Abstract: Subretinal inflammation plays a critical role in retinal degenerative diseases. Although activated macrophages have been shown to play a key role in the progression of retinopathies and specifically in age-related macular degeneration, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the loss of photoreceptors leading to vision impairment. In our study on retinal damages induced by photo-oxidative stress, we have observed that CD36-deficient mice featured less subretinal macrophage accumulation with attenuated photoreceptor degeneration compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Treatment with CD36-selective azapeptide ligand (labelled MPE-001) as modulator of the inflammatory environment of the retina reduced subretinal macrophage/activated microglia accumulation with preservation of photoreceptor layers and function assessed by ERG in WT, in a CD36-dependent manner. The azapeptide modulated the transcriptome of subretinal macrophage/activated microglia by reducing pro-inflammatory markers. In isolated macrophages, the CD36-selective azapeptide induced dissociation of the CD36-TLR2/6 heterodimer complex (using FRET) altering the TLR2 signaling pathway, thus decreasing NF-KB activation and inflammasome activity. The azapeptide also incurred cytoprotection against photoreceptor apoptosis elicited by activated macrophages. These findings suggest that the azapeptide as ligand of co-receptor CD36 decreases the inflammatory response by modulating CD36-TLR2/6 complex signaling pathway in macrophages, and suggests its potential application in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
Abstract: Ocular vessel networks develop in a highly stereotyped fashion. Abnormal ocular angiogenesis is associated with major diseases including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Better understanding of mechanisms driving angiogenesis is expected to uncover novel targets to prevent vision loss. Capillary growth is driven by endothelial tip cells, which are selected by dynamic interplay between VEGF, Notch and BMP signaling, with VEGF acting as a positive regulator, and Notch and the BMP receptor Alk1 acting as negative regulators of tip cell formation. The concerted interplay between these molecules ensures that appropriate tip cell numbers leading new vessel branches are formed. In addition, guidance receptors including Neuropilins and Roundabout receptors contribute to vascular patterning by regulating VEGF and BMP signaling. Possibilities to target these pathways during pathological ocular neovascularization will be discussed.
Abstract: Pediatric neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty within neuro-ophthalmology. Pediatric neuro-ophthalmic diseases must be considered separate from their adult counterparts, due to the distinctive nature of the examination, clinical presentations, and management choices. This manuscript will highlight four common pediatric neuro-ophthalmic disorders by describing common clinical presentations, recommended management, and highlighting recent developments. Diseases discussed include pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), pseudopapilledema, optic neuritis (ON) and optic pathway gliomas (OPG). The demographics, diagnosis and management of common pediatric neuro-ophthalmic disease require a working knowledge of the current research presented herein. Special attention should be placed on the differences between pediatric and adult entities such that children can be appropriately diagnosed and treated.
Abstract: Complications of myopia have become an important public health issue with serious socio-economic burdens. Prevention and treatment are both important. The Taiwan Student Vision Care Program (TSVCP) promoted by Ministry of Education (MOE) has been carried out for 3 decades in Taiwan. The myopia prevalence has increased rapidly to a high level and therefore myopia prevention has continued to be the most important item in the program. Therefore, TSVCP aims to decrease the prevalence of myopia, in order to decrease the high myopia related blindness in the future. Recently, outdoor activity has been found to be an important protective factor for myopia and was implemented in TSVCP since 2010. Afterwards, the nationwide vision impairment rate (uncorrected vision 20/25 or less) of elementary school students declined unprecedentedly and continuously in recent years. Evidence-based protective and risk factors for myopia are now clearer. Widespread acknowledgement of myopic disease, preventing the onset of myopia, prompt diagnosis, and early treatment to control progression are all important.
