Retinal Endothelial Cells (retinal + endothelial_cell)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


2264: Expression and role of aquaporins in diabetic retinopathy

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
E MOTULSKY
Purpose Aquaporins (AQP) are involved in water movements but also in cell proliferation. The aim of our study is to investigate their potential role in diabetic retinopathy Methods In vitro, human and mouse RPE cell line will be grown under different conditions. Expression of AQPs will be investigated by RT-PCR and Western blot. Immunofluorescence will be used to determine AQP expression on retinal section from normal and NOD diabetic mice, and on on vitreoretinal membranes removed from patients with proliferative retinopathy Results Human ARPE-19 cells expressed AQP4, while mouse B6-RPE07 cells expressed AQP1. Hypertonic conditions strongly decrease AQP4 expression in ARPE-19, but not AQP1 expression in B6-RPE07 cells. In B6-RPE07 cells, significantly decrease in AQP1 expression was obtained following TNF, treatment. In normal mice, AQP1 and AQP4 expression were restricted to the photoreceptor layer and to the Müller cells, respectively. Retinal endothelial cells did not express AQP1. No AQP4 expression was detected in RPE cells. AQP1 was strongly expressed by choroidal endothelial cells, rendering difficult the evaluation of AQP1 expression by RPE cells in vivo Conclusion Our preliminary data confirms that blood retinal barrier cells express AQPs in vitro and in vivo. More studies are needed to precise the nature and regulation of this expression in normal and diabetic conditions. We hope that our combined in vitro and in vivo approaches might help to better understand this complex aspect of retinal biology [source]


Signalling pathways involved in retinal endothelial cell proliferation induced by advanced glycation end products: inhibitory effect of gliclazide

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2 2004
J.-C. Mamputu
Aim:, We have previously demonstrated that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) stimulate bovine retinal endothelial cell (BREC) proliferation through induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by these cells. We have also shown that gliclazide, a sulfonylurea which decreases oxidative stress, inhibits this effect. The aim of the present study was to characterize the signalling pathways involved in AGE-induced BREC proliferation and VEGF production and mediating the inhibitory effect of gliclazide on these biological events. Methods:, BRECs were treated or not treated with AGEs in the presence or absence of gliclazide, antioxidants, protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B) inhibitors. BREC proliferation was assessed by measuring [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. Activation of PKC, MAPK and NF-,B signal transduction pathways and determination of VEGF expression were assessed by Western blot analysis using specific antibodies. MAPK activity was also determined by an in vitro kinase assay. Results:, Treatment of BRECs with AGEs significantly increased cell proliferation and VEGF expression. AGEs induced PKC-, translocation, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and NF-,B activation in these cells. Pharmacological inhibition of these signalling pathways abolished AGE effects on cell proliferation and VEGF expression. Exposure of BRECs to gliclazide or antioxidants such as vitamin E or N -acetyl- l -cysteine resulted in a significant decrease in AGE-induced activation of PKC-, MAPK- and NF-,B-signalling pathways. Conclusions:, Our results demonstrate the involvement of PKC, MAPK and NF-,B in AGE-induced BREC proliferation and VEGF expression. Gliclazide inhibits BREC proliferation by interfering with these intracellular signal transduction pathways. [source]


Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) induces inflammation through chromatin modification in retinal capillary endothelial cells under diabetic conditions

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Lorena Perrone
Chronic hyperglycemia and activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) are known risk factors for microvascular disease development in diabetic retinopathy. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous inhibitor of antioxidant thioredoxin (TRX), plays a causative role in diabetes and its vascular complications. Herein we investigate whether HG and RAGE induce inflammation in rat retinal endothelial cells (EC) under diabetic conditions in culture through TXNIP activation and whether epigenetic mechanisms play a role in inflammatory gene expression. We show that RAGE activation by its ligand S100B or HG treatment of retinal EC induces the expression of TXNIP and inflammatory genes such as Cox2, VEGF-A, and ICAM1. TXNIP silencing by siRNA impedes RAGE and HG effects while stable over-expression of a cDNA for human TXNIP in EC elevates inflammation. p38 MAPK-NF-,B signaling pathway and histone H3 lysine (K) nine modifications are involved in TXNIP-induced inflammation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays reveal that TXNIP over-expression in EC abolishes H3K9 tri-methylation, a marker for gene inactivation, and increases H3K9 acetylation, an indicator of gene induction, at proximal Cox2 promoter bearing the NF-,B-binding site. These findings have important implications toward understanding the molecular mechanisms of ocular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 262,272, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc [source]


Retinal Endothelial Angiogenic Activity: Effects of Hypoxia and Glial (Müller) Cells

