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Zhao H, Cai Y, Pan J, Chen Q. Role of MicroRNA in linking diabetic retinal neurodegeneration and vascular degeneration. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1412138. [PMID: 39027475 PMCID: PMC11254631 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1412138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is the major cause of blindness in diabetic patients, with limited treatment options that do not always restore optimal vision. Retinal nerve degeneration and vascular degeneration are two primary pathological processes of diabetic retinopathy. The retinal nervous system and vascular cells have a close coupling relationship. The connection between neurodegeneration and vascular degeneration is not yet fully understood. Recent studies have found that microRNA plays a role in regulating diabetic retinal neurovascular degeneration and can help delay the progression of the disease. This article will review how microRNA acts as a bridge connecting diabetic retinal neurodegeneration and vascular degeneration, focusing on the mechanisms of apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial factors. The aim is to identify valuable targets for new research and clinical treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | | | | | - Qiu Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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2
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Boddu SH, Acharya D, Hala V, Jani H, Pande S, Patel C, Shahwan M, Jwala R, Ranch KM. An Update on Strategies to Deliver Protein and Peptide Drugs to the Eye. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35470-35498. [PMID: 37810716 PMCID: PMC10552503 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, advancements in protein engineering, biotechnology, and structural biochemistry have resulted in the discovery of various techniques that enhanced the production yield of proteins, targetability, circulating half-life, product purity, and functionality of proteins and peptides. As a result, the utilization of proteins and peptides has increased in the treatment of many conditions, including ocular diseases. Ocular delivery of large molecules poses several challenges due to their high molecular weight, hydrophilicity, unstable nature, and poor permeation through cellular and enzymatic barriers. The use of novel strategies for delivering protein and peptides such as glycoengineering, PEGylation, Fc-fusion, chitosan nanoparticles, and liposomes have improved the efficacy, safety, and stability, which consequently expanded the therapeutic potential of proteins. This review article highlights various proteins and peptides that are useful in ocular disorders, challenges in their delivery to the eye, and strategies to enhance ocular bioavailability using novel delivery approaches. In addition, a few futuristic approaches that will assist in the ocular delivery of proteins and peptides were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai H.
S. Boddu
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Devarshi Acharya
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Vivek Hala
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Harshil Jani
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
| | - Sonal Pande
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Chirag Patel
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Renukuntla Jwala
- School
of
Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El
Paso, 1101 N Campbell
St., El Paso, Texas 79902, United States
- Department
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, 27240, United States
| | - Ketan M. Ranch
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
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Fico E, Rosso P, Triaca V, Segatto M, Lambiase A, Tirassa P. NGF Prevents Loss of TrkA/VEGFR2 Cells, and VEGF Isoform Dysregulation in the Retina of Adult Diabetic Rats. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203246. [PMID: 36291113 PMCID: PMC9600509 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the factors involved in diabetic retinopathy (DR), nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) have been shown to affect both neuronal survival and vascular function, suggesting that their crosstalk might influence DR outcomes. To address this question, the administration of eye drops containing NGF (ed-NGF) to adult Sprague Dawley rats receiving streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection was used as an experimental paradigm to investigate NGF modulation of VEGFA and its receptor VEGFR2 expression. We show that ed-NGF treatment prevents the histological and vascular alterations in STZ retina, VEGFR2 expression decreased in GCL and INL, and preserved the co-expression of VEGFR2 and NGF-tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) receptor in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The WB analysis confirmed the NGF effect on VEGFR2 expression and activation, and showed a recovery of VEGF isoform dysregulation by suppressing STZ-induced VEGFA121 expression. Reduction in inflammatory and pro-apoptotic intracellular signals were also found in STZ+NGF retina. These findings suggest that ed-NGF administration might favor neuroretina protection, and in turn counteract the vascular impairment by regulating VEGFR2 and/or VEGFA isoform expression during the early stages of the disease. The possibility that an increase in the NGF availability might contribute to the switch from the proangiogenic/apoptotic to the neuroprotective action of VEGF is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.F.); (P.T.)
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), International Campus A. Buzzati Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lambiase
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.F.); (P.T.)
