Differential effects of TGF‐β and FGF‐2 on in vitro proliferation and migration of primate retinal endothelial and Müller cells

Purpose: During retinal development, the pattern of blood vessel formation depends upon the combined effects of proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, astrocytes and Müller cells. In this study, we investigated the potential for transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) to influence this process by regulating proliferation and migration of retinal endothelial and macroglial cells. Methods: We assessed the effects of exogenous TGF‐β and FGF‐2 on the proliferation and migration of cultured endothelial (RF/6A) and Müller cell (MIO‐M1) lines. Cell proliferation was measured using a MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay over 72 hr. Cell migration was measured using a scratch‐wound assay over 72 hr. Results: Transforming growth factor‐β inhibited the proliferation of endothelial and Müller cells and inhibited the migration of Müller cells, but not endothelial cells, compared to untreated controls. Conversely, FGF‐2 increased endothelial cell proliferation but inhibited endothelial cell migration. Fibroblast growth factor‐2 increased migration of Müller cells but had little effect on proliferation except at higher concentrations (20 ng/ml). Conclusion: Taken together, these observations indicate that TGF‐β and FGF could work in concert to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and migration, respectively; this may have implications for establishing and maintaining the avascular zone of primate fovea.     

Intraocular expression of thymosin β4 in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To examine an association between thymosin β4 as potentially angioproliferative factor and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Methods: The clinical study part included 62 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (study group) and 24 patients with non‐diabetic pre‐retinal membranes (control group). All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy. We examined the thymosin β4 concentration in vitreous and plasma; and the expression of thymosin β4, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD31 (PECAM‐1 or Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule) and the levels of thymosin β4 mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA in the excised membranes. The experimental study part consisted of 24 Sprague–Dawley rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus and 24 age‐matched control animals without diabetes. We determined the mRNA concentrations of thymosin β4, VEGF and GFAP in the rat retinas. Results: In the clinical study part, the vitreal and plasma thymosin β4 concentrations were significantly higher in the study group than control group (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively), and were significantly (p = 0.028) correlated with each other. Co‐expression of thymosin β4 and CD31 was observed in the diabetic fibrovascular membranes. Thymosin β4 mRNA and VEGF mRNA levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in diabetic membranes than in non‐diabetic membranes. In the experimental study part, the diabetic retinas showed co‐localization of thymosin β4 and GFAP. The mRNA levels of thymosin β4, VEGF and GFAP were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in diabetic rats than in control animals. Conclusions: Thymosin β4 was produced in intraocular fibrovascular membranes of patients with PDR and in rats with experimental diabetes mellitus. Thymosin β4 may play a role in diabetic retinal neovascularization.     

Aldose reductase inhibition prevents glucose-induced apoptosis in cultured bovine retinal microvascular pericytes

The pathogenesis of pericyte loss, an initial deficit in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, remains unclear. Polyol pathway hyperactivity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, and recent studies have suggested that apoptosis may be involved in pericyte loss. The present study was conducted to investigate whether high glucose induces apoptosis in cultured bovine retinal pericytes. The effect of an aldose reductase inhibitor, SNK-860, was also examined. After a 5 day incubation with various concentrations of glucose (5.5-40 m M) in the presence or absence of SNK-860, the cell viability and the percentages of dead cells were measured, and staining with the TUNEL method and Hoechst 33342, and DNA electrophoresis were performed. High glucose reduced the viability and increased the percentages of dead cells. TUNEL-positive cells were observed in pericytes under high glucose, but not in those under 5.5 m M glucose. In the staining of nuclei with Hoechst 33342, the percentage of apoptotic cells in total cells counted under high glucose was higher than that under 5.5 m M glucose. DNA electrophoresis of pericytes cultured with high glucose demonstrated a 'ladder pattern'. Hyperosmolarity also induced apoptosis in pericytes, but less than that by high glucose. SNK-860 inhibited the glucose-induced apoptosis in pericytes. These observations suggest that the pericyte loss in diabetic retinopathy involves an apoptotic process, and that the polyol pathway hyperactivity plays an important role in inducing apoptosis in pericytes by high glucose.     

