Purpose: The main objective of the present study was the investigation of possible influence of lens opacification on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements. Methods: 86 eyes of 64 patients (mean age 73.4(±8.3)years) were included in the study. MPOD was prospectively measured using one-wavelength reflection method (Visucam500, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) before and after cataract extraction with implantation of a blue-light filtering intraocular lens (AlconSN60WF). The median of the maximum optical density (MaxOD) and the median of the mean optical density (MeanOD) measurements of macular pigment across the subject group were evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences were noticed between pre-operative and post-operative measurements, the absolute values were generally lower after cataract extraction. The following median(lower/upper quartile) differences across the group were determined: MaxOD -33.8%(-46.2%/-19.1%), MeanOD -44.0%(-54.6%/-26.6%). Larger changes were observed in elderly patients (<70years of age: (n=25eyes) MaxOD -13.4%(-20.5%/3.6%), MeanOD -23.6%(-30.5%/-15.3%) versus patients ≥70years: (n=61eyes) MaxOD -40.5%(-53.2%/-30.1%), MeanOD -47.2%(-57.8%/-40.1%)) and in patients with progressed stage of cataract. MaxOD for lens opacification grade 1:(n=9eyes) -27.4%(-42.1%/-19.6%), 2:(n=26eyes) -35.0%(-44.2%/-25.3%), 3:(n=21eyes) -34.4%(-45.4%/-11.4%), 4:(n=25eyes) -32.6%(-53.2%/-6.4%) and 5:(n=5eyes) -53.5%(-61.7%/-38.7%) and MeanOD for cataract stage 1:(n=9eyes) -42.6%(-46.0%/-26.0%), 2:(n=26eyes) -44.1%(-51.8%/26.2%), 3:(n=21eyes) -45.7%(-54.7%/-24.7%), 4:(n=25eyes) -39.5%(-59.4%/-26.1%), 5:(n=5eyes) -57.0%(-66.1%/-51.4%). Conclusions: As established by comparison of pre- to post-operative measurements, cataract presented a strong effect on MPOD measured by one-wavelength reflection method. Particular care should therefore be taken when evaluating MPOD using this method in elderly patients with progressed stage of cataract. Future optimization of correcting parameters of scattered light and consideration of cataract influence may allow more precise evaluation of MPOD.

Submitted by Viviane Lima da Cunha (viviane@biblioteca.ufpb.br) on 2017-06-16T12:44:17Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1568113 bytes, checksum: 143c994d6a632a3c81bc4c4e5d8557f6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-16T12:44:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1568113 bytes, checksum: 143c994d6a632a3c81bc4c4e5d8557f6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-24 / Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus. The most widely used treatment today is intravitreal injection (IIV) of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the gold-standard diagnostic test, however it is expensive and inaccessible. Some risk factors are strongly associated with development of DME and its response to treatment. There is few surveys that analyzes the impact and risk percentages of these factors in the probability of developing EMD and, therefore, in the necessity of early therapeutic intervention, which motivated the accomplishment of this research. This study aimed to achieve a Predictive Model to guide the decision in the early treatment with intravitreal injection in patients with EMD, by quantifying and ranking the risk factors impact on the chance of a diabetic patient need this therapy. It is a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive and analytical study. The data were collected at the Ophthalmology Department of the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital - UFPB and at the Hospital Visão, both in João Pessoa, and at the Genival Barbosa de Lucena Vision Center, located in Guarabira-PB, from July 2015 to September 2016. Individuals with type 1 or 2 diabetes and older than 18 years were included, after signing the informed consent form. The logistic regression model was used to obtain and adapt the predictive model and all the data were analyzed in statistical software R®, version 3.2.0. Eighty diabetic patients were evaluated: 57.5% had no indication of IIV and 42.5% needed this treatment. Of those who had EMD and needed anti-VEGF injection, the mean age was 60.65 years, 47.05% male and 52.94% female. In the group without macular edema, the mean age was 58.02 years, 26.06% male and 73.91% female. Among the individuals who had no indication of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF, most had no mild retinopathy or non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (69.56%). Among the patients