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Siponimod as a novel inhibitor of retinal angiogenesis: in vitro and in vivo evidence of therapeutic efficacy
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  • Rasha Alshaikh,
  • Rania Zaki,
  • Rania Salah El Din,
  • Katie Ryan,
  • Christian Waeber
Rasha Alshaikh
University College Cork

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Rania Zaki
Ain Shams University
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Rania Salah El Din
Newgiza University
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Katie Ryan
University College Cork
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Christian Waeber
University College Cork
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Abstract

Background and Purpose: S1P receptors control endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Evidence of the ability of S1P receptor modulators to influence multiple endothelial cell functions suggests their potential use for antiangiogenic effect. The main purpose of our study was to investigate the potential of siponimod for the inhibition of ocular angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Experimental Approach: We investigated the effects of siponimod on the metabolic activity (MTT assay), basal proliferation and growth factor induced proliferation (BrdU assay), and migration (transwell migration assay) of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC). The effects of siponimod on HRMEC monolayer integrity, and barrier function under basal conditions and TNF-α induced disruption were assessed using the trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran permeability assays. Siponimod’s effect on TNF-α induced claudin-5 distribution in HRMEC was investigated using immunofluorescence. Finally, the effect of siponimod on ocular neovascularization in vivo was assessed using suture-induced corneal neovascularization in albino rabbits. Key Results: Siponimod did not affect endothelial cell proliferation or metabolic activity, but significantly inhibited endothelial cell migration, increased HRMEC barrier integrity, and reduced TNF-α induced barrier disruption. Siponimod also protected against TNF-α induced disruption of claudin-5 in HRMEC. These actions are mainly mediated by S1PR1 receptor modulation. Finally, siponimod prevented the progression of suture-induced corneal neovascularization in albino rabbits. Conclusion and Implications: The effects of siponimod on various processes known to be involved in angiogenesis support its therapeutic potential in disorders associated with ocular neovascularization.