Glucosamine inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and migration of retinal pigment epithelium cells in culture and morphologic changes in a mouse model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Purpose: To explore the effect of glucosamine (GlcN) on transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signalling and several processes involved in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: We evaluated the surface levels of TGF‐β receptor and its binding of TGF‐β in ARPE‐19 cells. Release of cytokines and collagen, and expression of signalling intermediates were quantified. Migration was qualitatively and quantitatively examined. The morphology of cells undergoing PVR in vitro and in a mouse PVR model was observed. Results: Glucosamine reduced the surface levels of TGF‐β receptor and the ability of ARPE‐19 cells to bind TGF‐β. In ARPE‐19 cells, TGF‐β1 plus epidermal growth factor (EGF) or TGF‐β2 increased the expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and decreased the expression of zona occludens protein (ZO‐1). Transforming growth factor‐(β2) also caused the release of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and type 1 collagen and increased the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3. Platelet‐derived growth factor and CTGF stimulated cell migration, and TGF‐β2 stimulated wound closure, contraction of collagen and changes in cell morphology. Conclusions: Treatment with GlcN counteracted all of these effects, and its administration in the mouse model reduced the morphologic appearance of PVR. Glucosamine could inhibit the TGF‐β signalling pathway in retinal pigment epithelium cells and several of the downstream events associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition and PVR.     

NGF and TGF‐β mRNA expression during pregnancy in a rat corneal wound healing model

Background: Growth factors seem to play a major role in corneal wound healing and TGF‐β seems to be associated with abnormal healing after corneal surgical procedures. Few studies have analysed the role of NGF and TGF‐β on corneal wound healing during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to create an animal model to evaluate the expression of NGF and TGF‐βs during corneal wound healing in two groups: control and pregnant rats. Methods: Corneal mRNA for NGF and the three isoforms of TGF‐β were analysed by RT‐PCR, in a time‐course experiment on different days after epithelial wounding (2, 7, 14 days) in pregnant and control groups Results: The results show high corneal mRNA expression for NGF and TGF‐β1 without any variation throughout the healing process or pregnancy evolution. However, we detected a different expression of corneal mRNAs for TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 in the control group. This data was not detected in the pregnant group. Discussion: Our results suggested that pregnancy could have a relevant role on TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 mRNA expression during the corneal wound healing process. Additional research should be performed to corroborate these findings.     

高糖对牛视网膜微血管内皮细胞和周细胞线粒体活性氧的影响

目的探讨高糖条件下培养的牛视网膜微血管内皮细胞、周细胞线粒体活性氧产生量的变化及导致此种变化的原因和所致影响。方法采用选择性培养方法培养牛视网膜微血管内皮细胞、用细胞,通过共聚焦显微镜检测不同葡萄糖浓度下内皮细胞、周细胞线粒体活性氧产生量的变化,同时采用流式细胞仪检测线粒体膜电化、细胞死亡率的变化,RT—PCR检测培养细胞锰超氧化物歧化酶及解耦联蛋白（UCP）1、2、3表达情况和不同葡萄糖浓度下的变化。结果（1）随着培养基中葡萄糖浓度的增加,内皮细胞、周细胞线粒体活忆氧的产生呈增多趋势。（2）随着培养基中葡萄糖浓度的增加,内皮细胞线粒体膜电位逐渐升高,细胞死亡率逐渐增多,而周细胞则无此变化趋势。（3）培养的视网膜微血管内皮细胞、周细胞中,通过RT—PCR检测到UCPI、2mRNA,未检测到UCP3。UCP1、2及锰超氧化物歧化酶表达量随培养基中葡萄糖浓度的变化而变化。结论高糖可以诱导培养的视网膜微血管内皮细胞、周细胞线粒体活性氧产生增多;内皮细胞活性氧产生的增多与线粒体膜电位增高间存在反馈调节;高糖条件下UCP1、2及锰超氧化物歧化酶表达量代偿性增多调节活性氧的产生,但是当糖浓度达到一定程度时,代偿机制消失;内皮细胞、周细胞在高糖条件下表现出的不同特征,说明其在糖尿病性视网膜病变的发生中起着不同的作用。     

