The Effect of Blue Light on the Production of VEGF by Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the proliferation of choroidal neovascular membrane in age related macular degeneration (AMD). Further it has been shown that exposure to blue light may also affect the progression of AMD. In this study we analyzed the effect of blue light on the production of VEGF in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods: Human RPE cells were isolated and pure cultures were obtained. Cultures were exposed to blue light (wave length 430–450 nm) in an especially designed incubator. The wave length was measured with a photo research spectroradiometer. Culture supernatants were collected at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours and the production of VEGF was measured with Elisa. Cultures without light exposure (in dark) served as controls. Results: Human RPE cells produced a significant amount of VEGF in the dark. The production of VEGF increased from 12 hours to 72 hours. Blue light exposure did not have a significant effect on the production of VEGF in RPE cells. Conclusions: The production of VEGF increased over time in RPE cultures. Exposure to blue light did not affect the production of VEGF by RPE cells. We are currently assessing the long term effect of blue light on VEGF production in RPE cells.

Keywords: retinal pigment epithelium • cytokines/chemokines • age-related macular degeneration