Retinal pigment epithelial cells as a therapeutic tool and target against retinopathies

Substance P Alleviates Retinal Pigment Epithelium Dysfunction Caused by High Glucose-Induced Stress

When the retina is constantly affected by high glucose (HG) due to diabetes, the barrier function of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is impaired, accompanied by unnecessary vascularization. This eventually leads to the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study investigated the recovery effect of substance P (SP) on RPE injured by HG. RPE was treated with HG for 24 h, and HG-induced cellular injuries were confirmed. SP was added to the dysfunctional RPE. Compared to RPE in low glucose (LG) conditions, HG-damaged RPE had large, fibrotic cell shapes, and its cellular viability decreased. HG treatment reduced tight junction protein expression levels and caused oxidative stress by interrupting the antioxidant system; this was followed by inflammatory factor intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and angiogenesis factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. SP treatment contributed to RPE recovery by enhancing cell viability, tight junction protein expression, and RPE function under HG conditions, possibly by activating the Akt signaling pathway. Importantly, SP treatment reduced ICAM-1, MCP-1, and VEGF expression. Collectively, SP activated survival signals to suppress oxidative stress and improve retinal barrier function in RPE, accompanied by immune suppression. This suggests the possible application of SP to diabetic retinal injuries.

Long-term blue light exposure impairs mitochondrial dynamics in the retina in light-induced retinal degeneration in vivo and in vitro

Long-term light exposure, especially in the spectrum of blue light, frequently causes excessive oxidative stress in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, to gain insight into the underlying mechanism, we focused on mitochondrial dynamics alterations under long-term exposure to blue light in mouse and retinal cells. Six-month-old C57BL/6 mice were exposed to blue light (450 nm, 800 lx) for 2 weeks. The phenotypic changes in the retina were assayed using haematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. Long-term blue light exposure significantly thinned each retinal layer in mice, induced retinal apoptosis and impaired retinal mitochondria. A retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) was used to verify the phototoxicity of blue light. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and MitoSox Red probe experiments confirmed that more total and mitochondria-specific ROS were generated in the blue light group than in the control group. Mito-Tracker Green probe showed fragmented mitochondrial morphology. The western blotting results indicated a significant increase in DRP1, OMA1, and BAX and a decrease in OPA1 and Bcl-2. In conclusion, long-term exposure to blue light damaged the retinas of mice, especially the ONL and RPE cells. There was destruction and dysfunction of mitochondria in RPE cells in vivo and in vitro. Mitochondrial dynamics were disrupted with characteristics of fusion-related obstruction after blue-light irradiation.

Implantable sustained-release drug delivery systems: a revolution for ocular therapeutics

PURPOSE

Due to the inimitable anatomical structure of the eyeball and various physiological barriers, conventional ocular local administration is often complicated by apparent shortcomings, such as limited bioavailability and short drug retention. Thus, developing methods for sustainable, safe and efficient drug delivery to ocular target sites has long been an urgent need. This study briefly summarizes the barriers to ocular drug administration and various ocular drug delivery routes and highlights recent progress in ocular implantable sustained-release drug delivery systems (DDSs) to provide literature evidence for developing novel ocular implants for sustained drug delivery.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of studies on ocular implantable sustained-release DDSs in PubMed and Web of Science using the following keywords: ocular, implantable and drug delivery system. More than 400 papers were extracted. Publications focused on sustained and controlled drug release were primarily considered. Experimental articles involving DDSs that cannot be implanted into the eye through surgeries and cannot be inserted into ocular tissues in solid form were excluded. Approximately 143 publications were reviewed to summarize the most current information on the subject.

RESULTS

In recent years, numerous ocular sustained-release DDSs using lipids, nanoparticles and hydrogels as carriers have emerged. With unique properties and systematic design, ocular implantable sustained-release DDSs are able to continuously maintain drug release, effectively sustain the therapeutic concentration in target tissues, and substantially enhance the therapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, few ocular implantable sustained-release DDSs have been available in clinical use.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular implantable sustained-release DDSs have become a new focus in the field of ocular drug development through unique designs and improvements in the materials of drug carriers, administration methods and dosage forms. With more ocular implantable sustained-release DDSs being commercialized, ocular therapeutics may be revolutionized.