半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶在视网膜毛细血管周细胞凋亡中的活性及意义

目的探讨糖基化终产物（AGE）在糖尿病视网膜病变（DR）发生中的作用。方法培养的牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞分别与不同浓度（0．47、1．88、7．50μmol／L）的AGE共同培养4d后,分别检测细胞凋亡、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶（caspase-3）活性及caspase-3抑制剂Z—DEVD-fmk对周细胞凋亡及凋亡调节基因Bcl-2／Bax比率的影响。结果AGE能以剂量依赖的方式诱导培养的牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞凋亡（r=0．867,P〈0．01）、增加细胞内caspase-3的活性,而选择性caspase-3抑制剂Z—DEVD—fmk能明显抑制AGE作用下的周细胞凋亡及提高凋亡调节基因Bcl-2／Bax的比率。结论凋亡是DR中视网膜毛细血管周细胞选择性丧失的机制之一,caspase-3活性的增加是AGE诱导周细胞发生凋亡的关键因素。     

Expression modification of uncoupling proteins and MnSOD in retinal endothelial cells and pericytes induced by high glucose: the role of reactive oxygen species in diabetic retinopathy

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial transporters present in the inner membrane of mitochondria. They belong to the family of anion mitochondrial carriers. UCPs could act as proton carriers activated by metabolites and create a shunt between complexes of the respiratory chain and ATP synthase. The increased leakiness of the mitochondrial inner membrane to protons may be to minimize superoxide production by limiting the maximum Deltamu(H+). The purpose of this study was to detect UCP expression in retinal capillary cells and their modification in high levels of glucose. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of mitochondria and UCPs in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy was investigated. Bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes were cultured with selective culture media, respectively. Passage cells were cultured in three different glucose concentrations (5, 23, 30 mM) until passage four. ROS changes in mitochondria of these cells in different glucose concentrations were detected with scanning laser confocal microscopy (SLCM). The mitochondria membrane potential (Deltapsi), cell death rate and apoptosis rate were measured with flowing cytometry. UCP expression in retinal capillary cells was detected by immunocytochemistry. Expression and modification of MnSOD and uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in different concentrations of glucose were detected by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. ROS in mitochondria of both endothelial cells and pericytes increased as the glucose concentration of media increased. Deltapsi and cell death rate of endothelial cells increased also. ROS was correlated to Deltapsi and cell death rate positively in endothelial cells. No difference in Deltapsi and cell death rate among different glucose levels was found in pericytes. Apoptosis rate of endothelial cells and pericytes in high glucose levels was higher than that in lower glucose levels. UCP1 and UCP2 were expressed in cultured retinal capillary cells whereas UCP3 was not. At high levels of glucose, expression of UCP1, UCP2 and MnSOD increased to accommodate ROS production compensatively. The compensative mechanism disappeared when glucose concentration was too high (30 mM). The results of this study showed that increasing mitochondrial ROS could be induced by high glucose concentration. Those proteins related to antioxidation mechanism, such as MnSOD and UCPs, could exert compensative action to a certain extent. This compensative action was insufficient when the glucose concentration was too high.     

糖基化终产物诱导牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞凋亡及凋亡调节基因的表达

目的　研究糖基化终产物 (advancedglycosylationendproducts,AGE)对培养的牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞凋亡及凋亡调节基因Bax、bcl 2表达的影响 ,以探讨糖尿病视网膜病变的发病机制。方法　在体外培养 3～ 6代近融合的视网膜毛细血管周细胞中加入不同浓度的AGE(8、32、12 5、5 0 0及2 0 0 0mg/L)液 ,于 4d后检测不同浓度AGE对牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞凋亡及凋亡调节基因Bax、bcl 2表达的影响。结果　周细胞与AGE作用 4d后 ,呈现出典型的细胞凋亡特征 ;AGE促周细胞凋亡(r=0 878,P <0 0 1)和凋亡调节基因Bax的表达 (r=0 85 5 ,P <0 0 1)及抑制凋亡调节基因bcl 2的表达 (r=- 0 85 0 ,P <0 0 1)呈剂量依赖性 ;而周细胞凋亡率与Bax/bcl 2的比率呈正相关 (r=0 80 8,P<0 0 1)。结论　AGE能以剂量依赖的方式促进周细胞的凋亡 ,周细胞的凋亡率取决于凋亡调节基因Bax/bcl 2的比率。细胞凋亡是糖尿病视网膜病变中毛细血管周细胞早期丧失的一种方式。     

