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Monickaraj F, Acosta G, Cabrera AP, Das A. Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Chemokine CXCL1 as a Mediator for Neutrophil Recruitment Associated With Blood-Retinal Barrier Alteration in Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes 2023; 72:781-794. [PMID: 36930735 PMCID: PMC10202768 DOI: 10.2337/db22-0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). To precisely define the inflammatory mediators, we examined the transcriptomic profile of human retinal endothelial cells exposed to advanced glycation end products, which revealed the neutrophil chemoattractant chemokine CXCL1 as one of the top genes upregulated. The effect of neutrophils in the alteration of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) was further assessed in wild-type C57BL/6J mice intravitreally injected with recombinant CXCL1 as well as in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Both intravitreally CXCL1-injected and diabetic animals showed significantly increased retinal vascular permeability, with significant increase in infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes in retinas and increased expression of chemokines and their receptors, proteases, and adhesion molecules. Treatment with Ly6G antibody for neutrophil depletion in both diabetic mice as well as CXCL1-injected animals showed significantly decreased retinal vascular permeability accompanied by decreased infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes and decreased expression of cytokines and proteases. CXCL1 level was significantly increased in the serum samples of patients with DR compared with samples of those without diabetes. These data reveal a novel mechanism by which the chemokine CXCL1, through neutrophil recruitment, alters the BRB in DR and, thus, serves as a potential novel therapeutic target. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Intravitreal CXCL1 injection and diabetes result in increased retinal vascular permeability with neutrophil and monocyte recruitment. Ly6G antibody treatment for neutrophil depletion in both animal models showed decreased retinal permeability and decreased cytokine expression. CXCL1 is produced by retinal endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes. CXCL1 level is significantly increased in serum samples of patients with diabetic retinopathy. CXCL1, through neutrophil recruitment, alters the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy and, thus, may be used as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finny Monickaraj
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Gabriella Acosta
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Andrea P. Cabrera
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Arup Das
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM
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Bragin DE, Bragina OA, Monickaraj F, Noghero A, Trofimov AO, Nemoto EM, Kameneva MV. Drag-Reducing Polymers Improve Vascular Hemodynamics and Tissue Oxygen Supply in Mouse Model of Diabetes Mellitus. Adv Exp Med Biol 2022; 1395:329-334. [PMID: 36527657 PMCID: PMC10033219 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14190-4_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance caused by impaired insulin action and/or defective insulin secretion. Long-term hyperglycaemia leads to various structural and functional microvascular changes within multiple tissues, including the brain, which involves blood-brain barrier alteration, inflammation and neuronal dysfunction. We have shown previously that drag-reducing polymers (DRP) improve microcirculation and tissue oxygen supply, thereby reducing neurologic impairment in different rat models of brain injury. We hypothesised that DRP could improve cerebral and skin microcirculation in the situation of progressive microangiopathies associated with diabetes using a mouse model of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 J mice with five daily consecutive intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg/day). Animals with plasma glucose concentrations greater than 250 mg/dL were considered diabetic and were used in the study following four months of diabetes. DRP (2 ppm) was injected biweekly during the last two weeks of the experiment. Cortical and skin (ear) microvascular cerebral blood flow (mCBF) and tissue oxygen supply (NADH) were measured by two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM). Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) was evaluated by measuring changes in arteriolar diameters and NADH (tissue oxygen supply) during the hypercapnia test. Transient hypercapnia was induced by a 60-second increase of CO2 concentration in the inhalation mixture from 0% to 10%. Compared to non-diabetic animals, diabetic mice had a significant reduction in the density of functioning capillaries per mm3 (787 ± 52 vs. 449 ± 25), the linear velocity of blood flow (1.2 ± 0.31 vs. 0.54 ± 0.21 mm/sec), and the tissue oxygen supply (p < 0.05) in both brain and skin. DRP treatment was associated with a 50% increase in all three parameters (p < 0.05). According to the hypercapnia test, CVR was impaired in both diabetic groups but more preserved in DRP mice (p < 0.05). Our study in a diabetic mouse model has demonstrated the efficacy of hemorheological modulation of blood flow by DRP to achieve increased microcirculatory flows and tissue oxygen supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis E Bragin
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- National Research Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia.
