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Edwards MM, McLeod DS, Shen M, Grebe R, Sunness JS, Bhutto IA, McDonnell E, Pado AM, Gregori G, Rosenfeld PJ, Lutty GA. Clinicopathologic Findings in Three Siblings With Geographic Atrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:2. [PMID: 36862121 PMCID: PMC9983703 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly worldwide. Clinical imaging and histopathologic studies are crucial to understanding disease pathology. This study combined clinical observations of three brothers with geographic atrophy (GA), followed for 20 years, with histopathologic analysis. Methods For two of the three brothers, clinical images were taken in 2016, 2 years prior to death. Immunohistochemistry, on both flat-mounts and cross sections, histology, and transmission electron microscopy were used to compare the choroid and retina in GA eyes to those of age-matched controls. Results Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA) lectin staining of the choroid demonstrated a significant reduction in the percent vascular area and vessel diameter. In one donor, histopathologic analysis demonstrated two separate areas with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Reevaluation of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) images revealed CNV in two of the brothers. UEA lectin also revealed a significant reduction in retinal vasculature in the atrophic area. A subretinal glial membrane, composed of processes positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and/or vimentin, occupied areas identical to those of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroidal atrophy in all three AMD donors. SS-OCTA also demonstrated presumed calcific drusen in the two donors imaged in 2016. Immunohistochemical analysis and alizarin red S staining verified calcium within drusen, which was ensheathed by glial processes. Conclusions This study demonstrates the importance of clinicohistopathologic correlation studies. It emphasizes the need to better understand how the symbiotic relationship between choriocapillaris and RPE, glial response, and calcified drusen impact GA progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malia M. Edwards
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - D. Scott McLeod
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Mengxi Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Rhonda Grebe
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Janet S. Sunness
- Hoover Low Vision Rehabilitation Services, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, United States
| | - Imran A. Bhutto
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Erin McDonnell
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Alexandra M. Pado
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Giovanni Gregori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Philip J. Rosenfeld
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Gerard A. Lutty
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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2
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Lejoyeux R, Benillouche J, Ong J, Errera MH, Rossi EA, Singh SR, Dansingani KK, da Silva S, Sinha D, Sahel JA, Freund KB, Sadda SR, Lutty GA, Chhablani J. Choriocapillaris: Fundamentals and advancements. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 87:100997. [PMID: 34293477 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The choriocapillaris is the innermost structure of the choroid that directly nourishes the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. This article provides an overview of its hemovasculogenesis development to achieve its final architecture as a lobular vasculature, and also summarizes the current histological and molecular knowledge about choriocapillaris and its dysfunction. After describing the existing state-of-the-art tools to image the choriocapillaris, we report the findings in the choriocapillaris encountered in the most frequent retinochoroidal diseases including vascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, myopia, pachychoroid disease spectrum disorders, and glaucoma. The final section focuses on the development of imaging technology to optimize visualization of the choriocapillaris as well as current treatments of retinochoroidal disorders that specifically target the choriocapillaris. We conclude the article with pertinent unanswered questions and future directions in research for the choriocapillaris.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joshua Ong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marie-Hélène Errera
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ethan A Rossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sumit R Singh
- Jacobs Retina Center, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kunal K Dansingani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Susana da Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Rothschild Foundation, 75019, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | - K Bailey Freund
- LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, New York, NY, USA; Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, New York University of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - SriniVas R Sadda
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gerard A Lutty
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jay Chhablani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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3
