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Vujosevic S, Loewenstein A, O'Toole L, Schmidt-Erfurth UM, Zur D, Chakravarthy U. Imaging geographic atrophy: integrating structure and function to better understand the effects of new treatments. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:773-778. [PMID: 38290804 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2023-324246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced and irreversible form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Chronic low grade inflammation is thought to act as an initiator of this degenerative process, resulting in loss of photoreceptors (PRs), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the underlying choriocapillaris. This review examined the challenges of clinical trials to date which have sought to treat GA, with particular reference to the successful outcome of C3 complement inhibition. Currently, optical coherence tomography (OCT) seems to be the most suitable method to detect GA and monitor the effect of treatment. In addition, the merits of using novel anatomical endpoints in detecting GA expansion are discussed. Although best-corrected visual acuity is commonly used to monitor disease in GA, other tests to determine visual function are explored. Although not widely available, microperimetry enables quantification of retinal sensitivity (RS) and macular fixation behaviour related to fundus characteristics. There is a spatial correlation between OCT/fundus autofluorescence evaluation of PR damage outside the area of RPE loss and RS on microperimetry, showing important associations with visual function. Standardisation of testing by microperimetry is necessary to enable this modality to detect AMD progression. Artificial intelligence (AI) analysis has shown PR layers integrity precedes and exceeds GA loss. Loss of the ellipsoid zone has been recognised as a primary outcome parameter in therapeutic trials for GA. The integrity of the PR layers imaged by OCT at baseline has been shown to be an important prognostic indicator. AI has the potential to be invaluable in personalising care and justifying treatment intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stela Vujosevic
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Eye Clinic, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Anat Loewenstein
- Ophthalmology Division, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Dinah Zur
- Ophthalmology Division, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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2
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Santarossa M, Beyer TT, Scharf ABA, Tatli A, von der Burchard C, Nazarenus J, Roider JB, Koch R. When Two Eyes Don't Suffice-Learning Difficult Hyperfluorescence Segmentations in Retinal Fundus Autofluorescence Images via Ensemble Learning. J Imaging 2024; 10:116. [PMID: 38786570 PMCID: PMC11122615 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging10050116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperfluorescence (HF) and reduced autofluorescence (RA) are important biomarkers in fundus autofluorescence images (FAF) for the assessment of health of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), an important indicator of disease progression in geographic atrophy (GA) or central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Autofluorescence images have been annotated by human raters, but distinguishing biomarkers (whether signals are increased or decreased) from the normal background proves challenging, with borders being particularly open to interpretation. Consequently, significant variations emerge among different graders, and even within the same grader during repeated annotations. Tests on in-house FAF data show that even highly skilled medical experts, despite previously discussing and settling on precise annotation guidelines, reach a pair-wise agreement measured in a Dice score of no more than 63-80% for HF segmentations and only 14-52% for RA. The data further show that the agreement of our primary annotation expert with herself is a 72% Dice score for HF and 51% for RA. Given these numbers, the task of automated HF and RA segmentation cannot simply be refined to the improvement in a segmentation score. Instead, we propose the use of a segmentation ensemble. Learning from images with a single annotation, the ensemble reaches expert-like performance with an agreement of a 64-81% Dice score for HF and 21-41% for RA with all our experts. In addition, utilizing the mean predictions of the ensemble networks and their variance, we devise ternary segmentations where FAF image areas are labeled either as confident background, confident HF, or potential HF, ensuring that predictions are reliable where they are confident (97% Precision), while detecting all instances of HF (99% Recall) annotated by all experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monty Santarossa
- Department of Computer Science, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (T.T.B.); (J.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Tebbo Tassilo Beyer
- Department of Computer Science, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (T.T.B.); (J.N.); (R.K.)
| | | | - Ayse Tatli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (A.B.A.S.); (A.T.); (C.v.d.B.); (J.B.R.)
| | - Claus von der Burchard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (A.B.A.S.); (A.T.); (C.v.d.B.); (J.B.R.)
| | - Jakob Nazarenus
- Department of Computer Science, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (T.T.B.); (J.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Johann Baptist Roider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (A.B.A.S.); (A.T.); (C.v.d.B.); (J.B.R.)
| | - Reinhard Koch
- Department of Computer Science, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (T.T.B.); (J.N.); (R.K.)
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Borrelli E, Bandello F, Boon CJF, Carelli V, Lenaers G, Reibaldi M, Sadda SR, Sadun AA, Sarraf D, Yu-Wai-Man P, Barboni P. Mitochondrial retinopathies and optic neuropathies: The impact of retinal imaging on modern understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 101:101264. [PMID: 38703886 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in ocular imaging have significantly broadened our comprehension of mitochondrial retinopathies and optic neuropathies by examining the structural and pathological aspects of the retina and optic nerve in these conditions. This article aims to review the prominent imaging characteristics associated with mitochondrial retinopathies and optic neuropathies, aiming to deepen our insight into their pathogenesis and clinical features. Preceding this exploration, the article provides a detailed overview of the crucial genetic and clinical features, which is essential for the proper interpretation of in vivo imaging. More importantly, we will provide a critical analysis on how these imaging modalities could serve as biomarkers for characterization and monitoring, as well as in guiding treatment decisions. However, these imaging methods have limitations, which will be discussed along with potential strategies to mitigate them. Lastly, the article will emphasize the potential advantages and future integration of imaging techniques in evaluating patients with mitochondrial eye disorders, considering the prospects of emerging gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Borrelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, "City of Health and Science" Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Valerio Carelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guy Lenaers
- Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, INSERM U1083, Université d'Angers, 49933, Angers, France; Service de Neurologie, CHU d'Angers, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, "City of Health and Science" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Srinivas R Sadda
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Sarraf
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Retinal Disorders and Ophthalmic Genetics Division, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Piero Barboni
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Studio Oculistico d'Azeglio, Bologna, Italy.
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Cervera-Taulet E, Montero-Hernández J, Monferrer Adsuara C, Pulido JS. The contribution of indocyanine green angiography in a case of unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024; 34:NP46-NP52. [PMID: 37649336 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231199337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To further enhance understanding of the expanded clinical spectrum of unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis (URPED) via numerous imaging modalities including novel markers of highly detailed indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) features. METHODS Retrospective, observational, case report. RESULTS URPED in this patient is expressed as a solitary, flat and pigmented lesion in the posterior pole with RPE hyperplasia and atrophic changes. An epiretinal membrane (ERM) causing fine, tortuous retinal vessels and retinal folds was observed. Green and blue excitation light fundus autofluorescence showed a biphasic appearance with hypoautofluorescent rounded lesions and a reticular configuration of normal RPE. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed diffuse hypofluorescence and hyperfluorescent wisps of leakage in late-phases. Early-phase of ICGA evidenced diffuse hypocianescence and a delineated hypercianescent scalloped margin appeared in the late-phase, together with focal hypocianescent spots. SD-OCT demonstrated irregularity of the RPE with fibrosis and hyperplastic changes combined with atrophic areas. Flat RPE detachments intermingled with healthy-appearing RPE were also observed together with thinning of the outer retina. ERM with thickening and disorganization involving the whole retina was present. Optical coherence tomography angiography (14 × 14 mm) revealed an oval shape foveal avascular zone and vascular anomalies such as tortuosity and looping. CONCLUSION URPED is an extremely rare clinical entity with only a few cases reported. In this case the almost pathognomonic differential features of URPED were best appreciated with ICGA imaging. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of URPED with these abnormal findings on ICGA meaning it could be part of the spectrum of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jose S Pulido
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Kunala K, Tang JAH, Bowles Johnson KE, Huynh KT, Parkins K, Kim HJ, Yang Q, Sparrow JR, Hunter JJ. Near Infrared Autofluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Using Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:27. [PMID: 38758638 PMCID: PMC11107951 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To demonstrate the first near-infrared adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (NIR-AOFLIO) measurements in vivo of the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cellular mosaic and to visualize lifetime changes at different retinal eccentricities. Methods NIR reflectance and autofluorescence were captured using a custom adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope in 10 healthy subjects (23-64 years old) at seven eccentricities and in two eyes with retinal abnormalities. Repeatability was assessed across two visits up to 8 weeks apart. Endogenous retinal fluorophores and hydrophobic whole retinal extracts of Abca4-/- pigmented and albino mice were imaged to probe the fluorescence origin of NIR-AOFLIO. Results The RPE mosaic was resolved at all locations in five of seven younger subjects (<35 years old). The mean lifetime across near-peripheral regions (8° and 12°) was longer compared to near-foveal regions (0° and 2°). Repeatability across two visits showed moderate to excellent correlation (intraclass correlation: 0.88 [τm], 0.75 [τ1], 0.65 [τ2], 0.98 [a1]). The mean lifetime across drusen-containing eyes was longer than in age-matched healthy eyes. Fluorescence was observed in only the extracts from pigmented Abca4-/- mouse. Conclusions NIR-AOFLIO was repeatable and allowed visualization of the RPE cellular mosaic. An observed signal in only the pigmented mouse extract infers the fluorescence signal originates predominantly from melanin. Variations observed across the retina with intermediate age-related macular degeneration suggest NIR-AOFLIO may act as a functional measure of a biomarker for in vivo monitoring of early alterations in retinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karteek Kunala
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Janet A. H. Tang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Kristen E. Bowles Johnson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Khang T. Huynh
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Hye-Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jennifer J. Hunter
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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von der Emde L, Rennen GC, Vaisband M, Hasenauer J, Liegl R, Fleckenstein M, Pfau M, Holz FG, Ach T. Impact of lens autofluorescence and opacification on retinal imaging. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2024; 9:e001628. [PMID: 38684375 PMCID: PMC11086461 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal imaging, including fundus autofluorescence (FAF), strongly depends on the clearness of the optical media. Lens status is crucial since the ageing lens has both light-blocking and autofluorescence (AF) properties that distort image analysis. Here, we report both lens opacification and AF metrics and the effect on automated image quality assessment. METHODS 227 subjects (range: 19-89 years old) received quantitative AF of the lens (LQAF), Scheimpflug, anterior chamber optical coherence tomography as well as blue/green FAF (BAF/GAF), and infrared (IR) imaging. LQAF values, the Pentacam Nucleus Staging score and the relative lens reflectivity were extracted to estimate lens opacification. Mean opinion scores of FAF and IR image quality were compiled by medical readers. A regression model for predicting image quality was developed using a convolutional neural network (CNN). Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the association of lens scores, with retinal image quality derived from human or CNN annotations. RESULTS Retinal image quality was generally high across all imaging modalities (IR (8.25±1.99) >GAF >BAF (6.6±3.13)). CNN image quality prediction was excellent (average mean absolute error (MAE) 0.9). Predictions were comparable to human grading. Overall, LQAF showed the highest correlation with image quality grading criteria for all imaging modalities (eg, Pearson correlation±CI -0.35 (-0.50 to 0.18) for BAF/LQAF). BAF image quality was most vulnerable to an increase in lenticular metrics, while IR (-0.19 (-0.38 to 0.01)) demonstrated the highest resilience. CONCLUSION The use of CNN-based retinal image quality assessment achieved excellent results. The study highlights the vulnerability of BAF to lenticular remodelling. These results can aid in the development of cut-off values for clinical studies, ensuring reliable data collection for the monitoring of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon von der Emde
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, NRW, Germany
- University of Bonn, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Geena C Rennen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, NRW, Germany
| | - Marc Vaisband
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Hasenauer
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich- German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Computational Biology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Raffael Liegl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, NRW, Germany
| | - Monika Fleckenstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, NRW, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Maximilian Pfau
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, NRW, Germany
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Mauschitz MM, Zeller M, Sagar P, Biswal S, Guzman G, Terheyden JH, Meyer CH, Holz FG, Heinz C, Pleyer U, Finger RP, Wintergerst MWM. Fundus Autofluorescence in Posterior and Panuveitis-An Under-Estimated Imaging Technique: A Review and Case Series. Biomolecules 2024; 14:515. [PMID: 38785922 PMCID: PMC11118036 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a prompt and non-invasive imaging modality helpful in detecting pathological abnormalities within the retina and the choroid. This narrative review and case series provides an overview on the current application of FAF in posterior and panuveitis. The literature was reviewed for articles on lesion characteristics on FAF of specific posterior and panuveitis entities as well as benefits and limitations of FAF for diagnosing and monitoring disease. FAF characteristics are described for non-infectious and infectious uveitis forms as well as masquerade syndromes. Dependent on the uveitis entity, FAF is of diagnostic value in detecting disease and following the clinical course. Currently available FAF modalities which differ in excitation wavelengths can provide different pathological insights depending on disease entity and activity. Further studies on the comparison of FAF modalities and their individual value for uveitis diagnosis and monitoring are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias M. Mauschitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Zeller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pradeep Sagar
- Sankara Academy of Vision, Sankara Eye Hospital Shimoga, Shimoga 577202, India; (P.S.)
