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Dontsov A, Ostrovsky M. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Pigment Granules: Norms, Age Relations and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3609. [PMID: 38612421 PMCID: PMC11011557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which ensures the normal functioning of the neural retina, is a pigmented single-cell layer that separates the retina from the Bruch's membrane and the choroid. There are three main types of pigment granules in the RPE cells of the human eye: lipofuscin granules (LG) containing the fluorescent "age pigment" lipofuscin, melanoprotein granules (melanosomes, melanolysosomes) containing the screening pigment melanin and complex melanolipofuscin granules (MLG) containing both types of pigments simultaneously-melanin and lipofuscin. This review examines the functional role of pigment granules in the aging process and in the development of oxidative stress and associated pathologies in RPE cells. The focus is on the process of light-induced oxidative degradation of pigment granules caused by reactive oxygen species. The reasons leading to increased oxidative stress in RPE cells as a result of the oxidative degradation of pigment granules are considered. A mechanism is proposed to explain the phenomenon of age-related decline in melanin content in RPE cells. The essence of the mechanism is that when the lipofuscin part of the melanolipofuscin granule is exposed to light, reactive oxygen species are formed, which destroy the melanin part. As more melanolipofuscin granules are formed with age and the development of degenerative diseases, the melanin in pigmented epithelial cells ultimately disappears.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikhail Ostrovsky
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia;
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Lee B, Afshari NA, Shaw PX. Oxidative stress and antioxidants in cataract development. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:57-63. [PMID: 37882550 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Oxidative stress plays a central role in cataract pathogenesis, a leading cause of global blindness. This review delves into the role of oxidative stress in cataract development and key biomarkers - glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) - to clarify their functions and potential applications in predictive diagnostics and therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Antioxidants serve as pivotal markers in cataract pathogenesis. GSH affects the central lens due to factors such as enzyme depletion and altered connexin expression, impairing GSH diffusion. Age-related oxidative stress may hinder GSH transport via connexin channels or an internal microcirculation system. N-acetylcysteine, a GSH precursor, shows promise in mitigating lens opacity when applied topically. Additionally, SOD, particularly SOD1, correlates with increased cataract development and gel formulations have exhibited protective effects against posterior subscapular cataracts. Lastly, markers of lipid peroxidation, MDA and 4-HNE, have been shown to reflect disease severity. Studies suggest a potential link between 4-HNE and connexin channel modification, possibly contributing to reduced GSH levels. SUMMARY Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to cataract development, underscoring the importance of antioxidants in diagnosis and treatment. Notably, GSH depletion, SOD decline, and lipid peroxidation markers are pivotal factors in cataract pathogenesis, offering promising avenues for both diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryanna Lee
- Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Abstract
Several different reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in vivo. They have roles in the development of certain human diseases whilst also performing physiological functions. ROS are counterbalanced by an antioxidant defence network, which functions to modulate ROS levels to allow their physiological roles whilst minimizing the oxidative damage they cause that can contribute to disease development. This Review describes the mechanisms of action of antioxidants synthesized in vivo, antioxidants derived from the human diet and synthetic antioxidants developed as therapeutic agents, with a focus on the gaps in our current knowledge and the approaches needed to close them. The Review also explores the reasons behind the successes and failures of antioxidants in treating or preventing human disease. Antioxidants may have special roles in the gastrointestinal tract, and many lifestyle features known to promote health (especially diet, exercise and the control of blood glucose and cholesterol levels) may be acting, at least in part, by antioxidant mechanisms. Certain reactive sulfur species may be important antioxidants but more accurate determinations of their concentrations in vivo are needed to help assess their contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Neurobiology Research Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Malih S, Song YS, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Choroidal Mast Cells and Pathophysiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2023; 13:50. [PMID: 38201254 PMCID: PMC10778483 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss in elderly patients. Its etiology and progression are, however, deeply intertwined with various cellular and molecular interactions within the retina and choroid. Among the key cellular players least studied are choroidal mast cells, with important roles in immune and allergic responses. Here, we will review what is known regarding the pathophysiology of AMD and expand on the recently proposed intricate roles of choroidal mast cells and their activation in outer retinal degeneration and AMD pathogenesis. We will focus on choroidal mast cell activation, the release of their bioactive mediators, and potential impact on ocular oxidative stress, inflammation, and overall retinal and choroidal health. We propose an important role for thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), a major ocular angioinflammatory factor, in regulation of choroidal mast cell homeostasis and activation in AMD pathogenesis. Drawing from limited studies, this review underscores the need for further comprehensive studies aimed at understanding the precise roles changes in TSP1 levels and choroidal mast cell activity play in pathophysiology of AMD. We will also propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting these regulatory pathways, and highlighting the promise they hold for curbing AMD progression through modulation of mast cell activity. In conclusion, the evolving understanding of the role of choroidal mast cells in AMD pathogenesis will not only offer deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms but will also offer opportunities for development of novel preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Malih
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 15614, Iran
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Christine M. Sorenson
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Kim HJ, Cha S, Choi JS, Lee JY, Kim KE, Kim JK, Kim J, Moon SY, Lee SHS, Park K, Won SY. scAAV2-Mediated Expression of Thioredoxin 2 and C3 Transferase Prevents Retinal Ganglion Cell Death and Lowers Intraocular Pressure in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16253. [PMID: 38003443 PMCID: PMC10671512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma causes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and damage to the optic nerve. Although IOP is controlled pharmacologically, no treatment is available to restore retinal and optic nerve function. In this paper, we aimed to develop a novel gene therapy for glaucoma using an AAV2-based thioredoxin 2 (Trx2)-exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) fusion protein expression vector (scAAV2-Trx2-C3). We evaluated the therapeutic effects of this vector in vitro and in vivo using dexamethasone (DEX)-induced glaucoma models. We found that scAAV2-Trx2-C3-treated HeLa cells had significantly reduced GTP-bound active RhoA and increased phosphor-cofilin Ser3 protein expression levels. scAAV2-Trx2-C3 was also shown to inhibit oxidative stress, fibronectin expression, and alpha-SMA expression in DEX-treated HeLa cells. NeuN immunostaining and TUNEL assay in mouse retinal tissues was performed to evaluate its neuroprotective effect upon RGCs, whereas changes in mouse IOP were monitored via rebound tonometer. The present study showed that scAAV2-Trx2-C3 can protect RGCs from degeneration and reduce IOP in a DEX-induced mouse model of glaucoma, while immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of fibronectin and alpha-SMA was decreased after the transduction of scAAV2-Trx2-C3 in murine eye tissues. Our results suggest that AAV2-Trx2-C3 modulates the outflow resistance of the trabecular meshwork, protects retinal and other ocular tissues from oxidative damage, and may lead to the development of a gene therapeutic for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jong Kim
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Seho Cha
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Sub Choi
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Yong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.L.); (K.E.K.)
