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Mohan RR, Gupta S, Kumar R, Sinha NR, Landreneau J, Sinha PR, Tandon A, Chaurasia SS, Hesemann NP. Tissue-targeted and localized AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF combination gene therapy abrogates corneal fibrosis and concurrent neovascularization in rabbit eyes in vivo. Ocul Surf 2024; 32:13-25. [PMID: 38191093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2024.01.001] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal fibrosis and neovascularization (CNV) after ocular trauma impairs vision. This study tested therapeutic potential of tissue-targeted adeno-associated virus5 (AAV5) mediated decorin (DCN) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) combination genes in vivo. METHODS Corneal fibrosis and CNV were induced in New Zealand White rabbits via chemical trauma. Gene therapy in stroma was delivered 30-min after chemical-trauma via topical AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF application using a cloning cylinder. Clinical eye examinations and multimodal imaging in live rabbits were performed periodically and corneal tissues were collected 9-day and 15-day post euthanasia. Histological, cellular, and molecular and apoptosis assays were used for efficacy, tolerability, and mechanistic studies. RESULTS The AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF combination gene therapy significantly reduced corneal fibrosis (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) and CNV (p < 0.001) in therapy-given (chemical-trauma and AAV5-DCN + AAV5-PEDF) rabbit eyes compared to the no-therapy given eyes (chemical-trauma and AAV5-naked vector). Histopathological analyses demonstrated significantly reduced fibrotic α-smooth muscle actin and endothelial lectin expression in therapy-given corneas compared to no-therapy corneas on day-9 (p < 0.001) and day-15 (p < 0.001). Further, therapy-given corneas showed significantly increased Fas-ligand mRNA levels (p < 0.001) and apoptotic cell death in neovessels (p < 0.001) compared to no-therapy corneas. AAV5 delivered 2.69 × 107 copies of DCN and 2.31 × 107 copies of PEDF genes per μg of DNA. AAV5 vector and delivered DCN and PEDF genes found tolerable to the rabbit eyes and caused no significant toxicity to the cornea. CONCLUSION The combination AAV5-DCN and AAV5-PEDF topical gene therapy effectively reduces corneal fibrosis and CNV with high tolerability in vivo in rabbits. Additional studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
| | - Suneel Gupta
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nishant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - James Landreneau
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Prashant R Sinha
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Ashish Tandon
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Shyam S Chaurasia
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Departments of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nathan P Hesemann
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA; Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
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ZHENG X, GUO L, LAI S, LI F, LIANG M, LIU W, MENG C, LIU G. Emodin suppresses alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation and neovascularization by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling pathway. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2024; 44:268-276. [PMID: 38504533 PMCID: PMC10927407 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240203.005] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of emodin on alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation and neovascularization. METHODS The ability of emodin to target vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was predicted by molecular docking. The effects of emodin on the invasion, migration, and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were determined by cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and tube formation assays. Analysis of apoptosis was performed by flow cytometry. CD31 levels were examined by immunofluorescence. The abundance and phosphorylation state of VEGFR2, protein kinase B (Akt), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and P38 were examined by immunoblot analysis. Corneal alkali burn was performed on 40 mice. Animals were divided randomly into two groups, and the alkali-burned eyes were then treated with drops of either 10 μM emodin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) four times a day. Slit-lamp microscopy was used to evaluate inflammation and corneal neovascularization (CNV) in all eyes on Days 0, 7, 10, and 14. The mice were killed humanely 14 d after the alkali burn, and their corneas were removed and preserved at -80 ℃ until histological study or protein extraction. RESULTS Molecular docking confirmed that emodin was able to target VEGFR2. The findings revealed that emodin decreased the invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and proliferation of HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner. In mice, emodin suppressed corneal inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibited the development of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn. Compared to those of the PBS-treated group, lower VEGFR2 expression and CD31 levels were found in the emodin-treated group. Emodin dramatically decreased the expression of VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2, p-Akt, p-STAT3, and p-P38 in VEGF-treated HUVEC. CONCLUSION This study provides a new avenue for evaluating the molecular mechanisms underlying corneal inflammation and neovascularization. Emodin might be a promising new therapeutic option for corneal alkali burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying ZHENG
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Liang GUO
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Siyi LAI
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated People's Hospital (Fujian Provincial People's Hospital), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
- 4 Eye Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Fengyue LI
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Mingli LIANG
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Wanting LIU
- 1 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China
| | - Chun MENG
- 2 Department of Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350104, China; Eye Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Guanghui LIU
- 3 Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated People's Hospital (Fujian Provincial People's Hospital), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
- 4 Eye Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350004, China
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Seo S, Sonn SK, Kweon HY, Jin J, Kume T, Ko JY, Park JH, Oh GT. Primary Cilium in Neural Crest Cells Crucial for Anterior Segment Development and Corneal Avascularity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:30. [PMID: 38517430 PMCID: PMC10981158 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.30] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Intraflagellar transport 46 (IFT46) is an integral subunit of the IFT-B complex, playing a key role in the assembly and maintenance of primary cilia responsible for transducing signaling pathways. Despite its predominant expression in the basal body of cilia, the precise role of Ift46 in ocular development remains undetermined. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of neural crest (NC)-specific deletion of Ift46 on ocular development. Methods NC-specific conditional knockout mice for Ift46 (NC-Ift46F/F) were generated by crossing Ift46F mice with Wnt1-Cre2 mice, enabling the specific deletion of Ift46 in NC-derived cells (NCCs). Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and Notch signaling activities in NC-Ift46F/F mice were evaluated using Gli1lacZ and CBF:H2B-Venus reporter mice, respectively. Cell fate mapping was conducted using ROSAmTmG reporter mice. Results The deletion of Ift46 in NCCs resulted in a spectrum of ocular abnormalities, including thickened corneal stroma, hypoplasia of the anterior chamber, irregular iris morphology, and corneal neovascularization. Notably, this deletion led to reduced Shh signal activity in the periocular mesenchyme, sustained expression of key transcription factors Foxc1, Foxc2 and Pitx2, along with persistent cell proliferation. Additionally, it induced increased Notch signaling activity and the development of ectopic neovascularization within the corneal stroma. Conclusions The absence of primary cilia due to Ift46 deficiency in NCCs is associated with anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) and corneal neovascularization, suggesting a potential link to Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, a disorder characterized by ASD. This underscores the pivotal role of primary cilia in ensuring proper anterior segment development and maintaining an avascular cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungwoon Seo
- Heart-Immune-Brain Network Research Center, Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Imvastech Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Keun Sonn
- Heart-Immune-Brain Network Research Center, Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyae Yon Kweon
- Heart-Immune-Brain Network Research Center, Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jing Jin
- Heart-Immune-Brain Network Research Center, Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tsutomu Kume
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Je Yeong Ko
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Park
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Goo Taeg Oh
- Heart-Immune-Brain Network Research Center, Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Imvastech Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yang Y, Nan W, Zhang R, Shen S, Wu M, Zhong S, Zhang Y, Cui X. Fabrication of carboxymethyl cellulose-based thermo-sensitive hydrogels and inhibition of corneal neovascularization. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129933. [PMID: 38309411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129933] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a common multifactorial sequela of anterior corneal segment inflammation, which could lead to visual impairment and even blindness. The main treatments available are surgical sutures and invasive drug injections, which could cause serious ocular complications. To solve this problem, a thermo-sensitive drug-loaded hydrogel with high transparency was prepared in this study, which could achieve the sustained-release of drugs without affecting normal vision. In briefly, the thermo-sensitive hydrogel (PFNOCMC) was prepared from oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) and aminated poloxamer 407 (PF127-NH2). The results proved the PFNOCMC hydrogels possess high transparency, suitable gel temperature and time. In the CNV model, the PFNOCMC hydrogel loading bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) showed significant inhibition of CNV, this is due to the hydrogel allowed the drug to stay longer in the target area. The animal experiments on the ocular surface were carried out, which proved the hydrogel had excellent biocompatibility, and could realize the sustained-release of loaded drugs, and had a significant inhibitory effect on the neovascularization after ocular surface surgery. In conclusion, PFNOCMC hydrogels have great potential as sustained-release drug carriers in the biomedical field and provide a new minimally invasive option for the treatment of neovascular ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Yang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Weijin Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, PR China
| | - Ruiting Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Sitong Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Meiliang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shuangling Zhong
- College of Resources and Environment, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, PR China.
| | - Xuejun Cui
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China; Weihai Institute for Bionics-Jilin University, Weihai 264400, PR China.
