Role of placental growth factor (PIGF) in wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Failing filtering surgery due to excessive wound healing is a considerable challenge in ophthalmology, and largely contributes to progressive vision loss in glaucoma patients. Anti‐VEGF therapy helps to prevent post‐surgical scarring by inhibiting angiogenesis and collagen deposition, but does not influence inflammation (which is also an important player in postoperative wound healing). We will check the hypothesis that placental growth factor (PlGF) plays a role in scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery, and that it may be a(n) (additional) target for improvement of the outcome of this surgery through its known anti‐angiogenic and anti‐inflammatory, and possibly anti‐fibrotic properties. Methods The effect of an anti‐PlGF antibody (ThromboGenics) will be investigated in vitro on the proliferation of endothelial cells (HUVEC), inflammatory cells (Jurkat cells) and of Tenon fibroblasts (TF). The effect of the antibody will also be investigated in vivo in a rabbit model for glaucoma surgery by measuring intra‐ocular pressure (IOP), filtration bleb function and survival, and by (immuno‐)histological analysis of angiogenesis (CD31), inflammation (CD45) and fibrosis (Sirius Red). Conclusion Our proposed research project will elucidate the potential role of PlGF‐inhibition in the improvement of filtration surgery outcome, and will highlight any angiostatic, anti‐inflammatory, and/or anti‐fibrotic effects. PlGF‐inhibition as an adjuvant anti‐inflammatory therapy to anti‐VEGF treatment in glaucoma surgery might open new perspectives for more efficient surgery. In conclusion, our project opens exciting perspectives for the treatment of the blinding condition of glaucoma, and thus might improve the visual prognosis of glaucoma patients.