Hypericin inhibits pathological retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy
2008
Hypericin Reduces Retinal Neovascularization in Mice
Sample size: 60
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Higuchi Akiko, Yamada Haruhiko, Eri Jo, Nobuo Matsumura, Miyo
Primary Institution: Kansai Medical University
Hypothesis
SJW and its active component hypericin could negatively regulate ischemia-induced angiogenesis.
Conclusion
Hypericin and SJW reduce pathological retinal neovascularization without affecting normal vascularization.
Supporting Evidence
- SJW and hypericin significantly inhibited retinal neovascularization.
- Both treatments did not affect normal vascularization.
- Hypericin reduced phosphorylation of ERK in the retina.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance from St. John's Wort can help stop bad blood vessels from growing in the eyes of mice.
Methodology
Neonatal mice were exposed to high oxygen levels to induce retinal neovascularization, then treated with SJW or hypericin to assess effects on blood vessel growth.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 neonatal mice, including 15 adult male and 30 adult female mice.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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