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Puranen J, Koponen S, Nieminen T, Kanerva I, Kokki E, Toivanen P, Urtti A, Ylä-Herttuala S, Ruponen M. Antiangiogenic AAV2 gene therapy with a truncated form of soluble VEGFR-2 reduces the growth of choroidal neovascularization in mice after intravitreal injection. Exp Eye Res 2022; 224:109237. [PMID: 36096189 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis related to neovascularization in the eye is mediated through vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors. Ocular neovascular-related diseases are mainly treated with anti-VEGF agents. In this study we evaluated the efficacy and safety of novel gene therapy using adeno associated virus 2 vector expressing a truncated form of soluble VEGF receptor-2 fused to the Fc-part of human IgG1 (AAV2-sVEGFR-2-Fc) to inhibit ocular neovascularization in laser induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice. The biological activity of sVEGFR-2-Fc was determined in vitro. It was shown that sVEGFR-2-Fc secreted from ARPE-19 cells was able to bind to VEGF-A165 and reduce VEGF-A165 induced cell growth and survival. A single intravitreal injection (IVT) of AAV2-sVEGFR-2-Fc (1 μl, 4.7 × 1012 vg/ml) one-month prior laser photocoagulation did not cause any changes in the retinal morphology and significantly suppressed fluorescein leakage at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-lasering compared to controls. Macrophage infiltration was observed after the injection of both AAV2-sVEGFR-2-Fc and PBS. Our findings indicate that AAV2 mediated gene delivery of the sVEGFR-2-Fc efficiently reduces formation of CNV and could be developed to a therapeutic tool for the treatment of retinal diseases associated with neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooseppi Puranen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Sanna Koponen
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tiina Nieminen
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland; Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Iiris Kanerva
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Emmi Kokki
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pyry Toivanen
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210, Kuopio, Finland; Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00790, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland; Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
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Kong JH, Kim YD, Park SP, Kim Y. Aqueous Humor Cytokine Levels and Choroidal Thicknesses of Patients with Age‐related Macular Degeneration and Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2022.63.4.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: We sought correlations between the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) and changes in the levels of aqueous humor cytokines before and after anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) treatment of patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) and pachychoroid neovasculopathy.Methods: We measured changes in the SCT and levels of aqueous humor cytokines (VEGF, soluble VEGF receptor‐2 [sVEGFR‐ 2], platelet‐derived growth factor [PDGF]‐AA, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP‐1], interleukin [IL]‐6, and IL‐8) after anti‐ VEGF treatment of 11 eyes of 11 nAMD patients and nine eyes of nine pachychoroid neovasculopathy patients. The aqueous humor cytokine levels were compared between the two groups.Results: After anti‐VEGF treatment, the aqueous levels of VEGF and PDGF‐AA decreased significantly, whereas that of sVEGFR‐2 increased. The amount of change in sVEGFR‐2 concentration before and after anti‐VEGF treatment correlated with the SCT and its change after treatment. nAMD patients with relatively thin SCTs and smaller SCT changes after anti‐VEGF treatment showed greater increases in sVEGFR‐2 levels following treatment. We found significant correlations among the MCP‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels in the nAMD group, and between the sVEGFR‐2 and MCP‐1, and MCP‐1 and PDGF‐AA, levels in the pachychoroid neovasculopathy group.Conclusions: Patients with nAMD exhibited significant increases in aqueous sVEGFR‐2 levels following anti‐VEGF treatment and significant correlations among the levels of the inflammatory cytokines MCP‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐8, suggesting that angiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines may affect the pathophysiologies of the two diseases differently.
