Corneal neovascularization: a combined approach of bevacizumab and suramin showed increased antiangiogenic effect through downregulation of bFGF and P2X2

LOPEZ, E.; ORTIZ, G; POTILINSKI, MC; CROXATTO, JO; GALLO, JE

CURRENT EYE RESEARCH

TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2018 vol. 43 p. 466 - 473

0271-3683

PURPOSE: To analyze the antiangiogenic mechanism of suramab, a pharmaceutical compound of bevacizumab and suramin, in a rabbit model of corneal angiogenesis.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Corneal neovascularization was induced in four groups of six New Zealand White rabbits by applying a filter paper disc soaked in 1M Na (OH) on the central cornea. Group one was treated after injury with intravenous suramab at a dose equivalent to 3 mg/kg of bevacizumab and 10 mg/kg of suramin. Group two was treated with intravenous bevacizumab (5mg/kg). Group three was treated with 10 mg/kg of suramin while the control group received no treatment. Digital photographs were taken at days 9, 15, 21 and 35. Neovessel formation was quantified giving a 0-4 score to each quadrant according to the centripetal growth of the longest vessel (neovessel index, NVI). Animals were sacrificed at day 35. Corneas were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry and Western-blot using primary antibodies against P2X2, bFGF, LYVE-1, PECAM-1 and VEGF-A.RESULTS: Suramab significantly reduced neovessel growth (mean NVI: 4.2) compared to bevacizumab (8.4), suramin (7.22) and control animals (12.2) at 35 days post-injury (p