Targeted drug delivery to the retinal pigment epithelium: Untapped therapeutic potential for retinal diseases

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a crucial part in sight-threatening diseases. In this review, we shed light on the pivotal implication of the RPE in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity; and explain why a paradigm shift toward targeted RPE therapy is needed to efficiently fight these retinal diseases. We provide guidance for the development of RPE-specific nanotherapeutics by giving a comprehensive overview of the possibilities and challenges of drug delivery to the RPE and highlight successful nanotherapeutic approaches targeting the RPE.

Blood-retina barrier dysfunction in experimental autoimmune uveitis: the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), an animal model of human uveitis, is characterized by infiltration of autoimmune T cells in the uvea as well as in the retina of susceptible animals. EAU is induced by the immunization of uveitogenic antigens, including either retinal soluble-antigen or interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding proteins, in Lewis rats. The pathogenesis of EAU in rats involves the proliferation of autoimmune T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues and breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, primarily in the uvea and retina, finally inducing visual dysfunction. In this review, we describe recent EAU studies to facilitate the design of a therapeutic strategy through the interruption of uveitogenic factors during the course of EAU, which will be helpful for controlling human uveitis.

High-Fat Diet Alters the Retinal Transcriptome in the Absence of Gut Microbiota

The relationship between retinal disease, diet, and the gut microbiome has shown increasing importance over recent years. In particular, high-fat diets (HFDs) are associated with development and progression of several retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. However, the complex, overlapping interactions between diet, gut microbiome, and retinal homeostasis are poorly understood. Using high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of whole retinas, we compare the retinal transcriptome from germ-free (GF) mice on a regular diet (ND) and HFD to investigate transcriptomic changes without influence of gut microbiome. After correction of raw data, 53 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 19 were upregulated and 34 were downregulated in GF-HFD mice. Key genes involved in retinal inflammation, angiogenesis, and RPE function were identified. Enrichment analysis revealed that the top 3 biological processes affected were regulation of blood vessel diameter, inflammatory response, and negative regulation of endopeptidase. Molecular functions altered include endopeptidase inhibitor activity, protease binding, and cysteine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity. Human and mouse pathway analysis revealed that the complement and coagulation cascades are significantly affected by HFD. This study demonstrates novel data that diet can directly modulate the retinal transcriptome independently of the gut microbiome.

Transcriptome Profiling of Embryonic Retinal Pigment Epithelium Reprogramming

The plasticity of human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been observed during proliferative vitreoretinopathy, a defective repair process during which injured RPE gives rise to fibrosis. In contrast, following injury, the RPE of the embryonic chicken can be reprogrammed to regenerate neural retina in a fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-dependent manner. To better explore the mechanisms underlying embryonic RPE reprogramming, we used laser capture microdissection to isolate RNA from (1) intact RPE, (2) transiently reprogrammed RPE (t-rRPE) 6 h post-retinectomy, and (3) reprogrammed RPE (rRPE) 6 h post-retinectomy with FGF2 treatment. Using RNA-seq, we observed the acute repression of genes related to cell cycle progression in the injured t-rRPE, as well as up-regulation of genes associated with injury. In contrast, the rRPE was strongly enriched for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-responsive genes and retina development factors, confirming that FGF2 and the downstream MAPK cascade are the main drivers of embryonic RPE reprogramming. Clustering and pathway enrichment analysis was used to create an integrated network of the core processes associated with RPE reprogramming, including key terms pertaining to injury response, migration, actin dynamics, and cell cycle progression. Finally, we employed gene set enrichment analysis to suggest a previously uncovered role for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) machinery in the initiation of embryonic chick RPE reprogramming. The EMT program is accompanied by extensive, coordinated regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) associated factors, and these observations together suggest an early role for ECM and EMT-like dynamics during reprogramming. Our study provides for the first time an in-depth transcriptomic analysis of embryonic RPE reprogramming and will prove useful in guiding future efforts to understand proliferative disorders of the RPE and to promote retinal regeneration.