Antibody-mediated retinal pericyte injury: implications for diabetic retinopathy

Purpose. To test the hypothesis that autoantibodies against retinal pericytes could develop in diabetic retinopathy, and that these autoantibodies could induce retinal pericyte dysfunction/death via complement. Methods. Human primary retinal pericytes cultured in media containing normal (5 mM) or high (30 mM) glucose concentrations were incubated with normal human sera in the presence of a retinal pericyte-reactive antibody, then their viability was assessed by a BCECF-based cytotoxicity assay, and their function was assessed by a T-cell proliferation assay. The pericytes were also analyzed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry to detect CD38, an established diabetes-associated cell surface autoantigen. The potential of the anti-CD38 antibodies in inducing pericyte cellular injury was evaluated using the same cytotoxicity assays. In addition, autoantibody-mediated cytotoxicity in mouse retinal pericytes sensitized by sera from mice with developing diabetic retinopathy or control normal mice were also studied. Results. Retinal pericyte-reactive antibodies induced cellular damage by activating complement in the serum. The antibody-injured pericytes had reduced efficacy in inhibiting T cells. Hyperglycemic culture conditions rendered pericytes more susceptible to antibody-mediated attack. CD38 was expressed in retinal pericytes, and upregulated by TNF-α and IFN-γ, and anti-CD38 antibodies induced pericyte cytotoxicity. Retinal pericytes sensitized with sera from chronic diabetic mice suffered significantly augmented cytotoxicity compared with those sensitized with sera from the control mice. Conclusions. The autoantibody-initiated complement activation could be a mechanism underlying the loss of function, and eventually, death of retinal pericytes in diabetic patients, suggesting that inhibiting complement activation could be a novel therapeutic approach.     

Profile of intraocular tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in diabetic subjects with different degrees of diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To assess and correlate the levels of inflammatory mediators in the eyes from non‐diabetic and diabetic subjects without retinopathy (NDR), with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) to corresponding erum levels. Methods: The levels of interleukin 1β, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were analysed by an ELISA‐mimicking technique in the vitreous from 26 diabetic subjects with active PDR and 27 non‐diabetic subjects, or by a multiplex bead assay in the aqueous humour from 35 diabetic subjects with NDR/NPDR and 40 non‐diabetic subjects. Intraocular protein production was estimated in vitreous specimens by calculating a vitreous/serum ratio. Results: In the vitreous, IL‐6 was higher in diabetic [157.5 (25.0–1401.0) pg/ml; median (min–max)] than in non‐diabetic subjects [44.0 (5.0–4425) pg/ml; p = 0.021]. The vitreous/serum ratio was high (55.5:1 and 16:1, respectively), suggesting intraocular production. TNF‐α was lower in diabetic [18.0 (8.0–46.0) pg/ml] than in non‐diabetic subjects [22.0 (13.0–47.0) pg/ml; p = 0.034], but the vitreous/serum ratio was elevated in both groups (2:1 and 3.4:1, respectively). TNF‐α levels were higher in serum from diabetic subjects [9.0 (5.0–53.0) pg/ml versus 6.7 (3.0–11.0) pg/ml; p < 0.001]. Aqueous levels of inflammatory mediators did not differ between diabetic subjects with NDR/NPDR and non‐diabetic subjects despite elevated TNF‐α in serum [27.8 (6.8–153.7) pg/ml versus 16.4 (4.1–42.4) pg/ml; p = 0.021]. Conclusion: Intraocular inflammation seems to be involved in PDR but does not seem to be prominent in early retinopathy stages, i.e. NDR or NPDR. Diabetic subjects have an overall increased inflammatory activity compared to non‐diabetic subjects, as demonstrated by increased serum levels of TNF‐α.     