who needed the treatment, the majority had severe NPDR or proliferative retinopathy (79.41%). Were identified as risk factors to EMD and intravitreal anti-VEGF: be retired (OR = 5.22, p-value0.05), had a personal history of diabetic retinopathy (OR = 20.27; P-value 0.006) and positive history for previous treatment with anti-VEGF (OR = 23.23; p-value 0.002). From the results of this study, we conclude that a diabetic individual has low visual acuity and presents these three factors, should be referred as soon as possible to the specialist, since he has a risk of presenting DME with need for anti-VEGF IIV, with 91.17% of accuracy. In summary, an evaluative and predictive model was proposed to serve as a supporting tool in therapeutic decision, mainly to the non-retinal physician, to refer to the specialist the patients with diabetic retinopathy and its main cause of low visual acuity - diabetic macular edema - to early diagnosis and treatment, which may be decisive to preventing irreversible visual loss in these patients. / A injeção intravítrea (IIV) de anti-VEGF (fator de crescimento vascular endotelial) constitui a modalidade terapêutica mais utilizada nos dias de hoje para o tratamento do edema macular diabético (EMD), sendo esta a principal causa de baixa visual em pacientes portadores de diabetes mellitus. O exame padrão – ouro para o diagnóstico é a tomografia de coerência óptica (TCO) da mácula, no entanto possui alto custo e difícil acesso. O desenvolvimento de EMD e a resposta ao tratamento são fortemente associados a determinados fatores de risco. Na literatura especializada há uma escassez de estudos que estabeleçam uma quantificação dos percentuais de risco desses fatores, a fim de verificar aqueles que possuem maior impacto na probabilidade de desenvolver EMD e, portanto, na necessidade de intervenção terapêutica precoce, o que motivou a realização desta pesquisa. O estudo teve por objetivo a propositura de um Modelo Preditivo para auxiliar na decisão de realização de uma injeção intravítrea de anti-VEGF, a partir da quantificação e hierarquização dos fatores de risco que compõem o perfil dos indivíduos adultos diabéticos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional, descritivo e inferencial. Os dados foram coletados na Unidade da Visão do Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley – UFPB e no Hospital Visão, ambos em João Pessoa, e no Centro da Visão Genival Barbosa de Lucena, localizado na cidade de Guarabira-PB, no período de julho de 2015 a setembro de 2016. Foram incluídos indivíduos com diabetes tipo 1 ou 2 e idade acima de 18 anos, após assinatura do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. O modelo de regressão logística foi utilizado para obtenção e adequação do modelo preditivo e todos os dados foram analisados no software estatístico R®, versão 3.2.0. Foram avaliados 80 pacientes diabéticos, dos quais 57,5% não tiveram indicação de IIV e 42,5% receberam indicação do tratamento em questão. Dos que tiveram EMD e indicação do tratamento com injeção de anti-VEGF, a média de idade foi de 60,65 anos, sendo 47,05% do sexo masculino e 52,94% do sexo feminino. Em relação àqueles sem edema macular, a média de idade foi de 58,02 anos, sendo 26,06% do sexo masculino e 73,91% do sexo feminino. Dentre os indivíduos que não tiveram indicação de injeção intravítrea de anti-VEGF, a maioria apresentou ausência de retinopatia ou retinopatia diabética não- proliferativa (RDNP) leve (69,56%). Já dentre os pacientes que necessitaram do tratamento, a maioria apresentou RDNP severa ou retinopatia proliferativa (79,41%). Foram identificados como fatores de risco para o edema macular diabético e, portanto, necessidade de IIV, o indivíduo ser aposentado (OR=5,22; p-valor0,05), ter histórico pessoal de retinopatia diabética (OR=20,27; p-valor 0,006) e histórico positivo para tratamento prévio com anti-VEGF (OR=23,23; p-valor 0,002). Concluímos, a partir dos resultados desta pesquisa, que um indivíduo diabético tenha baixa visual e apresente esses três fatores, deve ser encaminhado o quanto antes ao especialista, pois possui risco de apresentar EMD com necessidade de IIV de anti-VEGF, com 91,17% de acerto. Em suma, foi proposto um modelo de avaliação e de predição para servir como ferramenta coadjuvante na tomada de decisão, sobretudo do médico não-retinólogo, a fim de encaminhar para o diagnóstico e tratamento precoces os pacientes com retinopatia diabética e sua principal causa de baixa acuidade visual – o edema macular diabético –, o que pode ser decisivo na prevenção da perda visual irreversível nesses pacientes.

