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AIM: To evaluate the changes of retinal microvascular density in patients with sellar region tumor, and its correlation with the damage to visual field, and to explore its application value in evaluating optic nerve injury of those patients.METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 157 patients(292 eyes)with sellar region tumor, including 82 cases(152 eyes)of pituitary adenoma and 75 cases(140 eyes)of craniopharyngioma, were selected from neurosurgery department and ophthalmology department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University between October 2018 and May 2022. A total of 90 people(180 eyes)during the same period, including the family members of patients, students and staff in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University were collected as control group. All participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)examination. The changes of retinal microvascular density and its correlation with visual field parameters were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: In patients with sellar region tumor, the radial peripapillary capillary(RPC)and superficial retinal capillary plexus(SRCP)density were significantly lower than that in the control group [50.81%(46.49%, 53.49%)vs. 52.78%(50.73%, 54.51%)and 50.57%(48.13%, 52.73%)vs. 51.63%(49.78%, 53.02%), all P<0.05]. The RPC density in the craniopharyngioma group was lower than that in the pituitary adenoma group [49.71%(44.33%, 53.14%)vs. 51.37%(47.42%, 53.95%), P<0.05]. The MD, PSD and VFI of the sellar region tumor group were -4.33(-12.22, -1.85)dB, 3.37(1.91, 8.82)dB and 92%(65%, 97%)respectively. RPC density of patients with sellar region tumor was positively correlated with MD and VFI, and was negatively correlated with PSD. The SRCP density of each quadrant was positively correlated with MD, and was positively correlated with VFI except Para-T and it was negatively correlated with PSD(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Retinal microvascular changes were present in patients with sellar region tumor. Lower vessel density indicates more severe damage to visual field. In the clinic, visual field examinations combined with OCTA were helpful to find the optic nerve injury of patients.
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AIM: To explore the feasibility of swept source optical coherence tomography angiography(SS-OCTA)in evaluating early retinal and choroidal microcirculation changes in patients with hypertension.METHODS:Prospective clinical study. A total of 27 patients with grade 2 or 3 essential hypertension(hypertension group)diagnosed in the Department of Cardiology of Xi'an First Hospital from July to November 2022 were included in the study. There were 14 males and 13 females. The mean age was(57.11±3.36)years. During the same period, 27 age- and sex-matched normal people without a history of hypertension were selected as the control group, including 12 males and 15 females. The average age was(55.74±2.95)years old. All patients underwent BCVA(LogMAR), intraocular pressure, axial length, slit lamp examination, fundus color photography and SS-OCTA examination. SS-OCTA was used to scan the macular area of the right eye in the range of 6×6 mm. The retina and choroid were divided into three concentric circles with diameters of 0-1 mm, 1-3 mm and 3-6 mm around the fovea according to ETDRS. Macular vessel density(VD), perfusion area(PA), retinal thickness(CMT), choroidal thickness(CT), choroidal vessel volume(CVV)and choroidal vasculr index(CVI)of the superficial capillary plexus(SCP)and the deep capillary plexus(DCP)in the macular area of 0-1 mm, 1-3 mm and 3-6 mm were analyzed and recorded. The changes in VD, PA, CMT, CT, CVV and CVI were compared between the two groups. Independent sample t-test was used to compare VD, PA, CMT and CVI between the two groups; CT, CVV and LogMAR visual acuity were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test of independent samples.RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the hypertensive group had significantly lower VD in the macular area 0-3 mm(0-1 mm, t=-3.144; 1-3 mm, t=-3.611, P<0.05). VD in the area of 3-6 mm showed a tendency to increase compared with the control group(t=1.715, P>0.05). The CMT in the 0-1mm area of the macular area in the hypertension group was lower than that in the control group(t=-2.624, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CT, CVV and CVI between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:The VD of DCP in the 0-3 mm area and the CMT in the 0-1 mm area are decreased in hypertensive patients. There were no significant differences in CT, CVV and CVI between the two groups. VD and CMT in macular DCP may be used as indicators to evaluate the early changes of retinal and choroidal microcirculation in hypertensive patients.