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Ogura S, Baldeosingh R, Bhutto IA, Kambhampati SP, Scott McLeod D, Edwards MM, Rais R, Schubert W, Lutty GA. A role for mast cells in geographic atrophy. FASEB J 2020; 34:10117-10131. [PMID: 32525594 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000807r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are the initial responders of innate immunity and their degranulation contribute to various etiologies. While the abundance of MCs in the choroid implies their fundamental importance in the eye, little is known about the significance of MCs and their degranulation in choroid. The cause of geographic atrophy (GA), a progressive dry form of age-related macular degeneration is elusive and there is currently no therapy for this blinding disorder. Here we demonstrate in both human GA and a rat model for GA, that MC degranulation and MC-derived tryptase are central to disease progression. Retinal pigment epithelium degeneration followed by retinal and choroidal thinning, characteristic phenotypes of GA, were driven by continuous choroidal MC stimulation and activation in a slow release fashion in the rat. Genetic manipulation of MCs, pharmacological intervention targeting MC degranulation with ketotifen fumarate or inhibition of MC-derived tryptase with APC 366 prevented all of GA-like phenotypes following MC degranulation in the rat model. Our results demonstrate the fundamental role of choroidal MC involvement in GA disease etiology, and will provide new opportunities for understanding GA pathology and identifying novel therapies targeting MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Ogura
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Imran A Bhutto
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Siva P Kambhampati
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald Scott McLeod
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Malia M Edwards
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rana Rais
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Gerard A Lutty
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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4
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Yang X, Zhao L, Campos MM, Abu-Asab M, Ortolan D, Hotaling N, Bharti K, Wong WT. CSF1R blockade induces macrophage ablation and results in mouse choroidal vascular atrophy and RPE disorganization. eLife 2020; 9:55564. [PMID: 32234210 PMCID: PMC7156269 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid, which provides vascular supply to the outer retina, demonstrates progressive degeneration in aging and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However mechanisms that maintain or compromise choroidal homeostasis are obscure. We discovered that the ablation of choroidal macrophages via CSF1R blockade was associated with choroidal vascular atrophy and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) changes including structural disruption, downregulation of visual cycle genes, and altered angiogenic factor expression. Suspending CSF1R blockade following ablation enabled spontaneous macrophage regeneration, which fully restored original macrophage distributions and morphologies. Macrophage regeneration was accompanied by arrested vascular degeneration and ameliorated pathological RPE alterations. These findings suggest that choroidal macrophages play a previously unappreciated trophic role in maintaining choroidal vasculature and RPE cells, implicating insufficiency in choroidal macrophage function as a factor in aging- and AMD-associated pathology. Modulating macrophage function may constitute a strategy for the therapeutic preservation of the choroid and RPE in age-related retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Lian Zhao
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Maria M Campos
- Section on Histopathology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Mones Abu-Asab
- Section on Histopathology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Davide Ortolan
- Section on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Nathan Hotaling
- Section on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Section on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Wai T Wong
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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5
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Papapostolou I, Lommatzsch AP, Farecki ML, Ziegler M, Gutfleisch M, Pauleikhoff D. [Are There Different Phenotypes in Geographic Atrophy of AMD? - Pilot Study on Differentiation Using Multimodal Imaging]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2019; 238:166-172. [PMID: 31770789 DOI: 10.1055/a-1002-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geographic atrophy (GA) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves a loss of photoreceptors (PR), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris (CC). For treatment decisions, it is crucial to discern which of these layers the damage originates, subsequently spreading to the others. It has long been thought that the RPE, with its accumulation of lipofuscin, is the site of primary damage in the development of GA. However, histological studies have shown that in some patients, the PR are affected first, followed by secondary damage to the RPE and CC, and in others regression of the CC is the first manifestation. The aim of this study was to use multimodal imaging to determine the extent of the damage at the levels of the PR, RPE and CC, to characterise the individual phenotypic variations of GA and to investigate the corresponding functional impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty eyes of 20 patients (mean age 78 years; 14 female, 6 male) with the clinical diagnosis of GA were examined by means of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) to evaluate the damage to the RPE, en face SD-OCT at the level of the PR to characterise the area of cell loss in this layer and OCT angiography (OCT-A, AngioVue, Optovue; 50 µm CC-segmentation with localization below the RPE) to assess regression of the CC. The affected area of each layer was measured. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test and fundus correlated automated 10° microperimetry (MAIA Microperimetry, CENTERVUE; 4-2 strategy, 68 stimuli) were performed in all patients. The results of these examinations were evaluated and correlated. RESULTS All eyes showed a different extent of the areas of atrophy in the PR, RPE and CC. The layer with the largest area of atrophy was the RPE in 13 eyes (65%), the PR in 3 eyes (15%) and the CC in 4 eyes (20%). While the visual loss depended entirely on the presence of foveal sparing, microperimetry revealed a correlation between the extent of detectable functional deficit and the largest atrophic area. CONCLUSIONS Multimodal imaging with FAF, en face OCT, OCT-A and a correlation with microperimetry enables a clinical phenotypic differentiation in GA as well as a more precise characterisation of the associated functional impairment. This confirms clinically the histologically demonstrated diversity of the damaged structure (PR, RPE or CC) in patients with GA. However, the variations identified in this pilot study must be confirmed in Reading Center-based larger cohorts. The approach described here may lead to differentiated consideration of the anatomical and functional aspects of the disease and turn out to be helpful in patient selection as well as in identifying and monitoring future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Albrecht Peter Lommatzsch
- Retinologie, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital Münster, Münster.,Retinologie, Achim Wessing Institute of Ophthalmological Diagnostic (AWIO), Essen
| | | | - Martin Ziegler
- Retinologie, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital Münster, Münster
| | | | - Daniel Pauleikhoff
- Retinologie, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital Münster, Münster.,Retinologie, Universitätsaugenklinik Essen der Universität Essen-Duisburg, Essen
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6
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Bhutto IA, Ogura S, Baldeosingh R, McLeod DS, Lutty GA, Edwards MM. An Acute Injury Model for the Phenotypic Characteristics of Geographic Atrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:AMD143-AMD151. [PMID: 30208410 PMCID: PMC6133234 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Geographic atrophy (GA) is the late stage of non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration. A lack of animal models for GA has hampered treatment efforts. Presented herein is a rat model for GA using subretinal injection of sodium iodate (NaIO3). Methods Rats were given subretinal injections of NaIO3 (5 μg/μL) using a pico-injector. Fundus photographs and spectral domain optical coherent tomography scans were collected at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after injection, at which time rats were euthanized and eyes were enucleated. Eyes were either cryopreserved or dissected into retinal and choroidal flatmounts. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry was performed for retinal glial fibrillary acidic protein (activated Müller cells and astrocytes) and vimentin (Müller cells), as well as peanut agglutin lectin (photoreceptors) labeling. RPE/choroids were labeled for RPE65 and CD34. Images were collected on Zeiss confocal microscopes. Results Fundus photos, spectral domain optical coherent tomography, and RPE65 staining revealed well-demarcated areas with focal loss of RPE and photoreceptors in NaIO3-treated rats. At 1 day after injection, RPE cells appeared normal. By 3 days, there was patchy RPE and photoreceptor loss in the injected area. RPE and photoreceptors were completely degenerated in the injected area by 7 days. A large subretinal glial membrane occupied the degenerated area. Choriocapillaris was highly attenuated in the injected area at 14 and 28 days. Conclusions The rat model reported herein mimics the photoreceptor cell loss, RPE atrophy, glial membrane formation, and choriocapillaris degeneration seen in GA. This model will be valuable for developing and testing drugs and progenitor cell regenerative therapies for GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran A Bhutto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Shuntaro Ogura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Rajkumar Baldeosingh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - D Scott McLeod
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Gerard A Lutty
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Malia M Edwards
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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7
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Identifying characteristic features of the retinal and choroidal vasculature in choroideremia using optical coherence tomography angiography. Eye (Lond) 2017; 32:563-571. [PMID: 29148533 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2017.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PurposeUsing optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to investigate the area with flow in the superficial retinal vessel network (SVRN) and choriocapillaris (CC) layer among male subjects with choroideremia (CHM), female carriers, and normal controls to identify vascular changes.Patients and methodsImages of SRVN and CC layer were acquired in 9 affected males, 5 female carriers, and 14 age- and gender-matched controls using the Angiovue software of the RTVue XR Avanti.ResultsThe mean age was 33 years for affected male CHM patients (median 30 years), 46 years for female carriers (median 53 years), and 39 years for controls (median 38.5). Mean SRVN area±SD in subjects with CHM was 12.93±2.06 mm2, in carrier subjects 15.36±0.60 mm2, and in controls 15.30±1.35 mm2 (P<0.01). The mean CC area±SD with flow was 6.97±5.26 mm2 in CHM subjects, 21.65±0.17 mm2 in carriers and 21.36±0.76 mm2 in controls (P<0.01). SRVN and CC area with flow showed a negative correlation in CHM subjects with the age (r=-0.86; P<0.003 and r=-0.77; P<0.01, respectively). CC area with flow had a positive correlation with SRVN (r=0.83, P<0.001). Overall, visual acuity had a negative correlation with SRVN and CC area with flow (r=-0.67, P<0.001 and r=-0.57, P<0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to highlight changes in the SRVN in CHM subjects. OCTA detected a reduced area with flow in both retinal and choroidal circulations, and may be a useful tool for monitoring natural history and disease progression in forthcoming clinical trials.
