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Chen CH, Lim PS, Wu TK, Chuang WL, Yu TS, Tsai FJ, Chen CM, Chang KH. Intravitreal ranibizumab injection is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease: a population-based study in Taiwan. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:4799-4808. [PMID: 38153512 PMCID: PMC11166851 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Systemic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockade has been the top adjunctive chemotherapy since 1990. Anti-VEGF therapy has also been associated with worsened renal function in some patients. However, the association between patient outcomes and use of intravitreal VEGF inhibitors remains controversial. Thus, it is necessary to determine the action mechanism and long-term renal effects of ranibizumab. The National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) is one of the largest global databases that are extensively used for epidemiological research. NHIRD contains the medical information of all insureds, such as inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and traditional Chinese medicine records. We selected subjects aged ≥ 20 years who recently administered ranibizumab for the ranibizumab cohort. Non-ranibizumab cohort consisted of subjects who did not receive ranibizumab, and the index date was a random date between 2008 and 2018. We excluded subjects with missing sex and age records and those in which the date of primary outcome was before the index date. The two cohorts were matched via 1:1 propensity score matching based on sex, age, index year, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, stroke, coronary artery disease, alcoholism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic macular edema. Medical confounders were angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins, corticosteroids, VEGF inhibitors including bevacizumab and aflibercept, lithium, amphotericin B, adefovir, NSAIDS, cisplatin, and calcineurin inhibitors. Among 48,248 participants aged ≥ 20 years, 24,136 (50%) received ranibizumab (13,565 male [56.20%] and 10,571 female [43.80%]). Moreover, 24,136 participants who did not receive ranibizumab were matched by age, sex, comorbidities, and medications. Subjects who received ranibizumab exhibited a significantly higher risk of CKD than those who did not receive ranibizumab (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.79-1.96). Our findings revealed that exposure to intravitreal ranibizumab is an independent risk factor for CKD. Therefore, physicians and ophthalmologists should make the patients aware of such a correlation to increase patient safety and decrease the CKD burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hsu Chen
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Division of Renal Medicine, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Paik Seong Lim
- Division of Renal Medicine, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Post Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Kun Wu
- Division of Renal Medicine, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan
- Post Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Lung Chuang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, 500, Taiwan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Lukang Christian Hospital, Changhua, 505, Taiwan
| | - Teng-Shun Yu
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Division of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
| | - Kuang-Hsi Chang
- Post Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan.
- Center for General Education, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
- General Education Center, Nursing and Management, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Miaoli, 356, Taiwan.
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Xiao X, Zhang J, Ji S, Zou Y, Wu Y, Qin C, Yang J, Zhao Y, Yang Q, Liu F. Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors did not increase the risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with biopsy-proven diabetic kidney disease based on matched study. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1077047. [PMID: 36569300 PMCID: PMC9768017 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1077047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of intravitreal (IVT) VEGFi on long-term renal outcomes in patients with biopsy-proven diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Patients and methods: Patients prescribed IVT VEGFi (VEGFi group) were enrolled from a retrospective cohort with biopsy-proven DKD, and those not prescribed VEGFi (non-VEGFi group) were enrolled by 1:3 propensity score matching, adjusted for clinical and pathological baseline indicators. The primary endpoint is defined as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the secondary endpoint is defined as all-cause mortality. Results: Compared with patients in non-VEGFi group, patients with VEGFi had a higher proportion of diabetic retinopathy (DR) (50.9% vs 100%, p < 0.001) before matching. Standardized mean difference (SMD) of age, DR, duration of diabetes, the proportion of hypertension, eGFR, initial proteinuria, serum albumin, hemoglobin, the proportion of RAAS inhibitor and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) were >10%. After matching, there was no significant difference in clinical pathology between the two groups. Except for the proportion of hypertension, the SMD of other indicators was <10%. Endpoints such as ESRD (Log-Rank p = 0.772) and all-cause mortality (Log-Rank p = 0.834) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Our data suggested that IVT VEGFi did not increase the incidence of ESRD and all-cause mortality in patients with DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xiao
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Division of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chendu Medical College, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junlin Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuming Ji
- Division of Project Design and Statistics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yutong Zou
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yucheng Wu