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AIM:To clarify the effect of miR-519d-3p on high glucose-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)dysfunction and angiogenesis, and to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of miR-519d-3p on hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha(HIF-1α).METHODS: The normal glucose(NG)and high glucose(HG)cell models were established by inducing HRMEC with 5 and 30 mmol/L glucose, respectively. Control group: HG cell model was transfected with negative control mimics; mannitol group: the control group was added with 25 mmol/L mannitol; miR-519d-3p overexpression group: HG cell model was transfected with miR-519d-3p mimics; miR-519d-3p combined with HIF-1α overexpression group: HG cell model was co-transfected with miR-519d-3p mimics and HIF-1α overexpression vector. The expression of miR-519d-3p in each group was tested by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The expression of HIF-1α protein in each group was tested by Western blotting. The binding sites between miR-519d-3p and HIF-1α were detected by luciferase reporter gene assay. The cell proliferation of each group was detected by CCK-8. The cell apoptosis of each group was tested by Hoechst 33342 staining. The protein expression of extracellular fluid inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in each group was tested by ELISA. The formation of new capillary lumen-like structures was detected by tubule formation assay.RESULTS: Compared with the NG, miR-519d-3p expression was significantly reduced in the HG cell model, while HIF-1α protein expression was significantly increased in the HG(all P<0.01). Compared with the control group, HIF-1α protein expression was significantly reduced in the miR-519d-3p overexpression group(P<0.01). The “CGUGAAA” sequence of miR-519d-3p could specifically bind to the “GCACUUU” sequence of HIF-1α 3'-untranslated region(3'-UTR). Compared with the control group, the miR-519d-3p overexpression group showed a significant increase in 24, 48 and 72h absorbance values, a significant decrease in cell apoptotic rate, a significant decrease in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and a significant decrease in the number of new capillary lumen-like structures(all P<0.01). Compared with the miR-519d-3p overexpression group, the miR-519d-3p combined with HIF-1α overexpression group showed a significant decrease in 24, 48 and 72h absorbance values, a significant increase in cell apoptotic rate, a significant increase in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and a significant increase in the number of new capillary lumen-like structures(all P<0.01). There was no difference between the control group and mannitol group in the comparison of the above indicators(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: miR-519d-3p expression is down-regulated while HIF-1α protein expression is up-regulated in high glucose induced HRMEC model. HIF-1α is a target gene of miR-519d-3p. The miR-519d-3p targets HIF-1α to increase cell proliferation and reduce cell apoptosis and inflammation, thereby alleviating high glucose-induced HRMEC dysfunction and inhibiting angiogenesis.
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@#AIM: To investigate the application value of optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in observing retinal microvasculature in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR). METHODS: Prospective research. The 84 patients(98 eyes)with DR admitted to our hospital during 2017-06/2019-12 were selected as the study group, and were further divided into non-proliferative DR group and proliferative DR group according to the degree of DR. Another 60 cases(68 eyes)with simple diabetes mellitus who underwent physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. The OCTA was used to quantitatively analyze the microvessels in the retinal macular area of the subject, and the built-in analysis software was used to obtain the blood flow density(SCP, DCP)of the superficial and deep parafoveal retina, the area and circumference of the foveal avascular zone(FAZ), the roundness index, full-thickness retinal blood flow density(FD-300). The differences of quantitative indexes, the correlation between OCTA parameters and DR severity and the diagnostic value of DR were compared.RESULTS: The study group's FD-300, SCP and DCP were lower than those of the control group(<i>t</i>=6.476, 8.907, 5.078; all <i>P</i><0.05), while the FAZ circumference and the roundness index were higher than those of the control group(<i>t</i>=4.380, 10.542; all <i>P</i><0.05). The FD-300, SCP and DCP of the proliferative DR group were lower than those of the non-proliferative DR group(<i>t</i>=2.668, 3.408, 3.103; all <i>P</i><0.05), while the FAZ circumference and the roundness index were higher than those of the non-proliferative DR group(<i>t</i>=2.550, 5.563; all <i>P</i><0.05). Pearson correlation analysis shows that FD-300, SCP, DCP were negatively correlated with disease severity(<i>r</i>= -0.485, -0.546, -0.522; all <i>P</i><0.05), FAZ circumference and morphological index were positively correlated with disease severity(<i>r</i>=0.426, 0.443; all <i>P</i><0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for FD-300, SCP, DCP, FAZ circumference, and FAZ morphological index to diagnose DR were 0.835(95%<i>CI:</i> 0.722-0.947), 0.806(95%<i>CI</i>: 0.701-0.911), 0.849(95%<i>CI</i>: 0.770-0.928), 0.768(95%<i>CI</i>: 0.641-0.896), 0.742(95%<i>CI</i>: 0.633-0.850), respectively. CONCLUSION: OCTA can clearly monitor the morphology of superficial and deep capillaries in the macular area of patients with DR. The quantitative index of blood flow density is negatively correlated with the severity of the disease, which has high clinical value for the diagnosis of DR.
