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Gou ZX, Zhou Y, Fan Y, Zhang F, Ning XM, Tang F, Lu LQ. Melatonin Improves Oxidative Stress Injury in Retinopathy of Prematurity by Targeting miR-23a-3p/Nrf2. Curr Eye Res 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39103986 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2380433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melatonin has promising protective effects for retinopathy. However, its roles in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We aimed to explore its roles and mechanisms in a ROP model. METHODS Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the morphology of the retina. Immunofluorescence was used to detect positive (Nrf2+ and VEGF+) cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the level of nuclear expression of PCNA in retinal tissue. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the morphology and structure of pigment cells. qRT-PCR was used to assay the expression of miR-23a-3p, Nrf2, and HO-1. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, β-actin, and Lamin B1. RESULTS Melatonin or miR-23a-3p antagomir treatment could ameliorate the Oxygen-induced pathological changes, increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, SOD, and GSH-Px, and decreased the expression of VEGF, miR-23a-3p, MDA and the apoptosis in the ROP model. Further target prediction and luciferase reporter assays confirmed the targeted binding relationship between miR-23a-3p and Nrf2. CONCLUSION Our study showed that melatonin could ameliorate H2O2-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress injury in RGC cells by mediating miR-23a-3p/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby improving retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xian Gou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yang Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Mei Ning
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Fei Tang
- Clinic Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Li-Qun Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
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Ren Y, Liang H, Xie M, Zhang M. Natural plant medications for the treatment of retinal diseases: The blood-retinal barrier as a clue. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155568. [PMID: 38795692 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal diseases significantly contribute to the global burden of visual impairment and blindness. The occurrence of retinal diseases is often accompanied by destruction of the blood‒retinal barrier, a vital physiological structure responsible for maintaining the stability of the retinal microenvironment. However, detailed summaries of the factors damage the blood‒retinal barrier and treatment methods involving natural plant medications are lacking. PURPOSE To comprehensively summarize and analyze the protective effects of active substances in natural plant medications on damage to the blood-retina barrier that occurs when retinal illnesses, particularly diabetic retinopathy, and examine their medicinal value and future development prospects. METHODS In this study, we searched for studies published in the ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The keywords used included natural plant medications, plants, natural herbs, blood retinal barrier, retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and uveitis. Chinese herbal compound articles, non-English articles, warning journals, and duplicates were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS The blood‒retinal barrier is susceptible to high glucose, aging, immune responses, and other factors that destroy retinal homeostasis, resulting in pathological changes such as apoptosis and increased vascular permeability. Existing studies have shown that the active compounds or extracts of many natural plants have the effect of repairing blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. Notably, berberine, puerarin, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides exhibited remarkable therapeutic effects. Additionally, curcumin, astragaloside IV, hesperidin, resveratrol, ginsenoside Rb1, luteolin, and Panax notoginseng saponins can effectively protect the blood‒retinal barrier by interfering with distinct pathways. The active ingredients found in natural plant medications primarily repair the blood‒retinal barrier by modulating pathological factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and autophagy, thereby alleviating retinal diseases. CONCLUSION This review summarizes a series of plant extracts and plant active compounds that can treat retinal diseases by preventing and treating blood‒retinal barrier damage and provides reference for the research of new drugs for treating retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Huan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Mengjun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China.
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China.
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Che X, Wang L, Ma W, Wang R, Wang Z. Discordance of Aqueous/Plasma HIV Replication on ART. Curr HIV Res 2024; 22:27-30. [PMID: 38151835 DOI: 10.2174/011570162x268730231212112119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study was conducted to analyze HIV dynamics across blood-retinal barrier (BRB) and the relevant risk factors for HIV-associated ocular complications. METHODS This study included a case series of 40 HIV-positive patients with ocular lesions, which were studied retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory examinations included plasma and intraocular viral load (VL). RESULTS HIV VL on paired aqueous/plasma samples was available for 40 patients. Aqueous VL was negatively associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) duration (p = 0.02 and p < 0.05), and plasma VL was independent of ART duration (p = 0.53). An aqueous/plasma discordance was found in 19/40 (47.5%) patients, eight of whom (20%) had detectable aqueous VL despite a suppressed plasma VL (escape). There were significant differences in CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels (p = 0.011 and p < 0.05) and ART duration (p = 0.007 and p < 0.05) between the patients with HIV-associated ocular complications and the patients without. CONCLUSION This study provides a rationale for initiating ART early in the course of infection to reduce HIV VL in the aqueous humor, and raises the possibility of the ocular sanctuary where HIV replicates. Meanwhile, early and standard ART would be an optimal option to protect against ocular opportunistic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) of Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Luoziyi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weimei Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) of Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) of Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhiliang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Fu