| | - Suchitra Biswal
- Sankara Academy of Vision, Sankara Eye Hospital Shimoga, Shimoga 577202, India; (P.S.)
| | - Gabriela Guzman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan H. Terheyden
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Carsten H. Meyer
- Augenzentrum Grischun, 7000 Chur, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Carsten Heinz
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus-Hospital Muenster, 48145 Muenster, Germany;
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert P. Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maximilian W. M. Wintergerst
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Augenzentrum Grischun, 7000 Chur, Switzerland
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Sonntag SR, Hamann M, Seifert E, Grisanti S, Brinkmann R, Miura Y. Detection sensitivity of fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy for laser-induced selective damage of retinal pigment epithelium. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024:10.1007/s00417-024-06449-2. [PMID: 38587656 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the sensitivity of fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) to detect retinal laser spots by comparative analysis with other imaging modalities. METHODS A diode laser with a wavelength of 514 nm was applied with pulse durations of 5.2, 12, 20, and 50 µs. The laser pulse energy was increased so that the visibility of the laser spot by slit-lamp fundus examination (SL) under the irradiator's observation covers from the subvisible to visible range immediately after irradiation. The irradiated areas were then examined by fundus color photography (FC), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (AF), FLIO, and fluorescein angiography (FA). The visibility of a total of over 2200 laser spots was evaluated by two independent researchers, and effective dose (ED) 50 laser pulse energy values were calculated for each imaging modality and compared. RESULTS Among examined modalities, FA showed the lowest mean of ED50 energy value and SL the highest, that is, they had the highest and lowest sensitivity to detect retinal pigment epithalium (RPE)-selective laser spots, respectively. FLIO also detected spots significantly more sensitively than SL at most laser pulse durations and was not significantly inferior to FA. AF was also often more sensitive than SL, but the difference was slightly less significant than FLIO. CONCLUSION Considering its high sensitivity in detecting laser spots and previously reported potential of indicating local wound healing and metabolic changes around laser spots, FLIO may be useful as a non-invasive monitoring tool during and after minimally invasive retinal laser treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Rebecca Sonntag
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maximilian Hamann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Brinkmann
- Medical Laser Center Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yoko Miura
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
- Medical Laser Center Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
- Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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da Palma MM, Marra M, Igelman AD, Ku CA, Burr A, Andersen K, Everett LA, Porto FBO, Sallum JMF, Yang P, Pennesi ME. Expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of patients with HGSNAT-related retinopathy. Ophthalmic Genet 2024; 45:167-174. [PMID: 37592806 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2023.2245035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variants in HGSNAT have historically been associated with syndromic mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIC (MPSIIIC) but more recent studies demonstrate cases of HGSNAT-related non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. We describe and expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective, observational, case series of 11 patients with pericentral retinitis pigmentosa due to variants in HGSNAT gene without a syndromic diagnosis of MPSIIIC. We reviewed ophthalmologic data extracted from medical records, genetic testing, color fundus photos, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS Of the 11 patients, the mean age was 52 years (range: 26-78). The mean age of ophthalmologic symptoms onset was 45 years (range: 15-72). The visual acuity varied from 20/20 to 20/80 (mean 20/30 median 20/20). We described five novel variants in HGSNAT: c.715del (p.Arg239Alafs *37), c.118 G>A (p.Asp40Asn), c.1218_1220delinsTAT, c.1297A>G (p.Asn433Asp), and c.1726 G>T (p.Gly576*). CONCLUSIONS HGSNAT has high phenotypic heterogeneity. Data from our cohort showed that all patients who had at least one variant of c.1843 G>A (p.Ala615Thr) presented with the onset of ocular symptoms after the fourth decade of life. The two patients with onset of ocular symptoms before the fourth decade did not carry this variant. This may suggest that c.1843 G>A variant is associated with a later onset of retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matioli da Palma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Genética Ocular, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Surgery & Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Molly Marra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Austin D Igelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Cristy A Ku
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Amanda Burr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Katherine Andersen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lesley A Everett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Juliana Maria Ferraz Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Genética Ocular, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
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Fleckenstein M, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Chakravarthy U. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review. JAMA 2024; 331:147-157. [PMID: 38193957 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.26074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Importance Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects approximately 20 million people in the US and 196 million people worldwide. AMD is a leading cause of severe vision impairment in older people and is expected to affect approximately 288 million people worldwide by 2040. Observations Older age, genetic factors, and environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking, are associated with development of AMD. AMD occurs when extracellular deposits accumulate in the outer retina, ultimately leading to photoreceptor degeneration and loss of central vision. The late stages of AMD are characterized by outer retinal atrophy, termed geographic atrophy, or neovascularization associated with subretinal and/or intraretinal exudation, termed exudative neovascular AMD. The annual incidence of AMD ranges from 0.3 per 1000 in people who are aged 55 to 59 years to 36.7 per 1000 in people aged 90 years or older. The estimated heritability of late-stage AMD is approximately 71% (95% CI, 18%-88%). Long-term prospective cohort studies show a significantly higher AMD incidence in people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day compared with people who never smoked. AMD is diagnosed primarily with clinical examination that includes a special lens that focuses light of the slit lamp through the pupil. Exudative neovascular AMD is best identified using angiography and by optical coherence tomography. Individuals with AMD who take nutritional supplements consisting of high-dose vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and zinc have a 20% probability to progress to late-stage AMD at 5 years vs a 28% probability for those taking a placebo. In exudative neovascular AMD, 94.6% of patients receiving monthly intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections experience less than a 15-letter visual acuity loss after 12 months compared with 62.2% receiving sham treatment. Conclusions and Relevance The prevalence of AMD is anticipated to increase worldwide to 288 million individuals by 2040. Intravitreally administered anti-VEGF treatment is first-line therapy for exudative neovascular AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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11
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Kaushik V, Dąbrowski M, Gessa L, Kumar N, Fernandes H. Two-photon excitation fluorescence in ophthalmology: safety and improved imaging for functional diagnostics. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1293640. [PMID: 38235268 PMCID: PMC10791900 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1293640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) is emerging as a powerful imaging technique with superior penetration power in scattering media, allowing for functional imaging of biological tissues at a subcellular level. TPEF is commonly used in cancer diagnostics, as it enables the direct observation of metabolism within living cells. The technique is now widely used in various medical fields, including ophthalmology. The eye is a complex and delicate organ with multiple layers of different cell types and tissues. Although this structure is ideal for visual perception, it generates aberrations in TPEF eye imaging. However, adaptive optics can now compensate for these aberrations, allowing for improved imaging of the eyes of animal models for human diseases. The eye is naturally built to filter out harmful wavelengths, but these wavelengths can be mimicked and thereby utilized in diagnostics via two-photon (2Ph) excitation. Recent advances in laser-source manufacturing have made it possible to minimize the exposure of in vivo measurements within safety, while achieving sufficient signals to detect for functional images, making TPEF a viable option for human application. This review explores recent advances in wavefront-distortion correction in animal models and the safety of use of TPEF on human subjects, both of which make TPEF a potentially powerful tool for ophthalmological diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineeta Kaushik
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Dąbrowski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Luca Gessa
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nelam Kumar
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Humberto Fernandes
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Romano F, Cozzi E, Boon CJF, Staurenghi G, Salvetti AP. MULTIMODAL RETINAL IMAGING REVEALS NEW PATHOGENIC INSIGHTS IN CENTRAL AREOLAR CHOROIDAL DYSTROPHY: A CASE SERIES. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2024; 18:32-38. [PMID: 36731070 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000001325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe novel imaging findings in a family affected by central areolar choroidal dystrophy. METHODS Case series with multimodal retinal imaging assessment. RESULTS A 19-year-old asymptomatic woman was referred for bilateral macular defects of the retinal pigment epithelium. Blue-light autofluorescence of her right eye revealed a speckled pattern in the macular area with a ring of decreased autofluorescence using near-infrared autofluorescence. Multimodal assessment of her left eye disclosed a single parafoveal spot of decreased pigmentation that was clearly visible as hyperautofluorescent using blue-light autofluorescence and as hypoautofluorescent using near-infrared autofluorescence. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed several tiny areas of flow voids in correspondence of the retinal pigment epithelium alterations of both eyes. Three family members were recently diagnosed with presumed age-related macular degeneration and demonstrated well-demarcated areas of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy surrounded by yellowish deposits and a hypopigmented halo. Next-generation genetic analysis for inherited macular dystrophies was performed on the index case and the affected family members and revealed a p.Arg172Gln missense mutation in PRPH2 gene, leading to the diagnosis of central areolar choroidal dystrophy. CONCLUSION Multimodal imaging can reveal new pathogenic insights in central areolar choroidal dystrophy. Of notice, near-infrared autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography angiography are able to detect retinal pigment epithelium hypopigmentation and choriocapillaris rarefaction, respectively, since the earliest stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Romano
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Cozzi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Staurenghi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Paola Salvetti
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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13
