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Tsai T, Reinehr S, Deppe L, Strubbe A, Kluge N, Dick HB, Joachim SC. Glaucoma Animal Models beyond Chronic IOP Increase. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:906. [PMID: 38255979 PMCID: PMC10815097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020906] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex and multifactorial disease defined as the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Besides an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), other mechanisms play a pivotal role in glaucoma onset and progression. For example, it is known that excitotoxicity, immunological alterations, ischemia, and oxidative stress contribute to the neurodegeneration in glaucoma disease. To study these effects and to discover novel therapeutic approaches, appropriate animal models are needed. In this review, we focus on various glaucoma animal models beyond an elevated IOP. We introduce genetically modified mice, e.g., the optineurin E50K knock-in or the glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST)-deficient mouse. Excitotoxicity can be mimicked by injecting the glutamate analogue N-methyl-D-aspartate intravitreally, which leads to rapid RGC degeneration. To explore the contribution of the immune system, the experimental autoimmune glaucoma model can serve as a useful tool. Here, immunization with antigens led to glaucoma-like damage. The ischemic mechanism can be mimicked by inducing a high IOP for a certain amount of time in rodents, followed by reperfusion. Thereby, damage to the retina and the optic nerve occurs rapidly after ischemia/reperfusion. Lastly, we discuss the importance of optic nerve crush models as model systems for normal-tension glaucoma. In summary, various glaucoma models beyond IOP increase can be utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (T.T.); (S.R.); (L.D.); (N.K.); (H.B.D.)
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2
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Buonfiglio F, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Drugs in Glaucoma Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1193. [PMID: 37765001 PMCID: PMC10535738 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091193] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a group of diseases characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell loss, cupping of the optic disc, and a typical pattern of visual field defects, is a leading cause of severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the leading risk factor for glaucoma development. However, glaucoma can also develop at normal pressure levels. An increased susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells to IOP, systemic vascular dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and autoimmune imbalances have been suggested as playing a role in the pathophysiology of normal-tension glaucoma. Since inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in all forms of glaucoma, the goal of this review article is to present an overview of the inflammatory and pro-oxidant mechanisms in the pathophysiology of glaucoma and to discuss immunomodulatory and antioxidant treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | | | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
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3
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Pinilla I, Maneu V, Campello L, Fernández-Sánchez L, Martínez-Gil N, Kutsyr O, Sánchez-Sáez X, Sánchez-Castillo C, Lax P, Cuenca N. Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Their Physiopathology and Therapeutic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061086. [PMID: 35739983 PMCID: PMC9219848 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a large group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous diseases characterized by the progressive degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to loss of visual function. Oxidative stress and inflammation play fundamental roles in the physiopathology of these diseases. Photoreceptor cell death induces an inflammatory state in the retina. The activation of several molecular pathways triggers different cellular responses to injury, including the activation of microglia to eliminate debris and recruit inflammatory cells from circulation. Therapeutical options for IRDs are currently limited, although a small number of patients have been successfully treated by gene therapy. Many other therapeutic strategies are being pursued to mitigate the deleterious effects of IRDs associated with oxidative metabolism and/or inflammation, including inhibiting reactive oxygen species’ accumulation and inflammatory responses, and blocking autophagy. Several compounds are being tested in clinical trials, generating great expectations for their implementation. The present review discusses the main death mechanisms that occur in IRDs and the latest therapies that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pinilla
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa, University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Pedro Lax
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
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4
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Miralles de Imperial-Ollero JA, Gallego-Ortega A, Ortín-Martínez A, Villegas-Pérez MP, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Vidal-Sanz M. Animal Models of LED-Induced Phototoxicity. Short- and Long-Term In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Alterations. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111137. [PMID: 34833013 PMCID: PMC8617611 DOI: 10.3390/life11111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phototoxicity animal models have been largely studied due to their degenerative communalities with human pathologies, e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies have documented not only the effects of white light exposure, but also other wavelengths using LEDs, such as blue or green light. Recently, a blue LED-induced phototoxicity (LIP) model has been developed that causes focal damage in the outer layers of the superior-temporal region of the retina in rodents. In vivo studies described a progressive reduction in retinal thickness that affected the most extensively the photoreceptor layer. Functionally, a transient reduction in a- and b-wave amplitude of the ERG response was observed. Ex vivo studies showed a progressive reduction of cones and an involvement of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the area of the lesion and, in parallel, an activation of microglial cells that perfectly circumscribe the damage in the outer retinal layer. The use of neuroprotective strategies such as intravitreal administration of trophic factors, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and topical administration of the selective alpha-2 agonist (Brimonidine) have demonstrated to increase the survival of the cone population after LIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Miralles de Imperial-Ollero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Arturo Ortín-Martínez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Francisco J. Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
- Correspondence: (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.); Tel.: +34-868-88-4503 (F.J.V-S.); +34-868-88-4330 (M.V.-S.)
