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Teng L, Sun Y, Teng S, Hui P. Applications of nanomaterials in anti-VEGF treatment for ophthalmic diseases. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:296-306. [PMID: 37850566 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis has been determined to be essential in the occurrence and metastasis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), tumor, etc. However, the clinical use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) drugs is currently limited due to its high cost, potential side effects, and need for repeated injections. In recent years, nanotechnology has shown promising results in inhibiting neovascularization and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inflammatory factors. Some nanomaterials can also act as vehicles for drug delivery, such as lipid nanoparticles and PLGA. The process of angiogenesis and its molecular mechanism are discussed in this article. At the same time, this study aims to systematically review the research progress of nanotechnology and offer more treatment options for neovascularization-related diseases in clinical ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Teng
- The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Yabin Sun
- The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Siying Teng
- The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Peng Hui
- The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
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2
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Boddu SH, Acharya D, Hala V, Jani H, Pande S, Patel C, Shahwan M, Jwala R, Ranch KM. An Update on Strategies to Deliver Protein and Peptide Drugs to the Eye. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35470-35498. [PMID: 37810716 PMCID: PMC10552503 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, advancements in protein engineering, biotechnology, and structural biochemistry have resulted in the discovery of various techniques that enhanced the production yield of proteins, targetability, circulating half-life, product purity, and functionality of proteins and peptides. As a result, the utilization of proteins and peptides has increased in the treatment of many conditions, including ocular diseases. Ocular delivery of large molecules poses several challenges due to their high molecular weight, hydrophilicity, unstable nature, and poor permeation through cellular and enzymatic barriers. The use of novel strategies for delivering protein and peptides such as glycoengineering, PEGylation, Fc-fusion, chitosan nanoparticles, and liposomes have improved the efficacy, safety, and stability, which consequently expanded the therapeutic potential of proteins. This review article highlights various proteins and peptides that are useful in ocular disorders, challenges in their delivery to the eye, and strategies to enhance ocular bioavailability using novel delivery approaches. In addition, a few futuristic approaches that will assist in the ocular delivery of proteins and peptides were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai H.
S. Boddu
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Devarshi Acharya
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Vivek Hala
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Harshil Jani
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
| | - Sonal Pande
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Chirag Patel
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Renukuntla Jwala
- School
of
Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El
Paso, 1101 N Campbell
St., El Paso, Texas 79902, United States
- Department
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, 27240, United States
| | - Ketan M. Ranch
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
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Huang X, Zhang L, Fu Y, Zhang M, Yang Q, Peng J. Rethinking the potential and necessity of drug delivery systems in neovascular age-related macular degeneration therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1199922. [PMID: 37288355 PMCID: PMC10242387 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1199922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the predominant threat to human vision and ultimately results in blindness. With the increase in the aging population, it has become a more crucial issue to human health. AMD is a multifactorial disease with the unique feature of uncontrollable angiogenesis during initiation and progression. Although increasing evidence indicates that AMD is largely hereditary, the predominant efficient treatment is antiangiogenesis, which mainly involves VEGF and HIF-α as therapeutic targets. The repeated administration of this treatment over the long term, generally through intravitreal injection, has called for the introduction of long-term drug delivery systems, which are expected to be achieved by biomaterials. However, the clinical results of the port delivery system indicate that the optimization of medical devices toward prolonging the activities of therapeutic biologics in AMD therapy seems more promising. These results indicate that we should rethink the possibility and potential of biomaterials as drug delivery systems in achieving long-term, sustained inhibition of angiogenesis in AMD therapy. In this review, the etiology, categorization, risk factors, pathogenesis, and current clinical treatments of AMD are briefly introduced. Next, the development status of long-term drug delivery systems is discussed, and the drawbacks and shortages of these systems are emphasized. By comprehensively considering the pathological aspect and the recent application of drug delivery systems in AMD therapy, we hope to find a better solution for the further development of long-term therapeutic strategies