| | - O A Bragina
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - F Monickaraj
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - A Noghero
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - A O Trofimov
- Department of Neurology, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - E M Nemoto
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - M V Kameneva
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Monickaraj F, Oruganti SR, McGuire P, Das A. A potential novel therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy: a chemokine receptor (CCR2/CCR5) inhibitor reduces retinal vascular leakage in an animal model. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 259:93-100. [PMID: 32816099 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We have previously shown that the chemokine CCL2 plays an important role in monocyte trafficking into the retina and alteration of the BRB in an animal model of diabetic retinopathy. In this study, we examined the effect of pharmacologically targeting the chemokine pathway to reduce the increased retinal vascular permeability in this model. METHODS C57BL/6 J mice were made diabetic using streptozotocin. After 4 months of diabetes, mice (n = 10) were treated by intraperitoneal injections of TAK-779 (dual CCR2/CCR5 inhibitor) (30 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks. Retinal vascular permeability and protein expression were done using western blot. The SDF-1 levels were measured by ELISA. Immune cell infiltration in the retinas was measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS The dual inhibitor significantly decreased retinal vascular permeability in diabetic animals. There was a significant reduction in macrophage/microglia infiltration in the retinas of treated animals. Levels of SDF-1 and ICAM-1 were significantly reduced and the tight junction protein ZO-1 level was increased, and phospho-VE-Cad was significantly reduced with drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS A chemokine receptor inhibitor (CCR2/CCR5) can reduce retinal vascular permeability in diabetic animals. Targeting the chemokine pathway pharmacologically may be used as a novel therapeutic strategy in management of diabetic macular edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finny Monickaraj
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10 5610, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sreenivasa R Oruganti
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Paul McGuire
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Arup Das
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10 5610, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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Cabrera AP, Mankad RN, Marek L, Das R, Rangasamy S, Monickaraj F, Das A. Genotypes and Phenotypes: A Search for Influential Genes in Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082712. [PMID: 32295293 PMCID: PMC7215289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although gene–environment interactions are known to play an important role in the inheritance of complex traits, it is still unknown how a genotype and the environmental factors result in an observable phenotype. Understanding this complex interaction in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a big challenge as DR appears to be a disease with heterogenous phenotypes with multifactorial influence. In this review, we examine the natural history and risk factors related to DR, emphasizing distinct clinical phenotypes and their natural course in retinopathy. Although there is strong evidence that duration of diabetes and metabolic factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of DR, accumulating new clinical studies reveal that this disease can develop independently of duration of diabetes and metabolic dysfunction. More recently, studies have emphasized the role of genetic factors in DR. However, linkage analyses, candidate gene studies, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not produced any statistically significant results. Our recently initiated genomics study, the Diabetic Retinopathy Genomics (DRGen) Study, aims to examine the contribution of rare and common variants in the development DR, and how they can contribute to clinical phenotype, rate of progression, and response to available therapies. Our preliminary findings reveal a novel set of genetic variants associated with proangiogenic and inflammatory pathways that may contribute to DR pathogenesis. Further investigation of these variants is necessary and may lead to development of novel biomarkers and new therapeutic targets in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P. Cabrera
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (R.N.M.); (L.M.); (R.D.); (F.M.)
| | - Rushi N. Mankad
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (R.N.M.); (L.M.); (R.D.); (F.M.)
| | - Lauren Marek
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (R.N.M.); (L.M.); (R.D.); (F.M.)
| | - Ryan Das
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (R.N.M.); (L.M.); (R.D.); (F.M.)
| | - Sampath Rangasamy
- Translational & Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - Finny Monickaraj
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (R.N.M.); (L.M.); (R.D.); (F.M.)
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
| | - Arup Das
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (R.N.M.); (L.M.); (R.D.); (F.M.)
