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Patko E, Szabo E, Vaczy A, Molitor D, Tari E, Li L, Csutak A, Toth G, Reglodi D, Atlasz T. Protective Effects of Pituitary Adenylate-Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide on Retinal Vasculature and Molecular Responses in a Rat Model of Moderate Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13256. [PMID: 37686074 PMCID: PMC10487862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the high probability of glaucoma-related blindness, its cause is not fully understood and there is no efficient therapeutic strategy for neuroprotection. Vascular factors have been suggested to play an important role in glaucoma development and progression. Previously, we have proven the neuroprotective effects of pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) eye drops in an inducible, microbeads model in rats that is able to reproduce many clinically relevant features of human glaucoma. In the present study, we examined the potential protective effects of PACAP1-38 on the retinal vasculature and the molecular changes in hypoxia. Ocular hypertension was induced by injection of microbeads into the anterior chamber, while control rats received PBS. PACAP dissolved in vehicle (1 µg/drop) or vehicle treatment was started one day after the injections for four weeks three times a day. Retinal degeneration was assessed with optical coherence tomography (OCT), and vascular and molecular changes were assessed by immunofluorescence labeling. HIF1-α and VEGF-A protein levels were measured by Western blot. OCT images proved severe retinal degeneration in the glaucomatous group, while PACAP1-38 eye drops had a retinoprotective effect. Vascular parameters were deteriorated and molecular analysis suggested hypoxic conditions in glaucoma. PACAP treatment exerted a positive effect against these alterations. In summary, PACAP could prevent the severe damage to the retina and its vasculature induced by ocular hypertension in a microbeads model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Patko
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Molitor
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Eniko Tari
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Lina Li
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7632 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gabor Toth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Department of Sportbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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Patko E, Szabo E, Toth D, Tornoczky T, Bosnyak I, Vaczy A, Atlasz T, Reglodi D. Distribution of PACAP and PAC1 Receptor in the Human Eye. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:2176-2187. [PMID: 35253081 PMCID: PMC9726800 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-01985-0] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread distribution and diverse biological functions. Several studies show that PACAP has strong cytoprotective effects mediated mostly through its specific PAC1 receptor (PAC1-R) and it plays important roles in several pathological conditions. Its distribution and altered expression are known in various human tissues, but there is no descriptive data about PACAP and its receptors in the human eyebulb. Since PACAP38 is the dominant form of the naturally occurring PACAP, our aim was to investigate the distribution of PACAP38-like immunoreactivity in the human eye and to describe the presence of PAC1-R. Semiquantitative evaluation was performed after routine histology and immunohistochemical labeling on human eye sections. Our results showed high level of immunopositivity in the corneal epithelium and endothelium. Within the vascular layer, the iris and the ciliary body had strong immunopositivity for both PACAP and PAC1-R. Several layers of the retina showed immunoreactivity for PACAP and PAC1-R, but the ganglion cell layer had a special pattern in the immunolabeling. Labeling was observed in the neuropil within the optic nerve in both cases and glial cells displayed immunoreactivity for PAC1-R. In summary, our study indicates the widespread occurrence of PACAP and its specific receptor in the human eye, implying that the results from in vitro and animal studies have translational value and most probably are also present in the human eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Patko
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Denes Toth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Tornoczky
- Department of Pathology, Medical School and Clinical Center, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Inez Bosnyak
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary ,Szentagothai Research Center, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary ,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary ,Szentagothai Research Center, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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Szabo E, Patko E, Vaczy A, Molitor D, Csutak A, Toth G, Reglodi D, Atlasz T. Retinoprotective Effects of PACAP Eye Drops in Microbead-Induced Glaucoma Model in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8825. [PMID: 34445531 PMCID: PMC8396165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), causing the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the loss of their axons leading to blindness. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is neuroprotective in several neural injuries, including retinopathies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PACAP1-38 eye drops in a model of glaucoma. IOP was elevated bilaterally by injections of microbeads to block the aqueous humor outflow. The control groups received the same volume of saline. Animals were treated with PACAP1-38 (1 µg/drop, 3 × 1 drop/day) or vehicle for 4 weeks starting one day after the injections. Retinal morphology by histology and optical coherence tomography, function by electroretinography, and IOP changes were analyzed. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after the injections. Microbeads injections induced a significant increase in the IOP, while PACAP1-38 treatment lowered it to normal levels (~10 mmHg). Significant retinal degeneration and functional impairment were observed in the microbead-injected group without PACAP1-38 treatment. In the microbeads + PACAP1-38 group, the retinal morphology and functionality were close to the normal values. In summary, our results show that PACAP1-38, given in form of eye drops, is neuroprotective in glaucoma, providing the basis for potential future therapeutic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.S.); (E.P.); (A.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Evelin Patko
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.S.); (E.P.); (A.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.S.); (E.P.); (A.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Dorottya Molitor
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.S.); (E.P.); (A.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Centre, University of Pecs Medical School, 7632 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Gabor Toth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.S.); (E.P.); (A.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs Medical School, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.S.); (E.P.); (A.V.); (D.M.); (D.R.)
- Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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Kvarik T, Reglodi D, Werling D, Vaczy A, Kovari P, Szabo E, Kovacs K, Hashimoto H, Ertl T, Gyarmati J, Atlasz T. The Protective Effects of Endogenous PACAP in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:2546-2557. [PMID: 33895966 PMCID: PMC8602170 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide having trophic and protective functions in neural tissues, including the retina. Previously, we have shown that intravitreal PACAP administration can maintain retinal structure in the animal model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The purpose of this study is to examine the development of ROP in PACAP-deficient and wild-type mice to reveal the function of endogenous PACAP. Wild-type and PACAP-knockout (KO) mouse pups at postnatal day (PD) 7 were maintained at 75% oxygen for 5 consecutive days then returned to room air on PD12 to develop oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). On PD15, animals underwent electroretinography (ERG) to assess visual function. On PD16, eyes were harvested for either immunohistochemistry to determine the percentage of the central avascular retinal area or molecular analysis to assess angiogenesis proteins by array kit and anti-apoptotic protein kinase B (Akt) change by western blot. Retinas of PACAP-deficient OIR mice showed a greater central avascular area than that of the wild types. ERG revealed significantly decreased b-wave amplitude in PACAP KO compared to their controls. Several angiogenic proteins were upregulated due to OIR, and 11 different proteins markedly increased in PACAP-deficient mice, whereas western blot analysis revealed a reduction in Akt phosphorylation, suggesting an advanced cell death in the lack of PACAP. This is the first study to examine the endogenous effect of PACAP in the OIR model. Previously, we have shown the beneficial effect of exogenous local PACAP treatment in the rat OIR model. Together with the present findings, we suggest that PACAP could be a novel retinoprotective agent in ROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timea Kvarik
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Werling
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Petra Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Kovacs
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tibor Ertl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Judit Gyarmati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
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Vaczy A, Kovari P, Kovacs K, Farkas K, Szabo E, Kvarik T, Kocsis B, Fulop B, Atlasz T, Reglodi D. Protective Role of Endogenous PACAP in Inflammation-induced Retinal Degeneration. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:3534-3542. [PMID: 30246634 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180924141407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pituitary adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuroprotective peptide that has been shown to exert protective effects in different models of neurodegenerative diseases, including retinal degenerations. Data obtained from PACAP-deficient (PACAP KO) mice provide evidence that endogenous PACAP has a neuroprotective role in different pathologies. PACAP KO mice show enhanced sensitivity to different insults, such as oxidative stress, hypoxia and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of endogenous PACAP in retinal inflammation. METHODS Endotoxin-induced eye inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in PACAP KO and wild-type (Wt) mice. After LPS treatment, retinas were processed for histological examination. To detect the alterations of different proteins and cytokines, immunohistochemical, western blot and cytokine array were used. We also performed dark-adapted electroretinography (ERG) to detect the functional differences. RESULTS The thickness of nearly all layers was significantly less in LPS-injected PACAP KO mice compared to Wt animals. Increased expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) was induced in Müller glial cells after LPS treatment, which was more intense in PACAP KO mice. The levels of pAkt and pGSK were decreased in PACAP KO group during inflammation. LPS treatment significantly increased cytokines (sICAM-1, JE, TIMP-1) in both treated groups, but it was more expressed in PACAP KO animals. Furthermore, ERG responses were disturbed after LPS injection in PACAP KO mice. CONCLUSION Our results showed that endogenous PACAP has a protective role in LPS-caused retinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Petra Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Kovacs
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Kinga Farkas
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Timea Kvarik
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Bela Kocsis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balazs Fulop
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary.,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
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Kovacs K, Vaczy A, Fekete K, Kovari P, Atlasz T, Reglodi D, Gabriel R, Gallyas F, Sumegi B. PARP Inhibitor Protects Against Chronic Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Retinal Injury by Regulation of MAPKs, HIF1α, Nrf2, and NFκB. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1478-1490. [PMID: 30973576 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the eye, chronic hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) contributes to the development of a number of ocular disorders. H/R induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) activation that promotes inflammation, cell death, and disease progression. Here, we analyzed the protective effects of the PARP1 inhibitor olaparib in H/R-induced retina injury and investigated the signaling mechanisms involved. Methods A rat retinal H/R model was used to detect histologic and biochemical changes in the retina. Results H/R induced reductions in the thickness of most retinal layers, which were prevented by olaparib. Furthermore, H/R caused increased levels of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation, which were further increased by olaparib, contributing to retina protection. By contrast, H/R-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) phosphorylation and activation were reduced by olaparib, via mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression. In addition, H/R-induced hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) levels were decreased by olaparib, which possibly contributed to reduced VEGF expression. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) expression was slightly increased by H/R and was further activated by olaparib. Nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) was also activated by H/R through phosphorylation (Ser536) and acetylation (Lys310) of the p65 subunit, although this was significantly reduced by olaparib. Conclusions Olaparib reduced H/R-induced degenerative changes in retinal morphology. The protective mechanisms of olaparib most probably involved Nrf2 activation and ROS reduction, as well as normalization of HIF1α and related VEGF expression. In addition, olaparib reduced inflammation by NFκB dephosphorylation/inactivation, possibly via the PARP1 inhibition-MKP-1 activation-p38 MAPK inhibition pathway. PARP inhibitors represent potential therapeutics in H/R-induced retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Kovacs
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Fekete
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Petra Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.,Department of Sportbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Robert Gabriel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Gallyas
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Nuclear-Mitochondrial Interactions Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balazs Sumegi
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Nuclear-Mitochondrial Interactions Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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7
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Atlasz T, Werling D, Song S, Szabo E, Vaczy A, Kovari P, Tamas A, Reglodi D, Yu R. Retinoprotective Effects of TAT-Bound Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide. J Mol Neurosci 2019. [PMID: 30542799 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1229-5/figures/7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) belong to the same peptide family and exert a variety of biological functions. Both PACAP and VIP have protective effects in several tissues. While PACAP is known to be a stronger retinoprotective peptide, VIP has very potent anti-inflammatory effects. The need for a non-invasive therapeutic approach has emerged and PACAP has been shown to be retinoprotective when administered in the form of eye drops as well. The cell penetrating peptide TAT is composed of 11 amino acids and tagging of TAT at the C-terminus of neuropeptides PACAP/VIP can enhance the traversing ability of the peptides through the biological barriers. We hypothesized that TAT-bound PACAP and VIP could be more effective in exerting retinoprotective effects when given in eye drops, by increasing the traversing efficacy and enhancing the activation of the PAC1 receptor. Rats were subjected to bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), and retinas were processed for histological analysis 14 days later. The efficiency of the TAT-bound peptides to reach the retina was assessed as well as their cAMP increasing ability. Our present study provides evidence, for the first time, that topically administered PACAP and VIP derivatives (PACAP-TAT and VIP-TAT) attenuate ischemic retinal degeneration via the PAC1 receptor presumably due to a multifactorial protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
- Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
- Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - D Werling
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - S Song
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - E Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - P Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - D Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Rongjie Yu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Atlasz T, Werling D, Song S, Szabo E, Vaczy A, Kovari P, Tamas A, Reglodi D, Yu R. Retinoprotective Effects of TAT-Bound Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 68:397-407. [PMID: 30542799 PMCID: PMC6581923 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) belong to the same peptide family and exert a variety of biological functions. Both PACAP and VIP have protective effects in several tissues. While PACAP is known to be a stronger retinoprotective peptide, VIP has very potent anti-inflammatory effects. The need for a non-invasive therapeutic approach has emerged and PACAP has been shown to be retinoprotective when administered in the form of eye drops as well. The cell penetrating peptide TAT is composed of 11 amino acids and tagging of TAT at the C-terminus of neuropeptides PACAP/VIP can enhance the traversing ability of the peptides through the biological barriers. We hypothesized that TAT-bound PACAP and VIP could be more effective in exerting retinoprotective effects when given in eye drops, by increasing the traversing efficacy and enhancing the activation of the PAC1 receptor. Rats were subjected to bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), and retinas were processed for histological analysis 14 days later. The efficiency of the TAT-bound peptides to reach the retina was assessed as well as their cAMP increasing ability. Our present study provides evidence, for the first time, that topically administered PACAP and VIP derivatives (PACAP-TAT and VIP-TAT) attenuate ischemic retinal degeneration via the PAC1 receptor presumably due to a multifactorial protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - D Werling
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - S Song