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmei Qin
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuancheng Zhao
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Diabetic Kidney Disease, Centre of Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Fang Liu,
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Kikuchi Y, Odashima Y, Yoshikawa K, Oda T, Tanaka F, Oikawa H, Ishigaki Y, Asahi K. Renal thrombotic microangiopathy and nephrotic proteinuria induced by intravitreal injection of aflibercept for diabetic macular edema. BMC Nephrol 2022; 23:348. [PMID: 36309669 PMCID: PMC9618189 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-022-02986-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFIs) are used to treat malignant neoplasms and ocular diseases by inhibiting angiogenesis. Systemic use of VEGFIs has various side effects, including hypertension, proteinuria, and thrombotic microangiopathy, but adverse events due to intravitreal injection of VEGFIs have not been fully clarified. Although age-related macular degeneration was initially the most common target of intravitreal injection of VEGFIs, it has also been applied sporadically for diabetic macular edema in recent years. Proteinuria following intravitreal injection of VEGFIs would be reversible. In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), however, it would be difficult to determine whether kidney damage arises from the clinical course of DM or from intravitreal injection of VEGFIs for diabetic macular edema. CASE PRESENTATION A 55-year-old woman with a 20-year history of type 2 DM began intravitreal injection of VEGFI (aflibercept, 2 mg every 4 weeks) for treatment of diabetic macular edema 2 years previously. She presented with leg edema, hypertension, and nephrotic-range proteinuria 14 months after the first injection. Histological examination of renal biopsy specimens revealed diabetic nephropathy with renal thrombotic microangiopathy probably associated with intravitreal injection of VEGFI. The patient's nephrotic syndrome completely improved at 6 months after simply discontinuing aflibercept. CONCLUSIONS This is a precious report of pathologically investigated renal thrombotic microangiopathy leading to nephrotic syndrome due to intravitreal injection of aflibercept for diabetic macular edema in a patient with type 2 DM. Renal function and proteinuria should be monitored in diabetic patients who receive intravitreal injection of a VEGFI. If kidney damage develops independent of the clinical course of DM during intravitreal injection of a VEGFI, renal biopsy should be performed and intravitreal VEGFI injection discontinued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawara Kikuchi
- grid.411790.a0000 0000 9613 6383Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Odashima
- grid.411790.a0000 0000 9613 6383Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yoshikawa
- grid.411790.a0000 0000 9613 6383Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Oda
- grid.411790.a0000 0000 9613 6383Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Tanaka
- grid.411790.a0000 0000 9613 6383Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Hiroki Oikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morioka Tsunagi Onsen Hospital, Morioka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ishigaki
- grid.411790.a0000 0000 9613 6383Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Koichi Asahi
- grid.411790.a0000 0000 9613 6383Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
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Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Protects Retinal Neural Cells and Prevents Pathological Angiogenesis in an Ex Vivo Ischemia Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4199394. [PMID: 36035211 PMCID: PMC9410835 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4199394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ocular ischemia/hypoxia is a severe problem in ophthalmology that can cause vision impairment and blindness. However, little is known about the changes occurring in the existing fully formed choroidal blood vessels. We developed a new whole organ culture model for ischemia/hypoxia in rat eyes and investigate the effects of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) protein on the eye tissues. The concentration of oxygen within the vitreous was measured in the enucleated rat eyes and living rats. Then, ischemia was mimicked by incubating the freshly enucleated eyes in medium at 4°C for 14 h. Eyes were fixed immediately after enucleation or were intravitreally injected with PEDF protein or with vehicle before incubation. After incubation, light and electron microscopy (EM) as well as Tunel staining was performed. In the living rats, the intravitreal oxygen concentration was on average at 16.4% of the oxygen concentration in the air and did not change throughout the experiment whereas it was ca. 28% at the beginning of the experiment and gradually decreased over time in the enucleated eyes. EM analysis revealed that the shape of the choriocapillaris changed dramatically after 14 h incubation in the enucleated eyes. The endothelial cells made filopodia-like projections into the vessel lumen. They appeared identical to the labyrinth capillaries found in surgically extracted choroidal neovascular membranes from patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These filopodia-like projections nearly closed the vessel lumen and showed open gaps between neighboring endothelial cells. PEDF significantly inhibited labyrinth capillary formation and kept the capillary lumen open. The number of TUNEL-positive ganglion cells and inner nuclear layer cells was significantly reduced in the PEDF-treated eyes compared to the vehicle-treated eyes. The structural changes in the chroidal vessels observed under ischemia/hypoxia conditions can mimic early changes in the process of pathological angiogenesis as observed in wet AMD patients. This new model can be used to investigate short-term drug effects on the choriocapillaris after ischemia/hypoxia and it highlighted the potential of PEDF as a promising candidate for treating wet AMD.