Sulforaphane inhibits blue light-induced inflammation and apoptosis by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway and autophagy in retinal pigment epithelial cells

The present study elucidated mechanisms through which sulforaphane (SFN) protects retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from blue light-induced impairment. SFN could activate the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increase the expression of the heme oxygenease-1 (HO-1) gene and production of glutathione. SFN reduced blue light-induced oxidative stress, and effectively activated cytoprotective components including Nrf-2, HO-1, thioredoxin-1, and glutathione. The protective effect of SFN on blue light-induced injury was blocked by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, suggesting that the SFN-induced Nrf2 pathway is involved in the cytoprotective effect of SFN. SFN inhibited intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression induced by TNF-α or blue light, suggesting the anti-inflammatory activity of SFN. The inhibitory effect of SFN was associated with the blocking of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation in blue light-exposed RPE cells. SFN protected RPE cells from blue light-induced interruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduction of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and cleaved caspase-3 and PARP-1 expression, suggesting the antiapoptotic activity of SFN. SFN alone or together with blue light exposure increased the expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3BII and p62. An autophagy inhibitor, 3-MA, inhibited the protective effect of SFN on blue light-induced cell damage. SFN increased sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) expression; however, treatment with blue light induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression. Our study results demonstrated that SFN exerts its protective effect under blue light exposure by maintaining the Nrf2-related redox state and upregulating SIRT1 and PGC-1α expression and autophagy.

Retinal glial remodeling by FGF21 preserves retinal function during photoreceptor degeneration

The group of retinal degenerations, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), comprises more than 150 genetic abnormalities affecting photoreceptors. Finding degenerative pathways common to all genetic abnormalities may allow general treatment such as neuroprotection. Neuroprotection may include enhancing the function of cells that directly support photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and Müller glia. Treatment with fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a neuroprotectant, from postnatal week 4-10, during rod and cone loss in P23H mice (an RP model) with retinal degeneration, preserved photoreceptor function and normalized Müller glial cell morphology. Single-cell transcriptomics of retinal cells showed that FGF21 receptor Fgfr1 was specifically expressed in Müller glia/astrocytes. Of all retinal cells, FGF21 predominantly affected genes in Müller glia/astrocytes with increased expression of axon development and synapse formation pathway genes. Therefore, enhancing retinal glial axon and synapse formation with neurons may preserve retinal function in RP and may suggest a general therapeutic approach for retinal degenerative diseases.

Cytoprotective Effects of Punicalagin on Hydrogen-Peroxide-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a densely pigmented, monostratified epithelium that provides metabolic and functional support to the outer segments of photoreceptors. Endogenous or exogenous oxidative stimuli determine a switch from physiological to pathological conditions, characterized by an increase of intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulating evidence has elucidated that punicalagin (PUN), the major ellagitannin in pomegranate, is a potent antioxidant in several cell types. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of PUN on mitochondrial dysfunction associated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress. For this purpose, we used a human RPE cell line (ARPE-19) exposed to H₂O₂ for 24 h. The effects of PUN pre-treatment (24 h) were examined on cell viability, mitochondrial ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and respiratory chain complexes, then finally on caspase-3 enzymatic activity. The results showed that supplementation with PUN: (a) significantly increased cell viability; (b) kept the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) at healthy levels and limited ROS production; (c) preserved the activity of respiratory complexes; (d) reduced caspase-3 activity. In conclusion, due to its activity in helping mitochondrial functions, reducing oxidative stress, and subsequent induction of cellular apoptosis, PUN might be considered a useful nutraceutical agent in the treatment of oxidation-associated disorders of RPE.

The cells involved in the pathological process of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy(DR) is an expanding global health problem, the exact mechanism of which has not yet been clarified clearly, new insights into retinal physiology indicate that diabetes-induced retinal dysfunction may be viewed as an impairment of the retinal neurovascular unit, including retinal ganglion cells, glial cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and retinal pigment epithelium. Different retinal cells have unique structure and functions, while the interactions among which are less known. Cells are the basic unit of organism structure and function, their impairment could lead to abnormal physiological functions and even organ disorder. Considering the body is multi-dimension and the complexity of DR, one point or a single type of cell can't be used to illustrate the mechanism of occurrence and development of DR. In this review, we provided a systematic and comprehensive elaboration of the cells that are involved in the process of DR. We underlined the importance of considering the neurovascular unit, not just retinal vascular and neural cells, in understanding the pathophysiology of DR. Our studies provided a better understanding of the pathological process in DR and provide a theoretical basis for further research.

