Evaluation of cytotoxic effects of bevacizumab on human corneal cells
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Published on: July 22, 2021
Kakarla V Chalam1, Kakarla V Shalam, Swati Agarwal
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA. kchalam@jax.ufl.edu
Purpose:
Corneal neovascularization contributes to corneal opacification in inflammatory conditions of the cornea and severely compromises the success of corneal transplantation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in stimulating and maintaining corneal neovascularization. Anti-VEGF therapy, especially the use of anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab, has gained popularity in the management of retinal neovascularization and is being used topically for corneal neovascularization. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety profile of bevacizumab on human corneal cell lines.
Methods:
Human corneal epithelial and fibroblast cell lines and an umbilical vascular endothelial cell line were treated with increasing doses of bevacizumab. The effect of this treatment on cell viability was assessed by WST-1 and crystal violet staining assays. Cytotoxicity was also assessed by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometric evaluation of propidium iodide-stained cells.
Results:
In the cytotoxicity experiments, there was no difference in cell numbers after 24-hour exposure compared with control in any of the cell lines at the concentrations tested (P > 0.05 to 0.98).
Conclusion:
Bevacizumab was nontoxic to human corneal epithelial and fibroblast cells at 3 different concentrations.
Insights
Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, showed no toxicity to human corneal cells in vitro. This finding supports its potential use in treating corneal neovascularization.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization leads to opacification and hinders corneal transplant success.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drives corneal neovascularization.
- Topical bevacizumab is increasingly used for corneal neovascularization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of bevacizumab on human corneal cell lines.
- To determine the cytotoxic effects of bevacizumab on corneal epithelial and fibroblast cells.
Main Methods:
- Human corneal epithelial, fibroblast, and umbilical vascular endothelial cell lines were exposed to varying bevacizumab doses.
- Cell viability was measured using WST-1 and crystal violet assays.
- Cytotoxicity was assessed via fluorescent microscopy and propidium iodide staining.
Main Results:
- Bevacizumab treatment did not significantly alter cell numbers in any tested cell line after 24-hour exposure.
- No significant difference in cell viability was observed compared to control groups.
- Cytotoxicity assays confirmed bevacizumab's safety at tested concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Bevacizumab demonstrated a non-toxic profile on human corneal epithelial and fibroblast cells.
- These findings suggest bevacizumab is safe for corneal cells at therapeutic concentrations.
- Further research may support topical bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization management.
