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Abbasi M, Gupta V, Chitranshi N, Moustardas P, Ranjbaran R, Graham SL. Molecular Mechanisms of Glaucoma Pathogenesis with Implications to Caveolin Adaptor Protein and Caveolin-Shp2 Axis. Aging Dis 2024; 15:2051-2068. [PMID: 37962455 PMCID: PMC11346403 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1012] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common retinal disorder characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, resulting in visual impairment and potential blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor, but some patients still experience disease progression despite IOP-lowering treatments. Genome-wide association studies have linked variations in the Caveolin1/2 (CAV-1/2) gene loci to glaucoma risk. Cav-1, a key protein in caveolae membrane invaginations, is involved in signaling pathways and its absence impairs retinal function. Recent research suggests that Cav-1 is implicated in modulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in retinal ganglion cells, which plays a critical role in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) health and protection against apoptosis. Understanding the interplay between these proteins could shed light on glaucoma pathogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh Abbasi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping Sweden.
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Petros Moustardas
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping Sweden.
| | - Reza Ranjbaran
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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2
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Wang J, Fan W, Liu B, Pu N, Wu H, Xue R, Li S, Song Z, Tao Y. Encapsulated cell technology: Delivering cytokines to treat posterior ocular diseases. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107159. [PMID: 38554790 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Encapsulated cell technology (ECT) is a targeted delivery method that uses the genetically engineered cells in semipermeable polymer capsules to deliver cytokines. Thus far, ECT has been extensively utilized in pharmacologic research, and shows enormous potentials in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. Due to the biological barriers within the eyeball, it is difficult to attain effective therapeutic concentration in the posterior segment through topical administration of drug molecules. Encouragingly, therapeutic cytokines provided by ECT can cross these biological barriers and achieve sustained release at the desired location. The encapsulation system uses permeable materials that allow growth factors and cytokines to diffuse efficiently into retinal tissue. Moreover, the ECT based treatment can be terminated timely when we need to retrieve the implant, which makes the therapy reversible and provides a safer alternative for intraocular gene therapy. Meanwhile, we also place special emphasis on optimizing encapsulation materials and enhancing preservation techniques to achieve the stable release of growth factors and cytokines in the eyeball. This technology holds great promise for the treatment of patients with dry AMD, RP, glaucoma and MacTel. These findings would enrich our understandings of ECT and promote its future applications in treatment of degenerative retinopathy. This review comprises articles evaluating the exactness of artificial intelligence-based formulas published from 2000 to March 2024. The papers were identified by a literature search of various databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and Web of Science).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenhui Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ning Pu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Rongyue Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zongming Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; Eye Research institute, Henan Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China; College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Eye Research institute, Henan Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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3
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Sulak R, Liu X, Smedowski A. The concept of gene therapy for glaucoma: the dream that has not come true yet. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:92-99. [PMID: 37488850 PMCID: PMC10479832 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.375319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies, despite of being a relatively new therapeutic approach, have a potential to become an important alternative to current treatment strategies in glaucoma. Since glaucoma is not considered a single gene disease, the identified goals of gene therapy would be rather to provide neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells, especially, in intraocular-pressure-independent manner. The most commonly reported type of vector for gene delivery in glaucoma studies is adeno-associated virus serotype 2 that has a high tropism to retinal ganglion cells, resulting in long-term expression and low immunogenic profile. The gene therapy studies recruit inducible and genetic animal models of optic neuropathy, like DBA/2J mice model of high-tension glaucoma and the optic nerve crush-model. Reported gene therapy-based neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells is targeting specific genes translating to growth factors (i.e., brain derived neurotrophic factor, and its receptor TrkB), regulation of apoptosis and neurodegeneration (i.e., Bcl-xl, Xiap, FAS system, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2, Digit3 and Sarm1), immunomodulation (i.e., Crry, C3 complement), modulation of neuroinflammation (i.e., erythropoietin), reduction of excitotoxicity (i.e., CamKIIα) and transcription regulation (i.e., Max, Nrf2). On the other hand, some of gene therapy studies focus on lowering intraocular pressure, by impacting genes involved in both, decreasing aqueous humor production (i.e., aquaporin 1), and increasing outflow facility (i.e., COX2, prostaglandin F2α receptor, RhoA/RhoA kinase signaling pathway, MMP1, Myocilin). The goal of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art and the direction of development of gene therapy strategies for glaucomatous neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sulak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
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4
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Feng KM, Tsung TH, Chen YH, Lu DW. The Role of Retinal Ganglion Cell Structure and Function in Glaucoma. Cells 2023; 12:2797. [PMID: 38132117 PMCID: PMC10741833 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242797] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, primarily affects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This review dives into the anatomy of RGC subtypes, covering the different underlying theoretical mechanisms that lead to RGC susceptibility in glaucoma, including mechanical, vascular, excitotoxicity, and neurotrophic factor deficiency, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, we examined numerous imaging methods and functional assessments to gain insight into RGC health. Finally, we investigated the current possible neuroprotective targets for RGCs that could help with future glaucoma research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Da-Wen Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (K.M.F.); (T.-H.T.); (Y.-H.C.)
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5
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Basavarajappa D, Galindo-Romero C, Gupta V, Agudo-Barriuso M, Gupta VB, Graham SL, Chitranshi N. Signalling pathways and cell death mechanisms in glaucoma: Insights into the molecular pathophysiology. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101216. [PMID: 37856930 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex multifactorial eye disease manifesting in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and optic nerve degeneration, ultimately causing irreversible vision loss. Research in recent years has significantly enhanced our understanding of RGC degenerative mechanisms in glaucoma. It is evident that high intraocular pressure (IOP) is not the only contributing factor to glaucoma pathogenesis. The equilibrium of pro-survival and pro-death signalling pathways in the retina strongly influences the function and survival of RGCs and optic nerve axons in glaucoma. Molecular evidence from human retinal tissue analysis and a range of experimental models of glaucoma have significantly contributed to unravelling these mechanisms. Accumulating evidence reveals a wide range of molecular signalling pathways that can operate -either alone or via intricate networks - to induce neurodegeneration. The roles of several molecules, including neurotrophins, interplay of intracellular kinases and phosphates, caveolae and adapter proteins, serine proteases and their inhibitors, nuclear receptors, amyloid beta and tau, and how their dysfunction affects retinal neurons are discussed in this review. We further underscore how anatomical alterations in various animal models exhibiting RGC degeneration and susceptibility to glaucoma-related neuronal damage have helped to characterise molecular mechanisms in glaucoma. In addition, we also present different regulated cell death pathways that play a critical role in RGC degeneration in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Experimental Ophthalmology Group, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) & Ophthalmology Department, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Experimental Ophthalmology Group, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) & Ophthalmology Department, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Veer B Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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6
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Boccaccini A, Cavaterra D, Carnevale C, Tanga L, Marini S, Bocedi A, Lacal PM, Manni G, Graziani G, Sbardella D, Tundo GR. Novel frontiers in neuroprotective therapies in glaucoma: Molecular and clinical aspects. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101225. [PMID: 38000334 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101225] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, neuroprotective therapies have attracted the researcher interests as modern and challenging approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, aimed at protecting the nervous system from injuries. Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive excavation of the optic nerve head, retinal axonal injury and corresponding vision loss that affects millions of people on a global scale. The molecular basis of the pathology is largely uncharacterized yet, and the therapeutic approaches available do not change the natural course of the disease. Therefore, in accordance with the therapeutic regimens proposed for other neurodegenerative diseases, a modern strategy to treat glaucoma includes prescription of drugs with neuroprotective activities. With respect to this, several preclinical and clinical investigations on a plethora of different drugs are currently ongoing. In this review, first, the conceptualization of the rationale for the adoption of neuroprotective strategies for retina is summarized. Second, the molecular aspects highlighting glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disease are reported. In conclusion, the molecular and pharmacological properties of most promising direct neuroprotective drugs used to delay glaucoma progression are examined, including: neurotrophic factors, NMDA receptor antagonists, the α2-adrenergic agonist, brimonidine, calcium channel blockers, antioxidant agents, nicotinamide and statins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dario Cavaterra
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Marini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n. 1, 00133, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Bocedi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro M Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Manni
- IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n. 1, 00133, Roma, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Grazia Raffaella Tundo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n. 1, 00133, Roma, Italy.
