Protective effects of naringenin eye drops on N-methylN-nitrosourea-induced photoreceptor cell death in rats

AIM:To investigate the effects of naringenin eye drops on N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced photoreceptor cell death in rats.METHODS:Photoreceptor cell death was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of MNU(60 mg/kg)in rats.Both eyes of all animals were instilled with one drop of vehicle,0.5% or 1.0% naringenin eye drops three times per day from 7d before to 17d after MNU injection.Effects of naringenin on MNU-induced photoreceptor cell death were evaluated by electrophysiological and histological analysis.RESULTS:Flash electroretinography (FERG)and oscillatory potentials (OPs) recordings showed that the vehicle control group had remarkable reduction of amplitudes and prolongation of latency times.FERG and OPs responses were significantly reversed in MNUinduced rats treated with 0.5%or 1.0% naringenin eye drops compared with the vehicle control.The retinal morphological results showed that naringenin dosedependently preserved the outer nuclear layer,outer retina and total retina.CONCLUSION:These results indicate that topical treatment with naringenin eye drops prevented retinal neurons from MNU-induced structural and functional damages.

Role of glycolysis in retinal vascular endothelium, glia, pigment epithelium, and photoreceptor cells and as therapeutic targets for related retinal diseases

Glycolysis produces large amounts of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)in a short time.The retinal vascular endothelium feeds itself primarily through aerobic glycolysis with less ATP.But when it generates new vessels,aerobic glycolysis provides rapid and abundant ATP support for angiogenesis,and thus inhibition of glycolysis in endothelial cells can be a target for the treatment of neovascularization.Aerobic glycolysis has a protective effect on Müller cells,and it can provide with a target for visual protection and maintenance of the blood-retinal barrier.Under physiological conditions,the mitochondria of RPE can use lactic acid produced by photoreceptor cells as an energy source to provide ATP for survival.In pathological conditions,because RPE cells avoid their oxidative damage by increasing glycolysis,a large number of glycolysis products accumulate,which in turn has a toxic effect on photoreceptor cells.This shows that stabilizing the function of RPE mitochondria may become a target for the treatment of diseases such as retinal degeneration.The decrease of aerobic glycolysis leads to the decline of photoreceptor cell function and impaired vision;therefore,aerobic glycolysis of stable photoreceptor cells provides a reliable target for delaying vision loss.It is of great significance to study the role of glycolysis in various retinal cells for the targeted treatment of ocular fundus diseases.

Cytotoxic effect of specific T cells from mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis on murine photoreceptor cells

AIM:To investigate the cytotoxic effect of specific T cells from mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis(EAU)as well as their secreted interferon(IFN)-γand interleukin(IL)-17A on murine photoreceptor(661 W)cells.METHODS:An EAU model was established in female mice by injection of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein(IRBP)emulsion supplemented with complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA)and Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB).On day 12 after induction of EAU,specific T cells from spleen and lymph node tissues were isolated and cultured for 4 d and the levels of IFN-γand IL-17A in the supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISAs).T cells and their supernatants were added to 661 W cells to observe the alteration of cell morphology;IFN-γand IL-17A were separately added to 661 W cells to observe the effect of IFN-γand IL-17A on cell proliferation.RESULTS:The levels of IFN-γand IL-17A in the T cell supernatants were 1568.64±38.79 pg/m L and 1456.57±46.98 pg/mL,respectively.The supernatants apparently inhibited 661 W cell proliferation(P<0.05).T cells could also attach to the surface of 661 W cells,and IFN-γshowed a more serious cytotoxic effect on 661 W cells than IL-17A,inhibiting cell proliferation(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:IFN-γand IL-17A from T cells of EAU mice model can exert cytotoxic effects on murine photoreceptor cell proliferation,and IFN-γshows more serious cytotoxic effects on murine photoreceptor cells than IL-17A.

HSP70 cleavage-induced photoreceptor cell death caused by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea

Retinal degenerative diseases （RDs） such as retinitis pigmentosa （RP） are characterized by slowly progressive photoreceptor cell death, but the molecular mechanism underlying RP remains unclear. Animal models for RP have led to a better understand- ing of the disease pathological mechanisms, yet it remains difficult to identify an appropriate genetic model for RDs in general because there are many causative genes （Rossmiller et al., 2012）.

