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Rinaldi M, Pezone A, Quadrini GI, Abbadessa G, Laezza MP, Passaro ML, Porcellini A, Costagliola C. Targeting shared pathways in tauopathies and age-related macular degeneration: implications for novel therapies. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1371745. [PMID: 38633983 PMCID: PMC11021713 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1371745] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate parallels in structure and function between the human retina and the central nervous system designate the retina as a prospective avenue for understanding brain-related processes. This review extensively explores the shared physiopathological mechanisms connecting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proteinopathies, with a specific focus on tauopathies. The pivotal involvement of oxidative stress and cellular senescence emerges as key drivers of pathogenesis in both conditions. Uncovering these shared elements not only has the potential to enhance our understanding of intricate neurodegenerative diseases but also sets the stage for pioneering therapeutic approaches in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaia Italia Quadrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Laezza
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Passaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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2
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Liu A, Hefley B, Escandon P, Nicholas SE, Karamichos D. Salivary Exosomes in Health and Disease: Future Prospects in the Eye. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076363. [PMID: 37047335 PMCID: PMC10094317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are a group of vesicles that package and transport DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids to recipient cells. They can be derived from blood, saliva, urine, and/or other biological tissues. Their impact on several diseases, such as neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and ocular diseases, have been reported, but not fully unraveled. The exosomes that are derived from saliva are less studied, but offer significant advantages over exosomes from other sources, due to their accessibility and ease of collection. Thus, their role in the pathophysiology of diseases is largely unknown. In the context of ocular diseases, salivary exosomes have been under-utilized, thus creating an enormous gap in the literature. The current review discusses the state of exosomes research on systemic and ocular diseases and highlights the role and potential of salivary exosomes as future ocular therapeutic vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Liu
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Brenna Hefley
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Paulina Escandon
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Sarah E. Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-817-735-2101
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3
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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Amadoro G, Latina V, Balzamino BO, Squitti R, Varano M, Calissano P, Micera A. Nerve Growth Factor-Based Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:735928. [PMID: 34566573 PMCID: PMC8459906 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.735928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease which is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. Imbalance in nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling, metabolism, and/or defect in NGF transport to the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons occurs in patients affected with AD. According to the cholinergic hypothesis, an early and progressive synaptic and neuronal loss in a vulnerable population of basal forebrain involved in memory and learning processes leads to degeneration of cortical and hippocampal projections followed by cognitive impairment with accumulation of misfolded/aggregated Aβ and tau protein. The neuroprotective and regenerative effects of NGF on cholinergic neurons have been largely demonstrated, both in animal models of AD and in living patients. However, the development of this neurotrophin as a disease-modifying therapy in humans is challenged by both delivery limitations (inability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), poor pharmacokinetic profile) and unwanted side effects (pain and weight loss). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal disease which represents the major cause of blindness in developed countries and shares several clinical and pathological features with AD, including alterations in NGF transduction pathways. Interestingly, nerve fiber layer thinning, degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and changes of vascular parameters, aggregation of Aβ and tau protein, and apoptosis also occur in the retina of both AD and AMD. A protective effect of ocular administration of NGF on both photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cell degeneration has been recently described. Besides, the current knowledge about the detection of essential trace metals associated with AD and AMD and their changes depending on the severity of diseases, either systemic or locally detected, further pave the way for a promising diagnostic approach. This review is aimed at describing the employment of NGF as a common therapeutic approach to AMD and AD and the diagnostic power of detection of essential trace metals associated with both diseases. The multiple approaches employed to allow a sustained release/targeting of NGF to the brain and its neurosensorial ocular extensions will be also discussed, highlighting innovative technologies and future translational prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Amadoro
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Rome, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Rosanna Squitti
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Monica Varano
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
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5
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Hu ML, Quinn J, Xue K. Interactions between Apolipoprotein E Metabolism and Retinal Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070635. [PMID: 34210002 PMCID: PMC8305051 DOI: 10.3390/life11070635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial retinal disorder that is a major global cause of severe visual impairment. The development of an effective therapy to treat geographic atrophy, the predominant form of AMD, remains elusive due to the incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis. Central to AMD diagnosis and pathology are the hallmark lipid and proteinaceous deposits, drusen and reticular pseudodrusen, that accumulate in the subretinal pigment epithelium and subretinal spaces, respectively. Age-related changes and environmental stressors, such as smoking and a high-fat diet, are believed to interact with the many genetic risk variants that have been identified in several major biochemical pathways, including lipoprotein metabolism and the complement system. The APOE gene, encoding apolipoprotein E (APOE), is a major genetic risk factor for AMD, with the APOE2 allele conferring increased risk and APOE4 conferring reduced risk, in comparison to the wildtype APOE3. Paradoxically, APOE4 is the main genetic risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease, a disease with features of neuroinflammation and amyloid-beta deposition in common with AMD. The potential interactions of APOE with the complement system and amyloid-beta are discussed here to shed light on their roles in AMD pathogenesis, including in drusen biogenesis, immune cell activation and recruitment, and retinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L. Hu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia;
| | - Joel Quinn
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Correspondence:
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6
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Guo L, Ravindran N, Shamsher E, Hill D, Cordeiro MF. Retinal Changes in Transgenic Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 18:89-102. [PMID: 33855942 DOI: 10.2174/1567205018666210414113634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, the most common form of dementia. AD is characterised by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the brain, in association with neuronal loss and synaptic failure, causing cognitive deficits. Accurate and early diagnosis is currently unavailable in lifespan, hampering early intervention of potential new treatments. Visual deficits have been well documented in AD patients, and the pathological changes identified in the brain are also believed to be found in the retina, an integral part of the central nervous system. Retinal changes can be detected by real-time non-invasive imaging, due to the transparent nature of the ocular media, potentially allowing an earlier diagnosis as well as monitoring disease progression and treatment outcome. Animal models are essential for AD research, and this review has a focus on retinal changes in various transgenic AD mouse models with retinal imaging and immunohistochemical analysis as well as therapeutic effects in those models. We also discuss the limitations of transgenic AD models in clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nivedita Ravindran
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ehtesham Shamsher
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Hill
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Thomas CN, Sim DA, Lee WH, Alfahad N, Dick AD, Denniston AK, Hill LJ. Emerging therapies and their delivery for treating age-related macular degeneration. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1908-1937. [PMID: 33769566 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the Western world and is characterised in its latter stages by retinal cell death and neovascularisation and earlier stages with the loss of parainflammatory homeostasis. Patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD) are treated with frequent intraocular injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, which are not only unpopular with patients but carry risks of sight-threatening complications. A minority of patients are unresponsive with no alternative treatment available, and some patients who respond initially eventually develop a tolerance to treatment. New therapeutics with improved delivery methods and sustainability of clinical effects are required, in particular for non-neovascular AMD (90% of cases and no current approved treatments). There are age-related and disease-related changes that occur which can affect ocular drug delivery. Here, we review the latest emerging therapies for AMD, their delivery routes and implications for translating to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe N Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Dawn A Sim
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Wen Hwa Lee
- Action Against AMD, London, UK.,Affordable Medicines Programme, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nada Alfahad
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew D Dick
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School and School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alastair K Denniston
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Patient Reported Outcome Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Lisa J Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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8
