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Tahmasebi Sarvestani M, Chidlow G, Wood JP, Casson RJ. Effects of slit lamp-delivered retinal laser photobiomodulation in a rat model of choroidal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109909. [PMID: 38710357 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109909] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration, also known as exudative or wet age-related macular degeneration, is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Photobiomodulation has the potential to target the up-stream hypoxic and pro-inflammatory drivers of choroidal neovascularization. This study investigated whether photobiomodulation attenuates characteristic pathological features of choroidal neovascularization in a rodent model. Experimental choroidal neovascularization was induced in Brown Norway rats with laser photocoagulation. A custom-designed, slit-lamp-mounted, 670 nm laser was used to administer retinal photobiomodulation every 3 days, beginning 6 days prior to choroidal neovascularization induction and continuing until the animals were killed 14 days later. The effect of photobiomodulation on the size of choroidal neovascular membranes was determined using isolectin-B4 immunohistochemistry and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography. Vascular leakage was determined with fluorescein angiography. The effect of treatment on levels of vascular endothelial growth factor expression was quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment with photobiomodulation was associated with choroidal neovascular membranes that were smaller, had less fluorescein leakage, and a diminished presence of inflammatory cells as compared to sham eyes. These effects were not associated with a statistically significant difference in the level of vascular endothelial growth factor when compared to sham eyes. The data shown herein indicate that photobiomodulation attenuates pathological features of choroidal neovascularization in a rodent model by mechanisms that may be independent of vascular endothelial growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glyn Chidlow
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratory, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John P Wood
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratory, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert J Casson
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratory, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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2
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Iqball S, Beck DK, Devarajan G, Khoo CP, O’Connor DM, Ellis S, Guzman E, Mitrophanous KA, Lad Y. Lentiviral delivered aflibercept OXB-203 for treatment of neovascular AMD. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:350-366. [PMID: 37637380 PMCID: PMC10448334 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.07.001] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the aging population, with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) playing a key role. Treatment with recombinant anti-VEGFs is the current standard of care; however, it is only effective for 1-2 months at a time and requires re-administration. Gene therapy could pave the way for stable, long-term expression of therapeutic anti-VEGF with a single dose, reducing the frequency of treatment and potentially improving clinical outcomes. As such, we have developed OXB-203, a lentiviral-based gene therapy encoding the anti-VEGF protein aflibercept. Aflibercept derived from OXB-203 exhibited comparable in vitro binding characteristics to VEGF as recombinant aflibercept. Furthermore, its biological potency was demonstrated by the equivalent inhibition of VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and tubule formation as recombinant aflibercept. In a rat choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model of nAMD, a single subretinal administration of OXB-203 reduced laser-induced CNV lesion areas analogous to an intravitreal bolus of recombinant aflibercept. Finally, in a head-to-head comparative study, aflibercept derived from OXB-203 was shown to be expressed at significantly higher levels in ocular tissues than from an AAV8-aflibercept vector following a single subretinal delivery to rats. These findings support the therapeutic potential of OXB-203 for the management of nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharifah Iqball
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel K. Beck
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
| | - Gayathri Devarajan
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
| | - Cheen P. Khoo
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
| | - Deirdre M. O’Connor
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
| | - Scott Ellis
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
| | - Efrain Guzman
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
| | | | - Yatish Lad
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, OX4 6LT Oxford, UK
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3
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Shome A, Mugisho OO, Niederer RL, Rupenthal ID. Comprehensive Grading System for Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2022. [PMID: 37509662 PMCID: PMC10377264 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is the most commonly used animal model to study the progression of chronic uveitis and to test various therapies to treat the disease. However, to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of such treatments, a grading system that combines the latest imaging techniques with definitive quantitative grading thresholds is required. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive grading system that objectively evaluates EAU progression in C57BL/6J mice. EAU was induced following immunisation with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) and pertussis toxin. Weekly fundus and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were acquired over 12 weeks using a Micron IV imaging system. Each mouse was graded (between 0 to 4) based on changes seen on both the fundus (optic disc, retinal blood vessels and retinal tissue) and OCT (vitreous and retinal layers) images. A total EAU response (with a maximum score of 48) was calculated for each mouse based on the sum of the individual scores each week. Analysis of the clinical scores depicted a gradual increase in inflammatory signs including optic disc and vascular swelling, leukocyte infiltration in the vitreous, lesions in the retina and formation of granulomas and hyper-reflective foci in the retinal layers in EAU mice, with most signs reaching a plateau towards the end of the study period. Development of these signs into sight-threatening complications such as optic disc atrophy, structural damage to the retina and subretinal oedema were noted in 80-90% of mice suggesting consistent disease induction. Overall, a comprehensive and objective grading system encompassing all pathologies occurring in EAU mice was developed to enhance the preclinical evaluation of novel uveitis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Shome
