Shark Cartilage-Derived Anti-Angiogenic Peptide Inhibits Corneal Neovascularization

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of vision loss, leading to corneal opacity and inflammation.
• Shark cartilage contains natural anti-angiogenic compounds.
• A previously identified shark polypeptide (SAIF) showed potential in inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-angiogenic potential of SAIF in a corneal alkali injury model.
• To investigate SAIF's effects on endothelial cell behavior and angiogenic factor expression in CNV.

Main Methods:

• SAIF was applied to a mouse corneal alkali injury model.
• In vitro assays assessed endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation.
• Matrigel plug assay evaluated VEGF-induced angiogenesis.
• Expression levels of angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF, PDGF, PEDF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• SAIF significantly inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation.
• SAIF suppressed VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vivo and corneal neovascularization in the alkali injury model.
• SAIF downregulated pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF, PDGF) and upregulated anti-angiogenic PEDF.
• SAIF modulated MMPs and TIMPs, inhibiting pro-angiogenic MMPs and promoting anti-angiogenic TIMPs.

Conclusions:

• SAIF demonstrates potent anti-angiogenic properties relevant to corneal neovascularization.
• SAIF acts by inhibiting endothelial cell activity, modulating angiogenic factor expression, and regulating ECM remodeling factors.
• SAIF represents a promising therapeutic candidate for treating corneal neovascularization and preventing vision loss.