KH902, a Recombinant Human VEGF Receptor Fusion Protein, Reduced the Level of Placental Growth Factor in Alkali Burn Induced-Corneal Neovascularization

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the expression of placental growth factor (PIGF) in alkali burn-induced murine corneal neovascularization (NV); to evaluate the effects of KH902, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor decoy, on prevention and regression of new vessels growths in the cornea; and to determine the influence of KH902 on the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and PIGF in alkali burn-induced corneal NV. Methods: Mouse corneal NV was induced by alkali burn. The expression of PIGF was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To evaluate the effects of KH902, corneal NV was observed and photographed every 3 days for a total of 28 days after the alkali burn. The percentage of NV area was measured and compared with that of the control group. The VEGF and PIGF levels in the cornea were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: PIGF was expressed during the alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization. On day 3 (D3), day 6 (D6) and day 9 (D9) after chemical cauterization, the length of the longest new vessel and the neovascularization areas in the KH902-treated groups were significantly smaller than those of the PBS-treated group (p < 0.05). The areas of established corneal NV of the KH902-treated groups regressed with time, but the control groups showed no natural regression. The VEGF and PIGF levels of the cornea in the treated groups were significantly decreased compared to those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: PIGF may be involved in alkali burn-induced corneal NV. KH902 significantly inhibited new vessel growth and promoted the regression of established vessels in a mouse model of corneal NV, and it also reduced the levels of VEGF and PIGF in the cornea.