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-505-272-6120
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Cabrera AP, Monickaraj F, Rangasamy S, Hobbs S, McGuire P, Das A. Do Genomic Factors Play a Role in Diabetic Retinopathy? J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010216. [PMID: 31947513 PMCID: PMC7019561 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there is strong clinical evidence that the control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid level can prevent and slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) as shown by landmark clinical trials, it has been shown that these factors only account for 10% of the risk for developing this disease. This suggests that other factors, such as genetics, may play a role in the development and progression of DR. Clinical evidence shows that some diabetics, despite the long duration of their diabetes (25 years or more) do not show any sign of DR or show minimal non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Similarly, not all diabetics develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). So far, linkage analysis, candidate gene studies, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not produced any statistically significant results. We recently initiated a genomics study, the Diabetic Retinopathy Genetics (DRGen) Study, to examine the contribution of rare and common variants in the development of different phenotypes of DR, as well as their responsiveness to anti-VEGF treatment in diabetic macular edema (DME). Our preliminary findings reveal a novel set of genetic variants involved in the angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways that contribute to DR progression or protection. Further investigation of variants can help to develop novel biomarkers and lead to new therapeutic targets in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P. Cabrera
- Department of Surgery/Ophthalmology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Finny Monickaraj
- Department of Surgery/Ophthalmology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | | | - Sam Hobbs
- Department of Surgery/Ophthalmology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Paul McGuire
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, UNM, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Arup Das
- Department of Surgery/Ophthalmology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, UNM, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
- Correspondance:
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Monickaraj F, McGuire P, Das A. Cathepsin D plays a role in endothelial-pericyte interactions during alteration of the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy. FASEB J 2017; 32:2539-2548. [PMID: 29263022 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700781rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. We have previously demonstrated the effect of cathepsin D (CD) on the mechanical disruption of retinal endothelial cell junctions and increased vasopermeability, as well as increased levels of CD in retinas of diabetic mice. Here, we have also examined the effect of CD on endothelial-pericyte interactions, as well as the effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor on CD in endothelial-pericyte interactions in vitro and in vivo. Cocultured cells that were treated with pro-CD demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, a tyrosine kinase receptor that is required for pericyte cell survival; N-cadherin, the key adherens junction protein between endothelium and pericytes; and increases in the vessel destabilizing agent, angiopoietin-2. The effect was reversed in cells that were treated with DPP4 inhibitor along with pro-CD. With pro-CD treatment, there was a significant increase in the phosphorylation of the downstream signaling protein, PKC-α, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in endothelial cells and pericytes, which disrupts adherens junction structure and function, and this was significantly reduced with DPP4 inhibitor treatment. Increased CD levels, vasopermeability, and alteration in junctional-related proteins were observed in the retinas of diabetic rats, which were significantly changed with DPP4 inhibitor treatment. Thus, DPP4 inhibitors may be used as potential adjuvant therapeutic agents to treat increased vascular leakage observed in patients with diabetic macular edema.-Monickaraj, F., McGuire, P., Das, A. Cathepsin D plays a role in endothelial-pericyte interactions during alteration of the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finny Monickaraj
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Paul McGuire
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Arup Das
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Urias EA, Urias GA, Monickaraj F, McGuire P, Das A. Novel therapeutic targets in diabetic macular edema: Beyond VEGF. Vision Res 2017; 139:221-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Reddy S, Amutha A, Rajalakshmi R, Bhaskaran R, Monickaraj F, Rangasamy S, Anjana RM, Abhijit S, Gokulakrishnan K, Das A, Mohan V, Balasubramanyam M. Association of increased levels of MCP-1 and cathepsin-D in young onset type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM-Y) with severity of diabetic retinopathy. J Diabetes Complications 2017; 31:804-809. [PMID: 28336215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Young onset type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM-Y) have been shown to possess an increased risk of developing microvascular complications particularly diabetic retinopathy. However, the molecular mechanisms are not clearly understood. In this study, we investigated the serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and cathepsin-D in patients with T2DM-Y without and with diabetic retinopathy. METHODS In this case-control study, participants comprised individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT=40), patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM=35), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR=35) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR=35). Clinical characterization of the study subjects was done by standard procedures and MCP-1 and cathepsin-D were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Compared to control individuals, patients with T2DM-Y, NPDR and PDR exhibited significantly (p<0.001) higher levels of MCP-1. Cathepsin-D levels were also significantly (p<0.001) higher in patients with T2DM-Y without and with diabetic retinopathy. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association (p<0.001) between MCP-1 and cathepsin-D levels. There was also a significant negative correlation of MCP1/cathepsin-D with C-peptide levels. The association of increased levels of MCP-1/cathepsin-D in patients with DR persisted even after adjusting for all the confounding factors. CONCLUSION As both MCP-1 and cathepsin-D are molecular signatures of cellular senescence, we suggest that these biomarkers might be useful to predict the development of retinopathy in T2DM-Y patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Reddy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Anandakumar Amutha
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Ramachandran Rajalakshmi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Regin Bhaskaran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Finny Monickaraj
- Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sampathkumar Rangasamy
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ranjit Mohan Anjana
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Shiny Abhijit
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Kuppan Gokulakrishnan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Arup Das
- Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Viswanathan Mohan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India
| | - Muthuswamy Balasubramanyam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Dr. Rema Mohan High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Lab, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600086, India..
