Expression of VEGF and angiopoietins in subfoveal membranes from patients with age-related macular degeneration

Article Abstract:

Ruxandra Hera, MDab1, Michelle Keramidas, MScb1, Michel PeocEh, MDc, Michel Mouillon, MDa, Jean-Paul Romanet, MDa, Jean-Jacques Feige, PhDb Accepted 29 November 2004 published online 1 March 2005. PurposeVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins are key regulators of angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to measure mRNA levels of these factors and of their receptors in surgically excised subfoveal membranes from patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to evaluate their relevance as prognostic markers of postsurgical recurrence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). DesignProspective observational case series. Methodssetting: Institutional. study population: In a prospective series of 24 patients (aged 51 to 91 years) with classic CNV of AMD diagnosed less than 6 months previously, 24 subfoveal membranes (one eye per patient) were surgically removed and collected. Thirteen patients underwent treatment for recurrence of CNV within 6 months of surgery. main outcome measures: Four 8-? sections were prepared from each membrane for immunohistochemical determination of vascular density (CD31 immunostaining). The remaining tissue was used for preparation of total RNA. The levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, neuropilin-1, angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, Tie-2, and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase mRNAs were determined by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. ResultsVascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoietin-2 appeared to be expressed to variable levels in most samples, whereas Tie-2, VEGF-R1, and VEGF-R2 were undetectable. Low levels of VEGF expression correlated with postsurgical recurrence of CNV (P = .07). Angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 levels did not predict recurrence (P > .1). ConclusionThe results indicate that at the time of surgical excision, subfoveal membranes express angiopoietin-1, VEGF, and, to a lesser degree, angiopoietin-2. Because CNV appears to recur less often in membranes expressing high levels of VEGF, we hypothesize that VEGF acts as a stabilizer of neovessels at this stage of the disease.

Science & research, Medical Research, Epilepsy & Muscle Disease R&D, Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Research Programs, Research, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Macular degeneration, Medicine, Experimental

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Progressive pigmentation of chorioretinal lesions in Aicardi syndrome

Article Abstract:

A case of progressive pigmentation of chorioretinal lesions in Aicardi syndrome is discussed. The pigmentation in Aicardi lacunae increases with time and occurs within the body of the lacunae.

Ophthalmic R&D, Case studies, Diagnosis, Ophthalmic research, Aicardi syndrome

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