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Alam J, Yaman E, Silva GCV, Chen R, de Paiva CS, Stepp MA, Pflugfelder SC. Single cell analysis of short-term dry eye induced changes in cornea immune cell populations. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1362336. [PMID: 38560382 PMCID: PMC10978656 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1362336] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dry eye causes corneal inflammation, epitheliopathy and sensorineural changes. This study evaluates the hypothesis that dry eye alters the percentages and transcriptional profiles of immune cell populations in the cornea. Methods Desiccating stress (DS) induced dry eye was created by pharmacologic suppression of tear secretion and exposure to drafty low humidity environment. Expression profiling of corneal immune cells was performed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Cell differentiation trajectories and cell fate were modeled through RNA velocity analysis. Confocal microscopy was used to immunodetect corneal immune cells. Irritation response to topical neurostimulants was assessed. Results Twelve corneal immune cell populations based on their transcriptional profiles were identified at baseline and consist of monocytes, resident (rMP) and MMP12/13 high macrophages, dendritic cells (cDC2), neutrophils, mast cells, pre T/B cells, and innate (γDT, ILC2, NK) and conventional T and B lymphocytes. T cells and resident macrophages (rMP) were the largest populations in the normal cornea comprising 18.6 and 18.2 percent, respectively. rMP increased to 55.2% of cells after 5 days of DS. Significant changes in expression of 1,365 genes (adj p < 0.0001) were noted in rMP with increases in cytokines and chemokines (Tnf, Cxcl1, Ccl12, Il1rn), inflammatory markers (Vcam, Adam17, Junb), the TAM receptor (Mertk), and decreases in complement and MHCII genes. A differentiation trajectory from monocytes to terminal state rMP was found. Phagocytosis, C-type lectin receptor signaling, NF-kappa B signaling and Toll-like receptor signaling were among the pathways with enhanced activity in these cells. The percentage of MRC1+ rMPs increased in the cornea and they were observed in the basal epithelium adjacent to epithelial nerve plexus. Concentration of the chemokine CXCL1 increased in the cornea and it heightened irritation/pain responses to topically applied hypertonic saline. Conclusion These findings indicate that DS recruits monocytes that differentiate to macrophages with increased expression of inflammation associated genes. The proximity of these macrophages to cornea nerves and their expression of neurosensitizers suggests they contribute to the corneal sensorineural changes in dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Alam
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ebru Yaman
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gerda Cristal Villalba Silva
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cintia S. de Paiva
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Ann Stepp
- Departments of Anatomy, Regenerative Biology and Ophthalmology, The George Washington University Medical School and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Stephen C. Pflugfelder
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Trotta MC, Herman H, Balta C, Rosu M, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Gesualdo C, Lepre CC, Russo M, Petrillo F, Pieretti G, Simonelli F, Rossi S, D’Amico M, Hermenean A. Oral Administration of Vitamin D3 Prevents Corneal Damage in a Knock-Out Mouse Model of Sjögren's Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020616. [PMID: 36831152 PMCID: PMC9953695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020616] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with dry eye development during Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Here, we investigated whether repeated oral vitamin D3 supplementation could prevent the corneal epithelium damage in an SS mouse model. METHODS 30 female mouse knock-out for the thrombospondin 1 gene were randomized (six per group) in untreated mice euthanized at 6 weeks as negative control (C-) or at 12 weeks as the positive control for dry eye (C+). Other mice were sacrificed after 6 weeks of oral vitamin D3 supplementation in the drinking water (1000, 8000, and 20,000 IU/kg/week, respectively). RESULTS The C+ mice showed alterations in their corneal epithelial morphologies and thicknesses (p < 0.01 vs. C-), while the mice receiving 8000 (M) and 20,000 (H) IU/kg/week of vitamin D3 showed preservation of the corneal epithelium morphology and thickness (p < 0.01 vs. C+). Moreover, while the C+ mice exhibited high levels and activity of corneal tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme (TACE), neovascularization and fibrosis markers; these were all reduced in the M and H mice. CONCLUSIONS Oral vitamin D3 supplementation appeared to counteract the negative effect of TACE on corneal epithelium in a mouse model of SS-associated dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio 6, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Revolutiei Av., 310414 Arad, Romania
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3