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Latina V, Giacovazzo G, Cordella F, Balzamino BO, Micera A, Varano M, Marchetti C, Malerba F, Florio R, Ercole BB, La Regina F, Atlante A, Coccurello R, Di Angelantonio S, Calissano P, Amadoro G. Systemic delivery of a specific antibody targeting the pathological N-terminal truncated tau peptide reduces retinal degeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:38. [PMID: 33750467 PMCID: PMC7942014 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retina and optic nerve are sites of extra-cerebral manifestations of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein are detected in eyes from AD patients and transgenic animals in correlation with inflammation, reduction of synapses, visual deficits, loss of retinal cells and nerve fiber. However, neither the pathological relevance of other post-translational tau modifications-such as truncation with generation of toxic fragments-nor the potential neuroprotective action induced by their in vivo clearance have been investigated in the context of AD retinal degeneration. We have recently developed a monoclonal tau antibody (12A12mAb) which selectively targets the neurotoxic 20-22 kDa NH2-derived peptide generated from pathological truncation at the N-terminal domain of tau without cross-reacting with its full-length normal protein. Previous studies have shown that 12A12mAb, when intravenously (i.v.)-injected into 6-month-old Tg2576 animals, markedly improves their AD-like, behavioural and neuropathological syndrome. By taking advantage of this well-established tau-directed immunization regimen, we found that 12A12mAb administration also exerts a beneficial action on biochemical, morphological and metabolic parameters (i.e. APP/Aβ processing, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, synaptic proteins, microtubule stability, mitochondria-based energy production, neuronal death) associated with ocular injury in the AD phenotype. These findings prospect translational implications in the AD field by: (1) showing for the first time that cleavage of tau takes part in several pathological changes occurring in vivo in affected retinas and vitreous bodies and that its deleterious effects are successfully antagonized by administration of the specific 12A12mAb; (2) shedding further insights on the tight connections between neurosensory retina and brain, in particular following tau-based immunotherapy. In our view, the parallel response we detected in this preclinical animal model, both in the eye and in the hippocampus, following i.v. 12A12mAb injection opens novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for the clinical management of cerebral and extracerebral AD signs in human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Latina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Fosso del Fiorano 64-65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Varano
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchetti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Florio
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Bruni Ercole
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico La Regina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Atlante
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM)-CNR, Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Fosso del Fiorano 64-65, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute for Complex System (ISC)-CNR, Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy
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9
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Martinez B, Peplow PV. MicroRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration: advances and limitations. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:440-447. [PMID: 32985463 PMCID: PMC7996036 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.293131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A main cause of vision loss in the elderly is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Among the cellular, biochemical, and molecular changes linked to this disease, inflammation and angiogenesis appear as being crucial in AMD pathogenesis and progression. There are two forms of the disease: dry AMD, accounting for 80-90% of cases, and wet AMD. The disease usually begins as dry AMD associated with retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor degeneration, whereas wet AMD is associated with choroidal neovascularization resulting in severe vision impairment. The new vessels are largely malformed, leading to blood and fluid leakage within the disrupted tissue, which provokes inflammation and scar formation and results in retinal damage and detachment. MicroRNAs are dysregulated in AMD and may facilitate the early detection of the disease and monitoring disease progression. Two recent reviews of microRNAs in AMD had indicated weaknesses or limitations in four earlier investigations. Studies in the last three years have shown considerable progress in overcoming some of these concerns and identifying specific microRNAs as biomarkers for AMD. Further large-scale studies are warranted using appropriate statistical methods to take into account gender and age disparity in the study populations and confounding factors such as smoking status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- Department of Medicine, St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada
| | - Philip V. Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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10
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Therapeutic Options Under Development for Nonneovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Geographic Atrophy. Drugs Aging 2020; 38:17-27. [PMID: 33355716 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-020-00822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic, multifactorial disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly population in the Western Hemisphere. Among the two major subtypes of AMD, the prevalence of the nonneovascular (dry) type is approximately 85-90% and the neovascular (wet) type is 10-15%. Healthy lifestyle and nutritional supplements of anti-oxidative micronutrients have been shown to delay the progression of dry AMD and lower the risk of development of wet AMD, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections have been shown to improve visual acuity for wet AMD patients. However, to date, there is no approved treatment for geographic atrophy (GA), a debilitating late stage of dry AMD. Thus, this represents a large unmet need in this patient population. This review focuses on the current management and treatment of nonneovascular AMD, the drugs and devices that have been under investigation for the treatment of GA, and the latest clinical trial results. A few therapeutic options have shown initial promising clinical trial results, but failed to show efficacy in larger trials, while others are awaiting future clinical trial results and long-term follow-up to evaluate safety and efficacy.
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11
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Chibhabha F, Yaqi Y, Li F. Retinal involvement in Alzheimer's disease (AD): evidence and current progress on the non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of AD-related pathology using the eye. Rev Neurosci 2020; 31:/j/revneuro.ahead-of-print/revneuro-2019-0119/revneuro-2019-0119.xml. [PMID: 32804680 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common form of age-related dementia that mostly affects the aging population. Clinically, it is a disease characterized by impaired memory and progressive cognitive decline. Although the pathological hallmarks of AD have been traditionally described with a general confinement in the brain, recent studies have shown similar pathological changes in the retina, which is a developmental outgrowth of the forebrain. These AD-related neurodegenerative changes in the retina have been implicated to cause early visual problems in AD even before cognitive impairment becomes apparent. With recent advances in research, the commonly held view that AD-related cerebral pathology causes visual dysfunction through disruption of central visual pathways has been re-examined. Currently, several studies have already explored how AD manifests in the retina and the possibility of using the same retina as a window to non-invasively examine AD-related pathology in the brain. Non-invasive screening of AD through the retina has the potential to improve on early detection and management of the disease since the majority of AD cases are usually diagnosed very late. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence on the involvement of the retina in AD and to suggest a possible direction for future research into the non-invasive screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of AD using the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidelis Chibhabha
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080,China
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Senga, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080,China
| | - Yang Yaqi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080,China
- and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080,China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080,China
- and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080,China
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12
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Intracellular amyloid-β disrupts tight junctions of the retinal pigment epithelium via NF-κB activation. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 95:115-122. [PMID: 32795848 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Drusen are focal deposits between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane in the retina of patients with age-related macular degeneration. Amyloid-β is one of the important components of drusen, which leads to local inflammation. Furthermore, intracellular amyloid-β disrupts tight junctions of the RPE. However, the intracellular mechanisms linking intracellular amyloid-β and tight-junction disruption are not clear. In this study, intracellular amyloid-β oligomers activated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) p65, leading to the disorganization of tight junctions of the RPE in mice after subretinal injection of amyloid-β. Amyloid-β also triggered NF-κB activation in the RPE cells in confluent culture, which was inhibited by the suppression of the advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor. NF-κB inhibition by an IκB kinase inhibitor prevented the suppression of expression of tight-junction proteins, zonula occuludens-1 and occludin in RPE cells. In addition, tight-junction complexes remained intact in the RPE of mice with NF-κB inhibition, although there were intracellular amyloid-β oligomers. These data suggested that NF-κB inhibition might be a therapeutic approach to prevent amyloid-β-mediated tight-junction disruption.
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Interplay between Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Amyloidosis in the Anterior Segment of the Eye; Its Pathological Implications. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6286105. [PMID: 32566091 PMCID: PMC7291327 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6286105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There are different pathologies associated with amyloidogenic processes caused by the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the overactivation of inflammatory responses. These alterations are present in different regions of the anterior segment of the eye, and they have been associated with the development and progression of ocular pathologies, such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, keratitis, and cataracts among other pathologies. Aim. To discuss briefly the anatomical characteristics of the anterior segment of the eye and describe the interaction between oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory responses, emphasizing the misfolding of several proteins leading to amyloidogenic processes occurring in the anterior segment and their implications in the development of ocular diseases. We performed a search on PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase using the MeSH terms “eye,” “anterior segment”, “inflammation”, “oxidative stress”, and “amyloidosis”. The search encompassed manuscripts published up to April 2019. A hundred forty-four published studies met the inclusion criteria. We present the current knowledge regarding the interaction between OS and the activation of inflammatory processes and how both can cause conformational changes in several peptides and proteins in each compartment of the anterior segment. However, we found that there is no consensus about which factor is the first to cause amyloidosis. Our conclusions suggest that there is an interplay among these factors forming a vicious cycle that leads to the loss of protein structure in ocular pathologies, and multifactorial therapies should be developed to avoid protein misfolding and to stop the progression of ocular pathologies.
