Sterculic Acid inhibits 7-ketocholesterol-mediated Angiogenesis in a rat model

Thursday, October 11, 2012 — Poster Session III
10:00 a.m. – Noon	Natcher Conference Center, Building 45	NEI	DISPREV-1

Authors

• J Y Chou
• J Amaral
• I R Rodriguez

Abstract

Purpose: 7-ketocholesterol (7KCh) is an oxidized form of cholesterol with inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. It accumulates in lipoprotein deposits in the RPE/choriocapillaris as a consequence of aging. Sterculic Acid (SA) is a potent inhibitor of 7KCh-mediated inflammation in-vitro and choroidal neovascularization in a laser injury rat model. The purpose of this study is to evaluate SA efficacy in-vivo. Methods: Wafers containing 7KCh with or without SA were prepared with poly (2-hydroxyethymethacrylate) and polyethylene glycol using a hydraulic press. A 0.5 mm trephine was used to make implants from the main 20 mm wafer (50 mg). The 0.5 mm implants were placed in the anterior chamber of a rat eye and neovessel growth was quantified by imaging fluorescein angiograms of the rat anterior chamber. Results: 7KCh-containing implants consistently induced angiogenesis at a concentration as low as 3% (w/w). By contrast, implants containing cholesterol had no effect. Implants containing 7KCh and SA did not form neovessels. Conclusions: 7KCh promotes angiogenesis and inflammation in-vivo. SA effectively antagonizes 7KCh-mediated angiogenesis and inflammation. 7KCh accumulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and SA may be a potential treatment for choroidal neovascularization associated with some forms of AMD.

back to top