Advances in Gene Therapy for Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD): A Promising Frontier | Chapter 10 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 11

 

A serious demographic and public health concern, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) continues to be the leading cause of permanent loss of vision in the elderly globally. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including anti-VEGF injections and laser-based strategies, offer only temporary disease control and are limited in their ability to modify the underlying pathophysiology. It involves creating techniques to ensure sustained delivery of a range of antiangiogenic proteins. These are repetitive intravitreal injections, which put the patient at high risk of infection, costly drugs, low compliance, disparities in access, healthcare burden, increase the doctor-patient conflict, and are hectic for the elderly population. It is a degenerative disease that results in central vision loss by affecting the choriocapillaris, photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and macula. In recent years, gene therapy has developed as a transformational approach, integrating molecular genetics, vector engineering, and precision medicine principles to target the fundamental causes of ARMD. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising substitute, an innovative approach to treating ARMD by replacing faulty genes with healthy ones. Viral non-integrating vectors, such as Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV), act as envelopes that carry encoded genetic messages without impacting native cellular DNA. This chapter addresses the evolving importance of precision gene therapy in ARMD management, emphasising developments in gene replacement techniques. The high potential and efficiency of this therapy could make it an effective method, providing hope for patients and future healthcare.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Asra Warees
Optometry Section, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Aleena Saeed
Optometry Section, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Wasil Hasan
Biochemistry Section, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Saima Ahsan
Optometry Section, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Mohd Faraz
Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v11/6257

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and is expected to affect approximately 288 million people globally by 2040. While multimodal imaging has traditionally been the gold standard for diagnosing AMD, optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of the retina and has become central to routine disease management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a transformative force across various domains, with its impact particularly notable in ophthalmology and retina imaging, which has opened new avenues for improving diagnostic accuracy, predicting disease progression, and optimizing treatment plans. AI-based algorithms hold great potential for accurately quantifying biomarkers, such as fluid volume and geographic atrophy area in OCT images, predicting disease progression, and assisting in treatment decisions both in clinical practice and academic research. This chapter provides an overview of the current state of AI applications in AMD, highlighting its potential, the challenges encountered, and future prospects in the field. Author(s) Details Virginia Mares Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria and Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Marcio B. Nehemy Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Hrvoje Bogunovic Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Sophie Frank Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Gregor S. Reiter Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/srnta/v6/1942

 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and is expected to affect approximately 288 million people globally by 2040. While multimodal imaging has traditionally been the gold standard for diagnosing AMD, optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of the retina and has become central to routine disease management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a transformative force across various domains, with its impact particularly notable in ophthalmology and retina imaging, which has opened new avenues for improving diagnostic accuracy, predicting disease progression, and optimizing treatment plans. AI-based algorithms hold great potential for accurately quantifying biomarkers, such as fluid volume and geographic atrophy area in OCT images, predicting disease progression, and assisting in treatment decisions both in clinical practice and academic research. This chapter provides an overview of the current state of AI applications in AMD, highlighting its potential, the challenges encountered, and future prospects in the field.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Virginia Mares

Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria and Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Marcio B. Nehemy

Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Hrvoje Bogunovic

Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Sophie Frank

Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Gregor S. Reiter

Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth

Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/srnta/v6/1942

 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Models Induced by Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) | Chapter 11 | Medicine and Medical Research: New Perspectives Vol. 8

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.  olyethylene glycol (PEG) can activate the alternative pathway of the complement system and induce choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice, has been recently reported. Currently, no other investigator has demonstrated CNV after PEG injection in the mouse eye. AMD pathogenesis in mice through subretinal PEG treatment of RPE cells and retinal layers. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected (subretinal) with 2 μL of solution containing 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg of PEG or PBS in control groups. Eyes were harvested on days 1, 3, and 5 after injection and processed for analysis. Sections were immunohistochemically stained for complement component C3, membrane attack complex (MAC), and cytokeratin 18. Light and laser confocal microscopy was used for image capturing. PEG increased deposition of C3 and MAC on RPE cells and on all retinal layers after 1.0 mg injection. PEG induced loss of cellular contacts between RPE cells and migration of RPE cells in the subretinal space at day 1 after PEG injection. After 0.5 mg PEG injection, increased size of RPE cells was detected at days 3 and 5. Apoptotic bodies were observed in an outer nuclear layer at days 3 and 5 after 0.5 mg PEG treatment. RPE cells with dark cytoplasm and condensed chromatin were observed. Higher doses of PEG induce CNV, encourage RPE cell proliferation and death, and damage photoreceptors in mice. This simple and fast model may be useful to explore the pathogenesis of both dry and wet AMD.