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Zhu H, Ye J, Wu Y, Cheng Y, Su M, Dai Q, Han Y, Pan J, Wu Z, Chen C, Qiu C, Li W, Liu G, Chu C. A Synergistic Therapy With Antioxidant and Anti-VEGF: Toward its Safe and Effective Elimination for Corneal Neovascularization. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302192. [PMID: 38018632 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302192] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. In clinical practice; however, it remains a challenge to achieve a noninvasive and safe treatment. Herein, a biocompatible shell with excellent antioxidant and antivascularity is prepared by co-assembly of epigallocatechin gallate/gallic acid and Cu (II). After loading glucose oxidase (GOx) inside, the shell is modified with dimeric DPA-Zn for codelivering vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) small interfering RNA (VEGF-siRNA). Meanwhile, the Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (RGD) peptide-engineered cell membranes coating improves angiogenesis-targeting and is biocompatible for the multifunctional nanomedicine (CEGs/RGD). After eye drops administration, CEGs/RGD targets enrichment in neovascularization and CEGs NPs enter cells. Then, the inner GOx consumes glucose with a decrease in local pH, which in turn leads to the release of EGCE and VEGF-siRNA. As a result, the nanomedicines significantly reduce angiogenesis and inhibit CNV formation through synergistic effect of antioxidant and antivascular via down-regulation of cluster of differentiation 31 and VEGF. The nanomedicine represents a safe and efficient CNV treatment through the combined effect of antioxidant/gene, which provides important theoretical and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jinfa Ye
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yiming Wu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yuhang Cheng
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023, China
| | - Qixuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yun Han
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jintao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023, China
| | - Chenyue Qiu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Wei Li
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Shen Zhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Chengchao Chu
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- Shen Zhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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Zhang X, Wang G, Wang Q, Jiang R. Dexamethasone and MicroRNA-204 Inhibit Corneal Neovascularization. Mil Med 2024; 189:374-378. [PMID: 36043264 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac260] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This was an in vivo animal study designed to investigate the interaction between dexamethasone (Dex) and microRNA-204 (miR-204) in a mouse alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) model. The function of miR-204 was then investigated in human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS The CNV model was induced by corneal alkali burn in BLAB/c mice. The mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (Ctrl), alkali burn-induced corneal injury (Alkali), alkali burn + Dex (Dex), alkali burn + negative control (NTC), and alkali burn + miR-204 agomir (miR-204). Subconjunctival injection of NTC, Dex, or miR-204 agomir was conducted at 0, 3, and 6 days, respectively, after alkali burn. The corneas were collected at day 7 after injury, and the CNV area was observed using immunofluorescence staining. The expression of miR-204 was analyzed with quantitative real time (qRT)-PCR. In HMECs, exogenous miR-204 agomir or antagomir was used to strengthen or inhibit the expression of miR-204. Migration assays and tube formation studies were conducted to evaluate the function of miR-204 on HMECs. RESULTS At 7 days post-alkali burn, CNV grew aggressively into the cornea. MicroRNA-204 expression was reduced in the Alkali group in contrast with the Ctrl group (P = .003). However, miR-204 was upregulated in the Dex group (vs. alkali group, P = .008). The CNV areas in the NTC and miR-204 groups were 59.30 ± 8.32% and 25.60 ± 2.30%, respectively (P = .002). In vitro, miR-204 agomir showed obvious inhibition on HMEC migration in contrast with NTC (P = .033) and miR-204 antagomir (P = .017). Compared with NTC, miR-204 agomir attenuated tube formation, while miR-204 antagomir accelerated HMEC tube formation (P < .05). CONCLUSION The role of Dex in attenuating CNV may be partly attributed to miR-204. MiR-204 may be a potential therapeutic target in alkali burn-induced CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266002, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266002, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266002, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266002, China
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Swamynathan S, Campbell G, Sohnen P, Kaur S, St. Leger AJ, Swamynathan SK. The Secreted Ly6/uPAR-Related Protein 1 (Slurp1) Modulates Corneal Angiogenic Inflammation Via NF-κB Signaling. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:37. [PMID: 38252525 PMCID: PMC10810026 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.37] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previously we demonstrated that the secreted Ly-6/uPAR related protein 1 (SLURP1), abundantly expressed in the corneal epithelium (CE) and secreted into the tear fluid, serves as an antiangiogenic molecule. Here we describe the Slurp1-null (Slurp1X-/-) mouse corneal response to silver nitrate (AgNO3) cautery. Methods Five days after AgNO3 cautery, we compared the wild-type (WT) and Slurp1X-/- mouse (1) corneal neovascularization (CNV) and immune cell influx by whole-mount immunofluorescent staining for CD31 and CD45, (2) macrophage and neutrophil infiltration by flow cytometry, and (3) gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR. Quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescent staining, and immunoblots were employed to evaluate the expression, phosphorylation status, and subcellular localization of NF-κB pathway components. Results Unlike the WT, the Slurp1X-/- corneas displayed denser CNV in response to AgNO3 cautery, with more infiltrating macrophages and neutrophils and greater upregulation of the transcripts encoding VEGFA, MMP2, IL-1b, and vimentin. At 2, 7, and 10 days after AgNO3 cautery, Slurp1 expression was significantly downregulated in the WT corneas. Compared with the WT, naive Slurp1X-/- CE displayed increased phosphorylation of IKK(a/b), elevated phosphorylation of IκB with decreased amounts of total IκB, and higher phosphorylation of NF-κB, suggesting that NF-κB signaling is constitutively active in naive Slurp1X-/- corneas. Conclusions Enhanced angiogenic inflammation in AgNO3 cauterized Slurp1X-/- corneas and constitutively active status of NF-κB signaling in the absence of Slurp1 suggest that Slurp1 modulates corneal angiogenic inflammation via NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudha Swamynathan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gregory Campbell
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Peri Sohnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Satinder Kaur
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Anthony J. St. Leger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Wu CM, Mao JW, Zhu JZ, Xie CC, Yao JY, Yang XQ, Xiang M, He YF, Tong X, Litifu D, Xiong XY, Cheng MN, Zhu FH, He SJ, Lin ZM, Zuo JP. DZ2002 alleviates corneal angiogenesis and inflammation in rodent models of dry eye disease via regulating STAT3-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:166-179. [PMID: 37605050 PMCID: PMC10770170 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01146-y] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent ocular disorder with a multifactorial etiology. The pre-angiogenic and pre-inflammatory milieu of the ocular surface plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. DZ2002 is a reversible type III S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) inhibitor, which has shown excellent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of DZ2002 in rodent models of DED. SCOP-induced dry eye models were established in female rats and mice, while BAC-induced dry eye model was established in female rats. DZ2002 was administered as eye drops (0.25%, 1%) four times daily (20 μL per eye) for 7 or 14 consecutive days. We showed that topical application of DZ2002 concentration-dependently reduced corneal neovascularization and corneal opacity, as well as alleviated conjunctival irritation in both DED models. Furthermore, we observed that DZ2002 treatment decreased the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis and the levels of inflammation in the cornea and conjunctiva. Moreover, DZ2002 treatment in the BAC-induced DED model abolished the activation of the STAT3-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB pathways in corneal tissues. We also found that DZ2002 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) while downregulating the activation of the STAT3-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB pathway. These results suggest that DZ2002 exerts a therapeutic effect on corneal angiogenesis in DED, potentially by preventing the upregulation of the STAT3-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB pathways. Collectively, DZ2002 is a promising candidate for ophthalmic therapy, particularly in treating DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Mei Wu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia-Wen Mao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jin-Zhi Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Can-Can Xie
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia-Ying Yao
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Yang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mai Xiang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi-Fan He
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao Tong
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dilinaer Litifu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Xiong
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Meng-Nan Cheng
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Feng-Hua Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shi-Jun He
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Ze-Min Lin
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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9
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Gong Y, Gao J, Li M, Zhang XL, Liao YH, Bao YB. URP20 improves corneal injury caused by alkali burns combined with pathogenic bacterial infection in rats. Exp Eye Res 2024; 238:109739. [PMID: 38042515 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109739] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Corneal alkali burns often occur in industrial production and daily life, combined with infection, and may cause severe eye disease. Oxidative stress and neovascularization (NV) are important factors leading to a poor prognosis. URP20 is an antimicrobial peptide that has been proven to treat bacterial keratitis in rats through antibacterial and anti-NV effects. Therefore, in this study, the protective effect and influence mechanism of URP20 were explored in a rat model of alkali burn together with pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) infection. In addition, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were selected to verify the effects of URP20 on vascularization and oxidative stress. The results showed that URP20 treatment could protect corneal tissue, reduce corneal turbidity, and reduce the NV pathological score. Furthermore, URP20 significantly inhibited the expression of the vascularization marker proteins VEGFR2 and CD31. URP20 also reduced the migration ability of HUVECs. In terms of oxidative stress, URP20 significantly upregulated SOD and GSH contents in corneal tissue and HCECs (treated with 200 μM H2O2) and promoted the expression of the antioxidant protein Nrf2/HO-1. At the same time, MDA and ROS levels were also inhibited. In conclusion, URP20 could improve corneal injury combined with bacterial infection in rats caused by alkali burns through antibacterial, anti-NV, and antioxidant activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ningbo Eye Hospital, Ningbo 315042, China.
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ningbo Eye Hospital, Ningbo 315042, China
| | - Meng Li
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Zhang
- Ningbo Aier Guangming Eye Hospital, Ningbo 315016, China
| | - Yan-Hong Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ningbo Eye Hospital, Ningbo 315042, China
| | - Yong-Bo Bao
- College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, China
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10
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Nan W, He Y, Shen S, Wu M, Wang S, Zhang Y. BMP4 inhibits corneal neovascularization by interfering with tip cells in angiogenesis. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109680. [PMID: 37858608 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109680] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) can lead to impaired corneal transparency, resulting in vision loss or blindness. The primary pathological mechanism underlying CNV is an imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, with inflammation playing a crucial role. Notably, a vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-A gradient triggers the selection of single endothelial cells(ECs) into primary tip cells that guide sprouting, while a dynamic balance between tip and stalk cells maintains a specific ratio to promote CNV. Despite the central importance of tip-stalk cell selection and shuffling, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) on VEGF-A-induced lumen formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and CD34-stained tip cell formation. In vivo, BMP4 inhibited CNV caused by corneal sutures. This process was achieved by BMP4 decreasing the protein expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR2 in corneal tissue after corneal suture injury. By observing the ultrastructure of the cornea, BMP4 inhibited the sprouting of tip cells and brought forward the appearance of intussusception. Meanwhile, BMP4 attenuated the inflammatory response by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)formation through the NADPH oxidase-2(NOX-2)pathway. Our results indicate that BMP4 inhibits the formation of tip cells by reducing the generation of NETs, disrupting the dynamic balance of tip and stalk cells and thereby inhibiting CNV, suggesting that BMP4 may be a potential therapeutic target for CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Sitong Shen
- Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Meiliang Wu
- Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; Corneal Refraction Department, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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11
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Du L, Sun J, Liu J, Xu N, Liu M, Wu X. Effect of Conbercept on Corneal Neovascularization in a Rabbit Model. Semin Ophthalmol 2023; 38:670-678. [PMID: 37058000 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2023.2201652] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy of Conbercept for the treatment of corneal neovascularization (NV) in a rabbit model. METHODS NV was induced by placing sutures. Eight rabbits were used as a control. The other 136 rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups, and 68 rabbits in each group were divided into four subgroups and given different treatments. Time-course photographs, histological examination, and enzyme-linked immunoassay ELISA analysis for vascular endothelial growth factor were performed at weeks 1, 2, and 3 after injection placement. RESULTS At weeks 1, 2, and 3 after injection placement, there was less expression of corneal NV and VEGF in the conbercept-treated groups than in the saline-treated control groups and less corneal NV and VEGF were expressed in the early treatment group than in the late treatment group. At weeks 2 and 3 after injection, there were fewer corneal NV (length and area) in the early intrastromal injection group with conbercept than in the early subconjunctival injection group with conbercept and a smaller diameter of corneal NV than in the late intrastromal injection group treated with conbercept. Histological examination showed a smaller diameter of corneal NV in all eyes in conbercept-treated groups 1 w after injection than before injection. Treatment with subconjunctival injection with conbercept led to a larger diameter at weeks 2 and 3 than at week 1. CONCLUSIONS Subconjunctival and intrastromal administrations of conbercept effectively inhibit corneal NV in rabbits, and the latter has the better effect. The effect is the best in the group with cornea intrastromal injection of conbercept 1 w after suture. Early administration of conbercept may successfully inhibit corneal NV in an animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Du