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4
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Zerbini G, Maestroni S, Leocani L, Mosca A, Godi M, Paleari R, Belvedere A, Gabellini D, Tirassa P, Castoldi V, Viganò I, Galbiati S, Turco V, Lambiase A, Rama P. Topical nerve growth factor prevents neurodegenerative and vascular stages of diabetic retinopathy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1015522. [PMID: 36172176 PMCID: PMC9510636 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1015522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific and effective preventive treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is presently unavailable, mostly because the early stages of the complication have been, until recently, poorly understood. The recent demonstration that the vascular phase of DR is preceded and possibly caused by the neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells suggests that DR could, at least theoretically, be prevented through an early neuroprotective approach. The aims of our study were to clarify the natural history of diabetes-driven retinal neurodegeneration and to verify the possibility to prevent DR using topical nerve growth factor (NGF). The results of the study show that retinal neurodegeneration, characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells represents a relatively early phenomenon of diabetes (between 5 and 16 weeks of age), which tends to be self-limiting in the long run. Neurodegeneration is followed by the development of DR-related vascular dysfunctions, as confirmed by the development of acellular capillaries and the loss of retinal pericytes. Both retinal neurodegeneration and subsequent vascular dysfunction can be successfully prevented by topical NGF administration. These findings suggest that: 1) The first stage of DR consists in a self-limiting retinal neurodegeneration 2) The demonstrated effectiveness of topical NGF in the prevention of DR could be rapidly translated into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpaolo Zerbini
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gianpaolo Zerbini,
| | - Silvia Maestroni
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Leocani
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, INSPE-Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Mosca
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti and Centro per la Riferibilità Metrologica in Medicina di Laboratorio (CIRME), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ITB-CNR), Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Godi
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Renata Paleari
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti and Centro per la Riferibilità Metrologica in Medicina di Laboratorio (CIRME), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ITB-CNR), Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Belvedere
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabellini
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Castoldi
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, INSPE-Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Viganò
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Galbiati
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Turco
- Complications of Diabetes Unit, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Rama
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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5
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Qiu B, Zhao L, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang Q, Nie Y, Chen X, Cheung CYL. Associations Between Diabetic Retinal Microvasculopathy and Neuronal Degeneration Assessed by Swept-Source OCT and OCT Angiography. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:778283. [PMID: 34957152 PMCID: PMC8703043 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.778283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To provide clinical evidence of the associations between retinal neuronal degeneration and microvasculopathy in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: This case-control study included 76 patients (76 eyes) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and refraction error between -3.0 and +3.0 D. The eyes were assigned into DM (without DR), non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR) groups. Age-, sex-, and refractive error-matched normal subjects were enrolled as controls. The mean retinal thickness (mRT), the relative mean thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (rmtRNFL, mtRNFL/mRT), ganglion cell layer (rmtGCL), ganglion cell complex (rmtGCC) layer, foveal avascular zone area (FAZa), FAZ perimeter (FAZp), FAZ circularity index (FAZ-CI), and vessel density (VD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were assessed by swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Group comparison and Spearman's partial correlation coefficient analysis were applied to evaluate the correlation between these morphological parameters. Results: rmtRNFL, FAZa, and FAZp in SCP and DCP increased with the DR severity (p rmtRNFL < 0.001; p FAZa, SCP = 0.001; p FAZa , DCP = 0.005; p FAZp , SCP < 0.001; p FAZp , DCP < 0.001). The rmtGCL, FAZ-CI in SCP and DCP, and VD in DCP decreased with the DR severity (p rmtGCL = 0.002, p FAZ-CI , SCP = 0.002; p FAZ-CI, DCP < 0.001, p VD , DCP < 0.001). After controlling age, sex, duration of diabetes, and hypertension, the rmtRNFL, FAZa in SCP and DCP, and FAZp in SCP and DCP were correlated with the severity of DR (p < 0.05), while VD in SCP and DCP, FAZ-CI, and rmtGCL were negatively correlated with the severity of DR (p < 0.05). The rmtGCL was negatively correlated with the FAZa in SCP (r = -0.34, p = 0.002) and DCP (r = -0.23, p = 0.033), and FAZp in SCP (r = -0.37, p = 0.001) and DCP (r = -0.32, p = 0.003), but positively correlated with VD in SCP (r = 0.26, p = 0.016), VD in DCP (r = 0.28, p = 0.012), and FAZ-CI in DCP (r = 0.31, p = 0.006). Conclusions: rmtRNFL, FAZ-CI in SCP and DCP, and FAZp in SCP are strong predictors of the severity of DR. The ganglion cell body loss is highly correlated with increased FAZp and FAZa, decreased FAZ-CI, and reduced VD with the severity of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Qiu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Retinal Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group
| | - Lin Zhao
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Retinal Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyun Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Retinal Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group
| | - Yao Nie
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Retinal Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group
| | - Xiaosi Chen
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Retinal Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group
| | - Carol Y L Cheung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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6
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Kanu LN, Ciolino JB. Nerve Growth Factor as an Ocular Therapy: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Semin Ophthalmol 2021; 36:224-231. [PMID: 33641595 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1890793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF), the prototypical neurotrophin first discovered in the 1950s, has recently garnered increased interest as a therapeutic agent promoting neuronal health and regeneration. After gaining orphan drug status within the last decade, NGF-related research and drug development has accelerated. The purpose of this article is to review the preclinical and clinical evidence of NGF in various applications, including central and peripheral nervous system, skin, and ophthalmic disorders. We focus on the ophthalmic applications including not only the FDA-approved indication of neurotrophic keratitis but also retinal disease and glaucoma. NGF represents a promising therapy whose therapeutic profile is evolving. The challenges related to this therapy are reviewed, along with possible solutions and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi N Kanu
- 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph B Ciolino
- 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Ding XW, Li R, Geetha T, Tao YX, Babu JR. Nerve growth factor in metabolic complications and Alzheimer's disease: Physiology and therapeutic potential. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165858. [PMID: 32531260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the population ages, obesity and metabolic complications as well as neurological disorders are becoming more prevalent, with huge economic burdens on both societies and families. New therapeutics are urgently needed. Nerve growth factor (NGF), first discovered in 1950s, is a neurotrophic factor involved in regulating cell proliferation, growth, survival, and apoptosis in both central and peripheral nervous systems. NGF and its precursor, proNGF, bind to TrkA and p75 receptors and initiate protein phosphorylation cascades, resulting in changes of cellular functions, and are associated with obesity, diabetes and its complications, and Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we summarize changes in NGF levels in metabolic and neuronal disorders, the signal transduction initiated by NGF and proNGF, the physiological and pathophysiological relevance, and therapeutic potential in treating chronic metabolic diseases and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Ding
