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Molecular Aspects of Retinopathy and Protection

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2024) | Viewed by 1339

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404328, Taiwan
2. Department of Ophthalmology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
Interests: eye; cataract; eyelid surgery; ophthalmology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Molecular retinopathy studies encompass a wide range of knowledge that includes genetic mutations or biochemical functions that affect the retina’s normal functioning. Advances in molecular biology and genetics have significantly enhanced our understanding of these conditions, allowing for the identification of key pathogenic mechanisms and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Protection against molecular retinopathy involves a multi-faceted approach, incorporating early diagnosis, genetic counseling, lifestyle modifications, and emerging therapies. Genetic screening and molecular diagnostics play a crucial role in identifying at-risk individuals and enabling early intervention. Current protective strategies also focus on mitigating risk factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction through pharmacological agents, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle interventions.

Innovative treatments, including gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and the use of neuroprotective agents, are being explored to address the underlying molecular causes of these retinopathies. The goal of these therapies is not only to halt disease progression but also to restore vision and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

In summary, molecular retinopathy represents a complex interplay of genetic and biochemical factors leading to retinal degeneration. Advances in understanding the molecular underpinnings of these conditions have paved the way for novel protective and therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving vision and enhancing retinal health.

Prof. Dr. Hui-Ju Lin
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • molecular retinopathy
  • retinal degeneration
  • photoreceptor cells
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • apoptosis
  • neuroprotection
  • gene therapy
  • antioxidants
  • cytoprotecting
  • retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
  • angiogenesis
  • microglia activation
  • mitochondrial dysfunction
  • growth factors
  • signal transduction
  • neurotrophic factors
  • retinal vascular disease
  • stem cell therapy
  • anti-inflammatory agents
  • proteomics
  • gene expression
  • retinal ischemia
  • macular degeneration
  • retinitis pigmentosa
  • endoplasmic reticulum stress
  • autophage
  • cell signaling pathways
  • therapeutic targets
  • retinal cell regeneration

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 771 KiB  
Article
Influence of Functional Variations in Genes of Neurotrophins and Neurotransmitter Systems on the Development of Retinopathy of Prematurity
by Mariza Fevereiro-Martins, Ana Carolina Santos, Carlos Marques-Neves, Hercília Guimarães, Manuel Bicho and on behalf of the GenE-ROP Study Group
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030898 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Retinal neurodevelopment, vascularization, homeostasis, and stress response are influenced by factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and erythropoietin (EPO). As retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neurovascular [...] Read more.
Retinal neurodevelopment, vascularization, homeostasis, and stress response are influenced by factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and erythropoietin (EPO). As retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neurovascular retinal disease, this study analyzed the contributions of NGF (rs6330), BDNF (rs7934165), TH (rs10770141), and EPO (rs507392) genetic functional polymorphisms to the modulation of hematological and biochemical parameters of the first week of life and their association with ROP development. A multicenter cohort of 396 preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g) was genotyped using MicroChip DNA and iPlex MassARRAY® platform. Multivariate regression followed univariate assessment of ROP risk factors. NGF (GG) genotype was associated with a higher ROP risk (OR = 1.79), which increased further (OR = 2.38) when epistatic interactions with TH (allele C) and BDNF (allele G) were present. Significant circulating biomarker differences, including bilirubin, erythrocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelet markers, were found between ROP and non-ROP groups, with variations depending on the polymorphism. These findings suggest that NGF (rs6330) and its interactions with related genes contribute to ROP risk, providing valuable insights into the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying the disease and identifying potential predictive biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Retinopathy and Protection)
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17 pages, 982 KiB  
Article
Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Diabetic Retinopathy Development: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
by Ricardo Raúl Robles-Rivera, Fermín Paul Pacheco-Moisés, Cecilia Olvera-Montaño, José Alberto Castellanos-González, Andre Leonardo Barley-Villaseñor, Ernesto Germán Cardona-Muñoz and Adolfo Daniel Rodríguez-Carrizalez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13084; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313084 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 698
Abstract
DR is a complex complication of DM with multiple biochemical pathways implicated in its genesis and progression. Circulating OS and mitochondrial function biomarkers represent potential candidates in the DR staging system. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study comparing the OS biomarkers: TAC, GR, [...] Read more.
DR is a complex complication of DM with multiple biochemical pathways implicated in its genesis and progression. Circulating OS and mitochondrial function biomarkers represent potential candidates in the DR staging system. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study comparing the OS biomarkers: TAC, GR, NOS, CARB, and hydroperoxydes, as well as mitochondrial function biomarkers: ATP synthase and ATPase activity in healthy volunteers, DM w/o DR, Moderate and Severe NPDR, and PDR. TAC is progressively diminished the more DR progresses to its proliferative stages. GR and NOS may function as biomarkers to differentiate the progression from S NPDR to PDR. CARB may correlate with the progression from M NPDR to S NPDR. Hydroperoxide levels were higher in patients with DR compared to DM w/o DR expressing OS in the early development of DR. ATPase activity is increasingly augmented the more DR progresses and may function as a biomarker that reflects the difference between N PDR and PDR, and ATP synthesis was lower the more DR progressed, being significantly lower compared to DM w/o DR. The behavior of OS and mitochondrial function in several stages of DR may aid in the staging and the prognosis of DR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Aspects of Retinopathy and Protection)
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