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Kulbay M, Tuli N, Akdag A, Kahn Ali S, Qian CX. Optogenetics and Targeted Gene Therapy for Retinal Diseases: Unravelling the Fundamentals, Applications, and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4224. [PMID: 39064263 PMCID: PMC11277578 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144224] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With a common aim of restoring physiological function of defective cells, optogenetics and targeted gene therapies have shown great clinical potential and novelty in the branch of personalized medicine and inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The basis of optogenetics aims to bypass defective photoreceptors by introducing opsins with light-sensing capabilities. In contrast, targeted gene therapies, such as methods based on CRISPR-Cas9 and RNA interference with noncoding RNAs (i.e., microRNA, small interfering RNA, short hairpin RNA), consists of inducing normal gene or protein expression into affected cells. Having partially leveraged the challenges limiting their prompt introduction into the clinical practice (i.e., engineering, cell or tissue delivery capabilities), it is crucial to deepen the fields of knowledge applied to optogenetics and targeted gene therapy. The aim of this in-depth and novel literature review is to explain the fundamentals and applications of optogenetics and targeted gene therapies, while providing decision-making arguments for ophthalmologists. First, we review the biomolecular principles and engineering steps involved in optogenetics and the targeted gene therapies mentioned above by bringing a focus on the specific vectors and molecules for cell signalization. The importance of vector choice and engineering methods are discussed. Second, we summarize the ongoing clinical trials and most recent discoveries for optogenetics and targeted gene therapies for IRDs. Finally, we then discuss the limits and current challenges of each novel therapy. We aim to provide for the first time scientific-based explanations for clinicians to justify the specificity of each therapy for one disease, which can help improve clinical decision-making tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Kulbay
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3S5, Canada;
| | - Nicolas Tuli
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada (A.A.)
| | - Arjin Akdag
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada (A.A.)
| | - Shigufa Kahn Ali
- Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada;
| | - Cynthia X. Qian
- Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d’Ophtalmologie (CUO), Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
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Power D, Elstrott J, Schallek J. Photoreceptor loss does not recruit neutrophils despite strong microglial activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.25.595864. [PMID: 38854151 PMCID: PMC11160676 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.25.595864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
In response to central nervous system (CNS) injury, tissue resident immune cells such as microglia and circulating systemic neutrophils are often first responders. The degree to which these cells interact in response to CNS damage is poorly understood, and even less so, in the neural retina which poses a challenge for high resolution imaging in vivo. In this study, we deploy fluorescence adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) to study fluorescent microglia and neutrophils in mice. We simultaneously track immune cell dynamics using label-free phase-contrast AOSLO at micron-level resolution. Retinal lesions were induced with 488 nm light focused onto photoreceptor (PR) outer segments. These lesions focally ablated PRs, with minimal collateral damage to cells above and below the plane of focus. We used in vivo (AOSLO, SLO and OCT) imaging to reveal the natural history of the microglial and neutrophil response from minutes-to-months after injury. While microglia showed dynamic and progressive immune response with cells migrating into the injury locus within 1-day after injury, neutrophils were not recruited despite close proximity to vessels carrying neutrophils only microns away. Post-mortem confocal microscopy confirmed in vivo findings. This work illustrates that microglial activation does not recruit neutrophils in response to acute, focal loss of photoreceptors, a condition encountered in many retinal diseases.
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Ye SS, Wang JN, Zhao YF, Dai LS, Zhang JZ, Zuo YQ, Song JT. Purinergic P2X7 receptor involves in anti-retinal photodamage effects of berberine. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-09999-6. [PMID: 38489005 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-09999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a Chinese herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In a previous study, we found that BBR had a protective effect against light-induced retinal degeneration in BALB/c mice. The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays a key role in retinal degeneration via inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory changes, and cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BBR can induce protective effects in light damage experiments and whether P2X7R can get involved in these effects. C57BL/6 J mice and P2X7 knockout (KO) mice on the C57BL/6 J background were used. We found that BBR preserved the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and retinal ganglion cells following light stimulation. Furthermore, BBR significantly suppressed photoreceptor apoptosis, pro-apoptotic c-fos expression, pro-inflammatory responses of Mϋller cells, and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β). In addition, protein levels of P2X7R were downregulated in BBR-treated mice. Double immunofluorescence showed that BBR reduced overexpression of P2X7R in retinal ganglion cells and Mϋller cells. Furthermore, BBR combined with the P2X7R agonist BzATP blocked the effects of BBR on retinal morphology and photoreceptor apoptosis. However, in P2X7 KO mice, BBR had an additive effect resulting in thicker ONL and more photoreceptors. The data suggest that the P2X7 receptor is involved in retinal light damage, and BBR inhibits this process by reducing histological impairment, cell death, and inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Ye
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China
| | - Jia-Ning Wang
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhao
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Le-Shu Dai
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ji-Zhou Zhang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Yan-Qin Zuo
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jian-Tao Song
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100040, China.
