Suppressive Effects of –3 Fatty Acid on Choroidal Neovascularization

Abstract

Purpose: : To investigate the role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),one of ω–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods: : Six–week–old C57BL/6 mice were fed with laboratory chow with or without 5% EPA for 4 weeks and laser photocoagulation was performed to induce CNV. One week after the photocoagulation, CNV volume was evaluated by volumetric measurements. Cultured b–End3 endothelial cells were stimulated with 1 ng/ml TNF–α under the presence or absence of EPA. Two hours after the stimulation, in vitro mRNA levels of ICAM–1 were examined by semi–quantitative RT–PCR.

Results: : The mean body weight was 25.4 ± 1.4 g and 24.6 ± 1.1 g for the EPA–fed and control mice respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant. The CNV volume in EPA–fed animals (221377 ± 99503 µm³) was significantly lower than in controls (301803 ± 139299 µm³). Stimulation with TNF–α led to an increase in mRNA levels of ICAM–1 in the endothelial cells, and the increase was less remarkable in EPA–treated cells than in vehicle–treated cells.

Conclusions: : EPA–rich diet resulted in suppression of CNV, presumably through the downregulation of ICAM–1. These results suggest that taking ω–3 fatty acid prophylactically inhibits CNV and may lower the risk of age–related macular degeneration.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • antioxidants • aging