Genistein Suppresses Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice

Abstract

Purpose: Genistein, a dietary-derived flavonoid abundantly present in soybeans, is known to possess various biological effects including an anti-angiogenic activity. In this study, we investigate the effects of genistein on ocular inflammation and neovascularization using the rodent model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice (8 weeks old) were treated in accordance with the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research. CNV was induced by laser photocoagulation (200mW, 75µm, 100msec). The animals were fed the mixture diet containing 0.5% genistein or control diet without genistein ad libitum for 7 days before laser photocoagulation and the treatment was continued until the end of the study. Seven days after laser injury, choroidal flat mounts were prepared and the size of the CNV lesions was quantified. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid complex was also harvested 3 days after laser injury and then the level of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: A significant decrease in CNV size was observed in animals treated with genistein (15442±1512µm²) compared to control mice (21074±1941µm², p<0.05). In addition, genistein significantly reduced the protein level of ICAM-1 in the RPE-choroid complex (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The current data indicate the anti-angiogenic property of genistein for reducing CNV.

Keywords: 453 choroid: neovascularization