[Effect of suramin on proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells in vitro]
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P W Rieck1, J Kriegsch, C Jaeckel
1Augenklinik der Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin. peter.rieck@charite.de
Background:
New approaches for the treatment of secondary cataract focus on a pharmacological therapy to prevent posterior capsule opacification. In this study we investigated the effect of the naphthylurea suramin in vitro in a cell culture model.
Material And Methods:
Cell proliferation was measured using a proliferation assay and cell migration with a migration assay. Analyses of suramin toxicity were carried out using trypan blue staining.
Results:
A significant dose-dependent effect of suramin on the inhibition of LEC proliferation and migration was found even after short (1 or 2 h) incubation times ( p<0.01). Cell lysis reflecting a cytotoxic effect of suramin was not found even with high concentrations. However, preincubation of lens capsules with suramin did not prevent LECs from migrating compared to control cultures.
Conclusion:
These results demonstrate the efficiency of suramin in vitro to inhibit migration of HLEC which can be explained by blocking growth factor-mediated effects on the cells. However, further investigations on the pharmacokinetic properties of suramin and possible side-effects on other intraocular tissues must follow.
