The Mechanisms of VEGF-independent Choroidal Neovascularization

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K20313
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Ophthalmology
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Kataoka Keiko 名古屋大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (30760516)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 網膜 / 加齢黄斑変性 / OCT angiography

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Choroidal neovasularization (CNV) is known to be mainly regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, anti-VEGF treatments are not able to regress CNV completely. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of VEGF-independent CNV. We established our original method to evaluate the density of vascular branches (vessel junction) and vessel area. Our data revealed that choroidal neovascularization developed under the presence of anti-VEGF drugs, although the vessel junction density and the vessel area of CNV have decreased in response to the first anti-VEGF intravitreal injection.

Free Research Field

網膜

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、現在加齢黄斑変性の治療の主流となっている抗VEGF薬治療の治療抵抗性のメカニズムを明らかとし、より効果的な治療方法を模索するものである。加齢黄斑変性は年々増えており、失明に至る疾患であることから本研究の果たす役割は大きいと考える。