for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanyan Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Center of Scientific Research, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinrong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Ferro Desideri L, Traverso CE, Nicolò M, Munk MR. Faricimab for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051413. [PMID: 37242655 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays; intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs are considered the first-line therapeutic strategy for treating macular exudative diseases; including wet age-related macular degeneration (w-AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Despite the important clinical achievements obtained by anti-VEGF drugs in the management of w-AMD and DME; some limits still remain; including high treatment burden; the presence of unsatisfactory results in a certain percentage of patients and long-term visual acuity decline due to complications such as macular atrophy and fibrosis. Targeting the angiopoietin/Tie (Ang/Tie) pathway beyond the VEGF pathway may be a possible therapeutic strategy; which may has the potential to solve some of the previous mentioned challenges. Faricimab is a new; bispecific antibody targeting both VEGF-A and the Ang-Tie/pathway. It was approved by FDA and; more recently; by EMA for treating w-AMD and DME. Results from phase III trials TENAYA and LUCERNE (w-AMD) and RHINE and YOSEMITE (DME) have shown the potential of faricimab to maintain clinical efficacy with more prolonged treatment regimens compared to aflibercept (12 or 16 weeks) with a a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ferro Desideri
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Enrico Traverso
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Nicolò
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marion R Munk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Photographic Reading Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Kaiser PK, Giani A, Fuchs H, Chong V, Heier JS. Factors That Can Prolong Ocular Treatment Duration in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:653-663. [PMID: 36626895 DOI: 10.1159/000527815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD); however, they are associated with a considerable treatment burden and poor real-world outcomes. The molecular size and charge of anti-VEGF agents influence drug pharmacokinetics in the vitreous and peak drug efficacy. This article reviews the established and novel strategies to prolong drug action, in the vitreal cavity, and thus reduce dosing frequency. Increased ocular residency can be attained by increasing drug size as with large molecules, such as KSI-301; adding polyethylene glycol to pegcetacoplan (APL-2) or avacincaptad pegol to increase molecular size; or binding to other targets that increase molecular size, such as vitreal albumin in the case of BI-X. Faricimab is a bispecific antibody in which the fragment crystallizable portion is engineered to prolong ocular residency and reduce systemic exposure. Conversely, small VEGF-binding molecules, such as brolucizumab, can be administered at higher clinical doses, with the potential for prolonged clinical activity versus larger molecules. Other important considerations include sustained drug delivery routes, such as the ranibizumab port delivery system or subconjunctival or suprachoroidal injection. More effective and longer-lasting treatments are needed for wAMD to prolong drug action and reduce dosing frequency. Several strategies are under investigation and the prevention of vision loss in patients with AMD or other retinal diseases may be attainable in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Kaiser
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea Giani
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Holger Fuchs
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | | | - Jeffery S Heier
- Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Shastri DH, Silva AC, Almeida H. Ocular Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010205. [PMID: 36678834 PMCID: PMC9864358 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins, including monoclonal antibodies, single chain variable fragment (ScFv), crystallizable fragment (Fc), and fragment antigen binding (Fab), have accounted for one-third of all drugs on the world market. In particular, these medicines have been widely used in ocular therapies in the treatment of various diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, corneal neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. However, the formulation of these biomacromolecules is challenging due to their high molecular weight, complex structure, instability, short half-life, enzymatic degradation, and immunogenicity, which leads to the failure of therapies. Various efforts have been made to overcome the ocular barriers, providing effective delivery of therapeutic proteins, such as altering the protein structure or including it in new delivery systems. These strategies are not only cost-effective and beneficial to patients but have also been shown to allow for fewer drug side effects. In this review, we discuss several factors that affect the design of formulations and the delivery of therapeutic proteins to ocular tissues, such as the use of injectable micro/nanocarriers, hydrogels, implants, iontophoresis, cell-based therapy, and combination techniques. In addition, other approaches are briefly discussed, related to the structural modification of these proteins, improving their bioavailability in the posterior segments of the eye without affecting their stability. Future research should be conducted toward the development of more effective, stable, noninvasive, and cost-effective formulations for the ocular delivery of therapeutic proteins. In addition, more insights into preclinical to clinical translation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyesh H. Shastri