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ko Eun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.L.); (K.E.K.)
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kwon Kim
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yun Moon
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Steven Hyun Seung Lee
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - Keerang Park
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Yoon Won
- Institute of New Drug Development Research, Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 05855, Republic of Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.C.); (J.-S.C.); (J.K.K.); (J.K.); (S.Y.M.); (S.H.S.L.); (K.P.)
- Cdmogen Co., Ltd., Cheongju 28577, Republic of Korea
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Lu TH, Chang JW, Jhou BY, Hsu JH, Li TJ, Lee LY, Chen YL, Chang HH, Chen CC, Wu PS, Lin DPC. Preventative Effects of Cordyceps cicadae Mycelial Extracts on the Early-Stage Development of Cataracts in UVB-Induced Mice Cataract Model. Nutrients 2023; 15:3103. [PMID: 37513520 PMCID: PMC10386163 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cataracts, a prevalent age-related eye condition, pose a significant global health concern, with rising rates due to an aging population and increased digital device usage. In Taiwan, cataract prevalence is particularly high, reaching up to 90% among individuals aged 70 and above. The lens of the eye absorbs short-wave light, which can lead to oxidative stress in lens epithelial cells and contribute to cataract formation. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light further exacerbates the risk of cataracts by generating reactive oxygen species. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs), involved in protein maintenance and repair, have been linked to cataract development. Cordyceps cicadae (C. cicadae), a traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history of use and is known for its pharmacological effects. N6-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA), a bioactive compound found in C. cicadae, exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. Previous studies have shown that C. cicadae mycelial extracts improve dry eye disease and reduce intraocular pressure in animal models. Additionally, C. cicadae possesses antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for combating cataract formation. In this study, we aim to evaluate the preventive efficacy of C. cicadae mycelial extracts in UV-induced cataract development. By investigating the ameliorative effects of C. cicadae on eye diseases and its potential role in ocular health improvement, we hope to uncover new options for cataract prevention and provide insights into the mechanisms of action. The findings of this research could provide a novel approach for nutritional supplements targeting cataract prevention, offering potential benefits in the field of ocular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Lu
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chug Shan Medical University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Way Chang
- The Ph.D. Program of Biotechnology and Biomedical Industry, China Medical University, Taichung City 404, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Yi Jhou
- Grape King Bio Ltd., Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | | | - Tsung-Ju Li
- Grape King Bio Ltd., Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ya Lee
- Grape King Bio Ltd., Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | | | - Han-Hsin Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chu Chen
- Grape King Bio Ltd., Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
- Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Nutraceutical Biotechnology, Shih Chien University, Taipei City 104, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan
| | - Pey-Shiuan Wu
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Providence University, Taichung City 433, Taiwan
| | - David Pei-Cheng Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chug Shan Medical University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
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Rodella U, Honisch C, Gatto C, Ruzza P, D'Amato Tóthová J. Antioxidant Nutraceutical Strategies in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress Related Eye Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102283. [PMID: 37242167 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to discuss the delicate balance between the physiological production of reactive oxygen species and the role of antioxidant nutraceutical molecules in managing radicals in the complex anatomical structure of the eye. Many molecules and enzymes with reducing and antioxidant potential are present in different parts of the eye. Some of these, such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, α-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and enzymatic antioxidants, are endogenously produced by the body. Others, such as plant-derived polyphenols and carotenoids, vitamins B2, C, and E, zinc and selenium, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, must be obtained through the diet and are considered essential nutrients. When the equilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen species and their scavenging is disrupted, radical generation overwhelms the endogenous antioxidant arsenal, leading to oxidative stress-related eye disorders and aging. Therefore, the roles of antioxidants contained in dietary supplements in preventing oxidative stress-based ocular dysfunctions are also discussed. However, the results of studies investigating the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation have been mixed or inconclusive, indicating a need for future research to highlight the potential of antioxidant molecules and to develop new preventive nutritional strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Rodella
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus (FBOV), 30174 Zelarino, Italy
- Research and Development, AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L., Viale Austria 14, 35020 Ponte San Nicoló, Italy
| | - Claudia Honisch
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR (ICB-CNR), Via F. Marzolo, 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Gatto
- Research and Development, AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L., Viale Austria 14, 35020 Ponte San Nicoló, Italy
| | - Paolo Ruzza
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR (ICB-CNR), Via F. Marzolo, 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Jana D'Amato Tóthová
- Research and Development, AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L., Viale Austria 14, 35020 Ponte San Nicoló, Italy
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