Y, Liu H, Li K, Wei P, Alam N, Deng J, Li M, Wu H, He X, Hou H, Xia C, Wang R, Wang W, Bai L, Xu B, Li Y, Wu Y, Liu E, Zhao S. C-reactive protein deficiency ameliorates experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1233807. [PMID: 37753091 PMCID: PMC10518468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1233807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are elevated in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). However, it has not been investigated whether CRP contributes to AAA pathogenesis. Methods CRP deficient and wild type (WT) male mice were subjected to AAA induction via transient intra-aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase. AAAs were monitored by in situ measurements of maximal infrarenal aortic external diameters immediately prior to and 14 days following elastase infusion. Key AAA pathologies were assessed by histochemical and immunohistochemical staining procedures. The influence of CRP deficiency on macrophage activation was evaluated in peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Results CRP protein levels were higher in aneurysmal than that in non-aneurysmal aortas. Aneurysmal aortic dilation was markedly suppressed in CRP deficient (aortic diameter: 1.08 ± 0.11 mm) as compared to WT (1.21 ± 0.08 mm) mice on day 14 after elastase infusion. More medial elastin was retained in CRP deficient than in WT elastase-infused mice. Macrophage accumulation was significantly less in aneurysmal aorta from CRP deficient than that from WT mice. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression was also attenuated in CRP deficient as compared to WT aneurysmal aortas. CRP deficiency had no recognizable influence on medial smooth muscle loss, lymphocyte accumulation, aneurysmal angiogenesis, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression. In in vitro assays, mRNA levels for tumor necrosis factor α and cyclooxygenase 2 were reduced in lipopolysaccharide activated peritoneal macrophages from CRP deficient as compared to wild type mice. Conclusion CRP deficiency suppressed experimental AAAs by attenuating aneurysmal elastin destruction, macrophage accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haole Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kexin Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Panpan Wei
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Naqash Alam
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haibin Wu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xue He
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haiwen Hou
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Congcong Xia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weirong Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Bai
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baohui Xu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Yankui Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sihai Zhao
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Li QY, Lv JM, Liu XL, Li HY, Yu F. Association of C-reactive protein and complement factor H gene polymorphisms with risk of lupus nephritis in Chinese population. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2934-2944. [PMID: 37215422 PMCID: PMC10198093 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i13.2934] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complement overactivation is a major driver of lupus nephritis (LN). Impaired interactions of C-reactive protein (CRP) with complement factor H (CFH) have been shown as a pathogenic mechanism that contributes to the overactivation of complement in LN. However, genetic variations of neither CRP nor CFH show consistent influences on the risk of LN.
AIM To examine whether genetic variations of CRP and CFH in combination can improve the risk stratification in Chinese population.
METHODS We genotyped six CRP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1205, rs3093062, rs2794521, rs1800947, rs3093077, and rs1130864) and three CFH SNPs (rs482934, rs1061170, and rs1061147) in 270 LN patients and 303 healthy subjects.
RESULTS No linkage was found among CRP and CFH SNPs, indicating lack of genetic interactions between the two genes. Moreover, CRP and CFH SNPs, neither individually nor in combination, are associated with the risk or clinical manifestations of LN. Given the unambiguous pathogenic roles of the two genes.
CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the biological effects of most genetic variations of CRP and CFH on their expressions or activities are not sufficient to influence the disease course of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yu Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jian-Min Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hai-Yun Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Feng Yu
- Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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Molins B, Figueras-Roca M, Valero O, Llorenç V, Romero-Vázquez S, Sibila O, Adán A, García-Vidal C, Soriano A. C-reactive protein isoforms as prognostic markers of COVID-19 severity. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1105343. [PMID: 36741367 PMCID: PMC9893772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP), an active regulator of the innate immune system, has been related to COVID-19 severity. CRP is a dynamic protein undergoing conformational changes upon activation in inflammatory microenvironments between pentameric and monomeric isoforms. Although pentameric CRP is the circulating isoform routinely tested for clinical purposes, monomeric CRP shows more proinflammatory properties. Therefore, we aimed to determine the potential of monomeric CRP in serum as a biomarker of disease severity in COVID-19 patients (admission to intensive care unit [ICU] and/or in-hospital mortality). We retrospectively determined clinical and biological features as well as pentameric and monomeric CRP levels in a cohort of 97 COVID-19 patients within 72h of hospital admission. Patients with severe disease had higher levels of both pentameric and monomeric CRP. However, multivariate analysis showed increased mCRP but not pCRP to be independently associated to disease severity. Notably, mCRP levels higher than 4000 ng/mL (OR: 4.551, 95% CI: 1.329-15.58), together with number of co-morbidities, low lymphocyte count, and procalcitonin levels were independent predictors of disease severity in the multivariate model. Our results show the potential of mCRP levels as a marker of clinical severity in COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Figueras-Roca
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Clínic d’Oftalmologia (ICOF), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oliver Valero
- Statistical Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Llorenç
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Clínic d’Oftalmologia (ICOF), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Romero-Vázquez