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7
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Camacho DK, Go CC, Chaqour B, Shindler KS, Ross AG. Emerging Gene Therapy Technologies for Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:330-340. [PMID: 37440418 PMCID: PMC10527513 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Optic neuropathies encompass a breadth of diseases that ultimately result in dysfunction and/or loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Although visual impairment from optic neuropathies is common, there is a lack of effective clinical treatments. Addressing a critical need for novel interventions, preclinical studies have been generating a growing body of evidence that identify promising new drug-based and cell-based therapies. Gene therapy is another emerging therapeutic field that offers the potential of specifically and robustly increasing long-term RGC survival in optic neuropathies. Gene therapy offers additional benefits of driving improvements following a single treatment administration, and it can be designed to target a variety of pathways that may be involved in individual optic neuropathies or across multiple etiologies. This review explores the history of gene therapy, the fundamentals of its application, and the emerging development of gene therapy technology as it relates to treatment of optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K. Camacho
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Cammille C. Go
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Brahim Chaqour
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kenneth S. Shindler
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ahmara G. Ross
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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8
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Wang F, Song Y, Liu P, Ma F, Peng Z, Pang Y, Hu H, Zeng L, Luo H, Zhang X. Rapamycin suppresses neuroinflammation and protects retinal ganglion cell loss after optic nerve crush. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110171. [PMID: 37060809 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Pyroptosis, an inflammasome-mediated mode of death, plays an important role in glaucoma. It has been shown that regulating the mTOR pathway can inhibit pyroptosis. Unfortunately, whether rapamycin (RAPA), a specific inhibitor of the mTOR pathway, can inhibit optic nerve crush (ONC)-induced pyroptosis to protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) has not been investigated. Our research aimed to confirm the effect of intravitreal injection of RAPA on RGCs. Furthermore, we used the ONC model to explore the underlying mechanisms. First, we observed that intravitreal injection of RAPA alleviated RGC damage induced by various types of injury. We then used the ONC model to further explore the potential mechanism of RAPA. Mechanistically, RAPA not only reduced the activation of glial cells in the retina but also inhibited retinal pyroptosis-induced expression of inflammatory factors such as nucleotide-binding oligomeric domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speckle-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), N-terminal of gasdermin-D (GSDMD-N), IL-18 and IL-1β. Moreover, RAPA exerted protective effects on RGC axons, possibly by inhibiting glial activation and regulating the mTOR/ROCK pathway. Therefore, this study demonstrates a novel mechanism by which RAPA protects against glaucoma and provides further evidence for its application in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Wang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Yuning Song
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Peiyu Liu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Fangli Ma
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Zhida Peng
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Yulian Pang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Haijian Hu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Hongdou Luo
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
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9
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Van Hook MJ. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a regulator of synaptic transmission in the adult visual thalamus. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:1267-1277. [PMID: 36224192 PMCID: PMC9662800 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00540.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important regulator of circuit development, neuronal survival, and plasticity throughout the nervous system. In the visual system, BDNF is produced by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and transported along their axons to central targets. Within the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), a key RGC projection target for conscious vision, the BDNF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) is present on RGC axon terminals and postsynaptic thalamocortical (TC) relay neuron dendrites. Based on this, the goal of this study was to determine how BDNF modulates the conveyance of signals through the retinogeniculate (RG) pathway of adult mice. Application of BDNF to dLGN brain slices increased TC neuron spiking evoked by optogenetic stimulation of RGC axons. There was a modest contribution to this effect from a BDNF-dependent enhancement of TC neuron intrinsic excitability including increased input resistance and membrane depolarization. BDNF also increased evoked vesicle release from RGC axon terminals, as evidenced by increased amplitude of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), which was blocked by inhibition of TrkB or phospholipase C. High-frequency stimulation revealed that BDNF increased synaptic vesicle pool size, release probability, and replenishment rate. There was no effect of BDNF on EPSC amplitude or short-term plasticity of corticothalamic feedback synapses. Thus, BDNF regulates RG synapses by both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. These findings suggest that BNDF influences the flow of visual information through the retinogeniculate pathway.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important regulator of neuronal development and plasticity. In the visual system, BDNF is transported along retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons to the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), although it is not known how it influences mature dLGN function. Here, BDNF enhanced thalamocortical relay neuron responses to signals arising from RGC axons in the dLGN, pointing toward an important role for BDNF in processing signals en route to the visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Van Hook
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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10
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Wu Y, Hu Y, Jiang N, Anantharanjit R, Yetisen AK, Cordeiro MF. Quantitative brain-derived neurotrophic factor lateral flow assay for point-of-care detection of glaucoma. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3521-3532. [PMID: 35979801 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00431c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma, a ruinous group of eye diseases with progressive degeneration of the optic nerve and vision loss, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Accurate and timely diagnosis of glaucoma is critical to promote secondary prevention and early disease-modifying therapies. Reliable, cheap, and rapid tests for measuring disease activities are highly required. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in maintaining the function and survival of the central nervous system. Decreased BDNF levels in tear fluid can be seen in glaucoma patients, which indicates that BDNF can be regarded as a novel biomarker for glaucoma. Conventional ELISA is the standard method to measure the BDNF level, but the multi-step operation and strict storage conditions limit its usage in point-of-care settings. Herein, a one-step and a portable glaucoma detection method was developed based on the lateral flow assay (LFA) to quantify the BDNF concentration in artificial tear fluids. The results of the LFA were analyzed by using a portable and low-cost system consisting of a smartphone camera and a dark readout box fabricated by 3D printing. The concentration of BDNF was quantified by analyzing the colorimetric intensity of the test line and the control line. This assay yields reliable quantitative results from 25 to 300 pg mL-1 with an experimental detection limit of 14.12 pg mL-1. The LFA shows a high selectivity for BDNF and high stability in different pH environments. It can be readily adapted for sensitive and quantitative testing of BDNF in a point-of-care setting. The BDNF LFA strip shows it has great potential to be used in early glaucoma detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
| | - Yubing Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
| | - Nan Jiang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rajeevan Anantharanjit
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ali K Yetisen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
- The Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHNT), London, UK
- Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegeneration Group, Department of Visual Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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11
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Claes M, Geeraerts E, Plaisance S, Mentens S, Van den Haute C, De Groef L, Arckens L, Moons L. Chronic Chemogenetic Activation of the Superior Colliculus in Glaucomatous Mice: Local and Retrograde Molecular Signature. Cells 2022; 11:1784. [PMID: 35681479 PMCID: PMC9179903 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One important facet of glaucoma pathophysiology is axonal damage, which ultimately disrupts the connection between the retina and its postsynaptic brain targets. The concurrent loss of retrograde support interferes with the functionality and survival of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Previous research has shown that stimulation of neuronal activity in a primary retinal target area-i.e., the superior colliculus-promotes RGC survival in an acute mouse model of glaucoma. To build further on this observation, we applied repeated chemogenetics in the superior colliculus of a more chronic murine glaucoma model-i.e., the microbead occlusion model-and performed bulk RNA sequencing on collicular lysates and isolated RGCs. Our study revealed that chronic target stimulation upon glaucomatous injury phenocopies the a priori expected molecular response: growth factors were pinpointed as essential transcriptional regulators both in the locally stimulated tissue and in distant, unstimulated RGCs. Strikingly, and although the RGC transcriptome revealed a partial reversal of the glaucomatous signature and an enrichment of pro-survival signaling pathways, functional rescue of injured RGCs was not achieved. By postulating various explanations for the lack of RGC neuroprotection, we aim to warrant researchers and drug developers for the complexity of chronic neuromodulation and growth factor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Claes
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.C.); (E.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Emiel Geeraerts
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.C.); (E.G.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Stephanie Mentens
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.C.); (E.G.); (S.M.)
- Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Chris Van den Haute
- Neurobiology and Gene Therapy Research Group, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- KU Leuven Viral Vector Core, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Cellular Communication and Neurodegeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Lut Arckens
- Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.C.); (E.G.); (S.M.)
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12
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Lambuk L, Mohd Lazaldin MA, Ahmad S, Iezhitsa I, Agarwal R, Uskoković V, Mohamud R. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Mediated Neuroprotection in Glaucoma: A Review of Current State of the Art. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875662. [PMID: 35668928 PMCID: PMC9163364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are neurons of the visual system that are responsible for transmitting signals from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve. Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by apoptotic loss of RGCs and degeneration of optic nerve fibers. Risk factors such as elevated intraocular pressure and vascular dysregulation trigger the injury that culminates in RGC apoptosis. In the event of injury, the survival of RGCs is facilitated by neurotrophic factors (NTFs), the most widely studied of which is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Its production is regulated locally in the retina, but transport of BDNF retrogradely from the brain to retina is also crucial. Not only that the interruption of this retrograde transport has been detected in the early stages of glaucoma, but significantly low levels of BDNF have also been detected in the sera and ocular fluids of glaucoma patients, supporting the notion that neurotrophic deprivation is a likely mechanism of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Moreover, exogenous NTF including BDNF administration was shown reduce neuronal loss in animal models of various neurodegenerative diseases, indicating the possibility that exogenous BDNF may be a treatment option in glaucoma. Current literature provides an extensive insight not only into the sources, transport, and target sites of BDNF but also the intracellular signaling pathways, other pathways that influence BDNF signaling and a wide range of its functions. In this review, the authors discuss the neuroprotective role of BDNF in promoting the survival of RGCs and its possible application as a therapeutic tool to meet the challenges in glaucoma management. We also highlight the possibility of using BDNF as a biomarker in neurodegenerative disease such as glaucoma. Further we discuss the challenges and future strategies to explore the utility of BDNF in the management of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidawani Lambuk
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | | | - Suhana Ahmad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Igor Iezhitsa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology and Bioinformatics, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vuk Uskoković
- TardigradeNano LLC, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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13
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Gupta V, Chitranshi N, Gupta V, You Y, Rajput R, Paulo JA, Mirzaei M, van den Buuse M, Graham SL. TrkB receptor agonist 7,8 dihydroxyflavone is protective against the inner retinal deficits induced by experimental glaucoma. Neuroscience 2022; 490:36-48. [PMID: 35217121 PMCID: PMC9142859 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and excavation of the optic nerve head (ONH). It is associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) and progressive decline in the visual field. Reduction in the retrograde axonal transport of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from the brain to the neuronal cell bodies in retina, has been suggested as one of the key mechanisms underlying selective degeneration of ganglion cells and optic nerve in glaucoma. Multiple studies have indicated that BDNF and its high affinity receptor Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) play crucial roles in survival of RGCs and that upregulating BDNF/TrkB signalling using gene therapy can protect the ganglion cells against degeneration. This study corroborates previous findings and demonstrates that glaucoma is associated with downregulation of TrkB downstream signalling and enhanced levels of amyloid β (Aβ 1-42) accumulation in the retina. 7,8 dihydroxyflavone (7,8 DHF) is a TrkB agonist and regular administration of this compound imparted significant protection against loss of GCL density and preserved inner retinal function in experimental glaucoma models. 7,8 DHF treatment stimulated activation of TrkB intracellular signalling as well as ameliorated the increase in the levels of soluble Aβ (1-42) in the retinas of rats and mice exposed to high IOP. The protective effects of 7,8 DHF were also evident in BDNF+/- mice indicating that TrkB agonist mediated activation of TrkB signalling was not altered upon BDNF allelic impairment. These data support BDNF/TrkB axis as a promising therapeutic target in glaucoma and highlight that the detrimental effects of high IOP exposure can be compensated by the exogenous administration of a TrkB agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Gupta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie university, NSW, Australia.
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie university, NSW, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie university, NSW, Australia; Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie university, NSW, Australia
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie university, NSW, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie university, NSW, Australia; Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Ou K, Li Y, Liu L, Li H, Cox K, Wu J, Liu J, Dick AD. Recent developments of neuroprotective agents for degenerative retinal disorders. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1919-1928. [PMID: 35142668 PMCID: PMC8848613 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a debilitating ocular complication characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors and other retinal neurons, which are caused by a group of retinal diseases affecting various age groups, and increasingly prevalent in the elderly. Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are among the most common complex degenerative retinal disorders, posing significant public health problems worldwide largely due to the aging society and the lack of effective therapeutics. Whilst pathoetiologies vary, if left untreated, loss of retinal neurons can result in an acquired degeneration and ultimately severe visual impairment. Irrespective of underlined etiology, loss of neurons and supporting cells including retinal pigment epithelium, microvascular endothelium, and glia, converges as the common endpoint of retinal degeneration and therefore discovery or repurposing of therapies to protect retinal neurons directly or indirectly are under intensive investigation. This review overviews recent developments of potential neuroprotectants including neuropeptides, exosomes, mitochondrial-derived peptides, complement inhibitors, senolytics, autophagy enhancers and antioxidants either still experimentally or in clinical trials. Effective treatments that possess direct or indirect neuroprotective properties would significantly lift the burden of visual handicap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kepeng Ou
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China; Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Youjian Li
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China; Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Katherine Cox
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew D Dick
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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15
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Erichev VP, Khachatryan GK, Khomchik OV. [Current trends in studying pathogenesis of glaucoma]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:268-274. [PMID: 34669337 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2021137052268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative disorders comprising one of the main causes of irreversible blindness. Glaucoma-related blindness is a globally relevant problem. By now, many aspects of glaucoma pathogenesis have been studied: impact of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) on the development of optic neuropathy, ischemia and reperfusion of the retina, most of the direct mechanisms of neuronal death (excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, etc). However, the only effective glaucoma treatment is lowering the IOP, while early glaucoma diagnosis is based on determining structural and functional retinal defects. Therefore, it is important to emphasize further research on the insufficiently studied aspects of glaucoma pathogenesis - such as neuroinflammation, translaminar pressure, genetic factors, association of glaucomatous damage with changes in the brain, mitochondrial pathologies, and others. The article reviews the most perspective directions in research of the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Erichev
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - O V Khomchik
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
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16
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MMP2 Modulates Inflammatory Response during Axonal Regeneration in the Murine Visual System. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071672. [PMID: 34359839 PMCID: PMC8307586 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been put forward as a mechanism triggering axonal regrowth in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), yet little is known about the underlying cellular and molecular players connecting these two processes. In this study, we provide evidence that MMP2 is an essential factor linking inflammation to axonal regeneration by using an in vivo mouse model of inflammation-induced axonal regeneration in the optic nerve. We show that infiltrating myeloid cells abundantly express MMP2 and that MMP2 deficiency results in reduced long-distance axonal regeneration. However, this phenotype can be rescued by restoring MMP2 expression in myeloid cells via a heterologous bone marrow transplantation. Furthermore, while MMP2 deficiency does not affect the number of infiltrating myeloid cells, it does determine the coordinated expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. Altogether, in addition to its role in axonal regeneration via resolution of the glial scar, here, we reveal a new mechanism via which MMP2 facilitates axonal regeneration, namely orchestrating the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules by infiltrating innate immune cells.