- Dept. Of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiazhang Sun
- Dept. Of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Dept. of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Na Xu
- Dept. Of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Dept. Of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Dept. Of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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12
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Wang Y, Di G, Zhang K, Bai Y, Cao X, Zhao H, Wang D, Chen P. Loss of aquaporin 5 contributes to the corneal epithelial pathogenesis via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22776. [PMID: 36688817 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201503r] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
AQP5 plays a crucial role in maintaining corneal transparency and the barrier function of the cornea. Here, we found that in the corneas of Aqp5-/- mice at older than 6 months, loss of AQP5 significantly increased corneal neovascularization, inflammatory cell infiltration, and corneal haze. The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that upregulation of K1, K10, and K14, and downregulation of K12 and Pax6 were detected in Aqp5-/- cornea and primary corneal epithelial cells. Loss of AQP5 aggravated wound-induced corneal neovascularization, inflammation, and haze. mRNA sequencing, western blotting, and qRT-PCR showed that Wnt2 and Wnt6 were significantly decreased in Aqp5-/- corneas and primary corneal epithelial cells, accompanied by decreased aggregation in the cytoplasm and nucleus of β-catenin. IIIC3 significantly suppressed corneal neovascularization, inflammation, haze, and maintained corneal transparent epithelial in Aqp5-/- corneas. We also found that pre-stimulated Aqp5-/- primary corneal epithelial cells with IIIC3 caused the decreased expression of K1, K10, and K14, the increased expression of K12, Pax6, and increased aggregation in the cytoplasm and nucleus of β-catenin. These findings revealed that AQP5 may regulate corneal epithelial homeostasis and function through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Together, we uncovered a possible role of AQP5 in determining corneal epithelial cell fate and providing a potential therapeutic target for corneal epithelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohu Di
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Stem Cell Regeneration Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kaier Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Bai
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- The 971 Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, Qingdao, China
| | - Dianqiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Aier Eye Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Stem Cell Regeneration Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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13
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Patnam M, Dommaraju SR, Masood F, Herbst P, Chang JH, Hu WY, Rosenblatt MI, Azar DT. Lymphangiogenesis Guidance Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications in Pathological States of the Cornea. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020319. [PMID: 36672254 PMCID: PMC9856498 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020319] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal lymphangiogenesis is one component of the neovascularization observed in several inflammatory pathologies of the cornea including dry eye disease and corneal graft rejection. Following injury, corneal (lymph)angiogenic privilege is impaired, allowing ingrowth of blood and lymphatic vessels into the previously avascular cornea. While the mechanisms underlying pathological corneal hemangiogenesis have been well described, knowledge of the lymphangiogenesis guidance mechanisms in the cornea is relatively scarce. Various signaling pathways are involved in lymphangiogenesis guidance in general, each influencing one or multiple stages of lymphatic vessel development. Most endogenous factors that guide corneal lymphatic vessel growth or regression act via the vascular endothelial growth factor C signaling pathway, a central regulator of lymphangiogenesis. Several exogenous factors have recently been repurposed and shown to regulate corneal lymphangiogenesis, uncovering unique signaling pathways not previously known to influence lymphatic vessel guidance. A strong understanding of the relevant lymphangiogenesis guidance mechanisms can facilitate the development of targeted anti-lymphangiogenic therapeutics for corneal pathologies. In this review, we examine the current knowledge of lymphatic guidance cues, their regulation of inflammatory states in the cornea, and recently discovered anti-lymphangiogenic therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehul Patnam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sunil R. Dommaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Faisal Masood
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Paula Herbst
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(312)-413-5590; Fax: +1-(312)-996-7770
| | - Wen-Yang Hu
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mark I. Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dimitri T. Azar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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14
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Li NY, Zhang WJ, Hu ZL. [Therapeutic effect of amniotic membrane-fibrin sealant cement on severe ocular surface alkali burn in rabbits]. Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi 2022; 58:606-614. [PMID: 35959605 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112142-20220310-00103] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective To prepare a biologically active amniotic membrane powder and explore its preservation conditions, and to evaluate the efficacy of the amniotic membrane (AM)-fibrin sealant (FS) cement made from the amniotic powder on the rabbit severe ocular surface alkali burn model. Methods Experimental research. Fresh AM was air-dried, cooled with liquid nitrogen, ground into amniotic powder and sterilized by radiation. The expression of transformed growth factor, nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) after preparation and 10, 20 and 30 days after storage at room temperature, 4 ℃ and -20 ℃ was tested and compared with that in the fresh AM. The AM-FS cement containing different concentrations of amniotic powder and no amniotic powder was diluted. Rabbit corneal epithelial cells were cultured for 72 hours. The effects of different concentrations of amniotic powder on epithelial cell growth were observed by light microscopy, and the amniotic powder concentration with the largest absorbance value at 450 nm was selected for subsequent animal experiments. Thirty-two right eyes of 32 rabbits as the severe ocular surface alkali burn model were divided using the random counting method into the AM-FS cement group, fresh AM transplantation group, FS group and antibiotic control group (8 rabbits each group) and given different interventions. After weekly observation of corneal repair, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining of monocyte chemotaxis protein 1 (MCP-1)and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed and detected by light microscopy at 28 days. The logFC values of the growth factor or receptor expression difference ratio were corrected by BH; the data were analyzed by t-test and analysis of variance. Results: The expression of TGF in the amniotic membrane powder compared with the fresh amniotic membrane group (logFC=-0.11), and the expression of NGFR (HGF, EGF, bFGF) was higher than that of the fresh amniotic membrane group (logFC=-2.07, 0.72, 0.46, 2.62; P<0.05); the expression of HGF, bFGF and EGF in amniotic membrane powder stored for 10 days and 20 days were no lower than fresh amniotic membrane; at 30 days, the expression of growth factors or receptors except HGF and bFGF were decreased, and HGF, bFGF and EGF were no less than 4 ℃ and -20 ℃.The maximum A value was obtained for 0.25 mg/ml of the amniotic membrane powder after 72 hours of the CEC culture 0.98±0.05. The corneal recovery was better in the AM-FS and fresh amniotic membrane transplant groups, with corneal turbidity scores of 3.75±0.46 and 3.50±0.46, respectively, on 28 days, lower than antibiotics (4.29±0.45) (t=2.480, 3.629; P=0.019, 0.001). The corneal neovascular area in the antibiotic control group was compared with the other three groups (t=4.040, 4.339, 2.820; all P<0.001); the corneal neovascular area in the AM-FS group was (9.88±0.20) and (18.96±0.18) mm2 at 7 and 28 days. The corneal neovascularization area at 7 and 28 days in the fresh AM group [(9.54±0.22) and (18.08±0.96) mm2] was smaller than the AM-FS group (t=3.085, 3.017, P=0.005, 0.005). Despite the tiny statistical difference (0.34, 0.88), there was no clinical difference. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed corneal structures were intact in the AM-FS and fresh AM groups, the epithelial arrangement became normal, and the corneal healing was superior to the FS and antibiotic control groups. Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression of VEGF in the fresh AM group was weaker than that in the remaining three groups. MCP-1 was expressed to a similar extent in the AM-FS and fresh AM groups. Conclusions: The active cytokine had high expression and stable properties at room temperature. The AM-FS cement containing 0.25 mg/ml amniotic powder can promote the repair of corneal epithelium, reduce inflammatory reaction and corneal neovascularization after alkali burning in rabbit eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Y Li
- The Second People Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Hospital, Yunnan Institute of Ophthalmology, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Yunnan Clinical Medical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Kunming 650021, China
| | - W J Zhang
- The Second People Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Hospital, Yunnan Institute of Ophthalmology, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Yunnan Clinical Medical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Kunming 650021, China
| | - Z L Hu
- The Second People Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Hospital, Yunnan Institute of Ophthalmology, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Yunnan Clinical Medical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Kunming 650021, China
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15
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Zhu S, Zidan A, Pang K, Musayeva A, Kang Q, Yin J. Promotion of corneal angiogenesis by sensory neuron-derived calcitonin gene-related peptide. Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109125. [PMID: 35618042 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109125] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The normal cornea has no blood vessels but has abundant innervation. There is emerging evidence that sensory nerves, originated from the trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons, play a key role in corneal angiogenesis. In the current study, we examined the role of TG sensory neuron-derived calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in promoting corneal neovascularization (CNV). We found that CGRP was expressed in the TG and cultured TG neurons. In the cornea, minimal CGRP mRNA was detected and CGRP immunohistochemical staining was exclusively co-localized with corneal nerves, suggesting corneal nerves are likely the source of CGRP in the cornea. In response to intrastromal suture placement and neovascularization in the cornea, CGRP expression was increased in the TG. In addition, we showed that CGRP was potently pro-angiogenic, leading to vascular endothelial cell (VEC) proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro and corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vivo. In a co-culture system of TG neurons and VEC, blocking CGRP signaling in the conditioned media of TG neurons led to decreased VEC migration and tube formation. More importantly, subconjunctival injection of a CGRP antagonist CGRP8-37 reduced suture-induced corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Taken together, our data suggest that TG sensory neuron and corneal nerve-derived CGRP promotes corneal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China; Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Asmaa Zidan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kunpeng Pang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aytan Musayeva
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qianyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Yin
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Hollier PL, Chapouly C, Diop A, Guimbal S, Cornuault L, Gadeau AP, Renault MA. Full-length Dhh and N-terminal Shh act as competitive antagonists to regulate angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2489-2501. [PMID: 33063110 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa285] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The therapeutic potential of Hedgehog (Hh) signalling agonists for vascular diseases is of growing interest. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the role of the Hh signalling in vascular biology remain poorly understood. The purpose of the present article is to clarify some conflicting literature data. METHODS AND RESULTS With this goal, we have demonstrated that, unexpectedly, ectopically administered N-terminal Sonic Hh (N-Shh) and endogenous endothelial-derived Desert Hh (Dhh) induce opposite effects in endothelial cells (ECs). Notably, endothelial Dhh acts under its full-length soluble form (FL-Dhh) and activates Smoothened in ECs, while N-Shh inhibits it. At molecular level, N-Shh prevents FL-Dhh binding to Patched-1 (Ptch1) demonstrating that N-Shh acts as competitive antagonist to FL-Dhh. Besides, we found that even though FL-Hh ligands and N-Hh ligands all bind Ptch1, they induce distinct Ptch1 localization. Finally, we confirmed that in a pathophysiological setting, i.e. brain inflammation, astrocyte-derived N-Shh acts as a FL-Dhh antagonist. CONCLUSION The present study highlights for the first time that FL-Dhh and N-Hh ligands have antagonistic properties especially in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Louis Hollier
- Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, U1034, 1, avenue de Magellan, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Candice Chapouly
- Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, U1034, 1, avenue de Magellan, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Aissata Diop
- Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, U1034, 1, avenue de Magellan, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Sarah Guimbal
- Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, U1034, 1, avenue de Magellan, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Lauriane Cornuault
- Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, U1034, 1, avenue de Magellan, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Alain-Pierre Gadeau
- Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, U1034, 1, avenue de Magellan, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Marie-Ange Renault
- Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, U1034, 1, avenue de Magellan, F-33604 Pessac, France
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17