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Yang SF, Su YC, Lim CC, Huang JY, Hsu SM, Wu LW, Chang YS, Hung JH. Risk of dialysis in patients receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment: a population-based cohort study. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:5116-5130. [PMID: 35724264 PMCID: PMC9271293 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We utilized the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database which was stemmed from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a retrospective cohort study investigating the risk of becoming dialysis dependent after receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for retinal diseases. Patients newly receiving intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept from 2000 to 2017 for age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusions, or myopic choroid neovascularization were included as the study group, and patients with same retinal diseases but did not receive intravitreal anti-VEGFs served as controls extracted by age- and sex-matched (1:4) and further propensity score matching (PSM). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the risk of dialysis. A cohort of 2447 anti-VEGF users and 2447 controls by PSM were evaluated. Higher dialysis risks were observed among patients newly receiving anti-VEGF agents compared to controls (adjusted HR: 1.849; 95% CI: 1.378–2.482) in the PSM cohort. For subgroup analysis, patients newly receiving anti-VEGF treatment for diabetic macular edema had significant risk (adjusted HR: 1.834; 95% CI: 1.448–2.324) of becoming dialysis-dependent, while patients in other subgroups demonstrated similar risks as the controls. In conclusion, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents might increase the risk of becoming dialysis-dependent, especially in patients who are treated for diabetic macular edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chee Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yang Huang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Min Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wha Wu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Sheng Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horung Hung
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Ebrahimi M, Balibegloo M, Rezaei N. Monoclonal antibodies in diabetic retinopathy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:163-178. [PMID: 35105268 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2037420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetic retinopathy (DR), as one of the main complications of diabetes, is among the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. AREAS COVERED Current clinical therapies include photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies. Bevacizumab and ranibizumab are two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibiting angiogenesis. Intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab can decrease the rate of blindness and retinal thickness, and improve visual acuity whether as monotherapy or combined with other treatments. They can increase the efficacy of other treatments and decrease their adverse events. Although administered intravitreally, they also might enter the circulation and cause systemic effects. This study is aimed to review our current knowledge about mAbs, bevacizumab and ranibizumab, in DR including superiorities, challenges, and limitations. Meanwhile, we tried to shed light on new ideas to overcome these limitations. Our latest search was done in April 2021 mainly through PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant clinical studies were imported. EXPERT OPINION Future direction includes detection of more therapeutic targets considering other components of DR pathophysiology and shared pathogenesis of DR and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, the treat-and-extend regimen, and new ways of drug delivery and other routes of ocular drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Ebrahimi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA),Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Balibegloo
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA),Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA),Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhao F, Fei W, Li Z, Yu H, Xi L. Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor-Loaded PEGylated Nanoparticles as a New Antiangiogenic Therapy for Neovascularization. J Diabetes Res 2022; 2022:1193760. [PMID: 35493608 PMCID: PMC9054434 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1193760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological neovascularization, which involves a disruption in the balance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors under pathological conditions, is the basis of many intraocular diseases. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent natural, endogenous inhibitor of neovascularization because of its antiangiogenic and neuroprotective benefits. However, its application is restricted by its instability and short half-life. The present study is aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity and antiangiogenic effects of PEDF-loaded PEGylated nanoparticles (NP-PEG-PEDF) on high glucose-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS In this study, NP-PEG-PEDF were fabricated using the multiple emulsion method for the first time. HUVECs were cultured in a high concentration of glucose (30 mmol/L D-glucose), simulating diabetic conditions. The antiangiogenic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pure PEDF, and NP-PEG-PEDF on proliferation, migration, and tube formation were evaluated. VEGF secretion in high glucose-stimulated HUVECs was further tested in vitro. RESULTS NP-PEG-PEDF exhibited low cytotoxicity in HUVECs. Our results indicated that in vitro, NP-PEG-PEDF attenuated diabetes-induced HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and suppressed VEGF secretion. The apoptosis of diabetes-induced HUVECs occurred in a dose-dependent manner, which showed a statistically significant difference compared with the PEDF treatment group. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate that NP-PEG-PEDF exert antiangiogenic effects on high glucose-stimulated HUVECs and have the potential to alleviate microvascular dysfunction. These data suggest that the NP-PEG-PEDF delivery system may offer an innovative therapeutic strategy for preventing neovascularization of the fundus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenlei Fei
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhouyue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Xi
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Increased mortality after intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF for neovascular AMD among patients with prior stroke or acute myocardial infarction. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:153-159. [PMID: 33654317 PMCID: PMC8727623 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients with prior stroke or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are associated with increased mortality. METHODS From 2005 to 2013, nAMD patients in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database who received IVI of anti-VEGF and had a diagnosis of stroke/AMI prior to their first injections were defined as the IVI group. The mortality of the IVI group during the study period was compared to that of the non-IVI group, which consisted of nAMD patients who had prior stroke/AMI but were never exposed to anti-VEGF. The IVI group and the non-IVI group were 1-4 matched according to propensity score (PS), which was derived from age, sex, date of stroke/AMI and comorbidities. PS-adjusted Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality associated with IVI of anti-VEGF. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to the interval between stroke/AMI and IVI (≤6 months, 6 months to 1 year, 1-2 years, >2 years). RESULTS There were 3384 individuals in the IVI group and 13,536 individuals in the non-IVI group. The IVI group had a significantly higher mortality risk (adjusted HR = 2.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.14-2.62) than the non-IVI group. Subgroup analyses revealed that elevated mortality was significant when anti-VEGF was injected within 1 year after stroke/AMI. CONCLUSIONS We found an increased mortality risk associated with IVI of anti-VEGF in nAMD patients with prior stroke/AMI compared to the mortality risk of nAMD patients with prior stroke/AMD but without exposure to anti-VEGF.