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García-Ayuso D, Pierdomenico JD, Martínez-Vacas A, Vidal-Sanz M, Picaud S, Villegas-Pérez MP. Taurine: a promising nutraceutic in the prevention of retinal degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:606-610. [PMID: 37721291 PMCID: PMC10581579 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Taurine is considered a non-essential amino acid because it is synthesized by most mammals. However, dietary intake of taurine may be necessary to achieve the physiological levels required for the development, maintenance, and function of certain tissues. Taurine may be especially important for the retina. The concentration of taurine in the retina is higher than that in any other tissue in the body and taurine deficiency causes retinal oxidative stress, apoptosis, and degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Low plasma taurine levels may also underlie retinal degeneration in humans and therefore, taurine administration could exert retinal neuroprotective effects. Taurine has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and calcium homeostasis-regulatory properties. This review summarizes the role of taurine in retinal health and disease, where it appears that taurine may be a promising nutraceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego García-Ayuso
- Grupo de Investigación Oftalmología Experimental, Departamento de Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, España
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Grupo de Investigación Oftalmología Experimental, Departamento de Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, España
| | - Ana Martínez-Vacas
- Grupo de Investigación Oftalmología Experimental, Departamento de Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, España
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Grupo de Investigación Oftalmología Experimental, Departamento de Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, España
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - María P. Villegas-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Oftalmología Experimental, Departamento de Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, España
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Zhang C, Wang J, Wu H, Fan W, Li S, Wei D, Song Z, Tao Y. Hydrogel-Based Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Current Innovations, Impediments, and Future Perspectives. Gels 2024; 10:158. [PMID: 38534576 DOI: 10.3390/gels10030158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ocular disease that leads to progressive photoreceptor death and visual impairment. Currently, the most common therapeutic strategy is to deliver anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents into the eyes of patients with wet AMD. However, this treatment method requires repeated injections, which potentially results in surgical complications and unwanted side effects for patients. An effective therapeutic approach for dry AMD also remains elusive. Therefore, there is a surge of enthusiasm for the developing the biodegradable drug delivery systems with sustained release capability and develop a promising therapeutic strategy. Notably, the strides made in hydrogels which possess intricate three-dimensional polymer networks have profoundly facilitated the treatments of AMD. Researchers have established diverse hydrogel-based delivery systems with marvelous biocompatibility and efficacy. Advantageously, these hydrogel-based transplantation therapies provide promising opportunities for vision restoration. Herein, we provide an overview of the properties and potential of hydrogels for ocular delivery. We introduce recent advances in the utilization of hydrogels for the delivery of anti-VEGF and in cell implantation. Further refinements of these findings would lay the basis for developing more rational and curative therapies for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiale Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenhui Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Siyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zongming Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Hou H, Durbin MK, El-Nimri N, Fischer JL, Sadda SR. Agreement, repeatability, and reproducibility of quantitative retinal layer assessment using swept-source and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in eyes with retinal diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1281751. [PMID: 38164223 PMCID: PMC10757970 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1281751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the agreement and precision of retinal thickness measurements obtained using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) in healthy eyes and eyes with retinopathy. Methods This cross-sectional prospective study involved three DRI-OCT Triton (SS-OCT) and three 3D-OCT-1 Maestro (SD-OCT) devices. One of each device (Maestro and Triton) was paired with a single operator. Healthy subjects and patients with retinal diseases were recruited, with study eye and testing order randomized. At least 3 scans per eye were captured for wide scan (12 mm × 9 mm-Triton and Maestro) and macular cube scan (7 mm × 7 mm-Triton, 6 mm × 6 mm-Maestro). Thickness of the full retina, ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (GCL+), and ganglion cell complex (GCL++) were obtained from wide scan and cube scans. Agreement of the measurements between the Triton and Maestro was evaluated by Bland-Altman analysis and Deming regression for each group. Repeatability and reproducibility were assessed using a two-way random effect analysis of variance (ANOVA) model for each parameter by group. Results Twenty-five healthy subjects (25 eyes) and 26 patients with retinal diseases (26 eyes), including, but not limited to, age-related macular degeneration, macular hole, and diabetic retinopathy were recruited. Overall, the measurement differences between Triton and Maestro were <6 μm (mean differences of full retina, GCL++, and GCL+ thickness were ≤5.5 μm, 1.3 μm, and 2.8 μm, respectively) and not statistically significant across the parameters. The repeatability and reproducibility estimates indicate high precision in both devices and groups. Across all the parameters, the repeatability limit was ≤7.6 μm for Triton and ≤12.7 μm for Maestro; reproducibility limit was ≤9.2 μm for Triton and ≤14.4 μm for Maestro. In eyes with retinal pathology, the repeatability coefficient of variation (CV)% was ≤2.6% for Triton and ≤3.4% for Maestro; reproducibility CV% was ≤3.3% for Triton and ≤3.5% for Maestro. Conclusion Both Triton SS-OCT and Maestro SD-OCT provide reliable measurements of retinal thickness in healthy eyes and eyes with retinal diseases. Excellent agreement between the two devices indicates interoperability when testing healthy eyes or eyes with retinal pathology. These findings support the use of thickness measurements from Triton SS-OCT and Maestro SD-OCT in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Hou
- Topcon Healthcare, Oakland, NJ, United States
| | | | | | | | - Srinivas R. Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Chwiejczak K, Byles D, Gerry P, Von Lany H, Tasiopoulou A, Hattersley A. Multimodal analysis in symptomatic MIDD-associated retinopathy. A case report and literature review. GMS OPHTHALMOLOGY CASES 2023; 13:Doc23. [PMID: 38111473 PMCID: PMC10726563 DOI: 10.3205/oc000231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To present results of contemporary multimodal ophthalmic imaging in a case of maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) and a literature review of MIDD. Methods A case of a 47-year-old female with diabetes mellitus, severe insulin resistance, familial lipodystrohy, deafness and increasing problems with vision is reported. A full ophthalmic examination was done, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, LogMAR), funduscopy, and imaging studies: optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCT-A), fundus autofloresence (FAF), visual fields (HVF) 10-2 , electrophysiology (EP) and genetic testing were performed. Literature available on the topic was reviewed. Results BCVA was 0.06 LogMAR in the right eye and 0.1 LogMAR in the left. Funduscopy revealed atrophy (AT) and pigmentary changes but no diabetic retinopathy. HVF confirmed corresponding defects. The imaging and diagnostic tests showed the following abnormalities: FAF: hypoautofluoresence in areas of AT and mottled appearance in the macular and peripapillary area; OCT: attenuation of outer retinal layers and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the AT; OCT-A: thinning of the deep capillary plexus and choriocapillaris; EP: abnormalities on full field electroretinogram (ERG), 30 Hz flicker and single cone flash response; multifocal ERG: reduced responses; genetic testing: A-to-G transition mutation at position 3243 of the mitochondrial genome, typical for MIDD. After one year OCT ganglion cell analysis showed loss of thickness. Conclusions Genetic testing should be considered in diabetic patients with pigmentary retinopathy. Imaging studies and diagnostic testing showed structural and functional retinal changes, confined to the macula and progressive in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Chwiejczak
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel Byles
- West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Gerry
- Neurophysiology Department, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Hirut Von Lany