MICROCIRCULATION, Issue 7 2004
YOUSEF YAFAI
ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the impact of retinal glial (Müller) cells on survival and neovascularization-related activities of cultured retinal endothelial cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Methods: Bovine retinal endothelial cells (BRECs) were cultured under normoxia or hypoxia (0.5% O2) either alone, together with the human Müller cell line MIO-M1, or in normoxia- or hypoxia-conditioned media of MIO-M1 cells. Cell number, proliferation, apoptotic cell death, and migration of BRECs were determined. Results: Exposure of BRECs to hypoxia for 24 h decreased the number of adherent cells and the proliferation rate, but increased apoptosis and cell migration. Increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of the BRECs occurred also in the presence of conditioned media of MIO-M1 cells. Under normoxic conditions, co-culture with MIO-M1 cells resulted in increased proliferation, but decreased apoptosis and migration rates of BRECs. Under hypoxic conditions, the Müller cells released elevated amounts of VEGF but their presence decreased proliferation, apoptosis and the migration rates of BRECs. Conclusions: Hypoxia inhibits the proliferation of retinal endothelial cells. Müller cells release soluble mediators that enhance this hypoxia-mediated effect but, under certain conditions (i.e., in co-culture), may protect retinal endothelial cells from apoptosis, thus supporting their survival. Altogether the findings indicate that the key signal necessary to trigger retinal endothelial proliferation under hypoxia remains to be determined. [source]


2125: High glucose sensitizes human retinal endothelial cells for IFN-g-mediated apoptosis

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
R NAGARAJ
Purpose The biochemical mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines cause damage in the diabetic retina are poorly understood. Indoelamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an inducible by IFN-, enzyme and is the first enzyme of the kynurenine pathway, which produces cytotoxic kynurenines. In this study we have investigated the role of IDO in apoptosis of human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HREC) under hyperglycemic conditions. Methods HREC were cultured in medium containing high glucose (25 mM) or low glucose (7.5 mM) and incubated with 1-100 U/ml of IFN-,. IDO activity was measured by an HPLC assay. Expression of IFN-, receptor 1, and activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway along with activation of PKC-, was assessed by Western blotting. HREC apoptosis was measured by Hoechst staining. The role of IDO in HREC apoptosis was evaluated in the presence specific chemical inhibitors of the kynurenine pathway. Results IFN-, dose-dependently activated JAK-STAT signaling and PKC-,, and upregulated IDO. The IDO-mediated tryptophan oxidation led to formation of kynurenines, which was followed by chemical modification of proteins by kynurenines in HREC. These changes were accompanied by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of protein-free thiols. IFN-, inhibited cell cycle at low concentrations and caused caspase-3-mediated apoptosis and at higher concentrations, and those effects were amplified in the presence of high glucose in HREC. We found that IFN-, mediated cytotoxicity in HREC was primarily due to ROS generated by 3-hydroxykynurenine. Conclusion Our results suggest that high glucose sensitizes HREC to deleterious effects IFN-, and provide a novel mechanistic pathway for retinal capillary endothelial cell death in diabetes. [source]


Interactions between vitreous-derived cells and vascular endothelial cells in vitreoretinal diseases

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 5 2010
Naoki Tojo
Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to investigate the roles played by vitreous-derived cells in the pathogenesis of vitreoretinal vascular diseases. Methods:, The vitreous was removed from porcine eyes and small pieces were cultured from which vitreous-derived cells were isolated. Polymerase chain reaction and ELISA were performed to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The viability of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) exposed to vitreous-derived cells was assessed by MTT assay. Results:, Expression of the mRNA and protein of VEGF and IL-6 was increased by exposing the porcine vitreous-derived cells (PVDCs) to interleukin-1, (IL-1,), interleukin-1, (IL-1,) and tumour necrosis factor , (TNF,), but not to VEGF or IL-6. The percentage of living human vascular endothelial cells was increased by including VEGF and IL-6 in the culture media. The viability of HRECs was affected by co-culturing them with PVDCs that had been exposed to IL-1,, IL-1,, IL-6, TNF, and VEGF. Conclusions:, Porcine vitreous-derived cells are stimulated by IL-1,, IL-1, and TNF,, and produce VEGF and IL-6, which then enhance the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. This network, including the cytokines and different types of cells, may contribute to the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinal diseases. [source]


The in vitro response of human retinal endothelial cells to cytokines and other chemically active agents is altered by coculture with vitreous-derived hyalocytes