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Joseph LB, Gordon MK, Zhou P, Hahn RA, Lababidi H, Croutch CR, Sinko PJ, Heck DE, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Sulfur mustard corneal injury is associated with alterations in the epithelial basement membrane and stromal extracellular matrix. Exp Mol Pathol 2022; 128:104807. [PMID: 35798063 PMCID: PMC10044521 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2022.104807] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM; bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide) is a highly reactive bifunctional alkylating agent synthesized for chemical warfare. The eyes are particularly sensitive to SM where it causes irritation, pain, photophobia, and blepharitis, depending on the dose and duration of exposure. In these studies, we examined the effects of SM vapor on the corneas of New Zealand white male rabbits. Edema and hazing of the cornea, signs of acute injury, were observed within one day of exposure to SM, followed by neovascularization, a sign of chronic or late phase pathology, which persisted for at least 28 days. Significant epithelial-stromal separation ranging from ~8-17% of the epithelial surface was observed. In the stroma, there was a marked increase in CD45+ leukocytes and a decrease of keratocytes, along with areas of disorganization of collagen fibers. SM also disrupted the corneal basement membrane and altered the expression of perlecan, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and cellular fibronectin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein. This was associated with an increase in basement membrane matrix metalloproteinases including ADAM17, which is important in remodeling of the basement membrane during wound healing. Tenascin-C, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, was also upregulated in the stroma 14-28 d post SM, a finding consistent with its role in organizing structural components of the stroma necessary for corneal transparency. These data demonstrate that SM vapor causes persistent alterations in structural components of the cornea. Further characterization of SM-induced injury in rabbit cornea will be useful for the identification of targets for the development of ocular countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America.
| | - Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Peihong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Rita A Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Hamdi Lababidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | | | - Patrick J Sinko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
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Khoshdel AR, Emami Aleagha O, Shahriary A, Aghamollaei H, Najjar Asiabani F. Topical Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine and Doxycycline on Inflammatory and Angiogenic Factors in the Rat Model of Alkali-Burned Cornea. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:82-89. [PMID: 35029525 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2021.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the single and combined effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and doxycycline (Dox) on the inflammatory and angiogenic factors in the rat model of alkali-burned cornea. Rats were treated with a single and combined 0.5% NAC and 12.5 μg/mL Dox eye drops and evaluated on days 3, 7, and 28. In the corneas of various groups, the activity of Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes was assessed. The expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, Rel-a, and CXCL-1) and angiogenic factors (VEGF-a, MMP2, and MMP9) was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The antioxidant enzyme activities decreased substantially 3 days after injury with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). NAC and combined NAC+ Dox topical treatments increased the SOD enzyme activity on day 28 (P < 0.05). The expression of TNF-α and Rel-a genes following single and combined treatment of NAC and Dox decreased significantly on days 7 and 28 (P < 0.05). The mRNA level of angiogenic factors and corneal neovascularization (CNV) level declined in NaOH-injured rats treated with Dox (P < 0.05). The topical treatment of Dox could attenuate inflammation and CNV complications. However, NAC treatment may not reduce the expression of angiogenic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Khoshdel
- Modern Epidemiology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Emami Aleagha
- Modern Epidemiology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Aghamollaei
- Applied Virology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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DeSantis-Rodrigues A, Hahn RA, Zhou P, Babin M, Svoboda KKH, Chang YC, Gerecke DR, Gordon MK. SM1997 downregulates mustard-induced enzymes that disrupt corneal epithelial attachment. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 304:1974-1983. [PMID: 33554453 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Amino-Plex (SM1997) is a spray or liquid cosmeceutical that has been used for skin dryness, aging, or sun exposure. Its formulation includes electrolytes, trace minerals, amino acids, peptides, nucleosides and nucleotides, all substances that are <10 kDa. It is designed to increase oxygen levels in cells, improve glucose transport, stimulate ATP synthesis, and stimulate collagen formation, actions that can help facilitate repair of damaged cells. It also supports collagen synthesis and formation of healthy granulation tissue, accelerating reepithelization of damaged skin. Here, SM1997 has been tested as an agent to improve the healing of mustard injury to the cornea. The results indicate that SM1997 facilitates the retention of corneal epithelial attachment when applied to corneal organ cultures after nitrogen mustard exposure. In addition, it reduces the activation of enzymes that lead to epithelial-stromal separation, namely, ADAM17 and MMP-9. Therefore, SM1997 should be further investigated as a potential therapy sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea DeSantis-Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rita A Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Peihong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael Babin
- Medical Research and Evaluation Facility, Battelle Biomedical Research Center, West Jefferson, Ohio, USA
| | - Kathy K H Svoboda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yoke-Chen Chang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Donald R Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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6