- West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasia Tasiopoulou
- West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Athens Eye Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrew Hattersley
- The MacLeod Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
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Liu J, Copland DA, Clare AJ, Gorski M, Richards BT, Scott L, Theodoropoulou S, Greferath U, Cox K, Bell OH, Ou K, Powell JLB, Wu J, Robles LM, Li Y, Nicholson LB, Coffey PJ, Fletcher EL, Guymer R, Radeke MJ, Heid IM, Hageman GS, Chan YK, Dick AD. Replenishing Age-Related Decline of IRAK-M Expression in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Attenuates Outer Retinal Degeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559733. [PMID: 37808640 PMCID: PMC10557650 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Unchecked, chronic inflammation is a constitutive component of age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we identified interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M as a key immunoregulator in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that declines with age. Rare genetic variants of IRAK-M increased the likelihood of AMD. IRAK-M expression in RPE declined with age or oxidative stress and was further reduced in AMD. IRAK-M-deficient mice exhibited increased incidence of outer retinal degeneration at earlier ages, which was further exacerbated by oxidative stressors. The absence of IRAK-M disrupted RPE cell homeostasis, including compromised mitochondrial function, cellular senescence, and aberrant cytokine production. IRAK-M overexpression protected RPE cells against oxidative or immune stressors. Subretinal delivery of AAV-expressing IRAK-M rescued light-induced outer retinal degeneration in wild-type mice and attenuated age-related spontaneous retinal degeneration in IRAK-M-deficient mice. Our data support that replenishment of IRAK-M expression may redress dysregulated pro-inflammatory processes in AMD, thereby treating degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Copland
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J. Clare
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mathias Gorski
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Burt T. Richards
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Louis Scott
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Theodoropoulou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Cox
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver H. Bell
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kepeng Ou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna Le Brun Powell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Martinez Robles
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Yingxin Li
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay B. Nicholson
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Coffey
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erica L. Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Monte J. Radeke
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Iris M. Heid
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Ying Kai Chan
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Sanches ES, Boia R, Leitão RA, Madeira MH, Fontes-Ribeiro CA, Ambrósio AF, Fernandes R, Silva AP. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Animal Model Presents Retinal Alterations and Methylphenidate Has a Differential Effect in ADHD versus Control Conditions. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040937. [PMID: 37107312 PMCID: PMC10135983 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. Interestingly, children with ADHD seem to experience more ophthalmologic abnormalities, and the impact of methylphenidate (MPH) use on retinal physiology remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to unravel the retina's structural, functional, and cellular alterations and the impact of MPH in ADHD versus the control conditions. For that, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were used as animal models of ADHD and the controls, respectively. Animals were divided into four experimental groups as follows: WKY vehicle (Veh; tap water), WKY MPH (1.5 mg/kg/day), SHR Veh, SHR MPH. Individual administration was performed by gavage between P28-P55. Retinal physiology and structure were evaluated at P56 followed by tissue collection and analysis. The ADHD animal model presents the retinal structural, functional, and neuronal deficits, as well as the microglial reactivity, astrogliosis, blood-retinal barrier (BRB) hyperpermeability and a pro-inflammatory status. In this model, MPH had a beneficial effect on reducing microgliosis, BRB dysfunction, and inflammatory response, but did not correct the neuronal and functional alterations in the retina. Curiously, in the control animals, MPH showed an opposite effect since it impaired the retinal function, neuronal cells, and BRB integrity, and also promoted both microglia reactivity and upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. This study unveils the retinal alterations in ADHD and the opposite effects induced by MPH in the retina of ADHD and the control animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane S Sanches
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Boia
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo A Leitão
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria H Madeira
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Fontes-Ribeiro
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Silva
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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Duan H, Song W, Guo J, Yan W. Taurine: A Source and Application for the Relief of Visual Fatigue. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081843. [PMID: 37111062 PMCID: PMC10142897 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to reports, supplementation with appropriate doses of taurine may help to reduce visual fatigue. Presently, some progress has been made in research related to taurine in eye health, but the lack of systematic summaries has led to the neglect of its application in the relief of visual fatigue. This paper, therefore, provides a systematic review of the sources of taurine, including the endogenous metabolic and exogenous dietary pathways, as well as a detailed review of the distribution and production of exogenous taurine. The physiological mechanisms underlying the production of visual fatigue are summarized and the research progress of taurine in relieving visual fatigue is reviewed, including the safety of consumption and the mechanism of action in relieving visual fatigue, in order to provide some reference basis and inspiration for the development and application of taurine in functional foods for relieving visual fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Duan
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Wei Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Jinhong Guo
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Wenjie Yan
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
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11
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Xu X, Shi J, Zhang C, Shi L, Bai Y, Shi W, Wang Y. Effects of artificial light with different spectral composition on eye axial growth in juvenile guinea pigs. Eur J Histochem 2023; 67. [PMID: 36786079 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2023.3634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of artificial light with different spectral composition and distribution on axial growth in guinea pigs. Three-week-old guinea pigs were randomly assigned to groups exposed to natural light, low color temperature light-emitting diode (LED) light, two full spectrum artificial lights (E light and Julia light) and blue light filtered light with the same intensity. Axial lengths of guinea pigs' eyes were measured by A-scan ultrasonography prior to the experiment and every 2 weeks during the experiment. After light exposure for 12 weeks, retinal dopamine (DA), dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels and DOPAC/DA ratio were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography electrochemical detection and retinal histological structure was observed. Retinal melanopsin expression was detected using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. After exposed to different kinds of light with different spectrum for 4 weeks, the axial lengths of guinea pigs' eyes in LED group and Julia light group were significantly longer than those of natural light group. After 6 weeks, the axial lengths in LED light group were significantly longer than those of E light group and blue light filtered group. The difference between axial lengths in E light group and Julia light group showed statistical significance after 8 weeks (p<0.05). After 12 weeks of light exposure, the comparison of retinal DOPAC/DA ratio and melanopsin expression in each group was consistent with that of axial length. In guinea pigs, continuous full spectrum artificial light with no peak or valley can inhibit axial elongation via retinal dopaminergic and melanopsin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
| | - Jiayu Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
| | - Chuanwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
| | - Lixin Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
| | - Yujie Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
| | - Yuliang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing.
