What is it about?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment in the elderly. The neovascular (wet) form of AMD can be treated with intravitreal injections of different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. Placental growth factor (PGF) is another member of the VEGF family of cytokines with pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory effects. Here, we aimed to compare single and combined inhibition of VEGF-A and PGF in the laser-induced mouse model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with a focus on the effects on retinal mononuclear phagocytes.

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Why is it important?

In summary, this study for the first time showed that PGF inhibition, most effective as trap using aflibercept, reduced phagocyte-related mRNA expression and secretion of VEGF-A and PGF as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines in the laser CNV model mimicking wet AMD. Aflibercept showed the highest efficacy in preventing vascular leakage and CNV. Pharmacological targeting of pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory pathways simultaneously may therefore provide a novel approach for the treatment of neovascular AMD.

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This page is a summary of: Co-inhibition of PGF and VEGF blocks their expression in mononuclear phagocytes and limits neovascularization and leakage in the murine retina, Journal of Neuroinflammation, February 2019, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1419-2.
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