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Changes in VEGF-related factors are associated with presence of inflammatory factors in carbohydrate metabolism disorders during pregnancy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220650. [PMID: 31415573 PMCID: PMC6695137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the action of molecules in carbohydrate metabolism disorders during pregnancy. The concentration of different types of cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the plasma were measured in 4 groups of women: Group I, normal pregnancy (n = 10); Group II, patients with gestational DM (n = 12); Group III, pregnant patients with preexisting DM (n = 16); and Group IV, diabetic non-pregnant women (n = 22). The plasma VEGF concentration was significantly higher in the women in Group IV than in other groups (P <0.01). The concentration of the soluble form of the VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) was significantly higher in Group I than in other groups (P <0.01). The concentration of soluble form of the VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) was significantly lower in Groups I than in other groups (P <0.05). The concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and eotaxin were significantly lower in Group I than in Groups III and IV. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly higher in Group I than in Group IV. Both the VEGF-related molecules and the Inflammatory cytokines are altered in pregnant women with the carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
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Lim SW, Bandala-Sanchez E, Kolic M, Rogers SL, McAuley AK, Lim LL, Wickremasinghe SS. The Influence of Intravitreal Ranibizumab on Inflammation-associated Cytokine Concentrations in Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5382-5390. [PMID: 30452591 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab injections on aqueous concentrations of angiogenic or inflammatory cytokines in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods Thirty eyes of 25 patients with center-involved DME were recruited to the study. All had a central macular thickness (CMT) of >300 μm and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 28 and 70 logMAR letters (Snellen equivalent 20/320-20/40). At baseline, all eyes had 0.1 mL of aqueous collected before ranibizumab treatment. At week 4, a second ranibizumab injection was administered and at week 8, aqueous sampling was repeated before a third ranibizumab injection. From week 12, all eyes were followed at 4-weekly intervals and the need for ranibizumab treatment was determined by BCVA and CMT measurements. Levels of 32 cytokines were assessed at baseline and at week 8 using a multiplex array assay. Results Following two consecutive ranibizumab injections, there was a statistically significant reduction in VEGF (P < 0.00001), as well as IL-1β (P = 0.00006), IL-7 (P = 0.00002), IL-8 (P = 0.00023), IL-10 (P < 0.00001), IL-12 (P < 0.00001), IL-17 (P = 0.00024), MCP-1 (P = 0.00023), and TNF-α (P < 0.00001). There was also an upregulation of soluble VEGF receptor-2 (P = 0.00004). A P < 0.0015 was considered significant in this study. Conclusions Ranibizumab treatment influences various inflammatory cytokine concentrations in addition to reducing aqueous VEGF concentrations in patients with DME. This may contribute to its therapeutic effect in patients with DME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shueh Wen Lim
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Maria Kolic
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie L Rogers
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annie K McAuley
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Australia
| | - Lyndell L Lim
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia
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El-Hadidy AR, El-Mohandes EM, Asker SA, Ghonaim FM. A histological and immunohistochemical study of the effects of N-acetyl cysteine on retinopathy of prematurity by modifying insulin-like growth factor-1. Biotech Histochem 2016; 91:401-11. [PMID: 27149563 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2016.1180428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder that occurs in premature infants and may lead to permanent visual impairment. We investigated both the possible protective role of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for preventing ROP and the role of IGF-1 in the disorder. Forty-five newborn rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 was raised in room air as controls. Group 2 was exposed to 60% oxygen for 14 days after birth, then transferred to room air. Group 3 was exposed to the same conditions as group 2, but received intraperitoneal injections of NAC on postnatal days 7-17. After 35 days, both eyes of all rats were processed for histology. Some sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to assess structural changes and other sections were immunostained to determine the location of IGF-1. Frozen sections also were prepared and stained for adenosine triphosphatase to detect retinal blood vessels. Compared to the controls, more blood vessels, many of which were abnormal, and increased IGF-1 expression were observed in group 2. In group 3, abnormal blood vessels and IGF-1 expression were less evident. NAC appeared to be an effective vascular-protective agent for ROP by decreasing IGF-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R El-Hadidy
- a Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - E M El-Mohandes
- a Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - S A Asker
- a Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - F M Ghonaim
- a Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
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Klaassen I, van Geest RJ, Kuiper EJ, van Noorden CJF, Schlingemann RO. The role of CTGF in diabetic retinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2015; 133:37-48. [PMID: 25819453 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) contributes to fibrotic responses in diabetic retinopathy, both before clinical manifestations occur in the pre-clinical stage of diabetic retinopathy (PCDR) and in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the late clinical stage of the disease. CTGF is a secreted protein that modulates the actions of many growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, leading to tissue reorganization, such as ECM formation and remodeling, basal lamina (BL) thickening, pericyte apoptosis, angiogenesis, wound healing and fibrosis. In PCDR, CTGF contributes to thickening of the retinal capillary BL and is involved in loss of pericytes. In this stage, CTGF expression is induced by advanced glycation end products, and by growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. In PDR, the switch from neovascularization to a fibrotic phase - the angio-fibrotic switch - in PDR is driven by CTGF, in a critical balance with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We discuss here the roles of CTGF in the pathogenesis of DR in relation to ECM remodeling and wound healing mechanisms, and explore whether CTGF may be a potential novel therapeutic target in the clinical management of early as well as late stages of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Klaassen
