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Ravichandran S, Snyder PJ, Alber J, Kenny MR, Rothstein A, Brown K, Murchison CF, Clay OJ, Roberson ED, Arthur E. Quantifying Putative Retinal Gliosis in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:5. [PMID: 38696189 PMCID: PMC11077916 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mouse models of AD and postmortem biopsy of patients with AD reveal retinal glial activation comparable to central nervous system immunoreactivity. We hypothesized that the surface area of putative retinal gliosis observed in vivo using en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging will be larger in patients with preclinical AD versus controls. Methods The Spectralis II instrument was used to acquire macular centered 20 × 20 and 30 × 25-degrees spectral domain OCT images of 76 participants (132 eyes). A cohort of 22 patients with preclinical AD (40 eyes, mean age = 69 years, range = 60-80 years) and 20 control participants (32 eyes, mean age = 66 years, range = 58-82 years, P = 0.11) were included for the assessment of difference in surface area of putative retinal gliosis and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The surface area of putative retinal gliosis and RNFL thickness for the nine sectors of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) map were compared between groups using generalized linear mixed models. Results The surface area of putative retinal gliosis was significantly greater in the preclinical AD group (0.97 ± 0.55 mm2) compared to controls (0.68 ± 0.40 mm2); F(1,70) = 4.41, P = 0.039; Cohen's d = 0.61. There was no significant difference between groups for RNFL thickness in the 9 ETDRS sectors, P > 0.05. Conclusions Our analysis shows greater putative retinal gliosis in preclinical AD compared to controls. This demonstrates putative retinal gliosis as a potential biomarker for AD-related neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Ravichandran
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Peter J. Snyder
- Department of Neurology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Jessica Alber
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
- Butler Hospital Memory and Aging Program, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Madelyn R. Kenny
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Andrew Rothstein
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Keisha Brown
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Charles F. Murchison
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Olivio J. Clay
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Erik D. Roberson
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Edmund Arthur
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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2
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Zhang Y, Zhou A. Macrophage activation contributes to diabetic retinopathy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:585-597. [PMID: 38429382 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02437-5] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is recognized as a neurovascular complication of diabetes, and emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of inflammation in its pathophysiology. Macrophage activation is increasingly acknowledged as a key contributor to the onset and progression of DR. Different populations of macrophages originating from distinct sources contribute to DR-associated inflammation. Retinal macrophages can be broadly categorized into two main groups based on their origin: intrinsic macrophages situated within the retina and vitreoretinal interface and macrophages derived from infiltrating monocytes. The former comprises microglia (MG), perivascular macrophages, and macrophage-like hyalocytes. Retinal MG, as the principal population of tissue-resident population of mononuclear phagocytes, exhibits high heterogeneity and plasticity while serving as a crucial connector between retinal capillaries and synapses. This makes MG actively involved in the pathological processes across various stages of DR. Activated hyalocytes also contribute to the pathological progression of advanced DR. Additionally, recruited monocytes, displaying rapid turnover in circulation, augment the population of retinal macrophages during DR pathogenesis, exerting pathogenic or protective effect based on different subtypes. In this review, we examine novel perspectives on macrophage biology based on recent studies elucidating the diversity of macrophage identity and function, as well as the mechanisms influencing macrophage behavior. These insights may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in the management of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Aiyi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.
