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Signorini S, Delledonne A, Pescina S, Bianchera A, Sissa C, Vivero-Lopez M, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Santi P, Padula C, Nicoli S. A sterilizable platform based on crosslinked xanthan gum for controlled-release of polymeric micelles: Ocular application for the delivery of neuroprotective compounds to the posterior eye segment. Int J Pharm 2024; 657:124141. [PMID: 38677392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
TPGS (D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate) polymeric micelles show interesting properties for ocular administration thanks to their solubilization capability, nanometric size and tissue penetration ability. However, micelles formulations are generally characterized by low viscosity, poor adhesion and very short retention time at the administration site. Therefore, the idea behind this work is the preparation and characterization of a crosslinked film based on xanthan gum that contains TPGS micelles and is capable of controlling their release. The system was loaded with melatonin and cyclosporin A, neuroprotective compounds to be delivered to the posterior eye segment. Citric acid and heating at different times and temperatures were exploited as crosslinking approach, giving the possibility to tune swelling, micelles release and drug release. The biocompatibility of the platform was confirmed by HET-CAM assay. Ex vivo studies on isolated porcine ocular tissues, conducted using Franz cells and two-photon microscopy, demonstrated the potential of the xanthan gum-based platform and enlightened micelles penetration mechanism. Finally, the sterilization step was approached, and a process to simultaneously crosslink and sterilize the platform was developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Signorini
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Delledonne
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Silvia Pescina
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Bianchera
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Cristina Sissa
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Maria Vivero-Lopez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto de Materiales (iMATUS) and Health Research Insititute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto de Materiales (iMATUS) and Health Research Insititute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Patrizia Santi
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Cristina Padula
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Sara Nicoli
- ADDRes Lab, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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Weller M, Müller B, Stieger K. Long-Term Porcine Retina Explants as an Alternative to In Vivo Experimentation. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:9. [PMID: 38477924 PMCID: PMC10941994 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.3.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The porcine retina represents an optimal model system to study treatment approaches for inherited retinal dystrophies owing to close anatomical similarities to the human retina, including a cone enriched visual streak. The aim of this work was to establish a protocol to keep explants in culture for up to 28 days with good morphological preservation. Methods Two to four retina explants per eye were obtained from the central part of the retina and transferred onto a membrane insert with the photoreceptors facing down. Different medium compositions using Neurobasal-A medium containing 100 or 450 mg/dL glucose and combinations of fetal calf serum, B-27 with or without insulin and N-2 were tested. We developed a tissue quality score with robust markers for different retinal cell types (protein kinase C alpha, peanut agglutinin and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindol). Results Retinae were kept until 28 days with only little degradation. The best results were attained using Neurobasal-A medium containing 100 mg/dL glucose supplemented with B-27 containing insulin and N-2. For an easy preparation process, it is necessary to minimize transport time and keep the eyes on ice until dissected. Heat-mediated decontamination by the butcher has to be avoided. Conclusions Using a standardized protocol, porcine retina explants represent an easy to handle intermediate model between in vitro and in vivo experimentation. This model system is robustly reproducible and contributes to the implementation of the 3R principle to minimize animal experimentation. Translational Relevance This model can be used to test future therapeutic approaches for inherited retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Weller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Brigitte Müller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Knut Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
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Mackiewicz J, Lisek M, Boczek T. Targeting CaN/NFAT in Alzheimer's brain degeneration. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281882. [PMID: 38077352 PMCID: PMC10701682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions. While the exact causes of this debilitating disorder remain elusive, numerous investigations have characterized its two core pathologies: the presence of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Additionally, multiple studies of postmortem brain tissue, as well as results from AD preclinical models, have consistently demonstrated the presence of a sustained inflammatory response. As the persistent immune response is associated with neurodegeneration, it became clear that it may also exacerbate other AD pathologies, providing a link between the initial deposition of β-amyloid plaques and the later development of neurofibrillary tangles. Initially discovered in T cells, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is one of the main transcription factors driving the expression of inflammatory genes and thus regulating immune responses. NFAT-dependent production of inflammatory mediators is controlled by Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes its transcriptional activity. A substantial body of evidence has demonstrated that aberrant CaN/NFAT signaling is linked to several pathologies observed in AD, including neuronal apoptosis, synaptic deficits, and glia activation. In view of this, the role of NFAT isoforms in AD has been linked to disease progression at different stages, some of which are paralleled to diminished cognitive status. The use of classical inhibitors of CaN/NFAT signaling, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, or adeno-associated viruses to specifically inhibit astrocytic NFAT activation, has alleviated some symptoms of AD by diminishing β-amyloid neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In this article, we discuss the recent findings related to the contribution of CaN/NFAT signaling to the progression of AD and highlight the possible benefits of targeting this pathway in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Norrie JL, Lupo M, Shirinifard A, Djekidel N, Ramirez C, Xu B, Dundee JM, Dyer MA. Latent Epigenetic Programs in Müller Glia Contribute to Stress, Injury, and Disease Response in the Retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.15.562396. [PMID: 37905050 PMCID: PMC10614790 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.15.562396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the