Expression of advanced glycation end products and related molecules in diabetic fibrovascular epiretinal membranes

Purpose: To investigate associations between expressions of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and integrins and correlations between their expression and level of vascularization and proliferative activity in diabetic fibrovascular epiretinal membranes. Methods: Membranes from eight patients with active proliferative diabetic retinopathy and nine patients with inactive proliferative diabetic retinopathy were studied by immunohistochemistry. Results: Blood vessels expressed AGEs, TGF‐β, TNF‐α and α_vβ₃ integrin in 5, 13, 8 and 8 membranes, respectively. Stromal cells expressed AGEs, TNF‐α and α_vβ₃ integrin in 15, 13 and 3 membranes, respectively. There was no immunoreactivity for α_vβ₅, α₅β₁ and α₂β₁ integrins. There were significant correlations between number of blood vessels expressing CD34 and number of blood vessels expressing AGEs (r_s = 0.496; P = 0.043), TGF‐β (r_s = 0.777; P < 0.001) and TNF‐α (r_s = 0.699; P = 0.002). There were significant correlations between number of blood vessels expressing AGEs and number of blood vessels expressing TGF‐β (r_s = 0.532; P = 0.028) and TNF‐α (r_s = 0.626; P = 0.007). The correlation between number of blood vessels expressing TNF‐α and α_vβ₃ integrin was significant (r_s = 0.617; P = 0.008). Number of blood vessels expressing CD34 (P = 0.001), TGF‐β (P = 0.006) and TNF‐α (P = 0.002) and stromal cells expressing AGEs (P = 0.001) and TNF‐α (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in active membranes than in inactive membranes. Conclusion: Interactions of AGEs, TGF‐β, TNF‐α and α_vβ₃ integrin might be involved in pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy fibrovascular proliferation.     

恒定性及波动性高糖对牛视网膜周细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨恒定性高糖及不同频率的波动性高糖对原代培养的牛视网膜周细胞增生、细胞周期及凋亡的影响。方法以体外培养3代近融合的牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞为对象，分别在对照组（5．5mmol／L）、恒定性高糖组（25mmol／L）及不同波动频率的高糖组（5．5mmol／L与25mmol／L交替，频率分别为6h和24h）中孵育6d，采用MTT比色法观察周细胞增生情况；流式细胞术观察周细胞周期情况；TUNEL法检测培养后周细胞的凋亡率。结果周细胞增生受抑制，周期阻滞，出现典型的细胞凋亡特征。恒定性高糖组的作用高于波动性高糖组（P〈0．05）；波动性高糖组内波动频率越高作用越明显（P〈0．05）。结论恒定性高糖较波动性高糖可能具有更强的抑制周细胞增生、周期阻滞及诱导凋亡作用，波动组间波动频率高者比频率低者作用更明显。     

Ang‐2 upregulation correlates with increased levels of MMP‐9, VEGF,EPO and TGFβ1 in diabetic eyes undergoing vitrectomy

Purpose: Angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a multifactorial process regulated by hypoxia‐induced growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. In addition to the angiogenic switch, the proteolytic processing and altered synthesis of the extracellular matrix are critical steps in this disease. This study was performed to evaluate the levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9), angiopoietin‐1 and angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐1 and Ang‐2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (EPO) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (totalTGFβ1) in the vitreous of diabetic eyes undergoing vitrectomy compared with control eyes operated because of macular hole or pucker. Methods: Prospective consecutive controlled observational study performed in the unit of vitreoretinal surgery in Finland during the years 2006–2008. Vitreous samples were collected before the start of the conventional 3‐ppp vitrectomy. Vitreous MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, Ang‐1 and Ang‐2, VEGF, EPO and TGFβ1 concentrations were measured from 69 patients with Type 1 or 2 diabetes and 40 controls. Results: Comparison of eyes with DR with controls revealed that the mean vitreous concentrations of proMMP‐2 (p = 0.0015), totalMMP‐2 (p = 0.0011), proMMP‐9 (p = 0.00001), totalMMP‐9 (p < 0.00001), Ang‐2 (p < 0.00001), VEGF (p < 0.00001), EPO (p < 0.00001) and totalTGFβ1 (p = 0.000026) were significantly higher in the former group. A multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested intravitreal Ang‐2 concentration being the key marker of PDR (p = 0.00025) (OR = 1507.9). Conclusion: The main new finding is that the intravitreal concentrations of Ang‐2 correlated significantly with MMP‐9, VEGF, EPO and TGFβ1 levels in diabetic eyes undergoing vitrectomy. Thus, these factors could promote retinal angiogenesis synergistically.     