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Rob J van Geest
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther J Kuiper
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J F van Noorden
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier O Schlingemann
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Noma H, Mimura T, Yasuda K, Shimura M. Role of inflammation in diabetic macular edema. Ophthalmologica 2014; 232:127-35. [PMID: 25342084 DOI: 10.1159/000364955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vitreous fluid levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble VEGF receptor (sVEGFR)-2, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 36 patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and 15 patients with macular hole (MH). Aqueous flare values were measured with a laser flare meter, and macular edema was examined by optical coherence tomography. Vitreous fluid levels of VEGF, sVEGFR-2, sICAM-1, MCP-1 and PTX3 were significantly higher in the patients with DME than in those with MH. There was a significant correlation between the vitreous fluid level of sVEGFR-2 and the levels of sICAM-1, MCP-1 and PTX3. The aqueous flare value was significantly correlated with the vitreous fluid levels of sVEGFR-2, sICAM-1, MCP-1 and PTX3. These findings suggest that inflammatory factors may induce an increase in vascular permeability and disrupt the blood-aqueous barrier in DME patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Noma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
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Noma H, Mimura T, Yasuda K, Shimura M. Vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptors-1 and -2 in iris neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma. Ophthalmologica 2014; 232:102-9. [PMID: 24942011 DOI: 10.1159/000360303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and soluble VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 27 proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients who had iris neovascularization (INV) with or without neovascular glaucoma (NVG). The 27 eyes were divided into two groups, consisting of INV without elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP; INV group) and INV with elevated IOP (NVG group). Ten patients with an idiopathic macular hole were used as the controls. The vitreous levels of VEGF, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 showed a significant increase across the three groups. In the INV and NVG groups, the vitreous level of VEGF showed a significant correlation with the levels of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2. There was also a significant correlation between the vitreous levels of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2. These results suggest that the vitreous levels of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 are dependent on VEGF in patients who have INV with or without NVG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Noma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Scott A, Powner MB, Fruttiger M. Quantification of vascular tortuosity as an early outcome measure in oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR). Exp Eye Res 2014; 120:55-60. [PMID: 24418725 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in mice is a popular model system to study pathological angiogenesis in the retinal vasculature. The system is based on vessel depletion by exposure to hyperoxia, which results in acute retinal hypoxia upon return to room air. This hypoxia then triggers neovascularization in the remaining vessels after 5 days. Here we aimed to establish an additional and earlier experimental readout of the vascular response to hypoxia by quantifying the tortuosity of retinal arteries after 2 days. Mouse pups from three different mouse strains were exposed to hyperoxia from postnatal day (P) 7 to P12 and retinas were analysed at P12, P14 and P17. Hypoxia was assessed by staining with the hypoxia marker EF5 and by measuring Vegf mRNA by qPCR. The retinal vasculature was stained in whole mount retinas and tortuosity of radial arterioles was quantified. C57BL/6J mice were used because the vascular response at P17 is well characterised in this strain. We also used C3H/HeJ mice, which contain the retinal degeneration 1 (Rd1) mutation (Pde6b(Rd1)) and have abnormally thin retinas. These thinner, C3H/HeJ retinas do not become ischemic during the OIR model and do not develop neovascularization. They can therefore be used as a control. In addition, we included C3H/HeJ mice that lack the Rd1 mutation (C3H/He(Rd1-)), with normal thickness retinas, to control for strain differences between C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ. Quantification of vessel tortuosity at P14 showed tortuous arteries in normal thickness retinas (C57BL/6J and C3H/He(Rd1-)) and straight arteries in the thin C3H/HeJ retinas. This correlated with hypoxia, which was severe in normal thickness retinas and mild in the thin C3H/HeJ retinas. Furthermore, at P17 the normal thickness retinas showed strong neovascularisation whereas in the thin C3H/HeJ retinas the retinal vasculature regenerated normally. In conclusion we have demonstrated that arterial tortuosity can act as an early readout for hypoxia in the OIR model before neovascularisation develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Scott
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Michael B Powner
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