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Yu Q, Biswas S, Ma G, Zhao P, Li B, Li J. Canonical NF-κB signaling maintains corneal epithelial integrity and prevents corneal aging via retinoic acid. eLife 2021; 10:e67315. [PMID: 34085926 PMCID: PMC8192125 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of the transparent cornea affect millions of people worldwide. However, how to maintain and/or regenerate this organ remains unclear. Here, we show that Rela (encoding a canonical NF-κB subunit) ablation in K14+ corneal epithelial stem cells not only disrupts corneal regeneration but also results in age-dependent epithelial deterioration, which triggers aberrant wound-healing processes including stromal remodeling, neovascularization, epithelial metaplasia, and plaque formation at the central cornea. These anomalies are largely recapitulated in normal mice that age naturally. Mechanistically, Rela deletion suppresses expression of Aldh1a1, an enzyme required for retinoic acid synthesis from vitamin A. Retinoic acid administration blocks development of ocular anomalies in Krt14-Cre; Relaf/f mice and naturally aged mice. Moreover, epithelial metaplasia and plaque formation are preventable by inhibition of angiogenesis. This study thus uncovers the major mechanisms governing corneal maintenance, regeneration, and aging and identifies the NF-κB-retinoic acid pathway as a therapeutic target for corneal disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/genetics
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family/metabolism
- Animals
- Burns, Chemical/drug therapy
- Burns, Chemical/etiology
- Burns, Chemical/metabolism
- Burns, Chemical/pathology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Cellular Senescence/drug effects
- Corneal Neovascularization/metabolism
- Corneal Neovascularization/pathology
- Corneal Neovascularization/prevention & control
- Corneal Stroma/drug effects
- Corneal Stroma/metabolism
- Corneal Stroma/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelium, Corneal/drug effects
- Epithelium, Corneal/metabolism
- Epithelium, Corneal/pathology
- Eye Burns/chemically induced
- Eye Burns/drug therapy
- Eye Burns/metabolism
- Eye Burns/pathology
- Mice, Knockout
- Regeneration/drug effects
- Retinal Dehydrogenase/genetics
- Retinal Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Stem Cells/drug effects
- Stem Cells/metabolism
- Stem Cells/pathology
- Transcription Factor RelA/genetics
- Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism
- Tretinoin/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Soma Biswas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Ma
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Baojie Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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18
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Filiberti A, Gmyrek GB, Montgomery ML, Sallack R, Carr DJJ. Loss of Osteopontin Expression Reduces HSV-1-Induced Corneal Opacity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:24. [PMID: 32785676 PMCID: PMC7441335 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal opacity and neovascularization (NV) are often described as outcomes of severe herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. The current study investigated the role of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)+ cells and soluble factors in the progression of HSV-1-induced corneal NV and opacity. Methods MaFIA mice were infected with 500 plaque-forming units of HSV-1 in the cornea following scarification. From day 10 to day 13 post-infection (pi), mice were treated with 40 µg/day of AP20187 (macrophage ablation) or vehicle intraperitoneally. For osteopontin (OPN) neutralization experiments, C57BL/6 mice were infected as above and treated with 2 µg of goat anti-mouse OPN or isotypic control IgG subconjunctivally every 2 days from day 4 to day 12 pi. Mice were euthanized on day 14 pi, and tissue was processed for immunohistochemistry to quantify NV and opacity by confocal microscopy and absorbance or detection of pro- and anti-angiogenic and inflammatory factors and cells by suspension array analysis and flow cytometry, respectively. Results In the absence of CSF1R+ cells, HSV-1-induced blood and lymphatic vessel growth was muted. These results correlated with a loss in fibroblast growth factor type 2 (FGF-2) and an increase in OPN expression in the infected cornea. However, a reduction in OPN expression in mice did not alter corneal NV but significantly reduced opacity. Conclusions Our data suggest that CSF1R+ cell depletion results in a significant reduction in HSV-1-induced corneal NV that correlates with the loss of FGF-2 expression. A reduction in OPN expression was aligned with a significant drop in opacity associated with reduced corneal collagen disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Filiberti
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Grzegorz B Gmyrek
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Micaela L Montgomery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Renee Sallack
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Daniel J J Carr
- Dean McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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19
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Abstract
Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis play a crucial role in embryonic development. Pathological neovascularization in ocular tissues can lead to vision-threatening vascular diseases, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, choroidal neovascularization, and corneal neovascularization. Neovascularization involves various cellular processes and signaling pathways and is regulated by angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Modulating these circuits may represent a promising strategy to treat ocular neovascular diseases. Lipid mediators derived from membrane lipids are abundantly present in most tissues and exert a wide range of biological functions by regulating various signaling pathways. In particular, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids exert potent pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic effects, according to the findings of numerous preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the regulation of ocular neovascularization by lipid mediators and their metabolites. A better understanding of the effects of lipid signaling in neovascularization may provide novel therapeutic strategies to treat ocular neovascular diseases and other human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Terao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3815-5411
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan;
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20
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Liu D, Wu Q, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Xie X, Li S, Lin H, Chen W, Zhu F. Co-delivery of metformin and levofloxacin hydrochloride using biodegradable thermosensitive hydrogel for the treatment of corneal neovascularization. Drug Deliv 2019; 26:522-531. [PMID: 31090470 PMCID: PMC6534255 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2019.1609623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the major causes of severe disorders in ocular surface. Subconjunctival administration provides a localized and effective delivery of anti-angiogenic agents to inhibit neovascularization. In the present study, the ABA triblock copolymer of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) was used as a sustained drug delivery carrier for metformin (MET) and levofloxacin hydrochloride (LFH). Both drugs and PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymers could be easily dissolved in water at low or room temperature and the mixed solution could form a drug-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel in terms of body temperature response. The in vitro release investigation displayed a sustained release of MET and LFH from the formulation for one month. The in vivo efficacy of subconjunctival injection of the MET + LFH loaded thermosensitive hydrogel in inhibiting CNV was evaluated on a mouse model of corneal alkali burn. Compared with the single administration of MET or LFH loaded thermosensitive hydrogel, the MET + LFH loaded thermosensitive hydrogel remarkably inhibited the formation of CNV. The sustained release of MET and an antibiotic (LFH) provides synergistic therapeutic outcome. As a result, the co-delivery of MET and LFH using PLGA-PEG-PLGA thermosensitive hydrogel by subconjunctival injection has great potential for ocular anti-angiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- GDHPPCLab, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat–Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianni Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqiong Zhu
- GDHPPCLab, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat–Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- GDHPPCLab, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat–Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuli Xie
- GDHPPCLab, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat–Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihan Li
- GDHPPCLab, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat–Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weirong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangming Zhu
- GDHPPCLab, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat–Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Lab for Polymer Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat–Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Mukwaya A, Mirabelli P, Lennikov A, Thangavelu M, Ntzouni M, Jensen L, Peebo B, Lagali N. Revascularization after angiogenesis inhibition favors new sprouting over abandoned vessel reuse. Angiogenesis 2019; 22:553-567. [PMID: 31486010 PMCID: PMC6863948 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09679-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting pathologic angiogenesis can halt disease progression, but such inhibition may offer only a temporary benefit, followed by tissue revascularization after treatment stoppage. This revascularization, however, occurs by largely unknown phenotypic changes in pathologic vessels. To investigate the dynamics of vessel reconfiguration during revascularization, we developed a model of reversible murine corneal angiogenesis permitting longitudinal examination of the same vasculature. Following 30 days of angiogenesis inhibition, two types of vascular structure were evident: partially regressed persistent vessels that were degenerate and barely functional, and fully regressed, non-functional empty basement membrane sleeves (ebms). While persistent vessels maintained a limited flow and retained collagen IV+ basement membrane, CD31+ endothelial cells (EC), and α-SMA+ pericytes, ebms were acellular and expressed only collagen IV. Upon terminating angiogenesis inhibition, transmission electron microscopy and live imaging revealed that revascularization ensued by a rapid reversal of EC degeneracy in persistent vessels, facilitating their phenotypic normalization, vasodilation, increased flow, and subsequent new angiogenic sprouting. Conversely, ebms were irreversibly sealed from the circulation by excess collagen IV deposition that inhibited EC migration and prevented their reuse. Fully and partially regressed vessels therefore have opposing roles during revascularization, where fully regressed vessels inhibit new sprouting while partially regressed persistent vessels rapidly reactivate and serve as the source of continued pathologic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pierfrancesco Mirabelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
- Mason Eye Institute, Ophthalmology-Retinal Vascular Service Hospital MA102C, Missouri, MO, USA
| | - Muthukumar Thangavelu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of BIN Convergence Technology & Dept PolymerNano Sci & Tech, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Ntzouni
- Electron Microscopy and Histology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Beatrice Peebo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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22
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Irani YD, Pulford E, Mortimer L, Irani S, Butler L, Klebe S, Williams KA. Sex differences in corneal neovascularization in response to superficial corneal cautery in the rat. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221566. [PMID: 31479468 PMCID: PMC6719872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-based differences in susceptibility have been reported for a number of neovascular ocular diseases. We quantified corneal neovascularization, induced by superficial silver nitrate cautery, in male and female inbred albino Sprague-Dawley, inbred albino Fischer 344, outbred pigmented Hooded Wistar and inbred pigmented Dark Agouti rats of a range of ages. Corneal neovascular area was quantified on haematoxylin-stained corneal flatmounts by image analysis. Pro-and anti-angiogenic gene expression was measured early in the neovascular response by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Androgen and estrogen receptor expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Male rats from all strains, with or without ocular pigmentation, exhibited significantly greater corneal neovascular area than females: Sprague-Dawley males 43±12% (n = 8), females 25±5% (n = 12), p = 0.001; Fischer 344 males 38±10% (n = 12) females 27±8% (n = 8) p = 0.043; Hooded Wistar males 32±6% (n = 8) females 22±5% (n = 12) p = 0.002; Dark Agouti males 37±11% (n = 9) females 26±7% (n = 9) p = 0.015. Corneal vascular endothelial cells expressed neither androgen nor estrogen receptor. The expression in cornea post-cautery of Cox-2, Vegf-a and Vegf-r2 was significantly higher in males compared with females and Vegf-r1 was significantly lower in the cornea of males compared to females, p<0.001 for each comparison. These data suggest that male corneas are primed for angiogenesis through a signalling nexus involving Cox-2, Vegf-a, and Vegf receptors 1 and 2. Our findings re-enforce that pre-clinical animal models of human diseases should account for sex-based differences in their design and highlight the need for well characterized and reproducible pre-clinical studies that include both male and female animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazad D. Irani
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emily Pulford
- Discipline of Anatomical Pathology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lauren Mortimer
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- Discipline of Anatomical Pathology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Swati Irani
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa Butler
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sonja Klebe
- Discipline of Anatomical Pathology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Keryn A. Williams
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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23
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Chen J, Li F, Xu Y, Zhang W, Hu Y, Fu Y, Xu W, Ge S, Fan X, Lu L. Cholesterol modification of SDF-1-specific siRNA enables therapeutic targeting of angiogenesis through Akt pathway inhibition. Exp Eye Res 2019; 184:64-71. [PMID: 30898556 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neovascularization during ocular tissue repair can cause severe visual loss in the optical axis and is therefore an issue of considerable concern to ophthalmologists. Here, we introduced a cholesterol-modified siRNA delivery system targeting stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) to treat ocular angiogenesis in vivo. SDF-1 expression was analyzed in rat endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Migration ability of BMSC and HUVEC were assessed through transwell assay. The proliferation effect of chol-siSDF1 on HUVEC was measured by colony formation assay. In vivo anti-angiogenic effects of chol-siSDF1 were tested in a cornea alkali burn model and the area of cornea neovascularization was measured using computer-imaging analysis system. Then phosphorylated Akt and total Akt protein levels were measured through western blot. Results turned out that rat EPCs and BMSCs showed high SDF-1 mRNA expression, which can be down-regulated by using chol-siSDF-1. Chol-siSDF-1 could significantly inhibit migration of BMSC and HUVEC. In addition, chol-siSDF1 also could inhibit HUVEC proliferation and exert a significant anti-angiogenic effect in corneal alkali burn model. As for the mechanism, chol-siSDF1 may inhibit the neovascularization, proliferation and metastasis through inhibiting the Akt signaling pathway. Thus, cholesterol modification of siRNA targeting SDF-1 displays an effective inhibition of migration and angiogenesis, with a much longer duration of inhibition effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yangfan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Linna Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, PR China.
