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Di Paolo M, Corsi F, Cerri C, Bisti S, Piano I, Gargini C. A Window to the Brain: The Retina to Monitor the Progression and Efficacy of Saffron Repron ® Pre-Treatment in an LPS Model of Neuroinflammation and Memory Impairment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1307. [PMID: 37765115 PMCID: PMC10536337 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091307] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A mechanism shared by most neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), is neuroinflammation. It has been shown to have a link between cognitive impairment and retinal function under neuroinflammatory conditions, confirming the essential role of the retina as a window to the brain. Here, we characterize a mouse model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation describing the parallel deterioration of both memory and visual function. Then, we demonstrate, using the Novel Object Recognition test (NOR) and electroretinogram (ERG) recordings, that preventive, chronic treatment with saffron Repron® is able to reduce the neuroinflammation process and prevent the impairment of both cognitive and visual function. The improvement in behavioral and visual function is confirmed by the pattern of expression of neuroinflammation-related genes and related proteins where pre-treatment with Repron® saffron presents a positive modulation compared with that obtained in animals treated with LPS alone. These results hold for retinal tissue and partially in the brain, where it appears that the onset of damage was delayed. This trend underlines the critical role of the retina as a most sensitive portion of the central nervous system to LPS-induced damage and could be used as a "sensor" for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy; (F.C.); (S.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesca Corsi
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy; (F.C.); (S.B.); (C.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cerri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy; (F.C.); (S.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Ilaria Piano
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy; (F.C.); (S.B.); (C.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Claudia Gargini
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy; (F.C.); (S.B.); (C.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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2
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Di Paolo M, Corsi F, Maggi M, Nardi L, Bisti S, Piano I, Gargini C. Efficacy of Hydroponically Cultivated Saffron in the Preservation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041699. [PMID: 36838685 PMCID: PMC9962550 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041699] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron treatment is a broad-spectrum therapy used for several retinal diseases, and its effectiveness depends on a particular molecular composition (REPRON® saffron). Its production requires specific crops and procedures that, together with low yields, make this spice expensive. To reduce costs, the use of hydroponic crops is gradually increasing. In this study, we tested the protective properties of a hydroponic saffron (sH) batch in models of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) degeneration. ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with 40 µg/mL saffron and exposed to different types of damage: excess light and retinol (LE + RET) or oxidative stress (H2O2). After analyzing the composition of all saffron types with spectroscopy, we performed cell viability and immunofluorescence analysis for both protocols. We compared the sH results with those of a validated batch of saffron REPRON® (sR) and those of a saffron non-REPRON® (sNR) batch. sH and sR, which we found had the same chemical composition, were more effective than sNR in increasing cell survival and attenuating the morphological changes related to apoptosis. In conclusion, hydroponic culturing is a suitable strategy to produce high-quality saffron to reduce costs and increase the accessibility of this promising treatment for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Kentucky, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystem (INBB), V. le Medaglie D’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Corsi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Maggi
- Hortus Novus srl, via Campo Sportivo 2, 67050 Canistro, Italy
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 Coppito, Italy
| | - Luca Nardi
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Biotechnology and Agro-Industry Division, Casaccia Research Center, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystem (INBB), V. le Medaglie D’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystem (INBB), V. le Medaglie D’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudia Gargini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystem (INBB), V. le Medaglie D’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
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Di Paolo M. Sequential PBM-Saffron Treatment in an Animal Model of Retinal Degeneration. Medicina (Kaunas) 2021; 57:1059. [PMID: 34684096 PMCID: PMC8538989 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Saffron treatment and photobiomodulation (PBM) are non-invasive therapeutic approaches able to mitigate and stabilize retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although different, these therapies partially match their modulated pattern of genes. Recent attempts to find an additive effect by coadministration of saffron and PBM have failed. Instead, in this study, a different protocol to increase neuroprotection by providing consecutive saffron and PBM treatment administration is suggested. Materials and Methods: Albino rats, whose retinal damage was caused by light exposure (LD, light damage), were subjected to differential treatment protocols before and after LD: (1) PBM followed by saffron; and (2) single treatments of PBM. Thinning of the photoreceptor layer and neuro-inflammatory markers for gliosis and microglia were assessed via immune-histochemical techniques. Results: Results confirm that PBM and saffron alone cope with retinal neurodegenerative processes, preserving retinal thickness and gliosis and microglia invasion in a differential way. However, the synergistic effect of the combined treatment was restricted to the early neuroinflammation, even when provided sequentially. Conclusion: The broad spectra of action of both neuroprotectants require further investigation to identify other key pathways helpful in enhancing the effects of these two approaches in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56121 Pisa, Italy;