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Noma H, Mimura T. Aqueous soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in macular edema with branch retinal vein occlusion. Curr Eye Res 2013; 38:1288-90. [PMID: 23972086 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2013.821135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/AIM The aqueous humor level of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-2 may influence macular edema in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). The association of sVEGFR-2 with macular edema was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective case-controlled study was performed in 22 patients with BRVO and macular edema, as well as 5 patients with non-ischemic ocular diseases as the control group. The severity of macular edema was examined by optical coherence tomography. Aqueous humor samples were obtained during intravitreous injection of anti-VEGF agents, triamcinolone acetonide, or combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery. sVEGFR-2 levels in aqueous humor were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The aqueous humor level of sVEGFR-2 (median: 124.5 ng/ml) was significantly elevated in BRVO patients compared with the control group (78.1 pg/ml) (p = 0.010). In addition, the sVEGFR-2 level was correlated with the severity of macular edema (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS sVEGFR-2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of macular edema associated with BRVO. Measurement of aqueous humor sVEGFR-2 levels may be helpful for understanding the disease status in BRVO patients with macular edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Noma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yachiyo Medical Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University , Chiba , Japan and
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Connection of pericyte-angiopoietin-Tie-2 system in diabetic retinopathy: friend or foe? Future Med Chem 2013. [PMID: 23190105 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.12.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are distinctive regulators of vascular morphologenesis and function during vascular development and homeostasis. Pericytes have recently come into focus as implications of aberrant interactions between pericytes and endothelial cells in number of pathological angiogenesis conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and tumor angiogenesis. Pericyte dropout is a hallmark of early diabetic retinopathy. Abnormal angiopoietin (Ang)-Tie-2 signaling is one principal system participating in pericyte/endothelial cell dissociation during early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) is among the relevant growth factors induced by hypoxia and plays an important role in the initiation of retinal neovascularization and cause pericyte loss. Furthermore, high levels of VEGF synergize Ang-Tie-2 signaling during the development of diabetic retinopathy. An accelerated rate of clinical development Ang-Tie-2-manipulating drugs requests a better mechanistic understanding the connection between pericytes and Ang-Tie-2 systems both under normal and disease conditions. We summarize recent advances in pericyte study in conjunction with Ang-Tie-2 signaling and also discuss possible therapeutic strategies for diabetic retinopathy by targeting pericytes through manipulating Ang-Tie-2 signaling.
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Andraweera PH, Dekker GA, Roberts CT. The vascular endothelial growth factor family in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:436-57. [PMID: 22495259 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-eclampsia, small-for-gestational-age infants, preterm birth and recurrent miscarriage complicate a significant number of pregnancies. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of angiogenic growth factors is implicated in the pathophysiology of these complications. We aimed to elucidate the role of these angiogenic factors in placentation and to evaluate the predictive value of their protein concentrations and genetic variations in pregnancy complications. METHODS We performed a systematic search of PubMed, and retrieved original articles. The search included a combination of terms such as VEGF-A, placental growth factor (PlGF), kinase insert domain receptor, fms-like-tyrosine-kinase receptor 1, soluble fms-like-tyrosine-kinase receptor 1, pre-eclampsia, small-for-gestational-age infants, preterm birth, recurrent miscarriage, placenta, prediction and polymorphisms. RESULTS This review summarizes the current knowledge of the roles of the VEGF family in early placentation and of the abnormalities in maternal plasma and placental expression of angiogenic proteins in adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with normal pregnancy. PlGF and sFLT-1 in combination with other clinical and biochemical markers in late first or second trimester appear to predict early-onset pre-eclampsia with a high sensitivity and specificity. However, VEGF family proteins do not have sufficient power to accurately predict late-onset pre-eclampsia, small-for-gestational age pregnancies or preterm birth. Functional polymorphisms in these angiogenic genes are implicated in pregnancy complications, but their contribution appears to be minor. CONCLUSIONS Although the VEGF family has important roles in normal and complicated pregnancy, the current predictive value of the VEGF family as biomarkers appears to be limited to early-onset pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Andraweera
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
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Noma H, Funatsu H, Mimura T, Eguchi S. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in macular oedema with retinal vein occlusion. Ophthalmic Res 2012; 48:56-8. [PMID: 22415022 DOI: 10.1159/000336020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the relationships among vitreous fluid levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the severity of macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS Twenty-five BRVO patients with macular oedema were enrolled. Vitreous fluid samples were obtained during vitreoretinal surgery to measure the levels of sVEGFR-2 and VEGF. Macular oedema was examined by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS The vitreous fluid levels of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 were significantly correlated with the severity of macular oedema (ρ = 0.54, p = 0.008 and ρ = 0.40, p = 0.047, respectively). The sVEGFR-2 × VEGF product was also significantly correlated with the severity of macular oedema (ρ = 0.62, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The severity of macular oedema was more closely associated with sVEGFR-2 × VEGF than sVEGFR-2 or VEGF alone, suggesting that macular oedema in BRVO patients may be influenced by both VEGF and sVEGFR-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Noma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yachiyo Medical Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Chiba, Japan.