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12
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Nadal-Nicolás FM, Galindo-Romero C, Lucas-Ruiz F, Marsh-Amstrong N, Li W, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M. Pan-retinal ganglion cell markers in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Zool Res 2023; 44:226-248. [PMID: 36594396 PMCID: PMC9841181 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Univocal identification of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is an essential prerequisite for studying their degeneration and neuroprotection. Before the advent of phenotypic markers, RGCs were normally identified using retrograde tracing of retinorecipient areas. This is an invasive technique, and its use is precluded in higher mammals such as monkeys. In the past decade, several RGC markers have been described. Here, we reviewed and analyzed the specificity of nine markers used to identify all or most RGCs, i.e., pan-RGC markers, in rats, mice, and macaques. The best markers in the three species in terms of specificity, proportion of RGCs labeled, and indicators of viability were BRN3A, expressed by vision-forming RGCs, and RBPMS, expressed by vision- and non-vision-forming RGCs. NEUN, often used to identify RGCs, was expressed by non-RGCs in the ganglion cell layer, and therefore was not RGC-specific. γ-SYN, TUJ1, and NF-L labeled the RGC axons, which impaired the detection of their somas in the central retina but would be good for studying RGC morphology. In rats, TUJ1 and NF-L were also expressed by non-RGCs. BM88, ERRβ, and PGP9.5 are rarely used as markers, but they identified most RGCs in the rats and macaques and ERRβ in mice. However, PGP9.5 was also expressed by non-RGCs in rats and macaques and BM88 and ERRβ were not suitable markers of viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2510, USA
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain
| | - Fernando Lucas-Ruiz
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain
| | - Nicholas Marsh-Amstrong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2510, USA
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain. E-mail:
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain. E-mail:
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13
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García-Ayuso D, Di Pierdomenico J, Martínez-Vacas A, Picaud S, Villegas-Pérez M. Taurine: an essential amino sulfonic acid for retinal health. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:807-808. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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14
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Nikonov S, Dolgova N, Sudharsan R, Tochitsky I, Iwabe S, Guzman JM, Van Gelder RN, Kramer RH, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Photochemical Restoration of Light Sensitivity in the Degenerated Canine Retina. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122711. [PMID: 36559205 PMCID: PMC9783220 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacological compounds such as azobenzene-based photoswitches have been shown to control the conductivity of ionic channels in a light-dependent manner and are considered a potential strategy to restore vision in patients with end-stage photoreceptor degeneration. Here, we report the effects of DENAQ, a second-generation azobenzene-based photoswitch on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in canine retinas using multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings (from nine degenerated and six WT retinas). DENAQ treatment conferred increased light sensitivity to RGCs in degenerated canine retinas. RGC light responses were observed in degenerated retinas following ex vivo application of 1 mM DENAQ (n = 6) or after in vivo DENAQ injection (n = 3, 150 μL, 3-10 mM) using 455 nm light at intensities as low as 0.2 mW/cm2. The number of light-sensitive cells and the per cell response amplitude increased with light intensity up to the maximum tested intensity of 85 mW/cm2. Application of DENAQ to degenerated retinas with partially preserved cone function caused appearance of DENAQ-driven responses both in cone-driven and previously non-responsive RGCs, and disappearance of cone-driven responses. Repeated stimulation slowed activation and accelerated recovery of the DENAQ-driven responses. The latter is likely responsible for the delayed appearance of a response to 4 Hz flicker stimulation. Limited aqueous solubility of DENAQ results in focal drug aggregates associated with ocular toxicity. While this limits the therapeutic potential of DENAQ, more potent third-generation photoswitches may be more promising, especially when delivered in a slow-release formulation that prevents drug aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Nikonov
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Dolgova
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Raghavi Sudharsan
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ivan Tochitsky
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 90095, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jose-Manuel Guzman
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Russell N. Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard H. Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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Martínez-Vacas A, Di Pierdomenico J, Gallego-Ortega A, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Vidal-Sanz M, Picaud S, Villegas-Pérez MP, García-Ayuso D. Systemic taurine treatment affords functional and morphological neuroprotection of photoreceptors and restores retinal pigment epithelium function in RCS rats. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102506. [PMID: 36270186 PMCID: PMC9583577 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our work was to study whether taurine administration has neuroprotective effects in dystrophic Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, suffering retinal degeneration secondary to impaired retinal pigment epithelium phagocytosis caused by a MERTK mutation. Dystrophic RCS-p + female rats (n = 36) were divided into a non-treated group (n = 16) and a treated group (n = 20) that received taurine (0.2 M) in drinking water from postnatal day (P)21 to P45, when they were processed. Retinal function was assessed with electroretinogram. Retinal morphology was assessed in cross-sections using immunohistochemical techniques to label photoreceptors, retinal microglial and macroglial cells, active zones of conventional and ribbon synaptic connections, and oxidative stress. Retinal pigment epithelium function was examined using intraocular fluorogold injections. Our results document that taurine treatment increases taurine plasma levels and photoreceptor survival in dystrophic rats. The number of photoreceptor nuclei rows at P45 was 3-5 and 6-11 in untreated and treated animals, respectively. Electroretinograms showed increases of 70% in the rod response, 400% in the a-wave amplitude, 30% in the b-wave amplitude and 75% in the photopic b-wave response in treated animals. Treated animals also showed decreased numbers of microglial cells in the outer retinal layers, decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in Müller cells, decreased oxidative stress in the outer and inner nuclear layers and improved maintenance of synaptic connections. Treated animals showed increased FG phagocytosis in the retinal pigment epithelium cells. In conclusion, systemic taurine treatment decreases photoreceptor degeneration and increases electroretinographic responses in dystrophic RCS rats and these effects may be mediated through various neuroprotective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez-Vacas
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco J Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
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16
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Lee SC, Rusakevich AM, Amin A, Tran S, Emami-Naeini P, Moshiri A, Park SS, Yiu G. Long-Term Retinal Vascular Changes in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Measured Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022; 53:529-536. [DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20220919-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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17
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Bhattacharyya A. The detrimental effects of progression of retinal degeneration in the visual cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:904175. [PMID: 35966197 PMCID: PMC9372284 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.904175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The leading cause of blindness in inherited and age-related retinal degeneration (RD) is the death of retinal photoreceptors such as rods and cones. The most prevalent form of RD is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which affects the macula resulting in an irreversible loss of vision. The other is a heterogenous group of inherited disorders known as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) caused by the progressive loss of photoreceptors. Several approaches have been developed in recent years to artificially stimulate the remaining retinal neurons using optogenetics, retinal prostheses, and chemical photoswitches. However, the outcome of these strategies has been limited. The success of these treatments relies on the morphology, physiology, and proper functioning of the remaining intact structures in the downstream visual pathway. It is not completely understood what all alterations occur in the visual cortex during RD. In this review, I will discuss the known information in the literature about morphological and functional changes that occur in the visual cortex in rodents and humans during RD. The aim is to highlight the changes in the visual cortex that will be helpful for developing tools and strategies directed toward the restoration of high-resolution vision in patients with visual impairment.
