The role of microRNAs in corneal neovascularization and its relation to VEGF

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the level of miRNA associated with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in corneal neovascularization (CNV), to elucidate the process of CNV formation and, thus, to prepare the ground for further experimental, and clinical studies together with drug treatments.

Methods

Twelve male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of six, and two corneas of each rat were used. In all groups, CNV was generated by silver nitrate sticks. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under ether anaesthesia, and then, their corneas were removed. The expression levels of VEGF and miRNA in corneas were determined by qRT-PCR array and qRT-PCR. Data analysis was performed using web-based software named PCR array data.

Results

When the corneal samples of rats with CNV were compared to those of the control rats, it was found that a statistically significant difference was present regarding the VEGF level (p < 0.05) with the fold-regulation value> 2. According to the under- and over-expression data in miRNA PCR Array findings of both groups, statistically significant differences were found regarding nine genes with Fold-regulation value <-2 and Fold-regulation value> 2 (p < 0.05). When the corneal samples of the rats with CNV were compared to those of the control rats, statistically significant over-expressions (Fold-regulation value> 2) of rno-miR-21_2, rno-miR-126_1 and rno-miR-150_1 genes were found (p = 0.002443, p = 0.030146, p = 0.000348, respectively). In the same comparison, rno-miR-184_1 gene showed statistically significant under-expression with a Fold-regulation value <-2 (p = 0.006428). Also, in the comparison of the two groups, the fold regulation value of the rno-miR-31_1 gene was found to be close to − g and statistically significantly under-expressed (p = 0.005082).

Conclusion

The over-expressions of rno-miR-21_2, rno-miR-126_1, and rno-miR-150_1 genes, and the under-expression of rno-miR-184_1 gene were thought to could play roles in the formation process of CNV by regulation of VEGF-A and through modulation of angiogenesis.

Keywords:

• Corneal neovascularization
• vascular endothelial growth factor
• microRNA
• real-time polymerase chain reaction

Disclosure statement

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 the Adnan Menderes University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit decision #TPF-17049 and dated 20/01/2017. The funding organisation had no role in the design or conduct of this research. The authors have no financial interest in any of the products mentioned in the manuscript.