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Różanowska MB. Lipofuscin, Its Origin, Properties, and Contribution to Retinal Fluorescence as a Potential Biomarker of Oxidative Damage to the Retina. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2111. [PMID: 38136230 PMCID: PMC10740933 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipofuscin accumulates with age as intracellular fluorescent granules originating from incomplete lysosomal digestion of phagocytosed and autophagocytosed material. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the current understanding of the role of oxidative stress and/or lysosomal dysfunction in lipofuscin accumulation and its consequences, particularly for retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Next, the fluorescence of lipofuscin, spectral changes induced by oxidation, and its contribution to retinal fluorescence are discussed. This is followed by reviewing recent developments in fluorescence imaging of the retina and the current evidence on the prognostic value of retinal fluorescence for the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the major blinding disease affecting elderly people in developed countries. The evidence of lipofuscin oxidation in vivo and the evidence of increased oxidative damage in AMD retina ex vivo lead to the conclusion that imaging of spectral characteristics of lipofuscin fluorescence may serve as a useful biomarker of oxidative damage, which can be helpful in assessing the efficacy of potential antioxidant therapies in retinal degenerations associated with accumulation of lipofuscin and increased oxidative stress. Finally, amendments to currently used fluorescence imaging instruments are suggested to be more sensitive and specific for imaging spectral characteristics of lipofuscin fluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata B. Różanowska
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK;
- Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER), Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
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14
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Pfau M, Künzel SH, Pfau K, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Fleckenstein M, Holz FG. Multimodal imaging and deep learning in geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 2023; 101:881-890. [PMID: 37933610 PMCID: PMC11044135 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration is among the most common causes of irreversible vision loss in industrialized countries. Recently, two therapies have been approved by the US FDA. However, given the nature of their treatment effect, which primarily involves a relative decrease in disease progression, discerning the individual treatment response at the individual level may not be readily apparent. Thus, clinical decision-making may have to rely on the quantification of the slope of GA progression before and during treatment. A panel of imaging modalities and artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms are available for such quantifications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of GA imaging, the procedures for diagnosis and classification using these images, and the cutting-edge role of AI algorithms in automatically deriving diagnostic and prognostic insights from imaging data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Pfau
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Kristina Pfau
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Monika Fleckenstein
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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15
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Cohen SY, Chowers I, Nghiem-Buffet S, Mrejen S, Souied E, Gaudric A. Subretinal autofluorescent deposits: A review and proposal for clinical classification. Surv Ophthalmol 2023; 68:1050-1070. [PMID: 37392968 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Subretinal autofluorescent deposits (SADs) may be found in the posterior pole, associated with very various conditions. These disorders usually present a typical pattern of autofluorescent lesions seen on short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence. We describe SADs according to their putative pathophysiological origin and also according to their clinical pattern, i.e., number, shape, and usual location. Five main putative pathophysiological origins of SADs were identified in disorders associated with an intrinsic impairment of phagocytosis and protein transportation, with excess of retinal pigment epithelium phagocytic capacity, with direct or indirect retinal pigment epithelium injury, and/or disorders associated with long-standing serous retinal detachment with mechanical separation between the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor outer segments. Clinically, however, they could be classified into eight subclasses of SADs, as observed on fundus autofluorescence as follows: single vitelliform macular lesion, multiple roundish or vitelliform lesions, multiple peripapillary lesions, flecked lesions, leopard-spot lesions, macular patterned lesions, patterned lesions located in the same area as the causal disorder, or nonpatterned lesions. Thus, if multimodal imaging may be required to diagnose the cause of SADs, the proposed classification based on noninvasive, widely available short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence could guide clinicians in making their diagnosis decision tree before considering the use of more invasive tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomon Yves Cohen
- Ophthalmology Center for Imaging and Laser, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France.
| | - Itay Chowers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Hospital, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Sarah Mrejen
- Ophthalmology Center for Imaging and Laser, Paris, France
| | - Eric Souied
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Alain Gaudric
- Ophthalmology Center for Imaging and Laser, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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16
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von der Emde L, Mallwitz M, Vaisband M, Hasenauer J, Saßmannshausen M, Terheyden JH, Sloan KR, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Finger RP, Holz FG, Ach T. Retest variability and patient reliability indices of quantitative fundus autofluorescence in age-related macular degeneration: a MACUSTAR study report. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17417. [PMID: 37833348 PMCID: PMC10576044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the retest variability of quantitative fundus autofluorescence (QAF) in patients with and without age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and evaluate the predictive value of patient reliability indices on retest reliability. A total of 132 eyes from 68 patients were examined, including healthy individuals and those with various stages of AMD. Duplicate QAF imaging was conducted at baseline and 2 weeks later across six study sites. Intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis was used to evaluate the consistency of imaging, and mean opinion scores (MOS) of image quality were generated by two researchers. The contribution of MOS and other factors to retest variation was assessed using mixed-effect linear models. Additionally, a Random Forest Regressor was trained to evaluate the extent to which manual image grading of image quality could be replaced by automated assessment (inferred MOS). The results showed that ICC values were high for all QAF images, with slightly lower values in AMD-affected eyes. The average inter-day ICC was found to be 0.77 for QAF segments within the QAF8 ring and 0.74 for peripheral segments. Image quality was predicted with a mean absolute error of 0.27 on a 5-point scale, and of all evaluated reliability indices, MOS/inferred MOS proved most important. The findings suggest that QAF allows for reliable testing of autofluorescence levels at the posterior pole in patients with AMD in a multicenter, multioperator setting. Patient reliability indices could serve as eligibility criteria for clinical trials, helping identify patients with adequate retest reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon von der Emde
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Merten Mallwitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc Vaisband
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jan Hasenauer
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Helmholtz Center Munich-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Computational Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marlene Saßmannshausen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Henrik Terheyden
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kenneth R Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, AL, USA
| | | | - Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Straße 2, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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17
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Yang TH, Kang EYC, Lin PH, Wu PL, Sachs JA, Wang NK. The Value of Electroretinography in Identifying Candidate Genes for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: A Diagnostic Guide. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3041. [PMID: 37835784 PMCID: PMC10572658 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases caused by genetic mutations that specifically affect the function of the rod, cone, or bipolar cells in the retina. Electroretinography (ERG) is a diagnostic tool that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light stimuli, and it can help to determine the function of these cells. A normal ERG response consists of two waves, the a-wave and the b-wave, which reflect the activity of the photoreceptor cells and the bipolar and Muller cells, respectively. Despite the growing availability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, identifying the precise genetic mutation causing an IRD can be challenging and costly. However, certain types of IRDs present with unique ERG features that can help guide genetic testing. By combining these ERG findings with other clinical information, such as on family history and retinal imaging, physicians can effectively narrow down the list of candidate genes to be sequenced, thereby reducing the cost of genetic testing. This review article focuses on certain types of IRDs with unique ERG features. We will discuss the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of, and ERG findings on, these disorders, emphasizing the unique role ERG plays in their diagnosis and genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Hsuan Yang
- Department of Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin 640203, Taiwan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Pei-Liang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jacob Aaron Sachs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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18
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Jiang Z, Ji H, Zhang N, Huang L, Dong J. Case Report: Multimode Imaging of Chronic Syphilitic Chorioretinitis. Optom Vis Sci 2023; 100:645-653. [PMID: 37585871 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The clinical manifestations of ocular syphilis may mimic those of other diseases, which may result in a missed diagnosis and delayed treatment. PURPOSE We describe multimodal imaging findings and treatment outcomes of a patient with chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis. CASE REPORT A 40-year-old male patient complained of progressive decreased visual acuity of his left eye for more than 1 year. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 3/50 in the left eye. Relative afferent pupillary defect and 1+ vitreous cells were detected in the left eye. The authors performed fundus examination, fluorescence angiography, ultrawide-field fundus autofluorescence, structure optical coherence tomography, wide-field montage optical coherence tomography angiography, and visual field. Laboratory tests including a toluidine red unheated serum test (1:32) and the Treponema pallidum antibody (9.01S/CO) showed positive results. Chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis was diagnosed in both eyes. The patient was admitted for administration of intravenous penicillin G for 14 days, followed by intramuscular benzathine penicillin G weekly for three doses. Six months after treatment, the toluidine red unheated serum test ratio had decreased to 1:2 (positive). The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 6/20 in the left eye. The reexamination results showed that the ocular structure and capillaris flow partially recovered. CONCLUSIONS Chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis profoundly affects the structure of the retina and choroid; however, eyes may partially recover after an effective treatment. Ultrawide-field imaging technology has several advantages, such as broader imaging field and more details provided, in determining syphilis-induced ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiying Ji
