Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yi Wang, Wei Zhang, Guozheng Xu, Changwei Shi, Xiang Wang, Jianfeng Qu, Hongmei Wang, Chunhua Liu
Summary: TRPV4 plays a role in promoting the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma, and TRPV4 antagonists can decrease the apoptosis rate of retinal ganglion cells, potentially providing a new approach for clinically treating acute glaucoma.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ciriaco Corral-Domenge, Pedro de la Villa, Alicia Mansilla, Francisco Germain
Summary: The retina, as part of the central nervous system, is crucial for understanding the health and functioning of both the retina itself and the entire central nervous system. The neurons known as ganglion cells are responsible for processing and transmitting light information, and the degeneration of these cells can lead to irreversible blindness or impaired vision. Research into the subtypes of these ganglion cells and the identification of cell death pathways is essential for understanding degenerative processes and developing prevention strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Denis Gubin, Vladimir Neroev, Tatyana Malishevskaya, Sergey Kolomeichuk, Germaine Cornelissen, Natalia Yuzhakova, Anastasia Vlasova, Dietmar Weinert
Summary: This study found a strong association between loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) due to advanced glaucoma and depression scores, suggesting that RGCs loss may impact non-visual photic transduction and mood disturbances. Depression scores were the strongest factor associated with RGCs loss, surpassing other factors including age, intraocular pressure, visual field loss, and PERG amplitude.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Wen-juan Zhao, Chun-ling Fan, Xi-min Hu, Xiao-xia Ban, Hao Wan, Ye He, Qi Zhang, Kun Xiong
Summary: Glaucoma is a group of diseases that result in degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and progressive, irreversible vision loss. High intraocular pressure (IOP) increases the risk of glaucoma and is associated with RGC loss. Lowering IOP is the current focus of glaucoma therapy; however, RGC and visual loss may still persist even with well-controlled IOP. Therefore, discovering neuroprotective strategies for RGCs that are independent of IOP is crucial for effective glaucoma management. Investigating the mechanisms of RGC death and finding ways to counteract its effects is a promising direction for glaucoma control. Empirical studies have revealed the role of regulated cell death pathways in RGC death in glaucoma. This review explores the RCD of RGCs following elevated IOP and optic nerve damage and discusses the significant benefits of mitigating RCD in preserving visual function.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhou Zeng, Mengling You, Rong Rong, Cong Fan, Meini Chen, Haibo Li, Dan Ji, Xiaobo Xia
Summary: Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness globally, lacks effective treatments due to limited understanding of its pathogenesis. This study investigated the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in glaucoma and identified the Ier2/miR-1839/TSPO axis as critical to retinal damage and cell loss. Manipulating the expression of Ier2, miR-1839, and TSPO prevented retinal damage and cell loss. Furthermore, this axis regulated pyroptosis and apoptosis of retinal neurons through specific pathways. The study also found elevated TSPO expression in the brain and peripheral blood cells of glaucoma patients, suggesting its importance as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Article
Cell Biology
Azusa Yoneshige, Man Hagiyama, Yasutoshi Takashima, Satoru Ueno, Takao Inoue, Ryuichiro Kimura, Yoshiki Koriyama, Akihiko Ito
Summary: The study shows that elevation of hydrostatic pressure directly upregulates the expression of Lcn2 in the retina, leading to neurotoxic effects on retinal cells. Modulating Lcn2 and iron levels could be a promising therapeutic approach for retinal degeneration.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chao Wang, Yaqiong An, Zhaohua Xia, Xuezhi Zhou, Haibo Li, Shuang Song, Lexi Ding, Xiaobo Xia
Summary: This study found that melatonin could protect RGCs from glutamate excitotoxicity and NMDA-induced injury, reduce oxidative stress, and improve visual function in mice. These findings provide practical research ideas for the comprehensive prevention and treatment of glaucoma using melatonin.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ben Mead, Alicia Kerr, Naoki Nakaya, Stanislav I. Tomarev
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the miRNA profile of purified retinal ganglion cells (RGC) from healthy and diseased rat retina. Over 100 different miRNAs were identified in diseased retina compared to healthy retina. Manipulating candidate mRNAs after retinal injury revealed significant neuroprotection and neuritogenesis effects in RGC.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Muhsin Eraslan, Eren Cerman, Suheyla Bozkurt, Deniz Genc, Aysin Tulunay Virlan, Cansu Subasi Demir, Tolga Akkoc, Erdal Karaoz, Tunc Akkoc
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the differentiation ability of intravitreally injected rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs) to retinal ganglion-like cells in a polystyrene microsphere induced rat glaucoma model. Green fluorescence protein-labeled (GFP) rBM-MSCs were transplanted intravitreally at or after induction of ocular hypertension (OHT), depending on the groups. Flow cytometry revealed significantly increased CD90 and Brn3a positive cells in glaucoma induced and with rBM-MSC injected groups compared to control(P = 0.006 and P = 0.003 respectively), sham-operated (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001 respectively), and only rBM-MSCs injected groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009 respectively).