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Deng L, Pushpitha K, Joseph C, Gupta V, Rajput R, Chitranshi N, Dheer Y, Amirkhani A, Kamath K, Pascovici D, Wu JX, Salekdeh GH, Haynes PA, Graham SL, Gupta VK, Mirzaei M. Amyloid β Induces Early Changes in the Ribosomal Machinery, Cytoskeletal Organization and Oxidative Phosphorylation in Retinal Photoreceptor Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:24. [PMID: 30853886 PMCID: PMC6395395 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation and its aggregation is characteristic molecular feature of the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). More recently, Aβ has been suggested to be associated with retinal pathology associated with AD, glaucoma and drusen deposits in age related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we investigated the proteins and biochemical networks that are affected by Aβ in the 661 W photoreceptor cells in culture. Time and dose dependent effects of Aβ on the photoreceptor cells were determined utilizing tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling-based quantitative mass-spectrometric approach. Bioinformatic analysis of the data revealed concentration and time dependent effects of the Aβ peptide stimulation on various key biochemical pathways that might be involved in mediating the toxicity effects of the peptide. We identified increased Tau phosphorylation, GSK3β dysregulation and reduced cell viability in cells treated with Aβ in a dose and time dependent manner. This study has delineated for the first-time molecular networks in photoreceptor cells that are impacted early upon Aβ treatment and contrasted the findings with a longer-term treatment effect. Proteins associated with ribosomal machinery homeostasis, mitochondrial function and cytoskeletal organization were affected in the initial stages of Aβ exposure, which may provide key insights into AD effects on the photoreceptors and specific molecular changes induced by Aβ peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Deng
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kanishka Pushpitha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chitra Joseph
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yogita Dheer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ardeshir Amirkhani
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karthik Kamath
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dana Pascovici
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jemma X. Wu
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ghasem Hosseini Salekdeh
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Cell Science Research Center, Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Paul A. Haynes
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek K. Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Cabrera DeBuc D, Somfai GM, Arthur E, Kostic M, Oropesa S, Mendoza Santiesteban C. Investigating Multimodal Diagnostic Eye Biomarkers of Cognitive Impairment by Measuring Vascular and Neurogenic Changes in the Retina. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1721. [PMID: 30574092 PMCID: PMC6291749 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that cognitive impairment (CI) is not limited to the brain but also affects the retina. In this pilot study, we investigated the correlation between the retinal vascular complexity and neurodegenerative changes in patients with CI using a low-cost multimodal approach. Quantification of the retinal structure and function were conducted for every subject (n = 69) using advanced retinal imaging, full-field electroretinogram (ERG) and visual performance exams. The retinal vascular parameters were calculated using the Singapore Institute Vessel Assessment software. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to measure CI. Pearson product moment correlation was performed between variables. Of the 69 participants, 32 had CI (46%). We found significantly altered microvascular network in individuals with CI (larger venular-asymmetry factor: 0.7 ± 0.2) compared with controls (0.6 ± 0.2). The vascular fractal dimension was lower in individuals with CI (capacity, information and correlation dimensions: D0, D1, and D2 (mean ± SD): 1.57 ± 0.06; 1.56 ± 0.06; 1.55 ± 0.06; age 81 ± 6years) vs. controls (1.61 ± 0.03; 1.59 ± 0.03; 1.58 ± 0.03; age: 80 ± 7 years). Also, drusen-like regions in the peripheral retina along with pigment dispersion were noted in subjects with mild CI. Functional loss in color vision as well as smaller ERG amplitudes and larger peak times were observed in the subjects with CI. Pearson product moment correlation showed significant associations between the vascular parameters (artery-vein ratio, total length-diameter ratio, D0, D1, D2 and the implicit time (IT) of the flicker response but these associations were not significant in the partial correlations. This study illustrates that there are multimodal retinal markers that may be sensitive to CI decline, and adds to the evidence that there is a statistical trend pointing to the correlation between retinal neuronal dysfunction and microvasculature changes suggesting that retinal geometric vascular and functional parameters might be associated with physiological changes in the retina due to CI. We suspect our analysis of combined structural-functional parameters, instead of individual biomarkers, may provide a useful clinical marker of CI that could also provide increased sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of CI. However, because of our study sample was small, the full extent of clinical applicability of our approach is provocative and still to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Cabrera DeBuc
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Gabor Mark Somfai
- Retinology Unit, Pallas Kliniken, Olten, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edmund Arthur
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Maja Kostic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Susel Oropesa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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16
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Rosenfeld PJ, Berger B, Reichel E, Danis RP, Gress A, Ye L, Magee M, Parham LR, McLaughlin MM. A Randomized Phase 2 Study of an Anti–Amyloid β Monoclonal Antibody in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 2:1028-1040. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Tode J, Richert E, Koinzer S, Klettner A, von der Burchard C, Brinkmann R, Lucius R, Roider J. Thermal Stimulation of the Retina Reduces Bruch's Membrane Thickness in Age Related Macular Degeneration Mouse Models. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018; 7:2. [PMID: 29736323 PMCID: PMC5931258 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.7.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effect of thermal stimulation of the retina (TS-R) on Bruch's membrane (BrM) thickness in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) mouse models as a novel concept for the prophylaxis and treatment of dry AMD. Methods Two knockout AMD mouse models, B6.129P2-Apoetm1Unc/J (ApoE−/−) and B6.129X1-Nfe2I2tm1Ywk/J (NRF2−/−), were chosen. One randomized eye of each mouse in four different groups (two of different age, two of different genotype) of five mice was treated by TS-R (532 nm, 10-ms duration, 50-μm spot size), the fellow eye served as control. Laser power was titrated to barely visible laser burns, then reduced by 70% to guarantee for thermal elevation without damage to the neuroretina, then applied uniformly to the murine retina. Fundus, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FLA) images were obtained at the day of treatment and 1 month after treatment. Eyes were enucleated thereafter to analyze BrM thickness by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in a standardized blinded manner. Results Fundus images revealed that all ApoE−/− and NRF2−/− mice had AMD associated retinal alterations. BrM thickness was increased in untreated controls of both mouse models. Subvisible TS-R laser spots were not detectable by fundus imaging, OCT, or FLA 2 hours or 1 month after laser treatment. TEM revealed a significant reduction of BrM thickness in laser-treated eyes of all four groups compared to their fellow control eyes. Conclusions TS-R reduces BrM thickness in AMD mouse models ApoE−/− and NRF2−/− without damage to the neuroretina. It may become a prophylactic or even therapeutic treatment option for dry AMD. Translational Relevance TS-R may become a prophylactic or even therapeutic treatment option for dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Tode
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Richert
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Koinzer
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Claus von der Burchard
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ralf Brinkmann
- Institute for Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, and Medical Laser Center Lübeck GmbH, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralph Lucius
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Institute of Anatomy, Kiel, Germany
| | - Johann Roider
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Kiel, Germany
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18
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Maternal imprinting on cognition markers of wild type and transgenic Alzheimer's disease model mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6434. [PMID: 29691440 PMCID: PMC5915602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24710-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is higher in individuals from AD-affected mothers. The purpose of this investigation was to study whether maternal transmission might produce AD-related alterations in progenies of mice that do not have any genotypic alteration. We used cognitively-intact mothers harbouring in heterozygosity the transgene for overexpressing the Swedish double mutant version of the human amyloid precursor protein (hAβPPswe). The phenotype of the offspring with or without the transgene resulting from crossing young Tg2576 females with wild-type males were compared with those of the offspring resulting from crossing wild-type females with Tg2576 males. The hAβPPswe-bearing offspring from Tg2576 mothers showed an aggravated AD-like phenotype. Remarkably, cognitive, immunohistochemical and some biochemical features displayed by Tg2576 heterozygous mice were also found in wild-type animals generated from Tg2576 females. This suggests the existence of a maternal imprinting in the wild-type offspring that confers a greater facility to launch an AD-like neurodegenerative cascade. Such progeny, lacking any mutant amyloid precursor protein, constitutes a novel model to study maternal transmission of AD and, even more important, to discover early risk markers that predispose to the development of AD.
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19
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Xu Q, Cao S, Rajapakse S, Matsubara JA. Understanding AMD by analogy: systematic review of lipid-related common pathogenic mechanisms in AMD, AD, AS and GN. Lipids Health Dis 2018; 17:3. [PMID: 29301530 PMCID: PMC5755337 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0647-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness among the elderly. Due to its complex etiology, current treatments have been insufficient. Previous studies reveal three systems closely involved in AMD pathogenesis: lipid metabolism, oxidation and inflammation. These systems are also involved in Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and glomerulonephritis. Understanding commonalities of these four diseases may provide insight into AMD etiology. OBJECTIVES To understand AMD pathogenesis by analogy and suggest ideas for future research, this study summarizes main commonalities in disease pathogenesis of AMD, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and glomerulonephritis. METHODS Articles were identified through PubMed, Ovid Medline and Google Scholar. We summarized the common findings and synthesized critical differences. RESULTS Oxidation, lipid deposition, complement activation, and macrophage recruitment are involved in all four diseases shown by genetic, molecular, animal and human studies. Shared genetic variations further strengthen their connection. Potential areas for future research are suggested throughout the review. CONCLUSIONS The four diseases share many steps of an overall framework of pathogenesis. Various oxidative sources cause oxidative stress. Oxidized lipids and related molecules accumulate and lead to complement activation, macrophage recruitment and pathology. Investigations that arise under this structure may aid us to better understand AMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyuan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9 Canada
| | - Sijia Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9 Canada
| | - Sanjeeva Rajapakse
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9 Canada
| | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9 Canada
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20
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Layana AG, Minnella AM, Garhöfer G, Aslam T, Holz FG, Leys A, Silva R, Delcourt C, Souied E, Seddon JM. Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9101120. [PMID: 29027953 PMCID: PMC5691736 DOI: 10.3390/nu9101120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the relationship between vitamin D and health has received growing attention from the scientific and medical communities. Vitamin D deficiencies have been repeatedly associated with various acute and chronic diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Its active metabolite, 1α,25-dihydoxy vitamin D, acts as a modulator of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and cumulative data from experimental and observational studies suggest that relatively a lower vitamin D status could be a potential risk factor for the development of early and/or late AMD. Herein, we made a narrative review of the mechanisms linking a potential role of vitamin D with the current concepts of AMD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Maria Minnella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Otorinolaringoiatriche e Oftalmologiche, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Lgo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Gerhard Garhöfer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tariq Aslam
- School of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, M13 9WL Manchester, and Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, D-53107 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Anita Leys
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Rufino Silva
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Department of Ophthalmology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI-FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Cécile Delcourt
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team LEHA, UMR 1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Eric Souied
- Hôpital Intercommunal de Créteil, University Paris Est, 94010 Créteil, France.