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Yoon CK, Bae K, Yu HG. Longitudinal Microstructure Changes of the Retina and Choroid in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 241:149-159. [PMID: 35551907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate longitudinal changes in the retinal and choroidal microstructure of the macula in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). DESIGN Retrospective, observational cohort study. METHODS A total of 69 patients with RP and 69 age- and sex-matched controls who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) over a 4-year follow-up period were included. The severity of RP was classified into 3 stages according to the integrity of the inner segment ellipsoid zone. The retinal and choroidal layers were segmented manually from OCT images. The areas of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy and choroidal vascular index (CVI) were also analyzed. Longitudinal changes in the OCT parameters were compared among the groups. RESULTS Significant decreases (median [interquartile range]) in the thickness of the ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL; -1.04 [-2.41 to -0.17]), outer nuclear layer (ONL; -1.44 [-1.86 to -0.28]), and inner segment ellipsoid (ISE; -0.74 [-1.33 to -0.49]) at the moderate stage and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL; -1.49 [-2.08 to -0.66]) and GCIPL (0.58 [-1.79 to 0.06]) at the advanced stage were observed. Choroidal thickness decreased significantly from -7.62 to -9.40 μm per year at all stages. RPE atrophy and CVI reduction were observed at the advanced stage. There was no change in the control group. CONCLUSIONS ONL and GCIPL thicknesses decreased at the moderate and advanced stages of RP; RNFL thickness decreased only at the advanced stage; and choroidal thickness decreased continuously. In addition, RPE atrophy and CVI reduction were prominent at the advanced stage. These results indicate that there is a temporal variation in the damage of each retinal layer and the choroid in RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ki Yoon
- from the Department of Ophthalmology (C.K.Y., K.H.B., H.G.Y.), Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Department of Ophthalmology (C.K.Y., K.H.B., H.G.Y.), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kunho Bae
- from the Department of Ophthalmology (C.K.Y., K.H.B., H.G.Y.), Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Department of Ophthalmology (C.K.Y., K.H.B., H.G.Y.), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeong Gon Yu
- from the Department of Ophthalmology (C.K.Y., K.H.B., H.G.Y.), Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Department of Ophthalmology (C.K.Y., K.H.B., H.G.Y.), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea; Retina Center (H.G.Y.), Sky Eye Institute, Seoul, Korea.
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19
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Di Pierdomenico J, Gallego‐Ortega A, Martínez‐Vacas A, García‐Bernal D, Vidal‐Sanz M, Villegas‐Pérez MP, García‐Ayuso D. Intravitreal and subretinal syngeneic bone marrow mononuclear stem cell transplantation improves photoreceptor survival but does not ameliorate retinal function in two rat models of retinal degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e1313-e1331. [PMID: 35514078 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study and compare effects of syngeneic bone marrow mononuclear stem cells (BM-MNCs) transplants on inherited retinal degeneration in two animal models with different etiologies: the RCS and the P23H-1 rats. To compare the safety and efficacy of two methods of intraocular delivery: subretinal and/or intravitreal. METHODS A suspension of BM-MNCs was injected subretinally or intravitreally in the left eyes of P23H-1 and RCS rats at post-natal day (P) 21. At different survival intervals after the injection: 7, 15, 30 or 60 days, the retinas were cross-sectioned, and photoreceptor survival and glial cell responses were investigated using immunodetection of cones (anti-cone arrestin), synaptic connections (anti-bassoon), microglia (anti-Iba-1), astrocytes and Müller cells (anti-GFAP). Electroretinographic function was also assessed longitudinally. RESULTS Intravitreal injections (IVIs) or subretinal injections (SRIs) of BM-MNCs did not produce adverse effects. The transplanted cells survived for up to 15 days but did not penetrate the retina. Both IVIs and SRIs increased photoreceptor survival, decreased synaptic degeneration and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in Müller cells but did not modify microglial cell activation and migration or the electroretinographic responses. CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal and subretinal syngeneic BM-MNCs transplantation decreases photoreceptor degeneration and shows anti-gliotic effects on Müller cells but does not ameliorate retinal function. Moreover, syngeneic BM-MNCs transplants are more effective than the xenotransplants of these cells. BM-MNC transplantation has potential therapeutic effects that merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Murcia Murcia Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB‐Virgen de la Arrixaca) Murcia Spain
| | - Alejandro Gallego‐Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Murcia Murcia Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB‐Virgen de la Arrixaca) Murcia Spain
| | - Ana Martínez‐Vacas
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Murcia Murcia Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB‐Virgen de la Arrixaca) Murcia Spain
| | - David García‐Bernal
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB‐Virgen de la Arrixaca) Murcia Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular B e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Murcia Murcia Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal‐Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Murcia Murcia Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB‐Virgen de la Arrixaca) Murcia Spain
| | - María P. Villegas‐Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Murcia Murcia Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB‐Virgen de la Arrixaca) Murcia Spain
| | - Diego García‐Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Murcia Murcia Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB‐Virgen de la Arrixaca) Murcia Spain
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20
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Telias M, Sit KK, Frozenfar D, Smith B, Misra A, Goard MJ, Kramer RH. Retinoic acid inhibitors mitigate vision loss in a mouse model of retinal degeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm4643. [PMID: 35302843 PMCID: PMC8932665 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm4643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). While downstream neurons survive, they undergo physiological changes, including accelerated spontaneous firing in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Retinoic acid (RA) is the molecular trigger of RGC hyperactivity, but whether this interferes with visual perception is unknown. Here, we show that inhibiting RA synthesis with disulfiram, a deterrent of human alcohol abuse, improves behavioral image detection in vision-impaired mice. In vivo Ca2+ imaging shows that disulfiram sharpens orientation tuning of visual cortical neurons and strengthens fidelity of responses to natural scenes. An RA receptor inhibitor also reduces RGC hyperactivity, sharpens cortical representations, and improves image detection. These findings suggest that photoreceptor degeneration is not the only cause of vision loss in RP. RA-induced corruption of retinal information processing also degrades vision, pointing to RA synthesis and signaling inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools for improving sight in RP and other retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kevin K. Sit
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Frozenfar
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Arjit Misra
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Goard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Richard H. Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Garcia-Ayuso D, Di Pierdomenico J, García-Bernal D, Vidal-Sanz M, Villegas-Pérez MP. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear stem cells in the treatment of retinal degenerations. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1937-1944. [PMID: 35142670 PMCID: PMC8848608 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases affecting the outer retina in its many forms (inherited, acquired or induced) are characterized by photoreceptor loss, and represent currently a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the world. At present, there are very few treatments capable of preventing, recovering or reversing photoreceptor degeneration or the secondary retinal remodeling, which follows photoreceptor loss and can also cause the death of other retinal cells. Thus, these diseases are nowadays one of the greatest challenges in the field of ophthalmological research. Bone marrow derived-mononuclear stem cell transplantation has shown promising results for the treatment of photoreceptor degenerations. These cells may have the potential to slow down photoreceptor loss, and therefore should be applied in the early stages of photoreceptor degenerations. Furthermore, because of their possible paracrine effects, they may have a wide range of clinical applications, since they can potentially impact on several retinal cell types at once and photoreceptor degenerations can involve different cells and/or begin in one cell type and then affect adjacent cells. The intraocular injection of bone marrow derived-mononuclear stem cells also enhances the outcomes of other treatments aimed to protect photoreceptors. Therefore, it is likely that future investigations may combine bone marrow derived-mononuclear stem cell therapy with other systemic or intraocular treatments to obtain greater therapeutic effects in degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Garcia-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - David García-Bernal