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rongzi Li
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Thangiah Geetha
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Boshell Metabolic Diseases and Diabetes Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Jeganathan Ramesh Babu
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Boshell Metabolic Diseases and Diabetes Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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8
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Liu W, Li Y, Cao R, Bai Z, Liu W. A systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of conbercept with ranibizumab in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20222. [PMID: 32481293 PMCID: PMC7249991 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this review and meta-analysis is to investigate the efficacy of conbercept and ranibizumab, combined with or without laser photocoagulation, in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO-ME). METHODS Several databases have been used to identify relevant publications. After screening, a meta-analysis was conducted to compare conbercept and ranibizumab with the support of RevMan 5.3 (Cochrane Library Software, Oxford, UK). RESULTS In this study, 9 randomized controlled trials and 6 retrospective trials were included with a total of 1180 patients. No significant difference was found in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or central macular thickness (CMT) in the baseline parameters [BCVA (weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.01; 95% confidence interval CI: -0.03 to 0.01; P = .17), CMT (WMD: 20.14; 95% CI: -26.70 to 66.97; P = .40). No significant differences were found in the improvements of BCVA and adverse events (AEs) between the 2 groups after injection of loading dosage [the 1st month BCVA (WMD: -0.01; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.02; P = .54),the 3rd month BCVA (WMD: -0.02; 95% CI: --0.05 to 0.01; P = .23), the 6th month BCVA (WMD: -0.02; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.01; P = .27), AEs (odds ratio: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.84; P = .66)]. However, there were significant differences between conbercept and ranibizumab treatment in terms of CMT [1st month CMT (WMD: -11.70; 95% CI: -19.71 to -3.68; P < .01), 3rd month CMT (WMD: -10.08; 95% CI: -15.62 to -4.53; P < .01), 6th month CMT (WMD: -15.83; 95% CI: -22.88 to -8.78; P < .01)] and the number of injections (WMD, -0.36; 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.04; P = .03). CONCLUSION The current pooled evidence suggested that both therapies of intravitreal conbercept and intravitreal ranibizumab with or without laser photocoagulation are effective in vision function in RVO-ME patients, and confirmed that conbercept has advantages over ranibizumab in terms of CMT and the number of injections for treating RVO-ME. In addition, conbercept has the statistically same visual gains and safety as ranibizumab in RVO-ME patients. Longer-term follow-up surveys on the safety and effectiveness of these 2 treatment regimens are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City
| | - Yanjie Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City
| | - Rongxia Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City
| | - Zichao Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City
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9
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Eyeing the Extracellular Matrix in Vascular Development and Microvascular Diseases and Bridging the Divide between Vascular Mechanics and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103487. [PMID: 32429045 PMCID: PMC7278940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in all aspects of vascular development and health: supporting cell anchorage, providing structure, organization and mechanical stability, and serving as a sink for growth factors and sustained survival signals. Abnormal changes in ECM protein expression, organization, and/or properties, and the ensuing changes in vascular compliance affect vasodilator responses, microvascular pressure transmission, and collateral perfusion. The changes in microvascular compliance are independent factors initiating, driving, and/or exacerbating a plethora of microvascular diseases of the eye including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and vitreoretinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and neovascular glaucoma. Congruently, one of the major challenges with most vascular regenerative therapies utilizing localized growth factor, endothelial progenitor, or genetically engineered cell delivery, is the regeneration of blood vessels with physiological compliance properties. Interestingly, vascular cells sense physical forces, including the stiffness of their ECM, through mechanosensitive integrins, their associated proteins and the actomyosin cytoskeleton, which generates biochemical signals that culminate in a rapid expression of matricellular proteins such as cellular communication network 1 (CCN1) and CCN2 (aka connective tissue growth factor or CTGF). Loss or gain of function of these proteins alters genetic programs of cell growth, ECM biosynthesis, and intercellular signaling, that culminate in changes in cell behavior, polarization, and barrier function. In particular, the function of the matricellular protein CCN2/CTGF is critical during retinal vessel development and regeneration wherein new blood vessels form and invest a preformed avascular neural retina following putative gradients of matrix stiffness. These observations underscore the need for further in-depth characterization of the ECM-derived cues that dictate structural and functional properties of the microvasculature, along with the development of new therapeutic strategies addressing the ECM-dependent regulation of pathophysiological stiffening of blood vessels in ischemic retinopathies.
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10
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Potilinski MC, Lorenc V, Perisset S, Gallo JE. Mechanisms behind Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss in Diabetes and Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072351. [PMID: 32231131 PMCID: PMC7177797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes produces several changes in the body triggered by high glycemia. Some of these changes include altered metabolism, structural changes in blood vessels and chronic inflammation. The eye and particularly the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are not spared, and the changes eventually lead to cell loss and visual function impairment. Understanding the mechanisms resulting in RGC damage and loss from diabetic retinopathy is essential to find an effective treatment. This review focuses mainly on the signaling pathways and molecules involved in RGC loss and the potential therapeutic approaches for the prevention of this cell death. Throughout the manuscript it became evident that multiple factors of different kind are responsible for RGC damage. This shows that new therapeutic agents targeting several factors at the same time are needed. Alpha-1 antitrypsin as an anti-inflammatory agent may become a suitable option for the treatment of RGC loss because of its beneficial interaction with several signaling pathways involved in RGC injury and inflammation. In conclusion, alpha-1 antitrypsin may become a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of RGC loss and processes behind diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Constanza Potilinski
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Austral-CONICET, Av. J.D. Perón 1500, 1629 Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (M.C.P.); (V.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Valeria Lorenc
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Austral-CONICET, Av. J.D. Perón 1500, 1629 Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (M.C.P.); (V.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Sofía Perisset
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Austral-CONICET, Av. J.D. Perón 1500, 1629 Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (M.C.P.); (V.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Juan Eduardo Gallo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Austral-CONICET, Av. J.D. Perón 1500, 1629 Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (M.C.P.); (V.L.); (S.P.)