dynamic changes in chromatin structure during retinal development that correlate with changes in gene expression. However, a major limitation of those prior studies was the lack of cellular resolution. Here, we integrate single-cell (sc) RNA-seq and scATAC-seq with bulk retinal data sets to identify cell type-specific changes in the chromatin structure during development. Although most genes' promoter activity is strongly correlated with chromatin accessibility, we discovered several hundred genes that were transcriptionally silent but had accessible chromatin at their promoters. Most of those silent/accessible gene promoters were in the Müller glial cells. The Müller cells are radial glia of the retina and perform a variety of essential functions to maintain retinal homeostasis and respond to stress, injury, or disease. The silent/accessible genes in Müller glia are enriched in pathways related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and other types of cell-cell signaling and were rapidly activated when we tested 15 different physiologically relevant conditions to mimic retinal stress, injury, or disease in human and murine retinae. We refer to these as "pliancy genes" because they allow the Müller glia to rapidly change their gene expression and cellular state in response to different types of retinal insults. The Müller glial cell pliancy program is established during development, and we demonstrate that pliancy genes are necessary and sufficient for regulating inflammation in the murine retina in vivo. In zebrafish, Müller glia can de-differentiate and form retinal progenitor cells that replace lost neurons. The pro-inflammatory pliancy gene cascade is not activated in zebrafish Müller glia following injury, and we propose a model in which species-specific pliancy programs underly the differential response to retinal damage in species that can regenerate retinal neurons (zebrafish) versus those that cannot (humans and mice).
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Ryan AK, Rich W, Reilly MA. Oxidative stress in the brain and retina after traumatic injury. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1021152. [PMID: 36816125 PMCID: PMC9935939 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1021152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain and the retina share many physiological similarities, which allows the retina to serve as a model of CNS disease and disorder. In instances of trauma, the eye can even indicate damage to the brain via abnormalities observed such as irregularities in pupillary reflexes in suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been observed in neurodegenerative disorders and in both traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) and in TBI. In a healthy system, ROS play a pivotal role in cellular communication, but in neurodegenerative diseases and post-trauma instances, ROS elevation can exacerbate neurodegeneration in both the brain and the retina. Increased ROS can overwhelm the inherent antioxidant systems which are regulated via mitochondrial processes. The overabundance of ROS can lead to protein, DNA, and other forms of cellular damage which ultimately result in apoptosis. Even though elevated ROS have been observed to be a major cause in the neurodegeneration observed after TON and TBI, many antioxidants therapeutic strategies fail. In order to understand why these therapeutic approaches fail further research into the direct injury cascades must be conducted. Additional therapeutic approaches such as therapeutics capable of anti-inflammatory properties and suppression of other neurodegenerative processes may be needed for the treatment of TON, TBI, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie K. Ryan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Wade Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Matthew A. Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Matthew A. Reilly,
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Bohley M, Dillinger AE, Schweda F, Ohlmann A, Braunger BM, Tamm ER, Goepferich A. A single intravenous injection of cyclosporin A-loaded lipid nanocapsules prevents retinopathy of prematurity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo6638. [PMID: 36149956 PMCID: PMC9506721 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo6638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal disease that threatens the vision of prematurely born infants. Severe visual impairment up to complete blindness is caused by neovascularization and inflammation, progressively destroying the immature retina. ROP primarily affects newborns in middle- and low-income countries with limited access to current standard treatments such as intraocular drug injections and laser- or cryotherapy. To overcome these limitations, we developed a nanotherapeutic that effectively prevents ROP development with one simple intravenous injection. Its lipid nanocapsules transport the antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory cyclosporin A efficiently into disease-driving retinal pigment epithelium cells. In a mouse model of ROP, a single intravenous injection of the nanotherapeutic prevented ROP and led to normal retinal development by counteracting neovascularization and inflammation. This nanotherapeutic approach has the potential to bring about a change of paradigm in ROP therapy and prevent millions of preterm born infants from developing ROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Bohley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrea E. Dillinger
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schweda
- Department of Physiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ohlmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Munich University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara M. Braunger
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Wuerzburg, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ernst R. Tamm
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Achim Goepferich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Corresponding author.
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Hinojosa-Laborde C, Hudson IL, Ross E, Xiang L, Ryan KL. Pathophysiology of Hemorrhage as It Relates to the Warfighter. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022; 37:141-153. [PMID: 35001653 PMCID: PMC8977138 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00028.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Saving lives of wounded military Warfighters often depends on the ability to resolve or mitigate the pathophysiology of hemorrhage, specifically diminished oxygen delivery to vital organs that leads to multi-organ failure and death. However, caring for hemorrhaging patients on the battlefield presents unique challenges that extend beyond applying a tourniquet and giving a blood transfusion, especially when battlefield care must be provided for a prolonged period. This review will describe these challenges and potential strategies for treating hemorrhage on the battlefield in a prolonged casualty care situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian L Hudson
- U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Evan Ross
- U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lusha Xiang
- U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kathy L Ryan
- U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
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