| | - Johanna M Seddon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
- Ophthalmic Epidemiology and Genetics Service, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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Li H, Chintalapudi SR, Jablonski MM. Current drug and molecular therapies for the treatment of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: phase I to phase III clinical development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1103-1114. [PMID: 28816076 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1369042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among the elderly. Atrophic AMD, including early, intermediate and geographic atrophy (GA), accounts for ~90% of all cases. It is a multifactorial degeneration characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and aging components. Although no FDA-approved treatment yet exists for the late stage of atrophic AMD, multiple pathological mechanisms are partially known and several promising therapies are in various stages of development. Areas covered: Underlying mechanisms that define atrophic AMD will help provide novel therapeutic targets that will address this largely unmet clinical need. The purpose of this paper is to review current promising drugs that are being evaluated in clinical trials. Because no pharmacological treatments are currently available for late stage of atrophic AMD, any new therapy would have extensive market potential. Expert opinion: The number of AMD patients is predicted to increase to ~30 million worldwide by 2020. In response to this enormous unmet clinical need, new promising therapies are being developed and evaluated in clinical trials. We propose that the assessment of novel interventions will also need to consider the genotypes of participants, as the benefit may be determined by polymorphisms in an individual's genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Li
- a Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital , Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Sumana R Chintalapudi
- b Department of Ophthalmology, The Hamilton Eye Institute , The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA.,c Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology , The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Monica M Jablonski
- b Department of Ophthalmology, The Hamilton Eye Institute , The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA.,c Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology , The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA.,d Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis , TN , USA
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22
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Beta-amyloid sequelae in the eye: a critical review on its diagnostic significance and clinical relevance in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:353-363. [PMID: 28093567 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. There is no test for its definitive diagnosis in routine clinical practice. Although phase III clinical trials have failed, only symptomatic treatment is currently available; a possible reason for these failed trials is that intervention commenced at an advanced stage of the disease. The hallmarks of an AD brain include plaques comprising of extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein aggregates and intracellular hyperphosphorylated neurofibrillary tangles of tau. Research into the preclinical diagnosis of AD has provided considerable evidence regarding early neuropathological changes using brain Aβ imaging and the cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, Aβ and tau. Both these approaches have limitations that are expensive, invasive or time consuming and thus preclude them from screening at-risk population. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of Aβ plaques in the eyes of AD subjects, which is positively associated with their brain Aβ burden. Thus ocular biomarkers point to a potential avenue for an earlier, relatively low-cost diagnosis in order for therapeutic interventions to be effective. Here we review the literature that spans the investigation for the presence of Aβ in aging eyes and the significance of its deposition in relation to AD pathology. We discuss clinical studies investigating in vivo imaging of Aβ in the eye and its association with brain Aβ burden and therapies that target ocular Aβ. Finally, we focus on the need to characterize AD-specific retinal Aβ to differentiate Aβ found in some eye diseases. Based on the current evidence, we conclude that integration of ocular biomarkers that can correctly predict brain Aβ burden would have an important role as a non-invasive, yet economical surrogate marker in the diagnostic process of AD.
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23
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Lynn SA, Keeling E, Munday R, Gabha G, Griffiths H, Lotery AJ, Ratnayaka JA. The complexities underlying age-related macular degeneration: could amyloid beta play an important role? Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:538-548. [PMID: 28553324 PMCID: PMC5436342 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.205083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes irreversible loss of central vision for which there is no effective treatment. Incipient pathology is thought to occur in the retina for many years before AMD manifests from midlife onwards to affect a large proportion of the elderly. Although genetic as well as non-genetic/environmental risks are recognized, its complex aetiology makes it difficult to identify susceptibility, or indeed what type of AMD develops or how quickly it progresses in different individuals. Here we summarize the literature describing how the Alzheimer's-linked amyloid beta (Aβ) group of misfolding proteins accumulate in the retina. The discovery of this key driver of Alzheimer's disease in the senescent retina was unexpected and surprising, enabling an altogether different perspective of AMD. We argue that Aβ fundamentally differs from other substances which accumulate in the ageing retina, and discuss our latest findings from a mouse model in which physiological amounts of Aβ were subretinally-injected to recapitulate salient features of early AMD within a short period. Our discoveries as well as those of others suggest the pattern of Aβ accumulation and pathology in donor aged/AMD tissues are closely reproduced in mice, including late-stage AMD phenotypes, which makes them highly attractive to study dynamic aspects of Aβ-mediated retinopathy. Furthermore, we discuss our findings revealing how Aβ behaves at single-cell resolution, and consider the long-term implications for neuroretinal function. We propose Aβ as a key element in switching to a diseased retinal phenotype, which is now being used as a biomarker for late-stage AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah A Lynn
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Eloise Keeling
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Rosie Munday
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Gagandeep Gabha
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Griffiths
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Eye Unit, University Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - J Arjuna Ratnayaka
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Taskintuna I, Elsayed MEAA, Schatz P. Update on Clinical Trials in Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2016; 23:13-26. [PMID: 26957835 PMCID: PMC4759891 DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.173134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article summarizes the most recent clinical trials for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of vision loss in the elderly in developed countries. A literature search through websites https://www.pubmed.org and https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, both accessed no later than November 04, 2015, was performed. We identified three Phase III clinical trials that were completed over the recent 5 years Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), implantable miniature telescope and tandospirone, and several other trials targeting a variety of mechanisms including, oxidative stress, complement inhibition, visual cycle inhibition, retinal and choroidal blood flow, stem cells, gene therapy, and visual rehabilitation. To date, none of the biologically oriented therapies have resulted in improved vision. Vision improvement was reported with an implantable mini telescope. Stem cells therapy holds a potential for vision improvement. The AREDS2 formulas did not add any further reduced risk of progression to advanced AMD, compared to the original AREDS formula. Several recently discovered pathogenetic mechanisms in dry AMD have enabled development of new treatment strategies, and several of these have been tested in recent clinical trials and are currently being tested in ongoing trials. The rapid development and understanding of pathogenesis holds promise for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Taskintuna
- Division of Vitreoretinal, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Patrik Schatz
- Division of Vitreoretinal, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Sciences, Scane County University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden
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Masuzzo A, Dinet V, Cavanagh C, Mascarelli F, Krantic S. Amyloidosis in Retinal Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurol 2016; 7:127. [PMID: 27551275 PMCID: PMC4976396 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As a part of the central nervous system, the retina may reflect both physiological processes and abnormalities related to pathologies that affect the brain. Amyloidosis due to the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) was initially regarded as a specific and exclusive characteristic of neurodegenerative alterations seen in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. More recently, it was discovered that amyloidosis-related alterations, similar to those seen in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, also occur in the retina. Remarkably, these alterations were identified not only in primary retinal pathologies, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma, but also in the retinas of Alzheimer's patients. In this review, we first briefly discuss the biogenesis of Aβ, a peptide involved in amyloidosis. We then discuss some pathological aspects (synaptic dysfunction, mitochondrial failure, glial activation, and vascular abnormalities) related to the neurotoxic effects of Aβ. We finally highlight common features shared by AD, AMD, and glaucoma in the context of Aβ amyloidosis and further discuss why the retina, due to the transparency of the eye, can be considered as a "window" to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Masuzzo
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Université Paris 06, Sorbonne Universités , Paris , France
| | - Virginie Dinet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Université Paris 06, Sorbonne Universités , Paris , France
| | - Chelsea Cavanagh
- Department of Neuroscience, Douglas Hospital Research Center , Montreal, QC , Canada
| | - Frederic Mascarelli
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Université Paris 06, Sorbonne Universités , Paris , France
| | - Slavica Krantic
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Université Paris 06, Sorbonne Universités , Paris , France
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Hoh Kam J, Morgan JE, Jeffery G. Aged complement factor H knockout mice kept in a clean barriered environment have reduced retinal pathology. Exp Eye Res 2016; 149:116-125. [PMID: 27397653 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the largest cause of visual loss in those over 60 years in the West and is a condition increasing in prevalence. Many diseases result from genetic/environmental interactions and 50% of AMD cases have an association with polymorphisms of the complement system including complement factor H. Here we explore interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental conditions in triggering retinal pathology in two groups of aged complement factor H knock out (Cfh(-/-)) mice. Mice were maintained over 9 months in either a conventional open environment or a barriered pathogen free environment. Open environment Cfh(-/-) mice had significant increases in subretinal macrophage numbers, inflammatory and stress responses and reduced photoreceptor numbers over mice kept in a pathogen free environment. Hence, environmental factors can drive retinal disease in these mice when linked to complement deficits impairing immune function. Both groups of mice had similar levels of retinal amyloid beta accumulation. Consequently there is no direct link between this and inflammation in Cfh(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie Hoh Kam
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK
| | - James E Morgan
- School of Optometry and Visual Science, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Glen Jeffery
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK.