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Reibaldi M, Fallico M, Avitabile T, Marolo P, Parisi G, Cennamo G, Furino C, Lucenteforte E, Virgili G. Frequency of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and risk of death: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Ophthalmol Retina 2021; 6:369-376. [PMID: 34974177 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2021.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
TOPIC To investigate whether an increasing number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections is associated with a higher mortality risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The issue of systemic safety of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy has been long discussed. Evidence from meta-analyses of randomized studies has shown no increased risk of mortality in overall population, while some warning signal of higher mortality were found in diabetic patients exposed to intense and prolonged treatment. Concerns have been raised as to whether an increasing number of anti-VEGF injections could be associated with a higher mortality. METHODS Randomized clinical trials enrolling arms with different intensity of anti-VEGF therapy were searched. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of death with 95% confidence interval (CI) for receiving 5 injections was the primary outcome measure. The relationship between the number of injections and all-cause mortality was investigated. Separate regression analyses were conducted to investigate this relationship in subgroups of studies with different diseases and drugs. RESULTS Fifty-two trials were included. An overall mortality rate of 1.02% and 3.36% was recorded at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Univariate regression showed that a larger number of injections was not associated with a significant increase in mortality both at 12 months (IRR=1.16,95%CI=0.87-1.53;p=0.31) and at 24 months (IRR=1.05,95%CI=0.95-1.15;p=0.34). According to subgroup analyses, a higher risk was marginally associated with an increasing number of injections in diabetic macular edema (DME) studies at 24 months (IRR=1.17,95%CI=1.02-1.33;p=0.03). CONCLUSION No significant influence of anti-VEGF treatment intensity on mortality was shown, supporting a message of reassurance over safety concerns of this therapy. Marginal evidence of a higher risk associated with a more intense treatment was found in DME patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic Section, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Paola Marolo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic Section, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Parisi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic Section, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gilda Cennamo
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Furino
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianni Virgili
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Firenze and Careggi, Italy; Centre for Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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10
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Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factors hypertension, proteinuria, and renal injury: a concise review. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2021; 31:47-56. [PMID: 34750330 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Nearly 20 years ago, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)inhibitors (VEGFi) were adapted from systemic use from antiangiogenesis roles to intravitreal uses. Initially bevacizumab a murine immunoglobulin was injected 'off label' as a treatment for diabetic macular edema and age-related macular degeneration. Throughout the following decade aflibercept and finally ranibizumab were adapted and obtained Food and Drug Administration approval for intravitreal use. Initially systemic absorption was thought to be quite low after intravitreal injections and was quoted as being 200-fold lower than levels postulated to induce significant VEGF inhibition. Pharmacodynamic studies obtained in 2014 and again in 2017 revealed significant systemic absorption and detectable VEGF inhibition, this has since been confirmed in multiple subsequent studies. RECENT FINDINGS A few case reports of renal dysfunction and glomerular disease related to VEGFi were initially identified. Mixed findings on effects on blood pressure were noted in studies. More recently, 32 cases of de-novo glomerular disease and/or proteinuria exacerbation were identified. New studies have corroborated increased blood pressure, proteinuria exacerbation in patients with pre-existing nephrotic syndrome, and systemic VEGF depletion. Further, the most common lesion of systemic VEGFi nephrotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, has recently been reported by our group. SUMMARY We will review the pharmacokinetic, translational, and epidemiological data that year upon year establish the finite-yet real risk of intravitreal VEGFi.
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11
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Phadke G, Hanna RM, Ferrey A, Torres EA, Singla A, Kaushal A, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Kurtz I, Jhaveri KD. Review of intravitreal VEGF inhibitor toxicity and report of collapsing FSGS with TMA in a patient with age-related macular degeneration. Clin Kidney J 2021; 14:2158-2165. [PMID: 34603693 PMCID: PMC8483684 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor blockade is used for a variety of retinal pathologies. These include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and central retinal vein obstruction. Reports of absorption of intravitreal agents into systemic circulation have increased in number and confirmation of depletion of VEGF has been confirmed. Increasingly there are studies and case reports showing worsening hypertension, proteinuria, renal dysfunction and glomerular disease. The pathognomonic findings of systemic VEGF blockade, thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), are also being increasingly reported. One lesion that occurs in conjunction with TMAs that has been described is collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (cFSGS). cFSGS has been postulated to occur due to TMA-induced chronic glomerular hypoxia. In this updated review we discuss the mechanistic, pharmacological, epidemiological and clinical evidence of intravitreal VEGF toxicity. We review cases of biopsy-proven toxicity presented by our group and other investigators. We also present the third reported case of cFSGS in the setting of intravitreal VEGF blockade with a chronic TMA component that was crucially found on biopsy. This patient is a 74-year-old nondiabetic male receiving aflibercept for AMD. Of the two prior cases of cFSGS in the setting of VEGF blockade, one had AMD and the other had DME. This case solidifies the finding of cFSGS and its association with chronic TMA as a lesion that may be frequently encountered in patients receiving intravitreal VEGF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Phadke