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24
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Hess DL, Kelly-Goss MR, Cherepanova OA, Nguyen AT, Baylis RA, Tkachenko S, Annex BH, Peirce SM, Owens GK. Perivascular cell-specific knockout of the stem cell pluripotency gene Oct4 inhibits angiogenesis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:967. [PMID: 30814500 PMCID: PMC6393549 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08811-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The stem cell pluripotency factor Oct4 serves a critical protective role during atherosclerotic plaque development by promoting smooth muscle cell (SMC) investment. Here, we show using Myh11-CreERT2 lineage-tracing with inducible SMC and pericyte (SMC-P) knockout of Oct4 that Oct4 regulates perivascular cell migration and recruitment during angiogenesis. Knockout of Oct4 in perivascular cells significantly impairs perivascular cell migration, increases perivascular cell death, delays endothelial cell migration, and promotes vascular leakage following corneal angiogenic stimulus. Knockout of Oct4 in perivascular cells also impairs perfusion recovery and decreases angiogenesis following hindlimb ischemia. Transcriptomic analyses demonstrate that expression of the migratory gene Slit3 is reduced following loss of Oct4 in cultured SMCs, and in Oct4-deficient perivascular cells in ischemic hindlimb muscle. Together, these results provide evidence that Oct4 plays an essential role within perivascular cells in injury- and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Hess
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, 415 Lane Road, Suite 1010, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Molly R Kelly-Goss
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, 415 Lane Road, Suite 1010, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Olga A Cherepanova
- Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB50, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Anh T Nguyen
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, 415 Lane Road, Suite 1010, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Richard A Baylis
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, 415 Lane Road, Suite 1010, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Svyatoslav Tkachenko
- Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, JJN3-01, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, 415 Lane Road, Suite 1010, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Shayn M Peirce
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, 415 Lane Road, Suite 1010, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, 415 Lane Road, Suite 1010, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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25
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Abstract
Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) are implicated in corneal neovascularization (CRNV). The mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in HCFs and the development of CRNV were explored in this study. Alkali burns were applied to the corneas of rats to establish a CRNV model. The expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)- activating protein (NKAP) were examined by quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and Western blot methods, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used to stimulate HCFs for inflammatory response. The level of inflammation factors in HCF supernatant was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Binding and interactions between NEAT1 and miRNA 1246 (miR-1246) were determined by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays in HCFs. Compared with the control group (n = 6), NEAT1 was upregulated in the corneas of the CRNV rat model (n = 6). The expression of NEAT1 in HCFs was upregulated by LPS. Downregulation of NEAT1 suppressed the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). NEAT1 could bind and interact with miR-1246. LPS regulated the expression of NKAP and NF-κB signaling via the NEAT1/miR-1246 pathway. Downregulation of NEAT1 in vivo inhibited CRNV progression in the CRNV rat model. The lncRNA NEAT1 induced secretion of inflammatory factors, mediated by NF-κB, by targeting miR-1246, thereby promoting CRNV progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yong Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei-Qun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guang-Li Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hao-Hao Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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26
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Liu G, Lu P, Chen L, Zhang W, Wang M, Li D, Zhang X. B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 10 promotes angiogenesis in an experimental corneal neovascularization model. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:1220-1231. [PMID: 29515217 PMCID: PMC6043546 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0039-x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal neovascularization (CrNV) arises from many causes including corneal inflammatory, infectious, or traumatic insult, and frequently leads to impaired vision. This study seeks to determine the role of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 10 (BCL-10) in the development of experimental CrNV. METHODS Corneas from BCL-10 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were burned by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to create the CrNV model and neovascular formation in the corneas was assessed 2 weeks later. Intracorneal macrophage accumulation and the expression of angiogenic factors were quantified by flow cytometric analysis (FCM) and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS The amount of CrNV was determined 2 weeks after alkali burn. Compared to WT mice, the amount of CrNV in BCL-10 KO mice was significantly decreased. FCM revealed that F4/80-positive macrophages were markedly decreased in BCL-10 KO mice compared with WT mice. Reverse transcription PCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of intracorneal vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 were reduced in BCL-10 KO mice compared with WT mice. CONCLUSION BCL-10 KO mice exhibited reduced alkali-induced CrNV by suppressing intracorneal macrophage infiltration, which subsequently led to decreased VEGF-A and bFGF expression, suggesting that BCL-10 may become a potential clinical intervening target of CrNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoqin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peirong Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Tumor Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Li H, Ye B, Zhu L, Wu L. Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits corneal neovascularization in ratalkaline burn model. Pak J Pharm Sci 2018; 31:1087-1092. [PMID: 29731448] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in inhibiting corneal neovascularization in rat alkaline burn model. Corneal neovascularization model was induced by sodium hydroxide alkaline burn injury in SD rats. Rats were randomly divided into two groups and were given intraperitoneal injection with EGCG or PBS per day for up to 14 days respectively. Corneal inflammation and neovascularization area were assessed on days 3, 7, and 14 after cauterization with digital photographs. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) mRNA levels were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The nuclear transfactor-Κb (NF-κB) subunit P65 protein was assayed by immunohistochemistry. The differences of corneal inflammation scores between two groups were significant. The area of CNV between two groups had no significant difference on day 3 but have significant difference on days 7 and 14.The PDEF mRNA expression in EGCG group was significantly higher and the expression of VEGF mRNA was lower than those in PBS group. The results of immunohistochemistry showed from day 7, expression of NF-κB P65protein was suppressed considerably in EGCG group. This study demonstrates that EGCG inhibits corneal neovascularization in a rat model induced by alkali burn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bei Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lianqun Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Mukwaya A, Lennikov A, Xeroudaki M, Mirabelli P, Lachota M, Jensen L, Peebo B, Lagali N. Time-dependent LXR/RXR pathway modulation characterizes capillary remodeling in inflammatory corneal neovascularization. Angiogenesis 2018; 21:395-413. [PMID: 29445990 PMCID: PMC5878196 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation in the normally immune-privileged cornea can initiate a pathologic angiogenic response causing vision-threatening corneal neovascularization. Inflammatory pathways, however, are numerous, complex and are activated in a time-dependent manner. Effective resolution of inflammation and associated angiogenesis in the cornea requires knowledge of these pathways and their time dependence, which has, to date, remained largely unexplored. Here, using a model of endogenous resolution of inflammation-induced corneal angiogenesis, we investigate the time dependence of inflammatory genes in effecting capillary regression and the return of corneal transparency. Endogenous capillary regression was characterized by a progressive thinning and remodeling of angiogenic capillaries and inflammatory cell retreat in vivo in the rat cornea. By whole-genome longitudinal microarray analysis, early suppression of VEGF ligand-receptor signaling and inflammatory pathways preceded an unexpected later-phase preferential activation of LXR/RXR, PPARα/RXRα and STAT3 canonical pathways, with a concurrent attenuation of LPS/IL-1 inhibition of RXR function and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Potent downstream inflammatory cytokines such as Cxcl5, IL-1β, IL-6 and Ccl2 were concomitantly downregulated during the remodeling phase. Upstream regulators of the inflammatory pathways included Socs3, Sparc and ApoE. A complex and coordinated time-dependent interplay between pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways highlights a potential anti-inflammatory role of LXR/RXR, PPARα/RXRα and STAT3 signaling pathways in resolving inflammatory corneal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Mukwaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Xeroudaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pierfrancesco Mirabelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Beatrice Peebo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden.
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29
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Tewari-Singh N, Goswami DG, Kant R, Ammar DA, Kumar D, Enzenauer RW, Casillas RP, Croutch CR, Petrash JM, Agarwal R. Histopathological and Molecular Changes in the Rabbit Cornea From Arsenical Vesicant Lewisite Exposure. Toxicol Sci 2017; 160:420-428. [PMID: 28973427 PMCID: PMC5837587 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lewisite (LEW), a potent arsenical vesicating chemical warfare agent, poses a continuous risk of accidental exposure in addition to its feared use as a terrorist weapon. Ocular tissue is exquisitely sensitive to LEW and exposure can cause devastating corneal lesions. However, detailed pathogenesis of corneal injury and related mechanisms from LEW exposure that could help identify targeted therapies are not available. Using an established consistent and efficient exposure system, we evaluated the pathophysiology of the corneal injury in New Zealand white rabbits following LEW vapor exposure (at 0.2 mg/L dose) for 2.5 and 7.5 min, for up to 28 day post-exposure. LEW led to an increase in total corneal thickness starting at day 1 post-exposure and epithelial degradation starting at day 3 post-exposure, with maximal effect at day 7 postexposure followed by recovery at later time points. LEW also led to an increase in the number of blood vessels and inflammatory cells but a decrease in keratocytes with optimal effects at day 7 postexposure. A significant increase in epithelial-stromal separation was observed at days 7 and 14 post 7.5 min LEW exposure. LEW also caused an increase in the expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 at all the study time points indicating their involvement in LEW-induced inflammation, vesication, and neovascularization. The outcomes here provide valuable LEW-induced corneal injury endpoints at both lower and higher exposure durations in a relevant model system, which will be helpful to identify and screen therapies against LEW-induced corneal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rama Kant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - David A Ammar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | | | - Robert W Enzenauer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Robert P Casillas
- Medical Countermeasures Division, MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri 64110
| | - Claire R Croutch
- Medical Countermeasures Division, MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri 64110
| | - J Mark Petrash
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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Kuznik BI, Linkova NS, Kolchina NV, Kukanova EO, Khavinson VK. [The JAM Family of Molecules and Their Role in the Regulation of Physiological and Pathological Processes]. Usp Fiziol Nauk 2016; 47:76-97. [PMID: 29283236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The review covers the main functions of the family of adhesion molecules JAMs (Junctional adhesion molecules). This review provides information about the role of the molecules JAM-AH, JAM-BH and JAM-CF in the occurrence of pathological conditions, including diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and malignant growth. A molecule JAM-C and JAM-C directly affect platelet’s adhesion to endothelial and dendritic cells, neutrophils, and other types of leukocytes, which makes their involvement in the regulation of hemostasis, and migration processes. JAM-A has an effect on the inflammatory response, leading to impaired cognitive function in HIV infection. JAM-B is involved in suppression of tumor growth in patients with Down syndrome. It is described the role of molecule JAM-A and JAM-C in the pathogenesis of hypertension, hypertensive crisis, atherosclerosis, cardiac abnormalities in the syndrome of Jacobson. Molecules JAM-B and JAM-C reduce the growth and invasion of human gliomas, and JAM-A has static effect against breast cancer. JAM-A molecule, JAM-B and JAM-C are involved in the development of inflammatory reactions and pathological neoangiogenesis in the cornea. The molecule JAM-C is involved in differentiation and polarization photoreceptors of the retina. The review provides own data of the authors, suggests the presence of epigenetic mechanisms of regulation of expression of the family of molecules JAMs, carried out with the direct participation of peptide geroprotectors.