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, The New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Odunayo O Mugisho
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, The New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Rachael L Niederer
- Department of Ophthalmology, The New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Ilva D Rupenthal
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, The New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Nguyen DD, Luo LJ, Yang CJ, Lai JY. Highly Retina-Permeating and Long-Acting Resveratrol/Metformin Nanotherapeutics for Enhanced Treatment of Macular Degeneration. ACS NANO 2023; 17:168-183. [PMID: 36524981 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The development of therapeutics for effective treatments of retinal diseases is significantly constrained by various biological barriers. We herein report a nanomedicine strategy to develop nanotherapeutics featured with not only high retinal permeability but also sustained bioactive delivery. Specifically, the nanotherapeutics are rationally designed via aminolysis of resveratrol-encapsulated polycaprolactone nanoparticles (R@PCL NPs), followed by the formation of amide linkages with carboxyl-terminated transacting activator of transcription cell penetrating peptide (T) and metformin (M). The R@PCL-T/M NP nanotherapeutics are demonstrated in vitro to possess persistent drug release profiles, good ocular biocompatibility, and potent bioactive activities for targeting prevailing risk factors associated with retinal diseases. In vivo studies indicate that single-dose intravitreal administration of the R@PCL-T/M NPs can effectively improve retinal permeability (∼15-fold increase), prevent loss of endogenous antioxidants, and suppress the growth of abnormal vessels in the retina with macular degeneration for 56 days. This high treatment efficacy can be ascribed to the enhanced retinal permeability of the nanotherapeutics in conjunction with the sustained pharmacological activity of the dual drugs (R and M) in the retinal pigment epithelial region. These findings show a great promise for the development of pharmacological nanoformulations capable of targeting the retina and thereby treating complex posterior segment diseases with improved efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Dung Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jyuan Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Yang Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
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Tun SBB, Barathi VA. Akimba Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Model: Understanding Molecular Mechanism and Drug Screening for the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2678:13-26. [PMID: 37326702 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3255-0_2] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As the prevalence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, diabetic retinopathy incidence is increasing rapidly. An advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR) stage can lead to a sight-threatening form. There is growing evidence showing diabetes causes a range of metabolic changes that subsequently lead to pathological modifications in the retina and retinal blood vessels. To understand the complex mechanism of the pathophysiology of DR, a precise model is not readily available. By crossbreeding the Akita and Kimba strains, a suitable proliferative DR model was acquired. This new Akimba strain manifests marked hyperglycemia and vascular changes, which resemble the early and advanced stage of DR.Here, we describe the breeding method, colony screening for experiments, and imaging techniques widely used to investigate the DR progression in this model. We elaborate step-by-step protocols to set up and perform fundus, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography-angiogram to study retinal structural changes and vascular abnormalities. In addition, we show a method to label the leukocytes with fluorescence and laser speckle flowgraphy to examine the inflammation in the retina and retinal vessel blood flow speed, respectively. Lastly, we describe electroretinogram to evaluate the functional aspect of the DR transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Bo Bo Tun
- Translational Pre-Clinical Model Platform, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Veluchamy Amutha Barathi
- Translational Pre-Clinical Model Platform, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
- ACP in Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Yan M, Li J, Yan L, Li X, Chen JG. Transcription factor Foxp1 is essential for the induction of choroidal neovascularization. EYE AND VISION 2022; 9:10. [PMID: 35248156 PMCID: PMC8898411 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-022-00281-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The exudative form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, which is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) released from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The angiogenic behaviors of vascular endothelial cells in vitro depend on forkhead box protein P1 (Foxp1), a transcription repressor widely expressed in human and murine tissues during development. In this study, we aimed to determine whether loss of Foxp1 affects laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mouse. Methods Eye-selective deletion of Foxp1 was obtained by crossing Foxp1flox/flox with Six3-Cre mice. Laser photocoagulation was delivered to six- to eight-week-old mice to induce CNV. The expression of Foxp1 and Cre was determined by immunofluorescence in cryostat sections of the eyes. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and B4 isolectin staining were applied to analyze the leakage, bulge height, and area of CNV lesions, respectively. RPE-choroid tissues were isolated for the determination of VEGF and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) by Western blotting. Results Foxp1 was expressed in retinal ganglion cells, RPE, and the choroidal endothelial cells. Laser photocoagulation increased the number of Foxp1+-endothelial cells and induced CNV. Six3-Cre reduced Foxp1 expression in RPE but not the endothelium, leading to a lower level of VEGF in the RPE-choroid. Foxp1 knockout inhibited pathological angiogenesis and vascular leakage of the laser-induced CNV lesions. Conclusions Foxp1 regulates the expression of VEGF in the RPE, and inhibition of Foxp1 could potentially be a novel strategy for the prevention and therapy of neovascularization related to AMD.
