Inhibition of Corneal Neovascularization with the Combination of Bevacizumab and Plasmid Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor-Synthetic Amphiphile INTeraction-18 (p-PEDF-SAINT-18) Vector in a Rat Corneal Experimental Angiogenesis Model

Abstract

Bevacizumab, a 149-kDa protein, is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody to VEGF. PEDF, a 50-kDa glycoprotein, has demonstrated anti-vasopermeability properties. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of bevacizumab and plasmid pigment epithelium-derived factor-synthetic amphiphile INTeraction-18 (p-PEDF-SAINT-18) has a favorable antiangiogenic effect on corneal NV. Four groups (Group A: 0 μg + 0 μg, B: 0.1 μg + 0.1 μg, C: 1 μg + 1 μg, and D: 10 μg + 10 μg) of bevacizumab + p-PEDF-SAINT-18 were prepared and implanted into the rat subconjunctival substantia propria 1.5 mm from the limbus on the temporal side. Then, 1 μg of p-bFGF-SAINT-18 was prepared and implanted into the rat corneal stroma 1.5 mm from the limbus on the same side. The inhibition of NV was observed and quantified from days 1 to 60. Biomicroscopic examination, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the 18-kDa bFGF, 50-kDa PEDF and VEGF protein expression. No inhibition activity for normal limbal vessels was noted. Subconjunctival injection with the combination of bevacizumab and p-PEDF-SAINT-18 successfully inhibited corneal NV. The bFGF and PEDF genes were successfully expressed as shown by western blot analysis, and a mild immune response to HLA-DR was shown by immunohistochemistry. We concluded that the combination of bevacizumab and p-PEDF-SAINT-18 may have more potent and prolonged antiangiogenic effects, making it possible to reduce the frequency of subconjunctival.Bevacizumab, a 149-kDa protein, is a recombinant humanized monoclonalantibody to VEGF. PEDF, a 50-kDa glycoprotein, has demonstrated anti-vasopermeabilityproperties. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of bevacizumaband plasmid pigment epithelium-derived factor-synthetic amphiphile INTeraction-18(p-PEDF-SAINT-18) has a favorable antiangiogenic effect on corneal NV. Four groups(Group A: 0 μg + 0 μg, B: 0.1 μg + 0.1 μg, C: 1 μg + 1 μg, and D: 10 μg + 10 μg) ofbevacizumab + p-PEDF-SAINT-18 were prepared and implanted into the ratsubconjunctival substantia propria 1.5 mm from the limbus on the temporal side. Then, 1 μgof p-bFGF-SAINT-18 was prepared and implanted into the rat corneal stroma 1.5 mm fromthe limbus on the same side. The inhibition of NV was observed and quantified from days1 to 60. Biomicroscopic examination, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry wereused to analyze the 18-kDa bFGF, 50-kDa PEDF and VEGF protein expression. Noinhibition activity for normal limbal vessels was noted. Subconjunctival injection with thecombination of bevacizumab and p-PEDF-SAINT-18 successfully inhibited corneal NV.The bFGF and PEDF genes were successfully expressed as shown by western blot analysis,and a mild immune response to HLA-DR was shown by immunohistochemistry. Weconcluded that the combination of bevacizumab and p-PEDF-SAINT-18 may have morepotent and prolonged antiangiogenic effects, making it possible to reduce the frequency ofsubconjunctival bevacizumab administration combined with a relatively safe profile andlow toxicity.