Autophagy Upregulation by the TFEB Inducer Trehalose Protects against Oxidative Damage and Cell Death Associated with NRF2 Inhibition in Human RPE Cells

Trehalose is a natural dietary molecule that has shown antiaging and neuroprotective effects in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. The role of trehalose in the management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is yet to be investigated and whether trehalose could be a remedy for the treatment of diseases linked to oxidative stress and NRF2 dysregulation. Here, we showed that incubation of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with trehalose enhanced the mRNA and protein expressions of TFEB, autophagy genes ATG5 and ATG7, as well as protein expressions of macroautophagy markers, LC3B and p62/SQTM1, and the chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) receptor LAMP2. Cathepsin D, a hydrolytic lysosomal enzyme, was also increased by trehalose, indicating higher proteolytic activity. Moreover, trehalose upregulated autophagy flux evident by an increase in the endogenous LC3B level, and accumulation of GFP-LC3B puncta and free GFP fragments in GFP-LC3 - expressing cells in the presence of chloroquine. In addition, the mRNA levels of key molecular targets implicated in RPE damage and AMD, such as vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) A and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), were downregulated, whereas NRF2 was upregulated by trehalose. Subsequently, we mimicked in vitro AMD conditions using hydroquinone (HQ) as the oxidative insult on RPE cells and evaluated the cytoprotective effect of trehalose compared to vehicle treatment. HQ depleted NRF2, increased oxidative stress, and reduced the viability of cells, while trehalose pretreatment protected against HQ-induced toxicity. The cytoprotection by trehalose was dependent on autophagy but not NRF2 activation, since autophagy inhibition by shRNA knockdown of ATG5 led to a loss of the protective effect. The results support the transcriptional upregulation of TFEB and autophagy by trehalose and its protection against HQ-induced oxidative damage in RPE cells. Further investigation is, therefore, warranted into the therapeutic value of trehalose in alleviating AMD and retinal diseases associated with impaired NRF2 antioxidant defense.

Diesel particulate matter2.5 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human retinal pigment epithelial cells via generation of reactive oxygen species

Although several studies have linked PM_2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm) to ocular surface diseases such as keratitis and conjunctivitis, very few studies have previously addressed its effect on the retina. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PM_2.5 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process involved in disorders of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) on APRE-19 cells. PM_2.5 changed the phenotype of RPE cells from epithelial to fibroblast-like mesenchymal, and increased cell migration. Exposure to PM_2.5 markedly increased the expression of mesenchymal markers, but reduced the levels of epithelial markers. Moreover, PM_2.5 promoted the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated nuclear transcriptional factors. However, these PM_2.5-mediated changes were completely reversed by LY2109761, a small molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor type I/II kinases, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Interestingly, NAC, but not LY2109761, effectively restored the PM_2.5-induced mitochondrial defects, including increased ROS, decreased mitochondrial activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. Collectively, our findings indicate that the TGF-β/Smad/ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway is activated downstream of cellular ROS during PM_2.5-induced EMT. The present study provides the first evidence that EMT of RPE may be one of the mechanisms of PM_2.5-induced retinal dysfunction.

Carbon monoxide‑releasing molecules protect against blue light exposure and inflammation in retinal pigment epithelial cells

The most common cause of vision loss among the elderly is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs), and their ability to activate the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-related genes in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, as well as the inhibition of endothelial cell migration. It was first determined that CORM2 and CORM3 suppressed blue light-induced cell damage. In addition, a decrease in the level of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 protein and dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential were considered to reflect the anti-apoptotic activity of CORMs. Furthermore, CORM2 induced Nrf-2 activation and the expression of the Nrf2-related genes heme oxygenase-1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase. Pretreatment with CORM2 abolished the blue light-induced increase in oxidative stress, suggesting that CORM2-induced antioxidant activity was involved in the cytoprotection against blue light. It was also demonstrated that CORMs markedly suppressed tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. Moreover, it was further observed that CORMs exert their inhibitory effects through blocking nuclear factor-κB/p65 nuclear translocation and IκBα degradation in TNFα-treated RPE cells. It was observed that CORM2, but not CORM3, protected against oxidative stress-induced cell damage. CORMs abolished vascular endothelial growth factor-induced migration of endothelial cells. The findings of the present study demonstrated the cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CORMs on RPE cells and anti-angiogenic effects on endothelial cells, suggesting the potential clinical application of CORMs as anti-AMD agents.

