CD105 shRNA对激光诱导的脉络膜新生血管的干预作用及其机制

目的:观察CD105shRNA对激光诱导的大鼠脉络膜新生血管的抑制作用,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法:40只BN大鼠单眼采用半导体激光建立CNV模型。随机取20只大鼠于建模后1天使用Pgenesil-eng2转染大鼠视网膜和脉络膜作为实验组。在建模后第14天行FFA检查,观察实验组与对照组视网膜激光斑的渗漏情况。各取5只实验组和5只对照组大鼠,行脉络膜铺片,检测并比较脉络膜新生血管渗漏面积。另32只BN大鼠任取一眼建立CNV模型,其中任取20只大鼠于建模后次日进行Pgen-esil-eng2转染,作为实验组。12只建模眼作为对照组,未建模眼作为空白对照组。于基因转染后1w,2w,3w和4w各取5只实验组大鼠和3只对照组大鼠眼球,获取每个时间点实验组、对照组和空白对照组的脉络膜组织。检测各组每个时间点CD105和VEGF在mRNA水平的表达。结果:FFA显示光凝后第14天时,对照组的渗漏率为63.2%,实验组为24.6%。实验组的BN大鼠眼底渗漏点数较对照组少,渗漏强度较弱。两组间比较有显著性差异。脉络膜铺片结果显示:2周时对照组大鼠的CNV面积为(31.22±1.46)×103μm2,实验组大鼠的CNV渗漏面积为(14.46±0.82)×103μm2,两组间比较有显著性差异。RT-PCR结果显示:实验组VEGF mRNA及CD105 mRNA的表达变化规律与对照组相似,但各个时间点的表达量较对照组均明显下降,其中实验组VEGFmRNA于2w时的表达约为对照组的36.7%;实验组CD105 mRNA在第2w时约为对照组的21.68%。结论:通过沉默CD105基因的表达可以抑制大鼠CNV的生成,下调VEGF的表达可能是其作用机制之一。CD105基因有望成为CNV的基础研究热点和临床治疗的新靶点。     

A Mouse Model for Laser-induced Choroidal Neovascularization

The mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model has been a crucial mainstay model for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research. By administering targeted laser injury to the RPE and Bruch’s membrane, the procedure induces angiogenesis, modeling the hallmark pathology observed in neovascular AMD. First developed in non-human primates, the laser-induced CNV model has come to be implemented into many other species, the most recent of which being the mouse. Mouse experiments are advantageously more cost-effective, experiments can be executed on a much faster timeline, and they allow the use of various transgenic models. The miniature size of the mouse eye, however, poses a particular challenge when performing the procedure. Manipulation of the eye to visualize the retina requires practice of fine dexterity skills as well as simultaneous hand-eye-foot coordination to operate the laser. However, once mastered, the model can be applied to study many aspects of neovascular AMD such as molecular mechanisms, the effect of genetic manipulations, and drug treatment effects. The laser-induced CNV model, though useful, is not a perfect model of the disease. The wild-type mouse eye is otherwise healthy, and the chorio-retinal environment does not mimic the pathologic changes in human AMD. Furthermore, injury-induced angiogenesis does not reflect the same pathways as angiogenesis occurring in an age-related and chronic disease state as in AMD.Despite its shortcomings, the laser-induced CNV model is one of the best methods currently available to study the debilitating pathology of neovascular AMD. Its implementation has led to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of AMD, as well as contributing to the development of many of the AMD therapies currently available.     

IFN-gamma acts as anti-angiogenic cytokine in the human cornea by regulating the expression of VEGF-A and sVEGF-R1

Inflammatory processes within the cornea are known to be associated with corneal neovascularization (CN). We examined the effects of inflammatory mediators on the expression of angiogenic factors by corneal cells. TNF-α and IL-1 induced VEGF-A secretion by corneal fibroblasts (HCRF) and this was inhibited significantly by IFN-γ. Constitutively secreted VEGF-A by corneal epithelial cells (HCE) was not affected by these cytokines. Moreover, sVEGF-R1(sFlt-1) secretion by HCRF was stimulated significantly by IFN-γ. JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor reversed the effects of IFN-γ on VEGF-A and sFlt-1 secretion by HCRF. RT-PCR analysis showed that IFN-γ influences the expression of VEGF-A and sFlt-1 by affecting their mRNA level. IFN-γ inhibited TGF-β induced VEGF-A secretion but not sVEGF-R1secretion. This is the first report demonstrating the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of IFN-γ on VEGF-A and sFlt-1 secretion, respectively. Our results suggest that IFN-γ acts as an anti-angiogenic cytokine in the human cornea.     