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Tripathi R, Ralhan R, Saxena S, Salhan S, Rath G. Soluble VEGFR-1 in pathophysiology of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders: the Indian scenario. J Hum Hypertens 2012; 27:107-14. [DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2012.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Aweimer A, Stachon T, Tannapfel A, Köller M, Truss MC, Stachon A. Regulation of soluble VEGFR-2 secreted by microvascular endothelial cells derived from human BPH. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2011; 15:157-64. [PMID: 22183775 DOI: 10.1038/pcan.2011.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, it was reported that the soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) is secreted by microvascular endothelial cells from human BPH (HPECs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the modulation of sVEGFR-2 by common endothelial cell stimulators. In addition, the physiological role of sVEGFR-2 with regard to the VEGF-stimulated proliferation of HPEC was investigated. METHODS HPECs were isolated and cultured from fresh BPH tissue. After the incubation of HPECs either with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 or IL-12, the secretion of sVEGFR-2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For measurement of HPEC proliferation influenced by sVEGFR-2, VEGF-stimulated HPEC was cultured with/without sVEGFR-2. Cell proliferation was assessed with the Alamar Blue method. RESULTS The sVEGFR-2 secretion was increased by ATP and decreased by IL-12 and IL-8, respectively. IL-6 did not show any significant effect on sVEGFR-2 secretion of HPECs. HPEC proliferation was significantly inhibited by sVEGFR-2. CONCLUSIONS In this study, our data suggest that the secretion of sVEGFR-2 by microvascular endothelial cells from prostate origin is influenced by multiple endothelial cell stimulators. Furthermore, our data suggest that sVEGFR-2 acts as an antiangiogenic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aweimer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Transfusion, and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic BG Bergmannsheil, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Rath G, Tripathi R. VEGF and its soluble receptor VEGFR-2 in hypertensive disorders during pregnancy: the Indian scenario. J Hum Hypertens 2011; 26:196-204. [PMID: 21412269 DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2011.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical problem encountered during pregnancy due to defective angiogenesis during placental development. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the angiogenic growth factors that stimulates angiogenesis. The recombinant form of its soluble receptor VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) has anti-angiogenic activity. However, there is a paucity of information on serum VEGF and sVEGFR-2 concentrations in different sub-groups of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the concentrations and the diagnostic utility of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 in gestational hypertension (GH, n=90), pre-eclampsia (PE, n=180), eclampsia (n=90) and control (n=180) pregnancy at different gestations. VEGF levels were significantly higher in PE and eclamptic (median=19.53 pg ml(-1); 60.36 pg ml(-1), P=0.0001) groups as compared with the control ones (median=18 pg ml(-1)). But, the serum sVEGFR-2 levels were found to be significantly decreased from GH to eclampsia groups (median=5196; 3972 pg ml(-1)) as compared with control groups (median=7417 pg ml(-1)). As the gestation advanced, there was an inverse association in the serum concentrations of sVEGFR-2 among the control, GH, PE and eclampsia groups. At both 34 and >34 weeks of gestations, higher sensitivity and specificity were observed for sVEGFR-2 in differentiating GH (50.8, 50%; 76.6, 76.6%), PE (63, 63%; 90, 90%) and eclampsia (65, 66.6%; 90, 90%) from the control pregnancy. This upregulation of VEGF and downregulation of sVEGFR-2 concentrations in different study groups may be due to hypoxia and could be involved intimately in the pathogenesis of these disorders. This study may contribute in understanding etio-pathogenesis of different hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rath
- Department of Anatomy, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India.