Article
Neurosciences
Michael L. Risner, Silvia Pasini, Nolan R. McGrady, David J. Calkins
Summary: Bax contributes to RGC dendritic degeneration and distinguishes the proximal and distal neurodegenerative programs involved during the progression of glaucoma.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sanaz Behtaj, Fereshteh Karamali, Samaneh Najafian, Elahe Masaeli, Mohammad-Hossein Nasr Esfahani, Maksym Rybachuk
Summary: Stem cell-based retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) replacement therapy shows potential for restoring vision in glaucoma by replacing degenerated RGCs and facilitating axonal regeneration. However, generating clinically safe and functional RGCs that can integrate into hosts' retinas remains a challenge. The use of PGS/PCL scaffold in differentiation of hESCs into RGC-like cells promotes cell differentiation and neurite growth, contributing to potential future clinical therapy for glaucoma treatment.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang, Pei-Kang Liu, Yao-Tseng Wen, Peter M. J. Quinn, Sarah R. Levi, Nan-Kai Wang, Rong-Kung Tsai
Summary: RGC degeneration is the most common neurodegenerative disorder causing irreversible blindness worldwide, with the underlying pathophysiology and mechanisms largely unknown. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been identified as principal mechanisms in RGC degeneration and other neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants may hold promise as a potential future therapy for ocular diseases associated with RGC degeneration.
Article
Ophthalmology
Ru Zhao, Tao He, Yiqiao Xing, Jinyuan Luo
Summary: This study finds that COG1410 regulates the state of microglia and protects retinal ganglion cells in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, showing promising potential for the treatment of eye diseases.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shuo Cheng, Hong-Ning Wang, Lin-Jie Xu, Fang Li, Yanying Miao, Bo Lei, Xinghuai Sun, Zhongfeng Wang
Summary: The study found that TNF-alpha induces hyperexcitability in RGCs by selectively upregulating Nav1.6 sodium channels, leading to RGC apoptosis in glaucoma.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yinglei Zhang, Chunyan Hu, Cong Niu, Jiaxu Hong, Xujiao Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the effect of asiatic acid (AA) on the quantity and function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in chronic glaucoma rat models and how AA regulates synaptic pathways. The rat model was created by electrocoagulation of the episcleral veins. AA reduced the loss of RGCs caused by chronic glaucoma, decreased excitatory neurotransmission to RGCs, and increased inhibitory neurotransmission.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Fabiana Mallone, Marco Marenco, Rosalia Giustolisi, Rocco Plateroti, Alessandro Lambiase
Summary: This case report describes the successful treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defect in a patient with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) after severe firework-related ocular burn using autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). The findings provide valuable information on the management of ocular burns, supporting the use of PRP in preventing corneal stromal melting and promoting epithelial coverage.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magda Gharbiya, Giacomo Visioli, Alessandro Trebbastoni, Giuseppe Maria Albanese, Mayra Colardo, Fabrizia D'Antonio, Marco Segatto, Alessandro Lambiase
Summary: We conducted a study to evaluate the diagnostic role of AD biomarkers in tears and their association with retinal and choroidal microstructures. We found that tear A beta 1-42 levels had a high sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI and AD patients. Additionally, A beta 1-42 levels were correlated with psychometric scores and choroidal thickness. Testing A beta 1-42 levels in tears could be a minimally invasive and cost-saving method for early detection and diagnosis of AD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Bruscolini, Angela Iannitelli, Marco Segatto, Pamela Rosso, Elena Fico, Marzia Buonfiglio, Alessandro Lambiase, Paola Tirassa
Summary: This study investigated the correlation between the expression levels of NGF and BDNF in tears and serum and ophthalmic and psycho-cognitive symptoms in Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) patients. The results showed that NGF and BDNF expression correlated with ophthalmic symptoms, while mature/precursor NGF and BDNF correlated with psycho-cognitive variables. This study is the first to suggest that changes in NGF and BDNF processing in tears and serum may be associated with ocular and cognitive alterations in GO patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Maria Comberiati, Ludovico Iannetti, Raffaele Migliorini, Marta Armentano, Marika Graziani, Luca Celli, Anna Zambrano, Mauro Celli, Magda Gharbiya, Alessandro Lambiase
Summary: This study aims to evaluate ocular motility (OM) abnormalities associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Patients with EDS underwent a complete orthoptic examination, and various OM alterations were observed in these patients. The results show that superior and medial rectus muscle hypofunction, as well as other abnormalities, are common in patients with EDS.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Bruscolini, Giacomo Visioli, Marco Marenco, Veronica Cherubini, Anna Maria Comberiati, Gaspare Palaia, Massimo Ralli, Livia Ottolenghi, Alessandro Lambiase, Antonella Polimeni
Summary: Italy serves as a gateway for refugees and migrants entering Europe, with a significant number requiring socio-economic and health assistance. A new intervention strategy, known as the PROTECT project, aimed to evaluate the eye health of vulnerable applicants and international protection holders in the head-neck area. 3023 migrants participated in the project, with demographic factors and eye history collected through a questionnaire. Results showed a high prevalence of vision impairment, with various ocular diseases identified. The PROTECT project improves accessibility to preventive care for head-neck diseases and highlights the importance of early identification and prevention of ocular diseases in disadvantaged populations.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marta Armentano, Luca Lucchino, Ludovico Alisi, Antonio Valerio Chicca, Valerio Di Martino, Emanuele Miraglia, Ludovico Iannetti, Anna Maria Comberiati, Sandra Giustini, Alessandro Lambiase, Antonietta Moramarco
Summary: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetically determined tumor-predisposing syndrome with ocular manifestations including cataracts, epiretinal membranes, retinal hamartomas, optic disk gliomas, and optic nerve sheath meningiomas. Other indirect signs such as optic disk edema, optical atrophy, motility disorders, pupil and lid dysfunction, and neurotrophic keratitis can also be observed.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Biology
Andrea De Luca, Alessandro Ferraro, Chiara De Gregorio, Mariateresa Laborante, Marco Coassin, Roberto Sgrulletta, Antonio Di Zazzo
Summary: Dry eye disease is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Recent advancements in diagnostic technology for DED have led to the development of several new devices.