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - E Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - P Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - D Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Rongjie Yu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Werling D, Reglodi D, Banks WA, Salameh TS, Kovacs K, Kvarik T, Vaczy A, Kovacs L, Mayer F, Danyadi B, Lokos E, Tamas A, Toth G, Biro Z, Atlasz T. Ocular Delivery of PACAP1-27 Protects the Retina From Ischemic Damage in Rodents. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:6683-6691. [PMID: 27936470 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is neuroprotective in neuronal injuries. Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) causes chronic hypoperfusion-induced degeneration in the rat retina, where we proved the retinoprotective effect of intravitreal PACAP. Although this route of administration is a common clinical practice in several diseases, easier routes are clinically important. Our aim was to investigate the potential retinoprotective effects of PACAP eye drops in BCCAO-induced ischemic retinopathy. Methods After performing BCCAO in rats, the right eyes were treated with PACAP1-27 eye drops (1 μg/drop, 2 × 1 drops/day for 5 days), containing different vehicles: saline, water for injections, thiomersal or benzalkonium solution for ophthalmic use (SOCB). Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed 2 weeks after surgery, while molecular analysis was performed 24 hours after BCCAO. Passage of PACAP1-27 through the ocular layers was tested with radioactive PACAP-SOCB in mice. Results Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion led to a severe degeneration of all retinal layers. Solution for ophthalmic use was the most effective vehicle for delivering PACAP (PACAP-SOCB), significantly ameliorating BCCAO-induced damage. The massive upregulation of GFAP was not observed in retinas treated with PACAP-SOCB eye drops. PACAP-SOCB treatment also increased activation of the protective Akt and ERK1/2 in hypoperfused retinas. The cytokine profile showing upregulation in different cytokines was attenuated by PACAP-SOCB. Radioactive PACAP reached the retina when delivered in SOCB-containing eye drops. Conclusions PACAP1-27, delivered in the SOCB vehicle as eye drops, was retinoprotective in ischemic retinopathy, providing the basis for future therapeutic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Werling
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary 2Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - William A Banks
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States 4Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Therese S Salameh
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, United States 4Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Krisztina Kovacs
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Timea Kvarik
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | | | - Laszlo Kovacs
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Flora Mayer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Bese Danyadi
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Emese Lokos
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Andrea Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gabor Toth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Biro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary 7Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary 8Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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Werling D, Banks WA, Salameh TS, Kvarik T, Kovacs LA, Vaczy A, Szabo E, Mayer F, Varga R, Tamas A, Toth G, Biro Z, Atlasz T, Reglodi D. Passage through the Ocular Barriers and Beneficial Effects in Retinal Ischemia of Topical Application of PACAP1-38 in Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030675. [PMID: 28335564 PMCID: PMC5372685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has two active forms, PACAP1-27 and PACAP1-38. Among the well-established actions are PACAP’s neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, which have also been proven in models of different retinopathies. The route of delivery is usually intravitreal in studies proving PACAP’s retinoprotective effects. Recently, we have shown that PACAP1-27 delivered as eye drops in benzalkonium-chloride was able to cross the ocular barriers and exert retinoprotection in ischemia. Since PACAP1-38 is the dominant form of the naturally occurring PACAP, our aim was to investigate whether the longer form is also able to cross the barriers and exert protective effects in permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), a model of retinal hypoperfusion. Our results show that radioactive PACAP1-38 eye drops could effectively pass through the ocular barriers to reach the retina. Routine histological analysis and immunohistochemical evaluation of the Müller glial cells revealed that PACAP1-38 exerted retinoprotective effects. PACAP1-38 attenuated the damage caused by hypoperfusion, apparent in almost all retinal layers, and it decreased the glial cell overactivation. Overall, our results confirm that PACAP1-38 given in the form of eye drops is a novel protective therapeutic approach to treat retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Werling
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pecs, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - William A Banks
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98122, USA.
| | - Therese S Salameh
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98122, USA.
| | - Timea Kvarik
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Laszlo Akos Kovacs
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Flora Mayer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Rita Varga
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Andrea Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Gabor Toth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged 6720, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Biro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pecs, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
- Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
- Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs 7624, Hungary.