Connexin 43 contributes to differentiation of retinal pigment epithelial cells via cyclic AMP signaling

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells play important roles in the visual system that supports neurosensory retina homeostasis. Connexin (Cx) 43-mediated gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) participates in the regulation of retinal organogenesis, but much of the function of Cx43 on the differentiation of RPE cells is unclear. Here, we report the involvement of Cx43 in RPE differentiation. Knockdown of Cx43 in RPE cells dramatically inhibited the differentiation, whereas Cx43-overexpression successfully induced RPE cell differentiation under de-differentiation conditions. From the experiments using GJIC inhibitors and C-terminus-truncated mutant of Cx43, it was clearly demonstrated that the regulation of RPE cell differentiation by Cx43 did not result from Cx43-mediated GJIC. The RPE cell differentiation induced by Cx43-overexpression was abolished by a cAMP antagonist. In contrast, the treatment with forskolin and phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram induced RPE cell differentiation under de-differentiation conditions. These findings indicate that Cx43 contributes to RPE differentiation via cAMP signaling.     

Serine racemase deficiency attenuates choroidal neovascularization and reduces nitric oxide and VEGF levels by retinal pigment epithelial cells

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a leading cause of blindness in age‐related macular degeneration. Production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and macrophage recruitment by retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) significantly contributes to the process of CNV in an experimental CNV model. Serine racemase (SR) is expressed in retinal neurons and glial cells, and its product, d ‐serine, is an endogenous co‐agonist of N‐methyl‐d ‐aspartate receptor. Activation of the receptor results in production of nitric oxide (^.NO), a molecule that promotes retinal and choroidal neovascularization. These observations suggest possible roles of SR in CNV. With laser‐injured CNV mice, we found that inactivation of SR‐coding gene (Srr_null) significantly reduced CNV volume, neovascular density, and invading macrophages. We exploited the underlying mechanism in vivo and ex vivo. RPE from wild‐type (WT) mice expressed SR. To explore the possible downstream target of SR inactivation, we showed that choroid/RPE homogenates extracted from laser‐injured Srr_null mice contained less inducible nitric oxide synthase and decreased phospho‐VEGFR2 compared to amounts in WT mice. In vitro, inflammation‐primed WT RPEs expressed more inducible NOS, produced more^.NO and VEGF than did inflammation‐primed Srr_null RPEs. When co‐cultured with inflammation‐primed Srr_null RPE, significantly fewer RF/6A‐a cell line of choroidal endothelial cell, migrated to the opposite side of the insert membrane than did cells co‐cultured with pre‐treated WT RPE. Altogether, SR deficiency reduces RPE response to laser‐induced inflammatory stimuli, resulting in decreased production of a cascade of pro‐angiogenic cytokines, including^.NO and VEGF, and reduced macrophage recruitment, which contribute synergistically to attenuated angiogenesis.

     

Vascular endothelial growth factor upregulates pigment epithelium-derived factor expression via VEGFR-1 in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

We previously demonstrated that differentiated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and a critical balance between VEGF and PEDF is important to prevent the development of choroidal neovascularization. We report here that VEGF secreted by RPE cells upregulates PEDF expression via VEGFR-1 in an autocrine manner. PEDF mRNA and protein expression was downregulated by neutralizing antibody against VEGF in differentiated human RPE cells. VEGFR-1 neutralization decreased PEDF mRNA and protein expression whereas anti-VEGFR-2 antibody had no effect. Addition of placenta growth factor (PlGF) restored PEDF expression in the presence of anti-VEGF antibody. These results demonstrate a regulatory interaction between angiogenesis stimulators and inhibitors to maintain homeostasis in normal human retina.     