- Interuniversity Consortium Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of l’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 1, 67100 l’Aquila, Italy
- Bio Aurum srl, Via Mangionello, 12, 73024 Maglie, Italy
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Riccitelli S, Di Paolo M, Ashley J, Bisti S, Di Marco S. The Timecourses of Functional, Morphological, and Molecular Changes Triggered by Light Exposure in Sprague-Dawley Rat Retinas. Cells 2021; 10:1561. [PMID: 34205615 PMCID: PMC8234029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration can impair visual perception at different levels, involving not only photoreceptors, which are the most metabolically active cells, but also the inner retina. Compensatory mechanisms may hide the first signs of these impairments and reduce the likelihood of receiving timely treatments. Therefore, it is essential to characterize the early critical steps in the neurodegenerative progression to design adequate therapies. This paper describes and correlates early morphological and biochemical changes in the degenerating retina with in vivo functional analysis of retinal activity and investigates the progression of neurodegenerative stages for up to 7 months. For these purposes, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 1000 lux light either for different durations (12 h to 24 h) and examined seven days afterward (7d) or for a fixed duration (24 h) and monitored at various time points following the exposure (up to 210d). Flash electroretinogram (fERG) recordings were correlated with morphological and histological analyses to evaluate outer and inner retinal disruptions, gliosis, trophic factor release, and microglial activation. Twelve hours or fifteen hours of exposure to constant light led to a severe retinal dysfunction with only minor morphological changes. Therefore, early pathological signs might be hidden by compensatory mechanisms that silence retinal dysfunction, accounting for the discrepancy between photoreceptor loss and retinal functional output. The long-term analysis showed a transient functional recovery, maximum at 45 days, despite a progressive loss of photoreceptors and coincident increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (bFGF-2) expression. Interestingly, the progression of the disease presented different patterns in the dorsal and ventral retina. The information acquired gives us the potential to develop a specific diagnostic tool to monitor the disease's progression and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Riccitelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
| | - James Ashley
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Roma, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.R.); (M.D.P.); (S.B.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Roma, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Di Marco S, Mete M, Di Paolo M, Ventrella D, Barone F, Elmi A, Manfredi G, Desii A, Sannita WG, Bisti S, Lanzani G, Pertile G, Bacci ML, Benfenati F. Biocompatibility of a Conjugated Polymer Retinal Prosthesis in the Domestic Pig. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:579141. [PMID: 33195139 PMCID: PMC7605258 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.579141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The progressive degeneration of retinal photoreceptors is one of the most significant causes of blindness in humans. Conjugated polymers represent an attractive solution to the field of retinal prostheses, and a multi-layer fully organic prosthesis implanted subretinally in dystrophic Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats was able to rescue visual functions. As a step toward human translation, we report here the fabrication and in vivo testing of a similar device engineered to adapt to the human-like size of the eye of the domestic pig, an excellent animal paradigm to test therapeutic strategies for photoreceptors degeneration. The active conjugated polymers were layered onto two distinct passive substrates, namely electro-spun silk fibroin (ESF) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Naive pigs were implanted subretinally with the active device in one eye, while the contralateral eye was sham implanted with substrate only. Retinal morphology and functionality were assessed before and after surgery by means of in vivo optical coherence tomography and full-field electroretinogram (ff-ERG) analysis. After the sacrifice, the retina morphology and inflammatory markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry of the excised retinas. Surprisingly, ESF-based prostheses caused a proliferative vitreoretinopathy with disappearance of the ff-ERG b-wave in the implanted eyes. In contrast, PET-based active devices did not evoke significant inflammatory responses. As expected, the subretinal implantation of both PET only and the PET-based prosthesis locally decreased the thickness of the outer nuclear layer due to local photoreceptor loss. However, while the implantation of the PET only substrate decreased the ff-ERG b-wave amplitude with respect to the pre-implant ERG, the eyes implanted with the active device fully preserved the ERG responses, indicating an active compensation of the surgery-induced photoreceptor loss. Our findings highlight the possibility of developing a new generation of conjugated polymer/PET-based prosthetic devices that are highly biocompatible and potentially suitable for subretinal implantation in patients suffering from degenerative blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Barone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Walter G Sannita