- Departamento de Oftalmologia, Hospital Universitario Austral, Av. Juan Perón 1500, 1629 Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +54-91164038725
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11
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Liu WS, Li YJ. Comparison of conbercept and ranibizumab for the treatment efficacy of diabetic macular edema: a Meta-analysis and systematic review. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:1479-1486. [PMID: 31544046 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.09.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) and ranibizumab (IVR) in patients with diabetic macular edema. METHODS Reviewers have searched 12 databases, including PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer, ScienceDirect, OVID, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, cqVIP, WanFangdata and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), up to December 28, 2018. RevMan 5.3 (Cochrane Library Software, Oxford, UK) was employed for statistical analysis. Fixed and random effects models were applied to assess heterogeneity. Odds ratio (OR) was applied for dichotomous variables; weighted mean difference (WMD) was applied for continuous variables. The confidence interval (CI) was set at 95%. Central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were employed to analyze the improvement of DME patients. Inclusion criteria for picking out studies were retrospective studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared IVC and IVR for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. RESULTS Four retrospective studies and five RCTs were included with a total of 609 patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in mean CMT and mean BCVA in the baseline parameters [BCVA (WMD: -0.48; 95%CI: -1.06 to 0.10; P=0.1), CMT (WMD: -0.83; 95%CI: -15.15 to 13.49; P=0.91). No significant difference was found in the improvement of BCVA and adverse event (AE) in IVC group, compared with IVR group after treatment of loading dosage [the 1st month BCVA (WMD: 0.01; 95%CI: -0.26 to 0.27; P=0.96), the 3rd month BCVA (WMD: -0.04; 95%CI: -0.14 to 0.06; P=0.46); the 6th month BCVA (WMD: -0.24; 95%CI: -1.62 to 1.14; P=0.73)], AE (OR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.38 to 1.84; P=0.66)]. A slight difference was found in the effectiveness rate (OR: 1.70; 95%CI: 0.97 to 2.96; P=0.06), There were statistically significant differences between IVC and IVR treatment in terms of CMT [1st month CMT (WMD: -19.88; 95%CI: -27.94 to -11.82; P<0.001), 3rd month CMT (WMD: -23.31; 95%CI: -43.30 to -3.33; P=0.02), 6th month CMT (WMD: -74.74; 95%CI: -106.22 to -43.26; P<0.001)]. CONCLUSION Pooled evidence suggests that both IVC and IVR are effective in the therapy of diabetic macular edema and affirms that IVC presents superiority over IVR therapy in regard of CMT in patients with diabetic macular edema, but no statistically significant difference with regard to visual improvement. Relevant RCTs with longer-term follow-up are necessary to back up our conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Shai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yan-Jie Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, Shanxi Province, China
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12
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Narayanan SP, Shosha E, D Palani C. Spermine oxidase: A promising therapeutic target for neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 147:104299. [PMID: 31207342 PMCID: PMC7011157 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), is a significant public health issue and the leading cause of blindness in working-aged adults worldwide. The vision loss associated with DR affects patients' quality of life and has negative social and psychological effects. In the past, diabetic retinopathy was considered as a vascular disease; however, it is now recognized to be a neuro-vascular disease of the retina. Current therapies for DR, such as laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF therapy, treat advanced stages of the disease, particularly the vasculopathy and have adverse side effects. Unavailability of effective treatments to prevent the incidence or progression of DR is a major clinical problem. There is a great need for therapeutic interventions capable of preventing retinal damage in DR patients. A growing body of evidence shows that neurodegeneration is an early event in DR pathogenesis. Therefore, studies of the underlying mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration are essential for identifying new therapeutic targets in the early stages of DR. Deregulation of the polyamine metabolism is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, renal failure, and diabetes. Spermine Oxidase (SMOX) is a highly inducible enzyme, and its dysregulation can alter polyamine homeostasis. The oxidative products of polyamine metabolism are capable of inducing cell damage and death. The current review provides insight into the SMOX-regulated molecular mechanisms of cellular damage and dysfunction, and its potential as a therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy. Structural and functional changes in the diabetic retina and the mechanisms leading to neuronal damage (excitotoxicity, loss of neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction etc.) are also summarized in this review. Furthermore, existing therapies and new approaches to neuroprotection are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States; Augusta University Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta, GA, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States; VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States.
| | - Esraa Shosha
- Augusta University Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta, GA, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States; Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Chithra D Palani
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States; Augusta University Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta, GA, United States; Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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13
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Wang L, Zhang C, Hua R. Clinical effectiveness of ranibizumab and conbercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:3625-3633. [PMID: 30464394 PMCID: PMC6211581 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s176021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction To assess the ocular efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab and conbercept injection in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Materials and methods We searched PubMed, Wed of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WANFANG DATA databases, up to June 20, 2018. We also searched abstracts and clinical study presentations at meetings as well as trial registries; we contacted authors of included studies if questions arose. Eligibility criteria for selection of studies were randomized controlled trials and retrospective trials that compared ranibizumab with conbercept for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Results Eight randomized controlled trials and four retrospective studies were included with a total of 853 patients. Best-corrected visual acuity after loading dosage was improved in the conbercept group, compared with the ranibizumab group (weighted mean difference: -0.04; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.00; P=0.04). There was a significant difference between conbercept and ranibizumab therapy with respect to unchanged or recurrent leakage of choroidal neovascularization (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.88; P=0.02). No significant differences were observed in central macular thickness (weighted mean difference: -2.92; 95% CI: -9.00 to 3.17; P=0.35), complete and partial closure of leakage of choroidal neovascularization (complete closure, P=0.70; partial closure, P=0.35), or number of injections (weighted mean difference: 0.42; 95% CI: -0.46 to 1.29; P=0.35) between the conbercept and ranibizumab groups at the end of the follow-up periods. Conclusion Pooled evidence confirmed that conbercept was superior to ranibizumab with respect to visual gain after treatment. Additional studies with long-term follow-up are needed to support our conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Canwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weifang Eye Hospital, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China,
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14
