Effects of ranibizumab on the extracellular matrix production by human Tenon's fibroblast

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (Anti-VEGF) agents have received recent interest as potential anti-fibrotic agents for their concurrent use with trabeculectomy. Preliminary cohort studies have revealed improved bleb morphology following trabeculectomy augmented with ranibizumab. The effects of this humanized monoclonal antibody on human Tenon's fibroblast (HTF), the key player of post trabeculectomy scar formation, are not fully understood. This study was conducted to understand the effects of ranibizumab on extracellular matrix production by HTF. The effect of ranibizumab on HTF proliferation and cell viability was determined using MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazone-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium). Ranibizumab at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 mg/mL were administered for 24, 48 and 72 h in serum and serum free conditions. Supernatants and cell lysates from samples were assessed for collagen type 1 alpha 1 and fibronectin mRNA and protein level using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After 48-h, ranibizumab at 0.5 mg/mL, significantly induced cell death under serum-free culture conditions (p