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27
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Javaid FZ, Brenton J, Guo L, Cordeiro MF. Visual and Ocular Manifestations of Alzheimer's Disease and Their Use as Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Progression. Front Neurol 2016; 7:55. [PMID: 27148157 PMCID: PMC4836138 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia affecting the growing aging population today, with prevalence expected to rise over the next 35 years. Clinically, patients exhibit a progressive decline in cognition, memory, and social functioning due to deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) protein and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau protein. These pathological hallmarks of AD are measured either through neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, or diagnosed post-mortem. Importantly, neuropathological progression occurs in the eye as well as the brain, and multiple visual changes have been noted in both human and animal models of AD. The eye offers itself as a transparent medium to cerebral pathology and has thus potentiated the development of ocular biomarkers for AD. The use of non-invasive screening, such as retinal imaging and visual testing, may enable earlier diagnosis in the clinical setting, minimizing invasive and expensive investigations. It also potentially improves disease management and quality of life for AD patients, as an earlier diagnosis allows initiation of medication and treatment. In this review, we explore the evidence surrounding ocular changes in AD and consider the biomarkers currently in development for early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatimah Zara Javaid
- Glaucoma and Retinal Degeneration Research Group, Visual Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Brenton
- Glaucoma and Retinal Degeneration Research Group, Visual Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Li Guo
- Glaucoma and Retinal Degeneration Research Group, Visual Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Maria F. Cordeiro
- Glaucoma and Retinal Degeneration Research Group, Visual Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Zhou LX, Sun CL, Wei LJ, Gu ZM, Lv L, Dang Y. Lower cognitive function in patients with age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis. Clin Interv Aging 2016; 11:215-23. [PMID: 26966358 PMCID: PMC4771401 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s102213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the cognitive impairment in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Relevant articles were identified through a search of the following electronic databases through October 2015, without language restriction: 1) PubMed; 2) the Cochrane Library; 3) EMBASE; 4) ScienceDirect. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 12.0 software. Standardized mean differences with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated. All of the included studies met the following four criteria: 1) the study design was a case–control or randomized controlled trial (RCT) study; 2) the study investigated cognitive function in the patient with AMD; 3) the diagnoses of AMD must be provided; 4) there were sufficient scores data to extract for evaluating cognitive function between cases and controls. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale criteria were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Results Of the initial 278 literatures, only six case–control and one RCT studies met all of the inclusion criteria. A total of 794 AMD patients and 1,227 controls were included in this study. Five studies were performed with mini-mental state examination (MMSE), two studies with animal fluency, two studies with trail making test (TMT)-A and -B, one study with Mini-Cog. Results of the meta-analysis revealed lower cognitive function test scores in patients with AMD, especially with MMSE and Mini-Cog test (P≤0.001 for all). The results also showed that differences in the TMT-A (except AMD [total] vs controls) and TMT-B test had no statistical significance (P>0.01). The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale score was ≥5 for all of the included studies. Based on the sensitivity analysis, no single study influenced the overall pooled estimates. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests lower cognitive function test scores in patients with AMD, especially with MMSE and Mini-Cog test. The other cognitive impairment screening tests, such as animal fluency test and TMT, need more studies to assess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xiao Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Lin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Juan Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Min Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalong Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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Afarid M, Torabi-Nami M, Nemati A, Khosravi A, Malekzadeh M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration. Int J Ophthalmol 2015; 8:991-5. [PMID: 26558215 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2015.05.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the serum level of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy control subjects. The disruption in the tight balance of neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective processes in an immune-privileged site like retina is proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. One of the main neuroprotective mediators in the central nervous system is BDNF with its serum level notably affected in several neurodegenerative disorders. METHODS Thirty-six patients with AMD and 36 age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. The serum level of BDNF was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results were analyzed to compare case and control values. Comparisons were also made between the BDNF level of wet- vs dry-AMD, and male vs female patients and controls. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS The mean BDNF levels in AMD group were significantly higher than the control group. Furthermore, our analysis revealed greater BDNF values in all AMD subgroups compared to controls (P=0.004, 0.005, 0.001 and 0.02 for male wet-AMD, male dry-AMD, female wet-AMD and female dry-AMD vs controls, respectively). The BDNF level however did not vary between wet- and dry-AMD patients (P=0.74). While within-group comparisons in males and females of AMD and control groups did not show any difference in BDNF (P=0.16, 0.64 and 0.85 for wet-AMD, dry-AMD and control groups, respectively), between-group data showed a higher mean BDNF in both male and female AMD subjects than their peer controls. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the serum BDNF level is different in patients with AMD as compared to subjects without AMD. Future attempts should be done to unravel beneficial or deleterious effect of this neurotrophin in the pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Afarid
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Eye Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mohammad Torabi-Nami
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Alijan Nemati
- Poostchi Eye Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Amir Khosravi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Poostchi Eye Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mahyar Malekzadeh
- Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
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30
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Volz C, Pauly D. Antibody therapies and their challenges in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 95:158-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Zhao Y, Bhattacharjee S, Jones BM, Hill JM, Clement C, Sambamurti K, Dua P, Lukiw WJ. Beta-Amyloid Precursor Protein (βAPP) Processing in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Mol Neurobiol 2015; 52:533-44. [PMID: 25204496 PMCID: PMC4362880 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid is a generic term for insoluble, often intensely hydrophobic, fibrous protein aggregates that arise from inappropriately folded versions of naturally-occurring polypeptides. The abnormal generation and accumulation of amyloid, often referred to as amyloidogenesis, has been associated with the immune and pro-inflammatory pathology of several progressive age-related diseases of the human central nervous system (CNS) including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This 'research perspective' paper reviews some of the research history, biophysics, molecular-genetics and environmental factors concerning the contribution of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, derived from beta-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP), to AD and AMD that suggests an extensive similarity in immune and inflammatory degenerative mechanisms between these two CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhai Zhao
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - Surjyadipta Bhattacharjee
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - Brandon M. Jones
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - James M. Hill
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
| | - Christian Clement
- Department of Natural Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Experimental Therapeutics and Human Toxicology Lab, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70126 USA
| | | | - Prerna Dua
- Department of Health Information Management, Louisiana State University, Ruston, LA 71272 USA
| | - Walter J. Lukiw
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112 USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Experimental Therapeutics and Human Toxicology Lab, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70126 USA
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Parthasarathy R, Chow KM, Derafshi Z, Fautsch MP, Hetling JR, Rodgers DW, Hersh LB, Pepperberg DR. Reduction of amyloid-beta levels in mouse eye tissues by intra-vitreally delivered neprilysin. Exp Eye Res 2015; 138:134-44. [PMID: 26142956 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) is a group of aggregation-prone, 38- to 43-amino acid peptides generated in the eye and other organs. Numerous studies suggest that the excessive build-up of low-molecular-weight soluble oligomers of Aβ plays a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other brain degenerative diseases. Recent studies raise the hypothesis that excessive Aβ levels may contribute also to certain retinal degenerative diseases. These findings, together with evidence that a major portion of Aβ is released as monomer into the extracellular space, raise the possibility that a technology enabling the enzymatic break-down of monomeric Aβ in the living eye under physiological conditions could prove useful for research on ocular Aβ physiology and, perhaps ultimately, for therapeutic applications. Neprilysin (NEP), an endopeptidase known to cleave Aβ monomer into inactive products, is a membrane-associated protein. However, sNEP, a recombinant form of the NEP catalytic domain, is soluble in aqueous medium. With the aim of determining the Aβ-cleaving activity of exogenous sNEP in the microenvironment of the intact eye, we analyzed the effect of intra-vitreally delivered sNEP on ocular Aβ levels in mice that exhibit readily measurable, aqueous buffer-extractable Aβ40 and Aβ42, two principal forms of Aβ. Anesthetized 10-month wild-type (C57BL/6J) and 2-3-month 5XFAD transgenic mice received intra-vitreal injections of sNEP (0.004-10 μg) in one eye and were sacrificed at defined post-treatment times (30 min - 12 weeks). Eye tissues (combined lens, vitreous, retina, RPE and choroid) were homogenized in phosphate-buffered saline, and analyzed for Aβ40 and Aβ42 (ELISA) and for total protein (Bradford assay). The fellow, untreated eye of each mouse served as control, and concentrations of Aβ (pmol/g protein) in the treated eye were normalized to that of the untreated control eye. In C57BL/6J mice, as measured at 2 h after sNEP treatment, increasing amounts of injected sNEP yielded progressively greater reductions of Aβ40, ranging from 12% ± 3% (mean ± SEM; n = 3) with 4 ng sNEP to 85% ± 13% (n = 5) with 10 μg sNEP. At 4 ng sNEP the average Aβ40 reduction reached >70% by 24 h following treatment and remained near this level for about 8 weeks. In 5XFAD mice, 10 μg sNEP produced an Aβ40 decrease of 99% ± 1% (n = 4) and a substantial although smaller decrease in Aβ42 (42% ± 36%; n = 4) within 24 h. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded from eyes of C57BL/6J and 5XFAD mice at 9 days following treatment with 4 ng or 10 μg sNEP, conditions that on average led, respectively, to an 82% and 91% Aβ40 reduction in C57BL/6J eyes, an 87% and 92% Aβ40 reduction in 5XFAD eyes, and a 23% and 52% Aβ42 reduction in 5XFAD eyes. In all cases, sNEP-treated eyes exhibited robust ERG responses, consistent with a general tolerance of the posterior eye tissues to the investigated conditions of sNEP treatment. The sNEP-mediated decrease of ocular Aβ levels reported here represents a possible approach for determining effects of Aβ reduction in normally functioning eyes and in models of retinal degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajni Parthasarathy