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Tsoka P, Matsumoto H, Maidana DE, Kataoka K, Naoumidi I, Gravanis A, Vavvas DG, Tsilimbaris MK. Effects of BNN27, a novel C17-spiroepoxy steroid derivative, on experimental retinal detachment-induced photoreceptor cell death. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10661. [PMID: 30006508 PMCID: PMC6045604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal detachment (RD) leads to photoreceptor cell death secondary to the physical separation of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. Intensifying photoreceptor survival in the detached retina could be remarkably favorable for many retinopathies in which RD can be seen. BNN27, a blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable, C17-spiroepoxy derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has shown promising neuroprotective activity through interaction with nerve growth factor receptors, TrkA and p75NTR. Here, we administered BNN27 systemically in a murine model of RD. TUNEL+ photoreceptors were significantly decreased 24 hours post injury after a single administration of 200 mg/kg BNN27. Furthermore, BNN27 increased inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as, two markers of gliosis 24 hours post RD. However, single or multiple doses of BNN27 were not able to protect the overall survival of photoreceptors 7 days post injury. Additionally, BNN27 did not induce the activation/phosphorylation of TrkAY490 in the detached retina although the mRNA levels of the receptor were increased in the photoreceptors post injury. Together, these findings, do not demonstrate neuroprotective activity of BNN27 in experimentally-induced RD. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the paradox/contradiction of these results and the mechanism of action of BNN27 in this model of photoreceptor cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Tsoka
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidetaka Matsumoto
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel E Maidana
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keiko Kataoka
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Irene Naoumidi
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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15
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Gharbiya M, Bruscolini A, Sacchetti M, Rosso P, Carito V, Segatto M, Fico E, Tirassa P, Lambiase A. In vivo antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment induces corneal endothelium apoptosis in rabbits through changes in p75NTR–proNGF pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:8874-8883. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Magda Gharbiya
- Department of Sense Organs University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Alice Bruscolini
- Department of Sense Organs University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Marta Sacchetti
- Department of Sense Organs University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Pamela Rosso
- National Research Council ‐ Department of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN‐CNR) Rome Italy
| | - Valentina Carito
- National Research Council ‐ Department of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN‐CNR) Rome Italy
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Sense Organs University of Rome Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Elena Fico
- National Research Council ‐ Department of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN‐CNR) Rome Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences University of L’Aquila L’Aquila Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- National Research Council ‐ Department of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN‐CNR) Rome Italy
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16
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Ibán-Arias R, Lisa S, Mastrodimou N, Kokona D, Koulakis E, Iordanidou P, Kouvarakis A, Fothiadaki M, Papadogkonaki S, Sotiriou A, Katerinopoulos HE, Gravanis A, Charalampopoulos I, Thermos K. The Synthetic Microneurotrophin BNN27 Affects Retinal Function in Rats With Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes. Diabetes 2018; 67:321-333. [PMID: 29208634 DOI: 10.2337/db17-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BNN27, a C17-spiroepoxy derivative of DHEA, was shown to have antiapoptotic properties via mechanisms involving the nerve growth factor receptors (tropomyosin-related kinase A [TrkA]/neurotrophin receptor p75 [p75NTR]). In this study, we examined the effects of BNN27 on neural/glial cell function, apoptosis, and inflammation in the experimental rat streptozotocin (STZ) model of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The ability of BNN27 to activate the TrkA receptor and regulate p75NTR expression was investigated. BNN27 (2,10, and 50 mg/kg i.p. for 7 days) administration 4 weeks post-STZ injection (paradigm A) reversed the diabetes-induced glial activation and loss of function of amacrine cells (brain nitric oxide synthetase/tyrosine hydroxylase expression) and ganglion cell axons via a TrkA receptor (TrkAR)-dependent mechanism. BNN27 activated/phosphorylated the TrkAY490 residue in the absence but not the presence of TrkAR inhibitor and abolished the diabetes-induced increase in p75NTR expression. However, it had no effect on retinal cell death (TUNEL+ cells). A similar result was observed when BNN27 (10 mg/kg i.p.) was administered at the onset of diabetes, every other day for 4 weeks (paradigm B). However, BNN27 decreased the activation of caspase-3 in both paradigms. Finally, BNN27 reduced the proinflammatory (TNFα and IL-1β) and increased the anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-4) cytokine levels. These findings suggest that BNN27 has the pharmacological profile of a therapeutic for DR, since it targets both the neurodegenerative and inflammatory components of the disease.
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MESH Headings
- Amacrine Cells/drug effects
- Amacrine Cells/immunology
- Amacrine Cells/metabolism
- Amacrine Cells/pathology
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Axons/drug effects
- Axons/immunology
- Axons/metabolism
- Axons/pathology
- Dehydroepiandrosterone/administration & dosage
- Dehydroepiandrosterone/therapeutic use
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology
- Diabetic Retinopathy/immunology
- Diabetic Retinopathy/metabolism
- Diabetic Retinopathy/pathology
- Diabetic Retinopathy/prevention & control
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Eye Proteins/agonists
- Eye Proteins/metabolism
- Female
- Ganglia, Sensory/drug effects
- Ganglia, Sensory/immunology
- Ganglia, Sensory/metabolism
- Ganglia, Sensory/pathology
- Male
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/agonists
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neuroglia/drug effects
- Neuroglia/immunology
- Neuroglia/metabolism
- Neuroglia/pathology
- Neuroprotective Agents/administration & dosage
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational/drug effects
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/agonists
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism
- Receptor, trkA/agonists
- Receptor, trkA/metabolism
- Retina/drug effects
- Retina/immunology
- Retina/pathology
- Retina/physiopathology
- Streptozocin
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ibán-Arias
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Silvia Lisa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Niki Mastrodimou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Despina Kokona
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanuil Koulakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Panagiota Iordanidou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonis Kouvarakis
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Myrto Fothiadaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Sofia Papadogkonaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Sotiriou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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17
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Tirassa P, Rosso P, Iannitelli A. Ocular Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and NGF Eye Drop Application as Paradigms to Investigate NGF Neuroprotective and Reparative Actions. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1727:19-38. [PMID: 29222770 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7571-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The eye is a central nervous system structure that is uniquely accessible to local treatment. Through the ocular surface, it is possible to access the retina, optic nerve, and brain. Animal models of retina degeneration or optic nerve crush could thus serve as tools to investigate whether and how factors, which are anterogradely or retrogradely transported through the optic nerve, might contribute to activate neuroprotection and eventually regeneration. Among these factors, nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a crucial role during development of the visual system, as well as during the entire life span, and in pathological conditions. The ability of NGF to exert survival and trophic actions on the retina and brain cells when applied intraocularly and topically as eye drops is critically reviewed here, together with the effects of ocular neurotrophins on neuronal pathways influencing body rhythm, cognitions, and behavioral functions. The latest data from animal models and humans are presented, and the mechanism of action of ocularly administered NGF is discussed. NGF eye drops are proposed as an experimental strategy to investigate the role and cellular targets of neurotrophins in the mechanism(s) underlying neurodegeneration/regeneration and their involvement in the regulation of neurological and behavioral dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Tirassa
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology & Neurobiology, Rome, Italy.