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Abstract
The blood-retinal barrier (BRB) alteration is the hallmark feature of diabetic retinopathy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent vasopermeability factor that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of BRB alteration. Inflammation also plays a crucial role in this process with involvement of several chemokines and cytokines. Multiple anti-VEGF drugs are widely used as in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) as well as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Several clinical trials have proved the beneficial effects of these drugs in improvement of vision and prevention of vision loss. However, the response to anti-VEGF drugs in DME is not complete in a significant number of patients. The effect seems transient in this latter group, and many patients do not show complete resolution of fluid. Potential novel therapies targeting molecules beyond VEGF are being developed and examined in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arup Das
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine; Department of Surgery, New Mexico VA Health Care System; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Yang X, Scott HA, Monickaraj F, Xu J, Ardekani S, Nitta CF, Cabrera A, McGuire PG, Mohideen U, Das A, Ghosh K. Basement membrane stiffening promotes retinal endothelial activation associated with diabetes. FASEB J 2016; 30:601-11. [PMID: 26443820 PMCID: PMC6188223 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-277962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial activation is a hallmark of the high-glucose (HG)-induced retinal inflammation associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, precisely how HG induces retinal endothelial activation is not fully understood. We hypothesized that HG-induced up-regulation of lysyl oxidase (LOX), a collagen-cross-linking enzyme, in retinal capillary endothelial cells (ECs) enhances subendothelial basement membrane (BM) stiffness, which, in turn, promotes retinal EC activation. Diabetic C57BL/6 mice exhibiting a 70 and 50% increase in retinal intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression and leukocyte accumulation, respectively, demonstrated a 2-fold increase in the levels of BM collagen IV and LOX, key determinants of capillary BM stiffness. Using atomic force microscopy, we confirmed that HG significantly enhances LOX-dependent subendothelial matrix stiffness in vitro, which correlated with an ∼2.5-fold increase in endothelial ICAM-1 expression, a 4-fold greater monocyte-EC adhesion, and an ∼2-fold alteration in endothelial NO (decrease) and NF-κB activation (increase). Inhibition of LOX-dependent subendothelial matrix stiffening alone suppressed HG-induced retinal EC activation. Finally, using synthetic matrices of tunable stiffness, we demonstrated that subendothelial matrix stiffening is necessary and sufficient to promote EC activation. These findings implicate BM stiffening as a critical determinant of HG-induced retinal EC activation and provide a rationale for examining BM stiffness and underlying mechanotransduction pathways as therapeutic targets for diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Harry A Scott
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Finny Monickaraj
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jun Xu
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Soroush Ardekani
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Carolina F Nitta
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Andrea Cabrera
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Paul G McGuire
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Umar Mohideen
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Arup Das
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kaustabh Ghosh
- *Department of Bioengineering and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA; Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Monickaraj F, McGuire PG, Nitta CF, Ghosh K, Das A. Cathepsin D: an Mϕ-derived factor mediating increased endothelial cell permeability with implications for alteration of the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy. FASEB J 2015; 30:1670-82. [PMID: 26718887 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-279802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We have previously reported increased monocyte (Mono) trafficking into the retinas of diabetic animals. In this study, we have examined the effect of activated Monos on retinal endothelial cells (ECs). The U937 Mϕ-conditioned medium (CM) significantly decreased the transendothelial resistance of EC monolayers as measured by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (P= 0.007). The CM was fractioned, and the effective fraction (30-100 kDa) was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and cathepsin D (CD) was identified as a major secreted product. Immunoprecipitated CD resulted in decreased resistance in ECs (P= 0.006). The specificity of CD in mediating alterations of the EC barrier was confirmed using small interfering RNA. The decreased resistance correlated with a significantly increased gap between ECs. CD altered the Ras homolog gene family, member A/Rho-associated kinase pathway with increased stress actin filament formation in the EC layer. Increased CD levels were found in the retinas of diabetic mice (3-fold) and serum samples of patients with diabetic macular edema (1.6-fold) measured by Western blot and ELISA. These findings suggest an important role for Mϕ-derived CD in altering the blood-retinal barrier and reveal a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of DR.-Monickaraj, F., McGuire, P. G., Nitta, C. F., Ghosh, K., Das, A. Cathepsin D: an Mϕ-derived factor mediating increased endothelial cell permeability with implications for alteration of the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finny Monickaraj