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Quiroz-Mercado J, Ramírez-Velázquez N, Partido G, Zenteno E, Chávez R, Agundis-Mata C, Jiménez-Martínez MC, Garfias Y. Tissue and cellular characterisation of nucleolin in a murine model of corneal angiogenesis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 254:1753-63. [PMID: 27313162 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3409-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal neovascularisation (CNV), with consequent loss of transparency, is due to an imbalance of proangiogenic factors. Cell-surface nucleolin (NCL) has been associated with neo-angiogenesis. There are studies identifying NCL translocation from nucleus to the cell surface, which is essential for endothelial cell proliferation. To find the possible role of NCL in the generation of corneal neovessels, the aim of this study is to characterise the NCL presence and cell-localisation in non-injured corneas, as well as to describe the changes in NCL cell and tissue localisation in CNV, and to analyse the effect of bevacizumab on NCL cellular and tissular distribution. METHODS Suture-induced CNV was performed in mice. The corneal tissues were obtained and the histological and co-immunofluorescence assays were performed using different proteins, such as CD31, cadherin and isolectin B4. To determine the possible role of VEGF in NCL presence and localisation in our CNV model, bevacizumab was concomitantly used. RESULTS Nucleolin was principally observed in the nucleus of the basal epithelial cells of normal corneas. Interestingly, angiogenesis-induced changes were observed in the localisation of NCL, not only in tissue but also at the cellular level where NCL was extranuclear in epithelial cells, stromal cells and neovessels. In contrast, these changes were reverted when bevacizumab was used. Besides, NCL was able to stain only aberrant corneal neovessels in comparison with retinal vessels. CONCLUSIONS NCL mobilisation outside the nucleus during angiogenesis could have a possible role as a proangiogenic molecule in the corneal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Quiroz-Mercado
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, 06800, Mexico City, Mexico
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Norma Ramírez-Velázquez
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, 06800, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Graciela Partido
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, 06800, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar Zenteno
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Raúl Chávez
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Concepción Agundis-Mata
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Carmen Jiménez-Martínez
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, 06800, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yonathan Garfias
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, 06800, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Han KY, Dugas-Ford J, Lee H, Chang JH, Azar DT. MMP14 Cleavage of VEGFR1 in the Cornea Leads to a VEGF-Trap Antiangiogenic Effect. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:5450-6. [PMID: 26284550 PMCID: PMC4544186 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the possible antiangiogenic effect of metalloproteinase (MMP) 14 cleavage of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) in the cornea. METHODS Recombinant mouse (rm) VEGFR1 was incubated with various concentrations of recombinant MMP14 to examine proteolysis in vitro. The reaction mixture was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and stained with Coomassie blue. The fragments resulting from rmVEGFR1 cleavage by MMP14 were subjected to Edman degradation, and the amino acid sequences were aligned with rmVEGFR1 sequences. Surface plasmon resonance was used to determine the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) between MMP14 and rmVEGFR1. The KD value of rmVEGFR1 and the 59.8-kDa cleavage product binding to VEGF-A₁₆₅ was also determined. Cell proliferation assays were performed in the presence of VEGF-A₁₆₅ plus the 59.8-kDa VEGFR1 fragment or VEGF-A₁₆₅ alone. RESULTS Matrix metalloproteinase 14 binds and cleaves rmVEGFR1 to produce 59.8-kDa (N-terminal fragment, Ig domains 1-5), 35-kDa (C-terminal fragment containing IgG and His-tag), and 21-kDa (Ig domains 6-7) fragments. The 59.8-kDa fragment showed binding to VEGF-A₁₆₅ and inhibited VEGF-induced endothelial cell mitogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that VEGFR1 cleavage by MMP14 in the cornea leads to a VEGF-trap effect, reducing the proangiogenic effect of VEGF-A₁₆₅, thereby reducing corneal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Yeon Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Jennifer Dugas-Ford
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Hyun Lee
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Dimitri T. Azar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Pradhan N, Guha R, Chowdhury S, Nandi S, Konar A, Hazra S. Curcumin nanoparticles inhibit corneal neovascularization. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:1095-106. [PMID: 25877858 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1277-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Corneal neovascularization is a leading cause for compromised vision. Therapeutic prevention of corneal neovascularization is a major clinical challenge, and there is a compelling need to seek effective and safe therapy for this pathology. This study is aimed to evaluate curcumin nanoparticle for prevention of corneal neovascularization. MePEG-PCL nanoparticles were successfully prepared and characterized. The nanoparticle of curcumin has shown increased efficiency in preventing angiogenic sprouting in vitro. Topical delivery of curcumin nanoparticle in the eye showed enhanced retention of curcumin in the cornea, and significant improvement in prevention of corneal neovascularization over free curcumin as graded clinically and by histopathology; suppression in the expression of VEGF, inflammatory cytokines, and MMP was evidenced in the treated cornea. Curcumin inhibited NFκB in LPS-induced corneal cells. Histopathology and scanning electron microscopy showed absence of any adverse change in the corneal structure following application of curcumin nanoparticle. Therefore, we conclude that curcumin nanoparticle can be a potential candidate for prevention of corneal neovascularization. KEY MESSAGE • Curcumin nanoparticles show enhanced retention of curcumin in the cornea. • Curcumin NPs suppress the expression of VEGF, inflammatory cytokines, and MMP. • Curcumin NPs prevent corneal neovascularization by suppressing the NFκB pathway. • Curcumin NPs may be a promising candidate for prevention of corneal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirparaj Pradhan
- West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 37 & 68 Kshudiram Bose Sarani, Belgachia, Kolkata, 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - Rajdeep Guha
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja SC Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Sushovan Chowdhury
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja SC Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Sudip Nandi
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja SC Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Aditya Konar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja SC Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sarbani Hazra
- West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 37 & 68 Kshudiram Bose Sarani, Belgachia, Kolkata, 700037, West Bengal, India.
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Li X, Zhou H, Tang W, Guo Q, Zhang Y. Transient downregulation of microRNA-206 protects alkali burn injury in mouse cornea by regulating connexin 43. Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2015; 8:2719-2727. [PMID: 26045777 PMCID: PMC4440086] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemical burn in cornea may cause permanent visual problem or complete blindness. In the present study, we investigated the role of microRNA 206 (miR-206) in relieving chemical burn in mouse cornea. METHOD An alkali burn model was established in C57BL/6 mice to induce chemical corneal injury. Within 72 hours, the transient inflammatory responses in alkali-treated corneas were measured by opacity and corneal neovascularization (CNV) levels, and the gene expression profile of miR-206 was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Inhibitory oligonucleotides of miR-206, miR-206-I, were intrastromally injected into alkali-burned corneas. The possible protective effects of down-regulating miR-206 were assessed by both in vivo measurements of inflammatory responses and in vitro histochemical examinations of corneal epithelium sections. The possible binding of miR-206 on its molecular target, connexin43 (Cx43), was assessed by luciferase reporter (LR) and western blot (WB) assays. Cx43 was silenced by siRNA to examine its effect on regulating miR-206 modulation in alkali-burned cornea. RESULTS Opacity and CNV levels, along with gene expression of miR-206, were all transiently elevated within 72 hours of alkali-burned mouse cornea. Intrastromal injection of miR-206-I into alkali-burned cornea down-regulated miR-206 and ameliorated inflammatory responses both in vivo and in vitro. LR and WB assays confirmed that Cx43 was directly targeted by miR-206 in mouse cornea. Genetic silencing of Cx43 reversed the protective effect of miR-206 down-regulation in alkali-burned cornea. CONCLUSION miR-206, associated with Cx43, is a novel molecular modulator in alkali burn in mouse cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital Affiliated to PLA General Hospital 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Huanfen Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital Affiliated to PLA General Hospital 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Weiqiang Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital Affiliated to PLA General Hospital 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital Affiliated to PLA General Hospital 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital Affiliated to PLA General Hospital 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
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Yuen D, Grimaldo S, Sessa R, Ecoiffier T, Truong T, Huang E, Bernas M, Daley S, Witte M, Chen L. Role of angiopoietin-2 in corneal lymphangiogenesis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:3320-7. [PMID: 24781940 PMCID: PMC4039380 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Lymphatic research has progressed rapidly in recent years. Lymphatic dysfunction has been found in myriad disorders from cancer metastasis to transplant rejection; however, effective treatment for lymphatic disorders is still limited. This study investigates the role of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in corneal inflammatory lymphangiogenesis (LG) in vivo and in lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) functions in vitro. METHODS Standard suture placement model was used to study Ang-2 expression in inflamed cornea, and corneal LG and hemangiogenesis (HG) responses in Ang-2 knockout mice. Moreover, human LEC culture system was used to examine the effect of Ang-2 gene knockdown on LEC functions using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The effect of siRNA treatment on corneal LG was also assessed in vivo. RESULTS Angiopoietin-2 was expressed on lymphatic vessels and macrophages in inflamed cornea. While corneal LG response was abolished in Ang-2 knockout mice, the HG response was also significantly suppressed with disorganized patterning. Moreover, anti-Ang-2 treatment inhibited LEC proliferation and capillary tube formation in vitro and corneal LG in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Angiopoietin-2 is critically involved in lymphatic processes in vivo and in vitro. Further investigation of the Ang-2 pathway may provide novel insights and therapeutic strategies for lymphatic-related disorders, which occur both inside and outside the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Yuen
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Program in Vision Science and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Sammy Grimaldo
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Program in Vision Science and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Roberto Sessa
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Program in Vision Science and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Tatiana Ecoiffier
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Program in Vision Science and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Tan Truong
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Program in Vision Science and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
- Graduate Group in Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Eric Huang
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Program in Vision Science and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Michael Bernas
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Sarah Daley
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Marlys Witte
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Lu Chen
- Center for Eye Disease and Development, Program in Vision Science and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
- Graduate Group in Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
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Abstract
PURPOSE Ranibizumab (Lucentis(®) ) is a Fab-Fragment of a recombinant, humanized, monoclonal VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) antibody. This study analyzed the ability of topical Ranibizumab to inhibit lymphangiogenesis in addition to hemangiogenesis after acute corneal inflammation in vivo. In addition, the effect of Ranibizumab on the proliferation of human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and blood endothelial cells (BECs) in vitro was studied. METHODS The inhibitory effect of Ranibizumab on LECs and BECs was studied in vitro using a proliferation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. To study the in vivo effects of Ranibizumab, the mouse model of suture induced inflammatory corneal neovascularization was used. Study mice received topical Ranibizumab as eye drops. After 1 week excised corneas were stained with LYVE-1 and CD31. Hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were analyzed morphometrically by using a semiautomatic method based on the image analyzing program Cell^F. RESULTS An antiproliferative effect of Ranibizumab was seen in vitro on both human BECs and LECs with a significance of p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0004, respectively. In vivo experiments showed that topical application of Ranibizumab significantly inhibits both hemangiogenesis (p = 0.0026) and lymphangiogenesis (p = 0.0026) in the cornea. CONCLUSION Ranibizumab is a potent inhibitor of inflammatory corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vivo with a direct inhibitory effect on both endothelial cell types in vitro. This study for the first time demonstrates an inhibitory effect of Ranibizumab on lymphatic vessels which could have a wider range of clinical applications.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Topical
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Corneal Neovascularization/metabolism
- Corneal Neovascularization/pathology
- Corneal Neovascularization/prevention & control
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelium, Lymphatic/drug effects
- Endothelium, Lymphatic/metabolism
- Endothelium, Lymphatic/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Lymphangiogenesis/drug effects
- Membrane Transport Proteins
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Ophthalmic Solutions
- Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism
- Ranibizumab
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Bucher
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, GermanyDepartment of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, GermanyCornea Service, Clinical Research Centre, Vasan Eye Care Hospital, Chennai, IndiaT.N Shukla Eye Hospital, Ranjhi, Jabalpur, India
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Krawczyk P, Ambroziak AM, Szaflik JP. [Molecular aspects of corneal neovascularization]. Klin Oczna 2014; 116:210-214. [PMID: 25799787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we try to describe the fundamentals of the molecular mechanisms implicated in the corneal neovascularization. Corneal avascularity is maintained by a subtle balance between the constant and active production of proangiogenic and angiostatic factors. At present, the prospect of clinical and therapeutic application of this knowledge seems to be distant, but some of the recent studies investigating the already known substances instill optimism. This work is based on data from the recently published reports on the corneal angiogenesis in its complexity.
