Comparison of the effect of topical bevacizumab and sorafenib in experimental corneal neovascularization

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the neovascularization inhibiting the effect of topical bevacizumab and sorafenib and to determine the effective dose of sorafenib.

Material and Methods

Forty-two healthy Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups. The right corneas of all rats except group 1 were cauterised with silver nitrate. Group 2 received DMSO, group 3 received topical bevacizumab (5 mg/dL, 3 times a day) and group 4, 5 and 6 received topical sorafenib (2.5 mg/dl, 5 mg/dL, 7.5 mg/dL, 2 times a day respectively), between days 1 and 7. Corneal photographs were taken on day 8 and the corneal neovascular area percentage was calculated. Following decapitation, the corneas were removed to determine the levels of VEGF ELİSA and corneal immune staining. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis

Results

The neovascular corneal area percentage was statistically significantly lower in the treatment groups than group 2 (p < 0.05). The intensity of VEGF immune staining was also lower in groups 3, 5 and 6 from the group 2. Group 3, 5 and 6 were no significant differences compared to group 1. The VEGF ELİSA levels were statistically significantly lower in group 3, 5 and 6 compared to group 2 (p < 0.05). There was no statistically difference between VEGF ELİSA levels of group 2 and 4 (p > 0.05)

Conclusions

Sorafenib was as effective as bevacizumab in the regression of corneal neovascularization. The effect of sorafenib seems to be dose-dependent. The low doses and twice a day administration are important advantages of sorafenib.

Keywords:

• Corneal neovascularization
• sorafenib
• bevacizumab

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Firat University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (FUBAP) (Project no: TF 14.59.).