Orientadores: Antonia Paula Marques de Faria, Luis Alberto Magna / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T01:20:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rim_PriscilaHaeHyun_D.pdf: 2205542 bytes, checksum: edfaaae7ed2a5aac688ce4f677a0d05a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Introdução: A degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI) é uma das principais causas de cegueira no mundo desenvolvido, acometendo indivíduos com mais de 65 anos. É uma condição multifatorial degenerativa e progressiva, ocasionando perda da visão central de um ou ambos os olhos e afetando a independência do idoso. Vários fatores de risco estão associados com essa condição incluindo fatores oculares, genéticos, demográficos, nutricionais, médicos e ambientais, mas não há estudo sistemático dos mesmos na população brasileira. Seria oportuno conhecê-los, considerando estabelecer eventuais estratégias para prevenção e diagnóstico precoce, pois apesar dos notáveis avanços na terapêutica da DMRI, o impacto socioeconômico dessa condição e de suas complicações tenderá a aumentar com o envelhecimento da população. Objetivos: Identificar os fatores de risco associados ao desenvolvimento e progressão da DMRI em uma população brasileira. Métodos: Realizado estudo transversal com grupo controle envolvendo 236 participantes com idade >50 anos incluindo 141 indivíduos afetados e 95 controles sem DMRI, todos pacientes assistidos no serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo incluindo fundoscopia, retinografia e angiografia e responderam a um questionário contendo perguntas sobre fatores demográficos, antecedentes médicos e oculares, história familial de DMRI, estilo de vida, hábitos de tabagismo e etilismo. Resultados: Dos 141 portadores de DMRI, 99 (71%) indivíduos apresentavam DMRI da forma avançada em pelo menos um dos olhos (57% DMRI neovascular e 13% atrofia geográfica) e 42 (30%) da forma inicial da doença (DMRI seca leve ou moderada). Os indivíduos afetados apresentaram acuidade visual (média de 20/200) significativamente menor do que os controles (média de 20/40) e mais de 50% dos pacientes com DMRI eram portadores de cegueira ou visão subnormal, (RR 9,89; 95%CI 3,79-25,81). Houve diferença significativa em relação aos fatores como: idade (RR 1.51; 95% CI: 0,88-2,58), história familial de DMRI (RR 6,58; 95% CI: 1,94-22,31), presença de doença cardiovascular (DCV) (RR 2,39; 95% CI: 1,08-5,28), altos níveis de colesterol plasmático (RR 1,49; 95% CI: 0,84-2,65) e sedentarismo (RR 1,39; 95% CI: 0,82-2,37). Não houve diferença significativa em relação ao sexo, IMC, catarata e/ou cirurgia de catarata, cor da pele, cor da íris, exposição solar, uso de antioxidantes, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes, tabagismo e etilismo na comparação entre pacientes e controles. Quanto ao tipo de DMRI, foi observada associação significativa em relação à presença de doença cardiovascular e a DMRI avançada (RR 2,29; 95% CI: 0,81-6,44). O nível de colesterol nos portadores de DMRI inicial foi mais alto que os de DMRI avançada (RR 1,67; 95% CI: 1,09-4,80). A correlação de 0,351 foi obtida na análise discriminante (stepwise), onde os fatores antecedentes familiais, idade, sedentarismo e dislipidemia foram considerados. Conclusão: Verificou-se na amostra estudada que os principais fatores de risco para DMRI são: idade, história familial de DMRI, doença cardiovascular, dislipidemia e sedentarismo. Entre estes fatores, indivíduos com DCV apresentaram risco aumentado para o desenvolvimento da forma avançada da DMRI e a hipercolesterolemia foi predominante naqueles com DMRI inicial. Como a DCV e a DMRI na forma avançada aparentemente apresentam vários fatores de risco em comum, foi feita recomendação final de que poderiam ser prevenidas conjuntamente por meio de programas de promoção da saúde do idoso envolvendo combate a fatores como hipertensão arterial, diabetes, obesidade (alto IMC), tabagismo, etilismo e maus hábitos alimentares, embora isoladamente não fossem estatisticamente significativos no presente estudo. Também foi destacado o papel da hereditariedade desta condição e a perspectiva de que membros