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In recent years, cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has brought great challenges to society and family, and has attracted increasing attention. Early detection and prevention of CSVD is of great significance. Retinal microvasculature is the only terminal blood vessel that can be observed in vivo and can be used as a portal for observation of brain small vessel-related diseases. In this paper, pathophysiology, quantitative and qualitative analysis were used to review the correlation between fundus lesions and CSVD, and further explore the future research direction.
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Objective:To explore the effect of myricitrin on the injury of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) induced by high glucose and its regulation mechanism.Methods:HRMECs were divided into normal control group, high glucose group and 12.5 μg/ml, 25.0 μg/ml and 50.0 μg/ml myricitrin groups.HRMECs transfected with pcDNA and pcDNA-circZNF292, respectively and then cultured in high-glucose medium containing 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 24 hours were assigned as pcDNA group and pcDNA-circZNF292 group.HRMECs transfected with siR-NC and siR-circZNF292, respectively and then cultured in medium containing 50.0 μg/ml myricitrin and 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 24 hours were assigned as myricitrin+ siR-NC group and myricitrin+ siR-circZNF292 group.The cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.The expression levels of circZNF292 and miR-23b-3p were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The targeting relationship between circZNF292 and miR-23b-3p was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay.The relative expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) and bcl-2-related X protein (bax) were assayed by Western blot.Results:Significant differences were found in the relative expressions of bax and bcl-2 proteins, cell apoptosis rate, MDA concentration, SOD activity, circZNF292 and miR-23b-3p among normal control group, high glucose group and 12.5 μg/ml, 25.0 μg/ml, 50.0 μg/ml myricitrin groups ( F=105.707, 111.835, 74.515, 109.651, 135.020, 219.919, 116.304; all at P<0.001).With the increase of myricitrin concentration, the relative expression levels of bax protein, cell apoptosis rate, MDA concentration and miR-23b-3p in cells gradually decreased, while the relative expression levels of bcl-2 protein, SOD activity and circZNF292 increased, with statistically significant differences among groups with different concentrations of myricitrin (all at P<0.05).In the co-transfected wild-type (WT)-circZNF292 cells, the relative luciferase activity in miR-23b-3p group was 0.35±0.03, which was lower than 0.96±0.09 in microRNA-negative control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=11.137, P<0.001).Compared with pcDNA group, the relative expression levels of bcl-2 protein, circZNF292 and MDA concentration in cells of pcDNA-circZNF292 group were significantly increased, and the relative expression levels of bax protein, miR-23b-3p, cell apoptosis rate and SOD activity were significantly decreased (all at P<0.05).The relative expression levels of bax protein, miR-23b-3p, cell apoptosis rate and MDA concentration were reduced and relative expression levels of bcl-2 protein, circZNF292 and SOD activity were enhanced in myricitrin group and myricitrin+ siR-NC group in comparison with high glucose group and myricitrin+ siR-circZNF292 group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Myricitrin can inhibit cell apoptosis and oxidative stress by regulating the expression of circZNF292/miR-23b-3p, thereby reducing the damage of HRMECs induced by high glucose.