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17
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Abdollahi H, Edalatmanesh MA, Hosseini E, Foroozanfar M. The Effects of Hesperidin on BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway and Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Cerebral Cortex of the Utero-placental Insufficiency Fetal Rat Model. Basic Clin Neurosci 2021; 12:511-522. [PMID: 35154591 PMCID: PMC8817181 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.2021.2187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) produces critical neurodevelopmental problems affecting the Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) in offspring. This study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective roles of Hesperidin (Hes) on the fetal cerebral cortex of the UPI rat model. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 pregnant Wistar rats (age: ∼40 days, Mean±SD weight: 180±10 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n= 8/group). The study groups included control (normal saline, orally), UPI+NS (uterine vessel ligation+normal saline, orally), UPI+HES25, UPI+HES50, and UPI+HES100 (uterine vessel ligation+25, 50 and 100 mg/kg Hes, orally). After being anesthetized by ketamine and xylazine, UPI was induced by permanent bilateral closure of the uterine vessels on Gestation Day (GD) 18. From GD15, the Hes/NS-treated groups received Hes/normal saline until GD21. On GD21, the uterus, placenta, and fetus were dissected out and weighed. The oxidative stress parameters, including Catalase (CAT) activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured in the fetal cerebral cortex. The expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase B (TrkB) was assessed by RT qPCR methods. The obtained data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: The present study findings identified a significant difference in the uterine and fetus weight in Hes-treated mothers (P< 0.05). In the fetus, Hes reduced MDA, and increased CAT activity and TAC (P<0.001 in the UPI+Hes100 group, compared to the UPI+NS group). UPI reduced BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression, compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, Significant increases in BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression were observed after administrating Hes in the fetal cerebral cortex of the UPI rat model, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hes, as a neuroprotective and antioxidant agent, accelerates BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway and suppresses oxidative stress parameters in the cerebral cortex of the UPI rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Abdollahi
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Ebrahim Hosseini
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Foroozanfar
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
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18
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New perspectives of immunomodulation and neuroprotection in glaucoma. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:105-110. [PMID: 33897291 PMCID: PMC8056344 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.104329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the neurodegenerative disease of retinal ganglion cells. The main risk factor for glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure. The processes leading to cell death due to presence of the injury factor comprise multiple molecular mechanisms, as well as the immunological response. The knowledge of immunological mechanisms occurring in glaucomatous degeneration makes it possible to introduce glaucoma treatment modulating the cellular degradation. The glaucoma treatment of the future will make it possible not only to lower the intraocular pressure, but also to moderate the intracellular mechanisms in order to prevent retinal cell degeneration. Citicoline is a drug modulating glutamate excitotoxicity that is already in use. Rho kinase inhibitors were found to stimulate neurite growth and axon regeneration apart from lowering intraocular pressure. The complementary action of brimonidine is to increase neurotrophic factor (NTF) concentrations and inhibit glutamate toxicity. Immunomodulatory therapies with antibodies and gene therapies show promising effects in the current studies. The supplementation of NTFs prevents glaucomatous damage. Resveratrol and other antioxidants inhibit reactive oxygen species formation. Cell transplantation of stem cells, Schwann cells and nerve extracts was reported to be successful so far. Our review presents the most promising new strategies of neuroprotection and immunomodulation in glaucoma.
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19
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Abstract
The prognosis of going blind is very stressful for patients diagnosed with "glaucoma". Worries and fear of losing independence is a constant mental burden, with secondary risks of depression and social isolation. But stress is not only a result of glaucoma but also a possible cause (risk factor). This should not be surprising, given that chronic stress can trigger "psychosomatic" organ dysfunctions anywhere in the body. Why should the organ "eye" be an exception? Indeed, glaucoma patients often suspect that severe emotional stress caused their visual field loss or "foggy vision". The hypothesis that stress is a possible cause of glaucoma is supported by different observations: (i) acute and chronic stress increases intraocular pressure and (ii) long-term stress can lead to vascular dysregulation of the microcirculation in the eye and brain ("Flammer's syndrome"), leading to partial hypoxia and hypoglycaemia (hypo-metabolism). Even if nerve cells do not die, they may then become inactive ("silent" neurons). (iii) Degenerative changes have been reported in the brain of glaucoma patients, affecting not only anterograde or transsynaptic areas of the central visual pathway, but degeneration is also found (iv) in brain areas involved in emotional appraisal and the physiological regulation of stress hormones. There are also psychological hints indicating that stress is a cause of glaucoma: (v) Glaucoma patients with Flammer's syndrome show typical personality traits that are associated with low stress resilience: they often have cold hands or feet, are ambitious (professionally successful), perfectionistic, obsessive, brooding and worrying a lot. (vi) If stress hormone levels and inflammation parameters are reduced in glaucoma patients by relaxation with meditation, this correlates with normalisation of intraocular pressure, and yet another clue is that (vii) visual field improvements after non-invasive current stimulation therapy, that are known to improve circulation and neuronal synchronisation, are much most effective in patients with stress resilient personalities. An appreciation of stress as a "cause" of glaucoma suggests that in addition to standard therapy (i) stress reduction through relaxation techniques should be recommended (e.g. meditation), and (ii) self-medication compliance should not be induced by kindling anxiety and worries with negative communication ("You will go blind!"), but communication should be positive ("The prognosis is optimistic").
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard A Sabel
- Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Deutschland
| | - Luisa Lehnigk
- Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Deutschland
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20
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Van Hook MJ, Monaco C, Bierlein ER, Smith JC. Neuronal and Synaptic Plasticity in the Visual Thalamus in Mouse Models of Glaucoma. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:626056. [PMID: 33584206 PMCID: PMC7873902 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.626056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic plasticity plays important role in regulating synaptic and intrinsic neuronal function to stabilize output following perturbations to circuit activity. In glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease of the visual system commonly associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the early disease is associated with altered synaptic inputs to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), changes in RGC intrinsic excitability, and deficits in optic nerve transport and energy metabolism. These early functional changes can precede RGC degeneration and are likely to alter RGC outputs to their target structures in the brain and thereby trigger homeostatic changes in synaptic and neuronal properties in those brain regions. In this study, we sought to determine whether and how neuronal and synaptic function is altered in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), an important RGC projection target in the thalamus, and how functional changes related to IOP. We accomplished this using patch-clamp recordings from thalamocortical (TC) relay neurons in the dLGN in two established mouse models of glaucoma—the DBA/2J (D2) genetic mouse model and an inducible glaucoma model with intracameral microbead injections to elevate IOP. We found that the intrinsic excitability of TC neurons was enhanced in D2 mice and these functional changes were mirrored in recordings of TC neurons from microbead-injected mice. Notably, many neuronal properties were correlated with IOP in older D2 mice, when IOP rises. The frequency of miniature excitatory synaptic currents (mEPSCs) was reduced in 9-month-old D2 mice, and vGlut2 staining of RGC synaptic terminals was reduced in an IOP-dependent manner. These data suggest that glaucoma-associated changes to neuronal excitability and synaptic inputs in the dLGN might represent a combination of both stabilizing/homeostatic plasticity and pathological dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Van Hook
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Corrine Monaco
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Elizabeth R Bierlein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jennie C Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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21
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Xia M, Zhao T, Wang X, Li Y, Li Y, Zheng T, Li J, Feng Y, Wei Y, Sun P. Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Applications through Nanosystem Delivery. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:137-151. [PMID: 35194435 PMCID: PMC8842625 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2021.115705.15484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that performs a neurotrophic function. BDNF and its receptors are widely expressed in the nervous system and can promote the growth of neurons and the formation of neuronal synapses in the brain. Studies have shown that a lack of BDNF can lead to impairment of memory and cognitive functions, indicating that BDNF plays an important role in mental illness and neurodegenerative diseases. The combination of stem cells and BDNF-releasing nanomaterials holds great promise in regenerative medicine, especially in the treatment of neurological diseases. For example, Alzheimer's disease, depression, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, etc. The combination of stem cell/pharmacologically active carrier and BDNF-nano/hydrogel provided a useful new type of local delivery tool for the treatment of the nervous system and other diseases. It can not only provide BDNF but also stem cells. These studies will provide a scientific basis for the development and application of BDNF in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Center for Foreign Language Translation, College of Foreign Languages, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan250355, China.
