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Gupta M, Arya S, Agrawal P, Gupta H, Sikka R. Unravelling the molecular tapestry of pterygium: insights into genes for diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03186-y. [PMID: 38907016 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pterygium, an ocular surface disorder, manifests as a wing-shaped extension from the corneoscleral limbus onto the cornea, impacting vision and causing inflammation. With a global prevalence of 12%, varying by region, the condition is linked to UV exposure, age, gender, and socioeconomic factors. This review focuses on key genes associated with pterygium, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP2 and MMP9, contribute to ECM remodelling and angiogenesis in pterygium. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and is elevated in pterygium tissues. B-cell lymphoma-2, S100 proteins, DNA repair genes (hOGG1, XRCC1), CYP monooxygenases, p53, and p16 are implicated in pterygium development. A protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted 28 edges between the aforementioned proteins, except for VEGF, indicating a high level of interaction. Gene ontology, microRNA and pathway analyses revealed the involvement of processes such as base excision repair, IL-17 and p53 signalling, ECM disassembly, oxidative stress, hypoxia, metallopeptidase activity and others that are essential for pterygium development. In addition, miR-29, miR-125, miR-126, miR-143, miR-200, miR-429, and miR-451a microRNAs were predicted, which were shown to have a role in pterygium development and disease severity. Identification of these molecular mechanisms provides insights for potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahak Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shubhang Arya
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ruhi Sikka
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Bhattacharya P, Edwards K, Harkin D, Schmid KL. Corneal Epithelial Cell Density Is Reduced in Young Adults With Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence. Cornea 2024; 43:693-701. [PMID: 37713663 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure on the corneal microstructure using conjunctival UV autofluorescence (CUVAF) as a marker of exposure. METHODS Young healthy adults aged 18 to 35 years were recruited. Participant's demographics and sun exposure behavior were recorded using questionnaires. Images of the bulbar conjunctiva from the right eye were captured and analyzed for the CUVAF area. Corneal microstructure was assessed by in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The presence of palisades of Vogt in all 4 limbal quadrants was recorded. RESULTS CUVAF was observed in 31 of 52 eyes (60%), with a mean (±SD) nasal, temporal, and total CUVAF area of 5.39 ± 4.16 mm 2 , 4.29 ± 4.27 mm 2 , and 9.67 ± 7.01 mm 2 , respectively. Individuals with CUVAF were significantly more likely to report undertaking moderate-intensity to high-intensity outdoor exercise ( P = 0.021). Individuals with CUVAF were less likely to have visible nasal and temporal palisades of Vogt ( P = 0.011). Corneal basal cell densities anterior to the nerve whorl ( P < 0.001) and nasally ( P = 0.005) were lower in individuals with CUVAF. Wing cell density anterior to the nerve whorl was lower in individuals with CUVAF ( P = 0.011). No significant changes in the central and limbal corneal epithelial thickness were observed. CONCLUSIONS Significant reductions in corneal epithelial cell density were observed in individuals with CUVAF, a biomarker of chronic UV exposure. This observation suggests that chronic UV exposure is damaging to the corneal microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradipta Bhattacharya
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Centre for Vision and Eye Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and
| | - Katie Edwards
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Centre for Vision and Eye Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and
| | - Damien Harkin
- School of Biomedical Science, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katrina L Schmid
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Centre for Vision and Eye Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and
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Divandari M, Javadifar A, Moghadam AB, Janatabadi AA. RIPK3 and RIPK1 gene expression in pterygium: unveiling molecular insights into pathogenesis. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:524. [PMID: 38630344 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09368-x] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pterygium, characterized by the abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells, matrix remodeling, vascularization, and lesion migration, is a prevalent ocular surface disease involving the growth of fibrovascular tissue on the cornea. Despite the unclear underlying causes of pterygium, numerous investigations have indicated the involvement of cell death pathways in the regulation of cell cycle dynamics. Consequently, the objective of this study was to assess the expression levels of necroptosis markers in individuals diagnosed with pterygium, aiming to shed light on the potential role of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of this condition. METHODS This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3) and receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) genes in pterygium tissues. 41 patients undergoing pterygium excision surgery were recruited. Resected pterygium samples and normal conjunctival tissues were collected, and RIPK3 and RIPK1 mRNA levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS Our findings reveal that the expression of RIPK3 is significantly increased in samples obtained from individuals with pterygium. However, no significant alterations were observed in the expression of RIPK1 in these samples. Results showed significantly higher RIPK3 expression in pterygium tissues compared to controls. Moreover, increased RIPK3 levels correlated negatively with pterygium recurrence rates. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest RIPK3 may play a protective role against pterygium recurrence through necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Divandari
- Department of Biology, Sabzevar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Amin Javadifar
- Immunology Research Center, Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Mashhad University of medical sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Ali Akbar Janatabadi
- Department of Biology, Sabzevar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar, Iran.