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Objective:To observe the effects of four prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors (EP 1-4R) on the activation of inflammasomes and cell damage in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC) in a high glucose environment. Methods:The hRMEC were divided into normal group and high glucose group, and they were cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium containing 5.5 and 30.0 mmol/L glucose, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to observe the apoptosis rate of the high glucose group and the normal group; enzyme chain immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the level of PGE2 in the culture supernatant of hRMEC cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of cyclooxyganese (COX2) and EP 1-4R in hRMEC. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of EP 1-4R mRNA in hRMEC. After 72 h of culture, the cells in the high glucose group were divided into control group, PGE2 group, EP 1-4R agonist group, PGE2+EP 1-4R inhibitor group, and dimethylsulfoxide group. According to the group, each group was given the corresponding agonist or inhibitor to continue the culture for 24 h. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization structure-like receptor protein (NLRP3) and pro-interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA in each group of cells. ELISA was used to detect the content of IL-1β and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the cell culture supernatant. Western blot was used to detect the expression of cleaved Caspase-1 in each group of cells. At the same time, hRMEC in a high glucose environment was given IL-1β stimulation for 24 h, and the activity of LDH in the supernatant of the cell culture medium was detected. Results:The apoptotic rate, COX2 protein expression, and PGE2 protein content in hRMEC in the high glucose group were significantly higher than those in the normal group, and they were time-dependent. Compared with the normal group, the expression levels of EP 1R, EP 2R, EP 4R protein and mRNA in hRMEC in the high glucose group were higher than those in the normal group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, PGE2 group ( t=4.627, P<0.01), EP 1-4R agonist group ( t=3.889, 3.583, 2.445, 3.216; P<0.05) hRMEC NLRP3 mRNA expression level was significantly increased; the expression level of pro-IL-1β mRNA increased, however the difference was not statistically significant (PGE2 group: t=1.807, P>0.05; EP 1-4R agonist group: t=1.807, 1.477, 0.302, 1.926, P>0.05). Compared with the PGE2 group, the expression of NLRP3 mRNA in hRMEC in the PGE2+EP 2R inhibitor group was significantly reduced ( t=2.812, P<0.05); the expression of pro-IL-1β mRNA in hRMEC in the PGE2+EP 3R inhibitor group was significantly increased ( t=4.113, P<0.01). The protein content of IL-1β in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2 group, EP 1R agonist group and EP 2R agonist group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=5.155, 4.136, 4.817; P<0.01). Compared with PGE2 group, the protein content of IL-1β in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2+EP 2R inhibitor group and the PGE2+EP 4R inhibitor group were significantly lower than that of the PGE2 group ( t=1.964, 4.765; P<0.05). The expression of cleaved Caspase-1 in hRMEC in the PGE2 group and EP 2R agonist group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( t=5.332, 4.889; P<0.05). The expression of cleaved Caspase-1 in hRMEC in the PGE2+EP 2R inhibitor group was significantly lower than that of the PGE2 group ( t=6.699, P<0.01). The LDH activity in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2 group and the EP 2R agonist group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=4.908, 4.225; P<0.05). The activity of LDH in the cell culture supernatant of the PGE2+EP 2R inhibitor group was significantly lower than that of the PGE2 group ( t=5.301, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the LDH activity in the culture supernatant of hRMEC cells in the high glucose environment was significantly increased ( t=3.499, P<0.05). Conclusions:The four receptors of PGE2 can activate NLRP3 and its effector molecules to varying degrees. EP 2R mainly mediates hRMEC damage under high glucose environment.
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Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) on high glucose-induced angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway-related proteins.Methods:The HRMEC were divided into control group, high glucose group, high glucose+ low concentration RA group, high glucose+ medium concentration RA group, and high glucose+ high concentration RA group, and were cultured in vitro with conventional medium, 30 mmol/L D-glucose medium, 30 mmol/L D-glucose+ 25 μmol/L RA medium, 30 mmol/L D-glucose+ 50 μmol/L RA medium and 30 mmol/L D-glucose+ 100 μmol/L RA medium accordingly.The 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect the cell proliferation.Transwell assay was performed to detect the cell migration.Matrigel assay was employed to determine the tube formation ability of cells.Western blot was utilized to detect the expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck like protein (ASC) and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to detect the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in supernatant of cell culture. Results:The cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and the number of formed tubes were (100.00±0.92)%, 37.67±9.02 and 45.00±4.58 in the control group, (163.56±1.46)%, 117.33±7.23 and 95.00±9.54 in the high glucose group, (152.29±2.90)%, 78.67±4.04 and 84.67±1.53 in the high glucose+ low concentration RA group, (147.72±2.22)%, 65.33±4.16 and 71.00±3.61 in the high glucose+ medium concentration RA group, (132.47±0.74)%, 52.67±6.81 and 60.00±1.00 in the high glucose+ high concentration RA group, respectively.There were statistically significant differences in cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes among all groups ( F=537.07, 64.63, 45.58; all at P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes were significantly increased in the high glucose group, high glucose+ low concentration RA group, high glucose+ medium concentration RA group and high glucose+ high concentration RA group, showing statistical significances (all at P<0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, the cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes were significantly decreased in the different concentrations RA groups (all at P<0.05). With the increase of RA