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Innovation Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Drug Design, College of Intelligence and Information Engineering, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China.
| | - Yongli Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250014, China.,Corresponding author:E-mail: ,
| | - Peng Sun
- Innovation Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan 250355, China. ,Corresponding author:E-mail: ,
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22
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Harper MM, Boese EA, Kardon RH, Ledolter J, Kuehn MH. High Correlation between Glaucoma Treatment with Topical Prostaglandin Analogs and BDNF Immunoreactivity in Human Retina. Curr Eye Res 2020; 46:739-745. [PMID: 32985274 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1822417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase receptor-B (TrkB), in normal and glaucomatous human retinas. METHODS Human retinas were collected from 8 donors who had been clinically diagnosed and treated for glaucoma, and from 9 control donors. Immunohistochemical analysis for BDNF and TrkB was performed. The percent of each retina expressing BDNF and TrkB was quantified for the total retinal thickness, and separately for the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) complex + retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). The expression of each protein was correlated with clinical outcomes obtained from the subject's ocular histories. RESULTS There was no significant difference in BDNF or TrkB expression when comparing glaucomatous and control retinas. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between BDNF expression and the use of prostaglandin analogs. TrkB expression was highly correlated with the last-measured intraocular pressure (IOP), the use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, the use of beta blockers, and the total number of drugs used for the treatment of glaucoma. CONCLUSION Topical drugs used to treat glaucoma were associated with an increase in retinal BDNF and TrkB expression in human retina, independent of IOP, which may represent molecular evidence of neuroprotective pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Harper
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Erin A Boese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Randy H Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Johannes Ledolter
- Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.,The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Veterans Administration Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
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23
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Wójcik-Gryciuk A, Gajewska-Woźniak O, Kordecka K, Boguszewski PM, Waleszczyk W, Skup M. Neuroprotection of Retinal Ganglion Cells with AAV2-BDNF Pretreatment Restoring Normal TrkB Receptor Protein Levels in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176262. [PMID: 32872441 PMCID: PMC7504711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by injection of recombinant protein or by gene therapy can alleviate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss after optic nerve injury (ONI) or laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). In models of glaucoma, BDNF therapy can delay or halt RGCs loss, but this protection is time-limited. The decreased efficacy of BDNF supplementation has been in part attributed to BDNF TrkB receptor downregulation. However, whether BDNF overexpression causes TrkB downregulation, impairing long-term BDNF signaling in the retina, has not been conclusively proven. After ONI or OHT, when increased retinal BDNF was detected, a concomitant increase, no change or a decrease in TrkB was reported. We examined quantitatively the retinal concentrations of the TrkB protein in relation to BDNF, in a course of adeno-associated viral vector gene therapy (AAV2-BDNF), using a microbead trabecular occlusion model of glaucoma. We show that unilateral glaucoma, with intraocular pressure ( IOP) increased for five weeks, leads to a bilateral decrease of BDNF in the retina at six weeks, accompanied by up to four-fold TrkB upregulation, while a moderate BDNF overexpression in a glaucomatous eye triggers changes that restore normal TrkB concentrations, driving signaling towards long-term RGCs neuroprotection. We conclude that for glaucoma therapy, the careful selection of the appropriate BDNF concentration is the main factor securing the long-term responsiveness of RGCs and the maintenance of normal TrkB levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wójcik-Gryciuk
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Vision, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-G.); (K.K.); (W.W.)
- Mediq Clinic, 05-120 Legionowo, Poland
| | - Olga Gajewska-Woźniak
- Group of Restorative Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Kordecka
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Vision, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-G.); (K.K.); (W.W.)
| | - Paweł M. Boguszewski
- Laboratory of Behavioral Methods, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Wioletta Waleszczyk
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Vision, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-G.); (K.K.); (W.W.)
| | - Małgorzata Skup
- Group of Restorative Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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24
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Zhan Z, Wu Y, Liu Z, Quan Y, Li D, Huang Y, Yang S, Wu K, Huang L, Yu M. Reduced Dendritic Spines in the Visual Cortex Contralateral to the Optic Nerve Crush Eye in Adult Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:55. [PMID: 32866269 PMCID: PMC7463183 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine alteration of dendritic spines and associated changes in the primary visual cortex (V1 region) related to unilateral optic nerve crush (ONC) in adult mice. Methods Adult unilateral ONC mice were established. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Visual function was estimated by flash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs). Dendritic spines were observed in the V1 region contralateral to the ONC eye by two-photon imaging in vivo. The neurons, reactive astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and activated microglia were assessed by NeuN, glial fibrillary acidic protein, CNPase, and CD68 in immunohistochemistry, respectively. Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and the markers in TrkB trafficking were estimated using western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation. Transmission electron microscopy and western blotting were used to evaluate autophagy. Results The amplitude and latency of FVEPs were decreased and delayed at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after ONC, and RNFL thickness was decreased at 2 and 4 weeks after ONC. Dendritic spines were reduced in the V1 region contralateral to the ONC eye at 2, 3, and 4 weeks after ONC, with an unchanged number of neurons. Reactive astrocyte staining was increased at 2 and 4 weeks after ONC, but oligodendrocyte and activated microglia staining remained unchanged. TrkB was reduced with changes in the major trafficking proteins, and enhanced autophagy was observed in the V1 region contralateral to the ONC eye. Conclusions Dendritic spines were reduced in the V1 region contralateral to the ONC eye in adult mice. Reactive astrocytes and decreased TrkB may be associated with the reduced dendritic spines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yali Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zitian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yadan Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Deling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shana Yang
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lianyan Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minbin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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25
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Andries L, De Groef L, Moons L. Neuroinflammation and Optic Nerve Regeneration: Where Do We Stand in Elucidating Underlying Cellular and Molecular Players? Curr Eye Res 2019; 45:397-409. [PMID: 31567007 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1669664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system (CNS) trauma are highly irreversible, in part because adult mammals lack a robust regenerative capacity. A multifactorial problem underlies the limited axonal regeneration potential. Strikingly, neuroinflammation seems able to induce axonal regrowth in the adult mammalian CNS. It is increasingly clear that both blood-borne and resident inflammatory cells as well as reactivated glial cells affect axonal regeneration. The scope of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of the knowledge that links inflammation (with a focus on the innate immune system) to axonal regeneration and to critically reflect on the controversy that still prevails about the cells, molecules and pathways that are dominating the scene. Also, a brief overview is given of what is already known about the crosstalk between and the heterogeneity of cell types that might play a role in axonal regeneration. Recent research indicates that inflammation-induced axonal regrowth is not solely driven by a single-cell population but probably relies on the crosstalk between multiple cell types and the strong regulation of these cell populations in time and space. Moreover, there is growing evidence that the different cell populations are highly heterogeneous and as such can react differently upon injury. This could explain the controversial results that have been obtained over the past years. The primary focus of this manuscript is the retinofugal system of adult mammals, however, when relevant, insights or examples of the spontaneous regenerating zebrafish model and spinal cord research are added.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Andries
- Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Department of Biology, Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Bhandari A, Smith JC, Zhang Y, Jensen AA, Reid L, Goeser T, Fan S, Ghate D, Van Hook MJ. Early-Stage Ocular Hypertension Alters Retinal Ganglion Cell Synaptic Transmission in the Visual Thalamus. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:426. [PMID: 31607867 PMCID: PMC6761307 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonopathy is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases including glaucoma, where elevated intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension, OHT) stresses retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons as they exit the eye and form the optic nerve. OHT causes early changes in the optic nerve such as axon atrophy, transport inhibition, and gliosis. Importantly, many of these changes appear to occur prior to irreversible neuronal loss, making them promising points for early diagnosis of glaucoma. It is unknown whether OHT has similarly early effects on the function of RGC output to the brain. To test this possibility, we elevated eye pressure in mice by anterior chamber injection of polystyrene microbeads. Five weeks post-injection, bead-injected eyes showed a modest RGC loss in the peripheral retina, as evidenced by RBPMS antibody staining. Additionally, we observed reduced dendritic complexity and lower spontaneous spike rate of On-αRGCs, targeted for patch clamp recording and dye filling using a Opn4-Cre reporter mouse line. To determine the influence of OHT on retinal projections to the brain, we expressed Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in melanopsin-expressing RGCs by crossing the Opn4-Cre mouse line with a ChR2-reporter mouse line and recorded post-synaptic responses in thalamocortical relay neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus evoked by stimulation with 460 nm light. The use of a Opn4-Cre reporter system allowed for expression of ChR2 in a narrow subset of RGCs responsible for image-forming vision in mice. Five weeks following OHT induction, paired pulse and high-frequency stimulus train experiments revealed that presynaptic vesicle release probability at retinogeniculate synapses was elevated. Additionally, miniature synaptic current frequency was slightly reduced in brain slices from OHT mice and proximal dendrites of post-synaptic dLGN relay neurons, assessed using a Sholl analysis, showed a reduced complexity. Strikingly, these changes occurred prior to major loss of RGCs labeled with the Opn4-Cre mouse, as indicated by immunofluorescence staining of ChR2-expressing retinal neurons. Thus, OHT leads to pre- and post-synaptic functional and structural changes at retinogeniculate synapses. Along with RGC dendritic remodeling and optic nerve transport changes, these retinogeniculate synaptic changes are among the earliest signs of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Bhandari
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jennie C Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Aaron A Jensen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Lisa Reid
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Toni Goeser
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Shan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Deepta Ghate
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Matthew J Van Hook
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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27
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Claes M, De Groef L, Moons L. Target-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deprivation Puts Retinal Ganglion Cells on Death Row: Cold Hard Evidence and Caveats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4314. [PMID: 31484425 PMCID: PMC6747494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies are characterized by axonal transport deficits. Axonal cargo travels back and forth between the soma and the axon terminus, a mechanism ensuring homeostasis and the viability of a neuron. An example of vital molecules in the axonal cargo are neurotrophic factors (NTFs). Hindered retrograde transport can cause a scarcity of those factors in the retina, which in turn can tilt the fate of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) towards apoptosis. This postulation is one of the most widely recognized theories to explain RGC death in the disease progression of glaucoma and is known as the NTF deprivation theory. For several decades, research has been focused on the use of NTFs as a novel neuroprotective glaucoma treatment. Until now, results in animal models have been promising, but translation to the clinic has been highly disappointing. Are we lacking important knowledge to lever NTF therapies towards the therapeutic armamentarium? Or did we get the wrong end of the stick regarding the NTF deprivation theory? In this review, we will tackle the existing evidence and caveats advocating for and against the target-derived NTF deprivation theory in glaucoma, whilst digging into associated therapy efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Claes
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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28
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Geeraerts E, Claes M, Dekeyster E, Salinas-Navarro M, De Groef L, Van den Haute C, Scheyltjens I, Baekelandt V, Arckens L, Moons L. Optogenetic Stimulation of the Superior Colliculus Confers Retinal Neuroprotection in a Mouse Glaucoma Model. J Neurosci 2019; 39:2313-2325. [PMID: 30655352 PMCID: PMC6433760 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0872-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eye, which ultimately results in visual impairment or even blindness. Because current therapies often fail to halt disease progression, there is an unmet need for novel neuroprotective therapies to support RGC survival. Various research lines suggest that visual target centers in the brain support RGC functioning and survival. Here, we explored whether increasing neuronal activity in one of these projection areas could improve survival of RGCs in a mouse glaucoma model. Prolonged activation of an important murine RGC target area, the superior colliculus (SC), was established via a novel optogenetic stimulation paradigm. By leveraging the unique channel kinetics of the stabilized step function opsin (SSFO), protracted stimulation of the SC was achieved with only a brief light pulse. SSFO-mediated collicular stimulation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for the immediate-early gene c-Fos and behavioral tracking, which both demonstrated consistent neuronal activity upon repeated stimulation. Finally, the neuroprotective potential of optogenetic collicular stimulation was investigated in mice of either sex subjected to a glaucoma model and a 63% reduction in RGC loss was found. This work describes a new paradigm for optogenetic collicular stimulation and a first demonstration that increasing target neuron activity can increase survival of the projecting neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite glaucoma being a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide, no curative therapies exist. This study describes a novel paradigm to reduce retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration underlying glaucoma. Building on previous observations that RGC survival is supported by the target neurons to which they project and using an innovative optogenetic approach, we increased neuronal activity in the mouse superior colliculus, a main projection target of rodent RGCs. This proved to be efficient in reducing RGC loss in a glaucoma model. Our findings establish a new optogenetic paradigm for target stimulation and encourage further exploration of the molecular signaling pathways mediating retrograde neuroprotective communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel Geeraerts
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Claes
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Dekeyster
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Van den Haute
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Viral Vector Core Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium, and
| | - Isabelle Scheyltjens
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology; KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology; KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium,
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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29
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Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Intraocular Pressure, Lowers Stress Biomarkers and Modulates Gene Expression in Glaucoma. J Glaucoma 2018; 27:1061-1067. [DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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30
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Shen J, Xiao R, Bair J, Wang F, Vandenberghe LH, Dartt D, Baranov P, Ng YSE. Novel engineered, membrane-localized variants of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protect retinal ganglion cells: a proof-of-concept study. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1018. [PMID: 30282966 PMCID: PMC6170416 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) can protect retinal ganglion cells (RGC) from stress-induced cell death in ocular hypertensive glaucoma. To exploit the neuroprotective function of VEGF-A for therapeutic application in ocular disorders such as glaucoma while minimizing unwanted vascular side effects, we engineered two novel VEGF variants, eVEGF-38 and eVEGF-53. These variants of the diffusible VEGF-A isoform VEGF121 are expressed as dimeric concatamers and remain tethered to the cell membrane, thus restricting the effects of the engineered VEGF to the cells expressing the protein. For comparison, we tested a Myc-tagged version of VEGF189, an isoform that binds tightly to the extracellular matrix and heparan sulfate proteoglycans at the cell surface, supporting only autocrine and localized juxtacrine signaling. In human retinal endothelial cells (hREC), expression of eVEGF-38, eVEGF-53, or VEGF189 increased VEGFR2 phosphorylation without increasing expression of pro-inflammatory markers, relative to VEGF165 protein and vector controls. AAV2-mediated transduction of eVEGF-38, eVEGF-53, or VEGF189 into primary mouse RGC promoted synaptogenesis and increased the average total length of neurites and axons per RGC by ~ 12-fold, an increase that was mediated by VEGFR2 and PI3K/AKT signaling. Expression of eVEGF-38 in primary RGC enhanced expression of genes associated with neuritogenesis, axon outgrowth, axon guidance, and cell survival. Transduction of primary RGC with any of the membrane-associated VEGF constructs increased survival both under normal culture conditions and in the presence of the cytotoxic chemicals H2O2 (via VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT signaling) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (via reduced Ca2+ influx). Moreover, RGC number was increased in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoid cultures transduced with the eVEGF-53 construct. The novel, engineered VEGF variants eVEGF-38 and eVEGF-53 show promise as potential therapeutics for retinal RGC neuroprotection when delivered using a gene therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Shen
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Eye Center of the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ru Xiao
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bair
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Ocular Genomics Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Darlene Dartt
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yin Shan Eric Ng
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.
