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Loiseau A, Raîche-Marcoux G, Maranda C, Bertrand N, Boisselier E. Animal Models in Eye Research: Focus on Corneal Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16661. [PMID: 38068983 PMCID: PMC10706114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye is a complex sensory organ that enables visual perception of the world. The dysfunction of any of these tissues can impair vision. Conduction studies on laboratory animals are essential to ensure the safety of therapeutic products directly applied or injected into the eye to treat ocular diseases before eventually proceeding to clinical trials. Among these tissues, the cornea has unique homeostatic and regenerative mechanisms for maintaining transparency and refraction of external light, which are essential for vision. However, being the outermost tissue of the eye and directly exposed to the external environment, the cornea is particularly susceptible to injury and diseases. This review highlights the evidence for selecting appropriate animals to better understand and treat corneal diseases, which rank as the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide. The development of reliable and human-relevant animal models is, therefore, a valuable research tool for understanding and translating fundamental mechanistic findings, as well as for assessing therapeutic potential in humans. First, this review emphasizes the unique characteristics of animal models used in ocular research. Subsequently, it discusses current animal models associated with human corneal pathologies, their utility in understanding ocular disease mechanisms, and their role as translational models for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Loiseau
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Gabrielle Raîche-Marcoux
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Cloé Maranda
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Nicolas Bertrand
- Faculty of Pharmacy, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
| | - Elodie Boisselier
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
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Melatonin level as a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2021. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2021-6.3.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The current trend towards an increase in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) incidence rate in the population, including the working-age population, with a possible loss of professional activity, indicates the need for early preclinical identification of risk groups, timely prevention and treatment. In the prevention and treatment of AMD, the prospect of using melatonin is being actively discussed.Aim: to analyze serum and tear fluid levels of melatonin in patients with AMD and study their correlation with risk factors.Materials and methods. In the course of the study, two groups were formed: the main group - patients with non-exudative AMD and senile cataract (n = 40) and the reference group - conditionally healthy patients without AMD and cataract (n = 20). Patients of both groups were surveyed to identify risk factors for AMD. The content of melatonin in blood serum and lacrimal fluid was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the Melatonin ELISA Kit (USA).Results. In the course of the study, it was found that the concentration of melatonin in blood serum and tear fluid in patients with AMD was significantly lower than in patients of the reference group (p <0.05). Serum and tear fluid melatonin levels depend on the following factors: age, body mass index (BMI), arterial hypertension, eye color, insomnia, and night work. It is possible that the local determination of melatonin in the lacrimal fluid can be a biomarker in the determination of ophthalmic pathological conditions.Conclusion. The obtained results can be used as recommendations for clarifying individual regimens for the use of melatonin, especially in the treatment of patients with AMD.
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Cheung IMY, Mcghee CNJ, Sherwin T. Beneficial effect of the antioxidant riboflavin on gene expression of extracellular matrix elements, antioxidants and oxidases in keratoconic stromal cells. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 97:349-55. [DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella M Y Cheung
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand,
| | - Charles N J Mcghee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand,
| | - Trevor Sherwin
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand,
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Ausó E, Gómez-Vicente V, Esquiva G. Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease Early Diagnosis. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E114. [PMID: 32899797 PMCID: PMC7563965 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, affecting the central nervous system (CNS) through the accumulation of intraneuronal neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) and β-amyloid plaques. By the time AD is clinically diagnosed, neuronal loss has already occurred in many brain and retinal regions. Therefore, the availability of early and reliable diagnosis markers of the disease would allow its detection and taking preventive measures to avoid neuronal loss. Current diagnostic tools in the brain, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (Aβ and tau) detection are invasive and expensive. Brain-secreted extracellular vesicles (BEVs) isolated from peripheral blood have emerged as novel strategies in the study of AD, with enormous potential as a diagnostic evaluation of therapeutics and treatment tools. In addition; similar mechanisms of neurodegeneration have been demonstrated in the brain and the eyes of AD patients. Since the eyes are more accessible than the brain, several eye tests that detect cellular and vascular changes in the retina have also been proposed as potential screening biomarkers. The aim of this study is to summarize and discuss several potential markers in the brain, eye, blood, and other accessible biofluids like saliva and urine, and correlate them with earlier diagnosis and prognosis to identify individuals with mild symptoms prior to dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (E.A.); (V.G.-V.)