超声微泡介导VEGF基因转染治疗缺血性疾病研究进展

："治疗性血管新生" 是利用外源性血管生长因子或基因促进缺血部位新生血管形成,达到改善缺血部位血液供应而起到治 疗的目的,该方法为缺血性疾病的治疗提供了新的思路。目前研究的多种与血管生成相关的因子中,血管内皮生长因子（Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor,VEGF）是公认的最具特异性且作用最强的促进血管生长因子。但由于外源性血管生长因子重组蛋白在 体内半衰期短,试验中难以长时间持续给药起到刺激新血管生成及成熟的作用。研究表明通过超声破坏微泡技术可使基因转染 的靶细胞持续表达该基因。因此,应用超声靶向微泡破坏技术使VEGF 基因在缺血部位持续表达,可起到治疗性血管新生的作 用。本文将就超声微泡介导VEGF基因转染治疗缺血性疾病研究进展进行综述。     

Novel Drug Delivery System for Age-related Macular Degeneration Using Nanotechnology

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of legal blindness in developed countries. Even with the recent advent of several treatment options such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for the treatment of exudative AMD, characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), their efficacy is still limited. Thus, in this review article, we investigated novel drug delivery system for AMD using nanotechnology. Polyion complex (PIC) micelle has a size range of several tens of nanometers formed through electrostatic interaction, and accumulates in solid tumors through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The distribution of the PIC micelle encapsulating fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled poly-l-lysine (FITC-P(Lys)) in experimental CNV in rats was investigated. PIC micelle accumulates in the CNV lesions and is retained in the lesion for as long as 168 h after intravenous administration. PIC micelles can be used for achieving effective drug delivery system to CNV. Although PDT is a main treatment option for CNV, most patients require repeated treatments. For effective PDT against AMD, the selective delivery of photosensitizer to the CNV lesions and an effective photochemical reaction at the CNV site are necessary. The characteristic dendritic structure of the photosensitizer prevents aggregation of its core sensitizer, thereby inducing a highly effective photochemical reaction. A supramolecular nanomedical device, i.e., a novel dendritic photosensitizer encapsulated by a polymeric micelle formulation was employed for an effective PDT for AMD. With its highly selective accumulation on CNV lesions, this treatment resulted in a remarkably efficacious CNV occlusion with minimal unfavorable phototoxicity. Our results will provide a basis for an effective approach to PDT for AMD.     

Homoisoflavanone inhibits retinal neovascularization through cell cycle arrest with decrease of cdc2 expression

Neovascularization in the eye is the most common cause of blindness in all age groups; retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Despite current advances in surgical treatments, ROP remains as the most serious problem of vision loss in children. Here, we report that homoisoflavanone, a natural product from Cremastra appendiculata, significantly reduces retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of ROP. Homoisoflavanone inhibited the cell growth of HUVECs, but its cytotoxic effect was not observed in a concentration range of 1-20 microM. HUVECs population gradually increased in G2/M phase and reduced in G0/G1 and S phases after exposure to the compound. Homoisoflavanone decreased the level of cdc2 expression whereas the level of p21WAF1 expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that homoisoflavanone could inhibit retinal neovascularization and be applied in the treatment of other vasoproliferative retinopathies.     

骨髓间充质干细胞外泌体中miRNA在视网膜新生血管形成中的作用及机制

视网膜血管疾病如早产儿视网膜病变、糖尿病视网膜病变和视网膜静脉阻塞等以异常增生的视网膜新生血管为主要病理表现。骨髓间充质干细胞来源外泌体通过旁分泌作用传递生物活性分子介导细胞间的物质与信息交换。其中,miRNA等内容物在传递信息中起关键作用,可调控缺血缺氧环境下内皮细胞的增殖、管腔形成和新生血管的形成。并且能够通过血视网膜屏障而不引起免疫、炎症反应,在眼科疾病治疗中极具潜力。本文总结骨髓间充质干细胞衍生外泌体中miRNA在视网膜新生血管形成中的作用和可能的作用机制,以期为外泌体在眼科疾病诊治中的应用拓宽新思路。