Inhibiting NF-κB signaling activation reduces retinal neovascularization by promoting a polarization shift in macrophages

Ailing Sui, Xiuping Chen, Anna M. Demetriades, Jikui Shen, Yujuan Cai, Yiyun Yao, Yixuan Yao, Yanji Zhu, Xi Shen, Bing Xie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling is involved in regulating tumor angiogenesis and metastasis; however, the exact mechanism of action in retinal neovascularization (RNV) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role and underlying mechanism of NF-κB in regulating RNV in retinal neovascularization mice. METHODS. Expression levels of NF-κB signaling were detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting in retinas of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. OIR mice were treated with either pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC), a NF-κB signaling inhibitor, or PBS, and retinal flat-mounts were performed to quantify the area of RNV and the recruitment of retinal macrophages by immunofluorescence staining. Macrophage polarization detected by flow cytometric analysis and the expression of macrophage polarization-associated genes were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining, quantitative RT-PCR, and western blotting. RESULTS. Expression levels of phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) and p-p65 increased in OIR mice. Inhibiting NF-κB signaling activation by PDTC significantly reduced RNV. After treatment with PDTC, a reduction in the quantity of macrophages was observed: M1 polarized macrophages decreased, and M2 polarized macrophages increased; the expression of M1 macrophage-associated cytokines decreased and M2 macrophage-associated cytokines increased in the retinas of OIR mice. CONCLUSIONS. Blocking activation of NF-κB signaling reduces RNV by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages in OIR mice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number4
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume61
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2020

Keywords

  • M1
  • M2 macrophage polarization
  • NF-κB
  • Retinal neovascularization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inhibiting NF-κB signaling activation reduces retinal neovascularization by promoting a polarization shift in macrophages'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this