Lutein Inhibits Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice

Abstract

Purpose:: Lutein deposits in the macula of human eyes with high concentration and is well known as an eye-protective nutrient for its beneficial effects on eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect of lutein on the development of experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods:: Laser photocoagulation was used to induce CNV in C57BL/6J mice. Lutein (10 or 100mg/kg BW) was administered immediately after photocoagulation. One week after photocoagulation, CNV volume was evaluated by volumetric measurements. The mRNA and protein levels of ICAM-1 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid complex were examined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively.

Results:: CNV volume was significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed by the treatment with lutein (328,192 +133,693 µm³ for 100mg/kg BW, 331,702 +187,414 µm³ for 10mg/kg BW), compared with vehicle-treated animals (459,099+189,514 µm³). ICAM-1 levels, elevated by CNV induction, were also significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed by lutein administration.

Conclusions:: Lutein treatment led to significant suppression of CNV development together with inflammatory processes including ICAM-1 upregulation in the RPE-choroid complex.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • choroid: neovascularization • nutritional factors