- Lions of Illinois Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Martin Chow
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Zahra Derafshi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - John R Hetling
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David W Rodgers
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Louis B Hersh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David R Pepperberg
- Lions of Illinois Eye Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Buschini E, Fea AM, Lavia CA, Nassisi M, Pignata G, Zola M, Grignolo FM. Recent developments in the management of dry age-related macular degeneration. Clin Ophthalmol 2015; 9:563-74. [PMID: 25878491 PMCID: PMC4388086 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s59724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also called geographic atrophy, is characterized by the atrophy of outer retinal layers and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Dry AMD accounts for 80% of all intermediate and advanced forms of the disease. Although vision loss is mainly due to the neovascular form (75%), dry AMD remains a challenge for ophthalmologists because of the lack of effective therapies. Actual management consists of lifestyle modification, vitamin supplements, and supportive measures in the advanced stages. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study demonstrated a statistically significant protective effect of dietary supplementation of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper) on dry AMD progression rate. It was also stated that the consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, has protective effects. Other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals (such as crocetin, curcumin, and vitamins B9, B12, and B6) are under evaluation, but the results are still uncertain. New strategies aim to 1) reduce or block drusen formation, 2) reduce or eliminate inflammation, 3) lower the accumulation of toxic by-products from the visual cycle, 4) reduce or eliminate retinal oxidative stress, 5) improve choroidal perfusion, 6) replace/repair or regenerate lost RPE cells and photoreceptors with stem cell therapy, and 7) develop a target gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Buschini
- Ospedale Oftalmico, Ophthalmic Section, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio M Fea
- Ospedale Oftalmico, Ophthalmic Section, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo A Lavia
- Ospedale Oftalmico, Ophthalmic Section, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Nassisi
- Ospedale Oftalmico, Ophthalmic Section, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Pignata
- Ospedale Oftalmico, Ophthalmic Section, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marta Zola
- Ospedale Oftalmico, Ophthalmic Section, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico M Grignolo
- Ospedale Oftalmico, Ophthalmic Section, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Plasma levels of amyloid beta and other proinflammatory mediators in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2015; 253:1347-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00417-015-2970-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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35
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At the interface of sensory and motor dysfunctions and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2015; 11:70-98. [PMID: 25022540 PMCID: PMC4287457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.04.514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 358] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that sensory and motor changes may precede the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by several years and may signify increased risk of developing AD. Traditionally, sensory and motor dysfunctions in aging and AD have been studied separately. To ascertain the evidence supporting the relationship between age-related changes in sensory and motor systems and the development of AD and to facilitate communication between several disciplines, the National Institute on Aging held an exploratory workshop titled "Sensory and Motor Dysfunctions in Aging and AD." The scientific sessions of the workshop focused on age-related and neuropathologic changes in the olfactory, visual, auditory, and motor systems, followed by extensive discussion and hypothesis generation related to the possible links among sensory, cognitive, and motor domains in aging and AD. Based on the data presented and discussed at this workshop, it is clear that sensory and motor regions of the central nervous system are affected by AD pathology and that interventions targeting amelioration of sensory-motor deficits in AD may enhance patient function as AD progresses.
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Ding JD, Kelly U, Landowski M, Toomey CB, Groelle M, Miller C, Smith SG, Klingeborn M, Singhapricha T, Jiang H, Frank MM, Bowes Rickman C. Expression of human complement factor H prevents age-related macular degeneration-like retina damage and kidney abnormalities in aged Cfh knockout mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 185:29-42. [PMID: 25447048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Complement factor H (CFH) is an important regulatory protein in the alternative pathway of the complement system, and CFH polymorphisms increase the genetic risk of age-related macular degeneration dramatically. These same human CFH variants have also been associated with dense deposit disease. To mechanistically study the function of CFH in the pathogenesis of these diseases, we created transgenic mouse lines using human CFH bacterial artificial chromosomes expressing full-length human CFH variants and crossed these to Cfh knockout (Cfh(-/-)) mice. Human CFH protein inhibited cleavage of mouse complement component 3 and factor B in plasma and in retinal pigment epithelium/choroid/sclera, establishing that human CFH regulates activation of the mouse alternative pathway. One of the mouse lines, which express relatively higher levels of CFH, demonstrated functional and structural protection of the retina owing to the Cfh deletion. Impaired visual function, detected as a deficit in the scotopic electroretinographic response, was improved in this transgenic mouse line compared with Cfh(-/-) mice, and transgenics had a thicker outer nuclear layer and less sub-retinal pigment epithelium deposit accumulation. In addition, expression of human CFH also completely protected the mice from developing kidney abnormalities associated with loss of CFH. These humanized CFH mice present a valuable model for study of the molecular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration and dense deposit disease and for testing therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Dong Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Una Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael Landowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher B Toomey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Marybeth Groelle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Chelsey Miller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stephanie G Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mikael Klingeborn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Terry Singhapricha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Haixiang Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael M Frank
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Catherine Bowes Rickman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
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Guo LY, Alekseev O, Li Y, Song Y, Dunaief JL. Iron increases APP translation and amyloid-beta production in the retina. Exp Eye Res 2014; 129:31-7. [PMID: 25456519 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness among older adults in developed countries, and retinal iron accumulation may exacerbate the disease. Iron can upregulate the production of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Since amyloid-β (Aβ), a byproduct of APP proteolysis, is found in drusen, the histopathological hallmark of AMD, we tested the role of iron in regulating APP and Aβ levels in the retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19. We found that treatment with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) increases APP at the translational level. FAC treatment also results in increased generation of APP C-terminal fragments C83 and C99, the products of APP proteolysis by α- and β-secretase, respectively, as well as levels of Aβ42, a highly aggregative amyloid species. Additionally, retinal tissue sections from a patient with aceruloplasminemia, a disease causing iron overload in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), showed increased Aβ deposition in the RPE and drusen. Overall, our results suggest that RPE iron overload could contribute to Aβ accumulation in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Y Guo
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Oleg Alekseev
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 W Queen Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
| | - Yafeng Li
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Ying Song
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Joshua L Dunaief
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Malik D, Hsu T, Falatoonzadeh P, Cáceres-del-Carpio J, Tarek M, Chwa M, Atilano SR, Ramirez C, Nesburn AB, Boyer DS, Kuppermann BD, Jazwinski SM, Miceli MV, Wallace DC, Udar N, Kenney MC. Human retinal transmitochondrial cybrids with J or H mtDNA haplogroups respond differently to ultraviolet radiation: implications for retinal diseases. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99003. [PMID: 24919117 PMCID: PMC4053329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been recognized that cells do not respond equally to ultraviolet (UV) radiation but it is not clear whether this is due to genetic, biochemical or structural differences of the cells. We have a novel cybrid (cytoplasmic hybrids) model that allows us to analyze the contribution of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to cellular response after exposure to sub-lethal dose of UV. mtDNA can be classified into haplogroups as defined by accumulations of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Recent studies have shown that J haplogroup is high risk for age-related macular degeneration while the H haplogroup is protective. This study investigates gene expression responses in J cybrids versus H cybrids after exposure to sub-lethal doses of UV-radiation. Methodology/Principal Findings Cybrids were created by fusing platelets isolated from subjects with either H (n = 3) or J (n = 3) haplogroups with mitochondria-free (Rho0) ARPE-19 cells. The H and J cybrids were cultured for 24 hours, treated with 10 mJ of UV-radiation and cultured for an additional 120 hours. Untreated and treated cybrids were analyzed for growth rates and gene expression profiles. The UV-treated and untreated J cybrids had higher growth rates compared to H cybrids. Before treatment, J cybrids showed lower expression levels for CFH, CD55, IL-33, TGF-A, EFEMP-1, RARA, BCL2L13 and BBC3. At 120 hours after UV-treatment, the J cybrids had decreased CFH, RARA and BBC3 levels but increased CD55, IL-33 and EFEMP-1 compared to UV-treated H cybrids. Conclusion/Significance In cells with identical nuclei, the cellular response to sub-lethal UV-radiation is mediated in part by the mtDNA haplogroup. This supports the hypothesis that differences in growth rates and expression levels of complement, inflammation and apoptosis genes may result from population-specific, hereditary SNP variations in mtDNA. Therefore, when analyzing UV-induced damage in tissues, the mtDNA haplogroup background may be important to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Malik