Activation of the TRAAK two-pore domain potassium channels in rd1 mice protects photoreceptor cells from apoptosis

AIM: To investigate the expression of TWIK-related arachidonic acid-stimulated K+ channel(TRAAK) in retinal degeneration mice(rd1) and further evaluate how TRAAK affect photoreceptor cell apoptosis.METHODS: The rd1 mice were distributed into blank(no treatment), control(1.4% DMSO, intraperitoneal injection) and riluzole groups(4 mg/kg·d, intraperitoneal injection) from postnatal 7 d to 10, 14 and 18 d;C57 group(no treatment), as age-matched wild-type control. The thickness of the outer nuclear layer(ONL) of retina was detected by paraffin section hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of TRAAK and the apoptosis of the ONL cells were detected by immunostaining, Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The channel agonist riluzole activated TRAAK and delayed the apoptosis of photoreceptor cells in ONL layer of rd1 mice. Both at mRNA and protein levels, after riluzole treatment, TRAAK expression was significantly upregulated, when compared with the control and blank group. Then we detected a series of apoptosis related mRNA and protein. The anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 downregulated and the pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 upregulated significantly. CONCLUSION: Riluzole elevates the expression of TRAAK and inhibits the development of apoptosis. Activation of TRAAK may have some potential effects to put off photoreceptor apoptosis.

Differentiation potential of human adipose tissue derived stem cells into photoreceptors through explants culture and enzyme methods

AIM： To investigate the retinal photoreceptor differentiation potential of human orbital adipose tissue-derived stem cells （ADSCs） generated by enzyme （EN） and explant （EX） culture methods.METHODS： We investigated potentials of human orbital ADSCs to differentiate into photoreceptors through EN and EX culture methods. EN and EX orbital ADSCs were obtained from the same donor during rehabilitative orbital decompression, and then were subject to a 3-step induction using Noggin, DKK-1, IGF-1 and b-FGF at different time points for 38d. Stem cell, eye-field and photoreceptor-related gene and protein markers were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunofluorescent （IMF） staining.RESULTS： Both EX and EN orbital ADSCs expressed CD133, a marker of cell differentiation. Moreover, PAX6 and rhodopsin, markers of the retinal progenitor cells, were detected from EX and EN orbital ADSCs. In EX orbital ADSCs, PAX6 mRNA was detected on the 17th day and then the rhodopsin mRNA was detected on the 24th day. In contrast, the EN orbital ADSCs expressed PAX6 and rhodopsin mRNA on the 31st day. EX orbital ADSCs expressed rhodopsin protein on the 24th day, while EN orbital ADSCs expressed rhodopsin protein on the 31st day. CONCLUSION： Orbital ADSCs isolated by direct explants culture show earlier and stronger expressions of markers towards eye field and retinal photoreceptor differentiation than those generated by conventional EN method.

Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure

High intraocular pressure causes retinal ganglion cell injury in primary and secondary glaucoma diseases,yet the molecular landscape characteristics of retinal cells under high intraocular pressure remain unknown.Rat models of acute hypertension ocular pressure were established by injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel(Healaflow■).Single-cell RNA sequencing was then used to describe the cellular composition and molecular profile of the retina following high intraocular pressure.Our results identified a total of 12 cell types,namely retinal pigment epithelial cells,rod-photoreceptor cells,bipolar cells,Müller cells,microglia,cone-photoreceptor cells,retinal ganglion cells,endothelial cells,retinal progenitor cells,oligodendrocytes,pericytes,and fibroblasts.The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the retina under acute high intraocular pressure revealed obvious changes in the proportions of various retinal cells,with ganglion cells decreased by 23%.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and TUNEL staining confirmed the damage to retinal ganglion cells under high intraocular pressure.We extracted data from retinal ganglion cells and analyzed the retinal ganglion cell cluster with the most distinct expression.We found upregulation of the B3gat2 gene,which is associated with neuronal migration and adhesion,and downregulation of the Tsc22d gene,which participates in inhibition of inflammation.This study is the first to reveal molecular changes and intercellular interactions in the retina under high intraocular pressure.These data contribute to understanding of the molecular mechanism of retinal injury induced by high intraocular pressure and will benefit the development of novel therapies.