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Sibila
- Respiratory Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, CIBERES, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Adán
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Clínic d’Oftalmologia (ICOF), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina García-Vidal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Soriano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERINF, Barcelona, Spain
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Molins B, Mesquida M, Adan A. Bioengineering approaches for modelling retinal pathologies of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101097. [PMID: 35840488 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the junctional complex of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which is integrated by the close interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris, contribute to the loss of neuronal signalling and subsequent vision impairment in several retinal inflammatory disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Reductionist approaches into the mechanisms that underlie such diseases have been hindered by the absence of adequate in vitro models using human cells to provide the 3D dynamic architecture that enables expression of the in vivo phenotype of the oBRB. Conventional in vitro cell models are based on 2D monolayer cellular cultures, unable to properly recapitulate the complexity of living systems. The main drawbacks of conventional oBRB models also emerge from the cell sourcing, the lack of an appropriate Bruch's membrane analogue, and the lack of choroidal microvasculature with flow. In the last years, the advent of organ-on-a-chip, bioengineering, and stem cell technologies is providing more advanced 3D models with flow, multicellularity, and external control over microenvironmental properties. By incorporating additional biological complexity, organ-on-a-chip devices can mirror physiologically relevant properties of the native tissue while offering additional set ups to model and study disease. In this review we first examine the current understanding of oBRB biology as a functional unit, highlighting the coordinated contribution of the different components to barrier function in health and disease. Then we describe recent advances in the use of pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal cells, Bruch's membrane analogues, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate the oBRB. We finally discuss current advances and challenges of oBRB-on-a-chip technologies for disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Mesquida
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Adan
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Clínic de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Slevin M, Heidari N, Azamfirei L. Monomeric C-Reactive Protein: Current Perspectives for Utilization and Inclusion as a Prognostic Indicator and Therapeutic Target. Front Immunol 2022; 13:866379. [PMID: 35309334 PMCID: PMC8930844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.866379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP), once thought to be a figment of the imagination and whose biological activity was ascribed to its sodium azide preservative, has now pronounced itself as a critical molecule playing a direct role in mediating many of the acute and chronic aberrant pathological responses to inflammation. In this focused mini review, we describe the currently attributed pathobiological interactions of mCRP in disease, where its tissue and cellular distribution and deposition have recently been clearly characterized and linked to inflammation and other pathway-associated progression of neurological and cardiovascular complications and deleterious outcomes. and focus upon current opinions as to the diagnostic and prognostic potential of mCRP-plasma circulating protein and define the possible future therapeutics including ongoing research attempting to block CRP dissociation with small molecule inhibitors or prevention of cell surface binding directly using antibodies or modified orphan drug targeting directed towards CRP, inhibiting its cellular interactions and signaling activation. There is no doubt that understanding the full influence of the biological power of mCRP in disease development and outcome will be considered a critical parameter in future stratified treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Slevin
- Department of Life Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania
- The Regenerative Clinic, London, United Kingdom
- The School of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Mark Slevin, ;
| | - Nima Heidari
- Department of Life Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania
- The Regenerative Clinic, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonard Azamfirei
- Department of Life Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania
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9
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Qin X, Zou H, Niu C. The STING pathway: An uncharacterized angle beneath the gut-retina axis. Exp Eye Res 2022; 217:108970. [PMID: 35114214 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The gut-retina axis is an emerging concept that describes a close interaction between the gut host-microbiota interface and the retina. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a universally expressed adaptor protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. When activated by the cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), STING induces the activation of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Downstream effects include inflammation, autophagy, and programmed cell death. Dysregulation of the STING pathway has emerged as a crucial pathogenic mechanism underpinning a broad range of inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Recently, a positive feedback loop between dysbiosis and aberrant activation of the intestinal STING pathway has been demonstrated, concurrently related to increased intestinal permeability. Alternations in the STING pathway have also been reported in the retina of patients with ocular diseases and retinal cells treated with pathological stimuli. Collectively, there is a chance that dysbiosis in patients with retinal diseases disrupts intestinal homeostasis and exacerbates barrier dysfunction through the erroneous accumulation of STING in the gut. Subsequent translocation of microbial products into the bloodstream allows access to the eye via the impaired blood-retina barrier, inducing the chronic activation of the STING pathway in the retina to participate in the disease progression. In this review, we explore how the alterations in the STING pathway could contribute to the gut disturbance and retinal pathologies and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target to treat the gut-retina axis-related diseases, which sheds some light on the better understanding of the crosstalk between the gut and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haidong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Eye Diseases Prevention & Treatment Center, Shanghai Eye Hospital, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chen Niu