- Metrolina Nephrology Associates, Charlotte, NC, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Fargo School of Medicine, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Ramy M Hanna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Antoney Ferrey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Amit Kaushal
- Sanford Health, Fargo, ND, USA.,Department of Medicine, Fargo School of Medicine, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Ira Kurtz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of California, Los Angeles, Westwood, CA, USA.,Brain Research Institute, Westwood, CA, USA
| | - Kenar D Jhaveri
- Northwell Health, Hofstra School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Reibaldi M, Fallico M, Avitabile T, Bonfiglio V, Russo A, Castellino N, Parisi G, Longo A, Pulvirenti A, Boscia F, Virgili G. Risk of Death Associated With Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 138:50-57. [PMID: 31750861 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2019.4636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Although intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment represents the first-line therapy for many retinal diseases, the issue of their systemic safety is debatable. Objectives To assess whether intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy might be associated with increased risk of mortality and which variables are associated with the increase. Data Sources PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception to May 6, 2019. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials comparing intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment with control groups and with follow-up of at least 6 months were selected. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were independently collected by 2 investigators. Meta-analyses were conducted using the frequentist and Bayesian methods. For the frequentist approach, random- and fixed-effects models were used, with random-effects models considered the primary technique. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were computed. For the bayesian approach, uninformative and informative priors were used. Odds ratios with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) were computed. Meta-regression analyses were based on random-effects models. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was the all-cause death rate. Secondary outcomes included meta-regression analyses on the following variables: type of drug, number of injections, follow-up time, diagnosis, and cardiovascular risk. Results Of 2336 studies identified, 34 unique studies with 8887 unique participants were included in the present meta-analysis. For the frequentist analysis, fixed- and random-effects models yielded similar estimates (ORs, 1.34 [95% CI, 0.95-2.07; P = .09] and 1.34 [95% CI, 0.89-2.01; P = .17], respectively). For the Bayesian approach, noninformative and informative priors yielded similar results (ORs, 1.34 [95% CrI, 0.79-2.34; 0.13 probability of OR≤1.00] and 1.40 [95% CrI, 0.82-2.32; 0.11 probability of OR≤1.00], respectively). Meta-regression analyses showed the following risk for 1 injection more: frequentist OR of 1.12 (95% CI, 1.04-1.22; P = .005) and Bayesian OR of 1.06 (95% CrI, 0.98-1.15; 0.06 probability of OR≤1.00). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, no difference was found in the mortality rate between intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment and control groups. Additional data seem warranted to determine whether the mortality rate is increased in patients receiving a greater number of injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Eye Unit, Southampton University Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Guglielmo Parisi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pulvirenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Boscia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianni Virgili
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Firenze and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
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13
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Abstract
Purpose Growing evidence suggests different systemic exposure of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents with repeated intravitreal application. Since the penetration of anti-VEGF agents through vascular barrier was reported, the interaction of anti-VEGF with nonresident platelets has become a topic of interest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, with the help of visualization techniques, whether platelets take up the anti-VEGF agents ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab. Methods The uptake of anti-VEGF agents with or without VEGF treatment was investigated using immunofluorescence and immunogold staining in human platelets. The role of actin filaments and clathrin-coated vesicles in the transport of ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab was evaluated by two pharmacologic inhibitors: staurosporine (protein kinase C inhibitor) and cytochalasin D. Results All three anti-VEGF agents were taken up by platelets and colocalized with VEGF. Ranibizumab and aflibercept were mainly detected in alpha-granules; however, bevacizumab was equally localized in alpha-granules and in platelet vesicles. Both staurosporine and cytochalasin D completely inhibited the uptake of aflibercept into platelets. Both pharmacological inhibitors also decreased the transport of ranibizumab and bevacizumab into platelets. Bevacizumab was significantly more frequently colocalized within clathrin-coated vesicles than ranibizumab and aflibercept. Conclusion All three anti-VEGF agents are taken up by platelets and internalized in alpha-granules, which may result in a higher local exposure of anti-VEGF after the activation of platelets, potentially contributing to arterial thromboembolic events. Clathrin-coated vesicles seem to be more prominent in the transport of bevacizumab than ranibizumab and aflibercept. Nevertheless, whether the different localization and transport of bevacizumab are truly related to specific differences of receptor-mediated endocytosis has to be revealed by further research.