concentration, the cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes were decreased, and there were statistical differences among high glucose+ low/medium/high concentrations RA groups (all at P<0.05). There were significantly differences in the relative expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins in cells and the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell culture supernatant among all the five groups ( F=145.12, 422.82, 463.79, 2 019.96, 33 406.97; all at P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the relative expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins as well as the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell culture supernatant were significantly increased in the high glucose group, high glucose+ low concentration RA group, high glucose+ medium concentration RA group and high glucose+ high concentration RA group (all at P<0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins as well as the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased in the different concentrations RA groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). With the increase of RA concentration, the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins as well as the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased, and there were statistically significant differences among high glucose+ low/medium/high concentrations RA groups (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:RA can inhibit proliferation, migration and tube formation of HRMEC induced by high glucose, and inhibit high glucose-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
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@#AIM:To investigate the effect of silencing glial fibrillary acidic protein gene(GFAP)on proliferation and apoptosis of high glucose-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(hRMECs)and its mechanism.<p>METHODS: Expression of GFAP in hRMECs treated with high sugar(30mmol/mL)and low sugar(5mmol/mL)was detected by qRT-PCR. The high glucose-induced hRMECs cells of silencing GFAP gene was established by lentiviral-mediated method. High glucose-induced hRMECs cells were treated with SRI-011381(TGF-β signaling pathway activator)and dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO); Expression of GFAP, transforming growth factor-1(TGF-β1), activating transcription factor2(Smad2), Smad3 proteins were measured by Western blot, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively.<p>RESULTS: Expression of GFAP was significantly increased in high glucose treated hRMECs. The high glucose induced hRMECs cell model of GFAP gene silencing was successfully constructed by lentivirus mediation, and the cell proliferation ability was significantly improved, the apoptosis rate is significantly inhibited, and expression of TGF-1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins in the TGF-β signaling pathway was significantly inhibited after silencing GFAP, while activation of TGF-β signaling pathway could reverse the inhibitory effect of silencing GFAP on the proliferation and apoptosis in high glucose hRMECs.<p>CONCLUSION: Silencing GFAP gene can promote the proliferation of high glucoseinducedhuman retinal microvascular endothelial cells and inhibit cell apoptosis,the mechanism may be related to the inactivation of TGF-β signaling pathway.
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@#Alzheimer's disease(AD)is one of the most common causes of Dementia in the world, with symptoms often appearing years after the degenerative changes in the brain. Therefore, the early diagnosis of AD is difficult and the previous diagnostic methods are generally invasive. Considering that most patients with AD are accompanied by visual impairment, the retina can be regarded as a window into the brain. Recently, optical coherence tomography(OCTA)can be used for noninvasive and rapid assessment of structure within different vascular plexuses in the retina and choroid. This improves our understanding of neurological diseases, and more likely contributes to the early diagnosis of AD patients. This paper reviewed the relevant literatures on the application of OCTA in the study of neurological diseases, as well as the structure and function of the brain and retina in patients with AD.
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Objective@#To explore the impact of Hedgehog protein on human retinal microvascular endothelial cell(HRMEC)and its signaling pathway.@*Methods@#The cultured HRMECs were divided into normal control group, 0.5 μmol/L agonist group and 1.0 μmol/L agonist group, and were cultured in medium with final concentration of 0, 0.5 and 1.0 μmol/L Hedgehog agonist, respectively; HRMECs cultured in high glucose medium were divided into high glucose control group, 1.5 μmol/L inhibitor group and 2.5 μmol/L inhibitor group.Erismodegib, the Smoothed inhibitor with final concentration of 0, 1.5 and 2.5 μmol/L was added into corresponding group, respectively.MTS method and Transwell cell migration method were used to detect the proliferation(A490 value)and relative mobility of HRMEC.The phosphorylation of PLCγ1, Akt and Erk proteins were detected by Western blot.@*Results@#The relative expression of Hedgehog protein in the high glucose control group was 6.24±0.11, which was significantly higher than 1.00±0.00 in the normal control group(t=667.573, P<0.001). The A490 value was 1.349±0.050 and 1.422±0.053, and the relative mobility rate was 2.34±0.14 and 3.59±0.32 in the0.5 μmol/L agonist group and the 1.0 μmol/L agonist group, respectively, which were significantly higher than 1.203±0.101 and 1.00±0.00 in the normal control group(all at P<0.01). The A490 value was 0.849±0.010 and 0.737±0.030, and the relative mobility rate was 0.43±0.02 and 0.27 ±0.01 in the 1.5 μmol/L inhibitor group and the 2.5 μmol/L inhibitor group, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.000±0.040 and 1.00±0.00 in the high glucose control group(all at P<0.01). The phosphorylation ratios of PLCγ1, Akt and Erk in the 0.5 μmol/L agonist group and the 1.0 μmol/L agonist group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group(all at P<0.01). The phosphorylation ratios of PLCγ1, Akt and Erk in the 1.5 μmol/L inhibitor group and the 2.5 μmol/L inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the high glucose control group(all at P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#High glucose induces the expression of Hedgehog protein in HRMEC.Hedgehog protein may regulate the function of HRMEC by regulating the phosphorylation of PLCγ1, Akt and Erk in G Protein-coupled receptors pathway.