- *Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Paul G McGuire
- *Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Carolina Franco Nitta
- *Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Kaustabh Ghosh
- *Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Arup Das
- *Department of Surgery and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
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Rangasamy S, McGuire PG, Franco Nitta C, Monickaraj F, Oruganti SR, Das A. Chemokine mediated monocyte trafficking into the retina: role of inflammation in alteration of the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108508. [PMID: 25329075 PMCID: PMC4203688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation in the diabetic retina is mediated by leukocyte adhesion to the retinal vasculature and alteration of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). We investigated the role of chemokines in the alteration of the BRB in diabetes. Animals were made diabetic by streptozotocin injection and analyzed for gene expression and monocyte/macrophage infiltration. The expression of CCL2 (chemokine ligand 2) was significantly up-regulated in the retinas of rats with 4 and 8 weeks of diabetes and also in human retinal endothelial cells treated with high glucose and glucose flux. Additionally, diabetes or intraocular injection of recombinant CCL2 resulted in increased expression of the macrophage marker, F4/80. Cell culture impedance sensing studies showed that purified CCL2 was unable to alter the integrity of the human retinal endothelial cell barrier, whereas monocyte conditioned medium resulted in significant reduction in cell resistance, suggesting the relevance of CCL2 in early immune cell recruitment for subsequent barrier alterations. Further, using Cx3cr1-GFP mice, we found that intraocular injection of CCL2 increased retinal GFP+ monocyte/macrophage infiltration. When these mice were made diabetic, increased infiltration of monocytes/macrophages was also present in retinal tissues. Diabetes and CCL2 injection also induced activation of retinal microglia in these animals. Quantification by flow cytometry demonstrated a two-fold increase of CX3CR1+/CD11b+ (monocyte/macrophage and microglia) cells in retinas of wildtype diabetic animals in comparison to control non-diabetic ones. Using CCL2 knockout (Ccl2−/−) mice, we show a significant reduction in retinal vascular leakage and monocyte infiltration following induction of diabetes indicating the importance of this chemokine in alteration of the BRB. Thus, CCL2 may be an important therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampathkumar Rangasamy
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Paul G. McGuire
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Carolina Franco Nitta
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Finny Monickaraj
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Sreenivasa R. Oruganti
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Arup Das
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Monickaraj F, Gokulakrishnan K, Prabu P, Sathishkumar C, Anjana RM, Rajkumar JS, Mohan V, Balasubramanyam M. Convergence of adipocyte hypertrophy, telomere shortening and hypoadiponectinemia in obese subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clin Biochem 2012; 45:1432-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2012.07.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Mohan N, Monickaraj F, Balasubramanyam M, Rema M, Mohan V. Imbalanced levels of angiogenic and angiostatic factors in vitreous, plasma and postmortem retinal tissue of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. J Diabetes Complications 2012; 26:435-41. [PMID: 22699109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been clearly implicated in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). However, other molecules and mechanisms may be operating independently, or in conjunction with VEGF in the pathogenesis of this disease. Therefore, we made an attempt to comparatively investigate the levels of angiogenic and angiostatic factors in vitreous, plasma and postmortem retinal tissue of subjects with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) compared to control subjects. The vitreous and plasma concentrations of VEGF, EPO (Erythropoietin) and PEDF (Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor) were measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the postmortem retinal tissue was subjected to Western blot analysis. The mean vitreous and plasma levels of VEGF and EPO in patients with PDR were significantly (p<0.001) higher than those in subjects without diabetes. Conversely, the vitreous and plasma levels of PEDF were significantly (p<0.001) lower in the PDR patients compared to control subjects. Multivariate logistic-regression analyses indicated that EPO was more strongly associated with PDR than VEGF. The protein expression of the VEGF and EPO in the retinal tissue was significantly higher in PDR and diabetes without complication groups compared to controls. Compared to controls, the protein expression of PEDF was significantly lower in retinal tissues from diabetes patients without complications and in patients with PDR. The fact that the vitreous and plasma levels and the retinal tissue protein expression of EPO were strongly associated with PDR implies a definite role of 'hypererythropoietinemia' in neovascularization processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithyakalyani Mohan