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Comin CH, Tsirukis DI, Sun Y, Xu X. Quantification of retinal blood leakage in fundus fluorescein angiography in a retinal angiogenesis model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19903. [PMID: 34615975 PMCID: PMC8494755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood leakage from the vessels in the eye is the hallmark of many vascular eye diseases. One of the preclinical mouse models of retinal blood leakage, the very-low-density-lipoprotein receptor deficient mouse (Vldlr−/−), is used for drug screening and mechanistic studies. Vessel leakage is usually examined using Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). However, interpreting FFA images of the Vldlr−/− model is challenging as no automated and objective techniques exist for this model. A pipeline has been developed for quantifying leakage intensity and area including three tasks: (i) blood leakage identification, (ii) blood vessel segmentation, and (iii) image registration. Morphological operations followed by log-Gabor quadrature filters were used to identify leakage regions. In addition, a novel optic disk detection algorithm based on graph analysis was developed for registering the images at different timepoints. Blood leakage intensity and area measured by the methodology were compared to ground truth quantifications produced by two annotators. The relative difference between the quantifications from the method and those obtained from ground truth images was around 10% ± 6% for leakage intensity and 17% ± 8% for leakage region. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the method results and the ground truth was around 0.98 for leakage intensity and 0.94 for leakage region. Therefore, we presented a computational method for quantifying retinal vascular leakage and vessels using FFA in a preclinical angiogenesis model, the Vldlr−/− model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar H Comin
- Department of Computer Science, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Demetrios I Tsirukis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Xiaoyin Xu
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Meyer JH, Marx J, Strack C, Holz FG, Schmitz-Valckenberg S. Imaging of Therapeutic Effects of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in a Rat Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:29. [PMID: 32832234 PMCID: PMC7414645 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.7.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as a high-resolution in vivo imaging modality for monitoring therapeutic response to different vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors in the rat model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Further, OCTA findings were compared with fluorescein angiography (FA) and fluorescence microscopy. Methods Laser treatment at day (D)0 was followed by intravitreal injection of aflibercept, AF564, and NaCl in dark agouti rats. Imaging with OCTA and FA was performed at D2, D7, D14, and D21. OCTA was compared to FA as well as confocal imaged flat mounts and analysis included quantification of CNV area, pixel intensity, vessel density, and number of vessel junctions. Results Within laser lesions, neovascularization were visible especially in deeper retinal layers on OCTA, but not on FA images. Using OCTA, mean CNV area (D21) at the level of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) was 0.017 mm² following aflibercept administration, 0.016 mm² following AF564 and 0.026 mm² following NaCl injection (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). Similar differences between treatment groups were determined by FA and histology, although the overall CNV area was always larger on FA due to dye leakage (P ≤ 0.0001, all layers). Conclusions Compared to FA, OCTA imaging allows for a more precise and quantitative analysis of new blood vessel formation and therapeutic response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-inhibitors, whereas it does not permit assessment of leakage. Translational Relevance These findings suggest that OCTA may be particularly useful for the investigation of new treatment targets in the animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna H Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Janine Marx
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claudine Strack
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Smith JR, Ashander LM, Ma Y, Rochet E, Furtado JM. Model Systems for Studying Mechanisms of Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2071:297-321. [PMID: 31758460 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9857-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The most common human disease caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii is ocular toxoplasmosis, which typically is manifest as recurrent attacks of necrotizing retinal inflammation with subsequent scarring. The multilayered retina contains specialized cell populations, including endothelial cells, epithelial cells, neurons and supporting cells, all of which may be involved in this condition. In vitro investigations of basic mechanisms operating in human ocular toxoplasmosis use cellular and molecular methods that are common to the study of many pathological processes, and the novel aspect of this research is the use of human retinal cell subsets. Most in vivo research on ocular toxoplasmosis is conducted in the laboratory mouse. Experimental models involve local or systemic inoculation of parasites to induce acute disease, or sequential systemic and local parasite inoculations to trigger recurrent disease. We present methods for in vitro and in vivo studies of ocular toxoplasmosis, including dissection of the human eye, and culture and infection of differentiated cell populations from the retina, as well as induction of mouse ocular toxoplasmosis by intraocular, or sequential systemic and intraocular, inoculations, and imaging of toxoplasmic retinal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine R Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Yuefang Ma
