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.

Keywords:
Affinity, Bevacizumab, Hyaluronan, Pegaptanib, Ranibizumab, Vascular endothelial growth factor
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© 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel
2012
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