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8
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Ahn SJ, Woo SJ, Park KH, Lee BR. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Sequelae Caused by Blunt Ocular Trauma: Incidence, Visual Outcome, and Associated Factors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14184. [PMID: 29079856 PMCID: PMC5660211 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision loss can occur in eyes with blunt ocular trauma, but the causes have not been elucidated fully. We encountered cases of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) sequelae following blunt ocular trauma associated with permanent vision loss in our cohort of patients with blunt ocular trauma. In this multicentre retrospective cohort study on 129 patients with retinal abnormalities caused by acute blunt ocular trauma, we investigated the incidence of RPE sequelae and evaluated associated factors and visual outcomes. RPE sequelae, which typically presented as hyperpigmentation within well-demarcated hypopigmented lesions, occurred in 29 (22.5%) patients within 1 month of trauma. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed complete photoreceptor loss over the abnormal RPE. Final visual outcomes were significantly different between eyes with and without RPE sequelae. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the presence of subretinal fluid and RPE sequelae. In conclusion, RPE sequelae occurred in approximately 20% of patients with blunt ocular trauma and was associated with permanent photoreceptor defects and visual loss. Clinical evaluation using OCT may help predict RPE sequelae and visual outcomes in eyes with blunt trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Joon Ahn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Kyu Hyung Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Byung Ro Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
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9
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Saprunova VB, Lelekova MA, Kolosova NG, Bakeeva LE. SkQ1 slows development of age-dependent destructive processes in retina and vascular layer of eyes of wistar and OXYS rats. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2012; 77:648-58. [PMID: 22817465 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297912060120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We show the development of clearly pronounced age-related pathological changes in eye tissues of Wistar and OXYS rats. Photoreceptor cells were virtually absent in all OXYS rats in the age of 24 months. Massive accumulations of lipofuscin granules were detected in the pigmented epithelium cells. Flattening, overgrowing, and degradation of endothelial cells of choriocapillaries were also observed. Along with these changes, vessels without signs of degradation were detected in the pigmented epithelium. In 24-month-old Wistar rats these changes were local and were seen in only some of the animals. The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (the rats were given SkQ1 daily with food at the dose of 250 nmol/kg for 5 months, starting from the age of 19 months) prevented the development of these pathological changes in both Wistar and OXYS rats. The data were subjected to mathematical processing and statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Saprunova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia.
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10
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Genetic ablation of retinal pigment epithelial cells reveals the adaptive response of the epithelium and impact on photoreceptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:18728-33. [PMID: 19850870 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0902593106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a critical role in the maintenance of the outer retina. RPE cell death or dysfunction drives the pathophysiology of many retinal diseases, but the physiological response of the retina to RPE cell loss is poorly understood, mainly because of the absence of suitable experimental models. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse in which an inducible Cre recombinase is expressed exclusively in the RPE under the control of the monocarboxylate transporter 3 gene promoter (RPE(CreER)). This was crossed with a transgenic mouse harboring a diphtheria toxin A (DTA) chain gene rendered transcriptionally silent by a floxed stop sequence. We show that activation of DTA in the double transgenic mouse (RPE(CreER)/DTA) led to 60-80% RPE cell death, with surviving cells maintaining the integrity of the monolayer by increasing their size. Despite the apparent morphological normality of the enlarged RPE cells in the RPE(CreER)/DTA mice, functional analysis revealed significant deficits on electroretinography, and retinal histopathology showed regions of photoreceptor rosetting and degeneration although with retention of a normal vascular network. Our study reveals that whilst the RPE monolayer has a remarkable intrinsic capacity to cope with cellular attrition, specific aspects of RPE multifunctionality essential for photoreceptor survival are compromised. The RPE(CreER)/DTA mouse offers advantages over models that employ chemical or mechanical strategies to kill RPE cells, and should be useful for the development and evaluation of RPE-based therapies, such as stem cell transplantation.