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Ehlken C, Martin G, Lange C, Gogaki EG, Fiedler U, Schaffner F, Hansen LL, Augustin HG, Agostini HT. Therapeutic interference with EphrinB2 signalling inhibits oxygen-induced angioproliferative retinopathy. Acta Ophthalmol 2011; 89:82-90. [PMID: 19764912 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2009.01609.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether EphrinB2 (EfnB2) or EphB4 influence retinal angiogenesis under physiological or pathological conditions. METHODS Using the mouse model of oxygen-induced proliferative retinopathy (OIR), the expression of EfnB2, EphB4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and localized in EfnB2- and EphB4-lacZ mice. Angioproliferative retinopathy was manipulated by intravitreal injection of dimeric EfnB2 and monomeric or dimeric EphB4. RESULTS Dimeric EphB4 (EphB4-Fc) and EfnB2 (EfnB2-Fc) enhanced hypoxia-induced angioproliferative retinopathy but not physiological angiogenesis. Monomeric EphB4 (sEphB4) reduced angiogenesis. The messenger RNA (mRNA) level of EfnB2 increased significantly in the hyperoxic phase (P7-P12), while EphB4, VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 showed a significant - up to fivefold - increased expression at P14, the start of morphologically visible vasoproliferation caused by relative hypoxia. CONCLUSION The ephrin/Eph system is involved in angioproliferative retinopathy. Stimulation of EphB4 and EfnB2 signalling using EfnB2-Fc and EphB4-Fc, respectively, enhanced hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. In contrast, sEphB4 inhibited hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Therefore, angiogenesis is enhanced by signalling through both EphB4 (forward) and EfnB2 (reverse). The distinction in the expression kinetics of EphB4 and EfnB2 indicates that they govern two different signalling pathways and are regulated in diverse ways. sEphB4 might be a useful drug for antiangiogenic therapy.
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Tripathi R, Rath G, Ralhan R, Saxena S, Salhan S. Soluble and membranous vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia. Yonsei Med J 2009; 50:656-66. [PMID: 19881969 PMCID: PMC2768240 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2009.50.5.656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Revised: 09/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a paucity of information on the serum soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) concentrations, membranous VEGFR-2 expression and the mechanism involved in their modulations during the clinical onset of pre-eclampsia. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of sVEGFR-2 in serum and to investigate the expression of membranous VEGFR-2 in placentae of pre-eclampsia group. MATERIALS AND METHODS The serum levels of sVEGFR-2 (n = 120) and the expression of membranous VEGFR-2 in placentae (n = 100) were analysed at third trimester of pregnancy by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry respectively. The diagnostic parameters of sensitivity, specificity and association of soluble and membranous VEGFR-2 in these patients were evaluated. RESULTS The serum levels of sVEGFR-2 in pre-eclampsia patients were found to be significantly reduced (p = 0.01, p = 0.001) in early and late pre-eclamptic sub-groups as compared to their respective third trimester control sub-groups. Also, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a cut-off value of 7350.4 pg/mL, higher sensitivity (76%) and specificity (76%) for sVEGFR-2 in late onset (> 34 weeks) pre-eclamptic group. Significant down-regulation of membranous VEGFR-2 immunoreactivity was observed in all the placental cells (p = 0.0001) at > 34 weeks preeclamptic group. CONCLUSION The reduced serum levels of soluble VEGFR-2 and the down-regulated expression of membranous VEGFR-2 in the study group denoted abnormality in VEGF mediated placental function in all placental cells and thus VEGFR-2 may be a key factor, intimately associated with pre-eclampsia. This study shows the clinical utility of soluble and membranous VEGFR-2 in pre-eclampsia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Tripathi
- Department of Anatomy, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India.