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Yang H, Li X, Ma J, Lv X, Zhao S, Lang W, Zhang Y. Blockade of the intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel inhibits the angiogenesis induced by epidermal growth factor in the treatment of corneal alkali burn. Exp Eye Res 2013; 110:76-87. [PMID: 23482085 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is used to treat alkali-burned corneas. However, EGF-induced corneal angiogenesis, which is currently untreatable, is a side effect of this therapy. We therefore explored the role of the intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (KCa3.1) in EGF-induced angiogenesis and tested whether KCa3.1 blockade can suppress EGF-induced corneal angiogenesis. The proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) in response to EGF, the MEK inhibitor PD98059 and the KCa3.1 inhibitor TRAM-34 were analyzed in vitro via MTT, cell counting, scratch and tube formation assays. The protein and mRNA levels of KCa3.1, phosphorylated-ERK (P-ERK), total-ERK (T-ERK), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), vimentin and MMP-2 were assessed via western blotting and RT-PCR. KCa3.1 and vimentin expression were also detected through immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the cell cycle. Further, an in vivo murine alkali-burned cornea model was developed and treated with EGF and TRAM-34 eye drops to analyze the effect of these treatments on corneal healing and angiogenesis. The corneas were also analyzed by histological staining. The in vitro results showed that EGF induces the upregulation of KCa3.1 and P-ERK in HUVECs and that this upregulation is suppressed by PD98059. EGF stimulates proliferation, migration and tube formation in HUVECs, and this effect can be suppressed by TRAM-34. TRAM-34 also arrests HUVECs in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and downregulates CDK4, vimentin and MMP-2 in these cells. The in vivo results indicated that TRAM-34 suppresses EGF-induced corneal angiogenesis without affecting EGF-induced corneal wound healing. In summary, the upregulation of KCa3.1 may be crucial for EGF-induced angiogenesis through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Thus, KCa3.1 may be a potential target for the treatment of EGF-induced corneal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huike Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
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Amaral J, Lee JW, Chou J, Campos MM, Rodríguez IR. 7-Ketocholesterol induces inflammation and angiogenesis in vivo: a novel rat model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56099. [PMID: 23409131 PMCID: PMC3568027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of 7-Ketocholesterol (7KCh) in lipid deposits has been implicated in a variety of chronic diseases including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and age-related macular degeneration. 7KCh is known to be pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic to various types of cultured cells but little is known about its effects in vivo. In this study we have investigated the effects of 7KCh in vivo by implanting biodegradable wafers into the anterior chamber of the rat eye. The wafers were prepared using a mixture of two biodegradable polymers with different amounts of 7KCh. The 7KCh-containing implants induced massive angiogenesis and inflammation. By contrast, no angiogenesis and very little inflammation were observed with cholesterol-containing implants. The neovessel growth was monitored by fluorescein angiography. Neovessels were observed 4 days post implantation and peaked between 7 to 10 days. The angiography and isolectin IB(4) labeling demonstrated that the neovessels originated from the limbus and grew through the cornea. Immunolabeling with anti-CD68 suggested that the 7KCh-containing implants had extensive macrophage infiltration as well as other cell types. A significant increase in VEGF was also observed in 7KCh-containing implants by fluorescent immunolabeling and by immunoblot of the aqueous humor (AH). Direct measurement of VEGF, IL-1β and GRO/KC demonstrated a marked elevation of these factors in the AH of the 7KCh-implants. In summary this study demonstrates two important things: 1) 7KCh is pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory in vivo and 2) implants containing 7KCh may be used to create a novel angiogenesis model in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Amaral
- Mechanism of Retinal Diseases Section, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jung Wha Lee
- Mechanism of Retinal Diseases Section, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joshua Chou
- Mechanism of Retinal Diseases Section, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Maria M. Campos
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ignacio R. Rodríguez
- Mechanism of Retinal Diseases Section, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wu J, Zhao M. [Effect of integrin α9β1 on corneal neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression after corneal suture in rats]. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2012; 32:1704-1707. [PMID: 23268393] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of integrin α9β1 on corneal angiogenesis and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in rats after corneal suture. METHODS Thirty-nine SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, corneal suture model group, α9β1 group, and α9β1 suppression group, and in the latter 3 groups, the rats received topical administration of levofloxacin, levofloxacin + α9β1, and levofloxacin+ anti-α9β1 monoclonal antibody (Y9A2) twice daily after corneal suture, respectively. At 3, 5, 7, 14 days after the surgery, 3 rats were randomly selected from each group to observe corneal neovascularization (CNV) under slit lamp. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expressions of VEGF-A. RESULTS CNV was not observed in normal cornea. Neovascularization occurred in the corneal limbus in the 3 corneal suture groups, and the leak neovascularization count (CNVC), which occurred on the 7th postoperative day, was significantly increased after α9β1 treatment compared with that in the model group (4.57∓0.31 vs 3.21∓0.19, P<0.05) but markedly decreased after α9β1 suppression (2.03∓0.26, P<0.05). VEGF-A was expressed at a low level in normal cornea, and increased significantly in the model group, reaching the peak level on 7th day (P<0.05); corneal VEGF-A expression was further enhanced by α9β1 treatment (P<0.05) while significantly lowered by α9β1 suppression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Integrin α9β1 can promote CNV by up-regulating VEGF-A expression and α9β1 suppression produces the opposite effect after corneal suture in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Chang JH, Garg NK, Lunde E, Han KY, Jain S, Azar DT. Corneal neovascularization: an anti-VEGF therapy review. Surv Ophthalmol 2012; 57:415-29. [PMID: 22898649 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization is a serious condition that can lead to a profound decline in vision. The abnormal vessels block light, cause corneal scarring, compromise visual acuity, and may lead to inflammation and edema. Corneal neovascularization occurs when the balance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors is tipped toward angiogenic molecules. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most important mediators of angiogenesis, is upregulated during neovascularization. In fact, anti-VEGF agents have efficacy in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, neovascular glaucoma, and other neovascular diseases. These same agents have great potential for the treatment of corneal neovascularization. We review some of the most promising anti-VEGF therapies, including bevacizumab, VEGF trap, siRNA, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hong Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago 60612, USA.
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Esipov RS, Beĭrakhova KA, Chupova LA, Likhvantseva VK, Stepanova EV, Miroshnikov AI. [Recombinant fragment of pigment epithelium-derived factor (44-77) prevents pathological corneal neovascularization]. Bioorg Khim 2012; 38:78-85. [PMID: 22792709 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162012010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a 50 kDa secreted glycoprotein, is among the most potent endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis. PEDF-derived fragment (44-77) possesses antiangiogenic properties of the full-sized protein and is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of ocular neovascular diseases. In this study we propose an efficient scalable biotechnological method for the production of PEDF (44-77) as part of a fusion protein with SspDnaB intein. The fusion protein was obtained in bacterial E. coli cells in the form of inclusion bodies, solubilized and subjected to autocatalytic cleavage with the release of PEDF (44-77) (yield, 77%). The target peptide was separated from the intein using tangential ultrafiltration. The final purification of PEDF (44-77) was performed by reversed-phase HPLC. The yield of the target peptide (purity, 99%) was 65 mg per 1 liter of culture. Antiangiogenic activity of the obtained peptide was studied in vitro using murine endothelial cells SVEC-4-10. PEDF (44-77) suppressed proliferation of endothelial cells by 53% and inhibited endothelial cell tube formation at the concentration of 1 nM. The ability of the recombinant PEDF (44-77) to block initial stages of angiogenesis was demonstrated using the model of rabbit corneal neovascularization.
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Chesnokova NB, Aĭsina RB, Mukhametova LI, Pavlenko TA, Gulin DA, Beznos OV. [Fibrinolysis components and angiogenesis regulation by example of burn-induced corneal neovascularization in rabbits]. Vestn Oftalmol 2012; 128:62-65. [PMID: 22994111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Increased plasminogen level in tear fluid was found within 28 days and increased plasmin activity in 1-3 and 21 days after alkali burn of cornea, this is the time of cornel ulcers development. Increased plasminogen level and plasmin activity in cornea, conjunctiva and intraocular fluid was found in three days after trauma. Subconjunctival injections of angiostatin K1-4,5 (a product of plasminogen metabolism) during 3 weeks resulted in significant suppression of corneal neovascularization within 14 days and of active branching of the vessels in the following. The use of angiostatin reduced depth and area of corneal ulcers. Obtained data shows the promising potential of development of medications based on angiostatin K1-4,5 for suppression of corneal neovascularization and for treatment of diseases associated with corneal ulceration.