das famílias de portadores sejam informados sobre risco de recorrência e medidas preventivas / Abstract: Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness among individuals 65 years of age or older in developed countries. It is a degenerative and complex condition causing lost of central vision that impacts the independence of the elderly. A number of major risk factors for AMD have been identified worldwide, including genetic, demographic, nutritional, lifestyle, medical, environmental, and ocular factors, but there are no systematic studies on Brazilian population until now. The knowledge of these factors will lead to the elaboration of early diagnostic and preventive strategies taking into account that despite remarkable developments in therapy, the socio-economic burden of the disease is likely to increase worldwide as the population ages. Purpose: To identify risk factors associated with the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration in a Brazilian population aiming the assessment of possible preventive measures based in the profile of these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study with control group was performed in 236 participants aged 50 years or older including 141 affected individuals and 95 controls without disease, all current patients from the Department of Ophthalmology-Otorhinolaryngology of Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences-Unicamp. Ocular examinations were performed including color stereoscopic fundus photographs and data including demographic factors, ocular and medical history, family history of AMD, lifestyle, smoking and drinking habits was obtained by questionnaire from all participants. Results: Of the 141 AMD cases, 99 (71%) had late AMD in at least one eye (57% neovascular AMD and 13% geographic atrophy) and 42 (30%) had early AMD. The visual acuity of the AMD patients (mean of 20/200) was substantially lower than controls (mean of 20/40). More than 50% of AMD cases had visual impairment among (RR 9.89; 95%CI: 3.79-25.81). Age (RR 1.51; 95% CI: 0.88-2.58), positive family history of AMD (RR 6.58; 95% CI: 1.94-22.31); presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (RR 2.39; 95% CI: 1.08-5.28), low physical activity level (RR 1.39; 95% CI: 0.82-2.37) and high serum cholesterol (RR, 1.49; 95% CI: 0.84-2.65) were associated to increased risk for AMD. There was no significant association with sex, IMC, cataract/cataract surgery, skin color, iris color, sunlight exposure, antioxidants intake, history of hypertension, diabetes, smoking status and alcohol consumption between the groups of AMD patients and controls. Comparing data between affected individuals, there was a significant association with history of CVD and incidence of late AMD (RR 2.29; 95% CI 0.81-6.44). There were higher levels of serum cholesterol among subjects with early AMD than those with late AMD (RR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.09-4.80). A correlation of 0.351 was obtained in discriminant analysis (stepwise), where factors such as family history, age, low physical activity and high serum cholesterol were considered. Conclusions: This findings show that the main risk factors associated to AMD in this population are: age, family history, cardiovascular disease (CVD), high level of cholesterol and low physical activity. Among these factors, patients with history of CVD were associated with increased risk to advanced AMD and higher levels of plasma cholesterol were found among individuals with early AMD. As CVD and late AMD apparently share multiple risk factors, final recommendation was made that both conditions could be prevented jointly through programmes of health promotion for the elderly. The targets include combat of hypertension, diabetes, obesity (high BMI), smoking, alcoholism and bad eating habits, although in isolation were not statistically significant in this study. The role of heredity in this condition was also highlighted as well as the prospect of family members of affected individuals to be informed about risk of recurrence and preventive measures / Doutorado / Oftalmologia / Doutor em Ciências Médicas

No description available.

