Maya Eiger-Moscovich1,2, Eitan Livny3,4, Ruti Sella3,4, Orly Gal-Or3, Yael Nisgav5, Tami Livnat4,5, Irit Bahar3,4. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel, mayaeiger@gmail.com. 2. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, mayaeiger@gmail.com. 3. Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel. 4. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. 5. Laboratory of Eye Research, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Abstract
AIM: To compare the efficacy of aflibercept (Eylea®), a potent antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, with betamethasone (Celestone®) and placebo for the treatment of formed corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model. METHODS: A central corneal chemical burn was created in the right eye of 24 New Zealand albino rabbits. Four weeks later, the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 equal groups for subconjunctival injection of aflibercept, betamethasone, aflibercept+ betamethasone, or saline (control). Digital photographs taken at weekly intervals were rated by 2 masked observers for extent, centricity, and density of corneal neovascularization according to a predefined scale. The percentage of corneal surface involved by neovascularization was quantified by image analysis software (Fiji-J). The change in corneal neovascularization from treatment administration (4 weeks after injury) to 4 weeks later (8 weeks after injury) was assessed. The rabbits were then euthanized, and their eyes were enucleated and processed for histopathological and immunofluorescence studies. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the change in corneal neovascularization after treatment among the 4 groups according to the digital images (p > 0.15) or histological evaluation with hematoxylin and eosin (p > 0.08). On immunofluorescence assay, a lower VEGF concentration was observed in all treatment groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this rabbit model, corneal neovascularization induced by chemical burn failed to regress with treatment with aflibercept, betamethasone, or their combination.
AIM: To compare the efficacy of aflibercept (Eylea®), a potent antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, with betamethasone (Celestone®) and placebo for the treatment of formed corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model. METHODS: A central corneal chemical burn was created in the right eye of 24 New Zealand albino rabbits. Four weeks later, the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 equal groups for subconjunctival injection of aflibercept, betamethasone, aflibercept+ betamethasone, or saline (control). Digital photographs taken at weekly intervals were rated by 2 masked observers for extent, centricity, and density of corneal neovascularization according to a predefined scale. The percentage of corneal surface involved by neovascularization was quantified by image analysis software (Fiji-J). The change in corneal neovascularization from treatment administration (4 weeks after injury) to 4 weeks later (8 weeks after injury) was assessed. The rabbits were then euthanized, and their eyes were enucleated and processed for histopathological and immunofluorescence studies. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the change in corneal neovascularization after treatment among the 4 groups according to the digital images (p > 0.15) or histological evaluation with hematoxylin and eosin (p > 0.08). On immunofluorescence assay, a lower VEGF concentration was observed in all treatment groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this rabbit model, corneal neovascularization induced by chemical burn failed to regress with treatment with aflibercept, betamethasone, or their combination.
Authors: Esper E Saud; Haroldo V Moraes; Leonardo G C Marculino; José Alvaro P Gomes; Silvana Allodi; Nádia C O Miguel Journal: Cornea Date: 2012-02 Impact factor: 2.651
Authors: Roberta P A Manzano; Gholam A Peyman; Palwasha Khan; Petros E Carvounis; Muhamet Kivilcim; Min Ren; Jonathan C Lake; Patricia Chévez-Barrios Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2006-12-19 Impact factor: 4.638