- Department of Laboratory, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Murro V, Banfi S, Testa F, Iarossi G, Falsini B, Sodi A, Signorini S, Iolascon A, Russo R, Mucciolo DP, Caputo R, Bacci GM, Bargiacchi S, Turco S, Fortini S, Simonelli F. A multidisciplinary approach to inherited retinal dystrophies from diagnosis to initial care: a narrative review with inputs from clinical practice. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:223. [PMID: 37525225 PMCID: PMC10388566 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-syndromic inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) such as retinitis pigmentosa or Leber congenital amaurosis generally manifest between early childhood and late adolescence, imposing profound long-term impacts as a result of vision impairment or blindness. IRDs are highly heterogeneous, with often overlapping symptoms among different IRDs, and achieving a definite diagnosis is challenging. This narrative review provides a clinical overview of the non-syndromic generalized photoreceptor dystrophies, particularly retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. The clinical investigations and genetic testing needed to establish a diagnosis are outlined, and current management approaches are discussed, focusing on the importance of the involvement of an interdisciplinary team from diagnosis and initial care to long-term follow-up and support. RESULTS The effective management of IRDs requires a multidisciplinary, and ideally interdisciplinary, team of experts knowledgeable about IRDs, with experienced professionals from fields as diverse as ophthalmology, neuropsychiatry, psychology, neurology, genetics, orthoptics, developmental therapy, typhlology, occupational therapy, otolaryngology, and orientation and mobility specialties. Accurate clinical diagnosis encompasses a range of objective and subjective assessments as a prerequisite for the genetic testing essential in establishing an accurate diagnosis necessary for the effective management of IRDs, particularly in the era of gene therapies. Improvements in genome sequencing techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, have greatly facilitated the complex process of determining IRD-causing gene variants and establishing a molecular diagnosis. Genetic counseling is essential to help the individual and their family understand the condition, the potential risk for offspring, and the implications of a diagnosis on visual prognosis and treatment options. Psychological support for patients and caregivers is important at all stages of diagnosis, care, and rehabilitation and is an essential part of the multidisciplinary approach to managing IRDs. Effective communication throughout is essential, and the patient and caregivers' needs and expectations must be acknowledged and discussed. CONCLUSION As IRDs can present at an early age, clinicians need to be aware of the clinical signs suggesting visual impairment and follow up with multidisciplinary support for timely diagnoses to facilitate appropriate therapeutic or rehabilitation intervention to minimize vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Murro
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Eye Clinic, Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Iarossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sodi
- Eye Clinic, Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS, Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Achille Iolascon
- Medical Genetics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Pasquale Mucciolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, San Jacopo Hospital, Pistoia, Italy
| | - Roberto Caputo
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, A. Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Giacomo Maria Bacci
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, A. Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Bargiacchi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Turco
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italy Onlus, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Fortini
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italy Onlus, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Birtel J, Bauer T, Pauleikhoff L, Rüber T, Gliem M, Charbel Issa P. Fundus autofluorescence imaging using red excitation light. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9916. [PMID: 37336979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36217-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal disease accounts significantly for visual impairment and blindness. An important role in the pathophysiology of retinal disease and aging is attributed to lipofuscin, a complex of fluorescent metabolites. Fundus autofluorescence (AF) imaging allows non-invasive mapping of lipofuscin and is a key technology to diagnose and monitor retinal disease. However, currently used short-wavelength (SW) excitation light has several limitations, including glare and discomfort during image acquisition, reduced image quality in case of lens opacities, limited visualization of the central retina, and potential retinal light toxicity. Here, we establish a novel imaging modality which uses red excitation light (R-AF) and overcomes these drawbacks. R-AF images are high-quality, high-contrast fundus images and image interpretation may build on clinical experience due to similar appearance of pathology as on SW-AF images. Additionally, R-AF images may uncover disease features that previously remained undetected. The R-AF signal increases with higher abundance of lipofuscin and does not depend on photopigment bleaching or on the amount of macular pigment. Improved patient comfort, limited effect of cataract on image quality, and lack of safety concerns qualify R-AF for routine clinical monitoring, e.g. for patients with age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, or for quantitative analysis of AF signal intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Birtel
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bauer
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Theodor Rüber
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Gliem
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Azzolini C, Di Nicola M, Pozzo Giuffrida F, Cappelli F, Bellina C, Viola F, Chelazzi P. Retromode Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy for Choroidal Nevi: A Preliminary Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1253. [PMID: 37374036 DOI: 10.3390/life13061253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to document pathological findings on retromode imaging in choroidal nevi and evaluate its diagnostic validity, using the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope Nidek Mirante (cSLO). A total of 41 choroidal nevi from 41 patients were included. All patients underwent multicolor fundus (mCF), infrared reflectance (IR), green fundus autofluorescence (FAF), dark-field (DF) and retromode (RM) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. We investigated retromode images to evaluate choroidal nevus features by comparing the results with those of mCF, IR, FAF, DF and OCT. In 100% of available images, retromode scanning laser ophthalmoscopy was able to detect choroidal nevi with a characteristic "hypo-retro-reflective" pattern, even the cases not visible on mCF, IR and FAF images. It also made it possible to delineate the margins of lesions with the highest rate of sharpness and accuracy among the imaging modalities examined. These findings seem to demonstrate how RM-SLO is an innovative diagnostic tool to detect and follow up choroidal nevi in a fast, reliable and non-invasive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Azzolini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istituto Clinico Città Studi, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Di Nicola
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami 33136, FL, USA
| | - Francesco Pozzo Giuffrida
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Ophthalmological Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Cappelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istituto Clinico Città Studi, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Bellina
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istituto Clinico Città Studi, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Ophthalmological Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Chelazzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istituto Clinico Città Studi, 20131 Milan, Italy
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Muchuchuti S, Viriri S. Retinal Disease Detection Using Deep Learning Techniques: A Comprehensive Review. J Imaging 2023; 9:84. [PMID: 37103235 PMCID: PMC10145952 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of people are affected by retinal abnormalities worldwide. Early detection and treatment of these abnormalities could arrest further progression, saving multitudes from avoidable blindness. Manual disease detection is time-consuming, tedious and lacks repeatability. There have been efforts to automate ocular disease detection, riding on the successes of the application of Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs) and vision transformers (ViTs) for Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD). These models have performed well, however, there remain challenges owing to the complex nature of retinal lesions. This work reviews the most common retinal pathologies, provides an overview of prevalent imaging modalities and presents a critical evaluation of current deep-learning research for the detection and grading of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, Age-Related Macular Degeneration and multiple retinal diseases. The work concluded that CAD, through deep learning, will increasingly be vital as an assistive technology. As future work, there is a need to explore the potential impact of using ensemble CNN architectures in multiclass, multilabel tasks. Efforts should also be expended on the improvement of model explainability to win the trust of clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serestina Viriri
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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23
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Noji S, Mizuno M, Inoue M, Koto T, Hirakata A. Characteristics of subretinal particles detected after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:115. [PMID: 36959557 PMCID: PMC10035235 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-02865-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the incidence and characteristics of the multiple subretinal particles (SRPs) present after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS The medical records of 224 eyes of 224 patients that underwent PPV for RRD were reviewed. The presence of SRPs in the subretinal fluid blebs and the presence of subretinal deposits were determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). The characteristics of the FAF and infrared reflectance (IR) images of a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in eyes with SRPs (SRPs group) were compared to that of eyes without SRPs (control group). RESULTS SRPs were observed in 27 eyes (12%), and they were completely resolved in 20 eyes (74%) after 6 months. The incidence of macula-off RRD (85%) and preoperative precipitates (41%) were significantly higher in the SRPs group than that in the control group (64%, P = 0.046; 12%, P = 0.002). The axial length was significantly shorter in the SRPs group than that in the control group (25.04 ± 1.54 mm, 26.00 ± 1.78 mm, P = 0.012). The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.702, P = 0.337). The subretinal fluid bleb determined by OCT were hyperfluorescent in the FAF images in 24 eyes (89%), and the subretinal deposits were hypofluorescent with solid appearance by OCT other than fluid in 3 eyes (11%). The hypofluorescent subretinal deposits in the FAF images were bright in the IR images in 2 eyes. CONCLUSIONS The SRPs consist of lipofuscin-related hyperfluorescent subretinal fluid and the subretinal deposits containing bright IR melanin particles of proliferating retinal pigment epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Noji
- Kyorin Eye Center, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Masaharu Mizuno
- Kyorin Eye Center, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Makoto Inoue
- Kyorin Eye Center, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan.
| | - Takashi Koto
- Kyorin Eye Center, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Akito Hirakata
- Kyorin Eye Center, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
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Characterization of Spontaneous Melanization by Fluorescence Spectroscopy: A Basis for Analytical Application to Biological Substrates. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030433. [PMID: 36979125 PMCID: PMC10044826 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Melanin is present in various biological substrates where it may participate in several processes, from innate immunity to the still-unsolved opposite roles in antioxidant protection, including photoprotection and the related ability to interact with light. Melanin–light interaction has also been an important source of inspiration for the development of innovative bioengineering applications. These are based on melanin’s light-energy-absorption ability of its chemically and structurally complex components and precursors, and on the improvement in analytical and diagnostic procedures in biomedicine. In this regard, here, we characterized the fluorescence spectral properties of melanin and of its precursor L-tyrosine in an aqueous solution during spontaneous melanization. Besides the confirmation of the typical fluorescence-emission signature of melanin and L-tyrosine, we provide additional insights on both emission and excitation spectra recorded during melanization. On these bases, we performed a subsequent characterization on the aqueous extracts from two different melanin-containing biological substrates, namely hairs from a domestic black cat and eggs from the Asian tiger mosquito. The results from the mild extraction procedure, purposely applied to obtain only the soluble components, combined with fluorescence spectral analysis are expected to promote further investigation of the melanization processes, particularly in insects.