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31
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Osborne A, Khatib TZ, Songra L, Barber AC, Hall K, Kong GYX, Widdowson PS, Martin KR. Neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells by a novel gene therapy construct that achieves sustained enhancement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-related kinase receptor-B signaling. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1007. [PMID: 30258047 PMCID: PMC6158290 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that intravitreal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by injection of recombinant protein or by gene therapy can alleviate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss after optic nerve injury. BDNF gene therapy can improve RGC survival in experimental models of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, the therapeutic efficacy of BDNF supplementation alone is time limited at least in part due to BDNF receptor downregulation. Tropomyosin-related receptor kinase-B (TrkB) downregulation has been reported in many neurological diseases including glaucoma, potentially limiting the effect of sustained or repeated BDNF delivery. Here, we characterize a novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy (AAV2 TrkB-2A-mBDNF) that not only increases BDNF production but also improves long-term neuroprotective signaling by increasing expression of the BDNF receptor (TrkB) within the inner retina. This approach leads to significant and sustained elevation of survival signaling pathways ERK and AKT within RGCs over 6 months and avoids the receptor downregulation which we observe with treatment with AAV2 BDNF alone. We validate the neuroprotective efficacy of AAV2 TrkB-2A-mBDNF in a mouse model of optic nerve injury, where it outperforms conventional AAV2 BDNF or AAV2 TrkB therapy, before showing powerful proof of concept neuroprotection of RGCs and axons in a rat model of chronic intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. We also show that there are no adverse effects of the vector on retinal structure or function as assessed by histology and electroretinography in young or aged animals. Further studies are underway to explore the potential of this vector as a candidate for progression into clinical studies to protect RGCs in patients with glaucoma and progressive visual loss despite conventional IOP-lowering treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Quethera Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tasneem Z Khatib
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Eye Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lalana Songra
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda C Barber
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katie Hall
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - George Y X Kong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Keith R Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Quethera Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, 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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Zhu MM, Lai JSM, Choy BNK, Shum JWH, Lo ACY, Ng ALK, Chan JCH, So KF. Physical exercise and glaucoma: a review on the roles of physical exercise on intraocular pressure control, ocular blood flow regulation, neuroprotection and glaucoma-related mental health. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:e676-e691. [PMID: 29338126 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of physical exercise on health and well-being have been studied in a wide range of systemic and ocular diseases, including glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by accelerated apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and insufficient ocular perfusion have been postulated to be the two main theories in glaucoma development and progression. The effects of exercise in these two aspects have been demonstrated by numerous researches. A review in 2009 focusing on these two theories concluded that exercise results in transient IOP reduction but an inconsistent elevation in ocular perfusion. However, the majority of the studies had been conducted in healthy subjects. Over the past decade, technological advancement has brought forth new and more detailed evidence regarding the effects of exercise. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect of exercise by upregulation of neurotrophin and enhancement of mitochondrial function has been a focus of interest. Apart from visual impairment, the mental health issues in patients with glaucoma, which include anxiety and depression, should also be addressed. In this review, we mainly focus on publications from the recent years, so as to provide a comprehensive review on the impact of physical exercise on IOP, ocular perfusion, neuroprotection and mental health in patients with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ming Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Jimmy Shiu Ming Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Bonnie Nga Kwan Choy
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Jennifer Wei Huen Shum
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Alex Lap Ki Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Jonathan Cheuk Hung Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Kwok Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Biomedical Sciences; LKS Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong SAR China
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration; Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory; Jinan University; Guangzhou China
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A Hydroxypyrone-Based Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-12 Displays Neuroprotective Properties in Both Status Epilepticus and Optic Nerve Crush Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082178. [PMID: 30044455 PMCID: PMC6121268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we showed that matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) is highly expressed in microglia and myeloid infiltrates, which are presumably involved in blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage and subsequent neuronal cell death that follows status epilepticus (SE). Here, we assessed the effects of a hydroxypyrone-based inhibitor selective for MMP-12 in the pilocarpine-induced SE rat model to determine hippocampal cell survival. In the hippocampus of rats treated with pilocarpine, intra-hippocampal injections of the MMP-12 inhibitor protected Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) and hilus of dentate gyrus neurons against cell death and limited the development of the ischemic-like lesion that typically develops in the CA3 stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus. Furthermore, we showed that MMP-12 inhibition limited immunoglobulin G and albumin extravasation after SE, suggesting a reduction in BBB leakage. Finally, to rule out any possible involvement of seizure modulation in the neuroprotective effects of MMP-12 inhibition, neuroprotection was also observed in the retina of treated animals after optic nerve crush. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that MMP-12 inhibition can directly counteract neuronal cell death and that the specific hydroxypyrone-based inhibitor used in this study could be a potential therapeutic agent against neurological diseases/disorders characterized by an important inflammatory response and/or neuronal cell loss.
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Bucolo C, Platania CBM, Drago F, Bonfiglio V, Reibaldi M, Avitabile T, Uva M. Novel Therapeutics in Glaucoma Management. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:978-992. [PMID: 28925883 PMCID: PMC6120119 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170915142727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by retinal ganglion cell death and alterations of visual field. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered the main risk factor of glaucoma, even though other factors cannot be ruled out, such as epigenetic mechanisms. OBJECTIVE An overview of the ultimate promising experimental drugs to manage glaucoma has been provided. RESULTS In particular, we have focused on purinergic ligands, KATP channel activators, gases (nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide), non-glucocorticoid steroidal compounds, neurotrophic factors, PI3K/Akt activators, citicoline, histone deacetylase inhibitors, cannabinoids, dopamine and serotonin receptors ligands, small interference RNA, and Rho kinase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS The review has been also endowed of a brief chapter on last reports about potential neuroprotective benefits of anti-glaucoma drugs already present in the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bucolo
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy; Tel: +39 095 4781196;
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Pinazo-Durán MD, Shoaie-Nia K, Zanón-Moreno V, Sanz-González SM, Benítez del Castillo J, García-Medina JJ. Strategies to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Glaucoma Patients. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:903-918. [PMID: 28677495 PMCID: PMC6120109 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170705101910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial pathology involving a variety of pathogenic mechanisms, including oxidative/nitrosative stress. This latter is the consequence of the imbalance between excessive formation and insufficient protection against reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. OBJECTIVE Our main goal is to gather molecular information to better managing pathologic variants that may determine the individual susceptibility to oxidative/nitrosative stress (OS/NS) and POAG. METHOD An extensive search of the scientific literature was conducted using PUBMED, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and other references on the topic of POAG and OS/NS from human and animal model studies published between 2010 and 2017. Finally, 152 works containing relevant information that may help understanding the role of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, natural compounds and other similar strategies for counteracting OS/NS in POAG were considered. RESULTS A wide variety of studies have proven that antioxidants, among them vitamins B3, C and E, Coenzyme Q10 or melatonin, ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids and other natural compounds (such as coffee, green tea, bear bile, gingko biloba, coleus, tropical fruits, etc.,) may help regulating the intraocular pressure as well as protecting the retinal neurons against OS/NS in POAG. CONCLUSION Based on the impact of antioxidants and ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids at the molecular level in the glaucomatous anterior and posterior eye segments, further studies are needed by integrating all issues involved in glaucoma pathogenesis, endogenous and exogenous risk factors and their interactions that will allow us to reach newer effective biotherapies for preventing glaucomatous irreversible blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D. Pinazo-Durán
- Address correspondence to this author at the Ophthalmic Research Unit “Santiago Grisolía”/FISABIO, University Hospital Dr. Peset. Ave/ Gaspar Aguilar 90; 46017, Valencia, Spain; Tel: + 34 961622497;, Fax: + 34 961622748; E-mail:
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Chitranshi N, Dheer Y, Abbasi M, You Y, Graham SL, Gupta V. Glaucoma Pathogenesis and Neurotrophins: Focus on the Molecular and Genetic Basis for Therapeutic Prospects. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1018-1035. [PMID: 29676228 PMCID: PMC6120108 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180419121247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is a major feature of glaucoma pathology. Neuroprotective approaches that delay or halt the progression of RGC loss are needed to prevent vision loss which can occur even after conventional medical or surgical treatments to lower intraocular pressure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to examine the progress in genetics and cellular mechanisms associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, RGC dysfunction and cell death pathways in glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Here, we review the involvement of neurotrophins like brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high affinity receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase (TrkB) in glaucoma. The role of ER stress markers in human and animal retinas in health and disease conditions is also discussed. Further, we analysed the literature highlighting genetic linkage in the context of primary open angle glaucoma and suggested mechanistic insights into potential therapeutic options relevant to glaucoma management. RESULTS The literature review of the neurobiology underlying neurotrophin pathways, ER stress and gene associations provide critical insights into association of RGCs death in glaucoma. Alteration in signalling pathway is associated with increased risk of misfolded protein aggregation in ER promoting RGC apoptosis. Several genes that are linked with neurotrophin signalling pathways have been reported to be associated with glaucoma pathology. CONCLUSION Understanding genetic heterogeneity and involvement of neurotrophin biology in glaucoma could help to understand the complex pathophysiology of glaucoma. Identification of novel molecular targets will be critical for drug development and provide neuroprotection to the RGCs and optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Chitranshi
- Address correspondence to this author at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 75, Talavera Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Tel: +61-298502760; E-mail:
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadali Almasieh
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3S5, Canada
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal, Montreal H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Leonard A. Levin
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3S5, Canada
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal, Montreal H1T 2M4, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
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Davis BM, Crawley L, Pahlitzsch M, Javaid F, Cordeiro MF. Glaucoma: the retina and beyond. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 132:807-826. [PMID: 27544758 PMCID: PMC5106492 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over 60 million people worldwide are diagnosed with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, which is estimated to be responsible for 8.4 million cases of irreversible blindness globally. Glaucoma is associated with characteristic damage to the optic nerve and patterns of visual field loss which principally involves the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). At present, intraocular pressure (IOP) presents the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, although RGC and vision loss can continue in patients despite well-controlled IOP. This, coupled with the present inability to diagnose glaucoma until relatively late in the disease process, has led to intense investigations towards the development of novel techniques for the early diagnosis of disease. This review outlines our current understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying RGC and axonal loss in glaucoma. Similarities between glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system are drawn before an overview of recent developments in techniques for monitoring RGC health is provided, including recent progress towards the development of RGC specific contrast agents. The review concludes by discussing techniques to assess glaucomatous changes in the brain using MRI and the clinical relevance of glaucomatous-associated changes in the visual centres of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Crawley
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 153-173 Marylebone Road, London, UK
| | | | - Fatimah Javaid
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, UK
| | - Maria Francesca Cordeiro
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, UK.