Punicalagin Protects Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells from Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Oxidative Damage by Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway and Reducing Apoptosis

The oxidative damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the early event that underlies the pathogenesis of maculopathies. Numerous studies have shown that punicalagin (PUN), a polyphenol present in pomegranate, can protect several cell types from oxidative stress. Our study aims to establish if PUN protects RPE from UV radiation-induced oxidative damage. We used an experimental model which involves the use of a human-RPE cell line (ARPE-19) exposed to UV-A radiation for 1, 3, and 5 h. ARPE-19 cells were pre-treated with PUN (24 h) followed by UV-A irradiation; controls were treated identically, except for UV-A. Effects of pre-treatment with PUN on cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species ROS levels, modulation of Nrf2 and its antioxidant target genes, and finally apoptosis were examined. We found that pre-treatment with PUN: (1) antagonized the decrease in cell viability and reduced high levels of ROS associated with UV-A-induced oxidative stress; (2) activated Nrf2 signaling pathway by promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulating its downstream antioxidant target genes (HO-1 and NQO1); (3) induced an anti-apoptotic effect by decreasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings provide the first evidence that PUN can prevent UV-A-induced oxidative damage in RPE, offering itself as a possible antioxidant agent capable of contrasting degenerative eye diseases.

Quantitative Protein Expression in the Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium: Comparison Between Apical and Basolateral Plasma Membranes With Emphasis on Transporters

Purpose

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) limits the xenobiotic entry from the systemic blood stream to the eye. RPE surface transporters can be important in ocular drug distribution, but it has been unclear whether they are expressed on the apical, basal, or both cellular surfaces. In this paper, we provide quantitative comparison of apical and basolateral RPE surface proteomes.

Methods

We separated the apical and basolateral membranes of differentiated human fetal RPE (hfRPE) cells by combining apical membrane peeling and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The membrane fractions were analyzed with quantitative targeted absolute proteomics (QTAP) and sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) to reveal the membrane protein localization on the RPE cell surfaces. We quantitated 15 transporters in unfractionated RPE cells and scaled their expression to tissue level.

Results

Several proteins involved in visual cycle, cell adhesion, and ion and nutrient transport were expressed on the hfRPE plasma membranes. Most drug transporters showed similar abundance on both RPE surfaces, whereas large neutral amino acids transporter 1 (LAT1), p-glycoprotein (P-gp), and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) showed modest apical enrichment. Many solute carriers (SLC) that are potential prodrug targets were present on both cellular surfaces, whereas putative sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 7 (SNAT7) and riboflavin transporter (RFT3) were enriched on the basolateral and sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter (ATB0+) on the apical membrane.

Conclusions

Comprehensive quantitative information of the RPE surface proteomes was reported for the first time. The scientific community can use the data to further increase understanding of the RPE functions. In addition, we provide insights for transporter protein localization in the human RPE and the significance for ocular pharmacokinetics.

Toxic effects of A2E in human ARPE-19 cells were prevented by resveratrol: a potential nutritional bioactive for age-related macular degeneration treatment

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a late-onset retinal disease and the leading cause of central vision loss in the elderly. Degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) is a crucial contributing factor responsible for the onset and progression of AMD. The toxic fluorophore N-retinyl-N-retinylidene ethanolamine (A2E), a major lipofuscin component, accumulates in RPE cells with age. Phytochemicals with antioxidant properties may have a potential role in both the prevention and treatment of this age-related ocular disease. Particularly, there is an increased interest in the therapeutic effects of resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring polyphenol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene). However, the underlying mechanism of the RSV antioxidative effect in ocular diseases has not been well explored. We hypothesized that this bioactive compound may have beneficial effects for AMD. To this end, to investigate the potential profits of RSV against A2E-provoked oxidative damage, we used human RPE cell line (ARPE-19). RSV (25 µM) attenuates the cytotoxicity and the typical morphological characteristics of apoptosis observed in 25 µM A2E-laden cells. RSV pretreatment strengthened cell monolayer integrity through the preservation of the transepithelial electrical resistance and reduced the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran diffusion rate as well as cytoskeleton architecture. In addition, RSV exhorts protective effects against A2E-induced modifications in the intracellular redox balance. Finally, RSV also prevented A2E-induced mitochondrial network fragmentation. These findings reinforce the idea that RSV represents an attractive bioactive for therapeutic intervention against ocular diseases associated with oxidative stress such as AMD.