Metabolic memory and diabetic retinopathy: Role of inflammatory mediators in retinal pericytes

Diabetic retinopathy shares many characteristics features of a low grade chronic inflammatory disease. Its progression resists arrest when good metabolic control is re-established after a period of poor metabolic control, suggesting a ‘metabolic memory’ phenomenon. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of reversal of high glucose to normal glucose on the inflammatory mediators in pericytes, the site of histopathology in diabetic retinopathy. Bovine retinal pericytes were incubated in high glucose (20 mM) for 2 days followed by normal glucose (5 mM) for 4 days (2 → 4), or in high glucose for 4 days followed by normal glucose for 4 days (4 → 4) or 8 days (4 → 8). Pericytes incubated in continuous normal or high glucose for 2-12 days served as controls. Continuous high glucose exposure for 2-12 days significantly elevated gene expressions and protein concentrations of IL-1β, NF-kB, VEGF, TNF-α, TGF-β and ICAM-1 in retinal pericytes. Four days of normal glucose that followed 2 days of high glucose (2 → 4) had marginal, but significant, beneficial effect on the increases in these inflammatory mediators. Four days of normal glucose in 4 → 4 group failed to reverse increases in inflammatory mediators and cell apoptosis remained elevated, but addition of dexamethasone during normal glucose exposure ameliorated such increases. However, when normal glucose exposure, after 4 days of high glucose was extended to 8 days (4 → 8), increases in these mediators were significantly decreased. Hyperglycemia-induced elevations in inflammatory mediators in retinal microvascular cells resist reversal after re-institution of normal glucose conditions. Both, the duration of the initial exposure to high glucose, and normal glucose that follows high glucose, are critical in determining the outcome of the alterations in the inflammatory mediators.     

糖基化终末产物对牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞增殖及转化生长因子-β表达的影响

目的 研究糖基化终产物（AGEs）对体外培养的牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞的增殖、细胞周期和转化生长因子β（TGF-β）表达的影响。 方法 分别应用四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)比色分析法检测周细胞的增殖、流式细胞术分析细胞周期、免疫荧光染色法观察TGF-β蛋白的表达。 结果 AGEs能抑制体外培养的牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞的增殖；并可使细胞周期阻滞于S期，凋亡细胞数显著增多（P<0.01）；能促进周细胞TGF-β蛋白的表达。 结论 AGEs可通过抑制周细胞增殖，促进周细胞的凋亡而导致周细胞数量的减少；并可能促进周细胞分泌TGF-β而进一步加速糖尿病视网膜病变。 (中华眼底病杂志, 2006, 22: 20-23)     

Effects of mechanical stress and high glucose on pericyte proliferation, apoptosis and contractile phenotype

Pericyte loss is an early step of diabetic retinopathy. High glucose induces apoptosis in retinal pericytes, but systemic and capillary hypertension are also believed to be important in the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The haemodynamic insult of retinal capillary hypertension can be mimicked by exposing pericytes to mechanical stretch. We investigated the effect of stretch combined with high glucose on pericyte proliferation/apoptosis and morphology. Bovine retinal pericytes, cultured in either normal or high glucose concentrations in flexible-base plates, were exposed to mechanical stretch for 48/72 h. Cell replication was determined by both cell counting and DNA synthesis, apoptosis by ELISA, cell morphology and actin cytoskeleton distribution by immunofluorescence. Both reduction in cell proliferation and increase in apoptosis were confirmed in high glucose alone. When cells were subjected to stretch, proliferation was reduced and apoptosis increased in both normal and high glucose in comparison with unstretched controls. In both cases, a synergistic effect of hyperglycaemia combined with stretch was shown. Cell morphology showed modifications of cytoskeleton in all experimental conditions; in particular, cells subjected to stretch showed a clear elongation and translocation of actin fibres. In conclusion, our results show that stretch, alone or combined with high glucose, reduces cell proliferation, increases apoptosis and induces morphological changes in pericyte cytoskeleton. Further elucidations of the mechanisms on the basis of reduced proliferation of pericytes subjected to high glucose and stretch could help to clarify the effects of combined hyperglycaemia and hypertension in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.     