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Objective@#To determine the changes of protein expressions in human retinal microvascular pericytes (HRMPCs) stimulated with high glucose by using quantitative proteomics, which provides new clues for future investigation of diabetic retinopathy (DR).@*Methods@#HRMPCs were divided into two groups.The cells in control group were cultured in DMEM basic medium with 25 mmol/L glucose, while the cells in high glucose group were cultured in DMEM medium with 35 mmol/L glucose.The amount of living cells was measured by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The proteins were collected from the two groups and then were digested with trypsin.Peptides of 2 μg were injected into the time of flight-mass spectrometer and the acquisition mode was DDA.The results were further analyzed using bioinformatics software.@*Results@#CCK-8 results showed that the absorbance (A450) of HRMPCs in high glucose group was 0.75±0.04, which was significantly lower than 0.91±0.05 in control group (t=5.784, P=0.000 2). In total, 1 972 proteins were identified and 54 of them were significantly different between the two groups (fold change >1.5). Among them, 13 proteins were up-regulated, including CTNNB1 and CTBP2; while 41 proteins were down-regulated, including SQSTM1 and HMGCS1.The differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in citric acid cycle and aerobic respiration.@*Conclusions@#The expressions of many proteins in HRMPCs change under the stimulation of high glucose, which may influence the respiration and the ATP production of cells and eventually induce the loss of pericyte.
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Objective@#To establish a simple method for isolation, purification and cultivation of primary retinal microvascular pericytes (RMPs) from mice.@*Methods@#Retinas were isolated from mice following with mechanical morcel, enzymatic digestion and filtration.The retinal fragments were incubated with low glucose DMEM with 20% fetal bovine serum after 24 hours pre-incubation.Differential digestion was used for purification of primary RMPs.Morphological examination of cells was performed by phase contrast microscopy, and further characterization was analyzed by immunocytochemistry.Functional assay was evaluated by the pericytes-endothelial cells (ECs) co-culture system.The treatment and use of experimental animals followed the regulations on the administration of experimental animals promulgated by the state science and technology commission.@*Results@#Cells migrated out of fragments after 24 hours of incubation, and developed into small or large colonies gradually.The cells and their subpassages presented typical pericyte morphology with large irregular triangular cell bodies and multiple long processes.No contact inhibition was observed.Most cells uniformly expressed the cellular markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), a few cells expressed the cellular markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), but no cell expressed von Willebrand factor (vWF). The purity rate of RMPs was up to 97%.In the co-culture system, RMPs directly contacted with ECs to form the capillary-like cords in vitro.@*Conclusions@#A simple method for the isolation, purification cultivation of mouse RMPs is established, and active RMPs can be readily obtained by this method.
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Objective To establish a simple method for isolation, purification and cultivation of primary retinal microvascular pericytes ( RMPs) from mice. Methods Retinas were isolated from mice following with mechanical morcel,enzymatic digestion and filtration. The retinal fragments were incubated with low glucose DMEM with 20％ fetal bovine serum after 24 hours pre-incubation. Differential digestion was used for purification of primary RMPs. Morphological examination of cells was performed by phase contrast microscopy, and further characterization was analyzed by immunocytochemistry. Functional assay was evaluated by the pericytes-endothelial cells ( ECs) co-culture system. The treatment and use of experimental animals followed the regulations on the administration of experimental animals promulgated by the state science and technology commission. Results Cells migrated out of fragments after 24 hours of incubation, and developed into small or large colonies gradually. The cells and their subpassages presented typical pericyte morphology with large irregular triangular cell bodies and multiple long processes. No contact inhibition was observed. Most cells uniformly expressed the cellular markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β( PDGFR-β) ,a few cells expressed the cellular markers glial fibrillary acidic protein ( GFAP) ,but no cell expressed von Willebrand factor ( vWF) . The purity rate of RMPs was up to 97％. In the co-culture system,RMPs directly contacted with ECs to form the capillary-like cords in vitro. Conclusions A simple method for the isolation, purification cultivation of mouse RMPs is established, and active RMPs can be readily obtained by this method.
