Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9570
ISSN: 2155-9570
Dario Vasquez Zuloaga1, Diaz M I1, Urzua C A1, Castiglione E1, Gonzalez I2, Vasquez M A3, Owen G I2,3 and Leyton L1
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Exp Ophthalmol
Introduction: The transcriptional factor hypoxia-induced factor-1 (HIF-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of choroidal
neovascularization through enhanced transcriptional activity of VEGF. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the main source of
VEGF which activates choroidal vascular endothelial (CVE) cells and generates neovessels into the retina leading to irreversible
blindness. Curcumin, a natural diphenol displays HIF-1 inhibitory activity in tumor cells. However, its effect on retinal cells exposed
to hypoxia has not been previously reported. Hence, we aimed to study curcumin effects on the expression of VEGF by RPE cells.
Material & Methods: RPE (ARPE19) cell lines were challenged with hypoxia (1% O2) in a culture chamber and HIF-1α, VEGF-A165
and VEGF-A189 gene expression were studied. CVE cells (RF6A) were treated with RPE-conditioned medium and migration and
angiogenesis were determined by using wound healing and matrigel assays.
Results: Curcumin inhibits hypoxia-driven VEGF up regulation in RPE cells. The conditioned medium of hypoxic RPE-cells
increases migration and vascular network formation of retinal vascular cells. Curcumin (20 and 40 μM) is able to prevent these effects
inhibiting the migration of vascular cells.
Discussion: Curcumin prevents hypoxia-mediated increase of VEGF-A gene expression in RPE cells and angiogenesis induced by
secreted factors from RPE cells. Further studies with curcumin on retinal cells are needed to establish its potential usefulness as a
novel ocular anti-angiogenics molecule.
Vasquez D H has completed his MD and PhD degree from Chile University and currently has a position as clinical fellow in medical and surgical Retina Fellowship in
University of Guadalajara, Mexico. He is a clinical scientist who achieved National Science Committee grant. Recipient of Immunotools Special Research Award in 2013 is
currently working in new AMD anti-angiogenic therapies.