Effect of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on the Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC). Methods: Primary HTMC cultures were exposed to 0, 0.25, and 0.50 mg/mL anti-VEGF bevacizumab (BV) for 24 hours. The permeability through the trabecular meshwork cell monolayer was assessed using carboxyfluorescein and trans-epithelial endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). The levels of MMP-1/-2 were measured by Western blotting and the production of nitric oxide (NO) was assessed with the Griess assay. Results: Bevacizumab at 0.50 mg/mL decreased the permeability of carboxyfluorescein significantly (p = 0.017) and did not affect TEER (p = 0.308). Administration of 0.50 mg/mL BV decreased MMP-1 and MMP-2 activities (p = 0.014, p = 0.016, respectively) and inhibited NO production significantly (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Anti-VEGF decreased the permeability through the HTMC monolayer, which was accompanied by decreased MMP-1/-2 activity and limited NO production.