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Retinal Pigment Epithelial Abnormality and Choroidal Large Vascular Flow Imbalance Are Associated with Choriocapillaris Flow Deficits in Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Fellow Eyes. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041360. [PMID: 36835897 PMCID: PMC9965486 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Choriocapillaris flow deficits detected on optical coherence tomography angiographs were retrospectively analyzed. In 38 age-related macular degeneration (AMD) fellow eyes, without fundus findings (26 men, 71.7 ± 1.9 years old), and 22 control eyes (11 men, 69.4 ± 1.8), the choriocapillaris flow area (CCFA) ratio and coefficient of variation (CV) of the CCFA ratio (which represented the heterogeneity of the ratio), negatively and positively correlated with age (all p < 0.01), respectively. Moreover, the respective mean values were lower (p = 0.0031) and greater (p = 0.002) in AMD fellow eyes than in the control eyes. The high-risk condition of AMD fellow eyes was defined by a CCFA ratio <58.5%, and the CV of the CCFA ratio ≥0.165 (odds ratio (OR), 5.408; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.117-21.118, p = 0.035, after adjusting for age and sex) was related to the presence of fundus autofluorescence abnormality (OR, 16.440; 95% CI, 1.262-214.240; p = 0.033) and asymmetrically dilated choroidal large vasculature (OR, 4.176; 95% CI, 1.057-16.503; p = 0.042), after adjusting for age and sex. The presence of fundus autofluorescence abnormality indicated a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormality. The RPE volume was reduced in the latter eye group, particularly in the thinner choroidal vasculature. In addition to aging, RPE abnormality and choroidal large vascular flow imbalances were associated with exacerbated heterogeneous choriocapillaris flow deficits in AMD fellow eyes without macular neovascularization.
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Nutrition-induced macular-degeneration-like photoreceptor damage in jumping spider eyes. Vision Res 2023; 206:108185. [PMID: 36758462 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in humans. Despite its prevalence and medical significance, many aspects of AMD remain elusive and treatment options are limited. Here, we present data that suggest jumping spiders offer a unique opportunity for understanding the fundamentals underlying retinal degeneration, thereby shedding light on a process that impacts millions of people globally. Using a micro-ophthalmoscope and histological evidence, we demonstrate that significant photoreceptor damage can occur during development in the image-forming anterior lateral eyes of the jumping spider Phidippus audax. Furthermore, we find that this photoreceptor degeneration is exacerbated by inadequate nutrition and is most prevalent in the high-density region of the retina, like AMD in humans. This suggests that similar to those in vertebrates, the retinas in P. audax are challenged to meet high-energy cellular demands.
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Dhooge PPA, Möller PT, Meland N, Stingl K, Boon CJF, Lotery AJ, Parodi MB, Herrmann P, Klein W, Fsadni MG, Wheeler-Schilling TH, Holz FG, Hoyng CB, Schmitz-Valckenberg S. Repeatability of Quantitative Autofluorescence Imaging in a Multicenter Study Involving Patients With Recessive Stargardt Disease 1. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 36723966 PMCID: PMC9904328 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study assesses the repeatability of quantitative autofluorescence (qAF) in a multicenter setting and evaluates qAF as the end point for clinical trials in recessive Stargardt disease 1 (STGD1). Methods A total of 102 patients with STGD1 underwent qAF imaging as part of the Stargardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT; EudraCT No. 2018-001496-20). For 166 eyes, we obtained qAF imaging at 2 visits, with 2 recordings per visit. The qAF8 values were independently determined by the study site and a central reading center. Intra- and inter-visit reproducibility, as well as interobserver (study site versus reading center) reproducibility were obtained using intraclass correlation (ICC), one-sample t-test, and Bland-Altman coefficient of repeatability. Results The qAF repeatability was ± 26.1% for intra-visit, ± 40.5% for inter-visit, and ± 20.2% for the interobserver reproducibility measures. Intra-visit repeatability was good to excellent for all sites (ICC of 0.88-0.96). Variability between visits was higher with an overall ICC of 0.76 (0.69-0.81). We observed no significant difference in qAF values across sites between visits (7.06 ± 93.33, P = 0.238). Conclusions Real-life test-retest variability of qAF is higher in this set of data than previously reported in single center settings. With improved operator training and by selecting the better of two recordings for evaluation, qAF serves as a useful method for assessing changes in autofluorescence signal. Translational Relevance The qAF can be adopted as a clinical trial end point, but steps to counterbalance variability should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patty P. A. Dhooge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Philipp T. Möller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,GRADE Reading Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nils Meland
- SMERUD Medical Research International AS, Thunes vei 2, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katarina Stingl
- Univeristy Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands,Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Philipp Herrmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Mario G. Fsadni
- Katairo GmbH, Kusterdingen, Germany,International Pharm-Med Ltd., Bramhall, UK
| | | | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,GRADE Reading Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,GRADE Reading Center, Bonn, Germany,John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Dysli C, Dysli M, Wolf S, Zinkernagel M. Fluorescence lifetime distribution in phakic and pseudophakic healthy eyes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279158. [PMID: 36608033 PMCID: PMC9821472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the influence of the lens status and to describe fundus autofluorescence lifetimes (FLT) in a large cohort of healthy eyes across a wide age range. MATERIALS AND METHODS FLT data were acquired from healthy phakic and pseudophakic eyes using fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). Retinal autofluorescence was excited with a 473 nm laser and emitted autofluorescence was detected in a short and a long spectral channel (SSC: 498-560 nm; LSC: 560-720 nm). RESULTS 141 healthy eyes from 141 participants (56 ± 18 years) were included. The shortest mean FLTs were measured within the macular center, followed by the temporal inner and outer ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) grid segments, and the remaining areas of the inner and the outer ETDRS ring. In phakic participants (81%), mean, short and long FLTs correlated with the age (SSC: r2 = 0.54; LSC: r2 = 0.7; both p<0.0001) with an increase of about 33 ps in the SSC resp. 28 ps in the LSC per decade. In pseudophakic subjects (19%), mean FLTs only correlated with age in the long spectral channel (r2 = 0.44; p = 0.0002) but not in the short spectral channel (r2 = 0.066; p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS Fundus autofluorescence lifetimes are age dependent. FLTs in the SSC are more susceptible to lens opacities but less dependent on age changes, whereas FLTs in the LSC are largely independent of the lens status but display a higher degree of age dependency. STUDY REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01981148.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Arrigo A, Aragona E, Battaglia Parodi M, Bandello F. Quantitative approaches in multimodal fundus imaging: State of the art and future perspectives. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101111. [PMID: 35933313 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
When it first appeared, multimodal fundus imaging revolutionized the diagnostic workup and provided extremely useful new insights into the pathogenesis of fundus diseases. The recent addition of quantitative approaches has further expanded the amount of information that can be obtained. In spite of the growing interest in advanced quantitative metrics, the scientific community has not reached a stable consensus on repeatable, standardized quantitative techniques to process and analyze the images. Furthermore, imaging artifacts may considerably affect the processing and interpretation of quantitative data, potentially affecting their reliability. The aim of this survey is to provide a comprehensive summary of the main multimodal imaging techniques, covering their limitations as well as their strengths. We also offer a thorough analysis of current quantitative imaging metrics, looking into their technical features, limitations, and interpretation. In addition, we describe the main imaging artifacts and their potential impact on imaging quality and reliability. The prospect of increasing reliance on artificial intelligence-based analyses suggests there is a need to develop more sophisticated quantitative metrics and to improve imaging technologies, incorporating clear, standardized, post-processing procedures. These measures are becoming urgent if these analyses are to cross the threshold from a research context to real-life clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arrigo
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Aragona
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Battaglia Parodi
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Choosing the Probe for Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314949. [PMID: 36499276 PMCID: PMC9735909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Probe choice in single-molecule microscopy requires deeper evaluations than those adopted for less sensitive fluorescence microscopy studies. Indeed, fluorophore characteristics can alter or hide subtle phenomena observable at the single-molecule level, wasting the potential of the sophisticated instrumentation and algorithms developed for advanced single-molecule applications. There are different reasons for this, linked, e.g., to fluorophore aspecific interactions, brightness, photostability, blinking, and emission and excitation spectra. In particular, these spectra and the excitation source are interdependent, and the latter affects the autofluorescence of sample substrate, medium, and/or biological specimen. Here, we review these and other critical points for fluorophore selection in single-molecule microscopy. We also describe the possible kinds of fluorophores and the microscopy techniques based on single-molecule fluorescence. We explain the importance and impact of the various issues in fluorophore choice, and discuss how this can become more effective and decisive for increasingly demanding experiments in single- and multiple-color applications.