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
- Correspondence: (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.); Tel.: +34-868-88-4503 (F.J.V-S.); +34-868-88-4330 (M.V.-S.)
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5
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Pahlitzsch M, Fritsche-Guenther R, Pompös I, Pohlmann D, Maier AKB, Winterhalter S, Erb C, Rübsam A. Correlation of NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 with Cytokine Levels in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15:2505-2517. [PMID: 34163135 PMCID: PMC8216077 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s307379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Nesfatin-1 is produced in various tissues of the body including the hypothalamus. Neuroprotective properties of the neuropeptide hormone Nesfatin-1 were recently described. The aim of the study was to analyze the molecule Nesfatin-1 as a possible biomarker in POAG with neuroprotective properties pointing out the retinal-hypothalamic axis as target site in POAG and to obtain a molecular signature of cytokines in POAG as neuroinflammatory processes are a key factor of glaucoma development. Methods In this study, n=35 patients with moderate and advanced POAG (mean age 65.0y, IOP 13.9±3.0mmHg) and n=35 healthy controls (mean age 51.6y, IOP 14.3±2.7mmHg) were included. Clinical parameters including IOP, cup to disc ratio (CDR), glaucoma medication and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) were recorded. Plasma was collected for NUCB2/nesfatin-1 measurement using a Nesfatin-1 ELISA and for detection of 13 inflammatory cytokines using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay (MagPix). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding factors. Results Sex-independent or sex-dependent variables showed no significant differences in the Nesfatin-1 level (p>0.05). As a trend, an increase in NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in male glaucoma patients was found. Increased concentrations of 11 cytokines (GM-CSF, Interferon-γ, Interleukin-1β, IL-2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 and TNF-α) were detected in POAG. The female glaucoma patients demonstrated elevated cytokine concentrations compared to male patients. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 showed a significant correlation to IL-2 and IL-13 levels in POAG. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed no difference in NUCB2/nesfatin-1 level between POAG and healthy controls after adjusting for sex and age (all p>0.05). Conclusion As a trend, male POAG patients showed increased plasma NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels. We further found inflammation as contributing factor to the pathogenesis of glaucoma, with a greater inflammatory response in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Pahlitzsch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raphaela Fritsche-Guenther
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Metabolomics Platform, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inga Pompös
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominika Pohlmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna-Karina B Maier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sibylle Winterhalter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carl Erb
- Eye clinic Wittenbergplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Rübsam
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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6
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Baudouin C, Kolko M, Melik-Parsadaniantz S, Messmer EM. Inflammation in Glaucoma: From the back to the front of the eye, and beyond. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 83:100916. [PMID: 33075485 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of glaucoma is complex, multifactorial and not completely understood. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and/or impaired retinal blood flow may cause initial optic nerve damage. In addition, age-related oxidative stress in the retina concurrently with chronic mechanical and vascular stress is crucial for the initiation of retinal neurodegeneration. Oxidative stress is closely related to cell senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation, which are involved in glaucoma progression. Accumulating evidence from animal glaucoma models and from human ocular samples suggests a dysfunction of the para-inflammation in the retinal ganglion cell layer and the optic nerve head. Moreover, quite similar mechanisms in the anterior chamber could explain the trabecular meshwork dysfunction and the elevated IOP in primary open-angle glaucoma. On the other hand, ocular surface disease due to topical interventions is the most prominent and visible consequence of inflammation in glaucoma, with a negative impact on filtering surgery failure, topical treatment efficacy, and possibly on inflammation in the anterior segment. Consequently, glaucoma appears as an outstanding eye disease where inflammatory changes may be present to various extents and consequences along the eye structure, from the ocular surface to the posterior segment, and the visual pathway. Here we reviewed the inflammatory processes in all ocular structures in glaucoma from the back to the front of the eye and beyond. Our approach was to explain how para-inflammation is necessary to maintain homoeostasis, and to describe abnormal inflammatory findings observed in glaucomatous patients or in animal glaucoma models, supporting the hypothesis of a dysregulation of the inflammatory balance toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Possible anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches in glaucoma are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Baudouin
- Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
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7
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Yulug B, Ozansoy M, Alokten M, Ozansoy MBC, Cankaya S, Hanoglu L, Kilic U, Kilic E. Minocycline Increases in-vitro Cortical Neuronal Cell Survival after Laser Induced Axotomy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 15:105-109. [PMID: 30813881 PMCID: PMC7579254 DOI: 10.2174/1574884714666190226093119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Antibiotic therapies targeting multiple regenerative mechanisms have the potential for neuroprotective effects, but the diversity of experimental strategies and analyses of non-standardised therapeutic trials are challenging. In this respect, there are no cases of successful clinical application of such candidate molecules when it comes to human patients. Methods After 24 hours of culturing, three different minocycline (Sigma-Aldrich, M9511, Germany) concentrations (1 µM, 10 µM and 100 µM) were added to the primary cortical neurons 15 minutes before laser axotomy procedure in order to observe protective effect of minocycline in these dosages. Results Here, we have shown that minocycline exerted a significant neuroprotective effect at 1 and 100μM doses. Beyond confirming the neuroprotective effect of minocycline in a more standardised and advanced in-vitro trauma model, our findings could have important implications for future studies that concentrate on the translational block between animal and human studies. Conclusion Such sophisticated approaches might also help to conquer the influence of human-made variabilities in critical experimental injury models. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing that minocycline increases in-vitro neuronal cell survival after laser-axotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Yulug
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya/Alanya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozansoy
- Istanbul Medipol University, Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey,Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medipol University, International School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Alokten
- Istanbul Medipol University, Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muzaffer B C Ozansoy
- Istanbul Medipol University, Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey,Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medipol University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seyda Cankaya
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya/Alanya, Turkey
| | - Lutfu Hanoglu
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Faculty of Medicine, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ulkan Kilic
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ertugrul Kilic
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Medipol University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Abstract
Microglia, the primary resident immune cell type, constitute a key population of glia in the retina. Recent evidence indicates that microglia play significant functional roles in the retina at different life stages. During development, retinal microglia regulate neuronal survival by exerting trophic influences and influencing programmed cell death. During adulthood, ramified microglia in the plexiform layers interact closely with synapses to maintain synaptic structure and function that underlie the retina's electrophysiological response to light. Under pathological conditions, retinal microglia participate in potentiating neurodegeneration in diseases such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related neurodegeneration by producing proinflammatory neurotoxic cytokines and removing living neurons via phagocytosis. Modulation of pathogenic microglial activation states and effector mechanisms has been linked to neuroprotection in animal models of retinal diseases. These findings have led to the design of early proof-of-concept clinical trials with microglial modulation as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Silverman
- Unit on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;,
| | - Wai T. Wong
- Unit on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;,
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9
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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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10