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca); Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María P Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la salud; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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22
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Ziólkowska N, Chmielewska-Krzesinska M, Vyniarska A, Sienkiewicz W. Exposure to Blue Light Reduces Melanopsin Expression in Intrinsically Photoreceptive Retinal Ganglion Cells and Damages the Inner Retina in Rats. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:26. [PMID: 35060997 PMCID: PMC8787613 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.1.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigative the effects of blue light on intrinsically photoreceptive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Methods Brown Norway rats were used. Nine rats were continuously exposed to blue light (light emitting diodes [LEDs]: 463 nm; 1000 lx) for 2 days (acute exposure [AE]); 9 rats were exposed to 12 hours of blue light and 12 hours of darkness for 10 days (long-term exposure [LTE]); 6 control rats were exposed to 12 hours of white fluorescent light (1000 lx) and 12 hours of darkness for 10 days. Whole-mount retinas were immunolabelled with melanopsin antibodies; melanopsin-positive (MP) ipRGC somas and processes were counted and measured with Neuron J. To detect apoptosis, retinal cryo-sections were stained with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling. Ultra-thin sections were visualized with transmission electron microscopy. Results The number of MP ipRGC somas was significantly lower in retinas from AE and LTE rats than in those from control rats (P < 0.001 and = 0.002, respectively). The mean length of MP areas of processes was significantly lower in AE rats (P < 0.001). AE rats had severe retinal damage and massive apoptosis in the outer nuclear layer; their mitochondria were damaged in the axons and dendrites of the nerve fiber layer and the inner plexiform layer. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in AE rats appeared to have reduced amounts of free ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Conclusions AE to blue light reduces melanopsin expression and damages RGCs, likely including ipRGCs. Changes in the axons and dendrites of RGCs suggest possible disruption of intraretinal and extraretinal signal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ziólkowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Chmielewska-Krzesinska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Alla Vyniarska
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary and Biotechnologies, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Waldemar Sienkiewicz
- Department of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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Martínez-Vacas A, Di Pierdomenico J, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Vidal-Sanz M, Picaud S, Villegas-Pérez MP, García-Ayuso D. Glial Cell Activation and Oxidative Stress in Retinal Degeneration Induced by β-Alanine Caused Taurine Depletion and Light Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:346. [PMID: 35008772 PMCID: PMC8745531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigate glial cell activation and oxidative stress induced by taurine deficiency secondary to β-alanine administration and light exposure. Two months old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a control group and three experimental groups that were treated with 3% β-alanine in drinking water (taurine depleted) for two months, light exposed or both. Retinal and external thickness were measured in vivo at baseline and pre-processing with Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). Retinal cryostat cross sections were immunodetected with antibodies against various antigens to investigate microglial and macroglial cell reaction, photoreceptor outer segments, synaptic connections and oxidative stress. Taurine depletion caused a decrease in retinal thickness, shortening of photoreceptor outer segments, microglial cell activation, oxidative stress in the outer and inner nuclear layers and the ganglion cell layer and synaptic loss. These events were also observed in light exposed animals, which in addition showed photoreceptor death and macroglial cell reactivity. Light exposure under taurine depletion further increased glial cell reaction and oxidative stress. Finally, the retinal pigment epithelial cells were Fluorogold labeled and whole mounted, and we document that taurine depletion impairs their phagocytic capacity. We conclude that taurine depletion causes cell damage to various retinal layers including retinal pigment epithelial cells, photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells, and increases the susceptibility of the photoreceptor outer segments to light damage. Thus, beta-alanine supplements should be used with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez-Vacas
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.-V.); (J.D.P.); (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.)
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.-V.); (J.D.P.); (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.)
| | - Francisco J. Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.-V.); (J.D.P.); (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.)
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.-V.); (J.D.P.); (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.)
| | - Serge Picaud
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, 75012 Paris, France;
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.-V.); (J.D.P.); (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.)
| | - Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Universidad de Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.-V.); (J.D.P.); (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.)
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24
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Li Z, Ungerer M, Faßbender J, Wenhart C, Holthoff HP, Muench G. Tissue block staining and domestic adhesive tape yield qualified integral sections of adult mouse orbits and eyeballs. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255363. [PMID: 34347814 PMCID: PMC8336840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard histological processing procedure, which produces excellent staining of sections for most tissues, fails to yield satisfactory results in adult mouse orbits or eyeballs. Here, we show that a protocol using tissue block staining and domestic adhesive tapes resulted in qualified integral serial cryo-sections of whole orbits or eyeballs, and the fine structures were well preserved. The histological processing protocol comprises paraformaldehyde fixation, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid decalcification, tissue block staining with hematoxylin and eosin, embedding, adhesive tape aided sectioning, and water-soluble mounting. This protocol was proved to be the best in comparison with seven other related existing histological traditional or non-traditional processing methods, according to the staining slice quality. We observed a hundred percent success rate in sectioning, collection, and mounting with this method. The reproducibility tested on qualified section success rates and slice quality scores confirmed that the technique is reliable. The feasibility of the method to detect target molecules in orbits was verified by successful trial tests on block immunostaining and adhesive tape-aided sectioning. Application of this protocol in joints, brains, and so on,—the challenging integral sectioning tissues, also generated high-quality histological staining sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Li
- Advancecor GmbH, Martinsried, Germany
- * E-mail:
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25
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Eltony SA, Mohaseb HS, Sayed MM, Ahmed AA. Metformin treatment confers protection of the optic nerve following photoreceptor degeneration. Anat Cell Biol 2021; 54:249-258. [PMID: 34162765 PMCID: PMC8225472 DOI: 10.5115/acb.20.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired or inherited or photoreceptor loss causes retinal ganglion cell loss and ultimately axonal transport alteration. Thus, therapies should be applied early during photoreceptors degeneration before the remodeling process reaches the inner retina. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of metformin on the rat optic nerve following photoreceptors loss induced by N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). Eighteen adults male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Group I: normal vehicle control (n=6). Group II: ENU-induced photoreceptors degeneration (n=12) received a single intraperitoneal injection of ENU at a dose of 600 mg/kg. Rats in group II were equally divided into two subgroups: IIa: photoreceptor degeneration induced group and IIb: metformin treated group (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Specimens from the optic nerve were processed for light and electron microscopy. In ENU treated group, the optic nerve revealed reduction in the diameter of the optic nerve fibers and thinning of myelin sheath with morphological changes in the glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia). Caspase-3 (apoptotic marker), iNOS (oxidative stress marker) and CD68 (macrophage marker) expression increased. In metformin-treated group, the diameter of optic nerve fibers and myelin sheath thickness increased with improvement of the deterioration in the glia. Caspase-3, iNOS and CD68 expression decreased. Metformin ameliorates the histological changes of the rat optic nerve following photoreceptors loss induced by ENU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohair A Eltony
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Heba S Mohaseb