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Cejudo RM, Marchite CB, Morán TP, Piqueras SC. Comparison between standard and wide-field autofluorescence in detection of retinal displacement after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2022; 2:100076. [PMID: 37846288 PMCID: PMC10577850 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2022.100076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To analyse the differences between 30° blue autofluorescence (BAF30), 55° blue autofluorescence (BAF55) and 200° green Ultra-Wide Field autofluorescence (UWF200) imaging to detect retinal displacement (RD) after vitrectomy surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods This cross-sectional study considers forty-nine consecutive patients who underwent RRD surgery in the time period 4-8 months previous to image acquisition. The exclusion criteria contemplate previous retinal pathology, under 18-year-olds and non-assessable images in any of the 3 devices. These images were analysed by two masked graders that assessed either the presence or absence of retinal displacement. A third observer reviewed the images that presented discordance. Results A total of forty-nine patients were analysed. 7 eyes were excluded due to poor quality in either of the imaging modalities. The final analysis included 42 eyes of forty-two patients with a mean age of 60.3 ± 11.9 years. All patients underwent a 3 port 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy as the technique of choice. Any grade of RD was detectable in 45.2% of images. It was similar between BAF30 and UWF200 (42.9% of eyes). BAF55 showed RD to a lesser extent (38.1%). Agreement index between BAF30 and BAF55 was 0.901, 0.903 between BAF30 and UWF200 and 0.803 between BAF55 and UWF200. Kappa agreement index between graders was 0.775 for BAF30, 0.798 for BAF50 and 0.808 for UWF200 images. Conclusions All imaging modalities were able to detect RD after vitrectomy for RRD, with no inferiority of BAF30 and BAF55 over UWF200.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Maroto Cejudo
- Retina Department, Service of Ophthalmology, Albacete University Complex, Albacete, Spain
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Muni RH, Lee WW, Bansal A, Ramachandran A, Hillier RJ. A paradigm shift in retinal detachment repair: The concept of integrity. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101079. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Berlin A, Clark ME, Swain TA, Fischer NA, McGwin G, Sloan KR, Owsley C, Curcio CA. Impact of the Aging Lens and Posterior Capsular Opacification on Quantitative Autofluorescence Imaging in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:23. [PMID: 36239964 PMCID: PMC9586138 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.10.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate quantitative autofluorescence (qAF8) in patients with and without early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD); to determine the impact of the aged crystalline lens and posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Methods In phakic and pseudophakic eyes ≥60 years, AMD status was determined by the Beckman system. PCO presence and severity was extracted from clinical records. qAF8 was calculated using custom FIJI plugins. Differences in qAF8, stratified by lens status, PCO severity, and AMD status, were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results In 210 eyes of 115 individuals (mean age = 75.7 ± 6.6 years), qAF8 was lower in intermediate AMD compared to early AMD (P = 0.05). qAF8 did not differ between phakic and pseudophakic eyes (P = 0.8909). In phakic (n = 83) and pseudophakic (n = 127) eyes considered separately, qAF8 did not differ by AMD status (P = 0.0936 and 0.3494, respectively). Qualitative review of qAF images in phakic eyes illustrated high variability. In pseudophakic eyes, qAF8 did not differ with PCO present versus absent (54.5% vs. 45.5%). Review of implanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) revealed that 43.9% were blue-filter IOLs. Conclusions qAF8 was not associated with AMD status, up to intermediate AMD, considering only pseudophakic eyes to avoid noisy images in phakic eyes. In pseudophakic eyes, qAF8 was not affected by PCO. Because blue-filter IOLs may reduce levels of exciting light for qAF8, future studies investigating qAF in eyes with different IOL types are needed. Translational Relevance To reduce variability in observational studies and clinical trials requiring qAF8, pseudophakic participants without blue-filter IOLs or advanced PCO should be preferentially enrolled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Berlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mark E. Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Thomas A. Swain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nathan A. Fischer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kenneth R. Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Christine A. Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Association of Fundus Autofluorescence Abnormalities and Pachydrusen in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185340. [PMID: 36142987 PMCID: PMC9500611 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A specific form of drusen, known as pachydrusen, has been demonstrated to be associated with pachychoroid eye diseases, such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). These pachydrusen have been found in up to 50% of eyes with CSC and PCV and may affect the disease progression and treatment response. This study aims to investigate the association between pachydrusen and changes in fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in eyes with CSC and PCV. A total of 65 CSC patients and 32 PCV patients were evaluated. Pachydrusen were detected using both color fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The relationships between pachydrusen and FAF changes were then investigated. The prevalence of pachydrusen in CSC and PCV eyes was 16.7% and 61.8%, respectively. The mean age of patients with pachydrusen was significantly older than those without pachydrusen (CSC: 56.3 vs. 45.0 years, p < 0.001; PCV: 68.8 vs. 59.5 years, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness between eyes with or without pachydrusen. Eyes with pachydrusen were significantly associated with more extensive FAF changes in both CSC and PCV (p < 0.001 and p = 0.037, respectively). The study demonstrated that pachydrusen are more prevalent in PCV than CSC. Increasing age and more extensive abnormalities in FAF are associated with the presence of pachydrusen, suggesting that dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial cells is associated with pachydrusen.
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Ratra D, Ozdek S, Raviselvan M, Elchuri S, Sharma T. Approach to inherited retinal diseases. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:2305-2315. [PMID: 35791111 PMCID: PMC9426075 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_314_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of phenotypically diverse disorders with varied genetic mutations, which result in retinal degeneration leading to visual impairment. When a patient presents to a clinician who is not an IRD expert, establishing a correct diagnosis can be challenging. The patient and the family members are often anxious about further vision loss. They are eager to know the prognosis and chance of further worsening of the vision. It is important for every eye specialist to educate himself/herself about the basics of IRD. It would help to familiarize oneself about how to approach a patient with an IRD. An early and accurate diagnosis can help predict the vision loss and also help the patient plan his/her education and choose appropriate career choices. An updated knowledge about the genetic mutations, mode of inheritance, and possible therapies would empower the eye specialist to help his/her patients. This article gives a broad plan of how to approach a patient with IRD with regards to characterization and diagnosis of the disorder, visual rehabilitation, and possible therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanashree Ratra
- Department of Vitreoretinal Diseases, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sengul Ozdek
- School of Medicine, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Munispriyan Raviselvan
- Department of Vitreoretinal Diseases, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sailaja Elchuri
- Department of Nanotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tarun Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Kotnala A, Senthilkumari S, Wu G, Stewart TG, Curcio CA, Halder N, Singh SB, Kumar A, Velpandian T. Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Human Donor Eyes Contains Higher Levels of Bisretinoids Including A2E in Periphery than Macula. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:6. [PMID: 35671050 PMCID: PMC9187938 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.6.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose With age, human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) accumulates bisretinoid fluorophores that may impact cellular function and contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bisretinoids are comprised of a central pyridinium, dihydropyridinium, or cyclohexadiene ring. The pyridinium bisretinoid A2E has been extensively studied, and its quantity in the macula has been questioned. Age-changes and distributions of other bisretinoids are not well characterized. We measured levels of three bisretinoids and oxidized A2E in macula and periphery in human donor eyes of different ages. Methods Eyes (N = 139 donors, 61 women and 78 men, aged 40–80 years) were dissected into 8 mm diameter macular and temporal periphery punches. Using liquid chromatography – electrospray ionization – mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and an authentic synthesized standard, we quantified A2E (ng). Using LC-ESI-MS and a 50-eye-extract of A2E, we semiquantified A2E and 3 other compounds (eye extract equivalent units [EEEUs): A2-glycerophosphoethanolamine (A2GPE), dihydropyridine phosphatidyl ethanolamine (A2DHPE), and monofuranA2E (MFA2E). Results A2E quantities in ng and EEEUs were highly correlated (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). From 262 eyes, 5 to 9-fold higher levels were observed in the peripheral retina than in the macula for all assayed compounds. A2E, A2DHPE, and MFA2E increased with age, whereas A2GPE remained unaffected. No significant right-left or male-female differences were detected. Conclusions Significantly higher levels were observed in the periphery than in the macula for all assayed compounds signifying biologic differences between these regions. Levels of oxidized A2E parallel native A2E and not the distribution of retinal illuminance. Data will assist with the interpretion of clinical trial outcomes of agents targeting bisretinoid-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Kotnala
- Ocular Pharmacology & Pharmacy Division, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Srinivasan Senthilkumari
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation (AMRF), Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, #1, Anna Nagar, Madurai -20, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Gong Wu
- Department of Biostatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Thomas G Stewart
- Department of Biostatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Christine A Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Nabanita Halder
- Ocular Pharmacology & Pharmacy Division, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Atul Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Thirumurthy Velpandian
- Ocular Pharmacology & Pharmacy Division, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Blue-light fundus autofluorescence imaging of pigment epithelial detachments. Eye (Lond) 2022; 37:1191-1201. [PMID: 35581370 PMCID: PMC10102186 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) occur in association with various chorioretinal diseases. With respect to the broad clinical spectrum of PEDs we describe fundus autofluorescence (FAF) characteristics of PEDs. METHODS Ninety-three eyes of 66 patients (mean age 71.9 ± 11.1) with uni- or bilateral PED ( ≥ 350 µm) were included in a retrospective cross-sectional study. PEDs were secondary to age-related macular degeneration (n = 79), central serous chorioretinopathy (n = 7), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (n = 2), pattern dystrophy (n = 3) or idiopathic PED (n = 2). FAF images were recorded using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (488 nm excitation wavelength, detection of emission >500 nm). Diagnosis of PED was confirmed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A qualitative FAF grading system was established, and grading was performed by two independent readers. RESULTS PEDs showed highly variable characteristics on FAF imaging. FAF within the area of PED was found to be irregular/granular (n = 59, 63.4%), increased (n = 28, 30.1%), decreased (n = 3, 3.2 %), or normal (n = 3, 3.2%). Accompanying FAF changes included condensation of macular pigment (n = 67, 72.0%), focally increased FAF at the PED apex (n = 14, 15.1%) or elsewhere (n = 52, 55.9%), focally decreased FAF (n = 23, 24.7%), a cartwheel-like pattern (n = 10, 10.8%), a doughnut sign (n = 6, 6.5%), and a halo of decreased FAF encircling the PED (completely n = 20, 21.5% or incompletely n = 20, 21.5%). CONCLUSIONS PEDs show a variety of abnormal patterns on FAF imaging. These changes in FAF signals may be secondary to morphological and metabolic alterations within corresponding retinal layers and do not necessarily correspond with the underlying PED subtype or a specific pathology.
