Molecular mechanisms of bevacizumab-Avastin® and aflibercepte-Eylia® in the retina.

• Grant number: 17/26402-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2019
• End date: March 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Monique Matsuda
• Grantee: Monique Matsuda
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Dania Emi Hamassaki ; Mário Luiz Ribeiro Monteiro ; Mônica Valeria Marquezini

Abstract

Vitreous and retinal diseases are important causes of visual impairment and blindness in adults and neonates. The intense neoangiogenesis and increased vascular permeability in these diseases result in retinal distortions and visual loss. The treatment is based on intravitreal vascular inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which have been widely used in ophthalmology clinics, however, despite the effectiveness in improving visual acuity at the beginning of treatment, worsening of the disease, such as detachment and retinal atrophy were observed after a period of use of these agents. It is believed that part of the changes of VEGF inhibitory agents is due to direct effects on the morphology and physiology of retinal cells, particularly in Müller's glial cells, and modulation of the extracellular matrix microenvironment, but these considerations are based on clinical observations and need to be better understood. Alterations in cell differentiation, migration, and contraction are processes responsible for distortion and atrophy. Based on the above, this study aims to investigate the action of anti-VEGFs bevacizumab (Avastin®) and aflibercept (Eylia®) on the differentiation, migration and cellular contraction processes of the retina. Because of the relevance of the use of these agents in ophthalmology clinics, the study of retinal cells and their microenvironment in the presence of these drugs will lead us to the understanding of the mechanisms of their adverse effects and so we can suggest new associated drugs to ameliorate or inhibit the side effects of anti-VEGF agents. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DA SILVA, RAFAEL ANDRE; DE PAIVA RODA, VINICIUS MORAES; AKAMINE, PRISCILLA SAYAMI; DA SILVA, DANIELA SIMOES; SIQUEIRA, PAULA VELOSO; MATSUDA, MONIQUE; HAMASSAKI, DANIA EMI. Blockade of the TGF-? pathway by galunisertib inhibits the glial-mesenchymal transition in Muller glial cells. EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH, v. 226, p. 10-pg., 2023-01-01. (17/26402-9)