| | - Pamela Rosso
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Cell Biology & Neurobiology, Rome, Italy.,Department of Science, LIME, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Human Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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18
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Zhang J, Liu R, Kuang HY, Gao XY, Liu HL. Protective treatments and their target retinal ganglion cells in diabetic retinopathy. Brain Res Bull 2017; 132:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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19
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Rocco ML, Balzamino BO, Esposito G, Petrella C, Aloe L, Micera A. NGF/anti-VEGF combined exposure protects RCS retinal cells and photoreceptors that underwent a local worsening of inflammation. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 255:567-574. [PMID: 28013393 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous study highlighted the potential nerve growth factor (NGF) effect on damaged photoreceptors from a rat model of spontaneous Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Herein, we tested the combined NGF/anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (αVEGF) effect on cultured retinal cells isolated from Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats receiving an intravitreal VEGF injection (iv-VEGF) to exacerbate retinal inflammation/neovascularization. METHODS RCS (n = 75) rats were equally grouped as untreated (n = 25), iv-saline (single saline intravitreal injection; n = 25) and iv-VEGF (single VEGF intravitreal injection; n = 25). Morphological and biochemical analysis or in vitro stimulations with the biomolecular investigation were carried out on explanted retinas. Isolated retinal cells were treated with NGF and αVEGF, either alone or in combination, for 6 days and cells were harvested for morphological and biomolecular analyses. RESULTS Infiltrating inflammatory cells were detected in iv-VEGF exposed RCS retinas, indicative of exacerbated inflammation and neovascularization. In cell cultures, NGF/αVEGF significantly increased retinal cell survival as well as rhodopsin expression and neurite outgrowth in photoreceptors. Particularly, NGF/αVEGF upregulated Bcl-2 mRNA, downregulated Bax mRNA, upregulated trkANGFR mRNA and finally upregulated both NGF mRNA and protein. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm and extend our previous findings on NGF-photoreceptor crosstalk, highlighting that the NGF/αVEGF combination might be an interesting approach for improving neuroprotection of RCS retinal cells and likewise photoreceptors in the presence of neovascularization. Further studies are required to translate this in vitro approach into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziana Esposito
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Persistent inflammatory state after photoreceptor loss in an animal model of retinal degeneration. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33356. [PMID: 27624537 PMCID: PMC5022039 DOI: 10.1038/srep33356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia act as the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, including the retina. In response to damaging stimuli microglia adopt an activated state, which can progress into a phagocytic phenotype and play a potentially harmful role by eliciting the expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of the present study was to assess longitudinal changes in microglia during retinal degeneration in the homozygous P23H rat, a model of dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Microglial phenotypes, morphology and density were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cytokine antibody array. In addition, we performed electroretinograms to evaluate the retinal response. In the P23H retina, sclera, choroid and ciliary body, inflammatory cells increased in number compared with the control at all ages analyzed. As the rats became older, a higher number of amoeboid MHC-II(+) cells were observed in the P23H retina, which correlated with an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that, in the P23H model, retinal neuroinflammation persists throughout the rat's life span even after photoreceptor depletion. Therefore, the inclusion of anti-inflammatory drugs at advanced stages of the neurodegenerative process may provide better retinal fitness so the remaining cells could still be used as targets of cellular or gene therapies.
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21
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Aloe L, Rocco ML, Balzamino BO, Micera A. Nerve Growth Factor: A Focus on Neuroscience and Therapy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:294-303. [PMID: 26411962 PMCID: PMC4812798 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150403231920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the firstly discovered and best characterized neurotrophic factor, known to play a critical protective role in the development and survival of sympathetic, sensory and forebrain cholinergic neurons. NGF promotes neuritis outgrowth both in vivo and in vitro and nerve cell recovery after ischemic, surgical or chemical injuries. Recently, the therapeutic property of NGF has been demonstrated on human cutaneous and corneal ulcers, pressure ulcer, glaucoma, maculopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. NGF eye drops administration is well tolerated, with no detectable clinical evidence of systemic or local adverse effects. The aim of this review is to summarize these biological properties and the potential clinical development of NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (CNR); NGF Section, Via Fosso di Fiorano, 64/65 - 00143 Rome, Italy.
