ObjectiveTo observe the effect of complement receptor 1 (CR1) on barrier of cultured human retinal epithelial cells (hRPE) under complement-activated oxidative stress. MethodsThe third to fifth passage of hRPE cultured on Transwell insert were used to establish a stable hRPE monolayer barrier. The hRPE monolayer barrier was exposed to 500 μmol/L ten-butyl hydroperoxide and 10% normal human serum to establish the hRPE monolayer barrier model of complement-activated oxidative stress in vitro. hRPE monolayer barriers under complement-activated oxidative stress were divided into two groups including model group and CR1 treatment (1 μg/ml) group. Model group and CR1 treatment group were treated with 1 μl phosphate buffer solution (PBS) or CR1 for 4 hours. Normal hRPE monolayer barrier were used as control in transepithelial resistance (TER) measurement experiment. TER was measured to evaluate the barrier function of hRPE. The hRPE-secreted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2), together with complement bioactive fragments (C3a, C5a) and membrane-attack complex (MAC) in the supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. ResultsStable hRPE monolayer barrier was established 3 weeks after hRPE seeded on Transwell insert. Complement-activated oxidative stress resulted in a sharp decrease of TER to 54.51% compared with normal hRPE barrier. CR1 treatment could significantly improve TER of barrier under complement-activated oxidative stress to 63.48% compared with normal hRPE barrier(t=21.60, P < 0.05). Compared with model group, CR1 treatment could significantly decrease the concentration of VEGF and CCL2 by 11.48% and 23.47% secreted by hRPE under complement-activated oxidative stress (t=3.26, 2.43; P < 0.05). Compared with model group, CR1 treatment could also decreased the concentration of C3a, C5a and MAC by 24.00%, 27.87%, 22.44%.The difference were statistically significant (t=9.86, 2.63, 6.94; P < 0.05). ConclusionsCR1 could protect the barrier function of hRPE cells against complement-activated oxidative stress. The underlying mechanism may involve inhibiting complement activation and down-regulating the expression of VEGF and CCL2.
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and is expressed in the retina and choroid. MR antagonist (MRA) has a long history of application in non-ophthalmic clinical practice. Various cellular and animal models indicated that inappropriate activation of MR participated in pathological angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, disturbance of ion/water homeostasis and neurodegenerative changes, while the application of MRA can reduce or reverse these pathological processes. After using MRA in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients, improved visual function, less subretinal fluid and reduced sub-foveal choroidal thickness were observed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in MR and plasma aldosterone levels were significantly different between chronic CSC patients and CSC patients with spontaneous remission. Novel formulation for sustained-release MRA and the mechanisms involving inflammation may become the new focus of MR study. This review summarizes the research status of MR and MRA in order to provide a reference for future basic research and clinical treatment.
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a common complication and major cause of blindness of ocular trauma. Many cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), participate in the process of the pathogenesis of traumatic PVR. VEGF competitively inhibits binding of PDGF to its receptor (PDGFRα), enables indirect activation of PDGFRα by non-PDGF ligands, resulting in reduced p53 expression, cell proliferation and migration, which is a key point in the pathogenesis of traumatic PVR.
In addition to its role as a sex hormone, estrogen aff ects the struc ture and function of many other systems such as the bone, the cardiovascular and the nervous system. Here, we review the most recent supporting evidence for es trogen as an important player in ocular fundus diseases, focusing particularly o n the effects of estrogen on these diseases and the underlying mechanisms. Base d on this, we also discuss the clinical applicability of estrogen in treating va rious agerelated disorders including agerelated macular degeneration and ret in al neurodegeneration. Our growing understanding of estrogenmediated action at a molecular level will provide insight into the controversies surrounding hormon e replacement therapy.
ObjectiveTo observe the role of Notch signaling pathway inhibitor in differentiation process of stem cells derived from retinal Müller cells into the ganglion cell. MethodsRetinas of Sprague Dawley rat at postnatal 10-20 days were dissociated from eye balls. The third passage of Müller cells was used in this experiment, which cultured by repeated incomplete pancreatic enzyme digestion method. The retinal Müller cells were induced in the serum-free dedifferentiation medium. The cell proliferation state was observed under an inverted microscope. The expression of the specific markers Nestin and Ki-67 of retinal stem cells was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The positive rate of nucleus was detected by Edu. The retinal stem cells was divided into Gamma secretase inhibtor-I (GSI) group and control group, the rate of ganglion cells was counted by using immunofluorescence staining. ResultsThe cell proliferation had gathered to form a sphere. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the expressions of Nestin and Ki-67 were (92.94±6.48%) and (85.96±6.04%) respectively. Edu positive rate of nucleus was (82.80±6.65)%. RT-PCR and Western blot further confirmed the high expression of Nestin and Ki-67 in the cell spheres but not in the Müller cells. The positive rate of ganglion cells were (16.98±2.87)% and (11.17±0.71)% in GSI group and control group respectively, with the significant difference (t=3.210, P=0.002). ConclusionNotch signaling pathway is an important regulatory gene in stem cells differentiated into retinal ganglion cell.