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Gao J, Wang Y, Han R, Li J, Hao P, Li J, Chen X, Jiang L, Wang L, Ma Y, Chen L, Li X. Elevated KDM4D Expression in Pterygium: Impact and Potential Inhibition by Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2024; 40:181-188. [PMID: 38386983 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0130] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of elevated KDM4D expression and potential therapeutic effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on pterygium. Methods: The expression levels of KDM4D in the primary pterygium (n = 29) and normal conjunctiva (n = 14) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The effects of KDM4D on pterygium fibroblasts were detected by the CCK-8 assay, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay, flow cytometry, and scratch wound healing assay. The relative expression of KDM4D in pterygium fibroblasts stimulated by interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and LBP was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. The effects of LBP on pterygium fibroblasts were detected using flow cytometry and scratch wound healing assays. Results: The expression level of KDM4D in pterygium was higher than that in normal conjunctiva. KDM4D increased the cell viability of pterygium fibroblasts. The differentially expressed genes identified in the LM-MS assay enriched in "actin filament organization" and "apoptosis." KDM4D promoted migration and inhibited apoptosis of pterygium fibroblasts in vitro. Inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, enhanced the expression of KDM4D in pterygium fibroblasts. LBP inhibited the expression of KDM4D in pterygium fibroblasts and decreased their cell viability. Moreover, LBP attenuated the KDM4D effects on migration and apoptosis of pterygium fibroblasts. Conclusions: Elevated KDM4D expression is a risk factor for pterygium formation. LBP inhibits the expression of KDM4D in pterygium fibroblasts and may be a potential drug for delaying pterygium development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gao
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruifang Han
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Li
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Hao
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Li
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunqing Ma
- Medical School, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Xuan Li
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
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Mäkinen P, Nättinen J, Aapola U, Pietilä J, Uusitalo H. Comparison of early changes in tear film protein profiles after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond LASIK (FS-LASIK) surgery. Clin Proteomics 2024; 21:11. [PMID: 38368345 PMCID: PMC10874072 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-024-09460-1] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are widely used surgical methods to correct myopia with comparable efficacy, predictability, and safety. We examined and compared the early changes of tear protein profiles after SMILE and FS-LASIK surgery in order to find possible differences in the initial corneal healing process. METHODS SMILE operations for 26 eyes were made with Visumax femtosecond laser. In FS-LASIK surgery for 30 eyes, the flaps were made with Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z6 femtosecond laser and stromal ablation with Wavelight EX500 excimer laser. Tear samples were collected preoperatively, and 1.5 h and 1 month postoperatively using glass microcapillary tubes. Tear protein identification and quantification were performed with sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS). RESULTS Immediately (1.5 h) after we found differences in 89 proteins after SMILE and in 123 after FS-LASIK operation compared to preoperative protein levels. Of these differentially expressed proteins, 48 proteins were common for both surgery types. There were, however, quantitative differences between SMILE and FS-LASIK. Upregulated proteins were mostly connected to inflammatory response and migration of the cells connected to immune system. One month after the operation protein expressions levels were returned to baseline levels with both surgical methods. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that immediate changes in protein profiles after SMILE and FS-LASIK surgeries and differences between the methods are connected to inflammatory process, and the protein levels quickly return to the baseline within 1 month. The differences in protein profiles between the methods are probably associated with the different size of the epithelial wound induced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petri Mäkinen
- SILK, Eye and Vision Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Silmäasema Eye Hospital, Hämeenkatu 6, Tampere, 33100, Finland.