Relationship between aldose reductase enzyme and the signaling pathway of protein kinase C in an in vitro diabetic retinopathy model

Protein kinase C (PKC) and aldose reductase (AR) enzyme activities are increased in diabetes and complications are include retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. However, the relationship between PKC and AR and the underlying molecular mechanisms is still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between these two enzymes and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms by the related signaling molecules. The effects of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress on AR and PKC enzymes and the signaling molecules such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inhibitor kappa B-alpha (IkB-α), total c-Jun, phospho c-Jun, and stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK)/Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK) were evaluated in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19). AR, PKC protein levels, and related signaling molecules increased with hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. The AR inhibitor sorbinil decreased PKC expression and activity and all signaling molecule protein levels. Increased AR expression during hyperglycemia and oxidative stress was found to be correlated with the increase in PKC expression and activity in both conditions. Decreased expression and activity of PKC and the protein levels of related signaling molecules with the AR inhibitor sorbinil showed that AR enzyme may play a key role in the expression of PKC enzyme and oxidative stress during diabetes.

Characterization of artificially re-pigmented ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cell model

Melanin pigment has a significant role in ocular pharmacokinetics, because many drugs bind at high extent to melanin in the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Most retinal pigment epithelial cell lines lack pigmentation and, therefore, we re-pigmented human ARPE-19 cells to generate a pigmented cell model. Melanosomes from porcine retinal pigment epithelium were isolated and co-incubated with ARPE-19 cells that spontaneously phagocytosed the melanosomes. Internalized melanosomes were functionally integrated to the cellular system as evidenced by correct translocation of cellular Rab27a protein to the melanosomal membranes. The pigmentation was retained during cell cultivation and the level of pigmentation can be controlled by altering the amount of administered melanosomes. We used these cells to study melanosomal uptake of six drugs. The uptake was negligible with low melanin-binders (methotrexate, diclofenac) whereas most of the high melanin-binders (propranolol, chloroquine) were extensively taken up by the melanosomes. This cell line can be used to model pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium, while maintaining the beneficial cell line characteristics, such as fast generation of cultures, low cost, long-term maintenance and good reproducibility. The model enables studies at normal and decreased levels of pigmentation to model different retinal conditions.

Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line with Fast Differentiation and Improved Barrier Properties

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) acts as an outer blood–retinal barrier that limits the access of circulating xenobiotics to the eye. In addition, the RPE limits posterior elimination of intravitreally injected drugs to circulation. Thus, permeation in the RPE has a significant effect on ocular pharmacokinetics. The RPE is also a potentially important drug target in age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, the cell models of the RPE are important tools in ocular drug development, but poor availability and problems in reproducibility limit the use of primary RPE cell cultures. Furthermore, the best and widely used human cell line ARPE19 requires specialized culture conditions and a long time for cellular differentiation. In this paper, we describe a cell population arisen from the ARPE19 culture, with fast differentiation and improved barrier properties. This cell line, LEPI, forms clear microvilli and rapidly displays RPE-like cobblestone morphology after subculture in simple culture conditions. The LEPI cells show RPE-specific functions and expression of RPE65, ezrin, and BEST1 proteins. On filter, the LEPI cells develop tighter barrier than the ex vivo bovine RPE-choroid: permeability coefficients of beta-blockers (atenolol, nadolol, timolol, pindolol, metoprolol, betaxolol) ranged from 0.4 × 10⁻⁶ cm/sec to 2.3 × 10⁻⁶ cm/sec depending on the drug lipophilicity. This rapidly differentiating cell line will be an asset in ocular studies since it is easily maintained, it grows and differentiates quickly and does not require specialized culture conditions for differentiation. Thus, this cell line is suitable for both small scale assays and high throughput screening in drug discovery and development.

The identification of small molecules that stimulate retinal pigment epithelial cells: potential novel therapeutic options for treating retinopathies

INTRODUCTION

Combinatory strategies using pharmacology and stem cell therapy have emerged due to their potential in the treatment of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell related diseases, and a variety of different stem cell sources have been evaluated both in animal models and in humans. RPE cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs) are already in clinical trials, holding great promise for the treatment of age-related macular disease (AMD) and hereditary RPE-related retinal dystrophies. Highly efficient protocol for RPE generations have been developed, but they are still time-consuming and laborious. Areas covered: The authors review RPE related diseases, as well as the known functions of RPE cells in retinal homeostasis. The authors also discuss small molecules that target RPE in vivo as well as in vitro to aid RPE differentiation from pluripotent stem cells clinically. The authors base this review on literature searches performed through PubMed. Expert opinion: Using high-throughput systems, technology will provide the possibility of identifying and optimizing molecules/drugs that could lead to faster and simpler protocols for RPE differentiation. This could be crucial in moving forward to create safer and more efficient RPE-based personalized therapies.