 

Author (s) Details

Reece Mitchell
Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Pat and Willard Walker Eye Research Center, 4301 West Markham, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.

 

Connor Logan
Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Pat and Willard Walker Eye Research Center, 4301 West Markham, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.

 

Valeriy V. Lyzogubov
Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Pat and Willard Walker Eye Research Center, 4301 West Markham, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.

 

Nalini S. Bora
Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Pat and Willard Walker Eye Research Center, 4301 West Markham, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.

 

Puran S. Bora
Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Pat and Willard Walker Eye Research Center, 4301 West Markham, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, United States.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mmrnp/v8/2312

OCT in Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma and Suspected Cases | Chapter 9 | Medical Science: Trends and Innovations Vol. 9

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, requiring a precise and multifaceted diagnostic approach. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become indispensable for structural assessment, yet its full potential in clinical practice remains underutilized. In this chapter, I integrate 13 years of experience and over 30,000 OCT examinations to present a protocol-based strategy that combines conventional parameters- such as retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell analysis - with a differentiated focus on the anterior segment, particularly the cameral sinus, an often-overlooked structure in disease progression.

By systematically incorporating anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) into glaucoma evaluation, this approach enhances risk stratification, differential diagnosis, and treatment decisions. Case-based evidence underscores the importance of refining traditional methodologies while leveraging underexplored insights into aqueous humor dynamics and trabecular meshwork function. This work challenges conventional paradigms, demonstrating how a comprehensive, OCT-driven strategy can optimize clinical outcomes and contribute to long-term visual preservation.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Honassys R. Rocha Silva
Clínica do Olho, Salvador, Brazil.

 

Clínica do Olho
Clínica do Olho, Salvador, Brazil.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msti/v9/4585

Pivotal Roles of APN/AdipoRs Signaling in Maintaining Ocular Homeostasis and Protecting against Eye Ailments | Chapter 10 | Advancement and New Understanding in Medical Science Vol. 10

 This comprehensive review critically examines the latest findings and breakthroughs that underscore the pivotal roles of APN/AdipoRs signaling in maintaining ocular homeostasis and protecting against eye ailments. Explaining the complex interactions between ocular diseases and the flexible fat-associated adipokine adiponectin (APN) has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Discovering the complex connection between aging eye problems and adipocytokine and its receptors (AdipoRs) has become an exciting area of medical research. Here, we meticulously explore the intriguing mechanisms by which APN protein influences retinal function and overall visual acuity. Drawing from an extensive array of cutting-edge studies, the article highlights APN’s multifaceted functions, ranging from anti-inflammatory properties and oxidative stress reduction to angiogenic regulation within retinal and macula tissues Targeting common aging eye diseases with treatment approaches could be made possible by the role that APN/AdipoRs play in mediating these effects. Furthermore, the interaction between APN signaling pathways and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is unraveled in this review. The single-cell RNA-seq results validate the expression of both the receptor isoforms (AdipoR1/R2) in retinal cells. The transcriptomic analysis showed lower expression of AdipoR1/2 in dry AMD pathogenesis compared to healthy subjects. The inhibitory adiponectin peptide (APN1) demonstrated over 75% suppression of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), whereas the control peptide did not exert any inhibitory effect on CNV. The elucidation of these relationships fosters a deeper understanding of adipose tissue’s profound influence on ocular health, presenting new prospects for personalized treatments and preventative measures. Because APN1 inhibits CNV and leakage, it can be used to treat human AMD. In conclusion, this review provides a captivating journey into the enthralling world of APN, intertwining the realms of adipose biology and ophthalmology in aging. The remarkable connection between fat, in the form of adiponectin, and t654r4dexzsight opens exciting avenues for advancing eye health and improving patient outcomes.

