Vitreous levels of proteins implicated in angiogenesis are modulated in patients with retinal or choroidal neovascularization.

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), angiopoietin 2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1) in vitreous samples of patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration with choroidal neovascularization or from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

METHODS:

Proteins in vitreous samples of 29 patients were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS:

Vitreous levels of sVEGFR-1 were significantly higher in age-related macular degeneration with choroidal neovascularization (p = 0.005) and in PDR (p = 0.003) versus controls. In analogue comparisons, PEDF was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). PDR was associated with significantly increased angiopoietin 2 and VEGF levels (p = 0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION:

The vitreous in retinal or choroidal neovascularization revealed a pro-angiogenic potential indicated by decreased PEDF or increased angiopoietin 2 levels compared to controls. However, higher amounts of sVEGFR-1 were concomitant, pointing to activation of an endogenous anti-angiogenic system in the protein network.

• Authors: Matthias Huber, Joachim Wachtlin
• Journal: Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde (Ophthalmologica) Vol. 228 Issue 3 Pg. 188-93 ( 2012) ISSN: 1423-0267 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 22868384 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Angiopoietin-2
• Eye Proteins
• Nerve Growth Factors
• Serpins
• VEGFA protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• pigment epithelium-derived factor
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Angiopoietin-2 (metabolism)
• Choroidal Neovascularization (metabolism)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Eye Proteins (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nerve Growth Factors (metabolism)
• Retinal Neovascularization (metabolism)
• Serpins (metabolism)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (metabolism)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 (metabolism)
• Vitreous Body (metabolism)