Abstract
Purpose::
To determine the anti-angiogenic activity of deguelin as a potent inhibitor of choroidal neovascularization
Methods::
To determine inhibitory activity for endothelial cell proliferation of deguelin, MTT assay was performed. In vitro endothelial cell tube formation assay and in vivo CAM assay were done as well. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression alteration in endothelial cell was checked with deguelin treatment. In mice model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, with or without intravitreal deguelin, neovascularization was measured through fluorescein angiography using FITC-dextran and blood vessel count in cross section.
Results::
Deguelin inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, in vitro endothelial cell tube formation, and angiogenesis in vivo CAM assay. With deguelin treatment, VEGF expression was dose-dependently decreased. Moreover, it strongly suppressed laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice without showing any toxicity in the retina.
Conclusions::
Our data suggests that deguelin has the anti-angiogenic activity through the regulation of VEGF expression. Deguelin could be a potential inhibitor of choroidal neovascularization.
Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • age-related macular degeneration • vascular occlusion/vascular occlusive disease