Protective effects of CY-09 and astaxanthin on NaIO_(3)-induced photoreceptor inflammation via the NLRP3/autophagy pathway

AIM:To study the effect of the NLRP3/autophagy pathway on the photoreceptor inflammatory response and the protective mechanism of CY-09 and astaxanthin(AST).METHODS:ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected NaIO_(3),CY-09,AST successively and divided into 5 groups,including the control,NaIO_(3),NaIO_(3)+CY-09,NaIO_(3)+AST,and NaIO_(3)+CY-09+AST groups.Spectral domain optical coherence tomography and flash electroretinogram were examined and the retina tissues were harvested for immunohistochemistry,enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and Western blotting.Retinal pigment epithelium cell line(ARPE-19 cells)and mouse photoreceptor cells line(661W cells)were also treated with NaIO_(3),CY-09,and AST successively.Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay.Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.Changes in autophagosome morphology were observed by transmission electron microscopy.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)was used to detect NLRP3 and caspase-1.NLRP3,caspase-1,cleaved caspase-1,p62,Beclin-1,and LC3 protein levels were measured by Western blotting.IL-1βand IL-18 were measured by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the activity of NaIO_(3)-treated 661W cells decreased within 24 and 48h,apoptosis increased,NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1βand IL-18 levels increased,and autophagy-related protein levels increased(P<0.05).Compared with NaIO_(3) group,CY-09 and AST inhibited apoptosis(P<0.05),reduced NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1βand IL-18 expression(P<0.05),and inhibited autophagy.Compared with the other groups,CY-09 combined with AST significantly decreased NLRP3 expression and inhibited the expression of the autophagy-related proteins p62,Beclin-1,and LC3 in vitro and in vivo(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:CY-09 and AST inhibit NaIO_(3)-induced inflammatory damage through the NLRP3/autophagy pathway in vitro and in vivo.CY-09 and AST may protect retina from inflammatory injury.

Proteome changes during bone mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into photoreceptor-like cells in vitro

Human bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) may be directed to differentiate into multiple cell types, including adipocyte, chondrocyte, osteocyte and photoreceptor, among others. At present, little is known about the features of the BMSC and the protein control mechanism underlying their differentiation into photoreceptor-like cells. In the present study, BMSCs are induced to differentiate into photoreceptor-like cells in an in vitro model simulating the in vivo microenvironment. Up to 32 proteins are identified and differentially expressed through two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to establish a differential protein database for photoreceptor-like cells from BMSC-induced differentiation. Western blot analysis further confirms the expression of some of the identified proteins. The present study proposes the total protein expression and possible molecular mechanism during the differentiation of BMSCs into photoreceptor cells.

Intravitreal stem cell paracrine properties as a potential neuroprotective therapy for retinal photoreceptor neurodegenerative diseases

Retinal degenerations are the leading causes of irreversible visual loss worldwide. Many pathologies included under this umbrella involve progressive degeneration and ultimate loss of the photoreceptor cells, with age-related macular degeneration and inherited and ischemic retinal diseases the most relevant. These diseases greatly impact patients' daily lives, with accompanying marked social and economic consequences. However, the currently available treatments only delay the onset or slow progression of visual impairment, and there are no cures for these photoreceptor diseases. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are being investigated, such as gene therapy, optogenetics, cell replacement, or cell-based neuroprotection. Specifically, stem cells can secrete neurotrophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-angiogenic factors that potentially protect and preserve retinal cells from neurodegeneration. Further, neuroprotection can be used in different types of retinal degenerative diseases and at different disease stages, unlike other potential therapies. This review summarizes stem cell-based paracrine neuroprotective strategies for photoreceptor degeneration, which are under study in clinical trials, and the latest preclinical studies. Effective retinal neuroprotection could be the next frontier in photoreceptor diseases, and the development of novel neuroprotective strategies will address the unmet therapeutic needs.

