Comparative Analysis of Hyaluronan’s Affinity for Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents

Abstract

Background: Differences in the efficacy of bevacizumab, an antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, against retinopathy with neovascularization when injected into the vitreous cavity of vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes suggests the involvement of hyaluronan, a major component of the vitreous body. This study aimed to compare the affinities of hyaluronan for anti-VEGF agents in vitro. Methods: We examined the affinities of hyaluronan for 3 anti-VEGF agents (bevacizumab, pegaptanib and ranibizumab). Tritium [³H]-labeled hyaluronan was incubated separately with each anti-VEGF agent. The ratio of bound and unbound hyaluronan measured using solid and liquid phase methods was calculated. Results: Hyaluronan demonstrated a significantly greater affinity for bevacizumab than for pegaptanib or ranibizumab. Conclusions: The absence or presence of hyaluronan may be associated with the clinical efficacy of bevacizumab injected into the vitreous cavity due to the affinity of hyaluronan for bevacizumab.

Choroidal neovascularization in angioid streaks following microincision vitrectomy surgery: a case report

“…This suggested that there was a decrease in the biologic effect after repeated intravitreal anti-VEGF injections of the same drug, such as bevacizumab [21-23]. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that the absence or presence of hyaluronan, which is a major component in the vitreous body, may be associated with the clinical efficacy of IVB because of the higher affinity of hyaluronan for bevacizumab as compared to that for ranibizumab [24]. Christoforidis et al revealed that clearance rates for intravitreally placed bevacizumab or ranibizumab in vitrectomized or lensectomized rabbit model eyes are faster than those in control eyes [25].…”