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohans' Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai-600 086, India
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Monickaraj F, Aravind S, Gokulakrishnan K, Sathishkumar C, Prabu P, Prabu D, Mohan V, Balasubramanyam M. Accelerated aging as evidenced by increased telomere shortening and mitochondrial DNA depletion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 365:343-50. [PMID: 22411737 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although shortened telomeres were shown associated with several risk factors of diabetes, there is lack of data on their relationship with mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, we compared the relationship between telomere length and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; n = 145) and in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 145). Subjects were randomly recruited from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study. mtDNA content and telomere length were assessed by Real-Time PCR. Malonodialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation was measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) using fluorescence methodology. Adiponectin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Oxidative stress as determined by lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in patients with T2DM compared to NGT subjects. In contrast, the mean telomere length, adiponectin and mtDNA content were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in patients with T2DM compared to NGT subjects. Telomere length was positively correlated with adiponectin, HDL, mtDNA content and good glycemic/lipid control and negatively correlated with adiposity and insulin resistance. On regression analysis, shortened telomeres showed significant association with T2DM even after adjusting for waist circumference, insulin resistance, triglyceride, HDL, adiponectin, mtDNA & TBARS. mtDNA depletion showed significant association with T2DM after adjusting for waist circumference and adiponectin but lost its significance when further adjusted for telomere length, TBARS and insulin resistance. Our study emphasizes the clustering of accelerated aging features viz., shortened telomeres, decreased mtDNA content, hypoadiponectinemia, low HDL, and increased oxidative stress in Asian Indian type 2 diabetes patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finny Monickaraj
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, WHO Collaborating Centre for Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control, IDF Centre of Education, Gopalapuram, Chennai 600 086, Tamilnadu, India
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Gokulakrishnan K, Deepa M, Monickaraj F, Mohan V. Relationship of body fat with insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk factors among normal glucose-tolerant subjects. J Postgrad Med 2012; 57:184-8. [PMID: 21941054 DOI: 10.4103/0022-3859.85200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amount of body fat, rather than the amount of excess weight, determines the health risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. AIMS To look at the association of body fat percentage with cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). SETTINGS AND DESIGN Cross-section study from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Body fat was measured by Beurer body fat analyzer. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was diagnosed based on modified ATPIII guidelines. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Student's t test or one-way ANOVA (with Tukey's HSD) was used to compare groups for continuous variables. RESULTS Body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HOMA IR, serum cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol increased significantly with increasing tertiles of body fat (P<0.001). There was a linear increase in the percentage of body fat with increase in number of components of MS (no metabolic abnormality: 25 ± 11, one metabolic abnormality: 28 ± 10, two metabolic abnormalities: 33 ± 8, and three and more metabolic abnormalities: 35 ± 7) (P<0.001). Regression models showed significant association of body fat with MS after adjusting for age, gender, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin (Odds ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.04 - 1.08, P<0.001). In linear regression analysis, body fat showed a significant association with insulin resistance after adjusting for age, gender, and glycated hemoglobin (β=0.030, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A significant association exists between body fat, MS, and cardiometabolic risk factors even among subjects with NGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gokulakrishnan
- Department of Research Biochemistry, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, WHO Collaborating Centre for Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention and Control, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Gokulakrishnan K, Mohanavalli KT, Monickaraj F, Mohan V, Balasubramanyam M. Subclinical inflammation/oxidation as revealed by altered gene expression profiles in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and Type 2 diabetes patients. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 324:173-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-008-9996-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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