Article
Ophthalmology
Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, Stefano Bonini, Dominique Bremond-Gignac, Steffen Heegaard, Andrea Leonardi, Jesus Montero, Eduardo D. Silva
Summary: The EUR-VKC Group has provided guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis, management, referral, and follow-up of VKC patients in order to improve outcomes. They emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment initiation, and suggest managing VKC according to disease severity.
OPHTHALMOLOGY AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Marco Coassin, Alessandro Arrigo, Federico Ricci, Raffaella Rosa, Roberto Gattegna, Alessandro Pupino, Jose Manuel Benitez Del Castillo, Stefano Bonini
Summary: The technological breakthroughs in mini-invasive vitreo-retinal surgery have improved the perioperative management and outcomes for millions of patients. Common procedures include vitrectomy, episcleral surgery, intravitreal injections, and laser photocoagulation. Postoperative side effects may include ocular surface disbalance and discomfort symptoms.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eustachio Attico, Giulia Galaverni, Andrea Torello, Elisa Bianchi, Susanna Bonacorsi, Lorena Losi, Rossella Manfredini, Alessandro Lambiase, Paolo Rama, Graziella Pellegrini
Summary: Total bilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency is a pathological condition caused by the loss of corneal stem cells. Cultivated oral mucosa epithelial transplantation (COMET) is the only successful autologous treatment, but it often leads to abnormal corneal vascularization. This study identified a new marker, Paired Like Homeodomain 2 (PITX2), that distinguishes transplanted oral tissue from other epithelia, and also discovered differential expression of angiogenesis-related factors in the three epithelia, providing insights into the neovascularization mechanism in COMET-treated patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabiana Mallone, Ludovico Alisi, Luca Lucchino, Valerio Di Martino, Marcella Nebbioso, Marta Armentano, Alessandro Lambiase, Antonietta Moramarco
Summary: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin, nervous system, and eyes. Ocular diagnostic hallmarks of NF1 include various abnormalities in the eyes such as nodules, neurofibromas, and spots. Recent advancements in imaging techniques have allowed for better characterization of these eye abnormalities in NF1 patients. This paper reviews the latest progress in understanding and diagnosing choroidal and retinal abnormalities in NF1 patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria De Piano, Andrea Cacciamani, Bijorn Omar Balzamino, Fabio Scarinci, Pamela Cosimi, Concetta Cafiero, Guido Ripandelli, Alessandra Micera
Summary: The presence of inflammatory, vasculogenic, and profibrogenic factors in the vitreous and aqueous humors of myopic patients who underwent cataract surgery has been previously reported. This study investigated the relationships between these factors and the activation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) as well as axial length elongation. The results showed that the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and ANG-2 were increased in the aqueous humor depending on axial length elongation, while VEGF-A levels were decreased. The LECs exhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) differentiation, and the expression of IL-6R/IL-6, IL-8R/IL-8, and VEGF-R1/VEGF in LECs correlated with axial length elongation. Moreover, highly myopic LECs showed higher VEGF-A and lower VEGF-D transcript expressions. These findings suggest a specific inflammatory and profibrogenic pattern in high myopia and indicate the potential of analyzing aqueous humor for evaluating anterior chamber inflammation and predicting retinal distress during cataract surgery.
Review
Biology
Valeria Iannucci, Priscilla Manni, Ludovico Alisi, Giulia Mecarelli, Alessandro Lambiase, Alice Bruscolini
Summary: Ocular trauma is a common problem worldwide and can lead to secondary glaucoma. Angle recession, usually unilateral, is a major cause of post-traumatic glaucoma after blunt eye trauma. This paper investigates the possible causes of bilateral angle recession and presents a case of chronic post-traumatic glaucoma, possibly caused by an airbag.
Letter
Ophthalmology
Alessandro Lambiase, Fabiana Mallone, Marta Sacchetti, Marco Segatto, Mayra Colardo, Valerio Di Martino, Alice Bruscolini