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 153-173 Marylebone Road, London, UK.
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Mysona BA, Zhao J, Bollinger KE. Role of BDNF/TrkB pathway in the visual system: Therapeutic implications for glaucoma. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2016; 12:69-81. [PMID: 28751923 DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2017.1259566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroprotective therapeutics are needed to treat glaucoma, an optic neuropathy that results in death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). AREAS COVERED The BDNF/TrkB pathway is important for RGC survival. Temporal and spatial alterations in the BDNF/TrkB pathway occur in development and in response to acute optic nerve injury and to glaucoma. In animal models, BDNF supplementation is successful at slowing RGC death after acute optic nerve injury and in glaucoma, however, the BDNF/TrkB signaling is not the only pathway supporting long term RGC survival. EXPERT COMMENTARY Much remains to be discovered about the interaction between retrograde, anterograde, and retinal BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways in both neurons and glia. An ideal therapeutic agent for glaucoma likely has several modes of action that target multiple mechanisms of neurodegeneration including the BDNF/TrkB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Mysona
- Augusta University Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute. Address: Augusta University Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Health Sciences Campus, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA,
| | - J Zhao
- Medical College of Georgia, Department of Ophthalmology at Augusta University, James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute. Address: Medical College of Georgia, Department of Ophthalmology at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA,
| | - K E Bollinger
- Medical College of Georgia, Department of Ophthalmology at Augusta University, Augusta University Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute. Address: Medical College of Georgia, Department of Ophthalmology at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA,
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Geeraerts E, Dekeyster E, Gaublomme D, Salinas-Navarro M, De Groef L, Moons L. A freely available semi-automated method for quantifying retinal ganglion cells in entire retinal flatmounts. Exp Eye Res 2016; 147:105-113. [PMID: 27107795 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Glaucomatous optic neuropathies are characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that connect the eye to the brain. Quantification of these RGCs is a cornerstone in experimental optic neuropathy research and commonly performed via manually quantifying parts of the retina. However, this is a time-consuming process subject to inter- and intra-observer variability. Here we present a freely available ImageJ script to semi-automatically quantify RGCs in entire retinal flatmounts after immunostaining for the RGC-specific transcription factor Brn3a. The blob-like signal of Brn3a-immunopositive RGCs is enhanced via eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix and the resulting local maxima are counted as RGCs. After the user has outlined the retinal flatmount area, the total RGC number and retinal area are reported and an isodensity map, showing the RGC density distribution across the retina, is created. The semi-automated quantification shows a very strong correlation (Pearson's r ≥ 0.99) with manual counts for both widefield and confocal images, thereby validating the data generated via the developed script. Moreover, application of this method in established glaucomatous optic neuropathy models such as N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity, optic nerve crush and laser-induced ocular hypertension revealed RGC loss conform with literature. Compared to manual counting, the described automated quantification method is faster and shows user-independent consistency. Furthermore, as the script detects the RGC number in entire retinal flatmounts, the method allows detection of regional differences in RGC density. As such, it can help advance research investigating the degenerative mechanisms of glaucomatous optic neuropathies and the effectiveness of new neuroprotective treatments. Because the script is flexible and easy to optimize due to a low number of critical parameters, it can potentially be applied in combination with other tissues or alternative labeling protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Geeraerts
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Dekeyster
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Gaublomme
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Salinas-Navarro
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L De Groef
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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The Role of the IL-20 Subfamily in Glaucoma. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:4083735. [PMID: 26903709 PMCID: PMC4745377 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4083735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common disease that leads to loss of peripheral vision and, if left untreated, ultimately to blindness. While the exact cause(s) of glaucoma is still unknown, two leading risk factors are age and elevated intraocular pressure. Several studies suggest a possible link between glaucoma and inflammation in humans and animal models. In particular, our lab recently identified a T104M mutation in IL-20 receptor-B (IL-20RB) in primary open angle glaucoma patients from a large pedigree. Several of the interleukin- (IL-) 20 family of cytokines and receptors are expressed in ocular tissues including the trabecular meshwork, optic nerve head, and retinal ganglion cells. The DBA/2J mouse develops high intraocular pressures with age and has characteristic optic nerve defects that make it a useful glaucoma model. IL-24 expression is significantly upregulated in the retina of these mice, while IL-20RA expression in the optic nerve is downregulated following pressure-induced damage. The identification of a mutation in the IL-20RB gene in a glaucoma pedigree and changes in expression levels of IL-20 family members in the DBA/2J mouse suggest that disruption of normal IL-20 signaling in the eye may contribute to degenerative processes associated with glaucoma.
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De Groef L, Dekeyster E, Geeraerts E, Lefevere E, Stalmans I, Salinas-Navarro M, Moons L. Differential visual system organization and susceptibility to experimental models of optic neuropathies in three commonly used mouse strains. Exp Eye Res 2016; 145:235-247. [PMID: 26791081 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mouse disease models have proven indispensable in glaucoma research, yet the complexity of the vast number of models and mouse strains has also led to confusing findings. In this study, we evaluated baseline intraocular pressure, retinal histology, and retinofugal projections in three mouse strains commonly used in glaucoma research, i.e. C57Bl/6, C57Bl/6-Tyr(c), and CD-1 mice. We found that the mouse strains under study do not only display moderate variations in their intraocular pressure, retinal architecture, and retinal ganglion cell density, also the retinofugal projections to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the superior colliculus revealed striking differences, potentially underlying diverging optokinetic tracking responses and visual acuity. Next, we reviewed the success rate of three models of (glaucomatous) optic neuropathies (intravitreal N-methyl-d-aspartic acid injection, optic nerve crush, and laser photocoagulation-induced ocular hypertension), looking for differences in disease susceptibility between these mouse strains. Different genetic backgrounds and albinism led to differential susceptibility to experimentally induced retinal ganglion cell death among these three mouse strains. Overall, CD-1 mice appeared to have the highest sensitivity to retinal ganglion cell damage, while the C57Bl/6 background was more resistant in the three models used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Dekeyster
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emiel Geeraerts
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evy Lefevere
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Stalmans
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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