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, K.B. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, Sarva Vidyalaya Kelavani Mandal, Gandhinagar 382016, India
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Catarina Silva
- FP-I3ID (Instituto de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento), FP-BHS (Biomedical and Health Sciences Research Unit), Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO (Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences), REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), MEDTECH (Medicines and Healthcare Products), Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Almeida
- UCIBIO (Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences), REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), MEDTECH (Medicines and Healthcare Products), Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Mesosystem Investigação & Investimentos by Spinpark, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
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Ferro Desideri L, Traverso CE, Nicolò M. The emerging role of the angiopoietin-Tie pathway as therapeutic target for treating retinal diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:145-154. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2036121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Enrico Traverso
- University Eye Clinic of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Nicolò
- University Eye Clinic of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Italy
- Macula Onlus Foundation, Genoa, Italy
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8
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Emerging Treatment Modalities for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Overview. Adv Ther 2022; 39:5-32. [PMID: 34724151 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) represents a leading cause of irreversible visual loss affecting the quality of life of millions of elderly patients worldwide. Although the introduction of intravitreal injections with anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) agents has revolutionized the management of nAMD, their effectiveness and ultimate success are limited by several therapeutic challenges. Consequently, real-world efficacy appears significantly inferior to that reported by randomized controlled trials. Therefore, further innovative, long-term treatment options are essential to improve the prognosis and outcome of nAMD therapy. METHODS Emerging pharmacological therapies for nAMD and those currently in clinical trials are reviewed and their mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy are discussed. The evidence presented herein has been collected from online databases PubMed, Cochrane library, and the ClinicalTrials.gov site. RESULTS A number of promising technologies and novel anti-VEGF therapies are currently being tested and some have already reached phase III trials. Anti-VEGF agents with enhanced durability and possibly efficacy, gene therapy, angiogenic targets, alternative drug delivery routes such as sustained delivery implants, drug carriers, and encapsulated cell technology are currently being explored. We briefly discuss the potential value of these options. CONCLUSION Several options may optimize future nAMD management. On the basis of current, albeit limited evidence, the most promising technology to reach clinical practice soon appears to be the sustained drug delivery options, which may improve visual outcome and reduce the socioeconomic burden of nAMD.
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Arrigo A, Bandello F. Retinal vein occlusion: drug targets and therapeutic implications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:847-864. [PMID: 34775882 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2005026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is extremely complex and includes several mediators. These mediators represent potential drug targets that can be used in the development of intravitreal drugs. AREAS COVERED PubMed/MEDLINE databases were accessed between April-May 2021 to find the most relevant scientific papers regarding drug targets and therapeutic implications in RVO, focusing on current therapeutic options and potential cornerstones of future advances in treatment. EXPERT OPINION Before the introduction of intravitreal therapies, the visual outcome following a diagnosis of RVO was extremely poor. Anti-VEGF and corticosteroid treatments have radically changed RVO prognosis, helping to preserve patients' visual function and their quality of life. According to current clinical data, anti-VEGF and corticosteroid drugs are associated with both pros and cons; the present recommendation is to employ anti-VEGF molecules as a first-line treatment. Advances in our understanding of the biomolecular characteristics of RVO offer a solid basis for the development of new therapeutic targets and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arrigo
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Kaiser SM, Arepalli S, Ehlers JP. Current and Future Anti-VEGF Agents for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:905-912. [PMID: 34616189 PMCID: PMC8488047 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s259298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of legal blindness in developed countries. Neovascular (ie, wet) AMD is currently managed with intravitreal therapy. Traditional treatments (ie, bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept) provide high-efficacy therapy but can also require frequent dosing. Newer and future anti-VEGF therapies aim to decrease injection frequency through eitherlonger half life or port-delivery systems (brolucizumab, conbercept, KSI-301, ranibizumab). This review outlines current anti-VEGF treatments and ways by which their duration might be extended.