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Pichi F, Neri P, Aljneibi S, Hay S, Chaudhry H, Carreño E. Vitreoretinal Interface Cells Correlate In Vivo With Uveitis Activity and Decrease With Anti-Inflammatory Treatment. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:15. [PMID: 38767904 PMCID: PMC11114619 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.5.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To highlight the utility of en face swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in assessing vitreoretinal interface cells (VRICs) of patients with active uveitis and their dynamics. Methods In this prospective, single-center study, 20 eyes from patients with active uveitis were analyzed using six 6 × 6-mm macular scans at three time points: active inflammation (baseline), clinically improving (T1), and resolved inflammation (T2). VRICs were visualized using 3-µm en face OCT slabs on the inner limiting membrane. The variation of VRIC number, density, and size over time was assessed, and VRIC measurements were compared with clinical grading. Results At baseline, the VRIC count was significantly higher (552.5 VRICs) than that of the healthy controls (478.2 VRICs), with a density of 15.3 cells/mm2. VRIC number decreased significantly to 394.8 (P = 0.007) at T1, with a density of 10.9 cells/mm2 (P = 0.007). VRIC size reduced from 6.8 µm to 6.3 µm at T1 (P = 0.009) and remained stable at T2 (P = 0.3). Correlation coefficients between inflammatory parameters (anterior chamber cells and National Eye Institute vitreous haze), and VRIC count indicated a positive correlation at baseline (r = 0.53), weakening at T1 (r = 0.36), and becoming negative at T2 (r = -0.24). Conclusions En face SS-OCTA revealed increased VRIC number and size in active uveitis, likely due to monocyte recruitment. Post-inflammation control, VRIC number, size, and density significantly decreased, returning to normal despite residual anterior chamber cells or vitreous haze. Translational Relevance Visualization of VRICs by in vivo OCT opens up new opportunities for therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pichi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Piergiorgio Neri
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Shaikha Aljneibi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Steven Hay
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hannah Chaudhry
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ester Carreño
- University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- University Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
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Bisen JB, Heisel CJ, Duffy BV, Decker NL, Fukuyama H, Boughanem GO, Fawzi AA, Lavine JA. Association between macrophage-like cell density and ischemia metrics in diabetic eyes. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109703. [PMID: 38652673 PMCID: PMC11040107 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
We previously showed that macrophage-like cells (MLCs) are increased in eyes with advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR). Here, we hypothesized that MLC density was correlated with ischemia using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA). Treatment-naïve diabetic eyes were prospectively imaged with repeated OCTA (average 5.3 scans per eye) and UWF-FA imaging. OCTA images were registered and averaged to generate a superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and MLC slab. We calculated geometric perfusion deficit (GPD), vessel length density, and vessel density for the SCP and DCP. MLC density was quantified by two masked graders and averaged. Ischemia on UWF-FA was measured to generate a non-perfusion area (NPA) and index (NPI). Since MLC density was non-parametrically distributed, MLC density was correlated with ischemia metrics using Spearman correlations. Forty-five treatment-naïve eyes of 45 patients (59 ± 12 years of age; 56% female) were imaged. We included 6 eyes with no DR, 7 eyes with mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 22 moderate NPDR, 4 severe NPDR, and 6 PDR eyes. MLC density between graders was highly correlated (r = 0.9592, p < 0.0001). MLC density was correlated with DCP GPD (r = 0.296, p = 0.049), but no other OCTA ischemia metrics. MLC density was also correlated with UWF-FA NPA (r = 0.330, p = 0.035) and NPI (r = 0.332, p = 0.034). MLC density was correlated with total ischemia on UWF-FA and local DCP GPD. Since both UWF-FA and DCP non-perfusion are associated with higher risk for DR progression, MLC density could be another potential biomarker for DR progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay B Bisen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Curtis J Heisel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Brandon V Duffy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nicole L Decker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Hisashi Fukuyama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ghazi O Boughanem
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amani A Fawzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jeremy A Lavine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Corano Scheri K, Lavine JA, Tedeschi T, Thomson BR, Fawzi AA. Single-cell transcriptomics analysis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy fibrovascular membranes reveals AEBP1 as fibrogenesis modulator. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172062. [PMID: 37917183 PMCID: PMC10896003 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172062] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of preretinal fibrovascular membranes, a devastating complication of advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR), remains challenging. We characterized the molecular profile of cell populations in these fibrovascular membranes to identify potentially new therapeutic targets. Preretinal fibrovascular membranes were surgically removed from patients and submitted for single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq). Differential gene expression was implemented to define the transcriptomics profile of these cells and revealed the presence of endothelial, inflammatory, and stromal cells. Endothelial cell reclustering identified subclusters characterized by noncanonical transcriptomics profile and active angiogenesis. Deeper investigation of the inflammatory cells showed a subcluster of macrophages expressing proangiogenic cytokines, presumably contributing to angiogenesis. The stromal cell cluster included a pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiating subcluster, indicating the involvement of pericytes in fibrogenesis. Differentially expressed gene analysis showed that Adipocyte Enhancer-binding Protein 1, AEBP1, was significantly upregulated in myofibroblast clusters, suggesting that this molecule may have a role in transformation. Cell culture experiments with human retinal pericytes (HRP) in high-glucose condition confirmed the molecular transformation of pericytes toward myofibroblastic lineage. AEBP1 siRNA transfection in HRP reduced the expression of profibrotic markers in high glucose. In conclusion, AEBP1 signaling modulates pericyte-myofibroblast transformation, suggesting that targeting AEBP1 could prevent scar tissue formation in advanced DR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Benjamin R Thomson
- Department of Ophthalmology and
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Center for Kidney Research and Therapeutics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Carreño E, Hernanz I, Collado B, Pichi F. Description of Macrophage-Like Cells in Active Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023:1-4. [PMID: 37787936 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2263073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage-like cells (MLC) have a fundamental role in the maintenance of immunosurveillance, response to inflammation and tissue injury in the retina. MLC can be visualized in vivo with conventional en face optical coherence tomography (OCT). The aim of this study is to describe this population of cells in active toxoplasmosis. We present two cases of active toxoplasma retinochoroiditis imaged at 2 time points, where the MLC were threshold after image processing and averaging for removing background and noise. In both patients the MLC collocated with the area of ischemia at the level of the choriocapillaris and retinal vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Carreño
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Fundacion Jimenez Diaz Biomedical Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Hernanz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Fundacion Jimenez Diaz Biomedical Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Collado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesco Pichi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Yao Y, Li J, Zhou Y, Wang S, Zhang Z, Jiang Q, Li K. Macrophage/microglia polarization for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1276225. [PMID: 37842315 PMCID: PMC10569308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1276225] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages/microglia are immune system defense and homeostatic cells that develop from bone marrow progenitor cells. According to the different phenotypes and immune responses of macrophages (Th1 and Th2), the two primary categories of polarized macrophages/microglia are those conventionally activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2). Macrophage/microglial polarization is a key regulating factor in the development of inflammatory disorders, cancers, metabolic disturbances, and neural degeneration. Macrophage/microglial polarization is involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, pathological angiogenesis, and tissue healing processes in ocular diseases, particularly in diabetic retinopathy (DR). The functional phenotypes of macrophages/microglia affect disease progression and prognosis, and thus regulate the polarization or functional phenotype of microglia at different DR stages, which may offer new concepts for individualized therapy of DR. This review summarizes the involvement of macrophage/microglia polarization in physiological situations and in the pathological process of DR, and discusses the promising role of polarization in personalized treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunfan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Suyu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziran Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keran Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Pichi F, Neri P, Aljeneibi S, Hay S, Chaudhry H, Saturno MC, Carreno E. In Vivo Visualization of Macrophage-Like Cells in Patients with Uveitis by Use of En Face Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37722841 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2254369] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To detect macrophage-like cells (MLCs) in uveitis patients and describe their characteristics compared to healthy subjects by using en face SS-OCTA. METHODS Fifteen consecutive patients with "active" uveitis and 11 healthy participants underwent 6 macular scans of 6×6mm using SS-OCTA. The 3μm en face OCT slabs on inner limiting membrane were used to visualize the MLCs. RESULTS In healthy subjects there was an average of 478.2±149.7 MLCs with a density of 13.28±4.16 cells/mm2. MLCs were larger in patients with "active" uveitis than in controls (891.18±69.46 µm2 vs.885±77.53 µm2). Patients with "active" anterior uveitis had a significantly reduced count and density of MLCs (172±14.68 and 4.77±0.4 cell/mm2) compared to controls, while patients with posterior uveitis had a statistically increased count (546.1±132.4) and area (909.23+/-54.97 µm2) of MLCs compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS MLCs detected with en face SS-OCTA are increased in number and size in active posterior uveitis eyes compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pichi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Piergiorgio Neri
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shaikha Aljeneibi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Steven Hay
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hannah Chaudhry
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ester Carreno
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
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