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Objective To explore the impact of Hedgehog protein on human retinal microvascular endothelial cell(HRMEC) and its signaling pathway. Methods The cultured HRMECs were divided into normal control group,0. 5μmol/L agonist group and 1. 0μmol/L agonist group,and were cultured in medium with final concentration of 0,0. 5 and 1. 0μmol/L Hedgehog agonist,respectively;HRMECs cultured in high glucose medium were divided into high glucose control group,1. 5μmol/L inhibitor group and 2. 5μmol/L inhibitor group. Erismodegib,the Smoothed inhibitor with final concentration of 0,1. 5 and 2. 5 μmol/L was added into corresponding group,respectively. MTS method and Transwell cell migration method were used to detect the proliferation( A490 value) and relative mobility of HRMEC. The phosphorylation of PLCγ1, Akt and Erk proteins were detected by Western blot. Results The relative expression of Hedgehog protein in the high glucose control group was 6. 24±0. 11,which was significantly higher than 1. 00±0. 00 in the normal control group(t=667. 573,P<0. 001). The A490 value was 1. 349±0. 050 and 1. 422±0. 053,and the relative mobility rate was 2. 34±0. 14 and 3. 59±0. 32 in the 0. 5μmol/L agonist group and the 1. 0μmol/L agonist group, respectively, which were significantly higher than 1. 203 ± 0. 101 and 1. 00 ± 0. 00 in the normal control group(all at P<0. 01). The A490 value was 0. 849±0. 010 and 0. 737±0. 030,and the relative mobility rate was 0. 43 ± 0. 02 and 0. 27 ± 0. 01 in the 1. 5 μmol/L inhibitor group and the 2. 5 μmol/L inhibitor group, respectively,which were significantly lower than 1. 000±0. 040 and 1. 00±0. 00 in the high glucose control group(all at P<0. 01). The phosphorylation ratios of PLCγ1,Akt and Erk in the 0. 5μmol/L agonist group and the 1. 0μmol/L agonist group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group ( all at P<0. 01 ) . The phosphorylation ratios of PLCγ1,Akt and Erk in the 1. 5μmol/L inhibitor group and the 2. 5μmol/L inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the high glucose control group ( all at P<0. 01 ) . Conclusions High glucose induces the expression of Hedgehog protein in HRMEC. Hedgehog protein may regulate the function of HRMEC by regulating the phosphorylation of PLCγ1,Akt and Erk in G Protein-coupled receptors pathway.
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Objective To determine the changes of protein expressions in human retinal microvascular pericytes ( HRMPCs) stimulated with high glucose by using quantitative proteomics, which provides new clues for future investigation of diabetic retinopathy ( DR) . Methods HRMPCs were divided into two groups. The cells in control group were cultured in DMEM basic medium with 25 mmol/L glucose,while the cells in high glucose group were cultured in DMEM medium with 35 mmol/L glucose. The amount of living cells was measured by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The proteins were collected from the two groups and then were digested with trypsin. Peptides of 2μg were injected into the time of flight-mass spectrometer and the acquisition mode was DDA. The results were further analyzed using bioinformatics software. Results CCK-8 results showed that the absorbance ( A450 ) of HRMPCs in high glucose group was 0. 75±0. 04,which was significantly lower than 0. 91±0. 05 in control group (t=5. 784,P=0. 0002). In total,1972 proteins were identified and 54 of them were significantly different between the two groups (fold change >1. 5). Among them,13 proteins were up-regulated,including CTNNB1 and CTBP2;while 41 proteins were down-regulated,including SQSTM1 and HMGCS1. The differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in citric acid cycle and aerobic respiration. Conclusions The expressions of many proteins in HRMPCs change under the stimulation of high glucose,which may influence the respiration and the ATP production of cells and eventually induce the loss of pericyte.
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@#AIM: To investigate the effects of insulin on syndecan-1 expression, cellular permeability and proliferation in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. <p>METHODS: Cells were treated with 100nmol/L and 1 000nmol/L insulin for 48h respectively. Expression of protein and mRNA were detected by western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cellular proliferation and permeability were examined by methods of methylthiazolyl tetrazolium and horseradish peroxidase. <p>RESULTS: With treatment of insulin, protein and mRNA of syndecan-1 both increased obviously, and the effect of high level insulin was more significant. After treated with insulin, cellular proliferation and permeability both enhanced, and the effects of high level insulin were stronger. <p>CONCLUSION: Insulin can up-regulate syndecan-1 protein and mRNA in cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells, and increase cellular permeability and proliferation.
