Sorafenib prevents human retinal pigment epithelium cells from light-induced overexpression of VEGF, PDGF and PlGF

Kernt, Marcus; Neubauer, A. S.; Liegl, R. G.; Hirneiß, Christoph; Alge, C. S.; Wolf, Armin; Ulbig, Michael W. and Kampik, Anselm (2010): Sorafenib prevents human retinal pigment epithelium cells from light-induced overexpression of VEGF, PDGF and PlGF. In: British Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol. 94, No. 11: pp. 1533-1539

Abstract

Background Cumulative light exposure is significantly associated with progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor is the main target of current antiangiogenic treatment strategies in AMD. However, other growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and placenta growth factor (PlGF), have a substantial impact on development of AMD. Previous reports indicate that sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, might have beneficial effects on exudative AMD. This study investigates the effects of sorafenib on light-induced overexpression of growth factors in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods Primary human RPE cells were exposed to white light and incubated with sorafenib. Viability, expression, and secretion of VEGF-A, PDGF-BB, and PlGF and their mRNA were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Light exposure decreased cell viability and increased expression and secretion of VEGF-A, PDGF-BB and PlGF. These light-induced effects were significantly reduced when cells were treated with sorafenib at a dose of 1 mu g/ml. Conclusion The results show that sorafenib has promising properties as a potential antiangiogenic treatment for AMD.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 0007-1161
• Alliance/National Licence: This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.
• Language: English