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Sabzevare M, Yazdani F, Karami A, Haddadi M, Aghamollaei H, Shahriary A. The effect of N-acetyl cysteine and doxycycline on TNF-α-Rel-a inflammatory pathway and downstream angiogenesis factors in the cornea of rats injured by 2-chloroethyl-ethyl sulfide. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2021; 43:452-460. [PMID: 34167418 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2021.1939370] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cornea injury of sulfur mustard (SM) is considered as the most devastating injuries to the eye. This study aimed to evaluate the single and combined effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and doxycycline on the inflammatory pathway and cornea neovascularization (CNV) in the rat model of SM-injured cornea. MATERIALS AND METHODS The right cornea of male Sprague-Dawley rats was subjected to 2-chloroethyl-ethyl sulfide (CEES). Rats were topically treated with a single and combined of 0.5% NAC and 12.5 μg/ml doxycycline and examined at 3rd, 15th, and 21st days. The activity of three antioxidant enzymes was analyzed in the cornea of different groups. Real-time PCR was performed to measure gene expression of inflammatory factors (tnf-α, rel-a & cxcl-1) and angiogenesis factors (vegf-a, mmp2,9) in the cornea lysates. The histological and opacity assessments were also carried out. RESULTS The activity of antioxidant enzymes significantly declined 3 days after the CEES damage. NAC eye drop recovered the enzyme activity on the 21st day of treatment (p-value < .05). The expression of tnf-α and rel-a genes significantly increased after CEES cornea exposure, while NAC declined their expression on the 7th and 21st days. The CNV score and angiogenesis factor expression were decreased in the long term by single and combined treatments (p-value < .05), but the infiltration of inflammatory cells was not completely amended. CONCLUSION NAC and doxycycline eye drop could improve the CNV complication. Also, NAC was an effective treatment against the inflammatory pathway involved in CEES-injured cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melad Sabzevare
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Yazdani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ali Karami
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohaddese Haddadi
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University of Branch Parand, Student of M.S of Molecular Genetics, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Aghamollaei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Joseph LB, Gordon MK, Kang J, Croutch CR, Zhou P, Heck DE, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Characterization of the rabbit conjunctiva: Effects of sulfur mustard. Exp Mol Pathol 2021; 121:104656. [PMID: 34081961 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2021.104656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM; bis (2-chloroethyl) sulfide) is a potent vesicant which causes irritation of the conjunctiva and damage to the cornea. In the present studies, we characterized the ocular effects of SM in New Zealand white rabbits. Within one day of exposure to SM, edema and hazing of the cornea were observed, followed by neovascularization which persisted for at least 28 days. This was associated with upper and lower eyelid edema and conjunctival inflammation. The conjunctiva is composed of a proliferating epithelium largely consisting of stratified columnar epithelial cells overlying a well-defined dermis. Superficial layers of the conjunctival epithelium were found to express keratin 1, a marker of differentiating squamous epithelium, while in cells overlying the basement membrane expressed keratin 17, a marker of stratified squamous epithelium. SM exposure upregulated keratin 17 expression. Mucin 5 ac producing goblet cells were interspersed within the conjunctiva. These cells generated both acidic and neutral mucins. Increased numbers of goblet cells producing neutral mucins were evident after SM exposure; upregulation of expression of membrane-associated mucin 1 and mucin 4 in the superficial layers of the conjunctival epithelium were also noted. These data demonstrate that ocular exposure of rabbits to SM causes significant damage not only to the cornea, but to the eyelid and conjunctiva, suggesting multiple targets within the eye that should be assessed when evaluating the efficacy of potential countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
| | - Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Jieun Kang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | | | - Peihong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
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Shahriary A, Sabzevari M, Jadidi K, Yazdani F, Aghamollaei H. The Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Neovascularization of Chemical Ocular Injury. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2021; 30:1149-1161. [PMID: 33734925 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1870148] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Chemical injuries can potentially lead to the necrosis anterior segment of the eye, and cornea in particular. Inflammatory cytokines are the first factors produced after chemical ocular injuries. Inflammation via promoting the angiogenesis factor tries to implement the wound healing mechanism in the epithelial and stromal layer of the cornea. Methods: Narrative review.Results: In our review, we described the patterns of chemical injuries in the cornea and their molecular mechanisms associated with the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the effects of inflammation signals on angiogenesis factors and CNV were explained. Conclusion: The contribution of inflammation and angiogenesis causes de novo formation of blood vessels that is known as the corneal neovascularization (CNV). The new vascularity interrupts cornea clarity and visual acuity. Inflammation also depleted the Limbal stem cells (LSCs) in the limbus causing the failure of normal corneal epithelial healing and conjunctivalization of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shahriary