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22
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de Moraes G, Layton CJ. Therapeutic targeting of diabetic retinal neuropathy as a strategy in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 44:838-852. [PMID: 27334889 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes causes a panretinal neurodegeneration herein termed diabetic retinal neuropathy, which manifests in the retina early and progresses throughout the disease. Clinical manifestations include changes in the ERG, perimetry, dark adaptation, contrast sensitivity and colour vision which correlate with laboratory findings of thinning of the retinal neuronal layers, increased apoptosis in neurons and activation of glial cells. Possible mechanisms include oxidative stress, neuronal AGE accumulation, altered balance of neurotrophic factors and loss of mitohormesis. Retinal neural damage precedes and is a biologically plausible cause of retinal vasculopathy later in diabetes, and this review suggests that strategies to target it directly could prevent diabetes induced blindness. The efficacy of fenofibrate in reducing retinopathy progression provides a possible proof of concept for this approach. Strategies which may target diabetic retinal neuropathy include reducing retinal metabolic demand, improving mitochondrial function with AMPK and Sirt1 activators or providing neurotrophic support with neurotrophic supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J Layton
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Greenslopes Private Hospital Ophthalmology Department, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Yan PS, Tang S, Zhang HF, Guo YY, Zeng ZW, Wen Q. Nerve growth factor protects against palmitic acid-induced injury in retinal ganglion cells. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1851-1856. [PMID: 28123432 PMCID: PMC5204244 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.194758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports an important role for nerve growth factor (NGF) in diabetic retinopathy. We hypothesized that NGF has a protective effect on rat retinal ganglion RGC-5 cells injured by palmitic acid (PA), a metabolic factor implicated in the development of diabetes and its complications. Our results show that PA exposure caused apoptosis of RGC-5 cells, while NGF protected against PA insult in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, NGF significantly attenuated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in RGC-5 cells. Pathway inhibitor tests showed that the protective effect of NGF was completely reversed by LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor), Akt VIII inhibitor, and PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor). Western blot analysis revealed that NGF induced the phosphorylation of Akt/FoxO1 and ERK1/2 and reversed the PA-evoked reduction in the levels of these proteins. These results indicate that NGF protects RGC-5 cells against PA-induced injury through anti-oxidation and inhibition of apoptosis by modulation of the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan-Shi Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Shu Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hai-Feng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Guo
- Shenzhen Mental Health Center and Shenzhen Key Lab for Psychological Healthcare, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Zeng
- Shenzhen Mental Health Center and Shenzhen Key Lab for Psychological Healthcare, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiang Wen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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24
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Mohamed R, El-Remessy AB. Imbalance of the Nerve Growth Factor and Its Precursor: Implication in Diabetic Retinopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 6. [PMID: 26807305 PMCID: PMC4721560 DOI: 10.4172/2155-9570.1000483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working age in US and worldwide. Neurotrophins including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) are known to be essential for growth, differentiation and survival of neurons in the developing and mature retina. Nevertheless, a growing body of evidence supports an emerging role of neurotrophins in retinal diseases and in particular, diabetic retinopathy. Neurotrophins are initially synthesized in a pro-form and undergo proteolytic cleavage to produce the mature form that activates two distinctive receptors, the tyrosine kinase tropomycin receptor (Trk) and, to lesser extent, the common low affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). Despite tight glycemic and metabolic control, many diabetic patients continue to experience progressive retinal damage. Understanding the molecular events involved in diabetic retinopathy is extremely important to identify novel therapeutic strategies to halt the disease progression. Diabetes induces imbalance in neurotrophins by increasing its proform, which is associated with upregulation of the p75NTR receptor in the retina. A growing body of evidence supports a link between the imbalance of pro-neurotrophins and early retinal inflammation, neuro-and microvascular degeneration. Therefore, examining changes in the levels of neurotrophins and its receptors might provide a therapeutically beneficial target to combat disease progression in diabetic patients. This commentary aims to highlight the impact of diabetes-impaired balance of neurotrophins and in particular, the NGF and its receptors; TrkA and p75NTR in the pathology of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyaz Mohamed
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, USA ; Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Azza B El-Remessy
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, USA ; Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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25
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Coucha M, Elshaer SL, Eldahshan WS, Mysona BA, El-Remessy AB. Molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy: potential therapeutic targets. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2015; 22:135-44. [PMID: 25949069 PMCID: PMC4411608 DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.154386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in United States. Research indicates an association between oxidative stress and the development of diabetes complications. However, clinical trials with general antioxidants have failed to prove effective in diabetic patients. Mounting evidence from experimental studies that continue to elucidate the damaging effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in both vascular and neural retina suggest its critical role in the pathogenesis of DR. This review will outline the current management of DR as well as present potential experimental therapeutic interventions, focusing on molecules that link oxidative stress to inflammation to provide potential therapeutic targets for treatment or prevention of DR. Understanding the biochemical changes and the molecular events under diabetic conditions could provide new effective therapeutic tools to combat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Coucha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Georgia, USA ; Research Service, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta 30912, Georgia, USA
| | - Sally L Elshaer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Georgia, USA ; Research Service, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta 30912, Georgia, USA
| | - Wael S Eldahshan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Georgia, USA ; Research Service, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta 30912, Georgia, USA
| | - Barbara A Mysona
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Georgia, USA ; Research Service, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta 30912, Georgia, USA
| | - Azza B El-Remessy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Georgia, USA ; Research Service, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta 30912, Georgia, USA
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26