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14
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Ngo Ntjam N, Thulliez M, Paintaud G, Salvo F, Angoulvant D, Pisella PJ, Bejan-Angoulvant T. Cardiovascular Adverse Events With Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 139:2778626. [PMID: 33856414 PMCID: PMC8050790 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Systemic safety of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is a matter of debate and regular updates are necessary. OBJECTIVE To evaluate systemic adverse events (SAEs) associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs compared with non-anti-VEGF treatments in patients with ocular diseases. DATA SOURCES Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to July 7, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Randomized clinical trials conducted in adults with retinal diseases who received intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Studies and treatment characteristics and outcome data were extracted and analyzed, and study quality was evaluated. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Main outcomes were major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and total mortality. Secondary outcomes included nonocular hemorrhage, components of MACEs, other cardiovascular outcomes, serious SAEs, and all SAEs. RESULTS A total of 74 randomized clinical trials were analyzed: 32 trials (43%) included 14 190 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), 24 (32%) included 5424 patients with diabetic retinopathy (diabetic macular edema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy), 17 trials (23%) included 3757 patients with retinal vein occlusion, and 1 trial (1%) included 122 patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization. Anti-VEGF drug administration did not increase MACEs compared with control agents (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% CI, 0.85-1.58) or total mortality (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.82-1.96). There was an interaction (subgroup difference, P = .04) in mortality risk depending on the underlying disease with an increase (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.03-3.16; P = .04) in the risk of death in patients with diabetic retinopathy; however, no increase was observed in patients with AMD or retinal vein occlusion. Administration of anti-VEGF drugs increased the risk of nonocular hemorrhage (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.01-2.10), mainly in patients with AMD. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Intravitreal anti-VEGF was not associated with an increase in MACEs in the trials examined herein. Increased mortality in patients with diabetes and nonocular hemorrhages, especially in those with AMD, could represent a safety signal, but the evidence was not strong. However, continued surveillance of SAEs remains warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Ngo Ntjam
- Hospital Pharmacy, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- EA 4245, T2I (Transplantation, Immunity & Inflammation), Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Medical Pharmacology Department, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie Thulliez
- Ophthalmology Department, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gilles Paintaud
- EA 4245, T2I (Transplantation, Immunity & Inflammation), Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Medical Pharmacology Department, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Francesco Salvo
- Medical Pharmacology Department, CHU Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, U1219, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Denis Angoulvant
- EA 4245, T2I (Transplantation, Immunity & Inflammation), Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Cardiology Department, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Theodora Bejan-Angoulvant
- EA 4245, T2I (Transplantation, Immunity & Inflammation), Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Medical Pharmacology Department, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
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15
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Shye M, Hanna RM, Patel SS, Tram-Tran N, Hou J, Mccannel C, Khalid M, Hanna M, Abdelnour L, Kurtz I. Worsening proteinuria and renal function after intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor blockade for diabetic proliferative retinopathy. Clin Kidney J 2020; 13:969-980. [PMID: 33391740 PMCID: PMC7769550 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitions can induce worsening hypertension, proteinuria and glomerular diseases of various types. These agents can also be used to treat ophthalmic diseases like proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, central retinal vein occlusion and age-related macular degeneration. Recently, pharmacokinetic studies confirmed that these agents are absorbed at levels that result in biologically significant suppression of intravascular VEGF levels. There have now been 23 other cases published that describe renal sequela of intravitreal VEGF blockade, and they unsurprisingly mirror known systemic toxicities of VEGF inhibitors. We present three cases where stable levels of proteinuria and chronic kidney disease worsened after initiation of these agents. Two of our three patients were biopsied. The first patient's biopsy showed diabetic nephropathy and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with collapsing features and acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). The second patient's biopsy showed AIN in a background of diabetic glomerulosclerosis. This is the second patient seen by our group, whose biopsy revealed segmental glomerulosclerosis with collapsing features in the setting of intravitreal VEGF blockade. Though FSGS with collapsing features and AIN are not the typical lesions seen with systemic VEGF blockade, they have been reported as rare case reports previously. In addition to reviewing known elements of intravitreal VEGF toxicity, the cases presented encompass renal pathology data supporting that intravitreal VEGF blockade can result in deleterious systemic and renal pathological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Shye
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ramy M Hanna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCI School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sapna S Patel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Ngoc Tram-Tran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Jean Hou
- Department of Pathology, Division of Renal Pathology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Collin Mccannel
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maham Khalid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCI School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mina Hanna
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland-Ochsner Clinical School, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lama Abdelnour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ira Kurtz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Brain Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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16