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Sakti DH, Ali H, Korsakova M, Saakova N, Mustafic N, Fraser CL, Jamieson RV, Cornish EE, Grigg JR. Electronegative electroretinogram in the modern multimodal imaging era. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:429-440. [PMID: 35212129 PMCID: PMC9544723 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The electronegative electroretinogram (ERG) reflecting inner retinal dysfunction can assist as a diagnostic tool to determine the anatomical location in eye disease. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and aetiology of electronegative ERG in a tertiary ophthalmology centre and to develop a clinical algorithm to assist patient management. Methods Retrospective review of ERGs performed at the Save Sight Institute from January 2011 to December 2020. ERGs were performed according to ISCEV standard. The b:a ratio was analysed in dark adapted (DA) 3.0 or 12.0 recordings. Patients with ratio of ≤1.0 were included. Results A total of 4421 patients had ERGs performed during study period, of which 139 patients (3.1%) had electronegative ERG. The electronegative ERG patients' median age at referral time was 37 (0.7–90.6) years. The causative aetiologies were photoreceptor dystrophy (48, 34.5%), Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) (33, 23.7%), retinal ischemia (18, 12.9%), retinoschisis (15, 10.8%), paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy (PAIR) and nonPAIR (14, 10.1%), batten disease (4, 2.9%), and inflammatory retinopathy (4, 2.9%). There were three patients with an unclassified diagnosis. Thirty‐two patients (23%) had good vision and a normal fundus appearance. Eleven patients (7.9%) had good vision and normal results in all multimodal imaging. Conclusions The frequency of electronegative ERG in our referral centre was 3.1% with photoreceptor dystrophy as the main aetiology. A significant number of the cases had good vision with normal fundus or normal multimodal imaging. This further highlights the value of an ERG in this modern multimodal imaging era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhimas H. Sakti
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta Indonesia
| | - Haipha Ali
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Maria Korsakova
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Nonna Saakova
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Nina Mustafic
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Clare L. Fraser
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Robyn V. Jamieson
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Specialty of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Sydney Children's Hospital Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Elisa E. Cornish
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - John R. Grigg
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Bindewald-Wittich A, Holz FG, Ach T, Fiorentzis M, Bechrakis NE, Willerding GD. Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging in Patients with Choroidal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071809. [PMID: 35406581 PMCID: PMC8997882 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The ocular fundus contains molecules that emit fluorescence when excited with light of an appropriate wavelength. Fundus autofluorescence imaging is based on the in vivo detection of intrinsic fluorescence and results in topographic autofluorescence mapping of the ocular fundus. In contrast to fluorescence angiography, where the fluorescing agents need to be administered intravenously, autofluorescence imaging is a non-invasive technique. Even though choroidal melanomas do not contain significant autofluorescent molecules themselves, they may lead to secondary alterations in neighbouring tissues with an impact on the autofluorescence signal recording. Fundus autofluorescence imaging in the context of choroidal melanoma is helpful for differential diagnosis and for monitoring variations over time in affected patients before and after treatment. Abstract Choroidal melanocytic lesions require reliable and precise clinical examination and diagnosis to differentiate benign choroidal nevi from choroidal melanoma, as the latter may become life-threatening through metastatic disease. To come to an accurate diagnosis, as well as for monitoring, and to assess the efficacy of therapy, various imaging modalities may be used, one of which is non-invasive fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging using novel high-resolution digital imaging technology. FAF imaging is based on the visualization of intrinsic fluorophores in the ocular fundus. Lipofuscin and melanolipofuscin within the postmitotic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells represent the major fluorophores that contribute to the FAF signal. In addition, the presence or loss of absorbing molecular constituents may have an impact on the FAF signal. A choroidal melanoma can cause secondary retinal and RPE alterations that affect the FAF signal (e.g., occurrence of orange pigment). Therefore, FAF imaging supports multimodal imaging and gives additional information over and above conventional imaging modalities regarding retinal metabolism and RPE health status. This article summarises the features of FAF imaging and the role of FAF imaging in the context of choroidal melanoma, both before and following therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almut Bindewald-Wittich
- Augenkompetenz Zentren Heidenheim, 89518 Heidenheim, Germany
- Augenkompetenz Zentren Bopfingen, 73441 Bopfingen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.H.); (T.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.H.); (T.A.)
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.G.H.); (T.A.)
| | - Miltiadis Fiorentzis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (M.F.); (N.E.B.)
| | - Nikolaos E. Bechrakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (M.F.); (N.E.B.)
| | - Gregor D. Willerding
- Department of Ophthalmology, DRK Kliniken Berlin Westend, 14050 Berlin, Germany;
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Zhou F, Wang X, Wang G, Zuo Y. A Rapid Method for Detecting Microplastics Based on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Technology (FLIM). TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10030118. [PMID: 35324743 PMCID: PMC8951726 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10030118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing use and release of plastic products, microplastics have rapidly accumulated in ecological environments. When microplastics enter the food chain, they cause serious harm to organisms and humans. Microplastics pollution has become a growing concern worldwide; however, there is still no standardized method for rapidly and accurately detecting microplastics. In this work, we used fluorescence lifetime imaging technology to detect four kinds of Nile red-stained and unstained microplastics, and the unique phasor fingerprints of different microplastics were obtained by phasor analysis. Tracing the corresponding pixels of the “fingerprint” in the fluorescence lifetime image allowed for the quick and intuitive identification of different microplastics and their location distributions in a mixed sample. In our work, compared with staining the four microplastics with a fluorescent dye, using the phasor “fingerprint library” formed by the autofluorescence lifetimes of the microplastics was more easily distinguished than microplastics in the mixed samples. The feasibility of this method was further tested by adding three single substances—SiO2, chitin and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and surface sediments to simulate interferent in the environment, and the results providing potential applications for the identification and analysis of microplastics in complex environments.
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Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Fleckenstein M, Zouache MA, Pfau M, Pappas C, Hageman JL, Agrón E, Malley C, Keenan TDL, Chew EY, Hageman GS. Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Among Individuals Homozygous for Risk Alleles on Chromosome 1 (CFH-CFHR5) or Chromosome 10 (ARMS2/HTRA1) or Both. JAMA Ophthalmol 2022; 140:252-260. [PMID: 35113155 PMCID: PMC8814975 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.6072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of irreversible vision loss among individuals older than 50 years. Although considerable advances have been made in our understanding of AMD genetics, the differential effects of major associated loci on disease manifestation and progression may not be well characterized. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the specific associations of the 2 most common genetic risk loci for AMD, the CFH-CFHR5 locus on chromosome 1q32 (Chr1) and the ARMS2/HTRA1 locus on chromosome 10q26 (Chr10)-independent of one another and in combination-with time to conversion to late-stage disease and to visual acuity loss. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This case series study included 502 individuals who were homozygous for risk variants at both Chr1 and Chr10 (termed Chr1&10-risk) or at either Chr1 (Chr1-risk) or Chr10 (Chr10-risk) and who had enrolled in Genetic and Molecular Studies of Eye Diseases at the Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine between September 2009 and March 2020. Multimodal imaging data were reviewed for AMD staging, including grading of incomplete and complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hazard ratios and survival times for conversion to any late-stage AMD, atrophic or neovascular, and associated vision loss of 2 or more lines. RESULTS In total, 317 participants in the Chr1-risk group (median [IQR] age at first visit, 75.6 [69.5-81.7] years; 193 women [60.9%]), 93 participants in the Chr10-risk group (median [IQR] age at first visit, 77.5 [72.2-84.2] years; 62 women [66.7%]), and 92 participants in the Chr1&10-risk group (median [IQR] age at first visit, 71.7 [68.0-76.3] years; 62 women [67.4%]) were included in the analyses. After adjusting for age and AMD grade at first visit, compared with 257 participants in the Chr1-risk group, 56 participants in the Chr1&10-risk group (factor of 3.3 [95% CI, 1.6-6.8]; P < .001) and 58 participants in the Chr10-risk group (factor of 2.6 [95% CI, 1.3-5.2]; P = .007) were more likely to convert to a late-stage phenotype during follow-up. This difference was mostly associated with conversion to macular neovascularization, which occurred earlier in participants with Chr1&10-risk and Chr10-risk. Eyes in the Chr1&10-risk group (median [IQR] survival, 5.7 [2.1-11.1] years) were 2.1 (95% CI, 1.1-3.9; P = .03) times as likely and eyes in the Chr10-risk group (median [IQR] survival, 6.3 [2.7-11.3] years) were 1.8 (95% CI, 1.0-3.1; P = .05) times as likely to experience a visual acuity loss of 2 or more lines compared with eyes of the Chr1-risk group (median [IQR] survival, 9.4 [4.1-* (asterisk indicates event rate did not reach 75%)] years). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest differential associations of the 2 major AMD-related risk loci with structural and functional disease progression and suggest distinct underlying biological mechanisms associated with these 2 loci. These genotype-phenotype associations may warrant consideration when designing and interpreting AMD research studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- Utah Retinal Reading (UREAD) Center, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- GRADE Reading Center and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Monika Fleckenstein
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- Utah Retinal Reading (UREAD) Center, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Moussa A. Zouache
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Maximilian Pfau
- GRADE Reading Center and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christian Pappas
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Jill L. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Elvira Agrón
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Claire Malley
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tiarnan D. L. Keenan
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emily Y. Chew
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
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Fan X, Fan Z, Yang Z, Huang T, Tong Y, Yang D, Mao X, Yang M. Flavonoids-Natural Gifts to Promote Health and Longevity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042176. [PMID: 35216290 PMCID: PMC8879655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aging of mammals is accompanied by the progressive atrophy of tissues and organs and the accumulation of random damage to macromolecular DNA, protein, and lipids. Flavonoids have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids can delay aging and prolong a healthy lifespan by eliminating senescent cells, inhibiting senescence-related secretion phenotypes (SASPs), and maintaining metabolic homeostasis. However, only a few systematic studies have described flavonoids in clinical treatment for anti-aging, which needs to be explored further. This review first highlights the association between aging and macromolecular damage. Then, we discuss advances in the role of flavonoid molecules in prolonging the health span and lifespan of organisms. This study may provide crucial information for drug design and developmental and clinical applications based on flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Fan
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ziqiang Fan
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
| | - Ziyue Yang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
| | - Tiantian Huang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
| | - Yingdong Tong
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
| | - Deying Yang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xueping Mao
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Mingyao Yang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.F.); (Z.F.); (Z.Y.); (T.H.); (Y.T.); (D.Y.); (X.M.)