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Objective To investigate the relationship between corneal basal nerve change and type 2 diabetic retinopathy based on confocal laser microscopy.Methods Together 118 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were collected in our hospital from February 2016 to February 2017,including 57 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR group) and 61 patients without DR (NDR group).For comparison,60 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group.And all the subjects were examined by corneal confocal laser microscopy to analyze the relationship between the morphological parameters of the corneal nerve and clinical variables.Results Corneal nerve fiber density,corneal nerve branch density and corneal nerve branch length in DR group were (20.03 ±4.22) · mm-2,(22.01 ± 7.05) · mm-2 and (9.50 ± 1.76) mm ·mm-2,significantly less than those of the control group and NDR group (all P ＜ 0.05);and corneal nerve fiber curvature was (0.30 ± 0.03),significantly higher than that of the control group and NDR group (all P ＜ 0.05);In DR patients,phase Ⅲ patients had smaller the corneal nerve fiber density,corneal nerve branch density and corneal nerve branch length,but the larger corneal nerve fiber curvature than the phase Ⅰ and Ⅱ patients (all P ＜ 0.05);course of disease of DR group was (12.04 ± 2.48) years,which was significantly higher than that of NDR group (P ＜ 0.05),while fasting C peptide and fasting insulin were (1.41 ± 0.58) μg · L-1 and (20.05 ± 7.91) mU · L-1,respectively,significantly lower than those of NDR group (all P ＜ 0.05);The duration of T2D was negatively correlated with the corneal nerve branch density and corneal nerve branch length (r =-0.322,-0.317,all P ＜0.05);Fasting C peptide was positively correlated with the corneal nerve branch density (r =0.298,P ＜ 0.05),and negatively correlated with the corneal nerve curvature (r =-0.311,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Patients with T2D retinopathy have abnormal morphology of corneal nerve.And confocal laser scanning microscopy is conducive to the early detection of microvascular disease in T2D patients with a longer course of disease or a low level of fasting C peptide.
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@#There are a variety of ways for isolation and selective cultivation of retinal microvascular endothelial cells <i>in vitro</i>, in which the newly reported tissue culture with collagenase digestion method are widely used for simple, economical, high purity and good activity of obtained endothelial cells. As a result of the limitation of person eye donor, researchers often use rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells that are highly homologous to human beings to experiment <i>in vitro</i>. In this paper, the methods of culturing retinal microvascular endothelial cells <i>in vitro</i> will be elaborated from the aspects of animal species, added factors, cell purification and identification <i>in vitro</i>. At the same time, the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in the process of operation are briefly described, which can provide a reference for the researchers to select suitable cultivation methods.
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Objective To study the relationships between retinal microvascular disease and acute coronary event (ACE) among aged people. Methods A controlled study for senile people in communities was conducted. Xinglong Zhuang Coal Mine Community in Jining city, Shandong province was chosen to carry out the study, and the residents in that area aged≥60 years were asked to take questionnaire survey, physical and laboratory examinations. There were 139 cases met the diagnostic criteria of ACE being in the observation group, and 1 509 cases without ACE were assigned in the control group. The gender, age, smoking, alcohol intake, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, education, physical exercise, retinal microvascular disease, fasting blood-glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterin (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C), triacylglycerol (TG), systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, body mass index (BMI) were collected in the two groups to perform univariate analysis. Multivariate non-conditional logistic regression analysis was used for the factors with statistical significance to screen out the independent risk factors that could affect the occurrence of ACE. Results The univariate analysis showed:the risk factors that might cause the occurrence of ACE included age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, LDL-C, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, BMI, and retinal microvascular disease (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the ACE patients of observation group, the rates of presence of arteriovenous crossing sign [44.6%(62/139) vs. 27.8%(419/1 509)], hard exudates [9.4%(13/139) vs. 4.9%(74/1 509)] and cotton-wool patches [19.4%(27/139) vs. 7.3%(110/1 509)] in retinal microvascular disease were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The logistic regression analysis showed:age [P=0.002, odds ratio (OR)=1.06, 95%confidence interval (95%CI)=1.04-1.09], smoking (P=0.032, OR=2.17, 95%CI=2.04-2.30), retinal microvascular disease (P = 0.010, OR = 2.33, 95%CI = 0.97 - 1.27), hypertension (P < 0.001, OR = 5.21, 95%CI=4.11-6.36), diabetes mellitus (P=0.021, OR=1.03, 95%CI=1.01-1.05) and LDL-C (P=0.020, OR=2.80, 95%CI = 2.65 - 2.99) were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of ACE. Conclusions Retinal microvascular disease is the independent risk factor for the occurrence of ACE. The retinal angiography can be a useful examination to forecast ACE.