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Scuderi L, Davinelli S, Iodice CM, Bartollino S, Scapagnini G, Costagliola C, Scuderi G. Melatonin: Implications for Ocular Disease and Therapeutic Potential. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4185-4191. [PMID: 31724508 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191113110225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin, an indoleamine secreted mainly by the pineal gland, is known to modulate a wide range of circadian functions. However, this neurohormone is also synthesized within the eye and acts directly on ocular structures to mediate a variety of physiological processes. This review is focused on the role and therapeutic potential of melatonin in ocular diseases. We summarize data indicating that melatonin may represent a powerful tool to counteract ocular dysfunctions such as uveitis, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. A search strategy was conducted to identify studies in PubMed (January 1990 to September 2017). In particular, we included experimental studies, clinical trials, and reviews to provide suitable insights and elucidations regarding the action of melatonin on age-related ocular disorders. Literature data suggest that melatonin could potentially protect ocular tissues by decreasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, melatonin appears to be safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses, and no adverse/side effects were reported. Although this topic remains under intense investigation, we can conclude that melatonin, as a single agent or in combination with other drugs, is an attractive pharmacological candidate for age-related ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Scuderi
- Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Clemente Maria Iodice
- Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bartollino
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Gianluca Scuderi
- Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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Li C, Tian Y, Yao A, Zha X, Zhang J, Tao Y. Intravitreal Delivery of Melatonin Is Protective Against the Photoreceptor Loss in Mice: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Degenerative Retinopathy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1633. [PMID: 32116667 PMCID: PMC7028754 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a circadian hormone with potent cytoprotective effects. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherent retinopathies that characterized by the photoreceptor death in bilateral eyes. The N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) administered mouse is a type of chemically induced RP model with rapid progressive rate. We intend to study the melatonin mediated effects on the MNU administered mice. Melatonin was delivered into the vitreous body of the MNU administered mice. Subsequently, the melatonin treated mice were subjected to histological analysis, optokinetic behavior tests, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and electroretinogram (ERG) examination. Multi-electrodes array (MEA) was used to analyze the status of visual signal transmission within retinal circuits. Biochemical analysis was performed to quantify the expression levels of antioxidative enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic factors in the retinas. The intravitreal injection of melatonin ameliorated effectively the MNU induced photoreceptor degeneration. Melatonin therapy mitigated the spontaneous firing response, and preserved the basic configurations of visual signal pathway in MNU administered mice. MEA is effective to evaluate the pharmacological effects on retina. Of note, the cone photoreceptors in degenerative retinas were rescued efficiently by melatonin therapy. Melatonin afforded these protective effects by modulating the apoptotic cascades and alleviating the oxidative stress. These findings suggest that melatonin could act as an alternative treatment for degenerative retinopathy. Melatonin might be used in combination with other therapeutic approaches to alleviate the photoreceptor loss and preserve the visual function of RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Anhui Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobing Zha
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Visser HE, Dees DD, Millichamp NJ, Vallone LV, Scott EM. Effect of orally administered melatonin on intraocular pressure of ophthalmologically normal dogs. Am J Vet Res 2019; 80:410-415. [PMID: 30919670 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.80.4.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of orally administered melatonin on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of ophthalmologically normal dogs. ANIMALS 20 ophthalmologically normal dogs (40 eyes). PROCEDURES In a randomized crossover study, each dog received a 7-day regimen of melatonin (0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) and a placebo (150 mg of lactose powder in a capsule, PO, q 12 h), with a 7-day washout period between treatment regimens. Rebound tonometry was used to measure the IOP in both eyes of each dog 5 times at 2-hour intervals on days 0 (before administration of the first dose), 2, 4, and 7 (after administration of the last dose) of each treatment period. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of treatment, day, and IOP measurement time within day on IOP. RESULTS Intraocular pressure was not significantly associated with treatment but was associated with day and the interaction between day and IOP measurement time within day. The mean ± SD IOP was 14.26 ± 2.95 and 14.34 ± 2.69 mm Hg for the melatonin and placebo regimens, respectively. Within each treatment period, the mean IOP tended to decrease from day 0 to 7 as well as within each day, which was attributed to the dogs becoming acclimated to the study protocol and natural diurnal variations in IOP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that oral administration of melatonin (0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg, q 12 h for 7 d) did not significantly affect the IOP of ophthalmologically normal dogs.