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy
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Di Marco S, Riccitelli S, Di Paolo M, Campos E, Buzzi M, Bisti S, Versura P. Cord Blood Serum (CBS)-Based Eye Drops Modulate Light-Induced Neurodegeneration in Albino Rat Retinas. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050678. [PMID: 32354031 PMCID: PMC7277721 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of visual loss in western countries, it has no cure, and its incidence will grow in the future, for the overall population aging. Albino rats with retinal degeneration induced by exposure to high-intensity light (light-damage, LD) have been extensively used as a model of AMD to test neuroprotective agents. Among them, trophic factors (NGF and BDNF) have been shown to play a significant role in photoreceptors' survival. Interestingly, cord blood serum (CBS) is an extract full of chemokines and trophic factors; we, therefore, hypothesized that CBS could be an excellent candidate for neuroprotection. Here, we investigate whether CBS-based eye drops might mitigate the effects of light-induced retinal degeneration in albino rats. CBS treatment significantly preserved flash-electroretinogram (f-ERG) response after LD and reduced the "hot-spot" extension. Besides, CBS-treated animals better preserved the morphology of the outer nuclear layer, together with a reduction in microglia migration and activation. Interestingly, the treatment did not modulate reactive gliosis and activation of the self-protective mechanism (FGF2). In conclusion, our results suggest that CBS-based eye drops might be successfully used to mitigate retinal neurodegenerative processes such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Serena Riccitelli
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Emilio Campos
- Ophthalmology Unit, University of Bologna and S. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Buzzi
- Emilia Romagna, Cord Blood Bank-Transfusion Service, S. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Via Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
- NetS3 Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, University of Bologna and S. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Ghezzi D, Antognazza MR, Colombo E, Mete M, Feyen P, Desii A, Buschiazzo A, Di Paolo M, Di Marco S, Ticconi F, Emionite L, Shmal D, Marini C, Donelli I, Freddi G, Maccarone R, Bisti S, Sambuceti G, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Benfenati F. A fully organic retinal prosthesis restores vision in a rat model of degenerative blindness. Nat Mater 2017; 16:681-689. [PMID: 28250420 PMCID: PMC5446789 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina is one of the major causes of adult blindness in humans. Unfortunately, no effective clinical treatments exist for the majority of retinal degenerative disorders. Here we report on the fabrication and functional validation of a fully organic prosthesis for long-term in vivo subretinal implantation in the eye of Royal College of Surgeons rats, a widely recognized model of retinitis pigmentosa. Electrophysiological and behavioural analyses reveal a prosthesis-dependent recovery of light sensitivity and visual acuity that persists up to 6-10 months after surgery. The rescue of the visual function is accompanied by an increase in the basal metabolic activity of the primary visual cortex, as demonstrated by positron emission tomography imaging. Our results highlight the possibility of developing a new generation of fully organic, highly biocompatible and functionally autonomous photovoltaic prostheses for subretinal implants to treat degenerative blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Ophthalmology Department, Sacro Cuore Hospital - Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Paul Feyen
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Ambra Buschiazzo
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Flavia Ticconi
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, National Institute Cancer Research, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dmytro Shmal
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Institute of Molecular Bio-imaging and Physiology (IBFM), CNR, Milan (GE section), Italy
| | | | | | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Ophthalmology Department, Sacro Cuore Hospital - Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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8
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Romeo S, Vitale F, Viaggi C, di Marco S, Aloisi G, Fasciani I, Pardini C, Pietrantoni I, Di Paolo M, Riccitelli S, Maccarone R, Mattei C, Capannolo M, Rossi M, Capozzo A, Corsini GU, Scarnati E, Lozzi L, Vaglini F, Maggio R. Fluorescent light induces neurodegeneration in the rodent nigrostriatal system but near infrared LED light does not. Brain Res 2017; 1662:87-101. [PMID: 28263713 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of continuous artificial light exposure on the mouse substantia nigra (SN). A three month exposure of C57Bl/6J mice to white fluorescent light induced a 30% reduction in dopamine (DA) neurons in SN compared to controls, accompanied by a decrease of DA and its metabolites in the striatum. After six months of exposure, neurodegeneration progressed slightly, but the level of DA returned to the basal level, while the metabolites increased with respect to the control. Three month exposure to near infrared LED light (∼710nm) did not alter DA neurons in SN, nor did it decrease DA and its metabolites in the striatum. Furthermore mesencephalic cell viability, as tested by [3H]DA uptake, did not change. Finally, we observed that 710nm LED light, locally conveyed in the rat SN, could modulate the firing activity of extracellular-recorded DA neurons. These data suggest that light can be detrimental or beneficial to DA neurons in SN, depending on the source and wavelength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Romeo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Flora Vitale