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Hsu
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Payam Falatoonzadeh
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Javier Cáceres-del-Carpio
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Tarek
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, El-Minya University, El-Minya, Egypt
| | - Marilyn Chwa
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Shari R. Atilano
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Claudio Ramirez
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony B. Nesburn
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David S. Boyer
- Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group; Beverly Hills, California, United States of America
| | - Baruch D. Kuppermann
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - S. Michal Jazwinski
- Tulane Center for Aging, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Michael V. Miceli
- Tulane Center for Aging, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Douglas C. Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nitin Udar
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - M. Cristina Kenney
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Logue MW, Schu M, Vardarajan BN, Farrell J, Lunetta KL, Jun G, Baldwin CT, DeAngelis MM, Farrer LA. Search for age-related macular degeneration risk variants in Alzheimer disease genes and pathways. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:1510.e7-18. [PMID: 24439028 PMCID: PMC3961547 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of inquiry point to overlapping molecular mechanisms between late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We evaluated summarized results from large genome-wide association studies for AD and AMD to test the hypothesis that AD susceptibility loci are also associated with AMD. We observed association of both disorders with genes in a region of chromosome 7, including PILRA and ZCWPW1 (peak AMD SNP rs7792525, minor allele frequency [MAF] = 19%, odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, p = 2.34 × 10(-6)), and with ABCA7 (peak AMD SNP rs3752228, MAF = 0.054, OR = 1.22, p = 0.00012). Next, we evaluated association of AMD with genes in AD-related pathways identified by canonical pathway analysis of AD-associated genes. Significant associations were observed with multiple previously identified AMD risk loci and 2 novel genes: HGS (peak SNP rs8070488, MAF = 0.23, OR = 0.91, p = 7.52 × 10(-5)), which plays a role in the clathrin-mediated endocytosis signaling pathway, and TNF (peak SNP rs2071590, MAF = 0.34, OR = 0.89, p = 1.17 × 10(-5)), which is a member of the atherosclerosis signaling and the LXR/RXR activation pathways. Our results suggest that AMD and AD share genetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Logue
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Matthew Schu
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Badri N. Vardarajan
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - John Farrell
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kathryn L. Lunetta
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Gyungah Jun
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Clinton T. Baldwin
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Lindsay A. Farrer
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Neurology, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Corresponding Author: Dr. Lindsay A. Farrer, Boston University School of Medicine, Biomedical Genetics L320, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, Tel: (617) 638-5393, Fax: (617) 638-4275,
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40
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Abstract
Current management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be divided into two categories: first, anti-vasoendothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection for wet macular degeneration; second, anti-oxidant vitamins for dry macular degeneration. New therapies are being developed for both of these diseases using novel technologies and different modes of administration. The hope is that some of these therapies will achieve significant improvement to current management and prevent future loss of vision in this devastating eye condition.
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41
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Abstract
The formation of extracellular deposits known as drusen below the macular region of the retina correlates with increased risk of severe visual loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Inflammation and complement dysregulation contribute to AMD progression; however, disease mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Multiple genetic and environmental factors influence AMD pathology, and although immune system processes play a central role, multiple molecular mechanisms appear to be involved. Drusen proteomics, including the analyses of constituent proteins, oxidative protein modifications, and pattern recognition receptors, provide a foundation for deciphering mechanisms of drusen biogenesis and AMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Crabb
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
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42
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Ding JD, Kelly U, Groelle M, Christenbury JG, Zhang W, Bowes Rickman C. The role of complement dysregulation in AMD mouse models. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 801:213-9. [PMID: 24664701 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Variations in several complement genes are now known to be significant risk factors for the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite dramatic effects on disease susceptibility, the underlying mechanisms by which common polymorphisms in complement proteins alter disease risk have remained unclear. Genetically modified mice in which the activity of the complement has been altered are available and can be used to investigate the role of complement in the pathogenesis of AMD. In this mini review, we will discuss some existing complement models of AMD and our efforts to develop and characterize the ocular phenotype in a variety of mice in which complement is either chronically activated or inhibited. A spectrum of complement dysregulation was modeled on the APOE4 AMD mouse model by crossing these mice to complement factor H knockout (cfh-/-) mice to test the impact of excess complement activation, and by crossing them to soluble-complement-receptor-1-related protein y (sCrry) mice, in which sCrry acts as a potent inhibitor of mouse complement acting in a manner similar to CFH. In addition, we have also generated humanized CFH mice expressing normal and risk variants of CFH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Dong Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, 2351 Erwin Rd, 27710, Durham, NC, USA,
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43
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Renzi LM, Dengler MJ, Puente A, Miller LS, Hammond BR. Relationships between macular pigment optical density and cognitive function in unimpaired and mildly cognitively impaired older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:1695-9. [PMID: 24508218 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Low carotenoid status (especially of the xanthophylls, lutein [L], and zeaxanthin [Z]) is common in older adults and has been associated with a number of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system ranging from retina (e.g., macular degeneration) to brain (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). In this study, we tested whether retinal measures of L + Z (macular pigment optical density [MPOD]), used as a surrogate for brain L + Z levels, were related to cognitive function when comparing healthy older adults with mildly cognitively impaired older adults. Twenty-four subjects with mild cognitive impairment were compared with 24 matched controls. Subjects were matched with respect to age, body mass index, ethnicity, sex, and smoking status. Degree of cognitive impairment and cognitive ability was determined via structured clinical interview. MPOD was measured psychophysically. In healthy older adults, MPOD was only related to visual-spatial and constructional abilities (p = 0.04). For subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), however, MPOD was broadly related to cognition including the composite score on the mini-mental state examination (p = 0.02), visual-spatial and constructional abilities (p = 0.04), language ability (p = 0.05), attention (p = 0.03), and the total scale on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (p = 0.03). It is possible that L/Z status may be more strongly related to cognition when individuals are considered with established onset of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Renzi
- Department of Psychology, Vision Sciences and Human Biofactors Laboratories, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Melissa J Dengler
- Department of Psychology, Vision Sciences and Human Biofactors Laboratories, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Nevada State College, Henderson, NV, USA
| | - Antonio Puente
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology and Memory Assessment Laboratory, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - L Stephen Miller
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology and Memory Assessment Laboratory, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Billy R Hammond
- Department of Psychology, Vision Sciences and Human Biofactors Laboratories, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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44
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Bowes Rickman C, Farsiu S, Toth CA, Klingeborn M. Dry age-related macular degeneration: mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and imaging. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:ORSF68-80. [PMID: 24335072 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible visual dysfunction in individuals over 65 in Western Society. Patients with AMD are classified as having early stage disease (early AMD), in which visual function is affected, or late AMD (generally characterized as either "wet" neovascular AMD, "dry" atrophic AMD or both), in which central vision is severely compromised or lost. Until recently, there have been no therapies available to treat the disorder(s). Now, the most common wet form of late-stage AMD, choroidal neovascularization, generally responds to treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies. Nevertheless, there are no current therapies to restore lost vision in eyes with advanced atrophic AMD. Oral supplementation with the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) or AREDS2 formulation (antioxidant vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc) has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD, although the impact was in neovascular rather than atrophic AMD. Recent findings, however, have demonstrated several features of early AMD that are likely to be druggable targets for treatment. Studies have established that much of the genetic risk for AMD is associated with complement genes. Consequently, several complement-based therapeutic treatment approaches are being pursued. Potential treatment strategies against AMD deposit formation and protein and/or lipid deposition will be discussed, including anti-amyloid therapies. In addition, the role of autophagy in AMD and prevention of oxidative stress through modulation of the antioxidant system will be explored. Finally, the success of these new therapies in clinical trials and beyond relies on early detection, disease typing, and predicting disease progression, areas that are currently being rapidly transformed by improving imaging modalities and functional assays.