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Ganta VC, Annex BH. Peripheral vascular disease: preclinical models and emerging therapeutic targeting of the vascular endothelial growth factor ligand-receptor system. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:381-391. [PMID: 34098826 PMCID: PMC8573823 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1940139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is a sought therapeutic target for PAD treatment because of its potent role in angiogenesis. However, no therapeutic benefit was achieved in VEGF-A clinical trials, suggesting that our understanding of VEGF-A biology and ischemic angiogenic processes needs development. Alternate splicing in VEGF-A produces pro- and anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms; the only difference being a 6-amino acid switch in the C-terminus of the final 8th exon of the gene. This finding has changed our understanding of VEGF-A biology and may explain the lack of benefit in VEGF-A clinical trials. It presents new therapeutic opportunities for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) treatment.Areas covered: Literature search was conducted to include: 1) predicted mechanism by which the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform would inhibit angiogenesis, 2) unexpected mechanism of action, and 3) how this mechanism revealed novel signaling pathways that may enhance future therapeutics in PAD.Expert opinion: Inhibiting a specific anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform in ischemic muscle promotes perfusion recovery in preclinical PAD. Additional efforts focused on the production of these isoforms, and the pathways altered by modulating different VEGF receptor-ligand interactions, and how this new data may allow bedside progress offers new approaches to PAD are discussed.I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Chaitanya Ganta
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Wu J, Cui D, Li H, Zeng J. Protective effects of NAC and salubrinal on apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells induced by all-trans retinoic acid. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 32:395-401. [PMID: 33726556 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accumulation of endogenous all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plays a role in the degeneration of photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, contributing to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study attempted to investigate the influence of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and selective endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor salubrinal on apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells induced by ATRA. METHODS The RPE cell line (ARPE-19) was treated with ATRA, ATRA+NAC, ATRA+salubrinal or ATRA+NAC+salubrinal and the control was untreated. After 24 h of cell culture, the levels of apoptosis, multicaspase and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and cleaved caspase-3 in the groups. RESULTS The results of flow cytometry showed that NAC and salubrinal decreased the levels of apoptosis, ROS and multicaspase. ATRA increased VEGF-A levels associated with neovascularisation. NAC and salubrinal inhibited an increase in VEGF-A, CHOP and caspase-3 caused by ATRA in ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSIONS In ARPE-19 cells, the levels of ROS and ERS can be increased by ATRA, contributing to apoptosis, which can be effectively inhibited by NAC and salubrinal. Thus, ATRA may play an important role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wu
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Cui
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honghui Li
- Chengdu Air Eye Hospital, Sichuan, China
| | - Junwen Zeng
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Nicolò M, Ferro Desideri L, Vagge A, Traverso CE. Current Pharmacological Treatment Options for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13100264. [PMID: 32977380 PMCID: PMC7597965 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a common cause of visual impairment in patients generally aged 20 to 60 and it is characterized by acute or chronic neurosensory detachments of the retina. Although CSC resolves spontaneously in most cases, in some patients it may cause permanent visual impairment in the working population; for this reason, several approaches, including photodynamic therapy (PDT), subthreshold micropulse laser treatment and oral mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, have been studied as first-line treatment options for CSC. To date, half-dose PDT has provided the most encouraging results in this regard, supported by large, multicenter, randomized clinical trials such as the “Prospective Randomized Controlled Treatment Trial for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy” (PLACE) trial; however, the role of novel possible non-invasive treatment options is attracting interest. This review article aims to discuss the current pharmacological treatment options investigated for the management of CSC, including aspirin, ketoconazole, beta blockers, rifampicin and many others. In particular, further evidence about oral mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, firstly seen as promising non-invasive alternatives for treating CSC, will be provided and discussed in light of the recent “Eplerenone for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy in patients with active, previously untreated disease for more than 4 months” (VICI) trial results, which have largely resized their role as possible first-line oral treatment options for treating CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Nicolò
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.F.D.); (A.V.); (C.E.T.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
- Macula Onlus Foundation, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-555-4191
| | - Lorenzo Ferro Desideri
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.F.D.); (A.V.); (C.E.T.)
| | - Aldo Vagge
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.F.D.); (A.V.); (C.E.T.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Enrico Traverso
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.F.D.); (A.V.); (C.E.T.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
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