The effects of topical everolimus and sunitinib on corneal neovascularization

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of topical everolimus and sunitinib on corneal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods: CNV was induced by application of silver nitrate to the cornea for all groups. Rats were divided into four groups of 10 rats each, and two corneas were obtained from each rat. Group I received 1 mg/ml everolimus, Group II received 0.5 mg/ml sunitinib, Group IV received no treatment (control group) and Group IV received 1% Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). All treatments were administrated twice daily for 2 weeks. The right corneas were used for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) protein analysis by western blot analysis and the left corneas were used for ERK 1/2 and vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor (VEGFR-2) gene expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results: VEGFR-2 mRNA expression levels (ΔCt, median, min-max) were reduced in the everolimus 1.0 (0.25–1.81) and sunitinib 1.06 (0.24–2.68) treated groups compared with the control 4.74 (1.02–14.74) and DMSO groups 7.41 (0.72–13.10). The expression of ERK 1/2 protein and mRNA levels were reduced in everolimus group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). These differences were not seen between the sunitinib and control groups.

Conclusıon: Topical administration of both everolimus and sunitinib reduced VEGFR-2 levels and inhibited CNV. In additon, everolimus reduced ERK 1/2 levels and seems to be more effective than sunitinib on CNV.

• Corneal neovascularization
• everolimus
• sunitinib

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

This study was supported by Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Project no: 113S065).

Notes

*This is the first study which used everolimus in CNV. We used the dosage regimen according to Baspinar et al.’s studies in which they used everolimus in corneal permeation.