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Kanagasingam Y, Bhuiyan A, Abràmoff MD, Smith RT, Goldschmidt L, Wong TY. Progress on retinal image analysis for age related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 38:20-42. [PMID: 24211245 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in those over the age of 50 years in the developed countries. The number is expected to increase by ∼1.5 fold over the next ten years due to an increase in aging population. One of the main measures of AMD severity is the analysis of drusen, pigmentary abnormalities, geographic atrophy (GA) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) from imaging based on color fundus photograph, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other imaging modalities. Each of these imaging modalities has strengths and weaknesses for extracting individual AMD pathology and different imaging techniques are used in combination for capturing and/or quantification of different pathologies. Current dry AMD treatments cannot cure or reverse vision loss. However, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that specific anti-oxidant vitamin supplementation reduces the risk of progression from intermediate stages (defined as the presence of either many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen) to late AMD which allows for preventative strategies in properly identified patients. Thus identification of people with early stage AMD is important to design and implement preventative strategies for late AMD, and determine their cost-effectiveness. A mass screening facility with teleophthalmology or telemedicine in combination with computer-aided analysis for large rural-based communities may identify more individuals suitable for early stage AMD prevention. In this review, we discuss different imaging modalities that are currently being considered or used for screening AMD. In addition, we look into various automated and semi-automated computer-aided grading systems and related retinal image analysis techniques for drusen, geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularization detection and/or quantification for measurement of AMD severity using these imaging modalities. We also review the existing telemedicine studies which include diagnosis and management of AMD, and how automated disease grading could benefit telemedicine. As there is no treatment for dry AMD and only early intervention can prevent the late AMD, we emphasize mass screening through a telemedicine platform to enable early detection of AMD. We also provide a comparative study between the imaging modalities and identify potential study areas for further improvement and future research direction in automated AMD grading and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesan Kanagasingam
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), 65 Brockway Road, Floreat, Underwood Avenue, WA 6014, Australia. http://aehrc.com/
| | - Alauddin Bhuiyan
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), 65 Brockway Road, Floreat, Underwood Avenue, WA 6014, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
| | - Michael D Abràmoff
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - R Theodore Smith
- Retinal Image Analysis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, NYU School of Medicine, NY, NY 10016, USA
| | - Leonard Goldschmidt
- VA Palo Alto Health Care Systems, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1290, USA
| | - Tien Y Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne 3002, Australia
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46
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Catchpole I, Germaschewski V, Hoh Kam J, Lundh von Leithner P, Ford S, Gough G, Adamson P, Overend P, Hilpert J, López FJ, Ng YSE, Coffey P, Jeffery G. Systemic administration of Abeta mAb reduces retinal deposition of Abeta and activated complement C3 in age-related macular degeneration mouse model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65518. [PMID: 23799019 PMCID: PMC3682980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of legal blindness in the Western world. There are effective treatments for the vascular complications of neo-vascular AMD, but no effective therapies are available for the dry/atrophic form of the disease. A previously described transgenic CFH-gene deficient mouse model, (cfh−/−), shows hallmarks of early AMD. The ocular phenotype has been further analysed to demonstrate amyloid beta (Aβ) rich basement membrane deposits associated with activated complement C3. Cfh−/− mice were treated systemically in both prophylactic and therapeutic regimes with an anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody (mAb), 6F6, to determine the effect on the cfh−/− retinal phenotype. Prophylactic treatment with 6F6 demonstrated a dose dependent reduction in the accumulation of both Aβ and activated C3 deposition. A similar reduction in the retinal endpoints could be seen after therapeutic treatment. Serum Aβ levels after systemic administration of 6F6 show accumulation of Aβ in the periphery suggestive of a peripheral sink mechanism. In summary, anti-Aβ mAb treatment can partially prevent or reverse ocular phenotypes of the cfh−/− mouse. The data support this therapeutic approach in humans potentially modulating two key elements in the pathogenesis of AMD – Aβ and activated, complement C3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Catchpole
- Topical BioPharm Discovery Research and Development Unit, King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
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London A, Benhar I, Schwartz M. The retina as a window to the brain-from eye research to CNS disorders. NATURE REVIEWS. NEUROLOGY 2013. [PMID: 23165340 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2012.227)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Philosophers defined the eye as a window to the soul long before scientists addressed this cliché to determine its scientific basis and clinical relevance. Anatomically and developmentally, the retina is known as an extension of the CNS; it consists of retinal ganglion cells, the axons of which form the optic nerve, whose fibres are, in effect, CNS axons. The eye has unique physical structures and a local array of surface molecules and cytokines, and is host to specialized immune responses similar to those in the brain and spinal cord. Several well-defined neurodegenerative conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord have manifestations in the eye, and ocular symptoms often precede conventional diagnosis of such CNS disorders. Furthermore, various eye-specific pathologies share characteristics of other CNS pathologies. In this Review, we summarize data that support examination of the eye as a noninvasive approach to the diagnosis of select CNS diseases, and the use of the eye as a valuable model to study the CNS. Translation of eye research to CNS disease, and deciphering the role of immune cells in these two systems, could improve our understanding and, potentially, the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat London
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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48
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Mora N, Almudi I, Alsina B, Corominas M, Serras F. β amyloid protein precursor-like (Appl) is a Ras1/MAPK-regulated gene required for axonal targeting in Drosophila photoreceptor neurons. J Cell Sci 2012. [PMID: 23178937 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.114785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In a genome-wide expression profile search for genes required for Drosophila R7 photoreceptor development we found β amyloid protein precursor-like (Appl), the ortholog of human APP, which is a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We analyzed Appl expression in the eye imaginal disc and found that is highly accumulated in R7 photoreceptor cells. The R7 photoreceptor is responsible for UV light detection. To explore the link between high expression of Appl and R7 function, we have analyzed Appl null mutants and found reduced preference for UV light, probably because of mistargeted R7 axons. Moreover, axon mistargeting and inappropriate light discrimination are enhanced in combination with neurotactin mutants. R7 differentiation is triggered by the inductive interaction between R8 and R7 precursors, which results in a burst of Ras1/MAPK, activated by the tyrosine kinase receptor Sevenless. Therefore, we examined whether Ras1/MAPK is responsible for the high Appl expression. Inhibition of Ras1 signaling leads to reduced Appl expression, whereas constitutive activation drives ectopic Appl expression. We show that Appl is directly regulated by the Ras/MAPK pathway through a mechanism mediated by PntP2, an ETS transcription factor that specifically binds ETS sites in the Appl regulatory region. We also found that zebrafish appb expression increased after ectopic fgfr activation in the neural tube of zebrafish embryos, suggesting a conserved regulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mora
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Lamoke F, Ripandelli G, Webster S, Montemari A, Maraschi A, Martin P, Marcus DM, Liou GI, Bartoli M. Loss of thioredoxin function in retinas of mice overexpressing amyloid β. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 53:577-88. [PMID: 22564527 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid β peptides (Aβ) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and glaucoma. In this study, retinas of mice overexpressing Aβ (Tg) were compared to those of wild-type mice (Wt) and analyzed for oxidative stress parameters. We observed a progressive decrease in all retinal cell layers, which was significantly greater in Tg mice at 14 months and culminated in loss of the outer retina at 18 months of age. We also observed higher levels of reactive oxygen species, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and hydroperoxide in Tg versus Wt mice (14 months). These effects were associated with phosphorylation/activation of the apoptosis signal kinase 1 and the p38 mitogen-activated kinase. Western blotting analysis revealed progressive increases in the levels of thioredoxin 1 and thioredoxin inhibitory protein in Tg compared to Wt mice. No changes were observed in the levels of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1); however, measurements of TrxR1 activity showed a 42.7±8% reduction in Tg mice versus Wt at 14 months of age. Our data suggest that Aβ-mediated retinal neurotoxicity involves impairment of the thioredoxin system and enhanced oxidative stress, potentially implicating this mechanism in the pathogenesis of ARMD and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folami Lamoke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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