Gremlin gene expression in bovine retinal pericytes exposed to elevated glucose

AIM: To assess the influence of high extracellular glucose on the expression of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist, gremlin, in cultured bovine retinal pericytes (BRPC). METHODS: BRPC were cultured under conditions of 5 mM and 30 mM d-glucose for 7 days and total RNA was isolated. Gremlin mRNA levels were correlated, by RT-PCR, with other genes implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and the signalling pathways in high glucose induced gremlin expression were probed using physiological inhibitors. Gremlin expression was also examined in the retina of streptozotocin induced diabetic mice. RESULTS: High glucose stimulated a striking increase in BRPC gremlin mRNA levels in parallel with increases in mRNA for the growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and changes in other genes including fibronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). High glucose triggered gremlin expression was modulated by anti-TGFbeta antibody, by the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, CCCP, and by inhibition of MAP-kinase (MAPK) activation. Striking gremlin expression was observed in the outer retina of diabetic mice and also at the level of the vascular wall. CONCLUSIONS: Gremlin gene expression is induced in BRPC in response to elevated glucose and in the retina of the streptozotocin induced diabetic mouse. Its expression is modulated by hyperglycaemic induction of the MAPK, reactive oxygen species, and TGFbeta pathways, all of which are reported to have a role in diabetic fibrotic disease. This implicates a role for gremlin in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.     

高浓度葡萄糖对视网膜毛细血管周细胞的影响

目的观察高浓度葡萄糖对体外培养的视网膜毛细血管周细胞的影响,探讨糖尿病视网膜病变(DR)的发病机制。方法以新鲜牛眼球为材料,分离并培养周细胞;控制培养液中葡萄糖的浓度,采用形态学观察、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)的测定、3H-TdR掺入法及液体闪烁技术,研究高糖对周细胞的作用。结果周细胞在高糖(10、20、40mmol     

Elevated protein carbonyl and HIF‐1α levels in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate the role of protein carbonyls and hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in diabetic eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: Prospective consecutive controlled observational study was performed. Vitreous samples were collected at the start of the 3‐ppp vitrectomy. Protein carbonylation analysis was performed by Western blotting with antibody against 2,4‐Dinitrophenol (anti‐DNP), following derivatization of protein carbonyls with 2,4 Dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNHP). Protein carbonylation was quantified by scanning densitometry analysis and relativized to the total amount of protein into the ponceau staining of membranes. Vitreous HIF‐1 α was determined with ELISA in a subgroup of the samples. Thirty‐one eyes were operated due to PDR (study group). Of the 189 controls, 39 had nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (non‐PDR), 111 retinal detachment (RD) and 39 macular hole/pucker (MH). Results: Comparison of eyes with PDR with controls revealed that the mean vitreous concentrations of protein carbonyls were significantly higher in the eyes affected with PDR being 242 ± 130 (SD) compared with non‐PDR controls 180 ± 142, nondiabetic eyes affected with RD 175 ± 131 and MH/pucker 140 ± 95 (p = 0.008, one‐way anova ). Mean HIF‐1α values were higher in eyes with PDR compared with controls (RD, MH/pucker); the values being 0.53 ± 0.34 (SEM; n = 4) and 0.13 ± 0.04 (SEM; n = 19), respectively (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Protein carbonyl and HIF‐1 α levels were significantly increased in the vitreous fluid of surgically treated eyes with PDR. Our findings suggest an association between increased intravitreal levels of protein carbonyls and the pathogenesis of PDR.