Keegan_et_al_2020.pdf (534.65 kB)
Lutein and zeaxanthin attenuates VEGF-induced neovascularisation in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells through a Nox4-dependent pathway
journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-30, 17:22 authored by Gianne Keegan, Shahina Pardhan, Havovi ChichgerAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) are two of the most common and severe causes of vision loss in the population. Both conditions are associated with excessive levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the eye which results in an increase in the formation of new blood vessels through a process called neovascularisation. As such, anti-VEGF therapies are currently utilised as a treatment for patients with AMD however they are associated with painful administration of injections and potential degeneration of healthy endothelium. There is therefore growing interest in alternate treatment options to reduce neovascularisation in the eye. The use of carotenoids, lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), has been shown to improve vision loss parameters in patients with AMD, however the underlying mechanisms are not well-understood. We studied the impact of these compounds on neovascularisation processes using an in vitro cell model of the retinal microvascular endothelium. Our findings show that L and Z reduced VEGF-induced tube formation whilst, in combination (5:1 ratio), the compounds significantly blocked VEGF-induced neovascularisation. The carotenoids, individually and in combination, reduced VEGF-induced oxidative stress concomitant with increased activity of the NADPH oxidase, Nox4. We further demonstrated that the Nox4 inhibitor, GLX7013114, attenuated the protective effect of L and Z. Taken together, these findings indicate the protective effect of the carotenoids, L and Z, in reducing VEGF-mediated neovascularisation via a Nox4-dependent pathway. These studies implicate the potential for these compounds to be used as a therapeutic approach for patients suffering from AMD and proliferative DR.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
197Page range
108104Publication title
Experimental Eye ResearchISSN
1096-0007External DOI
Publisher
ElsevierFile version
- Accepted version
Language
- eng
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Legacy posted date
2020-06-11Legacy creation date
2020-06-11Legacy Faculty/School/Department
Faculty of Science & EngineeringUsage metrics
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