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Spörri L, Uldry AC, Kreuzer M, Herzog EL, Zinkernagel MS, Unterlauft JD, Zysset-Burri DC. Exploring the Ocular Surface Microbiome and Tear Proteome in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6257. [PMID: 38892444 PMCID: PMC11172891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116257] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Although glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood, and intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor to target the disease. Several associations between the gut microbiome and glaucoma, including the IOP, have been suggested. There is growing evidence that interactions between microbes on the ocular surface, termed the ocular surface microbiome (OSM), and tear proteins, collectively called the tear proteome, may also play a role in ocular diseases such as glaucoma. This study aimed to find characteristic features of the OSM and tear proteins in patients with glaucoma. The whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of 32 conjunctival swabs identified Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria as the dominant phyla in the cohort. The species Corynebacterium mastitidis was only found in healthy controls, and their conjunctival microbiomes may be enriched in genes of the phospholipase pathway compared to glaucoma patients. Despite these minor differences in the OSM, patients showed an enrichment of many tear proteins associated with the immune system compared to controls. In contrast to the OSM, this emphasizes the role of the proteome, with a potential involvement of immunological processes in glaucoma. These findings may contribute to the design of new therapeutic approaches targeting glaucoma and other associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Spörri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
| | | | - Marco Kreuzer
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Elio L. Herzog
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S. Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Jan D. Unterlauft
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Denise C. Zysset-Burri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.L.H.); (M.S.Z.); (J.D.U.); (D.C.Z.-B.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
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Yadav KS, Bisen AC, Ishteyaque S, Sharma I, Verma S, Sanap SN, Verma S, Washimkar KR, Kumar A, Tripathi V, Bhatta RS, Mugale MN. Solanum nigrum Toxicity and Its Neuroprotective Effect Against Retinal Ganglion Cell Death Through Modulation of Extracellular Matrix in a Glaucoma Rat Model. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2024; 40:309-324. [PMID: 38603587 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0089] [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: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Glaucoma is a complex degenerative optic neuropathy characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Solanum nigrum has been used for decades in traditional medicine system. However, no extensive studies were reported on its antiglaucoma properties. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of S. nigrum extract on RGC against glaucoma rat model. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the phytochemical profile of aqueous extract of S. nigrum (AESN). In vitro, {3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide} (MTT) and H2DCFDA assays were used to determine cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea cells. In vivo, AESN was orally administered to carbomer-induced rats for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure, antioxidant levels, and electrolytes were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to evaluate the neurodegeneration of RGC. Results: MTT assay showed AESN exhibited greater cell viability and minimal ROS production at 10 μg/mL. Slit lamp and funduscopy confirmed glaucomatous changes in carbomer-induced rats. Administration of AESN showed minimal peripheral corneal vascularization and restored histopathological alterations such as minimal loss of corneal epithelium and moderate narrowing of the iridocorneal angle. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed increased expression of positive BRN3A cells and decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activation in retina and cornea, whereas western blot analysis revealed downregulation of extracellular matrix proteins (COL-1 and MMP-9) in AESN-treated rats compared with the diseased group rats. Conclusions: AESN protects RGC loss through remodeling of MMPs and, therefore, can be used for the development of novel neurotherapeutics for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Singh Yadav
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Amol Chhatrapati Bisen
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, and CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Isha Sharma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Smriti Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sachin Nashik Sanap
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, and CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Shobhit Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kaveri R Washimkar
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Vineeta Tripathi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Division of Botany, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Rabi Sankar Bhatta
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Division, and CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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D’Esposito F, Gagliano C, Bloom PA, Cordeiro MF, Avitabile A, Gagliano G, Costagliola C, Avitabile T, Musa M, Zeppieri M. Epigenetics in Glaucoma. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:905. [PMID: 38929522 PMCID: PMC11205742 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is defined as a "genetically complex trait", where modifying factors act on a genetic predisposing background. For the majority of glaucomatous conditions, DNA variants are not sufficient to explain pathogenesis. Some genes are clearly underlying the more "Mendelian" forms, while a growing number of related polymorphisms in other genes have been identified in recent years. Environmental, dietary, or biological factors are known to influence the development of the condition, but interactions between these factors and the genetic background are poorly understood. Several studies conducted in recent years have led to evidence that epigenetics, that is, changes in the pattern of gene expression without any changes in the DNA sequence, appear to be the missing link. Different epigenetic mechanisms have been proven to lead to glaucomatous changes in the eye, principally DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification, and RNA-associated gene regulation by non-coding RNAs. The aim of this work is to define the principal epigenetic actors in glaucoma pathogenesis. The identification of such mechanisms could potentially lead to new perspectives on therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana D’Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, London NW1 5QH, UK; (F.D.)
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Philip Anthony Bloom
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, London NW1 5QH, UK; (F.D.)