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Zhang H, Sonoda KH, Hijioka K, Qiao H, Oshima Y, Ishibashi T. Antiangiogenic immunotherapy targeting Flk-1, DNA vaccine and adoptive T cell transfer, inhibits ocular neovascularization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 381:471-476. [PMID: 19340941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.01.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ocular neovascularization (NV) is the primary cause of blindness in a wide range of ocular diseases. The exact mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of ocular NV is not yet well understood, and so there is no satisfactory therapy for ocular NV. Here, we describe a strategy targeting Flk-1, a self-antigen overexpressed on proliferating endothelial cells in ocular NV, by antiangiogenic immunotherapy-DNA vaccine and adoptive T cell therapy. An oral DNA vaccine encoding Flk-1 carried by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium markedly suppressed development of laser-induced choroidal NV. We further demonstrated that adoptive transfer of vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells reduced pathological preretinal NV, with a concomitant facilitation of physiological revascularization after oxygen-induced retinal vessel obliteration. However, physiological retinal vascular development was unaffected in neonatal mice transferred with vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells. These findings suggested that antiangiogenic immunotherapy targeting Flk-1 such as vaccination and adoptive immunotherapy may contribute to future therapies for ocular NV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan
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Stachon A, Aweimer A, Stachon T, Tannapfel A, Thoms S, Ubrig B, Köller M, Krieg M, Truss MC. Secretion of soluble VEGF receptor 2 by microvascular endothelial cells derived by human benign prostatic hyperplasia. Growth Factors 2009; 27:71-8. [PMID: 19199116 DOI: 10.1080/08977190802709619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent mitogenic factors stimulating both prostate endothelial and prostate epithelial cells. Recently, some studies reported on the endothelial secretion of a soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGFR-2) that modifies the free VEGF concentration by binding VEGF. For the first time in this study, we report on the secretion and the regulation of the secretion of sVEGFR-2 by microvascular endothelial cells derived from the tissue of human benign prostatic hyperplasia (HPEC). HPEC were isolated and cultured from fresh prostate tissue. The prostate epithelial cell line BPH-1 was cultured with the supernatant of the HPEC cell culture (fractioned by fast protein liquid chromatography) and the VEGF concentration was subsequently measured. HPEC were incubated with VEGF or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Afterwards, the concentration of sVEGFR-2 in the supernatant of unstimulated and stimulated HPEC was measured by ELISA. HPEC showed a typical endothelial morphology. Under cell culture conditions sVEGFR-2 binds VEGF: The measured VEGF concentration in the supernatant of BPH-1 cells was reduced when the fractions of HPEC conditioned medium with the highest sVEGFR-2 concentration were incubated with the BPH-1 cells. The sVEGFR-2 secretion of HPEC was stimulated by VEGF and TNF-alpha. For the first time we report on the secretion of sVEGFR-2 by microvascular endothelial cells of prostate origin. The secretion of sVEGFR-2 by HPEC was stimulated by VEGF and TNF-alpha. Our data suggest that sVEGFR-2 secreted by prostate endothelial cells could modify the effect of VEGF on prostate endothelial and prostate epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Stachon
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Transfusion, and Laboratory Medicine, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Gotsch F, Espinoza J, Nien JK, Goncalves L, Edwin S, Kim YM, Erez O, Kusanovic JP, Pineles BL, Papp Z, Hassan S. Low maternal concentrations of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in preeclampsia and small for gestational age. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2008; 21:41-52. [PMID: 18175243 DOI: 10.1080/14767050701831397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preeclampsia is considered an anti-angiogenic state. A role for the anti-angiogenic factors soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and soluble endoglin in preeclampsia has been proposed. Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) has been detected in human plasma, and the recombinant form of this protein has anti-angiogenic activity. There is a paucity of information about maternal plasma sVEGFR-2 concentrations in patients with preeclampsia and those without preeclampsia with small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses. This study was conducted to determine whether: (1) plasma sVEGFR-2 concentration changes throughout pregnancy; and (2) preeclampsia and SGA are associated with abnormalities in the maternal plasma concentration of sVEGFR-2. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study included non-pregnant women (n = 40), women with normal pregnancies (n = 135), women with an SGA fetus (n = 53), and women with preeclampsia (n = 112). SGA was defined as an ultrasound-estimated fetal weight below the 10(th) percentile for gestational age that was confirmed by neonatal birth weight. Plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-2 were determined by ELISA. RESULTS (1) There was no significant difference in the mean plasma concentration of sVEGFR-2 between non-pregnant women and those with normal pregnancies (p = 0.8); (2) patients with preeclampsia and those without preeclampsia with SGA fetuses had a lower mean plasma concentration of sVEGFR-2 than that of women with normal pregnancies (p < 0.001 for both); and (3) there was no significant difference in the mean plasma concentration of sVEGFR-2 between patients with preeclampsia and those without preeclampsia with SGA (p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS Preeclampsia and SGA are associated with low plasma concentrations of sVEGFR-2. One interpretation of the findings is that plasma sVEGFR-2 concentration could reflect endothelial cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Lange C, Ehlken C, Martin G, Konzok K, Moscoso Del Prado J, Hansen LL, Agostini HT. Intravitreal injection of the heparin analog 5-amino-2-naphthalenesulfonate reduces retinal neovascularization in mice. Exp Eye Res 2007; 85:323-7. [PMID: 17662276 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2007.