OCTAVA: An open-source toolbox for quantitative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography images

Untracht, Gavrielle R.; Matos, Rolando S.; Δικαίος, Νικόλαος; Bapir, Mariam; Durrani, Abdullah K.; Butsabong, Teemapron; Campagnolo, Paola; Sampson, David D.; Heiß, Christian; Sampson, Danuta M.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261052

Cited by 20 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 77 publications

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“…Three bright-field images were taken from each well after 8 h. Three biological replicates, and 3 technical replicates were performed for each experiment ( N = 3, n = 9). Image analysis was performed using ImageJ software and applying the macro “Angiogenesis analyzer” ( Carpentier et al, 2020 ) with additional integrated features from OCTAVA toolbox ( Untracht et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pericytes’ Circadian Clock Affects Endothelial Cells’ Synchronization and Angiogenesis in a 3D Tissue Engineered Scaffold

et al. 2022

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Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from existing ones, is a fundamental process in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. While it is known to be affected by circadian rhythms in vivo, its peripheral regulation within the vasculature and the role it performs in regulating the interplay between vascular cells have not yet been investigated. Peripheral clocks within the vasculature have been described in the endothelium and in smooth muscle cells. However, to date, scarce evidence has been presented regarding pericytes, a perivascular cell population deeply involved in the regulation of angiogenesis and vessel maturation, as well as endothelial function and homeostasis. More crucially, pericytes are also a promising source of cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering. Here, we established that human primary pericytes express key circadian genes and proteins in a rhythmic fashion upon synchronization. Conversely, we did not detect the same patterns in cultured endothelial cells. In line with these results, pericytes’ viability was disproportionately affected by circadian cycle disruption, as compared to endothelial cells. Interestingly, endothelial cells’ rhythm could be induced following exposure to synchronized pericytes in a contact co-culture. We propose that this mechanism could be linked to the altered release/uptake pattern of lactate, a known mediator of cell-cell interaction which was specifically altered in pericytes by the knockout of the key circadian regulator Bmal1. In an angiogenesis assay, the maturation of vessel-like structures was affected only when both endothelial cells and pericytes did not express Bmal1, indicating a compensation system. In a 3D tissue engineering scaffold, a synchronized clock supported a more structured organization of cells around the scaffold pores, and a maturation of vascular structures. Our results demonstrate that pericytes play a critical role in regulating the circadian rhythms in endothelial cells, and that silencing this system disproportionately affects their pro-angiogenic function. Particularly, in the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, considering the effect of circadian rhythms may be critical for the development of mature vascular structures and to obtain the maximal reparative effect.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pericytes’ Circadian Clock Affects Endothelial Cells’ Synchronization and Angiogenesis in a 3D Tissue Engineered Scaffold

et al. 2022

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“…Two-dimensional (2D) en face OCTA angiograms of the superficial plexus were generated in MATLAB 2020a (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, USA) based on maximum intensity projection and the procedure outlined in Untracht et al 17 Each final en face OCTA image was inspected before undertaking the analysis, and images with significant motion artefacts were removed. Mean vessel diameter and vessel area density were calculated using the OCTAVA (Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Vascular Analyser) software.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…16 The introduction of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has enabled the direct visualization and quantitative characterization of microvascular structure and function. 17,18 In contrast to other angiography modalities, OCTA does not require exogenous contrast agents and can therefore visualize the microvascular network directly with few micron-scale resolution -this makes it an ideal tool for clinical measurements of microvascular function and the efficacy of interventions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cocoa flavanol consumption improves lower extremity endothelial function in healthy individuals and people with type 2 diabetes

et al. 2022

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“…Post-processing methods (angiogram subtraction, distortion correction) and eye tracking during scan acquisition have also significantly improved the scan quality and reduced artifacts ( 80 – 86 ). Furthermore, new types of software have been developed to automate the analysis of OCT-A images; Viekash et al have also established software to automatically quantify the foveal avascular zone, a region affected by various ocular diseases ( 87 ), while tools have been constructed to automatically process, segment, and quantitatively analyze the blood vessels ( 88 – 90 ).…”

Section: Optical Coherence Tomographymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Development and Clinical Application of Innovative Optical Ophthalmic Imaging Techniques

et al. 2022

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The field of ophthalmic imaging has grown substantially over the last years. Massive improvements in image processing and computer hardware have allowed the emergence of multiple imaging techniques of the eye that can transform patient care. The purpose of this review is to describe the most recent advances in eye imaging and explain how new technologies and imaging methods can be utilized in a clinical setting. The introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) was a revolution in eye imaging and has since become the standard of care for a plethora of conditions. Its most recent iterations, OCT angiography, and visible light OCT, as well as imaging modalities, such as fluorescent lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, would allow a more thorough evaluation of patients and provide additional information on disease processes. Toward that goal, the application of adaptive optics (AO) and full-field scanning to a variety of eye imaging techniques has further allowed the histologic study of single cells in the retina and anterior segment. Toward the goal of remote eye care and more accessible eye imaging, methods such as handheld OCT devices and imaging through smartphones, have emerged. Finally, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in eye images has the potential to become a new milestone for eye imaging while also contributing in social aspects of eye care.

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OCTAVA: An open-source toolbox for quantitative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography images

Cited by 20 publications

References 77 publications

Pericytes’ Circadian Clock Affects Endothelial Cells’ Synchronization and Angiogenesis in a 3D Tissue Engineered Scaffold

Pericytes’ Circadian Clock Affects Endothelial Cells’ Synchronization and Angiogenesis in a 3D Tissue Engineered Scaffold

Cocoa flavanol consumption improves lower extremity endothelial function in healthy individuals and people with type 2 diabetes

The Development and Clinical Application of Innovative Optical Ophthalmic Imaging Techniques

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