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Shanab AY, Mysona BA, Matragoon S, El-Remessy AB. Silencing p75(NTR) prevents proNGF-induced endothelial cell death and development of acellular capillaries in rat retina. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 2:15013. [PMID: 26029724 PMCID: PMC4445004 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of the nerve growth factor precursor (proNGF) and its receptor p75(NTR) have been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases in both brain and retina. However, whether proNGF contributes to microvascular degeneration remain unexplored. This study seeks to investigate the mechanism by which proNGF/p75(NTR) induce endothelial cell (EC) death and development of acellular capillaries, a surrogate marker of retinal ischemia. Stable overexpression of the cleavage-resistant proNGF and molecular silencing of p75(NTR) were utilized in human retinal EC and rat retinas in vivo. Stable overexpression of proNGF decreased NGF levels and induced retinal vascular cell death evident by 1.9-fold increase in acellular capillaries and activation of JNK and cleaved-PARP that were mitigated by p75(NTR)shRNA. In vitro, overexpression of proNGF did not alter TNF-α level, reduced NGF, however induced EC apoptosis evident by activation of JNK and p38 MAPK, cleaved-PARP. Silencing p75(NTR) using siRNA restored expression of NGF and TrkA activation and prevented EC apoptosis. Treatment of EC with human-mutant proNGF induced apoptosis that coincided with marked protein interaction and nuclear translocation of p75(NTR) and the neurotrophin receptor interacting factor. These effects were abolished by a selective p75(NTR) antagonist. Therefore, targeting p75(NTR) represents a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases associated with aberrant expression of proNGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Y Shanab
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia , Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University , Georgia, USA ; Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Barbara A Mysona
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia , Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University , Georgia, USA ; Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Suraporn Matragoon
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia , Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University , Georgia, USA ; Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Azza B El-Remessy
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia , Georgia, USA ; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University , Georgia, USA ; Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Augusta, Georgia, USA
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27
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Rocco ML, Balzamino BO, Petrocchi Passeri P, Micera A, Aloe L. Effect of purified murine NGF on isolated photoreceptors of a rodent developing retinitis pigmentosa. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124810. [PMID: 25897972 PMCID: PMC4405340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of different studies have shown that neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF) support the survival of retinal ganglion neurons during a variety if insults. Recently, we have reported that that eye NGF administration can protect also photoreceptor degeneration in a mice and rat with inherited retinitis pigmentosa. However, the evidence that NGF acts directly on photoreceptors and that other retinal cells mediate the NGF effect could not be excluded. In the present study we have isolated retinal cells from rats with inherited retinitis pigmentosa (RP) during the post-natal stage of photoreceptor degenerative. In presence of NGF, these cells are characterized by enhanced expression of NGF-receptors and rhodopsin, the specific marker of photoreceptor and better cell survival, as well as neuritis outgrowth. Together these observations support the hypothesis that NGF that NGF acts directly on photoreceptors survival and prevents photoreceptor degeneration as previously suggested by in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela Petrocchi Passeri
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
- Dept. Medicine of Systems, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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28
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Imbalance of the nerve growth factor and its precursor as a potential biomarker for diabetic retinopathy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:571456. [PMID: 25853140 PMCID: PMC4380101 DOI: 10.1155/2015/571456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies have demonstrated that diabetes-induced oxidative stress alters homeostasis of retinal nerve growth factor (NGF) resulting in accumulation of its precursor, proNGF, at the expense of NGF which plays a critical role in preserving neuronal and retinal function. This imbalance coincided with retinal damage in experimental diabetes. Here we test the hypothesis that alteration of proNGF and NGF levels observed in retina and vitreous will be mirrored in serum of diabetic patients. Blood and vitreous samples were collected from patients (diabetic and nondiabetic) undergoing vitrectomy at Georgia Regents University under approved IRB. Levels of proNGF, NGF, and p75NTR shedding were detected using Western blot analysis. MMP-7 activity was also assayed. Diabetes-induced proNGF expression and impaired NGF expression were observed in vitreous and serum. Vitreous and sera from diabetic patients (n = 11) showed significant 40.8-fold and 3.6-fold increases, respectively, compared to nondiabetics (n = 9). In contrast, vitreous and sera from diabetic patients showed significant 44% and 64% reductions in NGF levels, respectively, compared to nondiabetics. ProNGF to NGF ratios showed significant correlation between vitreous and serum. Further characterization of diabetes-induced imbalance in the proNGF to NGF ratio will facilitate its utility as an early biomarker for diabetic complications.
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29
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Mantelli F, Sacchetti M, Scuderi G, Lambiase A. A closer look at nerve growth factor: from biology to clinical trials in ophthalmology. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1006196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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30
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Primary retinal cultures as a tool for modeling diabetic retinopathy: an overview. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:364924. [PMID: 25688355 PMCID: PMC4320900 DOI: 10.1155/2015/364924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Experimental models of diabetic retinopathy (DR) have had a crucial role in the comprehension of the pathophysiology of the disease and the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Most of these studies have been conducted in vivo, in animal models. However, a significant contribution has also been provided by studies on retinal cultures, especially regarding the effects of the potentially toxic components of the diabetic milieu on retinal cell homeostasis, the characterization of the mechanisms on the basis of retinal damage, and the identification of potentially protective molecules. In this review, we highlight the contribution given by primary retinal cultures to the study of DR, focusing on early neuroglial impairment. We also speculate on possible themes into which studies based on retinal cell cultures could provide deeper insight.
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Mysona BA, Shanab AY, Elshaer SL, El-Remessy AB. Nerve growth factor in diabetic retinopathy: beyond neurons. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014; 9:99-107. [PMID: 25031607 PMCID: PMC4096131 DOI: 10.1586/17469899.2014.903157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major ocular complication of diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness in US working age adults with limited treatments. Neurotrophins (NTs), a family of proteins essential for growth, differentiation and survival of retinal neurons, have emerged as potential players in the pathogenesis of DR. NTs can signal through their corresponding tropomyosin kinase related receptor to mediate cell survival or through the p75 neurotrophin receptor with the co-receptor, sortilin, to mediate cell death. This review focuses on the role of NGF, the first discovered NT, in the development of DR. Impaired processing of proNGF has been found in ocular fluids from diabetic patients as well as experimental models. Evidence from literature and our studies support the notion that NTs appear to play multiple potential roles in DR, hence, understanding their contribution to DR may lead to promising therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Mysona
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA and Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ahmed Y Shanab
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA and Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sally L Elshaer
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA and Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Azza B El-Remessy
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA and Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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