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - João M Furtado
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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10
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Li Y, Zhang W, Nguyen VP, Rosen R, Wang X, Xia X, Paulus YM. Real-time OCT guidance and multimodal imaging monitoring of subretinal injection induced choroidal neovascularization in rabbit eyes. Exp Eye Res 2019; 186:107714. [PMID: 31288022 PMCID: PMC6745701 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of vision loss that consists of abnormal growth of new blood vessels from the choroidal vasculature. High resolution in vivo imaging of animal models is essential to better elucidate and conduct research on CNV. This study evaluates a novel multimodal imaging platform combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and photoacoustic microscopy (PAM). Using real-time OCT guidance subretinal injection to induce and multimodality imaging system to monitor CNV over time in rabbit eyes. The significance of our work lies in providing the optimal setting and conditions to make use of the OCT image guided system to improve the consistency and reproducibility of experimental results in subretinal injection induced CNV model in rabbits. For the first time, this study successfully demonstrated the dual-modality PAM-OCT system, without using exogenous contrast agents, can detect and visualize CNV in the rabbit eye with high resolution. This is promising system for diagnosing and monitoring CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, NO. 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Van Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States.
| | - Rachel Rosen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States.
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, NO. 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, PR China.
| | - Yannis M Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
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11
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Luisi J, Liu W, Zhang W, Motamedi M. En-Face Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Longitudinal Monitoring of Retinal Injury. APPLIED SCIENCES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:2617. [PMID: 34671487 PMCID: PMC8525491 DOI: 10.3390/app9132617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
A customized Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) algorithm and Orthogonal OCT (en-face and B-Scans) were used for longitudinal assessment of retina murine vascular and tissue remodeling comparing photoreceptor ablation and laser-induced Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV). In the mouse model, we utilized a combined OCTA/OCT technique to image and quantify morphological and vascular features of laser lesions over time. This approach enabled us to monitor and correlate the dynamics of retina vascular and tissue remodeling as evidenced by swelling, edema, and scarring. From the OCT B-Scans, three stages of inflammatory progression were identified: the early response occurring within hours to day 3, the transition phase from 3-7 days, and the late stage of 7-21 days entering either the resolving phase or chronic phase, respectively. For the case of CNV, en-face OCTA revealed a transient non-perfusion of inner retina capillaries, specifically Deep Vascular Plexus (DVP), which corresponded to growth in lesions of a height of 200 μm or greater. Non-perfusion first occurred at 24 hours, persisted during edema and CNV formation days 7-14. In contrast, the acute inflammation induced photoreceptor damage, but no detectable alterations to the microvasculature were observed. We demonstrated that the en-face OCTA system is capable of visualizing capillary networks (~5 μm) and the corresponding tissue remodeling and growth dynamics allowing for separating acute injury from CNV. For the first time, by using OCTA we observed the presence of the 5-10 μm capillary non-perfusion present in DVP as part of CNV formation and the associated wound healing in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Luisi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Massoud Motamedi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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12
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Hughes CP, O’Flynn NM, Gatherer M, McClements ME, Scott JA, MacLaren RE, Goverdhan S, Glennie MJ, Lotery AJ. AAV2/8 Anti-angiogenic Gene Therapy Using Single-Chain Antibodies Inhibits Murine Choroidal Neovascularization. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2019; 13:86-98. [PMID: 30719487 PMCID: PMC6350388 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
While anti-angiogenic therapies for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are effective for many patients, they require multiple injections and are expensive and prone to complications. Gene therapy could be an elegant solution for this problem by providing a long-term source of anti-angiogenic proteins after a single administration. Another potential issue with current therapeutic proteins containing a fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain (such as whole antibodies like bevacizumab) is the induction of an unwanted immune response. In wet AMD, a low level of inflammation is already present, so to avoid exacerbation of disease by the therapeutic protein, we propose single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies, which lack the Fc domain, as a safer alternative. To investigate the feasibility of this, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-blocking antibodies in two formats were produced and tested in vitro and in vivo. The scFv transgene was then cloned into an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. A therapeutic effect in a mouse model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was demonstrated with antibodies in both scFv and immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) formats (p < 0.04). Importantly, the scFv anti-VEGF antibody expressed from an AAV vector also had a significant beneficial effect (p = 0.02), providing valuable preclinical data for future translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris P. Hughes