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11
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Hayashi A, Naseri A, Pennesi ME, de Juan E. Subretinal delivery of immunoglobulin G with gold nanoparticles in the rabbit eye. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2009; 53:249-56. [PMID: 19484444 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-009-0655-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the feasibility of subretinal delivery of immunoglobulin G (IgG) adsorbed onto gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and its histologic distribution in the rabbit retina after the injection. METHODS Goat IgG was adsorbed onto GNPs electrostatically. Goat IgG-adsorbed GNPs or buffer with goat IgG was injected into the subretinal space of rabbit eyes and followed up for 3 months by examination of fundus photographs, immunohistochemistry against goat IgG, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 cells) were cultured, and cell proliferation with or without GNPs was assayed. RESULTS At 1 week after the subretinal injection of goat IgG-adsorbed GNPs, retinal degeneration was observed in the outer retina, and goat IgG was immunolabeled in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the photoreceptor cells. TEM showed GNPs located in the outer segments and in the lysosomes in the RPE at 1 month and no apparent cytotoxicity of the RPE. There were no inhibitory effects of GNPs on proliferation of ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSIONS Goat IgG was successfully delivered into photoreceptor cells and RPE using GNPs, though retinal degeneration in the outer retina occurred in this model. This might be an alternative drug delivery method to photoreceptors and RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Hayashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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McLeod DS, Grebe R, Bhutto I, Merges C, Baba T, Lutty GA. Relationship between RPE and choriocapillaris in age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2009; 50:4982-91. [PMID: 19357355 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.09-3639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between choriocapillaris (CC) and retinal pigment epithelial changes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Morphologic changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choriocapillaris complex were quantified in dry and wet forms of AMD, and the results were compared with those in aged control eyes without maculopathy. METHODS Postmortem choroids from three aged control subjects, five subjects with geographic atrophy (GA), and three subjects with wet AMD were analyzed using a semiquantitative computer-assisted morphometric technique developed to measure the percentages of retinal pigment epithelial and CC areas in choroidal wholemounts incubated for alkaline phosphatase activity. The tissues were subsequently embedded in methacrylate and were sectioned so that structural changes could be examined. RESULTS There was a linear relationship between the loss of RPE and CC in GA. A 50% reduction in vascular area was found in regions of complete retinal pigment epithelial atrophy. Extreme constriction of remaining viable capillaries was found in areas devoid of RPE. Adjacent to active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in wet AMD, CC dropout was evident in the absence of retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, resulting in a 50% decrease in vascular area. Lumenal diameters of the remaining capillaries in wet AMD eyes were similar to those in control eyes. CONCLUSIONS The primary insult in GA appears to be at the level of the RPE, and there is an intimate relationship between retinal pigment epithelial atrophy and secondary CC degeneration. CC degeneration occurs in the presence of viable RPE in wet AMD. The RPE in regions of vascular dropout are presumably hypoxic, which may result in an increase in VEGF production by the RPE and stimulation of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Scott McLeod
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-9115, USA
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Itaya H, Hayashi A, Usui S, Hosohata J, Takahashi T, Fujikado T, Tano Y. Basic fibroblast growth factor inhibits choriocapillaris atrophy in rabbit. Am J Ophthalmol 2001; 132:94-100. [PMID: 11438060 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9394(01)00921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on induced choriocapillaris atrophy in vivo. METHODS Choriocapillaris atrophy was surgically induced in rabbits by a hydraulic retinal detachment followed by debridement of the retinal pigment epithelium under the detached retina. Three concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (0.1 microg/0.1 ml, 1 microg/0.1 ml, or 5 microg/0.1 ml) were injected into the subretinal space and into the vitreous cavity 1, 3, and 5 days after the surgery. For control, only Tris buffer was injected in the same manner. The rabbits were euthanized 7 days after the surgery. Choroidal vascular casts were made and examined by scanning electron microscopy. The choriocapillaris atrophy was quantified by computer-assisted image analysis of photographs of the choriocapillaries. The area of the choriocapillaris and number of intercapillary spaces in the choriocapillaris that corresponded to the density of the capillary network were measured. RESULTS The average area of the choriocapillaris in the eyes treated with 1 microg/0.1 ml of basic fibroblast growth factor was significantly larger at 75.1 +/- 3.0% than that in the control eyes at 67.2 +/- 5.6% (P =.021). The average area of the choriocapillaris in the 0.1 microg/0.1 ml of basic fibroblast growth factor group was not statistically different from the control. The number of intercapillary spaces of the choriocapillaris was 132 +/- 12 in the 0.1 microg/0.1 ml of basic fibroblast growth factor group, 124 +/- 46 in the 1 microg/0.1 ml of basic fibroblast growth factor group, and 75 +/- 14 in the control group. The higher number of spaces in the treated group was statistically significant (P =.026). CONCLUSIONS Basic fibroblast growth factor decreased the atrophy of the choriocapillaris after removal of the retinal pigment epithelium in rabbit eyes. These results suggest that basic fibroblast growth factor may play a role in the survival of the choriocapillaris in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Itaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
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