| | - Janika Nättinen
- SILK, Eye and Vision Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ulla Aapola
- SILK, Eye and Vision Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juhani Pietilä
- SILK, Eye and Vision Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Silmäasema Eye Hospital, Hämeenkatu 6, Tampere, 33100, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- SILK, Eye and Vision Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- TAUH Eye Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Qu Y, Sun X, Wei N, Wang K. Inhibition of cutaneous heat-sensitive Ca 2+ -permeable transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 channels alleviates UVB-induced skin lesions in mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23309. [PMID: 37983944 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301591rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes skin injury by trigging excessive calcium influx and signaling cascades in the skin keratinocytes. The heat-sensitive Ca2+ -permeable transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) channels robustly expressed in the keratinocytes play an important role in skin barrier formation and wound healing. Here, we report that inhibition of cutaneous TRPV3 alleviates UVB radiation-induced skin lesions. In mouse models of ear swelling and dorsal skin injury induced by a single exposure of weak UVB radiation, TRPV3 genes and proteins were upregulated in quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot assays. In accompany with TRPV3 upregulations, the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also increased. Knockout of the TRPV3 gene alleviates UVB-induced ear swelling and dorsal skin inflammation. Furthermore, topical applications of two selective TRPV3 inhibitors, osthole and verbascoside, resulted in a dose-dependent attenuation of skin inflammation and lesions. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the causative role of overactive TRPV3 channel function in the development of UVB-induced skin injury. Therefore, topical inhibition of TRPV3 may hold potential therapy or prevention of UVB radiation-induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxuan Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoying Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ningning Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - KeWei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Zhao Y, Zhong Y, Chen W, Chang S, Cao Q, Wang Y, Yang L. Ocular and neural genes jointly regulate the visuospatial working memory in ADHD children. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2023; 19:14. [PMID: 37658396 PMCID: PMC10472596 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-023-00216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Working memory (WM) deficits have frequently been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite previous studies suggested its high heritability, its genetic basis, especially in ADHD, remains unclear. The current study aimed to comprehensively explore the genetic basis of visual-spatial working memory (VSWM) in ADHD using wide-ranging genetic analyses. METHODS The current study recruited a cohort consisted of 802 ADHD individuals, all met DSM-IV ADHD diagnostic criteria. VSWM was assessed by Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (RCFT), which is a widely used psychological test include four memory indexes: detail delayed (DD), structure delayed (SD), structure immediate (SI), detail immediate (DI). Genetic analyses were conducted at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene, pathway, polygenic and protein network levels. Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) were based on summary statistics of various psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and substance use disorder (SUD). RESULTS Analyses at the single-marker level did not yield significant results (5E-08). However, the potential signals with P values less than E-05 and their mapped genes suggested the regulation of VSWM involved both ocular and neural system related genes, moreover, ADHD-related genes were also involved. The gene-based analysis found RAB11FIP1, whose encoded protein modulates several neurodevelopment processes and visual system, as significantly associated with DD scores (P = 1.96E-06, Padj = 0.036). Candidate pathway enrichment analyses (N = 53) found that forebrain neuron fate commitment significantly enriched in DD (P = 4.78E-04, Padj = 0.025), and dopamine transport enriched in SD (P = 5.90E-04, Padj = 0.031). We also observed a significant negative relationship between DD scores and ADHD PRS scores (P = 0.0025, Empirical P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS Our results emphasized the joint contribution of ocular and neural genes in regulating VSWM. The study reveals a shared genetic basis between ADHD and VSWM, with GWAS indicating the involvement of ADHD-related genes in VSWM. Additionally, the PRS analysis identifies a significant relationship between ADHD-PRS and DD scores. Overall, our findings shed light on the genetic basis of VSWM deficits in ADHD, and may have important implications for future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilu Zhao
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), 51 Huayuan Bei Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhong
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), 51 Huayuan Bei Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), 51 Huayuan Bei Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Suhua Chang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), 51 Huayuan Bei Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qingjiu Cao
