The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was investigated in a model of intraocular inflammation induced by intravitreal injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS, 10 ng) in rabbits. The severity of uveitis, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in iris-ciliary body, and the protein concentration in aqueous humor were determined. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities were assessed respectively by nitrite and PGE2 levels in aqueous humor. Treatment with inhibitors of NOS (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME, 50 mg/kp i.p.) or COX (diclofenac, 30 micrograms, topically), alone or in combination, were compared to a saline-treated group. Diclofenac or L-NAME alone reduced or delayed the intensity of uveitis, and partially decreased the protein concentration in aqueous humor; diclofenac, but not L-NAME, partially reduced the polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in the iris ciliary body as indicated by the MPO activity. Treatment with both inhibitors in combination diminished the clinical uveitis, the disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier and the MPO activity in the iris-ciliary body. We conclude that NO and PGE2 have additive effects in endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits, and that the inhibition of both pathways would improve the therapeutical management of uveitis.

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The effects of α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and rutin on peroxidative processes were studied in xanthine-xanthine oxidase system, linoleic acid ufasomes and human erythrocyte membranes. In these three systems, tested compounds scavenge superoxide anion radicals or inhibit lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner, and it was shown that rutin was the most potent radical scavenger, followed by ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. An important antilipoperoxidant activity was observed when these compounds were tested in combination, demonstrating that a dose-dependent interaction occurs. Water-soluble (rutin and ascorbic acid) as well as lipid-soluble (tocopherol) antioxidants are involved in the protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids constituting the ufasome or erythrocyte ghosts. When these compounds are used in combination, an additive effect is observed with α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid or rutin, while a supra-additive effect (synergism) is noted with ascorbic acid and rutin. Results obtained with the triple combination α-tocopherol-ascorbic acid-rutin show that an increase in superoxide radical scavenging activities or in lipid peroxidation inhibition is possible after the addition of a third antioxidant, as compared with the protective effects produced by the double combination of these compounds. This interaction takes place not only in homogeneous aqueous solutions, but also in ufasome or erythrocyte ghost preparations. It is suggested that ascorbic acid and rutin interacts with tocopherol at the surface of or the interface with the membrane, and that rutin simultaneously interacts with ascorbic acid.

Neovastat is well tolerated by advanced cancer patients at doses of 60 and 240 ml/day. The higher dose of Neovastat administered in this trial is associated with a survival benefit in RCC, which is not explained by differences in major prognostic factors.

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