T Van Bergen

Role of placental growth factor (PIGF) in wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery

Purpose Failing filtering surgery due to excessive wound healing is a considerable challenge in ophthalmology, and largely contributes to progressive vision loss in glaucoma patients. Anti‐VEGF therapy helps to prevent post‐surgical scarring by inhibiting angiogenesis and collagen deposition, but does not influence inflammation (which is also an important player in postoperative wound healing). We will check the hypothesis that placental growth factor (PlGF) plays a role in scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery, and that it may be a(n) (additional) target for improvement of the outcome of this surgery through its known anti‐angiogenic and anti‐inflammatory, and possibly anti‐fibrotic properties.

Role of VEGF-isoforms in pathological choroidal angiogenesis

Purpose The aim of this project is to study the specific role of the VEGF‐isoforms in pathological angiogenesis, and to investigate the effect of blocking a single isoform on the formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Microplasmin improves surgical outcome in a rabbit model for trabeculectomy

Purpose This study was designed to study the efficacy and safety of Microplasmin as an anti-scarring agent after trabeculectomy in a rabbit model. Methods The effect of Microplasmin was investigated in vivo in a rabbit model for glaucoma surgery. Clinical outcome measures were intra-ocular pressure, bleb area and survival, side effects on slit lamp examination. Moreover, (immuno-) histochemical analysis of the eyes was performed, with quantification of inflammation (CD 45) and collagen deposition (Trichrome and Sirius Red). In the first experiment (n=10), Microplasmin anterior chamber injection was compared to placebo injection. In the second experiment (n=3), topical Microplasmin drops were compared to placebo drops. In the third experiment (n=5) the combination of Microplasmin anterior chamber injection and topical drops was compared to placebo injection and drops. All experiments were conducted in a masked observator way. Results Microplasmin significantly augmented the bleb area and survival in a rabbit model of trabeculectomy after a single anterior chamber injection or combination therapy (injection combined with drops) compared to control. Collagen deposition was borderline reduced after Microplasmin administration compared to control. No significant changes in inflammation were noticed in the anterior chamber or in the conjunctiva. Conclusion Microplasmin single injection or combination with postoperative drops improved the outcome after trabeculectomy. In a rabbit model, larger blebs were produced for a longer period compared to control, and collagen deposition tended to decrease in this small series.