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), 51 Huayuan Bei Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), 51 Huayuan Bei Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Li Yang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), 51 Huayuan Bei Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Cai Y, Wu Z, Yuan R, Wang P, Xu H, Xu Y, Yao X, Wang H, Zou J. Alterations in Macular Microvasculature in Pterygium Patients Measured by OCT Angiography. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091603. [PMID: 37174994 PMCID: PMC10177751 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091603] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported an association between pterygia and maculopathy, yet the underlying mechanisms and alterations to the macular microvasculature in pterygium patients have yet to be fully elucidated. Our study conducted an analysis of macular superficial vessel length density (VLD) and vessel perfusion density (VPD) to establish associations between the conjunctival and macular microvasculature in patients with unilateral and bilateral pterygia. We revealed a loss of macular microvasculature in the outer nasal (ON) region in both unilateral and bilateral pterygium patients. VLD was significantly decreased in both pterygium groups in the ON region, and VPD was notably lower in bilateral pterygium patients in the same area. Furthermore, in unilateral pterygium patients, the vessel percent pixel coverage (PPC) of the pterygium and the area of the pterygium exhibited a negative correlation with VLD in the ON region. Multiple stepwise linear regression models indicated that the PPC could best predict VLP in the ON region. Taken together, our findings suggest that patients with pterygia may be more susceptible to macular diseases, and this may be due to a compensatory increase in blood perfusion via the anterior ciliary artery. These results underscore the importance of managing maculopathy in patients with pterygia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Cai
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Zhenkai Wu
- The First People's Hospital of Changde, Changde 415000, China
| | - Ruolan Yuan
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Pingbao Wang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Huizhuo Xu
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xueyan Yao
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jing Zou
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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Esposito G, Balzamino BO, Rocco ML, Aloe L, Micera A. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) as Partaker in the Modulation of UV-Response in Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116337. [PMID: 35683016 PMCID: PMC9181148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corroborating data sustain the pleiotropic effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the protection of the visual system from dangerous stimuli, including ultraviolet (UV). Since UV exposure might promote ocular surface changes (conjunctival inflammation and matrix rearrangement), as previously reported from in vivo studies sustaining some protective NGF effects, in vitro cultures of human conjunctival fibroblasts (FBs) were developed and exposed to a single UV exposure over 15 min (0.277 W/m2), either alone or supplemented with NGF (1–10–100 ng/mL). Conditioned media and cell monolayers were collected and analyzed for protein release (ELISA, ELLA microfluidic) and transcript expression (real-time PCR). A specific “inflammatory to remodeling” pattern (IL8, VEGF, IL33, OPN, and CYR61) as well as a few epigenetic transcripts (known as modulator of cell differentiation and matrix-remodeling (DNMT3a, HDAC1, NRF2 and KEAP1)) were investigated in parallel. UV-exposed FBs (i), showed no proliferation or significant cytoskeleton rearrangement; (ii), displayed a trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype; and (iii), synthesized/released IL8, VEGF-A, IL33, OPN, and CYR61, as compared to unexposed ones. NGF addition counteracted IL8, IL33, OPN, and CYR61 protein release merely at lower NGF concentrations but not VEGF. NGF supplementation did not affect DNMT3a or HDAC1 transcripts, while it significantly upregulated NRF2 at lowest NGF doses and did not change KEAP1 expression. Taken together, a single UV exposure activated conjunctival FBs to release pro-inflammatory/fibrogenic factors in association with epigenetic changes. The effects were selectively counteracted by NGF supplementation in a dose-dependent fashion, most probably accountable to the trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype. Further in vitro studies are underway to better understand this additional NGF pleiotropic effect. Since UV-shield impairments represent a worldwide alert and UV radiation can slowly affect ocular surface homeostasis (photo-ageing, cataract) or might exacerbate ocular diseases with a preexisting fibrosis (pterygium, VKC), these findings on NGF modulation of UV-exposed FBs might provide additional information for protecting the ocular surface (homeostasis) from low-grade long-lasting UV insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Esposito
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Maria Luisa Rocco
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
- Associazione NGF ONLUS, 00172 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
- Correspondence:
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