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Cristina Viaggi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano di Marco
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gabriella Aloisi
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Irene Fasciani
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Carla Pardini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pietrantoni
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Serena Riccitelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudia Mattei
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marta Capannolo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mario Rossi
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MA 20892, United States
| | - Annamaria Capozzo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanni U Corsini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Scarnati
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luca Lozzi
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Vaglini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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9
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Antognazza MR, Di Paolo M, Ghezzi D, Mete M, Di Marco S, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Maccarone R, Desii A, Di Fonzo F, Bramini M, Russo A, Laudato L, Donelli I, Cilli M, Freddi G, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Bisti S, Benfenati F. Characterization of a Polymer-Based, Fully Organic Prosthesis for Implantation into the Subretinal Space of the Rat. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:2271-82. [PMID: 27240295 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201600318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Replacement strategies arise as promising approaches in case of inherited retinal dystrophies leading to blindness. A fully organic retinal prosthesis made of conjugated polymers layered onto a silk fibroin substrate is engineered. First, the biophysical and surface properties are characterized; then, the long-term biocompatibility is assessed after implantation of the organic device in the subretinal space of 3-months-old rats for a period of five months. The results indicate a good stability of the subretinal implants over time, with preservation of the physical properties of the polymeric layer and a tight contact with the outer retina. Immunoinflammatory markers detect only a modest tissue reaction to the surgical insult and the foreign body that peaks shortly after surgery and progressively decreases with time to normal levels at five months after implantation. Importantly, the integrity of the polymeric layer in direct contact with the retinal tissue is preserved after five months of implantation. The recovery of the foreign-body tissue reaction is also associated with a normal b-wave in the electroretinographic response. The results demonstrate that the device implanted in nondystrophic eyes is well tolerated, highly biocompatible, and suitable as retinal prosthesis in case of photoreceptor degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Unità Operativa di Oculistica, Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria; Via don A. Sempreboni 5; 37024 Negrar (Verona) Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Fabio Di Fonzo
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Angela Russo
- Unità Operativa di Oculistica, Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria; Via don A. Sempreboni 5; 37024 Negrar (Verona) Italy
| | - Lucia Laudato
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Ilaria Donelli
- Innovhub-SSI; Silk Division; Via Giuseppe Colombo 83 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Giuliano Freddi
- Innovhub-SSI; Silk Division; Via Giuseppe Colombo 83 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Unità Operativa di Oculistica, Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria; Via don A. Sempreboni 5; 37024 Negrar (Verona) Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
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10
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Di Marco F, Di Paolo M, Romeo S, Colecchi L, Fiorani L, Spana S, Stone J, Bisti S. Combining neuroprotectants in a model of retinal degeneration: no additive benefit. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100389. [PMID: 24955576 PMCID: PMC4067315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system undergoing degeneration can be stabilized, and in some models can be restored to function, by neuroprotective treatments. Photobiomodulation (PBM) and dietary saffron are distinctive as neuroprotectants in that they upregulate protective mechanisms, without causing measurable tissue damage. This study reports a first attempt to combine the actions of PBM and saffron. Our working hypothesis was that the actions of PBM and saffron in protecting retinal photoreceptors, in a rat light damage model, would be additive. Results confirmed the neuroprotective potential of each used separately, but gave no evidence that their effects are additive. Detailed analysis suggests that there is actually a negative interaction between PBM and saffron when given simultaneously, with a consequent reduction of the neuroprotection. Specific testing will be required to understand the mechanisms involved and to establish whether there is clinical potential in combining neuroprotectants, to improve the quality of life of people affected by retinal pathology, such as age-related macular degeneration, the major cause of blindness and visual impairment in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Di Marco
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefania Romeo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Linda Colecchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fiorani
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sharon Spana
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan Stone
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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