Purpose: The main objective of the present study was the investigation of possible influence of lens opacification on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements. Methods: 86 eyes of 64 patients (mean age 73.4(±8.3)years) were included in the study. MPOD was prospectively measured using one-wavelength reflection method (Visucam500, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) before and after cataract extraction with implantation of a blue-light filtering intraocular lens (AlconSN60WF). The median of the maximum optical density (MaxOD) and the median of the mean optical density (MeanOD) measurements of macular pigment across the subject group were evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences were noticed between pre-operative and post-operative measurements, the absolute values were generally lower after cataract extraction. The following median(lower/upper quartile) differences across the group were determined: MaxOD -33.8%(-46.2%/-19.1%), MeanOD -44.0%(-54.6%/-26.6%). Larger changes were observed in elderly patients (<70years of age: (n=25eyes) MaxOD -13.4%(-20.5%/3.6%), MeanOD -23.6%(-30.5%/-15.3%) versus patients ≥70years: (n=61eyes) MaxOD -40.5%(-53.2%/-30.1%), MeanOD -47.2%(-57.8%/-40.1%)) and in patients with progressed stage of cataract. MaxOD for lens opacification grade 1:(n=9eyes) -27.4%(-42.1%/-19.6%), 2:(n=26eyes) -35.0%(-44.2%/-25.3%), 3:(n=21eyes) -34.4%(-45.4%/-11.4%), 4:(n=25eyes) -32.6%(-53.2%/-6.4%) and 5:(n=5eyes) -53.5%(-61.7%/-38.7%) and MeanOD for cataract stage 1:(n=9eyes) -42.6%(-46.0%/-26.0%), 2:(n=26eyes) -44.1%(-51.8%/26.2%), 3:(n=21eyes) -45.7%(-54.7%/-24.7%), 4:(n=25eyes) -39.5%(-59.4%/-26.1%), 5:(n=5eyes) -57.0%(-66.1%/-51.4%). Conclusions: As established by comparison of pre- to post-operative measurements, cataract presented a strong effect on MPOD measured by one-wavelength reflection method. Particular care should therefore be taken when evaluating MPOD using this method in elderly patients with progressed stage of cataract. Future optimization of correcting parameters of scattered light and consideration of cataract influence may allow more precise evaluation of MPOD.

Un endothélium vasculaire rétinien quiescent est essentiel dans l’approvisionnement et le maintien de l’homéostasie tissulaire afin d’assurer la fonction visuelle. L’hyperglycémie chronique dans le diabète peut mener à des complications reliées à plusieurs changements structuraux et fonctionnels de l’endothélium. Ces changements se manifestent souvent par des vaisseaux instables et hyperperméables, résultant en un tissu rétinien inadéquatement perfusé. Ces altérations sont rencontrées dans la pathophysiologie de l’œdème maculaire diabétique (OMD) qui affecte plus du quart des diabétiques. L’inhibition du facteur de perméabilité vasculaire VEGF-A a révolutionné le traitement de l’OMD, mais est aussi associée à des effets secondaires non négligeables reliés à leur non-spécificité et à une compréhension incomplète des mécanismes régulant la perméabilité vasculaire. Un ciblage spécifique de l’endothélium permettant la récupération de la quiescence et la stabilité physiologique réduisant l’hyperperméabilité pourrait fournir un nouvel outil thérapeutique. La BMP9 (Bone morphogenetic protein 9), qui est mise en circulation par le foie, est connue comme facteur de quiescence et de stabilité vasculaire ainsi que pour son effet sur l’homéostasie du glucose. Ces aspects étant peu documentés dans un contexte diabétique, nous avons évalué les capacités de la BMP9 sur la stabilisation de l’endothélium rétinien et ses effets paracrines/autocrines sur la gluconéogenèse hépatique. Nous avons démontré que la signalisation canonique de la BMP9/Smad1,5,9 via son récepteur spécifique à l’endothélium Alk1, était déficiente dans un modèle murin de diabète, ce qui exacerbe l’hyperperméabilité endothéliale rétinienne. À l’inverse, la surexpression de la BMP9 par un modèle murin de livraison adénovirale