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London NW1 5QH, UK
| | - Maria Francesca Cordeiro
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London NW1 5QH, UK
| | - Alessandro Avitabile
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gagliano
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Eye Clinic, Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Nigeria
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Ominde BS, Abadom GE, Ikubor JE, Achapu LC, Enakpoya PO, Igbigbi PS. Normal diameter of the optic nerve using magnetic resonance imaging: A retrospective Nigerian study. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2024; 38:53-58. [PMID: 38628409 PMCID: PMC11017001 DOI: 10.4103/sjopt.sjopt_189_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The variations in the diameter of the optic nerve (ON) are important clinically in the diagnosis of conditions associated with the ON such as raised intracranial pressure, meningioma, optic neuritis, and Grave's orbitopathy. This study determined the normal diameters of the ON in adult Nigerians seen in a Hospital in Delta State. METHODS Axial T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging images of 150 patients (75 males and 75 females) aged ≥20 years were retrieved from the hospital's radiological database and retrospectively used to evaluate the diameter of the ON on axial and coronal sections. The data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics. The mean diameters were compared based on gender, side, and age groups and correlated with age using inferential statistics. The significance level was considered at 5%. RESULTS The diameter of the ON measured 0.45 ± 0.07 cm on the coronal section, besides 0.50 ± 0.07 cm, and 0.46 ± 0.06 cm at 0.3 cm and 0.8 cm from the posterior pole of the globe, respectively, on the axial slices. The diameters were significantly larger in males than in females (P < 0.05) and were symmetrical. However, they lacked significant association with age (P > 0.05). The three diameters measured had a significant positive correlation with each other (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The study provides a normal range of ON diameter in the study center to aid in the diagnosis of raised intracranial pressure and pathologies involving the nerve and its sheath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beryl S. Ominde
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Gloria E. Abadom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria
| | - Joyce E. Ikubor
- Department of Radiology, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria
| | - Lawrence C. Achapu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Princess O. Enakpoya
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Patrick S. Igbigbi
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
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Fan HC, Yang MT, Lin LC, Chiang KL, Chen CM. Clinical and Genetic Features of Dravet Syndrome: A Prime Example of the Role of Precision Medicine in Genetic Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:31. [PMID: 38203200 PMCID: PMC10779156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010031] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS), also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy, is a rare and drug-resistant form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, which is both debilitating and challenging to manage, typically arising during the first year of life, with seizures often triggered by fever, infections, or vaccinations. It is characterized by frequent and prolonged seizures, developmental delays, and various other neurological and behavioral impairments. Most cases result from pathogenic mutations in the sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 1 (SCN1A) gene, which encodes a critical voltage-gated sodium channel subunit involved in neuronal excitability. Precision medicine offers significant potential for improving DS diagnosis and treatment. Early genetic testing enables timely and accurate diagnosis. Advances in our understanding of DS's underlying genetic mechanisms and neurobiology have enabled the development of targeted therapies, such as gene therapy, offering more effective and less invasive treatment options for patients with DS. Targeted and gene therapies provide hope for more effective and personalized treatments. However, research into novel approaches remains in its early stages, and their clinical application remains to be seen. This review addresses the current understanding of clinical DS features, genetic involvement in DS development, and outcomes of novel DS therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tungs’ Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, Wuchi, Taichung 435, Taiwan;
- Department of Rehabilitation, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 356, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tao Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Chang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Liang Chiang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kuang-Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan;
- Department of Nutrition, Hungkuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Zhang R, Li B, Li H. Extracellular-Matrix Mechanics Regulate the Ocular Physiological and Pathological Activities. J Ophthalmol 2023; 2023:7626920. [PMID: 37521908 PMCID: PMC10386902 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7626920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a noncellular structure that plays an indispensable role in a series of cell life activities. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that ECM stiffness, a type of mechanical forces, exerts a pivotal influence on regulating organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and the occurrence and development of miscellaneous diseases. Nevertheless, the role of ECM stiffness in ophthalmology is rarely discussed. In this review, we focus on describing the important role of ECM stiffness and its composition in multiple ocular structures (including cornea, retina, optic nerve, trabecular reticulum, and vitreous) from a new perspective. The abnormal changes in ECM can trigger physiological and pathological activities of the eye, suggesting that compared with different biochemical factors, the transmission and transduction of force signals triggered by mechanical cues such as ECM stiffness are also universal in different ocular cells. We expect that targeting ECM as a therapeutic approach or designing advanced ECM-based technologies will have a broader application prospect in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
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Goodman D, Ness S. The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Aging Eye. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030837. [PMID: 36983992 PMCID: PMC10052045 DOI: 10.3390/life13030837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the expanding elderly population in the United States and the world, it is important to understand the processes underlying both natural and pathological age-related changes in the eye. Both the anterior and posterior segment of the eye undergo changes in biological, chemical, and physical properties driven by oxidative stress. With advancing age, changes in the anterior segment include dermatochalasis, blepharoptosis, thickening of the sclera, loss of corneal endothelial cells, and stiffening of the lens. Changes in the posterior segment include lowered viscoelasticity of the vitreous body, photoreceptor cell loss, and drusen deposition at the macula and fovea. Age-related ocular pathologies including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are largely mediated by oxidative stress. The prevalence of these diseases is expected to increase in the coming years, highlighting the need to develop new therapies that address oxidative stress and slow the progression of age-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Goodman
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Steven Ness
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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