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Neil M.J. O’Flynn
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maureen Gatherer
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michelle E. McClements
- Oxford Eye Hospital and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer A. Scott
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital and Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Srinivas Goverdhan
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin J. Glennie
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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13
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Meyer JH, Larsen PP, Strack C, Harmening WM, Krohne TU, Holz FG, Schmitz-Valckenberg S. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in an animal model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2019; 184:162-171. [PMID: 31002822 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the study was to compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and conventional fluorescein angiography (FA) for quantitative analysis of the retinal and choroidal vasculature in the animal model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Therefore, Dark Agouti rats underwent argon laser photocoagulation to induce CNV at D0. In vivo imaging using combined confocal scanner laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO)-based FA and OCT-A (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed before and immediately after laser treatment as well as at day 2, 7, 14 and 21. OCT-A en-face images were compared to cSLO images obtained by conventional FA topographic uptake recorded using a series of different pre-defined focus settings. For a quantitative comparison of CNV imaging by OCT-A and FA, CNV area, vessel density, number of vessel junctions, total vessel length and number of vessel end points were analyzed. Subsequent ex vivo analyses of the CNV included immunofluorescence staining of vessels in retinal and RPE/choroidal/scleral flatmount preparations. We found, that OCT-A allowed for high-resolution non-invasive imaging of the superficial, intermediate and deep retinal capillary plexus as well as the choroidal blood vessels in rats. Compared with OCT-A, visualization of CNV progression by invasive FA was less accurate, in particular the deep vascular plexus was visualized in more detail by OCT-A. The area of neovascularization was mainly detected in the deep retinal vascular plexus, outer nuclear layer (ONL), ellipsoid zone (EZ) and the choroid. Within the laser lesions, signs of CNV formation occurred at day 7 with progression in size and number of small vessels until day 21. Due to leakage and staining effects, CNV areas appeared significantly larger in FA compared to OCT-A images (p ≤ 0.0001 for all tested layers). Vessel density, number of vessel junctions, total vessel length and number of vessel end points were significantly higher in intermediate vascular plexus (IVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) in OCT-A compared to FA images. Overall, CNV area in flatmounts was similar to OCT-A results and much smaller compared to the area of dye leakage by FA. This study demonstrates that in vivo OCT-A imaging in small animals is feasible and allows for precise analysis of the formation of new blood vessel formation in the animal model of laser-induced CNV. Given its superior axial resolution, sensitivity and non-invasiveness compared to conventional FA imaging, OCT-A opens the door for a more detailed evaluation of CNV development in such a model and, thus, enables the analysis of the response to novel therapeutic interventions in longitudinal in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna H Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Petra P Larsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claudine Strack
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Tim U Krohne
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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14
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Ding Y, Chow SH, Liu GS, Wang B, Lin TW, Hsu HY, Duff AP, Le Brun AP, Shen HH. Annexin V-containing cubosomes for targeted early detection of apoptosis in degenerative retinal tissue. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:7652-7661. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb02465k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ANX–PS–Phy cubosomes could be applied as a safe and robust drug delivery vehicle for targeting damaged, apoptotic cells in ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ding
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University
- Clayton
- Australia
| | - Seong Hoong Chow
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University
- Clayton
- Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania
- Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne
- Victoria
- Australia
| | - Bo Wang
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University
- Clayton
- Australia
| | - Tsung-Wu Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tunghai University
- Taichung City
- Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yi Hsu
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong
- Kowloon Tong
- China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong
- Shenzhen 518057
| | - Anthony P. Duff
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
- Lucas Heights
- Australia
| | - Anton P. Le Brun
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
- Lucas Heights
- Australia
| | - Hsin-Hui Shen
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University
- Clayton
- Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering
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