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Sabzevari
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosrow Jadidi
- Vision Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Farshad Yazdani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Aghamollaei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Yeung DT, Araj H, Harper JR, Platoff GE. Considerations in developing medical countermeasures against chemical ocular toxicity. Toxicol Lett 2020; 334:1-3. [PMID: 32916183 PMCID: PMC7606803 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP) was established in 2006 by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID/NIH) on behalf of the National Institutes of Health Office of the Director (NIH OD). It is a trans-NIH initiative to expedite the discovery and early development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) that can reduce mortality and serious morbidity during and after large consequence public health emergency involving the deliberate or accidental large-scale release of highly toxic chemicals (HTCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Yeung
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH), 5601 Fishers Lane (1G58), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Houmam Araj
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health (NEI/NIH), 6700B Rockledge Dr (Suite 3400), Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA.
| | - Jill R Harper
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH), 31 Center Drive (MSC 2520), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Gennady E Platoff
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH), 5601 Fishers Lane (1G55), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Chang YC, Hahn RA, Gordon MK, Laskin JD, Gerecke DR. A type IV collagenase inhibitor, N-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-(4-phenylbenzenesulfonamido) propanamide (BiPS), suppresses skin injury induced by sulfur mustard. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 401:115078. [PMID: 32479919 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic blistering agent thought to mediate its action, in part, by activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the skin and disrupting components of the basement membrane zone (BMZ). Type IV collagenases (MMP-9) degrade type IV collagen in the skin, a major component of the BMZ at the dermal-epidermal junction. In the present studies, a type IV collagenase inhibitor, N-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-(4-phenylbenzenesulfonamido) propanamide (BiPS), was tested for its ability to protect the skin against injury induced by SM in the mouse ear vesicant model. SM induced inflammation, epidermal hyperplasia and microblistering at the dermal/epidermal junction of mouse ears 24-168 h post-exposure. This was associated with upregulation of MMP-9 mRNA and protein in the skin. Dual immunofluorescence labeling showed increases in MMP-9 in the epidermis and in the adjacent dermal matrix of the SM injured skin, as well as breakdown of type IV collagen in the basement membrane. Pretreatment of the skin with BiPS reduced signs of SM-induced cutaneous toxicity; expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein was also downregulated in the skin by BiPS. Following BiPS pretreatment, type IV collagen appeared intact and was similar to control skin. These results demonstrate that inhibiting type IV collagenases in the skin improves basement membrane integrity after exposure to SM. BiPS may hold promise as a potential protective agent to mitigate SM induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoke-Chen Chang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Rita A Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Donald R Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
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Acute corneal injury in rabbits following nitrogen mustard ocular exposure. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 110:104275. [PMID: 31233733 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.104275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM), a potent vesicating chemical warfare agent, and its analog nitrogen mustard (NM), are both strong bi-functional alkylating agents. Eyes, skin, and the respiratory system are the main targets of SM and NM exposure; however, ocular tissue is most sensitive, resulting in severe ocular injury. The mechanism of ocular injury from vesicating agents' exposure is not completely understood. To understand the injury mechanism from exposure to vesicating agents, NM has been previously employed in our toxicity studies on primary human corneal epithelial cells and ex vivo rabbit cornea organ culture model. In the current study, corneal toxicity from NM ocular exposure (1%) was analyzed for up to 28 days post-exposure in New Zealand White male rabbits to develop an acute corneal injury model. NM exposure led to conjunctival and eyelid swelling within a few hours after exposure, in addition to significant corneal opacity and ulceration. An increase in total corneal thickness and epithelial degradation was observed starting at day 3 post-NM exposure, which was maximal at day 14 post-exposure and did not resolve until 28 days post-exposure. There was an NM-induced increase in the number of blood vessels and inflammatory cells, and a decrease in keratocytes in the corneal stroma. NM exposure resulted in increased expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, Interleukin-8, vascular endothelial growth factor and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 indicating their involvement in NM-induced corneal injury. These clinical, biological, and molecular markers could be useful for the evaluation of acute corneal injury and to screen for therapies against NM- and SM-induced ocular injury.