Author(s) Details:

Mayank Choubey,
Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.

Munichandra B. Tirumalasetty,
Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.

Nalini S. Bora,
Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Pat & Willard Walker Eye Research Center, 4301 West Markham, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.

Puran S. Bora,
Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Pat & Willard Walker Eye Research Center, 4301 West Markham, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ANUMS-V10/article/view/13958

A Brief Study about Choriocapillaris Vascular Density Changes: Healthy Vs. Advanced Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration Previously Treated with Multiple Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections | Chapter 14 | New Horizons in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 5

 The goal of this study was to use OCT-A to emphasise the differences in choriocapillaris VD in healthy ae-AMD eyes.

Introduction: Since the implementation of OCT-A in clinical practise, we have made significant progress in our understanding of age-related macular degeneration, particularly the exudative variety (AMD).

Method: In this observational, cross-sectional investigation, 21 healthy and 21 ae-AMD eyes were included, all of which had already been treated with anti-VEGF. All subjects had their Angio-View retina patterns focused on the fovea (6.4 mm) recorded using a Solix full-range OCT (Optovue Inc., Freemont, CA, USA). The primary goal of the study was to examine choriocapillaris VD in healthy and ae-AMD eyes. For the analysis, automated measurements of whole image choriocapillaris VD (percent) and fovea grid-based (percent) were taken. The contour flow measure algorithm was utilised to assess the flow area (mm2) of macular neovascularization (MNV) using Angio-View patterns. The statistical analysis included both groups' best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

The average age in healthy eyes was 60.9 (8.3), but in ae-AMD eyes it was 73.33 (15.05). The mean BCVA (ETDRS letters) in healthy eyes was 98.47 (1.50) and 7.04 (5.96) in ae-AMD eyes. The Mann–Whitney test revealed statistical significance when comparing choriocapillaries VD for entire and fovea healthy and ae-AMD eyes (p 0.0001 (t = 4.91; df = 40) and p 0.0001 (t = 6.84; df = 40), respectively). The link between MNV and VD of choriocapillaries was not statistically significant in either the entire or fovea areas (F = 0.38 (R2 = 0.01) and 1.68 (R2 = 0.08), respectively). Furthermore, type 3 MNV was found to have higher choriocapillaris non-perfusion in this investigation. The choriocapillaris is particularly fascinating to research when it comes to the pathogenesis of type 3 MNV.

Conclusions: In ae-AMD eyes, choriocapillaris VD was statistically significantly lower than in healthy eyes. In the early stages of MNV pathogenesis, choriocapillaris dysfunction might be noticed. Future applications could be used to assess choriocapillaris VD in a variety of MNVs, including Type 1, Type 2, Combined Type 1–Type 2, RAP, and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Author(S) Details

Maria Cristina Savastano
Unit of Ophthalmology, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00191 Rome, Italy and Unit of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Clara Rizzo
Ophthalmology, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.

Gloria Gambini
Unit of Ophthalmology, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00191 Rome, Italy and Unit of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Alfonso Savastano
Unit of Ophthalmology, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00191 Rome, Italy and Unit of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Benedetto Falsini
Unit of Ophthalmology, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00191 Rome, Italy and Unit of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Daniela Bacherini
Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, AOU Careggi, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy.

Carmela Grazia Caputo
Unit of Ophthalmology, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00191 Rome, Italy and Unit of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Raphael Kilian
Ophthalmology Unit, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.

Francesco Faraldi
Torino, Eye Clinic, ASL Torino 5, 10024 Turin, Italy.

Umberto De Vico
Unit of Ophthalmology, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00191 Rome, Italy

Stanislao Rizzo
Unit of Ophthalmology, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00191 Rome, Italy and Unit of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy and Consiglio Nazionale della Ricerca (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, 56124 Pisa, Italy.


View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/NHMMR-V5/article/view/6675