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Diadenosine tetraphosphate as a potential therapeutic nucleotide to treat glaucoma. Purinergic Signal 2016; 13:171-177. [PMID: 27848070 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-016-9547-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that produces blindness. The main factor associated with this disease is an abnormally elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). To date, some attempts have been made to demonstrate the role of nucleotides modulating IOP, but never in a model of glaucoma. The DBA/2J mouse is an animal that develops the pathology spontaneously, starting from the typical rise in IOP at 9 months of age. Using this animal model, together with a control mouse, C57BL/6J, it has been possible to monitor the elevation in IOP in the glaucomatous mice and to check the ability of the dinucleotide diadenosine tetraphosphate AKA Ap4A to reduce IOP. The topical application of Ap4A when IOP is maximal (9-12 months) reduced IOP 30.6 ± 6.6% in the DBA/2J and 17.9 ± 4.0% in the C57BL/6J mice. Concentration response curves in both animal strains produced similar pD2 values; these being 4.9 ± 0.5 and 5.1 ± 0.4 for the normotensive C57BL/6J and the glaucomatous DBA/2J respectively. Antagonist studies showed differences between the control and the glaucomatous animals. In particular, the main receptor reducing IOP in the control animal was the P2Y1 receptor and in the glaucomatous model the P2Y6, although the participation of other P2 receptors cannot be ruled out. The long-term effect of Ap4A applied three times a week for 3 months showed a clear stop in the elevation of IOP in the glaucomatous model, thus indicating the possibility of using Ap4A as an effective compound for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Chesnokova NB, Beznos OV, Lozinskaya NA, Beyshenova GA, Nesterova TV. [Effect of melatonin instillations on the clinical course of experimental uveitis and biochemical processes in tears and aqueous humor]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2016; 62:164-8. [PMID: 27143374 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20166202164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Acute immunogenic uveitis was modeled in rabbits via the subcutaneous and intravitreal injections of normal horse serum. We studied the effect of instillations of 0.1% melatonin solution on the clinical course of uveitis and biochemical parameters of tear fluid and aqueous humor: antioxi-dant activity, protein concentration and α(2)-macroglobulin level. Melatonin instillations decreased clinical manifestations of uveitis. We found that the antioxidant activity in tears of the rabbits treated with melatonin was substantially higher and the α(2)-macroglobulin level lower than in untreated animals. Antioxidant activity in aqueous humor taken on day 10 of uveitis was also twice higher while protein and α(2)-macroglobulin levels were 1.5-2 times lower than in untreated animals. These data indicate that instillations of melatonin increase the local antioxidant activity and decrease the acuity of inflammation and permeability of hematoophthalmic barrier in uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N B Chesnokova
- Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Beznos
- Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - N A Lozinskaya
- Moscow State University, Chemistry faculty, Moscow, Russia
| | - G A Beyshenova
- Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - T V Nesterova
- Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
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Martinez-Aguila A, Fonseca B, Perez de Lara MJ, Pintor J. Effect of Melatonin and 5-Methoxycarbonylamino-N-Acetyltryptamine on the Intraocular Pressure of Normal and Glaucomatous Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 357:293-9. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.231456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Alkozi HA, Pintor J. Melatonin and derivatives as promising tools for glaucoma treatment. World J Ophthalmol 2013; 3:32-37. [DOI: 10.5318/wjo.v3.i4.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurohormones melatonin and its analogues are present with an important physiological and pharmacological ability to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP); thus, they are suitable for the treatment of ocular hypertension often associated with glaucoma. It is demonstrated that two of its analogues, 5-MCA-NAT and IIK7, are more effective than melatonin to reduce IOP for a longer period of time. The research for the discovery of better compounds resulted in the development of newer and improved analogues compared to 5-MCA-NAT and IIK7. Furthermore, already commercially available drugs currently used as treatment for other pathologies, presenting a resemblance to the melatonin structure, are being tested as potential glaucoma drugs. In this sense, agomelatine, which is already used as an anti-depressant medicine, is recognized as a worthy candidate since it reduces IOP, even under hypertensive conditions. To sum up, the use of melatonin and its analogues as promising anti-glaucomatous substances is of great importance and should be given serious consideration.
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