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Eveleth DD, Eveleth JJ, Subramaniam A, Hahn R, Zhou P, Gordon MK, Bradshaw RA. An Engineered Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 Derivative, TTHX1114, Ameliorates Short-term Corneal Nitrogen Mustard Injury in Rabbit Organ Cultures. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:4720-4730. [PMID: 30267094 PMCID: PMC6155473 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Organ cultures of rabbit corneas have been used to ascertain the effectiveness of a human fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 derivative (TTHX1114), lacking cysteine residues, to protect against and/or repair epithelial lesions following exposure to nitrogen mustard (NM). Methods Rabbit corneas were exposed to NM and cultured for up to 14 days, with or without drug (TTHX1114). At specified times, tissue was examined by histopathology and graded by a novel composite scale. Proliferation was measured by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, and the expression of native FGF-1 and ADAM-17 after NM exposure was determined by immunofluorescence. Results Rabbit corneas, exposed to a single dose of NM, showed a nearly complete loss of epithelial cells by day 6 but were significantly regenerated by day 14. When treated continuously with TTHX1114 following vesicant exposure, the losses remained at day 2 levels. The loss of keratocytes in the stroma was not affected by TTHX1114. EdU incorporation over the same time course showed a steady increase in tissue that had not been treated with TTHX1114, while corneas that were treated with the drug showed a higher percent incorporation initially, which then decreased, indicating the strong proliferative response to TTHX1114. ADAM-17 was not significantly altered by TTHX1114 treatment. Corneal epithelial FGF-1 disappeared after only 1 day following exposure to NM. Conclusions TTHX1114 is protective against NM-induced damage of the corneal epithelium, possibly by supplying an NM-resistant source of trophic support and by stimulating regeneration of new epithelial cells. These responses underscore the potential value of TTHX1114 as an anti-vesicant therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D. Eveleth
- Trefoil Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, United States
| | | | | | - Rita Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
| | - Peihong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
| | - Marion K. Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
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Gordon MK, DeSantis-Rodrigues A, Hahn R, Zhou P, Chang Y, Svoboda KKH, Gerecke DR. The molecules in the corneal basement membrane zone affected by mustard exposure suggest potential therapies. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1378:158-165. [PMID: 27737494 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Mustard exposures result in epithelial-stromal separations in the cornea and epidermal-dermal separations in the skin. Large blisters often manifest in skin, while the cornea develops microblisters, and, when enough form, the epithelium sloughs. If the exposure is severe, healing can be imperfect and can result in long-term adverse consequences. For the cornea, this could manifest as recurrent corneal erosions. Since the corneal epithelial-stromal separations are in the region identified by electron microscopy as the lamina lucida, the same region affected by the blistering disease junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), we postulated that the molecules that are defective in JEB would be the same ones cleaved by mustard compounds. These molecules are α6β4 integrin and collagen XVII, which can be cleaved by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and ADAM17, respectively. Therefore, our laboratory has tested MMP-9 and ADAM17 inhibitors as potential therapies to attenuate corneal mustard injury. Our results demonstrated that inhibiting MMP-9 and ADAM17 resulted in less epithelial-stromal separation in the corneas at 24 h postexposure, as compared with using only medium as a therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey.
| | - Andrea DeSantis-Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Rita Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Peihong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Yokechen Chang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Kathy K H Svoboda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Donald R Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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