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010
Naoki Tojo
Abstract. Background:, Ocular angiogenesis is regulated by polypeptides including cytokines, which are known to affect vascular endothelial cells. We have reported that hyalocytes interact with vascular endothelial cells, and some cytokines affect these interactions. Aims:, To determine the effect of various chemically active agents on the viability of endothelial cells alone and cocultured with hyalocytes. Methods:, The viability of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) was determined after exposure to IL-1,, IL-1,, IL-6, TNF, and VEGF using the MTT assay. These results were compared to the viability when the HRECs were cocultured with porcine hyalocytes that had been exposed to different types of cytokines. The effects of bevacizumab, fenofibrate and dexamethasone on the viability of HRECs in coculture with hyalocytes were also assessed. Results:, Ten micrograms/millilitre of bevacizumab decreased the percentage of living HRECs stimulated by VEGF without hyalocytes, but with the hyalocytes, 100 ,g/ml of bevacizumab was required to decrease the percentage of viable HRECs stimulated by VEGF. Fenofibrate, at 5 ,g/ml, decreased the viability of HRECs stimulated by IL-1, and VEGF without hyalocytes but could not decrease the viability of HRECs cocultured with hyalocytes. Dexamethasone, at 50 ,g/ml, decreased the viability of HRECs stimulated by IL-1,, IL-1,, IL-6 and VEGF without hyalocytes but could not decrease the viability of HRECs cocultured. Conclusions:, Coculturing HRECs with vitreous-derived hyalocytes depressed the effects of cytokines, bevacizumab, fenofibrate and dexamethasone. This suggests that the vitreal hyalocytes may play a role in pathogenic endothelial cell proliferation in vivo. Future studies to better understand this pathobiology should utilize coculture systems of HRECs and vitreal hyalocytes. [source]


The role of HIF-1 alfa in apoptosis and proliferative retinopathy

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009
R FERNANDES
Purpose In diabetic retinal capillaries, the earlier morphological changes include pericyte loss and acellular capillary formation. These processes are regulated by interactions among a number of pro- and antiangiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). We hypothesize that increased levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) in RPE cells disrupts the balance of VEGF/Ang-2 promoting endothelial cell death and vessel regression. Methods Rats with moderate T2D, and retinal cell lines of epithelium (RPE) and endothelium (EC) were used. MGO levels were determined by HPLC. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in retinas stained for VEGF and Ang-2. RPE cells were incubated with MGO in hypoxic conditions and the level of VEGF and Ang-2 was assessed by ELISA. EC were subsequently treated with the pre-conditioned media of the RPE cells. Cell death was determined by WB against Bax and Bcl-2, while EC proliferation was assessed by BrdU-incorporation and fibrin gel angiogenic assays. Results Hyperglycemia increases the levels of MGO in retinas and RPE cells. MGO increases the levels of Ang-2 and strongly decreases the levels of VEGF in response to hypoxia. VEGF downregulation appears to result both from increased HIF-1, degradation and low HIF-1 transcriptional activity. The MGO-induced imbalance in the VEGF/Ang-2 significantly increases the expression of Bax and decreases the levels of Bcl-2. Consistently, this imbalance leads to decreased proliferation of the EC. Conclusion In diabetic retinopathy, accumulation of MGO may play a role in VEGF/Ang-2 imbalance, triggering the activation of the apoptotic cascade which induces decreased proliferation of retinal endothelial cells and as a consequence vessels regression [source]


The action of pro-inflammatory cytokines on retinal endothelial cell barrier permeability: protective effect of corticosteroids

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2008
AF AMBROSIO
Purpose The pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1, (IL-1,) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-,) were found to be increased in the vitreous of diabetic patients and in diabetic rat retinas, and increased cytokine levels were correlated with elevated retinal vascular permeability. In this work, we investigated the mechanisms underlying IL-1,- and TNF-,-induced retinal endothelial cell permeability and evaluated the ability of a glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), to prevent changes in permeability. Methods Primary cultures of bovine retinal endothelial cells (BRECs) were grown on transwell filters and exposed to IL-1, and TNF-,. BRECs permeability to 70 kDa RITC-dextran was measured. The content and localization of tight junction proteins was assessed by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results IL-1, and TNF-, increased retinal endothelial cell permeability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, but TNF-, was more effective (increased permeability at a lower dose and shorter time-point). The increase in permeability was not due to changes in cell viability. IL-1, and TNF-, altered ZO-1 and claudin-5 content. TNF-, also decreased ZO-1 staining at the cell border. Pre-treatment with DEX prevented TNF-,-induced cell permeability, and the protective effect of DEX was partially abolished by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486. Conclusion These data demonstrate that TNF-, and IL-1, potently induce endothelial cell permeability through alterations in tight junctions. Also, the study supports the potential therapeutic use of glucocorticoids to reduce retinal vascular permeability. Support: FCT (Portugal), NIH, JDRF and Allergan [source]