récupère la perméabilité physiologique, associée principalement à un renforcement des jonctions interendothéliales en limitant l’action du VEGF. De plus, nous avons trouvé que la BMP9 améliore le contrôle glycémique chez les souris diabétiques par l’inhibition de la gluconéogenèse hépatique, via la voie non-canonique Alk3/FOXO1. Fondamentalement, ce travail met en évidence les mécanismes régissant la perméabilité endothéliale dans un contexte diabétique, fournissant une alternative thérapeutique contre l’OMD. La régulation de la perméabilité rétinienne par la BMP9 s’effectue à plusieurs niveaux, indirectement par le contrôle glycémique, et directement par la solidification jonctionnelle de la barrière endothéliale rétinienne, réhabilitant ainsi la quiescence et la stabilité de l'endothélium physiologique. / A quiescent retinal vascular endothelium is essential for the supply and maintenance of tissue homeostasis to ensure proper visual function. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes can lead to multiple complications related to several structural and functional changes in the endothelium, characterized by unstable and hyperpermeable vessels resulting in an inadequately perfused retinal tissue. These alterations are encountered in the pathophysiology of diabetic macular edema (DME), which affects more than a quarter of diabetics. Inhibition of the vascular permeability factor VEGF-A has revolutionized the treatments of DME but is associated with non-negligible side effects related to their non-specific action combined with an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms regulating vascular permeability. Specific endothelial targeting aiming to recover quiescence and reducing hyperpermeability could provide new therapeutic tools for the treatment or prevention of DME. BMP9 (Bone morphogenetic protein 9), which is produced by the liver, is known as a vascular quiescence and stability factor as well as for its effects on glucose homeostasis. Since these aspects are poorly documented in a diabetic context, we investigated BMP9’s capabilities on endothelium stabilization and its paracrine/autocrine effects on hepatic gluconeogenesis. In our studies, we found that the canonical BMP9/Smad1,5,9 signaling, via its physiological Alk1 endothelium-specific receptor, was deficient in a murine model of diabetes, which exacerbates retinal endothelial hyperpermeability. In contrast, adenoviral overexpression of BMP9 recovers physiological permeability, which was primarily associated with the enhancement of interendothelial junctions by limiting the action of VEGF. In addition, we found that BMP9 improves glycemic control in diabetic mice by inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis via the non-canonical ALK3/FOXO1 pathway. Fundamentally, this work highlights new insights of the mechanisms governing endothelial permeability in a diabetic context, providing a therapeutic alternative against DME. Regulation of retinal permeability by BMP9 occurs on several levels, indirectly, through glycemic control, and directly through the junctional solidification of the hyperglycemic retinal endothelial barrier, thus rehabilitating the quiescence and stability of the physiological endothelium.

No description available.

Yes / Microperimetry, also referred to as fundus perimetry or fundus-driven perimetry, enables simultaneous acquisition of visual sensitivity and eye movement data. We present sensitivity data collected from 60 participants with normal vision using gaze-contingent perimetry. A custom designed spatially dense test grid was used to collect data across the visual field within 13° of fixation. These data are supplemental to a study in which we demonstrated a spatial interpolation method that facilitates comparison of acquired data from any set of spatial locations to normative data and thus screening of individuals with both normal and non-foveal fixation (Denniss and Astle, 2016)[1].