Roles of Optineurin and Extracellular Vesicles in Glaucomatous Retinal Cell Loss

Objective To explore the role of extracellular vesicles(EVs)in the pathogenesis of glaucoma caused by E50K mutation.Methods A photoreceptor cell line,RGC-5,was transfected with empty plasmids and plasmids expressing wild-type(WT)optineurin(OPTN)or E50K OPTN to investigate the effects of OPTN glaucoma as well as to identify the role of EVs in glaucoma pathology.The RGC-5 cells were also stimulated with glutamate,and their viability was evaluated using flow cytometry or CCK-8 assay.EVs were extracted,labeled with PKH-26,and added into the medium for normal RGC-5 culture,and the status of the cells was observed thereafter.Results WT OPTN overexpression,E50K OPTN,and glutamate stimulation induced apoptosis of RGC-5 cells.However,when glutamate stimulation was used as an add-on treatment,the degree of apoptosis in WT OPTN-overexpressing RGC-5 cells was significantly lower than that in E50K OPTN-expressing and normal RGC-5 cells.The viability of normal RGC-5 cells was reduced when co-cultured with WT OPTN-overexpressing RGC-5 or E50K OPTN-overexpressing RGC-5.EVs released by the latter two transfected lines similarly reduced normal RGC-5 survival.Conclusion Our results indicate that WT OPTN overexpression may lead to photoreceptor apoptosis.However,overexpression also confers a degree of protection against high concentrations of extracellular glutamate.Additionally,EVs released by transfected RGC-5 cells may regulate the cell state.These findings may improve our understanding of the mechanisms of cell-cell interactions in pathological conditions,providing a basis for the use of EVs as novel targets for early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Correlation between photoreceptor injury-regeneration and behavior in a zebrafish model

Direct exposure to intensive visible light can lead to solar retinopathy, including macular injury. The signs and symptoms include central scotoma, metamorphopsia, and decreased vision. However, there have been few studies examining retinal injury due to intensive light stimulation at the cellular level. Neural network arrangements and gene expression patterns in zebrafish photoreceptors are similar to those observed in humans, and photoreceptor injury in zebrafish can induce stem cell-based cellular regeneration. Therefore, the zebrafish retina is considered a useful model for studying photoreceptor injury in humans. In the current study, the central retinal photoreceptors of zebrafish were selectively ablated by stimulation with high-intensity light. Retinal injury, cell proliferation and regeneration of cones and rods were assessed at 1, 3 and 7 days post lesion with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Additionally, a light/dark box test was used to assess zebrafish behavior. The results revealed that photoreceptors were regenerated by 7 days after the light-induced injury. However, the regenerated cells showed a disrupted arrangement at the lesion site. During the injury-regeneration process, the zebrafish exhibited reduced locomotor capacity, weakened phototaxis and increased movement angular velocity. These behaviors matched the morphological changes of retinal injury and regeneration in a number of ways. This study demonstrates that the zebrafish retina has a robust capacity for regeneration. Visual impairment and stress responses following high-intensity light stimulation appear to contribute to the alteration of behaviors.

Absence of ephrin-A2/A3 increases retinal regenerative potential for Müller cells in Rhodopsin knockout mice