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Hanna RM, Tran NT, Patel SS, Hou J, Jhaveri KD, Parikh R, Selamet U, Ghobry L, Wassef O, Barsoum M, Bijol V, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Pai A, Amin A, Kupperman B, Kurtz IB. Thrombotic Microangiopathy and Acute Kidney Injury Induced After Intravitreal Injection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors VEGF Blockade-Related TMA After Intravitreal Use. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:579603. [PMID: 33117836 PMCID: PMC7577346 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.579603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition can cause worsening hypertension, proteinuria, chronic kidney injury, and glomerular disease. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and other nephrotic disorders have been reported with systemic VEGF blockade. These same agents are given intravitreally for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), albeit at lower doses than those given for systemic indications. Systemic absorption of anti-VEGF agents when given intravitreally has been shown consistently along with evidence of significant intravascular VEGF suppression. While worsening hypertension has only been seen in some large-scale studies, case reports show worsening proteinuria and diverse glomerular diseases. These include TMA-associated lesions like focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis with collapsing features (cFSGS). In this paper, we report three cases of TMA likely associated with the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. These patients developed the signature lesion of VEGF blockade in a 6 to 11 month time frame after starting intravitreal VEGF inhibitors. The literature is reviewed showing similar cases. Intravitreal VEGF blockade may cause these adverse events in a hitherto unidentified subgroup of patients. Well-controlled prospective observational trials are needed to determine the event rate and identify which subgroups of patients are at increased risk. A registry for patients who develop worsening hypertension, proteinuria exacerbation, and glomerular diseases from intravitreal VEGF blockade is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy M. Hanna
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California (UC) Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Ngoc-Tram Tran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Sapna S. Patel
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Jean Hou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kenar D. Jhaveri
- Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY, United States
| | - Rushang Parikh
- Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY, United States
| | - Umut Selamet
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lena Ghobry
- School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Olivia Wassef
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marina Barsoum
- Keck School of Science and Technology, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Vanesa Bijol
- Department of Pathology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY, United States
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California (UC) Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Alex Pai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California (UC) Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Alpesh Amin
- Department of Medicine, University of California (UC) Irvine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Baruch Kupperman
- Herbert Gavin Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California (UC) Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ira B. Kurtz
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
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17
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Liu S, Biesemeier AK, Tschulakow AV, Thakkar HV, Julien-Schraermeyer S, Schraermeyer U. A new rat model of treatment-naive quiescent choroidal neovascularization induced by human VEGF165 overexpression. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio048736. [PMID: 32086250 PMCID: PMC7295592 DOI: 10.1242/bio.048736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a crucial stimulator for choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Our aim was to develop a reproducible and valid treatment-naive quiescent CNV (i.e. without signs of exudation and with normal visual acuity) rat model by subretinal injection of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-VEGFA165 vector. The CNV development was longitudinally followed up in vivo by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy/optical coherence tomography, fluorescein and Indocyanine Green angiographies and ex vivo by electron microscopy (EM) and immunohistochemistry. In total, 57 eyes were analysed. In vivo, a quiescent CNV was observed in 93% of the eyes 6 weeks post-transduction. In EM, CNV vessels with few fenestrations, multi-layered basement membranes and bifurcation of endothelial cells were observed sharing the human CNV features. Human VEGF overexpression, multi-layered retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (RPE65) and macrophages/activated microglia (Iba1) were also detected. In addition, 19 CNV eyes were treated for up to 3 weeks with bevacizumab. The retinal and CNV lesion thickness decreased significantly in bevacizumab-treated CNV eyes compared with untreated CNV eyes 1 week after the treatment. In conclusion, our experimental CNV resembles those seen in patients suffering from treatment-naive quiescent CNV in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and responds to short-term treatment with bevacizumab. Our new model can, therefore, be used to test the long-term effect of new drugs targeting CNV under precisely-defined conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Antje K Biesemeier
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Natural and Medical Institute at the University of Tübingen, Applied Material Science and Electron Microscopy, Reutlingen 72770, Germany
| | - Alexander V Tschulakow
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
| | - Harsh V Thakkar
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
| | - Sylvie Julien-Schraermeyer
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schraermeyer
- Center for Ophthalmology, Division of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- STZ OcuTox Preclinical Drug Assessment, Hechingen 72379, Germany
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18
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Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor as a Possible Treatment Agent for Choroidal Neovascularization. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:8941057. [PMID: 32215180 PMCID: PMC7079215 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8941057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a sight-threatening disease and is characterized by the formation of pathological neovascularization in the choroid which extends into the subretinal space. Exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the formation of CNV in the macular area which leads to irreversible blindness. Continuous leakage and hemorrhage of the CNV lesion may eventually result in scarring or later fibrosis, which could result in photoreceptor cell atrophy. The current strategy for treating CNV is the use of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. Other studies have also reported the side effects of single anti-VEGF treatment. And long-term inhibition of a single system may result in collateral damage to other visual elements. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a 50 kDa protein that was first isolated from the conditioned medium of human RPE cells. PEDF has both antiangiogenesis and neuroprotective functions for photoreceptor cells. It may be a potential ocular antiangiogenic agent. This review outlines the distribution of PEDF in the eye, the mechanism of antiangiogenesis, the protective effect on the retina, and the relationship between PEDF and VEGF.
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19
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Blasiak J, Watala C, Tuuminen R, Kivinen N, Koskela A, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Tuulonen A, Winiarczyk M, Mackiewicz J, Zmorzyński S, Filip A, Kaarniranta K. Expression of VEGFA-regulating miRNAs and mortality in wet AMD. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:8464-8471. [PMID: 31633290 PMCID: PMC6850949 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression; many of them act in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and RPE degeneration is known to be a critical factor in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Repeated injections with anti‐VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) are the only effective therapy in wet AMD. We investigated the correlation between the expression of 18 miRNAs involved in the regulation of the VEGFA gene in serum of 76 wet AMD patients and 70 controls. Efficacy of anti‐VEGFA treatment was evaluated by counting the number of injections delivered up to 12 years. In addition, we compared the relative numbers of deaths in patient with AMD and control groups. We observed a decreased expression of miR‐34‐5p, miR‐126‐3p, miR‐145‐5p and miR‐205‐5p in wet AMD patients as compared with controls. These miRNAs are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, cytoprotection and protein clearance. No miRNA was significantly correlated with the treatment outcome. Wet AMD patients had greater mortality than controls, and their survival was inversely associated with the number of anti‐VEGFA injections per year. No association was observed between miRNA expression and mortality. Our study emphasizes the need to clarify the role of miRNA regulation in AMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Cezary Watala