<p>Complement factor H (CFH) is a major susceptibility gene for age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, its impact on AMD pathobiology is unresolved. Here, the role of CFH in the development of AMD pathology in vivo was interrogated by analyzing aged Cfh+/- and Cfh-/- mice fed a high fat, cholesterol-enriched diet. Strikingly, decreased levels of CFH led to increased sub-retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) deposit formation, specifically basal laminar deposits, following high fat diet. Mechanistically, our data show that deposits are due to CFH competition for lipoprotein binding sites in Bruch’s membrane. Interestingly and despite sub-RPE deposit formation occurring in both Cfh+/- and Cfh-/- mice, RPE damage accompanied by loss of vision occurred only in old Cfh+/- mice. We demonstrate that such pathology is a function of excess complement activation and C5a production, associated with monocyte recruitment, in Cfh+/- mice versus complement deficiency in Cfh-/- animals. Due to the CFH dependent increase in sub-RPE deposit height we interrogated the potential of CFH as a novel regulator of Bruch’s membrane lipoprotein binding and show, using human Bruch’s membrane explants, that CFH removes endogenous human lipoproteins in aged donors. Interestingly, although the CFH H402 variant shows altered binding to BrM, this does not affect its ability to remove endogenous lipoproteins. This new understanding of the complicated interactions of CFH in AMD-like pathology provides an improved foundation for the development of targeted therapies for AMD.</p> / Dissertation

Ackmann, Charlotte Osmotische Induktion des Komplementfaktors C9 in retinalen Pigmentepithelzellen Universität Leipzig, Dissertation 98 Seiten, 208 Literaturangaben, 28 Abbildungen, 8 Tabellen Die altersbedingte Makuladegeneration (AMD) ist die häufigste Ursache für Erblindung bei Erwachsenen in den industrialisierten Ländern. Die AMD ist unter anderem eine chronisch entzündliche Erkrankung, bei der die Aktivierung der alternativen Komplementkaskade eine Rolle spielt. Daneben erhöht Bluthochdruck, der auch durch eine salzreiche Ernährung getriggert wird, das Risiko an einer AMD zu erkranken. Untersucht wurde die Genexpression des Komplementfaktors C9 unter verschiedenen pathologischen Bedingungen in humanen retinalen Pigmentepithel (RPE)-Zellen sowie deren Wirkung auf die physiologischen Eigenschaften der Zellen. Gezeigt wird, dass die Expression des C9 Gens in humanen RPE-Zellen spezifisch durch Hyperosmolarität, Hypoxie und oxidativen Stress induziert wird. Die Menge an C9 Protein wurde durch Hyperosmolarität leicht aber signifikant erhöht. Die hyperosmotische Induktion der C9 mRNA ist abhängig von der Aktivierung der Signalproteine p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK, PI3K, sowie der Transkriptionsfaktoren STAT3 und NFAT5 während für die Hypoxie-induzierte C9 mRNA Expression nur eine Beteiligung des Transkriptionsfaktors STAT3 nachgewiesen wurde. Die Aktivierung verschiedener Signalwege durch Hyper-osmolarität und Hypoxie lässt vermuten, dass eine hohe Kochsalzaufnahme auch unter normoxischen Verhältnissen die Eigenschaften RPE-Zellen verändert. Hyperosmolarität hemmt die Proliferation und Migration der RPE-Zellen, während chemische Hypoxie nur die Proliferationsrate verringert. Die Wirkung einer erhöhten extrazellulären NaCl-Konzentration auf die C9 mRNA Expression wird über zwei Mechanismen vermittelt: über die Erhöhung der extrazellulären Osmolarität und über die Veränderung des NaCl-Gradienten über der Plasmamembran. Die NaCl Wirkung über den veränderten NaCl-Gradienten lässt vermuten, dass eine übermäßige Aufnahme von Kochsalz nicht nur über die Erhöhung des Blutdruckes die Pathogenese der AMD stimuliert, sondern dass Kochsalz auch eine direkte stimulierende Wirkung auf RPE-Zellen besitzt. Diese Vermutung könnte erklären, weshalb hoher Blutdruck ein Risikofaktor der AMD ist, aber Medikamente zur Behandlung des Bluthochdruckes das Risiko der AMD nicht verändert.