Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To determine the efficacy of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist, pioglitazone, in inhibiting corneal neovascularization. Methods: Twenty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Each group received intrastromal polymer micropellets containing one of the following: Group 1, no active ingredient (n=10); Group 2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (n=7); Group 3, VEGF and pioglitazone, n=9). The micropellets were implanted into a 50% depth trapezoidal corneal lamellar micropocket adjacent to the limbus. Neovascularization was evaluated 7 days after pellet implantation. After systemic India ink injection, digital photographs of the eyes were taken. The area and density of neovascularization were measured using imaging software (Scion Image for Windows, Scion Corp., Frederick, MD). Results: Microscopic observation confirmed the presence of the pellets in all eyes 7 days after implantation. Mean area of neovascularization was 0.43 + 0.18 mm2 for Group 1, 2.87 + 0.48 mm2 for Group 2 and 2.10 + 0.22 mm2 for Group 3. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between Groups 1 & 2 and Groups 1 & 3. There was no significant difference between Groups 2 & 3. Mean density of neovascularization was 2.16 + 0.66 for Group 1, 27.14 + 2.93 for Group 2 and 12.02 + 2.24 for Group 3. All comparisons between groups were statistically significant (P < .01). Conclusion: Pioglitazone is effective in decreasing the density of angiogenesis in a VEGF-induced neovascular rat cornea model. It is a promising drug for the treatment of ocular neovascularization.
Keywords: 514 pharmacology • 614 vascular cells • 440 inhibitory receptors