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Mulik S, Xu J, Reddy PBJ, Rajasagi NK, Gimenez F, Sharma S, Lu PY, Rouse BT. Role of miR-132 in angiogenesis after ocular infection with herpes simplex virus. Am J Pathol 2012; 181:525-34. [PMID: 22659469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory molecules that control diverse biological processes that include angiogenesis. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes a chronic immuno-inflammatory response in the eye that may result in corneal neovascularization during blinding immunopathological lesion stromal keratitis (SK). miR-132 is a highly conserved miRNA that is induced in endothelial cells in response to growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, we show that miR-132 expression was up-regulated (10- to 20-fold) after ocular infection with HSV, an event that involved the production of both VEGF-A and IL-17. Consequently, blockade of VEGF-A activity using soluble VEGF receptor 1 resulted in significantly lower levels of corneal miR-132 after HSV infection. In addition, low levels of corneal miR-132 were detected in IL-17 receptor knockout mice after HSV infection. In vivo silencing of miR-132 by the provision of anti-miR-132 (antagomir-132) nanoparticles to HSV-infected mice led to reduced corneal neovascularization and diminished SK lesions. The anti-angiogenic effect of antagomir-132 was reflected by a reduction in angiogenic Ras activity in corneal CD31-enriched cells (presumably blood vessel endothelial cells) during SK. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports of miRNA involvement in an infectious ocular disease. Manipulating miRNA expression holds promise as a therapeutic approach to control an ocular lesion that is an important cause of human blindness.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cornea/blood supply
- Cornea/metabolism
- Cornea/pathology
- Cornea/virology
- Corneal Neovascularization/complications
- Corneal Neovascularization/metabolism
- Corneal Neovascularization/pathology
- Corneal Neovascularization/virology
- Eye Infections/complications
- Eye Infections/genetics
- Eye Infections/pathology
- Eye Infections/virology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gene Knockdown Techniques
- Gene Silencing/drug effects
- Humans
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Keratitis, Herpetic/complications
- Keratitis, Herpetic/genetics
- Keratitis, Herpetic/pathology
- Keratitis, Herpetic/virology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- MicroRNAs/antagonists & inhibitors
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Models, Biological
- Nanoparticles
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/complications
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Oligoribonucleotides/administration & dosage
- Oligoribonucleotides/pharmacology
- Receptors, Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Simplexvirus/drug effects
- Simplexvirus/physiology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
- ras Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Mulik
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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Zakaria N, Van Grasdorff S, Wouters K, Rozema J, Koppen C, Lion E, Cools N, Berneman Z, Tassignon MJ. Human tears reveal insights into corneal neovascularization. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36451. [PMID: 22590547 PMCID: PMC3348927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization results from the encroachment of blood vessels from the surrounding conjunctiva onto the normally avascular cornea. The aim of this study is to identify factors in human tears that are involved in development and/or maintenance of corneal neovascularization in humans. This could allow development of diagnostic tools for monitoring corneal neovascularization and combination monoclonal antibody therapies for its treatment. In an observational case-control study we enrolled a total of 12 patients with corneal neovascularization and 10 healthy volunteers. Basal tears along with reflex tears from the inferior fornix, superior fornix and using a corneal bath were collected along with blood serum samples. From all patients, ocular surface photographs were taken. Concentrations of the pro-angiogenic cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1) and Fas Ligand (FasL) were determined in blood and tear samples using a flow cytometric multiplex assay. Our results show that the concentration of pro-angiogenic cytokines in human tears are significantly higher compared to their concentrations in serum, with highest levels found in basal tears. Interestingly, we could detect a significantly higher concentration of IL- 6, IL-8 and VEGF in localized corneal tears of patients with neovascularized corneas when compared to the control group. This is the first study of its kind demonstrating a significant difference of defined factors in tears from patients with neovascularized corneas as compared to healthy controls. These results provide the basis for future research using animal models to further substantiate the role of these cytokines in the establishment and maintenance of corneal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Zakaria
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Morais C, Ebrahem Q, Anand-Apte B, Parat MO. Altered angiogenesis in caveolin-1 gene-deficient mice is restored by ablation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Am J Pathol 2012; 180:1702-14. [PMID: 22322296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Caveolin-1 is an essential structural protein of caveolae, specialized plasma membrane organelles highly abundant in endothelial cells, where they regulate multiple functions including angiogenesis. Caveolin-1 exerts a tonic inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Accordingly, caveolin-1 gene-disrupted mice have enhanced eNOS activity as well as increased systemic nitric oxide (NO) levels. We hypothesized that excess eNOS activity, secondary to caveolin deficiency, would mediate the decreased angiogenesis observed in caveolin-1 gene-disrupted mice. We tested tumor angiogenesis in mice lacking either one or both proteins, using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays. We show that endothelial cell migration, tube formation, cell sprouting from aortic rings, tumor growth, and angiogenesis are all significantly impaired in both caveolin-1-null and eNOS-null mice. We further show that these parameters were either partially or fully restored in double knockout mice that lack both caveolin-1 and eNOS. Furthermore, the effects of genetic ablation of eNOS are mimicked by the administration of the NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), including the reversal of the caveolin-1-null mouse angiogenic phenotype. This study is the first to demonstrate the detrimental effects of unregulated eNOS activity on angiogenesis, and shows that impaired tumor angiogenesis in caveolin-1-null mice is, at least in part, the result of enhanced eNOS activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christudas Morais
- University of Queensland School of Pharmacy, Woolloongabba, Australia
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Peebo BB, Fagerholm P, Traneus-Röckert C, Lagali N. Cellular level characterization of capillary regression in inflammatory angiogenesis using an in vivo corneal model. Angiogenesis 2011; 14:393-405. [PMID: 21744299 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-011-9223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we introduce a technique for repeated, microscopic observation of single regressing capillaries in vivo in inflamed murine corneas. Natural capillary regression was initiated by removal of inflammatory stimulus during an active pro-angiogenic phase, while the additional impact of anti-angiogenic treatment with triamcinolone or bevazicumab was investigated. Capillaries regressed naturally within 1 week and treatments did not further enhance the natural regression. Morphologically, early-phase regression was characterized by significant lumen narrowing and a significant reduction in CD11b+ myeloid cell infiltration of the extracellular matrix. By 1 week, vascular remodeling occurred concomitant with CD11b+CD68+KiM2R+ mature macrophage localization on capillary walls. Empty conduits without blood flow, positive for collagen IV and devoid of vascular endothelium and pericytes, were apparent in vivo and by 3 weeks were more numerous than perfused capillaries. By 3 weeks, macrophages aggregated around remaining perfused capillaries and were observed in apposition with degrading capillary segments. Abrupt termination of capillary sprouting in our regression model further revealed vascular endothelial abandonment of sprout tips and perfused capillary loop formation within a single angiogenic sprout, possibly as an intussusceptive response to cessation of the stimulus. Finally, we observed lumen constriction and macrophage localization on capillary walls in vivo in a clinical case of corneal capillary regression that paralleled findings in our murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Bourghardt Peebo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
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Han X, Zhang MC. Potential anti-angiogenic role of Slit2 in corneal neovascularization. Exp Eye Res 2010; 90:742-9. [PMID: 20298689 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2010.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Slits are large secreted proteins critical for axon guidance and neuronal precursor cell migration in nervous system. Evidence suggests that classical neuronal guidance cues also regulate vascular development. Our objective was to investigate whether neuronal guidance cue Slit2 and Roundabout (Robo) receptors are involved in corneal neovascularization (NV). Corneal NV model in rats was induced by implantation of agarose-coated gelfoam pellets containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) into corneal stroma. Differential expression of Slit2 and Robo1-4 between normal and neovascularized cornea was detected by real-time RT-PCR and visualized by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were harvested and their expression of Robo1-4 was detected by RT-PCR. Recombinant human Slit2 protein was prepared and the effect of it on the migration of vascular endothelial cells was examined using cell migration assay. Agarose-coated gelfoam pellets were able to induce well-localized and reproducible corneal NV model. A significant down-regulation of Slit2 and a strong up-regulation of Robo1 and Robo4 were seen in neovascularized cornea when compared with normal cornea (P < 0.05). Slit2, Robo1 and Robo4 were throughout the epithelium in normal cornea and markedly weak or absent in epithelium in neovascularized cornea, with Robo1 and Robo4 being prominent in vascular endothelial cells invading the stroma. Primary HUVECs were confirmed to express both Robo1 and Robo4 receptors and their migration was inhibited by Slit2 (P < 0.05). This is the first study to assess the association between Slit2 and corneal NV. Our findings suggest that the interaction of Slit2 with Robo1 and Robo4 receptors plays an essential role in inhibiting pathological neovascular processes of the cornea and may represent a new therapeutic target for corneal NV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the potential modulatory role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the suture model for corneal neovascularization. METHODS Neovascularized areas were measured on corneal flat-mounts in IL-10(-/-) and wild-type C57BL6 mice. The inflammatory cellular response was characterized with immunohistochemistry. Gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS IL-10(-/-) mice showed a delayed neovascular response compared to wild-type animals at day 6 after suture, when approximately half of the cornea was neovascularized. No apparent differences in inflammatory responses or in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for proangiogenic factors were detected in IL-10(-/-) versus wild-type mice. CONCLUSION IL-10 appears to have a proangiogenic effect in the suture model for corneal neovascularization that cannot be explained by either IL-10's anti-inflammatory effect or apparent cross-talk with the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branka Samolov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Section for Ophthalmology and Vision, St Erik's Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Fan XQ, Li J, Fu Y, Jia RB, Lu WJ. [Small interference RNA targeting vascular endothelial growth factor inhibits rat corneal neovascularization]. Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi 2009; 45:746-751. [PMID: 20021890] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the effects of VEGF-siRNA-transfected corneal epithelium on corneal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS It was an experimental study. Cultured rat corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes were transfected with synthesize VEGF siRNA by lipofectamine 2000. The level of VEGF mRNA was analyzed by real time PCR, and the protein levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CNV was induced by cauterization with 1 mol/L sodium hydroxide in rat corneas. The VEGF-siRNA-transfected-corneal epithelium cells were transplanted to the CNV lesions. Immediately after transplantation, the VEGF-siRNA combined with lipofectamine 2000 were directly transfected rat cornea through injecting into the anterior chamber. After surgery, the surface areas occupied by new vessels were measured, and VEGF protein was localized by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The levels of VEGF expression at both mRNA and protein in the VEGF-siRNA transfected corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes were significantly lower than those of control cells. VEGF siRNA could inhibit the expression of VEGF mRNA in corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes to 57% - 85% and 59% - 78%, respectively. The VEGF-siRNA-transfected-corneal epithelium transplantation significantly decreased the surface areas occupied by new vessels. VEGF expression level in interference groups was lower than that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The development of CNV is markedly suppressed by VEGF-siRNA transfection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-qun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China.
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