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Published on: April 7, 2014
Inhibition of Pathologic Corneal Neovascularization by Topical Application of a Novel Peptide In Vivo
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China; and †Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease, Shanghai, China.
Purpose:
To investigate the antiangiogenic effect of topical application of H-KI20, a novel 20-amino acid peptide from the hepatocyte growth factor, on 2 animal models of corneal neovascularization (NV), and its possible toxic effects on the cornea and conjunctiva.
Methods:
The antiangiogenic effect of topical H-KI20 in vivo was studied on corneal NV induced by a mouse corneal micropocket assay and rat intrastromal suture model. In each model, H-KI20, scrambled control peptide H-KI20S, bevacizumab, and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were applied topically 4 times a day. Corneal NV was examined, photographed, and analyzed. Histological analysis of the corneas was performed. Tear film breakup time and gross and histological examinations were used to study the possible toxicity of topical H-KI20.
Results:
Topical application of H-KI20 significantly inhibited corneal NV induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and intrastromal suture (P < 0.01 vs. the PBS group), and the area of corneal NV was suppressed by 80.3% and 83.6%, respectively (PBS group as 100%). No significant difference was found between 1.0 mg/mL H-KI20 and 10 mg/mL bevacizumab (P > 0.05). Both hematoxylin and eosin and CD34 staining revealed fewer new blood vessels in the H-KI20 and bevacizumab groups. Tear film breakup time and histological examinations showed that H-KI20 had no obvious toxic effects on the cornea and conjunctiva in vivo.
Conclusions:
The novel peptide H-KI20 is an effective and safe inhibitor of corneal NV. It may provide a promising alternative for ocular topical antiangiogenic therapy.
Insights
A novel peptide, H-KI20, effectively inhibits corneal neovascularization (NV) in animal models. This topical treatment shows promising safety for ocular antiangiogenic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Peptide Therapeutics
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization (NV) is a significant cause of vision impairment.
- Current antiangiogenic therapies have limitations.
- Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays a role in angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiangiogenic efficacy of topical H-KI20 on corneal NV.
- To assess the safety and potential toxicity of H-KI20 on ocular tissues.
Main Methods:
- Two animal models of corneal NV were utilized: mouse corneal micropocket assay and rat intrastromal suture model.
- H-KI20, a control peptide, bevacizumab, and PBS were applied topically.
- Corneal NV was quantified, and histological analyses were performed.
- Tear film breakup time and histological examinations assessed ocular toxicity.
Main Results:
- Topical H-KI20 significantly inhibited corneal NV by over 80% in both models (P < 0.01).
- H-KI20 demonstrated comparable efficacy to bevacizumab.
- Histological analysis confirmed reduced neovascularization and no significant ocular toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The novel peptide H-KI20 is a safe and effective inhibitor of corneal NV.
- H-KI20 represents a potential new topical antiangiogenic therapy for ocular conditions.