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Manal M Sayed
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amel A Ahmed
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Riccitelli S, Di Paolo M, Ashley J, Bisti S, Di Marco S. The Timecourses of Functional, Morphological, and Molecular Changes Triggered by Light Exposure in Sprague-Dawley Rat Retinas. Cells 2021; 10:1561. [PMID: 34205615 PMCID: PMC8234029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration can impair visual perception at different levels, involving not only photoreceptors, which are the most metabolically active cells, but also the inner retina. Compensatory mechanisms may hide the first signs of these impairments and reduce the likelihood of receiving timely treatments. Therefore, it is essential to characterize the early critical steps in the neurodegenerative progression to design adequate therapies. This paper describes and correlates early morphological and biochemical changes in the degenerating retina with in vivo functional analysis of retinal activity and investigates the progression of neurodegenerative stages for up to 7 months. For these purposes, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 1000 lux light either for different durations (12 h to 24 h) and examined seven days afterward (7d) or for a fixed duration (24 h) and monitored at various time points following the exposure (up to 210d). Flash electroretinogram (fERG) recordings were correlated with morphological and histological analyses to evaluate outer and inner retinal disruptions, gliosis, trophic factor release, and microglial activation. Twelve hours or fifteen hours of exposure to constant light led to a severe retinal dysfunction with only minor morphological changes. Therefore, early pathological signs might be hidden by compensatory mechanisms that silence retinal dysfunction, accounting for the discrepancy between photoreceptor loss and retinal functional output. The long-term analysis showed a transient functional recovery, maximum at 45 days, despite a progressive loss of photoreceptors and coincident increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (bFGF-2) expression. Interestingly, the progression of the disease presented different patterns in the dorsal and ventral retina. The information acquired gives us the potential to develop a specific diagnostic tool to monitor the disease's progression and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Riccitelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - James Ashley
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Roma, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Roma, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Telias M, Nawy S, Kramer RH. Degeneration-Dependent Retinal Remodeling: Looking for the Molecular Trigger. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:618019. [PMID: 33390897 PMCID: PMC7775662 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.618019] [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: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision impairment and blindness in humans are most frequently caused by the degeneration and loss of photoreceptor cells in the outer retina, as is the case for age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment and many other diseases. While inner retinal neurons survive degeneration, they undergo fundamental pathophysiological changes, collectively known as “remodeling.” Inner retinal remodeling downstream to photoreceptor death occurs across mammalian retinas from mice to humans, independently of the cause of degeneration. It results in pervasive spontaneous hyperactivity and membrane hyperpermeability in retinal ganglion cells, which funnel all retinal signals to the brain. Remodeling reduces light detection in vision-impaired patients and precludes meaningful vision restoration in blind individuals. In this review, we summarize current hypotheses proposed to explain remodeling and their potential medical significance highlighting the important role played by retinoic acid and its receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Scott Nawy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Richard H Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
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28
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Shah NP, Chichilnisky EJ. Computational challenges and opportunities for a bi-directional artificial retina. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:055002. [PMID: 33089827 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aba8b1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A future artificial retina that can restore high acuity vision in blind people will rely on the capability to both read (observe) and write (control) the spiking activity of neurons using an adaptive, bi-directional and high-resolution device. Although current research is focused on overcoming the technical challenges of building and implanting such a device, exploiting its capabilities to achieve more acute visual perception will also require substantial computational advances. Using high-density large-scale recording and stimulation in the primate retina with an ex vivo multi-electrode array lab prototype, we frame several of the major computational problems, and describe current progress and future opportunities in solving them. First, we identify cell types and locations from spontaneous activity in the blind retina, and then efficiently estimate their visual response properties by using a low-dimensional manifold of inter-retina variability learned from a large experimental dataset. Second, we estimate retinal responses to a large collection of relevant electrical stimuli by passing current patterns through an electrode array, spike sorting the resulting recordings and using the results to develop a model of evoked responses. Third, we reproduce the desired responses for a given visual target by temporally dithering a diverse collection of electrical stimuli within the integration time of the visual system. Together, these novel approaches may substantially enhance artificial vision in a next-generation device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishal P Shah
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America. Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America. Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
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Analysis of retinal sublayer thicknesses and rates of change in ABCA4-associated Stargardt disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16576. [PMID: 33024232 PMCID: PMC7538899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73645-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stargardt disease, the most common inherited macular dystrophy, is characterized by vision loss due to central retinal atrophy. Although clinical trials for Stargardt are currently underway, the disease is typically slowly progressive, and objective, imaging-based biomarkers are critically needed. In this retrospective, observational study, we characterize the thicknesses of individual retinal sublayers by macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a large cohort of patients with molecularly-confirmed, ABCA4-associated Stargardt disease (STGD1) relative to normal controls. Automated segmentation of retinal sublayers was performed with manual correction as needed, and thicknesses in various macular regions were compared using mixed effects models. Relative to controls (42 eyes, 40 patients), STGD1 patients (107 eyes, 63 patients) had slight thickening of the nerve fiber layer and retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch’s membrane, with thinning in other sublayers, especially the outer nuclear layer (ONL) (p < 0.0015). When comparing the rate of retinal sublayer thickness change over time (mean follow-up 3.9 years for STGD1, 2.5 years for controls), STGD1 retinas thinned faster than controls in the outer retina (ONL to photoreceptor outer segments). OCT-based retinal sublayer thickness measurements are feasible in STGD1 patients and may provide objective measures of disease progression or treatment response.
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30
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Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cell Transplants Decrease Retinal Gliosis in Two Animal Models of Inherited Photoreceptor Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197252. [PMID: 33008136 PMCID: PMC7583887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited photoreceptor degenerations are not treatable diseases and a frequent cause of blindness in working ages. In this study we investigate the safety, integration and possible rescue effects of intravitreal and subretinal transplantation of adult human bone-marrow-derived mononuclear stem cells (hBM-MSCs) in two animal models of inherited photoreceptor degeneration, the P23H-1 and the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat. Immunosuppression was started one day before the injection and continued through the study. The hBM-MSCs were injected in the left eyes and the animals were processed 7, 15, 30 or 60 days later. The retinas were cross-sectioned, and L- and S- cones, microglia, astrocytes and Müller cells were immunodetected. Transplantations had no local adverse effects and the CD45+ cells remained for up to 15 days forming clusters in the vitreous and/or a 2–3-cells-thick layer in the subretinal space after intravitreal or subretinal injections, respectively. We did not observe increased photoreceptor survival nor decreased microglial cell numbers in the injected left eyes. However, the injected eyes showed decreased GFAP immunoreactivity. We conclude that intravitreal or subretinal injection of hBM-MSCs in dystrophic P23H-1 and RCS rats causes a decrease in retinal gliosis but does not have photoreceptor neuroprotective effects, at least in the short term. However, this treatment may have a potential therapeutic effect that merits further investigation.