- FosunLead Lingzhi Biomedical Technology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
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10
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Liu KH, Lin HY, Thomas JL, Chen CY, Chen YT, Chen CY, Yang CH, Lee MH. Sensing of C-Reactive Protein Using an Extended-Gate Field-Effect Transistor with a Tungsten Disulfide-Doped Peptide-Imprinted Conductive Polymer Coating. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12010031. [PMID: 35049659 PMCID: PMC8774123 DOI: 10.3390/bios12010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific biomarker of inflammation and may be associated with cardiovascular disease. In recent studies, systemic inflammatory responses have also been observed in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been developed to replace natural antibodies with polymeric materials that have low cost and high stability and could thus be suitable for use in a home-care system. In this work, a MIP-based electrochemical sensing system for measuring CRP was developed. Such a system can be integrated with microfluidics and electronics for lab-on-a-chip technology. MIP composition was optimized using various imprinting template (CRP peptide) concentrations. Tungsten disulfide (WS2) was doped into the MIPs. Doping not only enhances the electrochemical response accompanying the recognition of the template molecules but also raises the top of the sensing range from 1.0 pg/mL to 1.0 ng/mL of the imprinted peptide. The calibration curve of the WS2-doped peptide-imprinted polymer-coated electrodes in the extended-gate field-effect transistor platform was obtained and used for the measurement of CRP concentration in real human serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hsi Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan; (K.-H.L.); (C.-Y.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yin Lin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan; (H.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.C.)
| | - James L. Thomas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Chen-Yuan Chen
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan; (H.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.C.)
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Interdisciplinary Program of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan;
| | - Chuen-Yau Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan; (K.-H.L.); (C.-Y.C.)
| | - Chien-Hsin Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan; (H.-Y.L.); (C.-Y.C.)
- Correspondence: (C.-H.Y.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Mei-Hwa Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-H.Y.); (M.-H.L.)
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Breazzano MP, Bond JB, Bearelly S, Kim DH, Donahue SP, Lum F, Olsen TW. American Academy of Ophthalmology Recommendations on Screening for Endogenous Candida Endophthalmitis. Ophthalmology 2021; 129:73-76. [PMID: 34293405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The American Academy of Ophthalmology evaluated the practice of routine screening for intraocular infection from Candida septicemia. In the United States, ophthalmologists are consulted in the hospital to screen for intraocular infection routinely for patients with Candida bloodstream infections. This practice was established in the era before the use of systemic antifungal medication and the establishment of definitions of ocular disease with candidemia. A recent systematic review found a rate of less than 1% of routinely screened patients with endophthalmitis from Candida septicemia. Other studies found higher rates of endophthalmitis but had limitations in terms of inaccuracies in ocular disease classification, lack of vitreous biopsies, selection biases, and lack of longer-term visual outcomes. Some studies attributed ocular findings to Candida infections, rather than other comorbidities. Studies also have not demonstrated differences in medical management that are modified for eye disease treatment; therefore, therapy should be dictated by the underlying Candida infection, rather than be tailored on the basis of ocular findings. In summary, the Academy does not recommend a routine ophthalmologic consultation after laboratory findings of systemic Candida septicemia, which appears to be a low-value practice. An ophthalmologic consultation is a reasonable practice for a patient with signs or symptoms suggestive of ocular infection regardless of Candida septicemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Breazzano
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John B Bond
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Srilaxmi Bearelly
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York
| | - Donna H Kim
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sean P Donahue
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Flora Lum
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, San Francisco, California.
| | - Timothy W Olsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minneapolis
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Interlink between Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Role of Complement Factor H. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070763. [PMID: 34209418 PMCID: PMC8301356 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) heads the list of legal blindness among the elderly population in developed countries. Due to the complex nature of the retina and the variety of risk factors and mechanisms involved, the molecular pathways underlying AMD are not yet fully defined. Persistent low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress eventually lead to retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction and outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB) breakdown. The identification of AMD susceptibility genes encoding complement factors, and the presence of inflammatory mediators in drusen, the hallmark deposits of AMD, supports the notion that immune-mediated processes are major drivers of AMD pathobiology. Complement factor H (FH), the main regulator of the alternative pathway of the complement system, may have a key contribution in the pathogenesis of AMD as it is able to regulate both inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in the oBRB. Indeed, genetic variants in the CFH gene account for the strongest genetic risk factors for AMD. In this review, we focus on the roles of inflammation and oxidative stress and their connection with FH and related proteins as regulators of both phenomena in the context of AMD.
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