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Vaczy A, Reglodi D, Somoskeoy T, Kovacs K, Lokos E, Szabo E, Tamas A, Atlasz T. The Protective Role of PAC1-Receptor Agonist Maxadilan in BCCAO-Induced Retinal Degeneration. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 60:186-94. [PMID: 27566170 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0818-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have proven that pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is protective in neurodegenerative diseases. Permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) causes severe degeneration in the rat retina. In our previous studies, protective effects were observed with PACAP1-38, PACAP1-27, and VIP but not with their related peptides, glucagon, or secretin in BCCAO. All three PACAP receptors (PAC1, VPAC1, VPAC2) appear in the retina. Molecular and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the retinoprotective effects are most probably mainly mediated by the PAC1 receptor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the retinoprotective effects of a selective PAC1-receptor agonist maxadilan in BCCAO-induced retinopathy. Wistar rats were used in the experiment. After performing BCCAO, the right eye was treated with intravitreal maxadilan (0.1 or 1 μM), while the left eye was injected with vehicle. Sham-operated rats received the same treatment. Two weeks after the operation, retinas were processed for standard morphometric and molecular analysis. Intravitreal injection of 0.1 or 1 μM maxadilan caused significant protection in the thickness of most retinal layers and the number of cells in the GCL compared to the BCCAO-operated eyes. In addition, 1 μM maxadilan application was more effective than 0.1 μM maxadilan treatment in the ONL, INL, IPL, and the entire retina (OLM-ILM). Maxadilan treatment significantly decreased cytokine expression (CINC-1, IL-1α, and L-selectin) in ischemia. In summary, our histological and molecular analysis showed that maxadilan, a selective PAC1 receptor agonist, has a protective role in BCCAO-induced retinal degeneration, further supporting the role of PAC1 receptor conveying the retinoprotective effects of PACAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - D Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - T Somoskeoy
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - K Kovacs
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - E Lokos
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - E Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - T Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Ifjusag Street 6, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary. .,Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
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Kvarik T, Mammel B, Reglodi D, Kovacs K, Werling D, Bede B, Vaczy A, Fabian E, Toth G, Kiss P, Tamas A, Ertl T, Gyarmati J, Atlasz T. PACAP Is Protective in a Rat Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 60:179-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0797-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Borzsei R, Mark L, Tamas A, Bagoly T, Bay C, Csanaky K, Banki E, Kiss P, Vaczy A, Horvath G, Nemeth J, Szauer E, Helyes Z, Reglodi D. Presence of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-38 in human plasma and milk. Eur J Endocrinol 2009; 160:561-5. [PMID: 19174531 DOI: 10.1530/eje-08-0911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic and multifunctional neuropeptide widely distributed throughout the body. It is involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathophysiological processes, such as reproduction, thermoregulation, motor activity, brain development, neuronal survival, inflammation and pain. Since little is known about its distribution in humans, our aim was to examine PACAP-38 in human plasma. Furthermore, based on the presence of vasoactive intestinal peptide, structurally the closest to PACAP, in milk and PACAP and its receptors in the mammary gland, our aim was to study PACAP-38 in human milk. DESIGN AND METHODS The presence of PACAP-38 was determined by mass spectrometry in plasma samples from healthy male and female volunteers (age: 20-40), as well as in plasma and milk samples from lactating women (age: 20-35). PACAP concentration was measured with a specific and sensitive RIA. RESULTS Our results revealed that PACAP-38 is present in human plasma, its concentration is relatively stable in healthy volunteers and it is not significantly altered by gender, age, food intake or hormonal cycle in females. However, PACAP-38 plasma levels significantly increased in lactating women having 1-6 month-old babies. Moreover, this study is the first which provides evidence for the presence of PACAP-38 in the human milk with levels 5-20-fold greater in the milk whey than in the respective plasma samples. CONCLUSIONS We found PACAP-38 in human plasma and its increase during the first 6 months of the lactation period. A prominent, nearly 10-fold higher concentration of this peptide was detected in human milk. Based on the literature, several important actions of milk-derived PACAP-38 can be suggested such as mammary gland proliferation, nutrient transfer as well as regulation of growth/differentiation of certain tissues of the neonates. The novelty of the present descriptive data provides a basis for further investigations on the mechanism of PACAP-38 secretion in human milk and its functional significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Borzsei
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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