Objective To investigate the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ8.3 gene on CD4+ T lymphocytes in the rats with experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Methods Eighteen Lewis rats were divided into EAU, complete Freund′s adjuvant, and the control group. Inter photoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) R16 peptide was synthesized using Fmoc procedure for induction of EAU. Magnetic absorption cell sorting (MACS) me thod was used to isolate the CD4+T lymphocytes from the spleen of the rats. Flow cytometry was used to monitor the efficiency of isolation. The expression of TCR Vβ8.3 gene segment on CD4+T lymphocytes was determined by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results EAU was successfully induced in the Lewis rats immunized with IRBP R16 peptide. The proportion of CD4+T lymphocytes isolated by means of MACS was statistically higher than that before isolation (P＜0.001). The expression of TCR Vβ8.3 gene segment on CD4+ T lymphocytes in EAU rats was significantly higher than that in the control (P＜0.05). Conclusions There is a predominant usage of antigen-specific TCR Vβ 8.3 gene in EAU rats induced by IR BP R16 peptide, which may serve as a target for immunotherapy of EAU. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：165-167)
Objective To investigate the activation and role of signal transduction pathway of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods Human RPE cells were stimulated with 0.1%，10% foetal calfserum (FCS) and EGF(0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 100 ng/ml)in 0.1% FCS Dulbeco′s modified Eagle′s medium (DMEM) and in 10% FCS DMEM for 3 days, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization were used to observe the expressions of EGFR protein and EGFR mRNA，respectively. Activation of MAPK was detected by immunohistochemical method with specific anti-phosphorylated ERK 1/2 antibody. Results The optimal concentrations of EGF were 10 ng/ml in 0.1% FCS DMEM and 1 ng/ml in 10% FCS DMEM. After 3 days of stimulation with EGF, phosphorylated ERK 1/2 staining was detectable in nucleus of RPE cells, whereas cells presented immunostaining for phosphorylated ERK 1/2 in the cytoplasm before stimulation. Conclusions EGF may improve the expression of EGFR protein and EGFR mRNA of RPE cells, and induced MAPK nuclear translocation in a concentration-dependent manner. EGF-EGFR-MAPK signal transduction pathway may play a key role in RPE cells proliferation, and serum exerts an important acceclerating function in the process. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：67-132)
Objective To study the expression of receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in autogenous vein graft of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and the inhibitory effects of aminoguanidine on intimal hyperplasia. Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: aminoguanidine group, distilled water group and control group. Autogenous vein graft models were established in all groups. Streptozotocin was injected into abdominal cavity to induce diabetes in both aminoguanidine group and distilled water group, and they were intragastric administrated with aminoguanidine or distilled water, respectively before and after transplantation. Specimens were collected from autogenous vein graft 7 days and 14 days after surgery to undergo histological examination. At the same time, the level of serum advanced glycation end products (AGE) was tested. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the protein expression of RAGE and NF-κB p65. RAGE and NF-κB p65 mRNA were measured by reverse transcription-PCR. Results The mRNA and protein expressions of RAGE, NF-κB p65, the level of serum AGE and the intimal thickness of vein graft in distilled water group increased in comparison with those in control group 7 days and 14 days after surgery （P＜0.05). The level of serum AGE, mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB p65 and the intimal thickness of vein graft in aminoguanidine group were lower than those in distilled water group （P＜0.05), and showed no significant difference compared with control group （P＞0.05). Conclusion The over-expression of RAGE in vein graft activats NF-κB in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat, which has a close relation with intimal hyperplasia. Aminoguanidine can block the binding of AGE and RAGE by inhibiting the production of AGE, which will prevent intimal hyperplasia of vein graft.
Objective To observe the expression of erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO receptor (EPOR) in detached retina in rat model. Methods Fourty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and retinal detachment (RD) groups (1 hour, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours group) with 6 rats (12 eyes) in each group. 1.4% hyaluronic acid was slowly injected into the subretinal space to induce the detachment of the upper retina to set up the RD model. The expression levels of mRNA and protein of EPO and EPOR were measured by RT-PCR and western-blotting analysis. Meanwhile, the locations of EPO and EPOR in retina were checked by immunohistochemistry. Results Both of the mRNA and protein levels of EPO and EPOR increased after RD, and reached the peak at the 48th hour after RD. The mRNA levels of EPO and EPOR were significantly higher in the 6 and 12 hours group than that in the control group（Plt;0.05）. The protein levels of EPO and EPOR were significantly higher in 3 hours group than that in the control group（Plt;0.05）. Immunohistochemistry indicated weak expression of EPO from ganglion cell layer to inner and outer segment of photoreceptor cells, and b expression in the corresponding location was found 48 hours after RD. Expression of EPOR from ganglion cell layer to inner segment of photoreceptor cells in the normal retina was detected, and b expression in the corresponding location was found 48 hours after RD. Conclusion The expression of EPO and EPOR in retina increases gradually after RD, and reaches the peak at the 48th hour; most of the layers of neural retina can express EPO and EPOR.
Objective To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the exp ression and function of integrin receptor αvβ3 of bovine retinal vascular endotheliocytes. Methods Bovine retinal vascular endotheliocy tes in the culture dishes coated by vitronectin was put into the normal and hypoxemic condition, respectively. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and cell adhesion analysis were used to detect the expression and function of integrin receptor αvβ3 in bovine retinal vascular endotheliocytes, respectively. Results Under the condition of hypoxia, the expression of αvβ3 increased gradually, and reached the peak at the 48th hour. The expression of αvβ3 at the 60th and 72nd hour in hypoxia group was higher than that in the normal group. Bovine retinal vascular endotheliocytes absorbed more Vn of extra-cellular matrixes (ECM) after cultured under hypoxemic condition for 24 hours.Conclusion Hypoxia may up-regulate the expression of αvβ3, which promote the adsorbability of endotheliocytes.(Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：360-363)