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Di Pierdomenico J, Martínez-Vacas A, Hernández-Muñoz D, Gómez-Ramírez AM, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Agudo-Barriuso M, Vidal-Sanz M, Villegas-Pérez MP, García-Ayuso D. Coordinated Intervention of Microglial and Müller Cells in Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:47. [PMID: 32232352 PMCID: PMC7401701 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the role of microglial and Müller cells in the formation of rings of photoreceptor degeneration caused by phototoxicity. Methods Two-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to light and processed 1, 2, or 3 months later. Retinas were dissected as whole-mounts, immunodetected for microglial cells, Müller cells, and S- and L/M-cones and analyzed using fluorescence, thunder imaging, and confocal microscopy. Cone populations were automatically counted and isodensity maps constructed to document cone topography. Results Phototoxicity causes a significant progressive loss of S- and L/M-cones of up to 68% and 44%, respectively, at 3 months after light exposure (ALE). One month ALE, we observed rings of cone degeneration in the photosensitive area of the superior retina. Two and 3 months ALE, these rings had extended to the central and inferior retina. Within the rings of cone degeneration, there were degenerating cones, often activated microglial cells, and numerous radially oriented processes of Müller cells that showed increased expression of intermediate filaments. Between 1 and 3 months ALE, the rings coalesced, and at the same time the microglial cells resumed a mosaic-like distribution, and there was a decrease of Müller cell gliosis at the areas devoid of cones. Conclusions Light-induced photoreceptor degeneration proceeds with rings of cone degeneration, as observed in inherited retinal degenerations in which cone death is secondary to rod degeneration. The spatiotemporal relationship of cone death microglial cell activation and Müller cell gliosis within the rings of cone degeneration suggests that, although both glial cells are involved in the formation of the rings, they may have coordinated actions and, while microglial cells may be more involved in photoreceptor phagocytosis, Müller cells may be more involved in cone and microglial cell migration, retinal remodeling and glial seal formation.
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Tracing the retina to analyze the integrity and phagocytic capacity of the retinal pigment epithelium. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7273. [PMID: 32350384 PMCID: PMC7190639 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64131-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed a new technique to study the integrity, morphology and functionality of the retinal neurons and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Young and old control albino (Sprague-Dawley) and pigmented (Piebald Virol Glaxo) rats, and dystrophic albino (P23H-1) and pigmented (Royal College of Surgeons) rats received a single intravitreal injection of 3% Fluorogold (FG) and their retinas were analyzed from 5 minutes to 30 days later. Retinas were imaged in vivo with SD-OCT and ex vivo in flat-mounts and in cross-sections. Fifteen minutes and 24 hours after intravitreal administration of FG retinal neurons and the RPE, but no glial cells, were labeled with FG-filled vesicles. The tracer reached the RPE 15 minutes after FG administration, and this labeling remained up to 30 days. Tracing for 15 minutes or 24 hours did not cause oxidative stress. Intraretinal tracing delineated the pathological retinal remodelling occurring in the dystrophic strains. The RPE of the P23H-1 strain was highly altered in aged animals, while the RPE of the RCS strain, which is unable to phagocytose, did not accumulate the tracer even at young ages when the retinal neural circuit is still preserved. In both dystrophic strains, the RPE cells were pleomorphic and polymegathic.
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Zhao Y, Shen Y. Light-Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage and the Relevant Mechanisms. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 40:1243-1252. [PMID: 32107750 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While light is the basic element for inducing vision and modulating circadian rhythms, excessive light has been reported to have a negative effect on the survival of various types of retinal cells. Among them photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells degeneration after light exposure is widely observed, but light-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage achieves relatively little attention. The purpose of this article is to summarize the experimental evidence for the possible negative effects of excessive light on RGCs. By searching the database, twenty-six related articles have been included. Taken together, excessive light may insult RGCs through the three main ways: (i) directly action on RGC mitochondria, as well as DNA, resulting in an upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequently caspase-dependent or -independent cell death; (ii) mediation in gliotransmitters or relevant receptors of retinal glial cells; and (iii) a secondary event to photoreceptors and RPE cells degeneration and subsequent retinal remodeling. So RGCs can certainly be injured by excessive light, especially when they are already energetically compromised in some diseases. And more attentions should be paid to this topic to take timely measures to protect these frail RGCs from being damaged by excessive light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Afşar E, Kırımlıoglu E, Çeker T, Yılmaz Ç, Demir N, Aslan M. Effect of ER stress on sphingolipid levels and apoptotic pathways in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Redox Biol 2020; 30:101430. [PMID: 31978676 PMCID: PMC6976939 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to determine sphingolipid levels and examine apoptotic pathways in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) undergoing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Methods Cells were treated with tunicamycin (TM) to induce ER stress and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an ER stress inhibitor, was administered to decrease cytotoxicity. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Levels of C16–C24 sphingomyelins (SM) and C16–C24 ceramides (CERs) were determined by LC-MS/MS. Glucose-regulated protein 78-kd (GRP78) and nuclear factor kappa-b subunit 1 (NFκB1) gene expressions were evaluated by quantitative PCR analysis, while GRP 78, NF-κB p65, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-12 protein levels were assesed by immunofluorescence. Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) levels were determined by immunoassay, while caspase −3 and −12 activity in cell lysates were measured via a fluorometric method. Results Induction of ER stress in TM treated groups were confirmed by significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of GRP78. TM significantly decreased cell viability compared to controls. Treatment with TUDCA along with TM significantly increased cell viability compared to the TM group. A significant increase was observed in C22–C24 CERs, C1P, caspase-3, caspase-12, NFκB1 mRNA and NF-κB p65 protein levels in cells treated with TM compared to controls. Administration of TUDCA lead to a partial decrease in GRP78 expression, NFκB1 mRNA, NF-κB p65 protein, C22–C24 CERs and C1P levels along with a decrease in caspase-3 and -12 activity. Conclusions The results of this study reveal the presence of increased long chain CERs, C1P and apoptotic markers in retinal cells undergoing ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Afşar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Esma Kırımlıoglu
- Department of Histology, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Tuğçe Çeker
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Çağatay Yılmaz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Necdet Demir
- Department of Histology, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Mutay Aslan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
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