Müller cells(MC) are considered dormant retinal progenitor cells in mammals.Previous studies demonstrated ephrin-As act as negative regulators of neural progenitor cells in the retina and brain.It remains unclear whether the lack of ephrin-A2/A3 is sufficient to promote the neurogenic potential of MC.Here we investigated whether the MC is the primary retinal cell type expressing ephrin-A2/A3 and their role on the neurogenic potential of Müller cells.In this study, we showed that ephrin-A2/A3 and their receptor EphA4 were expressed in retina and especially enriched in MC.The level of ephrin As/EphA4 expression increased as the retina matured that is correlated with the reduced proliferative and progenitor cell potential of MC.Next, we investigated the proliferation in primary MC cultures isolated from wild-type and A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–) mice by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU) incorporation.We detected a significant increase of EdU~+ cells in MC derived from A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–) mice.Next, we investigated the role of ephrin-A2/A3 in mice undergoing photoreceptor degeneration such as Rhodopsin knockout(Rho~(–/–)) mice.To further evaluate the role of ephrin-A2/A3 in MC proliferation in vivo, EdU was injected intraperitoneally to adult wild-type, A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–), Rho~(–/–) and Rho~(–/–) A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–) mice and the numbers of EdU~+ cells distributed among different layers of the retina.Ephrin As/EphA4 expression was upregulated in the retina of Rho~(–/–) mice compared to the wild-type mice.In addition, cultured MC derived from ephrin-A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–) mice also expressed higher levels of progenitor cell markers and exhibited higher proliferation potential than those from wild-type mice.Interestingly, we detected a significant increase of EdU~+ cells in the retinas of adult ephrin-A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–) mice mainly in the inner nuclear layer;and these EdU~+ cells were co-localized with MC marker, cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein, suggesting some proliferating cells are from MC.In Rhodopsin knockout mice(Rho~(–/–) A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–) mice), a significantly greater amount of EdU~+ cells were located in the ciliary body, retina and RPE than that of Rho~(–/–) mice.Comparing between 6 and 12 weeks old Rho~(–/–) A2~(–/–) A3~(–/–) mice, we recorded more EdU~+ cells in the outer nuclear layer in the 12-week-old mice undergoing severe retinal degeneration.Taken together, Ephrin-A2/A3 are negative regulators of the proliferative and neurogenic potentials of MC.Absence of ephrin-A2/A3 promotes the migration of proliferating cells into the outer nuclear layer and may lead to retinal cell regeneration.All experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee at Schepens Eye Research Institute, USA(approval No.S-353-0715) on October 24, 2012.

提高移植光感受器功能性整合的策略

视网膜退行性疾病的最终结局是光感受器的大量丢失,造成视力不可逆的损害,目前基本上无有效治疗措施。光感受器移植为一种潜在的细胞治疗手段,旨在通过替换丢失的光感受器,重建视网膜回路,在一定程度上帮助恢复视网膜功能。然而,物质交换机制的发现揭示了既往研究结果中移植光感受器的整合比例低、外段形成不足及突触形成不够等问题,显示了该疗法临床转化的难度。本文通过多个维度综述了提高移植光感受器功能性整合的策略,探究相关内容的可行性,具体包括选择最佳发育时间窗的移植细胞群,增强与宿主视网膜间的相互作用;破坏宿主外界膜,减轻视网膜重塑,提高移植细胞的迁移及整合;利用免疫调节,减少小胶质细胞活化,改善宿主的移植微环境;通过视网膜片或生物支架的移植形式,提高移植光感受器的组织性;合理地开发及使用生物材料,优化移植细胞的生理微环境;充分评估手术参数,降低手术本身对移植细胞及宿主视网膜的影响。