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Revised: 05/29/2007] [Accepted: 05/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the heparin analog 5-amino-2-naphthalenesulfonate (5-amino-2-NMS) on retinal neovascularization was investigated in the mouse model for oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). From postnatal day 7 (P7) until P12, mice were kept in a 75% oxygen environment. On P12, they received an intravitreal injection of 10mM 5-amino-2-NMS in one eye and PBS as control substance in the fellow eye. The animals were intracardially perfused with fluorescein-dextran solution on P17. Retinal whole mounts were prepared and ischemic retinopathy was evaluated in 30 animals using a standardized retinopathy score. A single intravitreal injection of 5-amino-2-NMS reduces significantly angioproliferative changes (blood vessel tufts, extra-retinal neovascularization, and blood vessel tortuosity) compared to the contralateral control eye (p=0.025). The median retinopathy score (maximal 13) for the 5-amino-2-NMS treated eyes was 6 versus 8 for the control eyes. 5-Amino-2-NMS binds to the heparin-binding site of FGF1 and FGF2 and thus may be a promising substance for the local treatment of retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Lange
- Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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Kuiper EJ, Roestenberg P, Ehlken C, Lambert V, van Treslong-de Groot HB, Lyons KM, Agostini HJT, Rakic JM, Klaassen I, Van Noorden CJF, Goldschmeding R, Schlingemann RO. Angiogenesis is not impaired in connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) knock-out mice. J Histochem Cytochem 2007; 55:1139-47. [PMID: 17625227 PMCID: PMC3957533 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.7a7258.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of the CCN family of growth factors. CTGF is important in scarring, wound healing, and fibrosis. It has also been implicated to play a role in angiogenesis, in addition to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In the eye, angiogenesis and subsequent fibrosis are the main causes of blindness in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. We have applied three different models of angiogenesis to homozygous CTGF(-/-) and heterozygous CTGF(+/-) mice to establish involvement of CTGF in neovascularization. CTGF(-/-) mice die around birth. Therefore, embryonic CTGF(-/-), CTGF(+/-), and CTGF(+/+) bone explants were used to study in vitro angiogenesis, and neonatal and mature CTGF(+/-) and CTGF(+/+) mice were used in models of oxygen-induced retinopathy and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. Angiogenesis in vitro was independent of the CTGF genotype in both the presence and the absence of VEGF. Oxygen-induced vascular pathology in the retina, as determined semi-quantitatively, and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, as determined quantitatively, were also not affected by the CTGF genotype. Our data show that downregulation of CTGF levels does not affect neovascularization, indicating distinct roles of VEGF and CTGF in angiogenesis and fibrosis in eye conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther J. Kuiper
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Departments of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peggy Roestenberg
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Ehlken
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vincent Lambert
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology and Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Liège, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Karen M. Lyons
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Jean-Marie Rakic
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology and Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Liège, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ingeborg Klaassen
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Departments of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J. F. Van Noorden
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Departments of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier O. Schlingemann
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Departments of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence to: Dr. R.O. Schlingemann, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail:
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a central regulator of both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Pegaptanib, a 28-nucleotide RNA aptamer specific for the VEGF(165) isoform, binds to it in the extracellular space, leaving other isoforms unaffected, and inhibits such key VEGF actions as promotion of endothelial cell proliferation and survival, and vascular permeability. Pegaptanib already has been examined as a treatment for two diseases associated with ocular neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Preclinical studies have shown that VEGF(165) alone mediates pathological ocular neovascularization and that its inactivation by pegaptanib inhibits the choroidal neovascularization observed in patients with neovascular AMD. In contrast, physiological vascularization, which is supported by the VEGF(121) isoform, is unaffected by this inactivation of VEGF(165). In addition, animal model studies have shown that intravitreous injection of pegaptanib can inhibit the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier characteristic of diabetes and even can reverse this damage to some degree. These preclinical findings formed the basis for randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of pegaptanib as a therapy for AMD and DME. The VEGF Inhibition Study in Ocular Neovascularization (VISION) trial comprising two replicate, pivotal phase 3 studies, demonstrated that intravitreous injection of pegaptanib resulted in significant clinical benefit, compared with sham injection, for all prespecified clinical end points, irrespective of patient demographics or angiographic subtype, and led to pegaptanib's approval as a treatment for AMD. A phase 2 trial has provided support for the efficacy of intravitreous pegaptanib in the treatment of DME.
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