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence:
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Różanowska MB, Różanowski B. Photodegradation of Lipofuscin in Suspension and in ARPE-19 Cells and the Similarity of Fluorescence of the Photodegradation Product with Oxidized Docosahexaenoate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020922. [PMID: 35055111 PMCID: PMC8778276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal lipofuscin accumulates with age in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where its fluorescence properties are used to assess retinal health. It was observed that there is a decrease in lipofuscin fluorescence above the age of 75 years and in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of lipofuscin isolated from human RPE and lipofuscin-laden cells to visible light, and to determine whether an abundant component of lipofuscin, docosahexaenoate (DHA), can contribute to lipofuscin fluorescence upon oxidation. Exposure of lipofuscin to visible light leads to a decrease in its long-wavelength fluorescence at about 610 nm, with a concomitant increase in the short-wavelength fluorescence. The emission spectrum of photodegraded lipofuscin exhibits similarity with that of oxidized DHA. Exposure of lipofuscin-laden cells to light leads to a loss of lipofuscin granules from cells, while retaining cell viability. The spectral changes in fluorescence in lipofuscin-laden cells resemble those seen during photodegradation of isolated lipofuscin. Our results demonstrate that fluorescence emission spectra, together with quantitation of the intensity of long-wavelength fluorescence, can serve as a marker useful for lipofuscin quantification and for monitoring its oxidation, and hence useful for screening the retina for increased oxidative damage and early AMD-related changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata B. Różanowska
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
- Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER), Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-2920875057
| | - Bartosz Różanowski
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Kraków, 30-084 Kraków, Poland;
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Shmueli O, Yehuda R, Szeskin A, Joskowicz L, Levy J. Progression of cRORA (Complete RPE and Outer Retinal Atrophy) in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Measured Using SD-OCT. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:19. [PMID: 35029632 PMCID: PMC8762698 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term rate of progression and baseline predictors of geographic atrophy (GA) using complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) annotation criteria. Methods This is a retrospective study. Columns of GA were manually annotated by two graders using a self-developed software on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scans and projected onto the infrared images. The primary outcomes were: (1) rate of area progression, (2) rate of square root area progression, and (3) rate of radial progression towards the fovea. The effects of 11 additional baseline predictors on the primary outcomes were analyzed: total area, focality (defined as the number of lesions whose area is >0.05 mm2), circularity, total lesion perimeter, minimum diameter, maximum diameter, minimum distance from the center, sex, age, presence/absence of hypertension, and lens status. Results GA was annotated in 33 pairs of baseline and follow-up OCT scans from 33 eyes of 18 patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) followed for at least 6 months. The mean rate of area progression was 1.49 ± 0.86 mm2/year (P < 0.0001 vs. baseline), and the mean rate of square root area progression was 0.33 ± 0.15 mm/year (P < 0.0001 vs. baseline). The mean rate of radial progression toward the fovea was 0.07 ± 0.11 mm/year. A multiple variable linear regression model (adjusted r2 = 0.522) revealed that baseline focality and female sex were significantly correlated with the rate of GA area progression. Conclusions GA area progression was quantified using OCT as an alternative to conventional measurements performed on fundus autofluorescence images. Baseline focality correlated with GA area progression rate and lesion's minimal distance from the center correlated with GA radial progression rate toward the center. These may be important markers for the assessment of GA activity. Translational Relevance Advanced method linking specific retinal micro-anatomy to GA area progression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Or Shmueli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roei Yehuda
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Szeskin
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leo Joskowicz
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jaime Levy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Molday RS, Garces FA, Scortecci JF, Molday LL. Structure and function of ABCA4 and its role in the visual cycle and Stargardt macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 89:101036. [PMID: 34954332 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
ABCA4 is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that is preferentially localized along the rim region of rod and cone photoreceptor outer segment disc membranes. It uses the energy from ATP binding and hydrolysis to transport N-retinylidene-phosphatidylethanolamine (N-Ret-PE), the Schiff base adduct of retinal and phosphatidylethanolamine, from the lumen to the cytoplasmic leaflet of disc membranes. This ensures that all-trans-retinal and excess 11-cis-retinal are efficiently cleared from photoreceptor cells thereby preventing the accumulation of toxic retinoid compounds. Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding ABCA4 cause autosomal recessive Stargardt macular degeneration, also known as Stargardt disease (STGD1), and related autosomal recessive retinopathies characterized by impaired central vision and an accumulation of lipofuscin and bis-retinoid compounds. High resolution structures of ABCA4 in its substrate and nucleotide free state and containing bound N-Ret-PE or ATP have been determined by cryo-electron microscopy providing insight into the molecular architecture of ABCA4 and mechanisms underlying substrate recognition and conformational changes induced by ATP binding. The expression and functional characterization of a large number of disease-causing missense ABCA4 variants have been determined. These studies have shed light into the molecular mechanisms underlying Stargardt disease and a classification that reliably predicts the effect of a specific missense mutation on the severity of the disease. They also provide a framework for developing rational therapeutic treatments for ABCA4-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Molday
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
| | - Fabian A Garces
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
| | | | - Laurie L Molday
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Deep Learning to Distinguish ABCA4-Related Stargardt Disease from PRPH2-Related Pseudo-Stargardt Pattern Dystrophy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245742. [PMID: 34945039 PMCID: PMC8708395 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) and multifocal pattern dystrophy simulating Stargardt disease (“pseudo-Stargardt pattern dystrophy”, PSPD) share phenotypic similitudes, leading to a difficult clinical diagnosis. Our aim was to assess whether a deep learning classifier pretrained on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images can assist in distinguishing ABCA4-related STGD1 from the PRPH2/RDS-related PSPD and to compare the performance with that of retinal specialists. (2) Methods: We trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) using 729 FAF images from normal patients or patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Transfer learning was then used to update the weights of a ResNet50V2 used to classify the 370 FAF images into STGD1 and PSPD. Retina specialists evaluated the same dataset. The performance of the CNN and that of retina specialists were compared in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and precision. (3) Results: The CNN accuracy on the test dataset of 111 images was 0.882. The AUROC was 0.890, the precision was 0.883 and the sensitivity was 0.883. The accuracy for retina experts averaged 0.816, whereas for retina fellows it averaged 0.724. (4) Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that, even with small databases, a pretrained CNN is able to distinguish between STGD1 and PSPD with good accuracy.
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Wu Z, Fletcher EL, Kumar H, Greferath U, Guymer RH. Reticular pseudodrusen: A critical phenotype in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101017. [PMID: 34752916 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), or subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD), refer to distinct lesions that occur in the subretinal space. Over the past three decades, their presence in association with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has become increasingly recognized, especially as RPD have become more easily distinguished with newer clinical imaging modalities. There is also an increasing appreciation that RPD appear to be a critical AMD phenotype, where understanding their pathogenesis will provide further insights into the processes driving vision loss in AMD. However, key barriers to understanding the current evidence related to the independent impact of RPD include the heterogeneity in defining their presence, and failure to account for the confounding impact of the concurrent presence and severity of AMD pathology. This review thus critically discusses the current evidence on the prevalence and clinical significance of RPD and proposes a clinical imaging definition of RPD that will help move the field forward in gathering further key knowledge about this critical phenotype. It also proposes a putative mechanism for RPD formation and how they may drive progression to vision loss in AMD, through examining current evidence and presenting novel findings from preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Wu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Himeesh Kumar
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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48
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Luo P, Feng X, Deng R, Wang F, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhang M, Wan Z, Xiang AP, Xia K, Gao Y, Deng C. An autofluorescence-based isolation of Leydig cells for testosterone deficiency treatment. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 535:111389. [PMID: 34229003 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective procedures for the purification of Leydig cells (LCs) can facilitate functional studies and transplantation therapies. However, current methods to purify LCs from testes are still far from satisfactory. Here, we found that testicular autofluorescence existed in the interstitium along with the gradual maturation of LCs from birth to adulthood. These autofluorescent cells were further isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and determined to be composed of LCs and macrophages. To further purify LCs, we combined two fluorescence channels of FACS and successfully separated LCs and macrophages. Of note, we confirmed that the obtained LCs not only possessed high purity, viability and quantity but also had intact steroidogenic activity and excellent responsiveness to luteinizing hormone. Moreover, subcutaneous transplantation of isolated LCs could alleviate the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in castrated mice. In summary, we established an effective autofluorescence-based method for isolating LCs. This method will aid in the future success of using LCs for basic and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Luo
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Feng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronghai Deng
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yadong Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangping Li
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Wan
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yong Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Stewart HL, Birch DJS. Fluorescence Guided Surgery. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2021; 9. [PMID: 34399409 DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/ac1dbb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) is an imaging technique that allows the surgeon to visualise different structures and types of tissue during a surgical procedure that may not be as visible under white light conditions. Due to the many potential advantages of fluorescence guided surgery compared to more traditional clinical imaging techniques such as its higher contrast and sensitivity, less subjective use, and ease of instrument operation, the research interest in fluorescence guided surgery continues to grow over various key aspects such as fluorescent probe development and surgical system development as well as its potential clinical applications. This review looks to summarise some of the emerging opportunities and developments that have already been made in fluorescence guided surgery in recent years while highlighting its advantages as well as limitations that need to be overcome in order to utilise the full potential of fluorescence within the surgical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel L Stewart
- Translational Healthcare Technologies Group, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - David J S Birch
- Department of Physics, The Photophysics Research Group, University of Strathclyde, SUPA, John Anderson Building, 107 Rottenrow East, Glasgow G4 0NG, United Kingdom
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50
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Schie IW, Stiebing C, Popp J. Looking for a perfect match: multimodal combinations of Raman spectroscopy for biomedical applications. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210137VR. [PMID: 34387049 PMCID: PMC8358667 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.8.080601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy has shown very promising results in medical diagnostics by providing label-free and highly specific molecular information of pathological tissue ex vivo and in vivo. Nevertheless, the high specificity of Raman spectroscopy comes at a price, i.e., low acquisition rate, no direct access to depth information, and limited sampling areas. However, a similar case regarding advantages and disadvantages can also be made for other highly regarded optical modalities, such as optical coherence tomography, autofluorescence imaging and fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime microscopy, second-harmonic generation, and others. While in these modalities the acquisition speed is significantly higher, they have no or only limited molecular specificity and are only sensitive to a small group of molecules. It can be safely stated that a single modality provides only a limited view on a specific aspect of a biological specimen and cannot assess the entire complexity of a sample. To solve this issue, multimodal optical systems, which combine different optical modalities tailored to a particular need, become more and more common in translational research and will be indispensable diagnostic tools in clinical pathology in the near future. These systems can assess different and partially complementary aspects of a sample and provide a distinct set of independent biomarkers. Here, we want to give an overview on the development of multimodal systems that use RS in combination with other optical modalities to improve the diagnostic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwan W. Schie
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
- University of Applied Sciences—Jena, Department for Medical Engineering and Biotechnology, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Popp
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Jena, Germany
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