- Department of Haemostatic Disorders, Medical University, Lodz, Poland
| | - Raimo Tuuminen
- Helsinki Retina Research Group, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland
| | - Niko Kivinen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ali Koskela
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Anja Tuulonen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mateusz Winiarczyk
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jerzy Mackiewicz
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Szymon Zmorzyński
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Filip
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of CD200-CD200R1 axis in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice model. Inflamm Res 2019; 68:945-955. [PMID: 31444514 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-019-01276-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, the expression changes and the potential effects of CD200 and its receptors during the process of retinal neovascularization (RNV) development had been detected, using a classic oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice model and CD200Fc (a CD200R1 agonist) intravitreal injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS 7 day postnatal (P7) C57BL/6J mice were raised in hyperoxia incubators with 75±2% oxygen for 5 days, and returned to room air at P12. All animals were subdivided into three groups: normoxia control, OIR, and OIR+CD200Fc group. The mice of OIR+CD200Fc group were intravitreal injected with CD200Fc (2μg/μL, 0.5μL) at P12. Retinas and vitreous samples were harvested at P17. The expression and localization of CD200 and its receptors were analyzed by Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and retinal whole-mount immunofluorescence. To investigate the effects of CD200Fc treatment, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, pro-inflammatory cytokines, NV area, and microglial activation were detected respectively. RESULTS In OIR group, both protein and RNA levels of CD200 and CD200R1 were significantly up-regulated. The increased CD200 and CD200R1 were co-localized with Alex594-labeled Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 (IB4) on vascular endothelial cells in NV area of OIR samples, and CD200R1 was co-expressed with ionized calcium-bind adapter molecule 1 (iba1) on microglia in OIR samples at the same time. CD200Fc intravitreal injection could significantly reduce the release of VEGF-A, PDGF-BB, and pro-inflammatory cytokines; shrink the NV area; and inhibit the activation of microglia in OIR mice. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that the up-regulation of CD200 and CD200R1 was closely related to RNV development, and the antiangiogenic effects of CD200Fc in OIR model might be realized by inhibition of inflammatory response and microglia activation. The results may provide a new therapeutic target for RNV diseases.
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Development of Collapsing Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis After Receiving Intravitreal Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Blockade. Kidney Int Rep 2019; 4:1508-1512. [PMID: 31701065 PMCID: PMC6829182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Hanna RM, Barsoum M, Arman F, Selamet U, Hasnain H, Kurtz I. Nephrotoxicity induced by intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors: emerging evidence. Kidney Int 2019; 96:572-580. [PMID: 31229276 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have emerged as powerful tools to treat malignant neoplasms and ocular diseases by virtue of their ability to inhibit angiogenesis. Recent data indicate that intravitreal injections of VEGF inhibitors can lead to significant systemic absorption as well as a measurable reduction of plasma VEGF activity. There is increasing evidence showing that vitreal absorption of these drugs is associated with cases of accelerated hypertension, worsening proteinuria, glomerular disease, thrombotic microangiopathy, and possible chronic renal function decline. In this review, the 3 most commonly used anti-VEGF agents-bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept-are discussed, highlighting their intravitreal absorption and associated effects on the kidney as a target organ system. We provide clinical suggestions for clinicians to both better manage patients receiving anti-VEGF agents intravitreally and detect any putative systemic renal effects of these agents. While acknowledging the risks of aberrant retinal angiogenesis, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the potential for adverse renal risks with use of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy M Hanna
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Marina Barsoum
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Farid Arman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Umut Selamet
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Huma Hasnain
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ira Kurtz
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Brain Research Institute, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Nguyen CL, Oh LJ, Wong E, Wei J, Chilov M. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Ophthalmol 2018; 18:130. [PMID: 29843663 PMCID: PMC5975529 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-018-0785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS Systematic literature review identifying RCTs comparing anti-VEGF agents to another treatment published before June 2016. Efficacy assessed by mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline at up to 2 years followup. Safety assessed by proportions of patients with death, arteriothrombotic and venous thrombotic events, and at least one serious systemic adverse event at up to 2 years of followup. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs selected for meta-analysis (8320 patients). Two trials compared pegaptanib, and three trials compared ranibizumab versus control. Eight trials compared bevacizumab with ranibizumab. Two trials compared aflibercept with ranibizumab. There were no significant differences between bevacizumab and ranibizumab for BCVA at 1 or 2 years (weighted mean difference = - 0.57, 95% CI - 1.55 to 0.41, P = 0.25 and weighted mean difference = - 0.76, 95% CI - 2.25 to 0.73, P = 0.32, respectively). Ranibizumab was more effective in reducing CMT at 1 year (weighted mean difference = 4.49, 95% CI 1.13 to 7.84, P = 0.009). Risk ratios comparing rates of serious systemic adverse events at 1 and 2 years were slightly out of favour for bevacizumab. Aflibercept compared with ranibizumab demonstrated similar mean change in BCVA, reduction in CMT, and safety at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Bevacizumab and ranibizumab had equivalent efficacy for BCVA, while ranibizumab had greater reduction in CMT and less rate of serious systemic adverse events. Aflibercept and ranibizumab had comparable efficacy for BCVA and CMT. This provides information to balance comparable effects on vision and risk of adverse events between anti-VEGF agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Luan Nguyen
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Reserve Rd, St Leonards, NSW 2065 Australia
| | | | - Eugene Wong
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Joe Wei
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
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