滋阴明目方通过Akt/FoxO1/FasL通路抑制感光细胞凋亡治疗视网膜色素变性的机制研究

目的观察滋阴明目方对视网膜色素变性(retinitis pigmentosa,RP)小鼠视网膜组织中磷酸化蛋白激酶B(phosphorylated protein kinase B,p-Akt)、叉头框蛋白1(forkhead box transcription factor O1,FoxO1)以及凋亡相关因子配体(Fas ligand,FasL)表达的影响,探讨滋阴明目方抑制感光细胞凋亡的机制。方法将60只rd10小鼠随机分为模型组、滋阴明目方低剂量组[10 g/(kg·d)]、滋阴明目方中剂量组[20 g/(kg·d)]、滋阴明目方高剂量组[40 g/(kg·d)]、维生素A组[5 g/(kg·d)],每组12只;选取12只C57小鼠作为空白对照组(等量生理盐水),每组连续干预28 d。通过眼底照相观察小鼠眼底形态改变;进行视网膜电图检查并记录A波和B波振幅;HE染色观察病理形态学变化并测定外核层厚度;Western blot法检测小鼠视网膜组织p-Akt、FoxO1、FasL、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸特异性蛋白(cysteine aspartate-specific protease,Caspase)-3和Caspase-8蛋白表达。结果与空白对照组比较,模型组小鼠视盘苍白、变形,血管萎缩,视网膜电图的A波与B波振幅均降低(P<0.01),视网膜结构模糊,各层界限不清,感光细胞大量丧失,外核层明显变薄(P<0.01),视网膜组织中p-Akt蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.01),FoxO1、FasL、Caspase-3和Caspase-8蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,滋阴明目方中、高剂量组及维生素A组小鼠眼底血管较清晰,无视盘苍白表现;视网膜各层结构清晰,细胞排列相对整齐。与模型组、滋阴明目方低剂量组比较,滋阴明目方中、高剂量组的A波与B波振幅、视网膜外核层厚度均明显升高(P<0.01),维生素A组的B波振幅、视网膜外核层厚度明显升高(P<0.01);与滋阴明目方中剂量组比较,滋阴明目方高剂量组的A波与B波振幅、视网膜外核层厚度均明显升高(P<0.01),维生素A组的A波与B波振幅均明显降低(P<0.01);与滋阴明目方高剂量组比较,维生素A组的A波与B波振幅、视网膜外核层厚度均明显降低(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,滋阴明目方低、中、高剂量组和维生素A组p-Akt蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),FoxO1、FasL和Caspase-3蛋白表达水平降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),滋阴明目方中、高剂量组Caspase-8蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.01)。与滋阴明目方低剂量组比较,滋阴明目方高剂量组和维生素A组p-Akt蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),滋阴明目方中、高剂量组FoxO1、FasL、Caspase-3和Caspase-8蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.01)。与滋阴明目方中剂量组比较,滋阴明目方高剂量组和维生素A组p-Akt蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),滋阴明目方高剂量组FoxO1、Caspase-3和Caspase-8蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.01),维生素A组FoxO1、FasL、Caspase-3和Caspase-8蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01)。与滋阴明目方高剂量组比较,维生素A组p-Akt蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.01),FoxO1、FasL、Caspase-3和Caspase-8蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01)。结论滋阴明目方可能通过调控Akt/FoxO1/FasL通路,增强p-Akt表达,抑制FoxO1及下游基因FasL、Caspase-3和Caspase-8的蛋白表达,从而减少rd10小鼠视网膜细胞的凋亡,保护视网膜结构和功能,延缓RP的进展。

磷酸戊糖途径抑制感光细胞凋亡及分子机制的研究进展

感光细胞是一种特殊的神经上皮细胞,在视觉信号的产生和传导中具有重要作用,其主要通过大量摄取葡萄糖进行糖代谢以满足生理需求。而感光细胞凋亡,则是视网膜疾病导致患者盲的共同原因,该过程伴有氧化应激和合成代谢的改变。近期研究发现,糖代谢的重要分支——磷酸戊糖途径,在上述病理发展中起重要作用。其产物烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸(NADPH)作为感光细胞中重要的供氢体,参与物质合成代谢,对抗氧化应激,进而抑制感光细胞的凋亡。本文将从代谢活动和分子通路的角度,针对磷酸戊糖途径抑制感光细胞凋亡的作用机制进行综述,以期为临床科研工作提供参考。

内质网应激在视网膜色素变性中的作用

视网膜色素变性(RP)是以光感受器及色素上皮功能丧失为特征的退行性致盲疾病。内质网应激的激活是细胞的防御调节机制,旨在通过一系列分子信号通路进行自我调节以恢复内质网功能的稳定。视紫红质突变是RP的常见病因,内质网内视紫红质错误折叠和滞留,内质网应激诱发感光细胞和视网膜色素上皮细胞凋亡,均可导致RP的发生和发展。文章论述了内质网应激与其在RP发病机制中的作用,并对内质网应激抑制剂、中药和化学药物调控内质网应激在RP治疗中的作用进行总结,以期为内质网应激在RP的临床应用中提供理论依据,为RP的研究、预防和治疗提供新的思路。