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Thomas CN, Berry M, Logan A, Blanch RJ, Ahmed Z. Caspases in retinal ganglion cell death and axon regeneration. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17032. [PMID: 29675270 PMCID: PMC5903394 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGC) are terminally differentiated CNS neurons that possess limited endogenous regenerative capacity after injury and thus RGC death causes permanent visual loss. RGC die by caspase-dependent mechanisms, including apoptosis, during development, after ocular injury and in progressive degenerative diseases of the eye and optic nerve, such as glaucoma, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy and multiple sclerosis. Inhibition of caspases through genetic or pharmacological approaches can arrest the apoptotic cascade and protect a proportion of RGC. Novel findings have also highlighted a pyroptotic role of inflammatory caspases in RGC death. In this review, we discuss the molecular signalling mechanisms of apoptotic and inflammatory caspase responses in RGC specifically, their involvement in RGC degeneration and explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe N Thomas
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martin Berry
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ann Logan
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Blanch
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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11
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Williams PA, Marsh-Armstrong N, Howell GR. Neuroinflammation in glaucoma: A new opportunity. Exp Eye Res 2017; 157:20-27. [PMID: 28242160 PMCID: PMC5497582 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests neuroinflammation is a key process in glaucoma, yet the precise roles are not known. Understanding these complex processes, which may also be a key in other common neurodegenerations such as Alzheimer's disease, will lead to targeted therapeutics for a disease that affects as many as 80 million people worldwide. Here, we define neuroinflammation as any immune-relevant response by a variety of cell types including astrocytes, microglia, and peripherally derived cells occurring in the optic nerve head and/or retina. In this review article, we first discuss clinical evidence for neuroinflammation in glaucoma and define neuroinflammation in glaucoma. We then review the inflammatory pathways that have been associated with glaucoma. Finally, we set out key research directions that we believe will greatly advance our understanding of the role of neuroinflammation in glaucoma. This review arose from a discussion of neuroinflammation in glaucoma at the 2015 meeting of The Lasker/IRRF Initiative for Innovation in Vision Science. This manuscript sets out to summarize one of these sessions; "Inflammation and Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration", as well as to review the current state of the literature surrounding neuroinflammation in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nick Marsh-Armstrong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Hugo W. Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA; Graduate Program of Genetics, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Epigenetics and Signaling Pathways in Glaucoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5712341. [PMID: 28210622 PMCID: PMC5292191 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5712341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This neurodegenerative disease becomes more prevalent with aging, but predisposing genetic and environmental factors also contribute to increased risk. Emerging evidence now suggests that epigenetics may also be involved, which provides potential new therapeutic targets. These three factors work through several pathways, including TGF-β, MAP kinase, Rho kinase, BDNF, JNK, PI-3/Akt, PTEN, Bcl-2, Caspase, and Calcium-Calpain signaling. Together, these pathways result in the upregulation of proapoptotic gene expression, the downregulation of neuroprotective and prosurvival factors, and the generation of fibrosis at the trabecular meshwork, which may block aqueous humor drainage. Novel therapeutic agents targeting these pathway members have shown preliminary success in animal models and even human trials, demonstrating that they may eventually be used to preserve retinal neurons and vision.
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Levkovitch-Verbin H. Retinal ganglion cell apoptotic pathway in glaucoma: Initiating and downstream mechanisms. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2015; 220:37-57. [PMID: 26497784 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma causes progressive visual field loss, making it the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure and aging, the main risk factors for glaucoma, accelerate RGC apoptosis. Numerous pathways and mechanisms were found to be involved in RGC death in glaucoma. Neurotrophic factors deprivation is an early event. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, glial cell dysfunction, and activation of apoptotic pathways and prosurvival pathways play a significant role in RGC death in glaucoma. The most important among the involved pathways are the MAP-kinase pathway, PI-3 kinase/Akt pathway, Bcl-2 family, caspase family, and IAP family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Levkovitch-Verbin
- Glaucoma Service, Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
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