogenomics for the treatment of DR have been provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Agarwal
- Ocular Imaging Research & Reading Center (OIRRC), Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sally A Ingham
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Keegan A Harkins
- Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Diana V Do
- Ocular Imaging Research & Reading Center (OIRRC), Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Ocular Imaging Research & Reading Center (OIRRC), Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.,Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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26
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Agarwal A, Soliman MK, Sepah YJ, Do DV, Nguyen QD. Diabetic retinopathy: variations in patient therapeutic outcomes and pharmacogenomics. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2014; 7:399-409. [PMID: 25548526 PMCID: PMC4271791 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s52821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes and its microvascular complications in patients poses a significant challenge and constitutes a major health problem. When it comes to manifestations in the eye, each case of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is unique, in terms of the phenotype, genotype, and, more importantly, the therapeutic response. It is therefore important to identify factors that distinguish one patient from another. Personalized therapy in DR is a new trend aimed at achieving maximum therapeutic response in patients by identifying genotypic and phenotypic factors that may result in less than optimal response to conventional therapy, and consequently, lead to poorer outcome. With advances in the identification of these genetic markers, such as gene polymorphisms and human leucocyte antigen associations, as well as development of drugs that can target their effects, the future of personalized medicine in DR is promising. In this comprehensive review, data from various studies have been analyzed to present what has been achieved in the field of pharmacogenomics thus far. An insight into future research is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Agarwal
- Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Mohamed K Soliman
- Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Yasir J Sepah
- Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Diana V Do
- Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
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