温阳益气活血方对遗传性视网膜色素变性小鼠感光细胞凋亡的影响及机制研究

目的观察中药温阳益气活血方对遗传性视网膜色素变性小鼠视网膜感光细胞凋亡的影响,并探寻其分子机制。方法将RDS(retinal degeneration slow)小鼠随机分为模型组和中药组,并设C57BL/6J小鼠为正常对照组,每组4雌2雄。中药组自雌雄合笼之日起开始给予温阳益气活血方(10mg/g)灌胃,仔鼠出生后母鼠给予中药水煎液代替日常饮水,仔鼠出生7天开始给予中药水煎剂小剂量灌胃,出生21天按成年鼠剂量灌胃。模型组和正常组同时给予生理盐水灌胃。3组均于仔鼠出生后18、28、48天时采用视网膜电图(electroretinogram,ERG)检测视网膜功能,进行HE染色并计算外核层感光细胞层数,TUNEL法检测感光细胞凋亡率,免疫组织化学染色法计算视紫红质(Rhodopsin)及碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(basicfibro-blast growth factor,bFGF)表达。结果与模型组比较,仔鼠出生后18天时,中药组最大混合反应ERG(Max-ERG)a、b波振幅及bFGF表达明显升高(P<0.05,P<0.01);28、48天时,中药组Max-ERGa、b波振幅明显升高,外核层感光细胞层数明显增加,视网膜感光细胞凋亡率明显降低,Rhodopsin及bFGF表达明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论温阳益气活血方可以有效抑制RDS小鼠感光细胞的凋亡,其机制可能与上调bFGF的表达有关。

川芎嗪对rd和rds小鼠视网膜光感受器细胞干预作用的光镜观察

目的通过rd和rds小鼠视网膜光感受器细胞的病理变化探讨盐酸川芎嗪对遗传性视网膜色素变性小鼠可能的治疗作用。方法rd和rds新生鼠各84只,随机分为两组,实验组和对照组,每组42只小鼠。实验组小鼠从出生当天开始,ip盐酸川芎嗪80mg/kg,每日2次,至出生后35d;对照组ip等量生理盐水。分别于0d和注射后3、7、14、21、28、35d取眼球,立即经10%中性甲醛固定,光学显微镜下观察水平视网膜近赤道部位光感受器细胞的厚度。结果病理结果显示,经盐酸川芎嗪治疗后14、21、28、35d,与未用药的对照组相比较,rd和rds小鼠光感受器细胞层数明显增加(P<0.01)。结论川芎嗪可延缓rd和rds小鼠视网膜光感受器细胞的破坏。

补肾益精方对先天性视网膜色素变性RCS大鼠感光细胞凋亡的抑制作用

目的探讨补肾益精方对先天性视网膜色素变性RCS大鼠感光细胞凋亡的影响。方法将先天性视网膜色素变性模型RCS大鼠24只随机分为补肾益精方组及蒸馏水组,分别给予补肾益精方药液及蒸馏水灌胃,12只健康SD大鼠常规饲养作为正常组。在给药7 d及28 d后HE染色观察各组大鼠视网膜组织病理学变化,TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡情况,实时荧光定量PCR检测视网膜中睫状神经营养因子、脑源性神经营养因子以及碱性成纤维细胞生长因子表达情况。结果 HE染色切片光学显微镜下正常组SD大鼠视网膜结构清晰,层次分明,各层细胞排列整齐。蒸馏水组大鼠视网膜内核层及外核层均较正常组明显变薄,细胞排列稀疏,可见空泡样改变,感光细胞数减少,且随鼠龄增加减少日益显著。补肾益精方组大鼠视网膜内核层及外核层亦较正常组变薄,但与蒸馏水组相比增厚,感光细胞数较后者增多,细胞排列也较为整齐。给药7 d及28 d时补肾益精方组每个高倍视野感光细胞数分别为140±9和80±9,蒸馏水组分别为113±8和44±6,补肾益精方组较蒸馏水组明显增多,差异有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。TUNEL检测结果显示给药7 d及28 d时补肾益精方组感光细胞凋亡率分别为31.67±5.39%及29.68±4.31%,蒸馏水组分别为50.34±5.21%及44.02±7.17%,补肾益精方组较蒸馏水组均明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示给药7 d及28 d补肾益精方组视网膜睫状神经营养因子表达均较蒸馏水组增加(均为P<0.05),给药7 d时补肾益精方组视网膜脑源性神经营养因子表达较蒸馏水组明显增加(P<0.05),28 d时两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);给药7 d及28 d两组碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的表达差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05)。结论补肾益精方对RCS大鼠感光细胞凋亡有明显的抑制作用,其作用机制可能与补肾益精方促进视网膜分泌神经营养因子有关。